392 BuKEAU OF Fahaieks' Institutes. 



these holes, and this will kill the insects. If we are to spray, we 

 should know when and how to do it, and do it after the blossoms 

 fall; spray two or three times. 



What will destroy the oyster shell scale? 



Mr. Van Alstyne. — The oyster shell bark louse or scale is easily 

 removed by washing the tree with strong lye. As a rule, this 

 scale only gets on to feeble, unhealthy trees. I don't know as I 

 ever saw it on strong, well-fed, healthy trees. 



Will Mr. Fenner please tell us with what he sprayed his pear trees? 



Answer. — Paris green, 1 pound, with 100 gallons of water. 

 Sprayed the pears three times, when the fruit was about the size 

 of robins' eggs. We also spray with the Bordeaux mixture, just 

 as the buds are starting; again later. 



Mr. Cook. — How many of the farmers here have sprayed their 

 orchards? Hands up! 



A number voted, and one or two said they got excellent results 

 — better than ever before — last year. One farmer said he got 

 as good results from not spraying as did those who sprayed near 

 him. 



Mr. Cook. — You are like the man over at Mexico who said he 

 got better results from the aquatic creamer than from the centrif- 

 ugal separator. 



What shall we do to save our plum trees from black knot? 



Mr. Van Alstyne. — The black knot comes from a fungus. There 

 is no way to hold it in check, or cure it by spraying. The only 

 sure way I know is to cut out and burn all affected limbs; then 

 I should apply some turpentine. It is said it will prevent the 

 disease from spreading. If the tree is badly affected it is best 

 to cut it down and burn it. 



Is there any way to ward off the so-called apple maggot? 



Mr. Van Alstyne. — I know no way of fighting this maggot. It 

 seems to take more kindly to Talman sweet and other like colored 

 apples, like Greenings and Fall Pippins, because they are thin 



