780 ANNUAL, REPORT OF THE Off. Doc. 



In practically every inslauce tbe scale is brought into the commu- 

 nity on infested nursery stock and when introduced, it is spread by 

 winds, birds, insects and workmen. 



Extensive growers are falling into line very rapidly to stop the 

 onward march of the San Josd Scale. Small growers, however, do 

 not, as a rule, have sufficient interest in the warfare to even examine 

 the trees for this enemy. This is one of the most discouraging 

 features in a general movement to combat the San Jos^ Scale. The 

 sulphur, lime and salt treatment is used most frequently, and when 

 properly prepared and applied it has been found very successful. 



FEEDING. 



The feeding of fruit trees is receiving more attention. Growers 

 realize as never before that trees demand slcillful feeding to secure 

 the best results. The supply of humus as well as the various ele- 

 ments of fertility must be maintained. 



TILLAGE. 



Tillage is generally practiced by commercial growers and is rec- 

 ognized by many to be necessary in the production of choice fruit. 

 Mulching is practiced by a few and it is especially practicable on 

 rough, hilly or stony land. 



NOTES FROM CORRESPONDENTS. 



The following notes are condensed from a few letters received 

 from fruit growers in different parts of the State. 



J. Q. ATKINSON, Three Tuns, Montgomery Co.: ^'We fear the 

 Japan plums are too tender and delicate for our county. Bartlett 

 pears still hold their own in this county as market fruit. Kiefters 

 lost their leaves early and pears were consequently worthless. As- 

 paragus came through the summer without rust and bids fair to 

 regain its lost vigor. All of our peach trees will be destroyed in the 

 near future unless the San Jos6 Scale can be controlled, which is 

 hardly possible." 



GABRIEL IIIESTER, Harrisburg, Dauphin Co.,: "This has been a 

 very trying season in many ways. First, came two late frosts, the 

 last about the first of May, that killed all the peach buds, many of 

 the pears and nearly all the cherry buds. This was succeeded by 

 an exceedingly dry spell, then came rain just when the sprayer 



