251 



tree, and yet in this shell-like state the tree retains sufficient vitality 

 to bear good crops. 



Where such instances of partial recovery occur, it is probable that 

 a sufficient number of roots remained healthy to give the tree a chance 

 of life. 



Although the presence of Duck Ants in trees affected by this disease 

 may be unimportant, efforts should be made to prevent them gaining 

 an entrance to healthy trees, which they may do through dead branches, 

 or from neglected cuts made in piuning, or other causes. Care should 

 therefore be taken to remove all such branches, and to apply tar to cuts 

 and wounds made in pruning. It is necessaty, however, to be careful 

 when applying the tar, not to let it ouch the edge of the bark round 

 the wound, as it burns the sap and so retar ds the bark closing up over 

 the cut 



Sometimes but one side of a tree, or one or two branches only, show 

 signs of being affected by the disease. 



The same disease attacks nursery plams, and destroys the tap root, 

 but if the pLints are removed before they become badly affected, and 

 are put into good soil, they will send out fresh roots and develop inta 

 good trees. 



The cause of this disease appears to be thelackof sufficient drainage, 

 for trees th:it are grown on gravelly soil, or among rocks, and also 

 those on land with a sub- stratum of marl that may have but ten or 

 twelve inches of soil above, are often found to thrive better, and live 

 longer than those in deep soil on level land, or in valleys where the 

 natural drainage is not so good. 



In view of these conclusions, the deep trenciing of groves where 

 possible, and high planting recommended for Citrus tees by the Q-o- 

 vernment Agricultural Instructors, cannot but be of gre .t importance. 



But should planters still believe that the larva of the Orange Weevil 

 is responsible for the damage done to the roots of Citrus trees, the 

 following remedies should be found useful for keeping the insect in 

 check 



Remedies. 



(1) The destruction of the beetles whenever found. When possible 

 they should be picked off the trees, as they often take flight before 

 reaching the ground, when shaken from the branches. 



In May, June and July, the insect appears to be most frequently 

 seen in the beetle stage. 



(2) Lime Dressinq. Remove all weeds from the tree, and with a fork 

 stir the soil as far as the roots extend, and give a dressing of lime. 



In connection with lime dressing it may be mentioned that a soil 

 rich in lime is considered necessary for the production of superior 

 fruit. The lime not only tends to bring about an early crop, but also 

 aids in producing a smooth -skinned orange. 



(3) Sulphate of Potash Dressing. T.) apply the Sulphate of Potash, 

 prepare the ground in the same way as for lime dressing, and sprinkle 

 about two quarts on the surface around each tree. This will produce a 

 caustic action, penetrating to the roots and killing all grubs, etc , even 

 destroying insect eggs that may be in the ground, or in the roots of 



