MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 255 



with spores that have passed through ati animal. The reason I have 

 for my doubt is that it has been found by actual experiments that the 

 spores of wheat-smut can stand immersion in scalding water for 15 

 minutes unless the water is heated above 130^F. Xow if these spores 

 can stand 130°F, there can to my mind not be any certainty that 98°F, 

 would kill the spores of apple scab. Be that as it may, at any rate, 

 destroy all the spores you possibly can. 



Another weak point in the life history of apple scab is, that its 

 spores germinate more readily upon the surface of some apples than 

 upon others. At this point we should put in our very best licks, for 

 here we can make it count, if we will only work together. By all 

 means, let us find out those varieties that are most subject to scab ; dis- 

 card them out of your orchard, and by all means do not plant any more 

 varieties that are found to be subject to the disease in your locality, 

 don't matter who recommends them. The man that will, after having' 

 such facts before him, keep on planting such varieties, ought to lose 

 the respect of all sensible men ( so Downing says ). This Society ought 

 to cause a list to be made out of some of those worst scab breeders, 

 and ask farmers not to plant any more of such. But as it is often 

 the case that a certain sort will scab in one locality while not in 

 another, lists should be made in different sections. Here is my list for 

 Montgomery county: Red June, Early Harvest, Roman Beauty, Mis- 

 souri Pippin and Lawver. These varieties are absolutely worthless 

 with me on account of scab. Huntsman is also doubtful. I shall not 

 plant any more. By united effort a great deal could be accomplished 

 on this point, except in localities where the tree-agent is the principal 

 horticultural adviser. 



There is yet another point in the cycle of life of the fungus, at 

 which we may take advantage of it. That is, that even after the spores 

 germinate, the fungus requires both heat and moisture for its develop- 

 ments; without it, cannot flourish. This known, if we can deprive it of 

 one or tlie other, we arrest its growth. Heat we cannot control, but 

 moisture we can to a great extent ; then, why not do it ? This is done 

 by a careful management and pruning of the trees ; have them so that 

 the air can circulate freely, so that all the foliage can dry off in the 

 shortest possible time after each rain. Under no circumstances allow 

 limbs too close to the ground. Some varieties ( Winesap, for instance ) 

 need more attention in this matter than others. Any close observer 

 can, in traveling through the country, see trees on every side with the 

 jower limbs resting upon the ground, the upper limbs resting upon the 

 lower ones, with weeds growing up through them. Whenever you see 

 them, you may rest assured that right there is a regular hotbed for 



