DErARTMENT REPORTS. 71 



at the rate of from 5 to 8 pounds in 50 gallons of water has shown very- 

 little effect, but when from 15 to 25 pounds have been used in 50 gallons 

 of water, the scales have been very thoroughly eradicated and the beneficial 

 results upon the trees have been very noticeable, the rough bark falling 

 off and the surface taking on a yellowish-green, glossy appearance. A 

 patent preparation known as "Con-sol" was also tried in some orchards. 

 The results in 1904 were not satisfactory but the manufacturers claim that 

 the mixture has been strengthened and that it will now give good results. 

 It is now too early to speak definitely regarding it. In a few places kero- 

 sene, either, in the form of a soap emulsion, or the K-L (Kerosene-Lime) 

 mixture has been tested. While less desirable than the sulphur and lime 

 mixture for most purposes, a spray prepared of the kerosene makes it de- 

 sirable for use upon apple trees both young and old. 



While winter and early spring applications should be relied upon for 

 the control of this insect, it often happens that its presence was not noted 

 in time, or perhaps owing to a lack of thoroughness or other causes, the 

 results were not effectual. Under these conditions it becomes desirable 

 to spray the trees during the summer months in order to prevent serious 

 injury to the trees and perhaps the loss of the fruit crop. Although it is 

 difficult to reach the insects as readily at this time as during the dormant 

 period, much good can be done if the treatment can be given soon after 

 the broods appear. At this time the use of kerosene emulsion, K-L, or 

 other applications that will be effectual against the young scales ^\ithout 

 injuring the trees may be made to advantage. 



The work that was referred to in the report of last year relating to the 

 control of the disease known as "little peach" which has prevailed for a 

 number of years in the orchards of western Allegan county and in other 

 sections along the Lake shore has been continued in cooperation with the 

 Bureau of Plant Industry of the U. S. Department of Agriculture. The 

 work was in charge of deputy Horace G. Welch. Although representatives 

 of the Department of Agriculture have again spent several weeks studying 

 the disease in the field and laboratory, they have no additional light re- 

 garding the nature of the disease. The orchards in the section where the 

 work has been done were examined three times during the season and all 

 infested trees removed. As compared with last year, the results have been 

 very satisfactory, as the number of trees showing symptoms of the dis- 

 ease was only one-fourth that found in 1903. This indicates that there 

 is a prospect that the disease can be controlled by the prompt removal 

 of infested trees. 



DEPUTIES. 



The deputies reported as in service one year ago still remain on the list 

 subject to call except Mr. J. M. Rankin, who resigned August 1st to accept 

 an appointment with the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Washington. 

 The greater part of the work of inspecting nurseries was performed by the 

 remaining deputies, T. A. Farrand, South Haven; H. G. Welch, Douglas; 

 E. W. AlHs, Adrian; and R. G. Stahelin, Bridgman. Mr. Farrand and 

 Mr. Welch also devoted considerable time to the inspection of orchards 

 but the work along this line performed by Messrs. Stahelin and AUis was 

 for the most part in their own counties. 



