THE MONTHIiY HlhLETIN. 461 



aud the depredations of animals and insects. Specially prepared tree 

 protectors can be obtained easily and cli(>a])ly in the inai'ket. If these 

 are not available, paper, burlaj). shakes or whitewash will, if installed in 

 time, prove a good investment. 



Cultivation. 



Cultivate thoroughly to retain moisture in the soil as well as to 

 destroy noxious weeds. A well pulvcM-ized soil surface for the sininner 

 )nonths is a contribution to future success that you can not alVord to 

 neglect. It retards the evaporation of moisture stored in the earth by 

 winter rains, thus forming reservoir to be drawn upon as needed. One 

 must not lose sight of the fact that the period of annual growth nnd 

 activity of the almond extends over the greater \m\v\ of the year. If the 

 tree is to have vigorous buds from which to mature profitable crops, 

 conditions must be such that the moisture, nature intended for the tree, 

 shall be available at the proper time. Tn the wild state, in most 

 instances, the trees find sufficient moisture to maintain existence. With 

 the domestic tree, however, additional burdens are added. It nuist not 

 only maintain its existence, but it must produce profitable crops. Co- 

 operation between grower and tree is necessary to meet this additional 

 burden. If opposed to cooperation, or if you can not cooperate, you 

 are not adapted to the business and had better not undertake it. 



Pruning. 



Beginning with the second year, shape the ti'ee for further usefulness. 

 Start it low down as a nuitter of protection to the tree itself; also to 

 shade the ground, to prevent evaporation and for convenience in har- 

 vesting the crop at time of maturity of the tree. Carefull,y train main 

 ])ranches so that nuts may be produced on all quarters of the tree. Do 

 this carefully and later pruning will consist of an occasional thinning 

 out only. Remove all water shoots or suckers. They rob the tree of 

 much of it.s substance that should go to the crop. 



Troubles. 



The almond tree, while perhaps as free from insect and other pests 

 as any other cultivated tree, still has its troubles. 



Shot hole fungus sometimes appears. The ravages of this can be 

 checked or lessened by spraying with Bordeaux mixture during the dor- 

 mant period of the year and at the beginning of blooming. 



The peach moth larva is a worm that at times causes much damage to 

 the almond crop, if neglected. Should it appear, treat it with a mixture 

 of Paris green and lime in the proportion of about 1 to 20. Apply with 

 dust-spraying apparatus. 



Red spider is the most persistent insect pest of the almond tree. It is 

 effectively handled by spraying with sulphur. Any of the flowers of 

 sulphur will prove effective. The ''Anchor" and the "Rooster" brands 

 are largely used and can be obtained readily. It is best to mix the 

 sulphur with lime, as a carrying medium, in the proportion of twenty- 

 five to fifty per cent sulphur. 



If sulphur is to be applied at the same time that the peach moth 

 needs attention, add Paris green to the sulphur and lime mixture and 



