694 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



In general, newly planted orchards are not greatly troubled by insect 

 and fungus pests, but in this series of exi)eriinents considerable trouble 

 was occasioned by attacks of a species of native ants {Solenopsis genii- 

 natus), which were very abundant in these piiie lands. Various methods 

 were undertaken to prevent the attacks of this pest on the different 

 trees, but none of tliem could be considered a complete sucess. It 

 appears that early and persistent spraying with Paris green, not to 

 exceed 3 oz. to 50 gal. of Bordeaux mixture, combined with continuous 

 stirring of the ground, will kill or drive the ants away. The addition 

 of 1 gal. of molasses to the ordinary Bordeaux mixture was found an 

 improvement, since it made it adhere much better to the foliage. The 

 shot-hole fungus {Septoria persicce) and the grape mildew were the only 

 fungus pests which were noticed to any extent, and these were kejit in 

 check fau-ly well with Bordeaux mixture, the shot-hole disease proving 

 rather less amenable than the mildew to preventive treatment. 



The most serious difficulties encountered during theiirst year's exper- 

 iments were those arising from the use of fresh land, late planting, bad 

 weather conditions, and inability to secure choice nursery stock. The 

 blackberries, peaches, i)lums, and grapes were injuriously affected by 

 the abnormal conditions already named. The blackberries were injured 

 to such an extent that no results could be considered accurate, and a 

 new planting was necessary. The peaches were badly injured by the 

 abnormal weather conditions and the ant depredations, many of the 

 trees failing to grow'. In regard to the plums, the conditions during 

 the first year were such that conclusions as to growth would be nntrust- 

 worthy, and are omitted. In the experiments with grapes there was a 

 much more even growth, and the appearance of the various plats was 

 more satisfactory. 



It is evident that the following conclusions may be drawn from the 

 grape experiments: 



" (1) A very large increase of growth is caused by tlie application of fertilizers 

 properly cojiipounded, although it can not be definitely stated with only the result 

 of one season's growth what is the best proportion; (2) lime in connection with the 

 complete application of the 3 ingredients very greatly increased the vine growth, 

 and that this effect is probably due in a great degree to the beneficial action of the 

 lime upon the fresh soil by aiding in the decomposition of organic matter, and thus 

 neutralizing the eft'ect of organic acids produced; (3) the suljihate as a source of 

 potash appears to be of greater value than the muriate; whether this result is due 

 to the fact that the sulphate can be more easily taken up by the vine in the process 

 of growth or that the sulphate has acted chemically upon the soil to render more 

 available the compounds already present, is not altogether appaient, but it is likely 

 that both causes have been effective; (4) the broadcast sowing of cowpeas for green 

 manuring on fruit crops uear the vines and trees is not to be commended, but a suffi- 

 cient open space should be left between them so as to prevent any interference with 

 the growth of the fruit crops."' 



Experiments with mulches at Paso Robles Station, 0. H. Shinn 

 {California Sta. Bpf. 1895^ py. 401-403). — On account of the exception- 

 ally dry conditions that prevailed during the winter of 1893-'94 in the 



