CURLED LEAF ON THE PEACH TREE. 



acid, the leaf is not transparent, as in the spring, when the tissues were thin and imper- 

 fect, and the whole leaf was little more than an aggregation of thin vessels filled with 

 watery juices. 



So of the curled leaf in the spring. The sap was excited at an untimely period, and 

 then, instead of being permitted to perform its proper office, that of expanding the flow- 

 ers, leaves, and shoots, it was held in check thirty-six dsxys this year, (though less than 

 that period in 1850,) and followed in the case of last year, by severe frost and snow. The 

 condition of the sap became necessarily morbid, as naturally and truly as in the parallel 

 case of an animal overheated and subsequently chilled. In the latter case feebleness, and 

 it may be fever or sores, follow as the natural proof of diminished vital energy, or morbid 

 condition. In the case of the peach this year, when the circulation revived, or at least 

 was greatly accelerated, on the 8th of May, the depraved state of the sap was seen in the 

 feeble flower and the sickl}' leaf, to say nothing of the buds which fell off, and the branch- 

 es that died without developing flowers and leaves at all, — buds, flowers, and branches, 

 which, before the untimely excitement of the circulation in March, were as promising as 

 any other. 



Remedy. — It is quite too early to recommend a remedy with confidence. A longer and 

 more accurate acquaintance with the progress and modifications of disease, may be need- 

 ful. Yet I would with some assurance suggest 



1. jIn immediate and temporary remedy. — This would be to permit the earth around the 

 tree to freeze deeply, and then cover it deeply with waste rubbish, so as to retain the tree 

 in a dormant state as long as possible, at least until the circulation may be permitted to 

 advance without fear of a check. I am aware that a large amount of fluid is stored up in 

 the tree in autumn, and that many of the roots penetrate below the ordinary reach of the 

 frosts. Hence it may be impossible perfectly to check the circulation. But I tliink the 

 mode suggested would in ordinary cases prove sufficient. Potato vines, buckwheat straw, 

 but especially evergreen boughs, would all be found useful. These might be placed near 

 the trees after the ground had begun to freeze, (before that it would invite mice.) The ap- 

 plication should be made when the frost and snow have most accumulated. They should 

 be renewed in this climate, (central New-York,) about the first of May. When the sum- 

 mer heat has well set in, and the earth is thoroughly warmed, it might be restored as a 

 means of defence against excestive heat and sudden changes. 



2. The remote remedy. — This would be to jilant only the hardiest stones, such as come 

 from northern fruit. These would make hardier stocks than southern stones. In case of 

 cultivating seedlings, it would be w^ell to plant largely, and then, about the fourth and 

 fifth years, to reject all such as show themselves liable to the curled leaf. Had I proceed- 

 ed in this manner in the selection of my stocks, I should now be much better able than I 

 now am, to judge of this whole subject. 



Results. — Wiih such stocks as I have, the following results have been arrived at: 



1. The Teton de Venus, George the Fourth, and Late Yellow Rareripe, (all glanded va- 

 rieties,) are nearly a failure, usually, and almost entirel}'', from the winter's cold, and 

 equally from the effects of the curled leaf. 



2. The Early Tillotson, True Early York, Red Rareripe, and Morris' Red Rareripe, 

 (all glandlcss except the last,) are a little better in regard to the winter's cold, and very 

 much better in respect to the curled leaf. 



My other budded sorts are yet too young to be judged of with certainty. I hope, 

 er, the White Imperial will resist the curled leaf, especially where planted in moist 

 s has been recommended for this sort. 



