REMARKS ON LEAF BLIGHT. 



been able to make, has revealed neither insect nor egg, but only a species of rust, or 

 fungus, which spreads over the surface of the leaf, and closes the pores, thus ^jroducing 

 death. 



I am also convinced that it is exceedingly infectious, and that when once a patch of trees 

 has been affected, there is but little hope to the nurser3-man, that he will be entire!}^ free 

 from it on that piece of ground. It is also pretty certain, that stocks which are diseased 

 in the seed bed, will carry the complaint with them to the place where thej" are planted 

 out; but this last result will not always follow — I have, m5'self, known one (and but one) 

 instance, in which leaf-blighted seedlings, which Avere removed far away from other trees, 

 recovered entirely their proper health and beauty. 



It is impossible to raise pear or plum seedlings which shall be entirely free from this dis- 

 ease, in an old nursery, by any method of prevention or cure which is known to us; most 

 of the old established nurseries have, therefore, depended in a great measure upon pur- 

 chasing this species of stock, and as its attacks do not seem permanently to injure good 

 sized ijlants, they are thus enabled to supply their customers with trees, which, when re- 

 moved to the fruit yard, or the orchard, give entire satisfaction. 



One peculiarity has i^robably been observed by all who have examined this subject, which 

 is, that budded or worked trees are comparatively free from attack; these often retaining 

 their foliage unspotted, and continuing to grow rapidly, while their natural or seedling 

 neighbors are leafless. Why the Zeaucsof our most esteemed varieties are able to withstand 

 attacks which are fatal to those which we are accustomed to believe are more hardy than 

 they, I am at a loss to determine. 



The cause of so great an evil as this, deserves, of course, our best attention; but it is 

 still a profound mystery; it makes its appearance without warning, and has no fore-run- 

 ners, no busy hum of insect, nor endless throng of aphides, ushers in the work of destruc- 

 tion. It cares not for rain, nor does the mighty wind check its steady progress; sunshine 

 and cloud seem to favor, and darkness to offer no obstacle to its work of desolation; lime 

 and ashes, plaster and guano, are but aggravations; even copperas water, and filthy whale 

 oil soap, are alike agreeable to the mysterious visitor; like the unseen malaria, it is 

 known only by its effects. A friend w^ho has some acquaintance with it, believes the po- 

 tatoe rot has attacked his little pear trees. 



The cure has not yet transpired, but there is much hope in pravantion; my own obser- 

 vations lead me to recommend tlic planting of pear and plum seeds, and stocks, at a dis- 

 tance, say at least half a mile from any other nursery; the superior advantages of a virgin 

 soil, combined with freedom from adverse influences, Avill generally be sufficient to ensure 

 at least one healthy crop. Probably many old nurserymen have observed, that begin- 

 ners usually have their best success (with these trees) first; after this their progress is 

 like that of others, somewhat variable, and against obstacles, of which leaf blight is the 

 chief. 



Shall we not hear from others upon this subject, which, although of little consequence 

 to the orchadist, is eminently worthy the attention of nurserymen. H. E. Hooker. 



A very interesting article to all the cultivators of the pear, and one which we hope will 

 elicit the remarks of other correspondents. We examined the spots, caused by this leaf- 

 blight, last summer, under a powerful microscope, and are satisfied that, as Mr. H. sug- 

 gests, they are caused by a fungus. And this has led us to suspect that the cracking and 

 blight of many varieties may be merely the effects of this same parasite. We have notic- 

 tree loaded with the finest crop of Brown Beurres, looking as fair and promising 

 e till midsummer. Then suddenly the leaf-blight would attack the foliage — ; 



