THE SAN JOSE SCALE. 89 



Prevention and Remedies. 



As we in Australia have, fortunately perhaps, had so 

 few opportunities of studying the life history of and 

 dealing with such a formidable scale, we must be guided 

 in a great measure by American experience, especially 

 that of California, many parts of which closely resemble 

 our own colony, and with a climate in many parts almost 

 identical. 



When the presence of this scale is ascertained, no time 

 is to be lost, the badly-affected trees, if past redemption, 

 must be grubbed out and carefully burned on the spot, or 

 as near to it as possible, and the ground around where 

 the trees grew thoroughly disinfected with bi-sulphide of 

 carbon ; this in the event of any of the scale having 

 become detached from the tree during the operation of 

 grubbing, as in operations of this kind one cannot be too 

 particular. The old and slovenly method of cutting off 

 diseased branches and stacking the same for firewood, 

 and probable dissemination over the whole orchard 

 cannot be too strongly condemned, as owing to the above- 

 mentioned practice many such pests as mussel scale, &c,^ 

 have been distributed over what before was probably a 

 clean orchard. 



Having made a carefnl search, in which a good lens 

 will play an important part, cut away, if the season be 

 at all favorable, as much of the branches as possible, 

 ordinary pruning time being the best for the operation ; 

 then, with the aid of a good spray pump with kerosene 

 attachment, continue the treatment at intervals until 

 all traces of the insects have vanished, always remember- 

 ing that when the tree is without its leaves the material 

 used can be of a greater strength, the waste will be 

 lessened, and the work done more cheaply and 

 effectually. 



The following are the principal methods of spraying 

 as carried out by the American authorities, and may 

 be safely relied upon ; and although many things are 



