i)EPAKTMENTAL ACTIVITIES . 



roots should be examined, and all broken or badly barked pieces 

 removed to minimize the risk of fungoid disease attacking- these 

 points. When carrying trees about prior to planting, have the roots 

 enclosed in a wet sack to prevent drying out. Never plant too 

 deeply, always a little higher than one would like; later on, the 

 soil settles down and the trees go down too. Before completely 

 filling in the holes with soil, give each tree a thorough soaking with 

 water, at least 8 gallons, then fill in with dry soil. After the trees 

 have been firmly planted, the stems should be cut back to the height 

 of 15 to 18 inches above the ground to give a good shape and 

 establish a vigorous root system. Never plant closer llian 20 feet 

 each way, 22 feet apart is better. 



Pruning must be pushed on and completed as early as possible. 

 Many of the earlier peaches will be bursting into blossom this month, 

 and spraying must be finished to prevent blossom injury. All 

 necessary information regarding pruning may be obtained from back 

 numbers of the Journal or the bulletin " Pruning of Deciduous 

 Fruit Trees," obtainable from the Department of Agriculture, 

 Pretoria. (Price, 3d. prepaid.) 



Spraying. — Most fruit trees are attacked by some insect pest 

 or fungoid disease during the year. As a general rule, these ail- 

 ments appear when the trees are in leaf and control measui'es are 

 difficult to apply. If after pruning is finished a good clean-up spray 

 such as " Capex " brand lime-sulphur solution in the proportion of 

 one part "Capex" to ten or fifteen parts of cold water is applied, 

 most of the troubles would be considerably reduced. Spray with 

 bordeaux mixture to control fungoid disease, but it is of no use 

 against aphis or scale. The Department has a number of bulletins 

 dealing with tree ailments, which may be obtained on apj)lication. 



GLEN. ORANGE FREE STATE. 



Vacation Instruction, — An arrangement has been made lor four 

 students from the institution to spend part of their vacation in the 

 Wargundy Orchards pruning trees, the terms being free board and 

 lodging and rail fare in return for the work done. Some remunera- 

 tion will be paid depending on the satisfaction given. This arrange- 

 ment is excellent in every way, especially from the point of view 

 of the institution providing as it does a means of the students gain- 

 ing more extended experience. It is hoped that this feature of tlie 

 work will extend in succeeding years, and that it may be possible 

 for the greater proportion of the students to find work and gain 

 experience on other farms during their vacation. Correspondence 

 with any farmer interested will be welcomed. 



Sun Scald in Trees. — As sun scald is so prevalent in the Jriinge 

 Pree State, growers who intend planting fruit trees are advised to 

 head or prune back apple and pear trees on the main stem to about 

 15 inches and stone fruit, such as peaches, etc., back to 18 inches. 

 For the following three or four years great care and attention must 



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