lo Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [lo Jan., 191 i. 



Conclusions. 



One reason for the non-setting of fruit lias thus been set out ; and 

 it is evident from the data given, that it is clearly possible for a fruit- 

 grower to remedy this. Two facts definitely stand out, and if these are 

 observed and adopted successfully, there is no doubt that the result will 

 be increased fruit production. The first is that cross-pollination and 

 cross-fertilization cannot possibly be carried out unless more than one 

 variety of pears be grown; and also that the blossoming of these pears 

 must be simultaneous. The second is, that bees are essential to successful 

 results ; and therefore that every orchard tree should be within easy reach 

 of bee colonies. 



Where at present only one variety of pear is grown, or where the 

 varieties do not concur in their time of blooming, it is necessary that 

 other varieties should be introduced. To replant occasional rows, or 

 individual trees scattered through the pear area, would mean continued 

 loss for several years. A quicker method would be to work over, by 

 grafting on to the present trees, a scion of a second distinct variety, 

 working only one leader of the tree ; grafting only every second or third 

 tree. Or occasional trees may be wholly worked over with the new kind. 



As a temporary and immediate expedient, a jar containing water may 

 be placed in the crown of the tree, when the tree is in flower, and in this 

 some sprays of another variet}' of pear bloom may be placed, so that the 

 second variety will be there for the action of the bees and other insects. 

 This is shown in the illustration. The tree in the illustration is the 

 variety " Autumn Prolific," raised by the late Mr. J. C. Cole. Although 

 called prolific, it is not a heavy producer; yet, as a result of the action 

 of cross-fertilization the tree has set a good crop this season ; and in 

 comparison with neighbouring trees, a heavy one. 



Bailey, in his work on The Principles of Fruit Growing, advises that 

 the safest practice in planting, is to plant no more than two rows of 

 any one variety together, in fruits which, like many apples and pears, 

 self-sterility is often apparent. Large blocks of the same variety of 

 fruit should never be planted, unless it has been definitely decided that 

 the flower is self-fertile, and is therefore capable of bearing the best 

 possible crop, unaided by cross-pollination. 



STERILITY m FRUIT TREES. 



E. Wallis, Inspector, Vegetation Diseases Acts. 



The subject of this article is one of several problems now receiving' 

 attention from the Orchard Inspection Branch. With a view to solving 

 the vexed problem of sterility in fruit trees, Mr. P. J. Carmody, Chief 

 Inspector of Orchards, some time ago requested the district inspectors 

 stationed in the different fruit-growing centres of the State to make obser- 

 vations and take notes of any factor favourably influencing, or operating 

 against, the .setting of fruits. It is recognised that a solution of such a 

 problem as that under notice can be arrived at only by careful and sys- 

 tematic observations and experiments under the many varied conditions, 

 such as climate, soil, aspect, inter-pollinating influence bv pollen from fer- 

 tile trees, and the habit of growth, including spur formation. 



