398 Journal of Agriculture. Victoria. [10 June, 1911.- 



Permanganate of potash has a powerful action on the Oidium fungus, 

 which is immediately killed by contact with its solution. Sprayed at the 

 rate of i^ per 1,000, it is recommended in cases of very severe attack. 

 As the effects of this solution are transient, it is well to always follow it 

 hy an application of sulphur. 



Alkaline poly-sulphides are also recommended for the treatment of 

 Oidium, especially in wet weather, when sulphur is too rapidlv washed off 

 to enable it to exert its influence. They are dissolved in water at the rate 

 of I per cent, and applied with a sprav pump. 



In France, Oidium, though more prevalent than with us. is looked upon, 

 as a less seiious disea.se, and one which it is easier to keep in subjection 

 than either Downy Mildew or Black Rot. 



A point of practical interest at the present moment is the uselessness 

 of preventive winter treatment in the case of Oidium. After the prevalence 

 of the disease last summer, many growers have mentioned to the writer 

 their intention of applying a winter treatment. Though these have been 

 frequently tried in France, they are considered to be quite ineffectual. 

 The first sulphuring, as mentioned above, which is often omitted by our 

 growers, is of far greater value as a means of preventing outbreaks next 

 season than any winter treatment can possibly be. 



{To be continued.) 



ORCHARD AND GARDEN NOTES. 



E. E. Pescott, Principal. School of Horticulture, Burnley. 



The Orchard. 



Ploughing the orchard should now be completed ; and. where neces- 

 sary, the drainage system should be continued and increased. A dressing 

 of 'Stable manure should now be given wherever it is needed ; and, if any 

 artificial manures are to be used, especially if in the form of bonedu.st 

 or potash, they should be applied now. so that thev will be available as- 

 food for the roots in early spring. A dressing of lime may be given with 

 great advantage to heavy, cold, or .sour soils. 



Spraying should be started for aphis, mite, and scale troubles ; and, 

 if the pest is at all severe or obstinate, the work should be done before 

 pruning. Crude petroleum, red oil, and kerosene emulsions are all use- 

 ful in dealing with these i:)ests. 



Planting. 



It was recommended in the Journal for March and April that land in- 

 tended for new orchard areas should then be ploughed in anticipation of 

 tlie planting season. It will now be of advantage to have the soil cross- 

 ploughed ; and, if it were not previously subsoiled. this should be done 

 at the same time as the ploughing. After the ploughing, the surface 

 should be well harrowed and cross-harrowed, to reduce it to a fine texture 

 and tilth. 



The trees should be planted out so that they shall be 20 feet apart each 

 way. When the surface has been well cultivated, a furrow may be run 

 across the area at every 20 feet, and the trees planted in the furrow, 

 20 feet from each other. If the furrows are ploughed, there will generally 

 be no necessity to dig holes for the young trees. They can be placed 

 in the furrows and the soil well and firmly placed around them. The- 



