11 Nov., 1918.] 



Apple Culture in Victoria. 



655 



shows the condition of the flower when the first spray should be given. 

 In Fig. 2, the sepals have partly closed, and it would be practically im- 

 possible to spray, the calyxes of fruit having arrived at the condition 

 of Fig. 3. 



The calyxes of some varieties, like the Kymer, illustrated in Plate 

 182. Fig. 1 (a), remain partly open during the development of the fruit, 

 and, in spraying these, a certain amount of the poisonous matter is 

 admitted. But a deep and tightly closed calyx, like that of the Moss' 

 Incomparable, (b), excludes the spray. Fig. 2, (a) and (b), shows the 

 Moss' Incomparable cut in halves, and the arrows point to the arsenical 

 deposit in the calyx. The colouring has been intensified so that it might 

 show clearly in the illustration. 



Arsenate of lead at the rate of 4 lbs. to 100 gallons water makes an 

 effective spray. When a nozzle of the Cyclone type is employed, and 



Plate 181.- 



-Three stages of the young fruit of the Duchess de 

 Oldenbury variety. 



fairly high pressure attained, the desirable misty spray is produced. 

 The tree may be sprayed all over, but the nozzle should be directed 

 particularly towards the fruit clusters. Spraying should continue until 

 all the fruit has been covered with spray, and discontinued before drip- 

 ping commences. When dripping occurs, most of the heavier matter 

 which forms the residual poisonous deposit is lost. The second spray 

 may be applied about three weeks later, and further applications as 

 occasion requires. Careful observation will reveal the extent of egg- 

 laying, and this should be made the chief factor in determining the time 

 for the later sprays. The eggs are laid on the fruit and on the leaves 

 around it, and the young grubs hatch out in from seven to ten days, 

 according to the weather conditions. The egg is about the size of a small 

 pin's head, flat, and of a silvery-white colour. It becomes somewhat 

 conical as the young grub develops, but assumes a rather convex shape 

 when the larva escapes from under the shell. The illustration, Fig. 1, (c), 



