588 Journal of AgriciiUitrc. [10 Sept., 1909. 



exceptional wisdom to realize that such practice cannot possibly be attendee^ 

 with beneficial results. It may cause extra-vigorous trees to fruit earlier 

 than they would with ordinary cultural treatment, but an easier way 

 remains in such cases, viz., not to cultivate at all. If manure is neces- 

 sary, it should be spread over the whole of the soil, excepting only near 

 the stem, and be ploughed in. The usual cultivation that follows will 

 make it available for use by the trees. As the feeding roots are well away 

 from the stems of the trees, manure and water should always be applied 

 about the centre of the lands, not near the stems. 



Various fungoid diseases are almost certain to affect apples, pears, 

 peaches, apricots, &c., especially in the southern districts of the State. 

 The most destructive in its effect is the Black Spot, or Scab, of the 

 apple and pear. This disease should not be confused with Bitter Pit. 

 In the latter case, the fruit is free from any indication of spotting until 

 it is ripening ; indeed, in many varieties of apples, it only show-s some 

 time after the fruit is picked and stored. In the case of Black Spot, 

 or Scab, the disease shows soon after the fruit has set, and is present 

 at all stages of its development in the form of small spots or large, scab- 

 like patches. This explanation is necessarv on account of many people 

 failing to distinguish between the two diseases, and accordingly complain- 

 ing of the inefficiency of the remedy advised in the case of Black Spot, 

 when it is a different disease altogether that they are dealing with. 



Bordeaux mixture and copper-soda wash are effective remedies, or rather 

 preventatives, against Black Spot {Fusicladiuni), and no intelligent fruit- 

 grower would think of avoiding the application of one or the other when 

 his trees are about to blossom, viewing the matter as it should be viewed, 

 in the light of insurance against the diseases named. 



The following points are well known to experienced orchardists : — ■ 

 Black Spot is a parasitic fungus, i.e., a low form of plant life, invading 

 and existing in the tissues of the fruit, at the expense of the host j it is 

 easily and cheaply prevented by the timely application of Bordeaux 

 mixture or copper-soda wash ; and the principal considerations are a pro- 

 perly prepared solution, and a thorough application at one particular 

 period. The best time to spray is when a few of the blossoms are opening 

 and the bulk of the flower buds are showing with distinct stems. A 

 thorough application does not necessarily mean a huge waste of spray wash, 

 l)Ut sufficient to cover every vegetating and blossoming part of the tree, so 

 that when the water evaporates the parts S[)raved are covered with the 

 constituents of the wash. The formula for Bordeaux mixture is : 6 lbs. 

 bluestone, 4 lbs. new lime, 50 gallons water. That for copper-soda wash 

 is : 6 lbs. bluestone, 8 lbs. washing soda, 50 gallons water. 



Copper-soda wash is ])ossib]y as effective as Bordeaux mixture untler 

 any circumstances. It certainly is so ir districts where the weather con- 

 ditions are fairly dry at the blossoming period. Bordeaux mixture, owing 

 to the lime in it, adheres to the trees better than the other wash, and is 

 preferred where heavy rains occur in spring. 'I'he difference in cost is 

 that between the soda and the lime. Only positively fresh lime is ser- 

 viceable, so that some waste usually ensues. The copper-soda is more- 

 easily mixed and applied, and is a much more pleasant mixture to use 

 generally. 



The accepted proper mixture for copper-soda wash is made thus : Dis- 

 solve 6 lbs. bluestone in 25 gallons water, in which it should be sus- 

 pended (placed in a piece of hessian). In cold water it will dissolve in 

 a few^ hours ; if required quickly it dissoh'es in a few^ minutes in boiling 

 water. Dissolve 8 lbs. of washing soda in the same manner in another 



