10 Apku., 1910. J 



I'eur (jrov'ing in- I ictoraf. 



207 



PEAR GROWING IX VICTORIA. 



(Continued from page 8G.) 



By E. Wallis, Orchard Supervisor. 



Apple and Pear Growing in Root Borer Infested Ground. 



In plate ^o. 10 there is sliown a Jonatlian apple tree on the left, 

 bearing some fruit near tops of leaders. These have been cut hard, as 

 they were showing signs of dying back owing to root borer. The next 

 tree is a Williams pear tree, and although growing under the same con- 

 ditions, shows no sign of die-back — in fact, it appears to be doing well. 



Plate No. 10. — Pear Tree in a Greensborough Orchard which is growing 

 vigorously, though an apple tree within a few yards is stunted and dying 

 at the top. 



This is typical of many instances where rows of pear trees are apparently 

 unaffected whilst the apple trees on either side of them are dying out 

 as a result of the ravages of this pest. 



These facts are not mentioned to encourage the growing of pears 

 under adverse conditions, but rather to show by way of contrast the 

 hardy nature of the pear as compared with the apple and other fruits. 

 The pear like all other fruits requires the most favorable general con- 

 ditions if good results are desired. The knowledge of the pear tree's 

 comparative immunity from one of the worst orchard pests should, 

 however, be borne in mind by prospective planters in soils possibly 

 favorable to the root borer. 



Although not immune from the effects of frost, the pear, when com- 

 pared with other early-blooming fruits, is far more resistant. The frost 



