346 Journal of AgriciiUurc. Vicioria. [lo June. 1912. 



leaving only the midrib of the leaves. Figure 69 shows the caterpillars- 

 at work upon an apple stock. The loss of foliage seriously affects the 

 elaboration of the sap. This pest does not confine its attack solely to the 

 apple, but attacks the foliage of other kinds of fruit trees, and at times the 

 skin of the fruit. Treatment. — Very often killing the first few caterpillars- 

 with the thumb and finger will prevent a further attack. Spraying the 

 foliage thoroughly with arsenate of lead will have the desired effect of 

 getting rid of this pest. 



Cherry Green Beetle ( Diphucefhala Colosfidoides) (Gyll). — A visita- 

 tion from these small, handsome green Vjeetles is to be taken seriously. 

 If coming in swarms, they very soon strip the young cherry trees of their 

 foliage, and cause great damage to the young growing trees and cherry 

 stocks. When first noticed immediate action should be taken. The trees- 

 and stocks should be thoroughly sprayed with arsenate of lead', strength 

 I lb. to 25 or 30 gallons of water. 



Vine Moth (Agarista Glycine) (Lewis). — This common pest is very 

 easily recognised and kept in check, but, if neglected, the caterpillars will 

 very soon defoliate the vines. Spraying the young vines in early summer 

 with arsenate of lead generally suffices to keep this pest in check for the 

 whole vegetative period. Strength, i in 25 to 30 of water; or Hellebore 

 powder at the same strength recommended for pear or cherry slugs. 



Silver Strifed Vine Moth {Chaerocamfa Celerio) ( Stephen). ^This- 

 pretty but peculiar looking caterpillar rarely gives trouble, the writer once 

 only having had occasion to spray the vines. Treatment. — Spray with 

 arsenate of lead, or Hellebore powder. 



Slugs. — During the spring, and when the buds begin to move in the 

 nursery row, slugs are one of the worst pests that the propagator has to 

 deal with, destroying hundreds of buds in a single night, if neglected. 

 Treatment. — If there are any signs of this pest during late autumn or 

 the winter months, no time should be lost in clearing away any weed 

 growths in the rows, particularly before the buds start to elaborate. One 

 of the chief factors in combating this pest is to keep the nursery free from 

 anything likely to harbor ihem. The soil should be kept well stirred 

 between the rows, applying freshly slackened lime immediately after. Thi.'v 

 will be the means of destroying large numbers that harbor and breed be- 

 neath [he clods of earth. Slugs being nocturnal in habit, just after dark is- 

 the best time to attack them,, particularly if rain has fallen during the day, 

 and the evening turns in mild. 



Treatment of Lime. — Secure lump lime, slacken by sprinkling with 

 water. If using any quantity place the lump lime in a hole or pit made in 

 the earth for the purpose, half fill with lime, applying sufficient water to 

 slacken. Lime should be prepared in the morning, using it the same even- 

 ing. Bag the slackened lime during the afternoon, placing the bags in 

 convenient positions in the nursery. Under no conditions _ allow the lime 

 to get damp or wet, before or after slackening, or any time previous to 

 being applied. Always use freshly slackened lime. Apply by placing 

 sufficient slack lime in a piece of hessian or a 70 lb. sugar-bag. Walk be- 

 tween the rows, jerking the bag up and down smartly, directing the dense 

 lime dust caused by these actions chiefly over the buds. If a dark night, it 

 will be necessary to carry a lantern whilst performing this operation. If 

 help is available to carry the light, this work can be accelerated by using 

 a dusting bag in each hand. Failing help, place the lantern in the centre, 

 i.e., between two rows of buds, and walk whilst dusting straight towards 

 the 'light. Stirring and dusting lime upon the soil during the day-time, and 

 following up the dusting process after dark, has been found bv the writer 



