738 



Journal of Agriculture. Yicforia. [lo Dec. 191 2. 



Gardener 's Report. 



Orchard. 



On the whole, the liealth of the trees and plants is \evy good, 

 though as a precaution the usual spraying had to be carried out. The 

 worst diseases to be combated were woolly aphis and mussel scale, but 

 by constant spraying these were kept in check and almost eradicated. 

 Black spot proved a very difficult disease to cope with, more particu- 

 larly on the pears, the trees having to be sprayed several times to keep 

 it down; but. as the spraying was done at the right time, the result 







pear tree in bloom. 



was an almost clean crop. Codlin moth was also in evidence to a 

 slight extent, but was no worse than in previous years. The old 

 raspberry patch is gradually failing, but the yoiuig plants are looking 

 very promising. The strawberries are looking very well, in spite of 

 the hot dry summer just passed. Red and black currants are also 

 thriving. 



Yield. — As regards apples, last season was a record crop, a few 

 of the old trees only being light. The pear crop was light, but had 

 it not been for the destruction caused by the birds they would have 



