766 Journal of Agricul I inc. Victoria. [10 Dec 1917. 



ORCHARD AND GARDEN NOTES. 



E. E. Pescott, F.L.S., Principal, Pomologist. 



The Orchard. 



As a preventive against codlin moth, apple and pear trees should be 

 sprayed with arsenate of lead' whenever there is danger from the 

 prevalence of the moth. One of the secrets of success in codlin moth 

 spraying is the destruction of as many as possible of the insects of the 

 first brood. Thus, if particular care is given to the early sprayings, 

 keeping the fruit covered with spray for a month or six weeks after 

 setting, this result is easily accomplished. Some growers prefer to 

 gather all fruit infected by the first brood, spraying only for the second 

 and later broods. Even if all the fruits attacked are gathered, which 

 very rarely happens, the grower suffers from the loss of fruit, which he 

 can ill aiford, unless his crop be a heavy one. 



Another feature for consideration is the fact that the presence of 

 any arsenical spray on the foliage is responsible for the destruction of 

 the pear and cherry slug, root-borer beetle, and all forms of leaf-eating 

 insects. 



Spraying the cherries for the slug will now be necessary. Arsenate 

 of lead may be used, provided the fniit is not far advanced. Hellebore, 

 and also tobacco water, are eifective against this pest. 



CuLTIVATIOIf. 



All orchard soils should be kept well worked during the summer 

 months. It is very essential that the trees should have an abundant 

 supply of moisture during the whole of the growing season. The rains 

 that have fallen during the past months have given the subsoil a splen- 

 did soaking, which will benefit the trees considerably, and although the 

 rain has very considerably interfered with the setting of the fruit crops, 

 it will be very beneficial in the promotion of a vigorous growth to the 

 trees. This will mean an increased supply of fruit buds for the next 

 season, consequently the frequent summer cultivation of the soil will 

 be a necessity if the health and vigour of the trees are to be maintained. 



Excessive transpiration is often the cause of loss of young trees and 

 of new grafts. They are found to part with a large amount of moisture, 

 and are not able to obtain or retain sutficient for their nourishment; 

 they then very soon wither and die. The soil around these should always 

 be kept well stirred ; they may also be given a good straw or grass 

 mulching, and an occasional overhead sprinkling will greatly benefit 

 them. 



The planting out of citrus trees may be continued, sheltering the 

 tender plants from winds with hessian or breaks of scrub. 



The general aims in summer cultivation should be to maintain a 

 good loose earth mulch during the whole season, and to keep do^vn all 

 weeds and useless orchard growths. 



Pruning. 



Summer pruning may now be conuuenced, particularly on apple, 

 pear, and plum trees. The removal or reduction of surplus leader 



