608 PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION 4G. 
Buackx Spot (Fusicladium dendriticum) 
Is, perhaps, the most formidable enemy to apple growers 
in those parts of the State where the climatic conditions 
favour its development. The writer, however, is glad to 
learn of the success attending the use of the Bordeaux 
mixture in the repression of this fungus. Several scale 
pests, notably the mussel scale (Mytiaspis pomorum), have 
to be reckoned with, but where remedial measures have 
been attempted satisfactory results have been secured. 
I regret that want of space forbids even a passing reference 
to several other minor pests. 
GATHERING AND STORAGE. 
Fruit should not be gathered until it is full grown, well 
coloured, and the pips turning black. This is as it should 
be picked, not as is often the case in Tasmania, when it is 
picked before properly mature, owing to the early shipment 
of apples to London. These early shipments, causing 
growers to fill alloted space with immature fruit, are the 
chief reason for the complaints that the fruit in the com- 
mencement of the season at home is shrivelled, not coloured, 
&c. We cannot, therefore, hope to compete satisfactorily 
in the two first boats with our neighours in South Australia 
and Victoria, owing to their fruit maturing at least a fort- 
night earlier than that grown in Tasmania. At the same 
time, taking the London season all through, our returns 
compare quite as well as those received by shippers from 
the mainland. To cite one instance. I know a certain 
grower in Tasmania whose shipments of never less than 
2000 cases in any one year have averaged nine shillings, 
f.o.b., Hobart, for the last four years. It would be well 
at this juncture to emphasise the fact that too much care 
cannot be given to the grading and packing of all fruit, 
whether for shipment to England or inter-State markets. 
Apples for storage should not be picked until the pips are 
quite black. The fruit has then an oily feeling, and should 
be placed in a store with an even temperature and thorough 
ventilation, and should not be touched until required for 
shipment. 
MarRKETING THE FRUIT.. 
In the present state of the trade this is the most im- 
portant, as well as the most difficult, matter in connection 
with fruit growing. Taking the English market first, one 
agent should be selected to receive the fruit, which should 
be sound, well-coloured, and graded. Each grower now by 
