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The Canadian Horticulturist. 

 Black Knot on the Hickory. 



064:. Sir, — I send you a branch of a hickory tree with two knqts upon it. Would 

 you please let me know whether it is the same as the black knot on the plum ? The tree 

 is covered with knots, and I am anxious to know whether there is danger of its spreading 

 to other trees. 



D. L. Carley, WiwlsoK 



Reply by Professor James Fletcher, of Ottawa, 



I have examined the knot on the hickory branch sent by Mr. Carley, of 

 Windsor, and it certainly is not the black knot of the plum. Judging from the 

 dead gall, I believe it is caused by one of the gall mites of the genus Phytoptus. 

 If Mr. Carley would send one of the young galls we shall probably be able to 

 identify it. 



The Ci^ar Case-Bearer. 



665. Sir, — Please name the enclosed insect, which has been destroying the leaves 

 on my apple trees. They appeared on the leaves as soon as the buds began to open, and 

 tre still working destruction to the trees. Our Greenings suffer most. How long will 

 rhey continue to work ? If you will tell me all that is known of them and give me a 

 aemedy I will feel much obliged. A. P. 



Reply by Prof. Jas. Fletcher, Central Expert- 

 mental Farm, Ottawa. 



The specimens sent m your letter of 23rd 

 inst., are the Cigar Case-bearer( G?/(?<?//^r« Fletch- 

 erella) of the apple. This insect is difficult to 

 treat, and has been very abundant in some 

 places this year. The most successful treat- 

 ment is spraying the apple trees early in spring? 

 with kerosene emulsion. Spraying with Paris 

 green has had some beneficial effect, but not 

 so much as I had hoped. 



[We show cut of an allied species, viz., the 

 Fk;. 688. Apple tree Case Bearer. — Ed.] 



666. Sir, 



Planting: Strawberries. 



-Please give me some informatioH about planting strawberries. 



A. F. Hamilton. 



The most important consideration is the choice of soil. A light sand, 

 especially if high and dry, will be too much affected by the severe June and July 

 drouths to yield paying crops. Heavy clay, if subject to hard baking, is also 

 unsuitable. On the whole, a deep, rich, sandy loam, somewhat moist, will be 

 most favorable. The ground must be well worked up before planting. All the 



