76 THE BOOK OF PEARS AND PLUMS 



soot, paraffin and grease (see No. III. pears), or sprayed 

 before the buds open with Bordeaux mixture (see No. 

 II.), and also afterwards, they probably will not suffer. 

 Lime and soot scattered over the ground under the trees 

 will also be useful. If the plums are attacked, collect all 

 fallen fruits and shake the trees every morning, burn 

 the fruits affected or give them to the pigs. 



3. The PLUM SAWFLY also attacks the fruit, laying 

 an egg in the calyx of each flower. The grub is 

 whitish, with brown head. It enters the fruits, feeds 

 on the stone, and causes them to drop. A spraying of 

 the modified mixture No. II. after the fruit has set would 

 be useful, but as the grub pupates in the soil, lime and 

 soot will again be serviceable. Collect and destroy 

 fallen fruit daily. 



4. RED SPIDER, a spinning mite, is a great pest in 

 dry summers. It must be checked by the free use of 

 the syringe or water engine as soon as seen. Yellow 

 spots on the leaves are a proof of its presence. Mix 

 4 gallons of soft soap solution with J Ib. of flowers of 

 sulphur ; apply with syringe. Strong soap-suds, or even 

 clear water forcibly given are better than nothing. 



FUNGOID ATTACKS injure the trees. The Bordeaux 

 mixture (No. II.) is the best preventive and remedy if 

 there are any signs of fungus. Cut away all diseased 

 twigs, boughs and branches, and burn them. Fungus 

 spores are scattered by the wind and spread the disease. 

 Drench the trunk and bark in winter with this mixture 

 before the buds swell. Care must be taken not to apply 

 the mixture in full strength to tender leaves and buds. 



For the fungus mildew, half an ounce of sulphide of 

 potassium mixed in a gallon of water and applied by a 

 syringe is recommended (Wright). Finely-powdered 

 quick-lime mixed with sulphur (double the quantity of 

 the former), and distributed by a special bellows (see 

 before, page 39), is also said to be a good remedy. 



