142 FRUIT GROWING FOR AMATEURS 



by the appearance of the infested fruits, which are much larger 

 than normal ones. The eggs are laid in the young flowers, and 

 the maggots hatch out inside the embryo fruits and ruin them. 

 It is important to gather and burn all infested fruits, whether on 

 the tree or fallen on the ground, to prevent the escape of the 

 grubs. The best preventive measures are to remove two or 

 three inches of the soil beneath the tree in winter, and to replace it 

 with fresh. The old soil ought to be buried deeply in another 



part of the garden. An 

 application of kainit to the 

 soil in autumn is also re- 

 commended. 



Red Spider. This is a 

 pernicious little pest which 

 plays havoc with the 

 leaves of fruit trees, more 

 especially of those under 

 glass or in a hot position 

 out of doors, as, for ex- 

 ample, against a south or 

 west wall. When attacked 

 by red spider the leaves 

 lose their deep green colour 

 and become pale and sickly. 

 The simplest remedy is salt 

 and water, used at the 

 rate of 1 oz. of salt to 

 1 gallon of water. The 

 solution must be directed 

 to reach the lower surface of the leaves where the pest is 

 usually found. Red Spider dislikes moist conditions, there- 

 fore is less likely to attack trees which are kept thoroughly moist 

 at the root during summer, and of which the branches are sprayed 

 or hosed frequently. 



Scale. This insect sometimes infests Peach and other fruit 

 trees ; it clings to the branches and shoots, and is most easily 

 removed by means of a stiff brush dipped in Gishurst Compound, 

 Fir tree oil insecticide or paraffin emulsion. The latter is made 

 by dissolving 1 Ib. of soft soap in a little hot water and adding 

 sufficient hot water to make 2 gallons. A wineglassful of paraffin 

 is then mixed in the solution which must be used while hot. 



Lime-washing Fruit Tree to 

 kill Insects 



