30 



opinion that to location and soil may be attributed all the 

 diseases to which the tree is subject. 



" DIE-BACK," AND "GUM-DISEASE." 



In many localities a disease is somewhat prevalent, 

 which, for want of a better name, and as it describes in a 

 measure the characteristics, has received the above cogno- 

 men. The principal symptom is the issue of gum through 

 the bark, and its collection in tears or drops on the surface. 

 The gum disease may develop in any portion of the tree 

 and branches, but it usually makes its appearance through 

 solitary rapid growing shoots, and at the collar of the tree 

 near the surface of the ground, but makes its appearance 

 in every part of the diseased tree if the bark is cut or 

 wounded. Of the cause but little is known. It is un- 

 doubtedly a disease of faulty nutrition. It is very preva- 

 lent in Louisiana and in many localities in Florida. The 

 disease is met with more frequently in soils which are low 

 and composed largely of humus, and especially where 

 underlaid with a ferruginous clay hard-pan. It is believed 

 that the rich soggy soil contains elements not well calcu- 

 lated for the healthful condition of the trees. Acidity of 

 the soil is probably the cause, and lime and potash is the 

 remedy. Better locate your grove where no such condi- 

 tions exist. 



It has been observed that insects are more likely to 

 attack trees which are diseased. Whether there is a differ- 

 ence in the consistence of the sap. or whether, like the 

 human family, they manifest a disposition to kick the indi- 

 vidual on the down-hill road and help him along, is not so 

 patent ; but sure it is that a diseased orange tree attracts* 

 more bugs, spiders, scale and other abominations than a 



