CATERPILLARS 55 



A particular fungous disease on the foliage starts as a 

 dull dark mass of brown spots, which soon spread, and 

 working down the stalk of the leaf, affect the growing 

 wood, forming pustules or pimples on it, developing later 

 into canker. If disease is observed the new shoots should 

 be cut hard back in winter to healthy wood buds, which 

 may be found at the base of the shoots of the current 

 year ; the prunings should be burnt at once. Cox's 

 Orange Pippin is very liable to this spot attack, which 

 also affects the fruits and causes them to rot before they 

 reach maturity. 



Caterpillars. Where Apples have been badly attacked 

 by caterpillars, grease bands should be tied around the trees 

 towards the end of October to prevent the female insects 

 from ascending the stem, and the grease should be renewed 

 at intervals until April ; otherwise it may get caked over, 

 and thus allow the passage of the wingless females of 

 the winter moth (Cheimatobia brumata). In February, the 

 tops of the trees should be sprayed thoroughly with the 

 caustic spray-fluid. This fluid is very powerful, and requires 

 care to prevent it spoiling the user's clothes, getting in his 

 eyes or on the skin, and a pair of india-rubber gloves are 

 necessary to protect the hands. All similar sprays are 

 dangerous if the operator has any cuts on his hands. 

 Trees sprayed with caustic soda may not be entirely 

 freed from caterpillars, as there are other moths which 

 lay their eggs in spring. For this reason a fluid spray 

 of soft soap 2 oz. and quassia 2 oz. to a gallon of water, 

 applied to the trees whilst hot, or M'Dougall's Wash, will 

 benefit the trees just as the first leaves expand in April. 

 In all cases follow strictly the directions given with any 



