327 



generally speaking this fruit does not suffer to the same extent from these 

 evils as the Peach and some other kinds. The more troublesome kinds 

 are as follows : 



Mildew Plum trees are liable to various forms of Mildew, some of 

 which affect the roots, and others the young wood, foliage, or fruit. The 

 causes are invariably local, and when these are removed and remedies 

 applied promptly there will be no difficulty in effecting a cure. For 

 further information see page 231 and also article upon Mildew, page 91, 

 volume 1. 



Root Fungus. Trees often suffer from the attacks of fungi at the 

 roots, owing generally to local predisposing causes, which are various. 

 For further information and remedies see article upon the Peach, page 

 231. 



Rust. This fungus causes serious injury to the foliage of Plum trees 

 in many localities, and is widely spread throughout the Australasian 

 colonies, as also in Europe and America. It is identical with the fungus 

 known as Peach Rust, which is fully described at page 231 in a special 

 article which also gives directions for treatment. 



DISEASES. 



The Plum, like many other trees, is liable to various diseases, which 

 often cause serious injury. Our knowledge respecting these diseases is 

 by no means so perfect as could be desired, and there is a wide field open 

 for careful investigation and experiment. The more prominent and 

 common diseases are as follows : 



Canker. For a full description of this disease, its causes, and treatment 

 see the special article upon Canker, page 93, volume 1 . 



Gumming. Full particulars respecting this troublesome disease will be 

 found in the special article upon Gumming, page 94, volume I. 



Leaf Gaits. Sometimes the foliage of Plum trees suffers to some 

 extent from this disease, full particulars- respecting which will be found 

 in a special article upon Leaf frails, page 95, volume 1. 



Silver Disease. This name has been given in New Zealand to a 

 destructive disease that is causing some trouble to the fruit growers of 

 that colony, but has not, so far as the writer is aware, been discovered in 

 other parts of Australasia. The attention of the writer of this work has 

 been drawn to this disease by Mr. J. C. Blackmore, the New Zealand 

 Government Pomologist, who describes it as the worst evil with which he 

 has to contend. He also says that it is spreading rapidly and has 

 extended to many districts, not confining its attacks to the Plum as at 

 first, but also affecting the Apple, Apricot, Cherry, Peach, and Nectarine. 

 The disease makes its appearance in the spring soon after the leaves are 

 developed, sometimes affecting a solitary branch and at others many. 

 Its appearance is made known by the foliage having a lighter colour than 

 usual, and as the season advances the leaves gradually assume a lustrous 

 silvery appearance, hence the name Silver Disease. Leaves affected by 

 this disease are unable to perform their proper functions, and, consequently, 

 the growth of the trees is checked. From the leaves the disease extends 



