58 



In the matter of the fertilization by bees it has been proved 

 that they should be kept within half a mile of the orchard. As 

 although they do often work under a radius of two or even three 

 miles, it is not so certain that their work is so effective. 



We would say as a guide to planters that : 



Pears may be expected to come into bearing the 5th or 6th year, 

 dependent on the variety. 



Apples may be expected to come into bearing the 3rd to 6th 

 year, dependent on the variety. 



Peaches may be expected to come into bearing the 3rd year, 

 dependent on the variety. 



Apricots may be expected to come into bearing the 4th year, 

 dependent on the variety. 



Plums, Domestic, may be expected to come into bearing the 5th 

 year, dependent on the variety. 



Plums, Japanese, may be expected to come into bearing the 3rd 

 year, dependent on the variety. 



In each class there is some variation between the several 

 varieties. 



DIE BACK CAUSED BY SOUR SAP. 



This is a disease which we have noticed to be prevalent all over 

 the Colony, growers from time to time in different places calling 

 our attention to the same and asking its cause and cure. The 

 remarks below, by Leonard Coates of California, can be literally 

 applied by us, the disease showing itself in the same manner, and 

 ending in the same result. We have occasionally seen very 

 serious loss from this cause in this country, our springs here 

 being very uncertain, naturally giving such result. 



" Early spring orchardists should not forget to examine their 

 cherry, prune, and plum trees for signs of " gumming " and other 

 diseases in the bark. Cherry trees will generally give evidence 

 of the ailment by the exuding of gum, although it frequently 

 happens that a fermentation of sap has been going on for some 

 time, thus decaying the cambium layer for a space of, it may be, 

 a foot or more before the evil is discovered. Sometimes a branch 

 is nearly if not quite circled, and unless the trees are carefully 

 watched they will suddenly die, because the bark is all dead at 

 some point, sufficient to prevent the flow of sap. It is only the 

 practised eye that can readily detect this disease unless the gum 

 shows on the outside. Let the trees, then, be closely watched at 

 this time, and for the next mouth or two, and an occasional 

 incision may be made with a knife to ascertain the state of the 

 bark. All gumming or discoloured spots should be cut out clean, 



