izo THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



the black specks with which it becomes studded after a time, resembling grains 

 of gunpowder, are the " fruits" (perithecia). The mildew clogs the pores of the 

 leaves and extracts its support from them, severely impeding their functions, and 

 the growths and fruit suffer in consequence. The following preparations prevent and 

 destroy the fungus. 1. Bisulphide of calcium (formula, Vol. I., page 248), ] pint to 

 12 gallons of water. 2. Potassium sulphide (liver of sulphur), \ ounce to a gallon 

 of water. Application : spray on the bushes as soon as the leaves unfold, and 

 repeat at intervals of twenty-one days, or oftener if necessary, about twice proving 

 effectual. 



Rust (Septoria grossulariae). Discoloured spots frequently occur on the leaves of 

 gooseberry bushes, and in these are found minute black spots, consisting of the pycnidia 

 and minute sporidia of the fungus. The parasite destroys the substance of the part 

 affected, causing it to become dry and withered, but the gooseberry is seldom seriously 

 injured. Septoria ribis, however, often does much damage to currant leaves, causing 

 them to wither and fall prematurely. Glaeosporium ribis also attacks the leaves of cur- 

 rants. The remedy is to remove the infested leaves and burn them, and follow the 

 preventive treatment recommended for JEcidium. Copper solutions are not safe to use 

 over the bushes after the buds unfold, nor until the fruit is gathered, and then the solu- 

 tion must be weak, even when employed on mature foliage and ripe wood for the 

 destruction of fungoid germs, as bush fruits, including blackberries and raspberries, are 

 very susceptible to injury from styptics. 



Enemies. The gooseberry often suffers severely from the attacks of various insects, 

 which interfere with the growth and prejudice the crops. 



Aphides. These live on the lower side of the leaves, causing them to become 

 swollen at the tips of the branches, retarding their growth, and coating the fruit with 

 a sticky excretion, which gathers dust and soot, and becomes suitable fruit for fungi. 

 The most injurious species (several infesting gooseberries and currants) are Aphis 

 (Myzus'i ribis, with cylindrical honey-tubes, and A. (Ehopalosiphum) ribis, with the 

 honey-tubes widened in the middle ; both species are green, with dark markings. The 

 remedies for these pests are the same as described under " Aphides," Vol. I., page 

 258. Cutting off the tips of the infested shoots and destroying them by fire is a good 

 prelude to applying an insecticide, afterwards syringing the bushes thoroughly with 

 clear water to cleanse the leaves and fruits of the excretions. 



Caterpillars. The larvse of the gooseberry or magpie moth (Fig. 68), and of the 



