PEACHES AND NECTARINES YELLOWS. 



109 



ripen, and the trees not infrequently die. The disease is, perhaps, due to bacteria, 

 occasioned by a morbid condition of the sap, consequent on the absorption of unassi- 

 milable fluid by the roots, the soil not containing sufficient mineral food in available 

 form. When the leaves of peach trees assume a pale greenish-yellow hue, an applica- 

 tion of guano in liquid form, or house sewage (not too strong), has a good effect when 

 the soil is sweet and the drainage efficient, Sulphate of iron at the rate of J ounce to 

 the square yard has been found beneficial by Mr. W. H. Divers one of the best peach 



Fig. 33. CHARACTERISTIC PEACH LEAVES. 



References : a, leaf serrated and without glands ; 6, leaf with small round glands ; c, leaf with 



kidney-shaped glands. 



growers in the kingdom but it is not suitable for all soils. "Where soil is close and 

 sodden the trees should be lifted, the drainage rectified, and better soil afforded. An 

 abundance of fibrous roots working freely in good and rather firm soil, containing 

 an adequate amount of potash and lime, is the best cure for yellows. 



