THE BLACK PEACH APHIS. 13 



their coming; but should they make their appearance 

 what are the best means to be adopted in getting rid of 

 them. 



Fig. 1, it may be remarked, as the text will explain, 

 shows a portion of peach branch with insects both winged 

 and without wings clustering around the stem, and here 

 the little insects are shown in their natural sizes. 



Prevention and Remedies. 



We have already stated that the Black Aphis attacks 

 also the roots of the tree ; this knowledge is, or ought to 

 be, to us a great assistance and advantage when adopting 

 measures for prevention and eradication. 



In the first place we have to consider the earliest and 

 best time of the year when the tree should be treated for 

 this Aphis ; secondly, the easiest and least expensive 

 methods ; and thirdly, the best materials to be used ; always 

 bearing in mind that to recommend a remedy which, 

 owing to its cost, is either impracticable or too expensive, 

 is but to add to the difficulties under which our orchardists 

 and others who are engaged in rural pursuits labour. 

 It is only practical men, who have had to make their 

 living from the proceeds of their orchards, farms, or vine- 

 yards, who are able to appreciate the truth of these 

 remarks, as coming from one who has had some experience 

 as a grower himself. . 



Taking it for granted, then, that the two aphides of the 

 peach live on and breed also on the roots of the tree, the 

 natural conclusion to which any one must come would be 

 to first treat the tree whilst in its dormant state, and 

 immediately before pruning. 



Remove carefully the surface soil, using a fork where 

 necessary ; then take 1 oz. of bluestone (sulphate of 

 copper), dissolve in two gallons of cold water, being care- 

 ful that the water is not either salt or even brackish. 

 Each tree of four or five years old, if vigorous, will take a 

 couple of gallons at least of this mixture. In removing 

 the soil from the surface, do not lay bare the roots, as the 

 soil is only removed so that the mixture may have a more 



