No. 4.] FRUIT GROWING. 159 



favorable to large crops are also most productive of fungous 

 troubles, on account of the abundant rains- and the accom- 

 panying heat and humidity of the atmosphere at such times. 

 A succession of them, such as we experienced from 1886 to 

 1890 inclusive, gives to the various fungi an immense 

 advantage as time goes on, for the reason that the spores or 

 seeds live over winter, and are thus in condition for begin- 

 ing the following season in larger and larger numbers. One 

 summer of drought will largely retard or prevent the develop- 

 ment of many fungi, and two dry seasons will reduce their 

 injuries to a mere fraction. 



In newly settled regions, where the various fruits are cul- 

 tivated on a small scale, they are mostly free from attack. 

 Also in cities and towns they are apt to escape, partly because 

 of the shelter afforded by buildings and other structures, and 

 doubtless on account of the sulphurous gases given off from 

 burning coal. Wherever one or more large plantations of 

 one kind of fruit occupy the ground, sooner or later the vari- 

 ous fungi, as well as destructive insects, will there find a fit 

 home ; and it is only by the use of artificial remedies that we 

 can defend ourselves against their depredations. 



It will be interesting to consider for a moment under what 

 circumstances fungi make their appearance and attain devel- 

 opment in spring or summer. The spores or seeds which 

 have lived over winter are liberated in the warmth of the 

 season and the decay of the fallen leaves and other debris. 

 These microscopic bodies float about in the atmosphere, and 

 some of them rest upon the living foliage or other part of 

 the plant. So long as they remain dry, no action occurs ; 

 but, if they are moistened and remain wet for a few hours, 

 they vegetate and insert what may be called their roots into 

 the substance of the bark, foliage or fruit, from which time 

 they are able to continue development independent of out- 

 side moisture. They go on rapidly to maturity, and 

 produce multitudes of spores which float off and attach 

 themselves to other spots, and under favorable conditions 

 multiply enormously. 



I have stated that spores do not vegetate so long as they 

 are kept dry. In proof of this may be cited the fact that in 

 time of drought these troubles occasion but little loss. 



