138 THE OUTDOOR GARDEN 



that the saw has left, for these form tiny crevices 

 into which insects like to creep. 



We are always watchful for canker, because 

 many have an idea that apple trees grown upon 

 chalk soil, and in particular Cox's orange pippin, 

 soon show signs of this disease. So far, only about 

 ten trees have become affected, which, however, by 

 no means proves this theory to be a true one, for 

 the origin of the trouble may sometimes be traced 

 to a wound made in the stem by the wire which 

 secures a zinc label. As the stem grows and 

 thickens, the wire ring, if not loosened, cuts deep 

 into the bark and thus a hole is made in which 

 the insect hides. Then, too, where vegetables are 

 grown between fruit trees, a chance blow from a 

 spade may wound the bark and canker often 

 follows. 



Whatever has been the cause, the only chance of 

 a cure is speedily to clean the sore place ; so the 

 pruner ties a piece of bright orange ribbon to the 

 tip of each affected tree, which can then be readily 

 distinguished and can be washed. A toothbrush is 

 the best tool to use. It is dipped in a mixture and 

 then rubbed well into all the nooks and corners ; 

 the same thing is then done a second time with 

 a dry brush, so that further particles of dust are 

 removed. 



When all the pruning is finished the trees are 

 sprayed with a mixture of lime, waterglass, sulphur, 

 and water, and those which have canker are given 

 a second application with a double thickness of 

 lime. They stand out snow-white and decorated 

 with orange bows amongst their fellows, whose 



