35 



if a more spreading form is desired, the cut should be made on the 

 upper side of a bud, — that is, on the under side of the branch. By- 

 following this method, either form of the tree desired may be produced. 

 Summer pruning needs to be done with judgment. Its effect is to 

 produce fruitfulness, but it is by a checking process to the growth of. 

 a tree. As the trees begin to bear fruit freely there will not be so much 

 growth of wood, when the pruning should be done more largely in 

 the latter part of winter or early spring, when the trees are dormant. 

 It is important to obtain some annual growth of wood upon trees that 

 are bearing, as this indicates a thrifty and vigorous condition, one 

 always desirable to maintain; and, in addition to cultivation and 

 fertilizing, pruning becomes an important factor. 



Pear Blight. 



This is the most serious disease to which the trees are subject. It 

 is caused by a microbe, which attacks the young growth and often 

 the blossoms. The only remedy is to cut off all affected wood as soon 

 as the disease shows, cutting several inches below the discolored parts. 

 The spread of the disease is often from the old wood. The large 

 branches will be affected, and it is shown in patches of dead bark. 

 The most effective time to prune for blight is in the winter. All of 

 the large branches that show the blight should be thoroughly treated; 

 the bark should be shaved so far as these patches show, cutting out all 

 affected parts, and disinfecting with sulphate of copper or diluted 

 carbolic acid. 



Blight has swept down the pear orchards so largely in all sections 

 of the country, and particularly on the Pacific coast, that the supply 

 of the fruit is now short, and prices are ruling high for it. Eternal 

 vigilance, however, in cutting close and disinfecting, and particularly 

 the winter pruning, will control the disease and save the trees to a 

 large degree. Thorough spraying with the lime and sulphur or with 

 some of the sulphur preparations will aid in keeping the trees and 

 fruit free from fungous injuries. 



Insects. 



The pear is quite free from the many insects that prey upon other 

 fruits. The codling moth has to be dealt with, and arsenate of lead, 

 If pounds to 50 gallons of water, very thoroughly applied, will save 

 over 90 per cent of the fruit. This should be applied as soon as the 

 blossoms have fallen, and one very thorough spraying is sufficient. 



The pear psylla is one of the most persistent enemies of the pear. 

 It is periodical in its visitations, but often remains in orchards for ten 

 to fifteen years by which time the trees are useless. Many die from 

 the injury done in six or seven years. 



By the use of the present power sprayers, and using one of the best 

 of the soluble oils, — and there is nothing superior to Scalecide, — 

 this pest may be entirely controlled. The oil will spread and work 

 down in the axils of the leaves and on the stems of the fruit, where 



