DISEASES. 36 



whilst on the large parts this was quite rough. This was 

 a case arising from the obstinacy of the bark, and could 

 only be remedied by longitudinal incisions on the small 

 part. 



It is most j)robable that the extent and severity of this dis- 

 ease in the West is owing to violent changes from a hard frost 

 to a bright sun and rapid thaw, by which the sap becomes 

 deranged, and accumulates in masses. Trees that are 

 branched near the ground, will be less likely to suffer 

 than those with tall bare trunks. Where it has made 

 some progress in any tree, the only remedy is to pare off 

 the diseased bark, clean off all the gum, and let the sur- 

 face dry up ; then apply a plaster of grafting compo- 

 sition, or a solution of gum shellac in alcohol, put on 

 with a brush, as recommended by Mr. Downing. 



When the stone fruits are pruned severely in the spring, 

 the sap does not find sufficient vent ; it accumulates in 

 in asses and bursts the bark. This fact should always be 

 kept in view in pruning, and a sufficient supply of active 

 buds be left to absorb the sap. 



4. Tlie Yellows m the Peach. — This is supposed to 

 arise from negligent cultivation. It exhibits itself in a 

 yellow, sickly foliage, feeble shoots, and small fruits pre- 

 maturely ripened. It is said to be contagious. Trees 

 exhibiting these symptoms should instantly be destroyed. 

 To avoid it, care should be taken to propagate from trees 

 in perfect health and vigor. 



5. Mildew on the Peach. — The young shoots, leaves, 

 and even the fruit of certain varieties, and especially the 

 glandless ones, such as Early Anne, Early Tillotson, etc., 

 are attacked by this. The only remedies are, to give the 

 trees a dry, good soil, that will keep them in a vigorous 

 condition, and to syringe freely twice a day when it begins 

 to appear. The gooseberry suffers seriously from the mil- 

 dew, owing mainly to the heat of our summers. In 



