70 THE CULTIVATION OF THE 



to the gallon. Whilst on the subject of washes let me 

 recommend, in trimming diseased trees, or even healthy- 

 trees, the use of germicides on your saw or knife, before 

 passing from one tree to another, as I believe disease 

 germs may be carried, and thus healthy trees become 

 inoculated. This should especially be done when trees 

 have Peach-yellows or Pear-blight. 



GERMICIDES FOR THE SAW OR KNIFE. 



Linseed Oil i quart. 



Crude carbolic acid 4 fluid ounces. 



Mix them and grease the saw or knife. 



Another may be made by dissolving seven and one- 

 half grains corrosive sublimate in one gallon hot water ; 

 dip the saw or knife in this before using on a second tree, 

 or probably what would be better in many cases of 

 Peach- Yellows and Pear-blight on a second branch. 

 The objection to this last is that it is very poisonous and 

 might be mistaken for water, being colorless ; therefore, 

 it should be handled, if used at all, with the greatest 

 care. If any of it should be swallowed, white of egg^ 

 internally, will render it harmless. The oil and carbolic 

 acid is also poisonous, but the odor and other physical 

 properties make it much safer. Thomas Taylor, 

 microscopist at the Agricultural Department, Washing- 

 ton, D. C, suggests, in order to destroy the spores 

 which may be a cause of Yellows and other diseases, the 



