The Apple Tree Borer. 



5§8. Sir. — Some fine trees in my orchard have been nearly destroyed with the 

 borer. Can you give me a remedy V 



C. J. Li.stek, Bowmar.viUe. 



A remedy now is almost like " locking the stable door when the horse is 

 stolen " ; however, if the track of the borer is found, he may be destroyed by 

 thrusting in a wire without cutting the tree very badly. Then cover the wound 

 with wax or varnish, and the tree may possibly recover. 



The best remedy is prevention. Apple trees should be washed with soft 

 soap and water once in June and once in July of each year, if the borer is 

 about, and this will effectually save them from this insect enemy. The parent 

 beetle flies during these months and deposits her eggs in the bark of slow-growing 

 trees, where they remain boring farther and farther into the interior Lr two or 

 three years before pupating. 



Best Artificial Fertilizer. 



5§9 Sir. — I would be much obliged if you would let me know through the Cana- 

 dian Horticulturist the best artificial fertilizer for young apple trees ; age four years and 

 under. Also when should it be applied ? 



S. J. Rutherford, St. Hilda, Ga-spereau, X.S. 



Reply by Prof. Craig, Ottawa. 



It is difficult to reply to a question so general in its extent and character. It 

 must not be expected that fruit trees can be grown successfully, and the best 

 results obtained from the application of a single fertilizer, as nearly all plants 

 require a combination of the three principal elements taken from the soil which 

 enter into the plant growth, viz : Phosphoric acid, nitrogen, and potash. 



In a general way it maybe said that nitrogen stimulates the development of 

 woody tissues in trees, while potash and phosphoric acid have a more direct 

 effect upon the productiveness of the tree as well as the thorough and complete 

 ripening of the wood. 



For young trees a fertilizer compound of 25 bushels of wood ashes, 100 

 lbs. of crushed bones, and 150 lbs. of sulphate of ammonia, or nitrate of soda, 

 should furnish the principal elements of plant food required for the growth of a 

 healthy tree. Of course, very much will depend upon the character of the soil. 



Nitrate of soda, or sulphate of ammonia, will furnish the nitrogen. The phos- 

 poric acid may be purchased in crushed bone or as dissolved bone black, and 

 the potash may be secured in wood ashes, muriate of potash or kainit. 



In using mixed fertilizers the best results are usually obtained when they are 

 applied in the spring. 



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