THE CITRON OF COMMERCE 905 



prior to being deposited in the box. The boxes ar 3 frequently opened, 

 inspected, and all infected fruit removed. Especially is this done just 

 prior to shipment. 



Laborers in citrus orchards reciveas wages from 30 to 40 cents a day, 

 without food being' furnished to them. In summer they are required to 

 work ten hours a day, and in winter eight hours. 



The cost per annum of cultivation in the best orchards per hectare 

 (H.471 acres), as estimated by a practical grower, Mr. Augustus Pera- 

 toner, United States vice-consul, is on the average 650 lire ($125.45). 



DISEASES AND PESTS. 



The diseases and pests attacking the citrus trees in this part of Sicily 

 are as follows : 



A disease called the " colla " (glue) sometimes (though not often in 

 this district) affects the citrus. It is said to be caused by a sudden 

 change from a high to a low temperature ; this checks the exhalation 

 of the tree, and the matter to be exhaled accumulates within until it 

 bursts the passages and forces its way out through the bark. On com- 

 ing in contact with the air it condenses in drops of a light-yellow gum. 

 The only remedy for this disease is to cut off the branches infected. 



A parasitic growth of a fungus nature frequently gathers upon the 

 bark of the trees. The lemon tree is more subject to this than the 

 orange. It is removed after a heavy rain, or after thoroughly soaking 

 the parts affected, by scraping. 



An insect called the pidocchio nero (black louse) infests the bark, 

 leaves, and fruit of both the orange and lemon j also, an insect called 

 thepidocch'io bianco \ white louse) infests in a similar manner the lemon 

 tree. In appearance it is like a minute scale or scab, of oval form, and 

 attaches itself with great tenacity to the bark, leaves, and fruit. This 

 insect prevails to a large extent in our orchards. As a remedy, a wash 

 of lime-water is used ; also, water slightly tinctured with kerosene. 



The fruit of both orange and lemon is sometimes injured by an insect 

 called the fly. It makes its appearance in the beginning of summer, 

 and commences its devastation by stinging the fruit and depositing 

 therein its eggs. These eggs develop into grubs, which destroy the fruit. 

 When the fly tirst appears the fruit on the tree should be frequently 

 washed. The water should be applied with a sponge. Some slightly 

 tincture the water with kerosene or soda. Fumigating the trees with 

 the smoke of sulphur has also been tried. No remedy has yet been dis- 

 covered that effectually destroys the noxious pests. Good ventilation, 

 thorough culture, and plenty of sunlight are the best preventives. 



EXPORTS TO UNITED STATES. 



In the export of citrus fruits from Catania to the United States dur- 

 ing the past three years tUere has been a gradual decline. This is prob- 



