1 3 o 



We note from California!! papers that a new system of prun- 

 ing the lemon has taken a firm hold on the minds of some 

 growers, the main idea of this system being to cut away all the 

 branches that are inclined to run to the perpendicular, and keep 

 the top of the tree quite low, and allowing the branches to spread 

 out horizontally like a big umbrella. We do not, however, feel 

 inclined to advise such a wide departure from ordinary practice 

 until the system is adopted extensively by growers. 



FUMIGATION. 



We are strong and consistent advocates of the value of 

 fumigation for the destruction of almost all insect pests that 

 affect citrus trees, and our view is that this should be done 

 annually as a part of ordinary orchard practice. Every well- 

 equipped grower should have his supply of tents, and sails for 

 his larger trees, and each year these should be overhauled, and 

 all holes repaired by patching, being careful to overlook none, 

 no matter how small, as the smallest leakages of gas materially 

 affect the success of the job. It must not be forgotten that it 

 costs money and takes time to fumigate a grove, and too much 

 care cannot be taken to see the work is thoroughly done. Always 

 take care to close the base of the tents after being placed over 

 the trees by throwing sufficient soil upon the overlap to secure 

 them. Full instructions for dosing trees can be obtained from the 

 Department of Agriculture. 



MAL DI GOMA. 



(or root rot.) 



This disease is so widely spread amongst South African 

 orchards that we think it will not be out of place to insert here 

 the treatment as recommended by the U.S. Department of Agri- 

 culture, who have made exhaustive enquiries on the subject : 



1. Remove the earth from about the roots for two or three 

 feet from the trunk, being careful not to wound the healthy 



root In all cases the roots should be left exposed till 



recovery takes place, except possibly during a portion of the 

 winter when severe freezes are liable to occur. 



2. Cut away all diseased spots in the bark of the roots or 

 trunk, and cover the wounds with one of the following antiseptic 

 solution--: (i ) Sulphurous (not sulphuric) acid, 15 parts to 85 



