THE CANADIAN HOllTICULTURIST. 137 



A few trees did not produce fruit. This will account for the absence 

 of some kinds from the list. 



Several varieties of the very early peaches show a disposition to dertiy, 

 and their value is «;roatly lessened by this •defect. Another year's trial will 

 establish to a certainty the advantages which some sorts jjossess over others 

 in this respect. As will be seen fioni these notes, several old peaches 

 which have been neglected of late have been found to possess qualities 

 which will merit attention. We expect next year to fruit the following: — 

 Saunders, Wilder, Musser, Conkling, Mrs. Brett, Bradley, Honeywell, Gov. 

 Garland, etc. Mr. Myers says that Saunders is not quite so large as th6 

 Alexander, but has fine color, and is entirely free from rot. The tree is very 

 productive, and ripens its fruit a few days after Alexander. Downing 

 ripens wjth Alexander and Amsdeu, and is of medium size and free from 

 rot. Wilder, of the same season as Alestander and Amsden, decays like 

 these varieties. 



This collection of peaches has been the most ititeresting that I have 

 had the pleasure of examining. I hope that otiier fruitgrowers will favor 

 lis with the results of their experiments, so that we may assist each other 

 in determining which kinds to keep and which to reject. 



W, C. Baury, Eocltester, N.Y. 



CAUSE OF BLACK KNOT. 



B\> N. IIENliRICKZ. 



There seems to have Leen and still to be an opinion tlmt the 

 outgrowtli on the plum and cherry trees, commonly called black knot, 

 is of a fungus nature. Let me ask, before proceeding farther, 

 what is the cause of the knot found on oak trees, or wild roses, or 

 blackberry shrubs, or vine leaves, or linden tree leaves, or oak leaves, 

 and in Europe also on beech tree leaves, which afterwards turn out 

 when dry like beads for necklaces, or for otlier ornaments ? All these 

 have insects inside. Having all due respect for persons and their 

 opinions, I dare say there arc many who read a great deal, and judge 

 by what they read, so they form their knowledge upon the authority 

 of others ; but to study the facts of nature by themselves, and watch 

 the result of an indefatigable investigation into matters of nature is 

 not given to everylwdy, in fact cannot be done by the most of men, 

 and so we must be very forbearing with tlieir opinions. 



When about fifteen years of age I liked to read about insects and 

 study their habits, so what I say is formed by my own experience 

 rather than what I have gleaned from authors, though at that timg I 



