FRUIT TREES. Chap. V. 103 



the tip of a peach tree branch. After I halted it by cutting off the affected branches of the 

 vine & the peach tree & covering the lattice squares of the infected trellis with two coats 

 of oil paint, it never came back on that espalier. 



5°. The leaves & the tips of new shoots on peach trees sometimes get covered 

 with a sort of white powder that I believe is caused by an excessively thick & misdirected 

 extrusion of sap. This disease, quite different from mildew or leaf scorching that causes 

 white spots on leaves, greatly debilitates the tree & its fruit. Amputation of all of the 

 diseased parts is the quickest remedy, if indeed it is a remedy. If the shortened branches 

 don't produce any more healthy ones, there's no hope for the life of the tree. Its failing 

 strength henceforth will be unable to resist subsequent outbreaks of this disease that 

 ordinarily lasts three years. Some view cutting off the diseased parts as harmful to the 

 tree. Instead, they dig a small circular trench around its base & from time to time empty 

 into it a couple of pails of water in which they've diluted or soaked horse or sheep 

 manure & other fresh fertilizer. They claim that this is a supreme remedy. Others claim 

 that water alone is enough to restore trees afflicted by this disease. 



6°. Sometimes shoots & leaves don't reach their normal size. If the tree signaling 

 this danger by its decline & deterioration is not rescued, the leaves will turn yellow and 

 fall off prematurely. The illness stems from adulteration of fluids, dryness, too much 

 moisture, depletion of the soil, rotting of some of the large roots, cockchafer grubs, red 

 ants, &c. The first cause is hard to eliminate. Mere recognition of the others indicates the 

 remedies. Empty several pails of water around the foot of the tree from time to time; a 

 trench will prevent the water from flooding the roots too much. 



