ON FRUIT CULTURE. 1025 



This feeds upon the kernel, the Nut usually falls, and the maggot 

 escapes in the way shown in Fig. 662, and pupates in the soil. 

 Tar should be spread upon boards or stiff paper and placed 

 beneath the trees towards the end of May. The trees should 

 then be shaken, and the fallen Beetles destroyed. All unsound 

 Nuts should be burned, and a dressing of quicklime placed 

 beneath the tree as the Beetles were about to emerge from the 

 soil would be useful. 



Phytoptus Avellantz, a relative of the Currant Bud Mite, gives 

 trouble, and the only plan is to hand-pick the abnormal buds 

 and burn them. There is also a bluish-green and yellow Sawfly 

 caterpillar ( Croesus septentrionalis), which soon defoliates a tree if left 

 alone. It is fairly abundant in early summer, and pupates in the 

 soil. For remedies, see "Sawflies" in Chapter "On Pests Generally." 



Peaches. 



In the Open. — As the culture and treatment of the Peach is 

 exactly similar to that advised for Nectarines, it is here only 

 necessary to give a description of the best varieties, placed in 

 their order of ripening. Waterloo is probably the best early 

 Peach we have, being hardy, setting its fruit well, large, handsome, 

 of good flavour ; it ripens outside against a warm wall in the- 

 third week in July. Amsden June and Early Alexander are only 

 a few days behind the first-named, and also succeed very well 

 outside. There are several other very early varieties, but they 

 will not compare at air favourably with the three above-mentioned. 

 As a successor, Hales' Early is a very large, handsome, and 

 delicious fruit, and an abundant bearer. Condor closely follows 

 in ripening its large handsome fruit, which is of exquisite flavour. 

 Rivers' Early York is another grand variety in use about the same 

 time as Condor ; both are free bearers. Dagmar is usually a 

 few days later, and is a large fruit with a brilliant colour, and of 

 first rate quality ; the trees always bear well. Crimson Galande 

 is another highly-coloured variety of the finest flavour, large, and 

 a free bearer. Violette Hative is in use about the same season 

 as the last-named, and is a most reliable variety, bearing heavy 

 crops of large, well-flavoured handsome fruit. Royal George is a 

 well known and popular Peach; unfortunately, on heavy soils it 

 is subject to Mildew, consequently, it should only be planted in 

 warm soils that are well drained, when it proves one of the best 

 varieties in commerce. Barrington is a really magnificent sort 

 when true, and is hardy and prolific, with large fruit of the 

 first size and quality. Bellegarde is a magnificent late Peach, 

 of high colour and exquisite flavour; a great cropper, and quite 

 hardy. Late Devonian is a new variety that promises to be 

 a decided acquisition, being large, handsome, and of delicious 

 flavour. The Nectarine Peach and Walburton Admirable are 

 two very good late varieties of proved merit, and rich flavour. 



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