82 FRUIT TREES IX POTS [ch. 



over it, owing to its being too slippery. In the 

 event of the chalk becoming damp and sticky, 

 the ant will easily pass over it. Watch this 

 carefully, and renew the application whenever 

 necessary. 



Mildew. — This will sometimes show itself on 

 peaches and nectarines, and I know of no remedy 

 other than a little powdered sulphur, which should 

 be dredged or sprinkled on the affected parts. 

 Prevention is far better than cure, and if strict 

 attention be given to instructions in the calendar 

 with regard to syringing at night, no mildew will 

 appear. 



The leaves of fruit trees in pots sometimes 

 become yellow and sickly. This may originate 

 from over-watering, or the absence of iron in the 

 soil. The remedy for this is a very simple one. 

 Procure a little sulphate of iron from a chemist, 

 and thoroughly dissohe ^ oz. in 1 gallon of 

 water, and water the affected trees once or twice 

 a week with solution until the foliage improves 

 and regains colour. 



Generai- i[ints. — Unless well versed in 

 chemistry, it is better never to use chemicals in 

 water when watering trees. To destroy aphides 

 do not use any strong insecticides. One of the 

 best and safest is an infusion of quassia. This 

 can be obtained from any chemist or horticultural 



