41 
unmistakable evidence of gradual decay, although he informed me 
they had greatly improved since he commenced his treatment; the 
bark looked fresh and was less shrivelled than usual, but the presence 
of dead shoots, with occasional gummy exudation, told its own tale. 
Unquestionably the application of the wash had proved beneficial in 
destroying allinsects, and thus lessening the strain upon the vital 
energies of the plant. 
CURL OR BLISTER (Taphria deformans). 
This well-known pest is a troublesome enemy to the peach-grower, 
and is one of the first parasites to make its appearance on trees 
affected by peach-blight. Although commonly considered to be 
caused by insects, it is in reality a fungus of very simple structure, 
but remarkable for its effect upon the leaves, which are curiously 
contorted and curled, often presenting the appearance of being 
covered with whitish blisters. The fungus consists of a thin layer of 
cells developed on the surface of the leaf and containing sporidia, 
which cause the leaves to look as if they were dusted with flour. 
The best remedy is to dust the leaves with sulphur. Mr. 
Goodhue’s mixture would, doubtless, prove beneficial. 
Other species of fungi are found on the leaves of the peach, but 
at present little is known about them. 
PEACH-APHIS (Aphis amygdali.) 
Two or more species of aphis are found on the peach, but the form 
most frequently observed appears to be identical with the common 
peach-aphis of Europe. The aphis frequently occurs on the peach in 
great abundance, and accelerates the process of exhaustion caused by 
peach-blight, of which it is not unfrequently said to be the cause. 
For treatment, see under “‘ Orange-aphis,” page 31, ante. 
- THRIP. 
See under “‘ Lemon,” page 32, ante. 
CATERPILLAR. 
The caterpillars of several small moths feed upon the leaves of the 
peach, but at present sufficient information has not been obtained to 
allow of their identification. 
For treatment, see under “ Lemon,” page 382, ante. 
SCALE. 
The apple-scale is occasionally seen on the peach, but only in 
districts where it is generally distributed. In Auckland the native 
gandalwood-scale is attacking the peach amongst other fruit-trees. 
The castor-oil mixture, as recommended for apple-scale, will prove 
equally efficacious with the scale-insects found on the peach. 
BORER. 
The peach is occasionally attacked by a boring insect, but at 
present the insect itself has not been observed during any stage of its 
existence. 
