8 
exposed situations often cause a serious diminution in the crop. ‘An 
advantage of still greater moment is found in the increased facilities 
afforded for detecting the first appearance of noxious insects, and for 
the application of measures to insure their prompt extirpation. It is 
difficult, if not impossible, to keep large-headed orchard trees free 
from insect-pests; it is comparatively easy to keep trees 8 feet or 
10 feet high in a clean condition, whatever mode of growth may be 
adopted. 
The difficulty of keeping free-growing varieties of apple worked 
on blight-proof stocks in a dwarf condition may be obviated by double- 
grafting, the stock to be first worked well above the ground with the 
“ Paradise,” and that in its turn with the variety required for per- 
manent fruiting. 
Unless grown in the pyramidal form, fruit-trees should, as a 
general rule, be kept open in the centre, so as to admit the greatest 
possible amount of light. and air. Insects increase most rapidly in 
proportion as they find shelter and protection on the trees which they 
infest. 
In old neglected apple-orchards, where the branches are allowed 
to become interlaced and almost shut out the light of day, patches of 
American blight may be seet with the cottony outgrowth three inches 
in length. Ween shelter is abundant the natural enemies of the insect 
have less chance of attacking it. 
Prunings and thinnings from affected trees should be promptly 
destroyed. ; insects and. fungi are often established in new localities by 
neglect of this simple precaution. 
Moss and lichen should not be allowed to grow on the trunks and 
branches; grass and weeds should be eradicated from about the roots. 
No useless-growth should be permitted, and everything calculated to 
afford needless. shelter to insects should be removed. 
The results of the application of insecticides should be carefully 
watched, and the treatment promptly repeated, if found necessary. 
In the majority of cases insects may be extirpated with but little 
trouble on their first appearance; but if they are allowed to increase 
until the entire orchard is affected, their extirpation will involve a 
large expenditure of time and labour. Constant watchfulness against 
insect-pests, and promptitude in meeting their attack, will be found 
golden means for fruit-growers in New Zealand. 
It seems advisable to offer a few general remarks upon the 
remedies applicable to the chief classes of noxious insects, referring 
for fuller particulars of treatment to the detailed account given under 
each species. : 
SCALE. 
_ No insects are more easily destroyed than the apple-scale and its 
allies with horny shields: the castor-oil mixture, recommended under 
apple-scale, has never failed when properly applied. It is inexpensive, 
easily applied, and harmless to vegetation, It should be used during 
