7 
insect-ova, would require special knowledge and exceptional powers of 
observation. The introduction of such a fungus as the “ black-knot,”’ 
ot California (Spheria morbosa), would be a serious aggravation of 
the evils under which fruit-growers have to labour. danitian insects 
of subterranean habits, as the currant-aphis, grape-louse, &c., might 
be introduced on the roots of plants. It is stated that the grape- 
louse of Australia attacks various kinds of plants; if this be correct, 
it might be introduced into the colony any day, although the impor- 
tation of the vine is strictly prohibited. 
The appointment of inspectors, with power to order the destruction 
of any affected trees, has been advocated, but no absolute necessity for 
such a measure has been made out at present; and with the more 
general diffusion of information about the diseases of plants it is 
not probable that such need will arise. 
The Codlin-Moth Act is strictly permissive, and at present has 
not been adopted in a single district, although the insect is generally 
distributed’ through the colony, and in some localities has materially 
diminished the annual yield. 
PREVENTION AND REMEDIES. 
The climate of New Zealand is exceptionally favourable to the 
rapid increase and vigorous growth of insects and plants introduced 
from temperate countries. European insects and weeds, when intro- 
duced, flourish with a vigour rarely exhibited in their native country, 
and increase with greater rapidity. But this is not all: under the 
new conditions induced by extensive cultivation the food-supply of 
many native pests has been increased to an unlimited extent, so that 
it is no matter for surprise that the grass-grub, lemon-tree-borer, and 
several species of scale, are found in ever-increasing numbers, and give 
good promise of excelling their imported allies in their powers of 
destruction. 
In former years fruit-cultivation was carried on under easier con- 
ditions: few insects had been introduced, and indigenous kinds had 
not discovered the more enticing food-supply afforded by introduced 
fruit-trees. All this is changed: a tree is no sooner planted than it 
is in danger of being attacked, and requires to be frequently inspected 
‘in order that noxious insects and fungi may be destroyed on their first 
appearance. The intending fruit-grower should consider this risk 
before planting. Unless he determines beforehand that his trees shall 
be kept clean at any cost, his anticipations of profit will be dis- 
appointed, and his orchards will be a source of infection for the whole 
country side. : 
As a general rule, the old method of growing tall orchard trees, 
with large spreading heads, will be found to place fruit-growers in 
New Zealand at a disadvantage when compared with the plan of 
growing dwarf trees occupying a smaller space. These have the 
advantage of being more easily sheltered from the high winds which 
visit most parts of the colony during the flowering season, and in 
