1907.] Insect, Fungus and other Pests. 481 



leaves from the United States, where its presence caused some 

 anxiety, on account of the proximity of pine forests (N.Y. 

 Agric. Expt. Sta., Bull. No. 2). 



Potato Disease on Tomatoes. — A correspondent has lost some 

 50 tons of tomatoes grown in the open air, out of a total of 

 70 tons, owing to the plants being attacked by Phytophthora 

 infestans, the disease which is so harmful to potatoes. Bordeaux 

 mixture used against P. infestans on potatoes would be of 

 equal value against the same fungus on tomatoes. The 

 Bordeaux mixture prepared with lime should be used. 



As tomato foliage is somewhat softer than that of the potato, 

 more water should be added to the solution in order to prevent 

 scorching. The proper strength can only be found by experi- 

 ments made on the spot. If the spraying is well done the 

 mildew should be destroyed long before the fruit is set ; and 

 spraying should be done in anticipation of the disease and not be 

 delayed until it appears. Under any circumstances spraying 

 must cease soon after the first fruits are set. 



Diseased Tomatoes. — Another disease of tomatoes, which 

 was found on specimens sent from Palmer's Green, N., is 

 Cladosporium fulvum, Cke. Spraying with half-strength 

 Bordeaux mixture has been found the most effective treatment 

 up to the time the flowers expand. Afterwards, if necessary, 

 the plants may be sprayed with a solution of potassium sulphide, 

 1 oz. in 3 gallons of water. 



Celery Leaf-Scorch. — Specimens of celery forwarded from 

 Welwyn were infested by the disease known as celery leaf- 

 scorch, caused by Septoria petroselini, Desm. This was at 

 the end of September, when it was too late in the season to 

 spray with any advantage, but all diseased leaves should be 

 collected and burnt. In the spring, when celery is commencing 

 growth, the plants should be sprayed with a solution of potas- 

 sium sulphide, 2 oz. in 3 gallons of water. 



Preserving a Decaying Tree. — A London correspondent 

 inquires how to preserve a decaying tree, several of the branches 

 of which have died, while rotting extends down the trunk to 

 the ground. When a tree is not so far decayed that it is prac- . 

 tically past recovery, all, or as much as possible, of the decayed 

 wood and branches should be cut out. All the wounds made 

 should be given a coating of coal tar. If the tree be growing on 

 (2409) 2 H 



