THE COMMERCIAL ASPECT OF SARDY FRUIT GROWING. 33? 
application in the winter, or while the trees are dormant, of 
1 lb. of caustic soda (Greenbank's 98 per cent.) and 1 lb. of 
crude commercial potash, dissolved in 10 gallons of hot water, 
and applied to the trees warm, in the form of a spray. This 
solution will kill the eggs of many insects, and dislodge large 
quantities by thoroughly cleansing the trees of all lichen or 
mossy growths on the branches, leaving them remarkably bright 
and clean. This preparation I have used for several years, and 
attach to it great importance, as aphides of all kinds and red- 
spider have scarcely caused us any trouble at all since this 
dressing has been employed ; but if any of these pests have 
appeared, no time has been lost in spraying with one of the 
many excellent insecticides now on the market, always taking 
care to have the liquid warm, as it is then more deadly to insect 
life than when cold. 
American blight is a great scourge, but may be eradicated 
by perseverance with 1 lb. of carbolic soft-soap dissolved in 
2 gallons of hot water, and 1 quart of petroleum added, thoroughly 
mixing the whole together while warm, and then brushing all 
infested parts with the preparation. Another remedy, recom- 
mended by Mr. Cox, of St. John's Nurseries, Worcester, is to 
simply touch each spot attacked by American blight with a brush 
dipped in olive oil. 
The Winter and Codlin moth larvse have worked great havoc 
in many fruit plantations. For these pests, 1 oz. of Paris green 
to 20 gallons of water is the best remedy I know amongst 
insecticides ; but, as this compound will not dissolve in water, 
it is important that the Paris green be kept in constant suspen- 
sion, and thoroughly mixed with the water, to ensure the liquid 
being of uniform strength throughout. The Codlin moth, or 
Apple grub as it is frequently termed, has been completely 
ousted from our plantation of bush trees by means of this 
Paris green. Poultry are a valuable aid if allowed to roam 
amongst the trees when not fruiting, as they devour immense 
quantities of insects and their eggs. 
Gooseberry caterpillars are easily destroyed by washing the 
bushes well with 2 oz. of " Killmright " dissolved in 1 gallon of 
hot water, applying it warm to the bushes. Two washings have 
always cleared our bushes of this enemy. 
With the Black Currant mite and the Raspberry-bud 
