48 



BITTER PIT INVESTIGATION. 



WHEN DISEASE FIRST APPEARED. 



As a rule a disease is only specially noticed when it has become very destructive, and in its 

 early beginnings attracts but little attention. Besides, in the matter of dates, the memory is 

 often apt to play us false, and this must be remembered in connexion with the recollections of 

 very old growers. Among Victorian orchardists, Mr. Lang, of Harcourt, remembers it " about 

 40 years ago," Mr. Fankhauser, of East Burwood, states that " it was very pronounced in 

 Cleopatra in 1876," Mr. Lawrey, of Kinglake Nurseries, remembers it in apples in 1878 ; and Mr. 

 Wahner, of Muckleford, about 1876. 



In New South Wales 1898 is the first year recorded. 



In South Australia, Mr. Hum, of Angaston, says— C£ Fully 35 years in apples, but we have 

 never known it in pears"; and Trescowthick Bros., Angaston, remark—" It appeared in the 

 Cleopatra apples 43 years ago." Mr. Vickers, of Forest Range, dates its appearance in apples 

 from 1880, and in pears from 1910. The disease has been definitely described by Frazer S. 

 Crawford as occurring in South Australia in 1886, and the Honorable T. Playford first saw it in 

 1860. 



In Western Australia the earliest date given is 1891, by Mr. Sandow, Cottesloe 



Beach. 



In Tasmania one states that "it has always been here," and Mr. White, Beaconsfield, remarks 

 — " I can remember it in the New York (Cleopatra) over 40 years." 



AGE OF TREES WHEN FRUIT FOUND AFFECTED. 



A number state that the fruit is affected at all ages, from the time the trees begin to bear, 

 but worst on young trees making vigorous growth, and bearing light crops. One has expressed 

 this view very neatly—" The younger the tree, and the larger the fruit, the worse the Pit seems 

 to be." It is generally considered that old trees are not so liable, but still it occurs. An 

 experienced orchardist, Mr. Lang, of Harcourt, states— ' ' 1 have seen affected fruit on young trees 

 first year bearing, and in all stages up to 40-year old trees." In New South Wales it also occurs 

 at all ages, but mostly on young trees. In South Australia it is the same, but only one orchardist 

 states—" At all ages, more so in old trees." In Western Australia the general view is expressed 

 " From commencement of fruiting to twenty years of age and upwards," and in Tasmania at " all 

 ages, but fruit from young and vigorous trees worst." 



STAGE OF GROWTH OF FRUIT WHEN DISEASE FIRST OBSERVED. 



This will depend so much on the variety that general statements do not count for much, 

 for in some varieties it generally developes in store. Most have observed it when the fruit is 

 nearly full groAvn and nearly ripe, but very few in the comparatively young stage. There are the 

 various gradations of half, two-thirds, and three-quarters grown, and some have only observed 

 it in store. Only two have observed it in a very early stage of the fruit, one " when about the 

 size of a large walnut," and another " in bad cases before Christmas, when the fruit is the size of 

 a walnut." One observes, however, " In the Williams' Favourite apple in my garden the Pit was 

 noticeable soon after the fruit set." 



In New South Wales it is generally observed when the fruit is nearly full grown, and 

 sometimes when half developed. " Some when half grown, some after being stored." 



In South Australia when three-fourths to full size. 



In Western Australia when about three parts to nearly full grown, although occasionally 

 when about half grown. " By close inspection it can be discovered when the apples are about 

 three parts matured." 



