40 
THE NATIONAL NURSERYMAN 
identical, the dissemination of information that is of value 
to citizens of the United States. 
If a statement, however true, is likely to mislead, it 
should he criticised to bring out its true application. 
Nothing, perhaps, would be more surprising to those 
responsible for the educational policy of the U. S. De¬ 
partment of Agriculture, if they could he brought to real¬ 
ize the effects of such statements as “The Toll of Plant 
Diseases” on the lay mind. 
It may be summarized somewhat as follows: The pro¬ 
duction of crops consists of formulas, recipies, cure-alls, 
rather than hard labor, knowledge of plant life, and ex¬ 
perience. 
Years of contact with the laymen as a nurseryman has 
convinced me of this, and one has only to glance through 
the current literature on Horticultural and Agricultural 
subjects to be convinced that the authors did not gain 
their livelihood by tilling the soil, and that the brightest 
minds are credulous about subjects that they are not 
familiar with. 
We arc getting far loo much sensational writing and 
talk about plant diseases and pests and not enough about 
plain everyday gardening and farming. 
The pathology of plants is only a part of the science of 
production. Doctors are good things to have around when 
you need them, but sensible right living people do not 
need them often. 
Inquiry: 
We notice your article on lighting peach tree borers 
with para-dichlorobenzene, which is very interesting. 
Will you kindly tell us where we can get full informa¬ 
tion as to its use, etc., and also where the material can 
be purchased. * W. B.C. 
Answer: 
Bulletin No. 796 of the U. S. Department of Agricul¬ 
ture gives an account of the experiments with para-dich¬ 
lorobenzene for destroying borers in peach trees. 
The results are summarized as follows:—Para-dich¬ 
lorobenzene has proved quite effective over a wide range 
of varying conditions imposed by field practice, with a 
considerable margin of safety for trees six years and 
over. 
In making the application the surface crust about the 
collar of the tree is broken. Excessive amounts of 
gummy exudations at the surface are removed. The 
lower levels of soil are disturbed as little as possible, and 
the required dose is distributed evenly about the trunk 
in a band 1 to 2 inches in width. Two or three shovels 
of earth are then placed over the material, and com¬ 
pacted with the back of the shovel, being mounded 
slightly to cover surface galleries. 
In the latitude of Washington and northern Virginia 
about September 10 has been found to be the most satis¬ 
factory time of application. Based on the insect’s sea¬ 
sonal history, the theoretical time of application in the 
North generally would be about September 1; in the 
Ozarks, September 25th; and in Georgia and the cotton 
belt, October 10. 
For 6 to 15 year old trees of average size, doses of one 
ounce and of three-fourths of an ounce per tree have 
been found effective in destroying the borers without 
injury to the trees. For very large trees of advanced 
age, a somewhat increased dose may be desirable. 
As an added precaution against injury, the base of the 
trees should be uncovered four to six weeks after appli¬ 
cation, allowed to remain open for a few days, and re¬ 
covered. This precaution is especially necessary if the 
application has been made very late. 
The use of para-dichlorobenzene in this way has been 
found to reduce the infestation on the average from 6.77 
to 0.41-0.36 larvae per tree, approximately a 94 per cent, 
control.” 
The manufacturing chemists are marketing P-Dich- 
lorobenzene under the name of Dichloricide, through 
the wholesale druggists in one pound and half pound 
tins, so that any druggist should be able to get it through 
his wholesaler if he hasn’t it in stock. 
I have some land suitable for the growth of Norway 
Maples and would like information on how to grow 
them. A. B. 
The seed of Norway Maples should be sown as soon 
as ripe or else stratified to keep in good condition for 
sowing the following spring. It is possible you could se¬ 
cure stratified seed from those who advertise in the col¬ 
umns of the National Nurseryman. Select a suitable 
piece of ground where it is deep loam. Trench it fully 
18 inches deep, forking out all rubbish and stones should 
there be any, and lay off in beds about 5 feet wide with 
pathways between them. This size makes it convenient 
for weeding and other attention, such as shading and 
watering should it be necessary. 
Sow the seed as soon as the ground gets in condition 
in the spring. You would find it worth while to provide 
yourself with slats made in about the size of a green¬ 
house sash, for purposes of shading. Good serviceable 
ones are made by using shingle lath for frame-work, 
and plaster lath nailed about one inch apart. 
These shading frames should be put over the beds in 
early spring, be sure the ground is kept cool and moist 
during the hot dry spells, until the seedlings break 
through the ground and are strong enough to take care 
of themselves. 
It is customary to leave the seedlings in the beds two 
years before bedding out. By that time the seedlings are 
possibly two to three feet high or even more. When 
bedding them out set them about six inches apart in 
beds or rows convenient for cultivating, and keeping 
them clean until they get six to eight feet, when they 
may be put out in nursery rows, 5 feet apart or more in 
the rows, 2 feet between the trees. 
PERENNIALS A GOOD LINE FOR THE NURSERY¬ 
MAN TO HANDLE 
The Weller Nurseries Company of Holland, Michigan, 
reports an unusual demand for perennials last fall and 
prospects for spring delivery are even better. 
Weller, General Manager of the Company, is quite op- 
