344 Report oF THE HorricuLtrurist OF THE 
the important ingredients in most of them are the same as in the 
one given above. 
These washes probably have the effect of softening and loosen- 
ing the old bark so that it is more readily shed, thus relieving the 
bark bound condition and inducing a vigorous growth. Bordeaux 
mixture is beneficial in this respect as a smooth, shiny appear- 
ance of the bark is a characteristic of well sprayed trees. 
A discussion of the necessity of thorough cultivation and fer- 
tilization of orchards need not be entered into here, but it may be 
said that any treatment that tends to promote the vigor of the 
trees indirectly gives them greater power to resist disease. This 
fact was strikingly illustrated in the inoculation experiments with 
nursery stock where it was found that the trees that were making 
a feeble growth were far more susceptible to the action of the 
fungus than those which were making a vigorous growth. 
Usually but little attention is given to slight wounds that are 
made here and there on the trees, but it should be remembered 
that a majority of cankers start from some mechanical injury. 
Too much eare cannot be exercised not to wound or bruise the limbs 
when trimming the trees or picking the fruit. Wounds are fre- 
quently made by the chafing of ladders against the limbs or by 
the workman’s boot when climbing through the trees. Serious 
wounds are also frequently made by propping the limbs when 
they are cverloaded with fruit. The props should be padded or 
have the corners rounded where they come in contact with the 
limbs; they should be put in place carefully and not be driven 
under the limbs as is sometimes done. All wounds, whether ac- 
cidental or made in trimming, should be protected with thick 
paint or grafting wax. 
Cankered limbs should be cut out wherever practicable, or in 
some cases it may pay to cut off the diseased bark and cover the 
wounds as recommended above. Then as a preventive measure 
we feel warranted in recommending thorough spraying with Bor- 
deaux mixture, giving the first treatment before the leaf-buds. 
