FRUIT GROWING

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1723, 23 December 1887, Page 3

FRUIT GROWING

The late and. cold Spring has blighted the hopes of thoae fruit growers who oultivate plums and pears. The show of fruit was extremely good, but the cold nights, ts usual, chilled off the young fruit In setting. When the orchard la near the sea, m a sheltered place, the cold 1b not bo much felt ; or even Inland, on rising ground, but the low valleys collect the chiller air, and there the tender fruit suffer. From want of kaowledge of the hard varieties of fruit cuitable to the district, years of time are frequently lost, •a often, when the trees are oU enough to bear, It is found they are nut hardy enough for onr trying Spring* Associations of fruit growers and fnter-oomma-nlcatlon of local knowledge, is the only method by which this loss of time and serlona disappointment can be avoided. Unfortunately what is everybody's business Is nobody's business— consequently the progress made m productive orchards is not so great as it might he. The climate not being suitable for delicate varieties, and insect pests very aggressive, the prospeots of the fruit grower are not very encouraging. The green beetle haß jaat commenced his attacks on the plum and apple trees, and, if not checked, will Btrip off the leaves, and effectually destroy the hopes of a crop next year. I have found soft soap, m solution, a good remedy, dissolved In water at the rate of two ounces to the gallon, and sprayed over the loaves. About three sprayings at Intervals Is generally sufficient to check It for the season. At the end of next month the black slug will begin on the cherry, pear, quince, and plum. This Insect Is more destructive than the beetle. Hellebore, at the rate of half an ounce to the gallon of boiling water, and sprayed cold, cheeks the devastation caused by this pest. Some of the hellebore Is adulterated, at the rate of 60 per cent , and Ib of course aseleai. If free from adulteration the remedy Is effectual. Our rainfall last month was below the evnr&ge for the last two yearß, being only blx inches compared with nine inches m 1886, and reven m 1885. It baa been quite I sufficient for all purposes, as Is Bhown by the grass when the land Is not overstocked, More warmth, however, Is required to give quicker growth and more fat-glvlng properties to the graHa. Without sunlight In abundance neither fruit, grain, nor butter can be produced m quantities sufficient to pay well. — Exchange.