THE USE OF PARIS GREEN

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2552, 17 November 1888, Page 2

THE USE OF PARIS GREEN

TO XHB EDITOR. Silt,—There is a deal of consternation and alitor amongst orehardists and gardeners in mid around Auckland, at the inequality in strength of Paris green. Several orchards are completely ruined for this season (not to speak of the fruit-bearing capabilities of the trees being injured for years by the use of this poison). One instance (amongst many) will explain the matter. A friend of mine, who is the owner of one of the finest orchards in the suburbs of Auckland, and who is thoroughly careful, had a portion of tho Paris green left from last season, which he used in the proportion of three ounces to 40 gallons of water. As in the previous season, neither foliage nor fruit were injured ; but the quantity of poison not being sufficient to spray all his trees, he obtained a one pound packet from Auckland, with the result that when used in the same quantities as previously (be it remembered much below what is advised to be used), he has injured and seriously destroyed a large number of trees showing magnificent fruiting. The orchardist referred to tells me he noticed no visible difference in the green other than it sank readily through the water. The colour of the decoction was no higher and he had no hesitation in using it, especially as he had good results from the uso of Paris green last year. He is now looking at his trees and thinking how green ho has been and fur-swearing its use for ever unless some guarantee can be given as to its equality in strength. This is not a solitary case. Several _ orchards around Epsom are completely ruined with quantities and proportions as used last year. Others who had sufficient of last year's Paris green have not injured them, but the general effect is to cause many to discontinue a proved remedy. The concensus is as usual to blame Government. Wo are a little too ready in New Zealand to make appeals to that unrecognisable quantity, a Government; yet really this is a case for Government. They have laboratories and all the means of giving information through chemical tests so that the poison used could be distributed in a uniform strength. In other countries they do these things; here it would seem we are all theory and far above practice, yet practice even in a Government is beneficial. King Charles the I'irst's dictum was that a Government policy ought to be like a beneficent dew, reach everywhere and everywhere benefit.— Yours &c. • Wat.teu Scott.