I—l 2.

6

W. A. BOUCHER.

decided that, as it was very largely a question of commercial result, I would reduce the expenditure as far as possible. One section of the orchard was ploughed once only. During the third year, at the request of the committee, I kept one section without the pigs at all, so that the fruit might be gathered from the ground and counted, so as to give the percentage of infected fruit that fell to the ground. The pigs were shut out from one-half of the orchard in the early part of the season. 24. That was cultivated ?—That had been cultivated previously. That was all the working during the season. That reduced expenditure to a certain extent. 25. Did the bandaging and spraying go on the same as in the former years?— The bandages were not used at all last season—that, again, at the request of the committee. At the end of the previous season we had some discussion upon the results obtained, and whether they were altogether reliable on account of the pigs and bandages having been used. At the commencement of the third season I discussed the matter with the committee, and we decided that it would be better to take the pigs off the orchard and leave it, so that the fruit might be gathered and counted for the percentage of infected fruit that fell to the ground. At the same time we decided that no bandages should be used at all—that the result should be a test for spraying, and spraying alone. 26. Did you approve of this course, then ?—I was quite willing to accept their suggestions in the matter, because I am firmly convinced, and have actually proved, that the codlin-moth can be kept down by spraying, and spraying alone, although I would always suggest that bandages be used in connection with it. 27. What was the outcome of this year as far as receipts and expenditure were concerned? Is it shown in the balance-sheet that we have here? —Yes. 28. The receipts are shown at £84 3s. Id., against expenditure £70 7s. lOd., leaving £13 15s. 3d. as the profit last year ?—Yes. I must call attention to the excessively high rent, which no ordinary man would charge against his own place. That would really almost amount to a profit itself, or be considered with the profit. 29. Your other charge in the Auckland District has been as inspector, has it not ?—Yes. 30. What have you reported as to the condition of the district during this past season ? — Generally, the Auckland Provincial District is as badly infected, I think, as it ever has been, although one comes across occasional instances of orchards that are reported to be comparatively free from the moth. 31. Is the difference attributable to different treatment? —No. The orchards are certainly not generally sprayed. Apparently there is some parasite at work. An examination of the fruit in the Auckland markets last season was sufficient to prove that the Auckland Provincial District generally is very badly infested. 32. Is treatment general in the district, or not ?—No. A few of the more progressive orchardists have already treated their trees, satisfactorily to themselves. But generally, apparently on account of the apples not being altogether profitable, the treatment has not been taken up. The reason why apple-growing has not been profitable is that we have not an export trade to regulate the price in the local markets. My opinion is that we cannot get an export trade of any importance until we get some measure which will bring about a general method of treating the codlinmoth. 33. Have the other pests, such as scale, been detrimental to the profitable condition of these orchards, speaking generally ? —The most troublesome apple-scale is not prevalent in the northern part of the Auckland Province. It is only prevalent in the Waikato. 34. Is it attracting other fruits there, such as plums, or not?— No. 35. Is not that the same scale as attacks the plums and other fruits?— That same scale does attack a number of fruits. 36. Is that disease which is prevalent in some other parts of the colony prevalent in Auckland the silver blight ?—Yes. I have some trouble with it; but if it is taken in hand in time Ido not regard it as a serious matter. 37. How do you mean " taken in hand in time " ?—By removing the infected limb, or using a heavy dressing of manure and also a dressing of sulphate of iron. 38. Have you known of any actual cure by that treatment ?—Yes, where it has not been allowed to go too far. If a tree becomes seriously affected right through to the roots the matter is hopeless, and it is far better to remove the tree itself. [The following extract from Mr. Kirk's report for 1900 was handed in.] Silver Blight. This mysterious disease has been known for a long time, and each year its ravages increase. That is, perhaps, to be expected, as the area under cultivation becomes greater. It is readily detected at a glance, as the foliage, usually of a single ahoot or branch, is seen to assume a shining silvery appearance ; then another and another limb may be attacked, beginning at the younger shoots, or the disease may not spread. Some years ago I mado a number of experiments of which the following are the results, stated briefly :— 1. That, though I believe the disease obtains admittance to the plant through the leaf, &c, yet 2. It may be communicated from an affected to a healthy tree by means of the pruning-knife. 3. I have produced the disease by inoculation. i. That there is no cure save the knife, and in this respect it seems to be on much the same footing as the pear-blight of America, oa the investigation of which much money and the highest scientific skill in America has been expended. 5. Though spraying appears to have little effect I found that a liberal application of sulphate of iron to the roots certainly did considerable good, strengthening and pushing on the tree, thus enabling it to resist the disease to some extent. The use of Bordeaux mixture seems to have been slightly beneficial, as the trees not sprayed had certainly more silver blight than those treated, and, moreover, the spraying keeps down other diseases, so helping to maintain the health of the tree. The experiments, however, need to be continued for several consecutive seasons, and on trees absolutely under the control of the Department. This, however, is not practicable until we have properly equipped horticultural stations. Ever since 18941 have recommended — (1.) Cut out affected branches directly they are seen, and burn them at once.