THE CODLIN MOTH.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 270, 16 November 1887, Page 3

THE CODLIN MOTH.

This destructive pest of the age is now be

coming year by year in an increasing manner the fruitgrower's terror ; and un. less some safe remedy is quickly provided, the whole orchards of the colony must succumb to its ravages. Nostrums aro oven propounded in Parliament for its extinction, and answers are given to queries informing us what is intended to bo accomplished by legislation ; but still the moth wings on its way at pleasure, and sets at deliance many of tho theories invented for its capture. Fruitgrowers are now waking up to the fact that really nothing will ultimately banish the moth except the sprayed poison. Either the Paris green or London purple must be applied, thrown on to the young fruitassoonasshaped. Peoplehavehesitated about using tho poison, bub American experienceshowsthatitcan be used with safety. The next difficulty has been the spray itself. Several have been offered to the public—all more or less useful. A test trial was recently made by " Hortus " to find out the qualities of some of these sprays. One, especially, was spoken about, and when tested threw out a, fine enough spray, but only went up a few feet above thfi ground, and did not appear powerful enough, unless by great force, to reach the top of the smallest trees. One spray, procured from Messrs Porter and Co., ironmongers, Queen-street, which has been specially manufactured in Auckland to their order, gave excellent results. It is propelled by tho " Aquapult, or Portable Hand Force Pump." This spray, which is very cheap, can be fitted on any garden hose and pump, and made to throw to a great distance the finest spray we have witnessed. . Not only fruit, but all kinds of plants, can bo sprayed at pleasure and with the greatest case and safety. The pump fits into a bucket of water which contains the poisonous mixture, and can bo carried all over the garden and from tree to tree. This is just the time to apply the Paris green or London purple, as some early apples are just formed about as big as marbles. The quantity to use is lib to 160 gallons of water, and in no case use it stronger. Some have injured the foliage by applying an over-dose. If an application is given now, and another in two or three weeks, then growers can rely that their fruit will be saved from tho codlin moth. The poison should bo well mixed with tho water. Tho best time to apply tho spray is in cloudy weather. Wo understand that a great number of persons are determined to give this now remedy a trial this season.