TO CORRESPONDENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19388, 24 July 1926, Page 4 (Supplement)

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

" Daisy." Thames.-—Sulphate of ammonia, evenly applied over the whole surface ot thehwn, Bhoiild kill daisies and plantain. In Britain a preparation called " lawn sand" is said to destroy daisies, ribbed grass, plantains, dandelions, etc., and at the sanm time improve the quality o£ the Kraes. it should bo applied through a/ dredging bo* or a sniali quantity put on the crowns ot tbo weeds and applied in dry weather. A second or third application may be necessary for strongly-rooted weeds. The writer does not know if lawn sand can be purchased here. Approved weed-killera are effective, dabbing the crowns of the weeds with a brush or stick after dipping it in the solution. M.J8.F,.. Timaru.—The caustic soda-alkali solution is much the best, easiest mixed, and applied of all winter sprays. The appearance of the trees after having been treated is most striking. The moss and other parasitic growths disappear and the bark Bhines cleat 1 and clean. To maka 10 gallons, weigh out 21b. of caustic soda, being careful not to get any on the hands or clothing owing to-its burning nature: place in a benzine tin half-filled with water, and stir until dissolved: .diluto to ten gallons. Next dissolve lOoz. of soft soap m a little boiling water, and, when quit* dissolved, pour into the caustic solution. Always add the soap last and stir until thoroughly dissolved, when it is ready for use. Adding lib of carbonate of potash makes it more effective in Killing eggs of red spider and aphis. This solution is also a fungicide. The mixture you refer to is more complicated to prepare ahd no more effective. A.M., Mungaroa.--Bluegums 18 months old are. as a rule, too largo to transplant with safety. ®To cut the roots or branchc* is detrimental. 8.W.P.. Kaitala.—With the exception of a little thinninsr out, passion-fruit planU succeed best when allowed to grow naturally, without pruning. " Mercer." —You refer to lings appearing on your lawn after the cuttine has been done. They are probably a species of fungi, such as toadstools or bastard mushrooms. Raking the ground to disturb them and a dressing of sulphate of ammonia is about the best remedy. For recently-planted rosea sulphate of ammonia, from 21b. to 31b.. and superphosphate. 81b per 40 isauare yards, is the best fertiliser, spreading over the surface. In preparing th« ground u?e basic slag. lib. to 2)b. per square vand. A little stable manure, mixed with the soil when planting, is recommended. Re pruning: Sea last week's notes J.C.I'.. Hikai.—Specimen lrom shrub you found growing wild among the tea-tree or manuka scrub is a species of hnkea, an Australian native. It becomes a pest and should not be allowed to spread. -T.H.J.. Handerson,—B'artsia viscons, of wend, is the name <of weed that you describe as numerous in some paddocks; and Erigeron canadense is the name of the other weed, which is not a serious pest and is easily cot rid of. It is usually a roausido weed. " Subscriber." Rangiriri.—To prevent the old stumps of willows that have been cut down from shooting again, spray with tno following misJtiire:—Taka 12lb. _of caustic soda and 301b. arsenic. B'cil the soda in five eallons of water, and when boiling sprinkle in the arsenic, being careful not to allow any of the arsenic to fall into the tiroBoil for half an hour. The five gallons may be diluted to make 200 gallon?.. Appt? with a spray mimp. when the young snoots are about a foot long, in the spring. All stock must be kept away from the treated stumps. " Inquirer." Uauraki Plains. —Re suitability of Luculia gratissima rosea to growin those parts of your district where neay-' frosts frequently occur: 21 is unfortunately quite unusitable. as it would be ku ed. it comes from Darieeling, in the Himalayas ot India, and will only stand a- moderate degree of frost. It succeeds well anywhere in and around Auckland. A bousrainvillea might crow on the northern or sunny side :nf your house, but not on the southern Scarlet hibiscus would not exist. G A.. Oratii, —Potato onions should be planted in : it is too now. Tree tomatoes should be very profitable for joii to grow in that sheltered part of your ground. The fruits are always in demand and realise satisfactory prices. tor jam-making, pies, etc., tree tomatoes ara becoming most popular. B.BPOS.