TO CORRESPONDENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22402, 24 April 1936, Page 11 (Supplement)

TO CORRESPONDENTS

"Kiwi.— (1) Red Astrachan. (2) Charles Ross. J.P., Parnell.—The grubs are the larvae of the clothes moth, Tineola Biselliella. R.n.S.. Te Aroha.—The lilac tree is evidently from a sucker and these take several years to flower. Suckers are best budded with an approved variety when quite small. The bush will flower eventually. "Anxious." Tangaihi.—Name of hedge plant. Escallonia Ingramii; makes a good hedge of about 4ft. high. Being of a somewhat pendulous habit, if allowed to grow taller, the hedge lacks stability. It will be quite hardy in your district. A.W., Silverdale.—Kumera plants are raised from the tubers placed on a hotbed, or in a frame in spring. Large quantities of plants may be taken from the same tubers if they are removed frequently. Full instructions will be given tit the proper time: about August-September. J., Te Puke.—(l) Verbena venosa. native of Brazil, a garden escape naturalised in many places. (2) Gnapthalium luteo-album (Cudweed). (3) Erigeron canadensis (Fleabane). (4) Gnapthalium keriense. (5) Phalaris canariensia (Canary Grass), (6) Thlaspi arvense (Penny Crass). (7) Bidens pilosa (Beggnr's Ticks). (8) Sonchus oleraceus fSowthistle). (0) Sonchus asper (Prickly Sowthistle). I'hanka for the note on kowhai seeds. "Parnell."—The disease of the lemon is "gummosis." It appears most frequently at the base of the tree, and extends iid the trunk, or downwards along the root. The condition may arise from unfavourable soil, poor drainage, or mechanical injury to the bark. Remedial measures consist of removal of the soil about the base of the tree to permit of aeration, cutting away the diseased parts. Then paint with a solution of equal parts of carbolic acid and water, covering the wounds afterwards with wax, or tar. The tree will decline and die unless remedial measures are taken. (2) The hibiscus can be moved quite safely- now, if lifted with a good ball of soil. Kepos.