FRUIT GROWING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6124, 10 March 1898, Page 2

FRUIT GROWING.

Mr S. I. Fitoh, of the Government , pom'ological staff, has returned from a long journey of inspection of orchards and instruction of fruit-growers, iti the Marlboroiigh, Nelson, West Coast and Kaikoura districts and part of Uorfch. Canterbury. He found codlin moth very prevalent in the Nelson, Colliugwood and Picton dißtricts, though there were fair results in orchards where systematic spraying had been practised. On the West Coast there were many good small orchards, the owners of which evidently take an interest in fruit-growing ; fungoid pests are prevalent there, the effeot of the remedies being detracted' from by the heavy and frequent rains. The young orchards at Cheviot which have been treated accordiug to instructions are doing well, but those in which the trees have not been properly treated at or since planting ace not thriving. The North Canterbury andKaikoura orchards are the best seen in any part of the journey. In all parts great damage has been done by >' the high winds/ especially to the apple crop, which will be far smaller than usual. Drought has affected the Nelson and Marlborough districts. There is room for much better management of orchards and fruit gardens in the selection of kinds as well as in cultivation and treatment. Mr Fitch, who was well received everywhere, leaves for Akaroa to-morrow to inspeot the Peninsula orchards.