TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19268, 3 January 1931, Page 21 (Supplement)

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

CORRESPONDENTS will greatly oblige by observing the following rules in sending questions for publication in these columns:— 1. —Letters should be in not later than Thursday to be answered the following week—addressed to Garden Editor, “ Star ” Office, Christchurch. 2. —Write on one side of the paper, and make all communications as concise as possible. 3. —Flowers, etc., sent for naming, must be sent separately, and, if possible, packed in a tin or wooden box—cardboard boxes are very liable to be broken in transit and the contents damaged. \ 4. —The full name and address of the gender must always be sent, but a nom de plume or initial may be given for publication.

SUBSCRIBER (Bryndwr) sends a begonia leaf for examination.—lt is due to dampness, probably aggravated by cold weather. Dust the foliage with powdered sulphur. Do not give too much water in dull, cold weather. J.S. (Hillsborough) writes: I wish to know how to make mushroom spawn. I have a lot of sheep manure. 1 have some glasshouses, but blight seems to be ever present, so I thought I would try mushrooms.—Sheep manure and glasshouses are useless for mushrooms. The making of mushroom spawn is the work of experts. To grow mushrooms you must have horse manure, and a cool, dark place. UNPOPULAR (Avonside) writes: The roots of some poplar trees have broken through my tarred path, and soon shoot up into young trees if not checked. I propose to cut out the young shoots and give the naked root a dose of sulphuric acid. Do you consider this would be effective, or would the trouble appear again? Were the trees cut down would the roots continue to sprout?—The sulphuric would kill everywhere it touched, and would be the most effective measure, but ± would not like to say that every bit of the roots would die. Poplar roots are difficult to deal with, but by cutting off tops and treating with a Plant poison you will get rid of them. The roots would be sure to grow, but by continual cutting they would give out R.S. fSpreydon) writes: We are troubled with a small bronze bug, which at-

tacks roses, fruit trees, etc. What can be used against it?—Spray with arsenate of lead powder, one ounce to two gallons of water. RICHMOND writes: I have an apple tree Infested with woolly aphis. I have tried several sprays, but they do no good. I believe a ladybird was introduced which successfully cleared off the pest. Where can I procure some of these beetles?—Write to the Agricultural Department; it would probably be able ot procure some of this insect for you. Woolly aphis lias been but little trouble of late years, owing to the introduction of this natural parasite. Arsenate of lead is of no value for clearing off woolly aphis; use an oil spray, or if there are only a few insects to be seen procure a little methylated spirit, and a stubby paint brush, and wherever an insect is seen touch it with the brush dipped in the methylated spirit. HORTUS asks for a remedy for cabbage fly. If a spray is used should the cabbages be treated before cooking?— Cabbage fly is difficult to control, because most people do not consider it worth attention until, it has done a deal of damage. Spraying with arsenate Qf lead followed by one of the new white or light spraying oils, should be effective. It is difficult to “wet” the leaves of cabbage unless an oil spray is used. The only preparation, prior to use, necessary for sprayed cabbage, would be a thorough washing.