Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-07-10

the people for new measures and better
methods in road building. Some mention
the large expense of breaking roads IN win
ter as drawback to road improvement,
and we wish to call the attention of all in
terested, to the successful operation of
large, heavy, snow rollers in several towns.
BY their use good, solid road is obtained,
of sufficient width for two teams to pass
each other and at the least possible expense
even on billy, drifting, roads. No shovel
ling is done, unless necessary to al
low the breaking team to pass, thus
keeping on top of drifts and avoiding
the channels which will always fill with
snow whenever light wind blows. Then,
having kept all the snow fall underneath
the road it goes off evenly in the spring and
will not be bare while the sides are still
covered with snow to a considerable depth.
The first requisite for road improvement
in many places is relocation, to avoid heavy
grades; the second, better drainage; the
third, permanent work on portions each
year.
The remarks of our correspondents, as
arranged by counties, will be found of es-
pecial interest this month.
Partial Failure Of the Apple Crop.
Prof. w. M. Munson, horiiculturist Ct
the Maine experiment station, says regard
ing the partial failure of the apple crop:
The present season seems specially fav-
orabe to the development of parasitic fungi,
and orchardists are suffering more than tor
several years from the attack of the apple
Scab fungus (Fusiclddium dendriticun).
Several orchards which blossomed freely,
and a month ago gave promise of large
crops, now present most discouraging
sight. The fruit has nearly all fallen and
the foliage is in many cases so blighted as
to seriously check the growth of the trees.
The orchard of Charles S. Pope of Man
chester, is q striking illustration of the case
in point. But in the midst of the general
destruction is to be found ray of hope for
the future. In May Mr.. Pope began a Sc
ries of experiments under the direction OF
the writer, in continuation of the work Of
last season; and at the present time the de-
cided evidence in favor of the use of Dor
deaux mixture as a preventive measure is
very gratifying. Nearly all of the trees
sprayed with this material June LIST, have
still fairly good crop of fruit, while con-
tiguous trees not sprayed, though apparent
ly as good in every way, have lost every
apple.
The vitality of the trees is apparently
so reduced that in nearly every instance
where paris green has been used in fight
ing the codling moth the foliage is badly
scorched and the trees are often nearly
denuded.
Baldwin is the variety most seriously
attacked, and while it is not probable that
the trees will be permanently injured, the
loss of fruit for this season will be severely
felt.
1t is too late to save the present crop,
but as preventive measure for the future,
| it is suggested that the trees be sprayed
early in the spring-before the buds ex-
psnd-with a solution of copper sulphate
blue stone,) using one pound to twenty
| five gallons of water. Before the blossoms
open spray with Bordeaux mixture. After
the blossoms fall repeat the application Of
Bordeaux mixture at intervals Of two or
three weeks.