The ranch. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1902-1914, 1906-11-01

be If the ground were bare. The num-
Der of leguminous plants now used for
green manure is q considerable one, and
the best for any particular purpose can
be determined only by experiments. We
know, in a general way, however, the
particular uses of each kind, so that
under any given condition we are pretty
safe in recommending a particular crop
to be used In regard to the proposition
that some sort of cover crop is needed
to protect the soils from the hot sum-
mer sun, | believe that no legume Will
answer quite so well as the coWpea
Under the warm conditions existing N
the Yakima and similar valleys, this
crop would grow with considerable lux
uriance, as it is a diStinctively heat
loving plant, this being used quite ex-
tensively in the orange regions of Cali
forna Where it is used, of course, some
slight additional irrigation is necessary.
This, however, would not be perceptible,
owing to the common tendency to use
more water in orchards than is neces-
sary. In case you desire to experiment
with this crop, 1 shall be very glad in
deed to send you two or three varieties
most liable to be adapted to Washing
ton conditions.
Now in regard to the gals which you
suppose to be crown gall, found by Mr..
]. D. Loughlin at the junction of the
scion and stock of the trees which he
had top-worked, 1 question very much
if these gals represent the true crown
gals. However, l am referring the mat
ter to our psychologist, giving him the
facts in the case, and requesting that he
communicate with you direct in regard
to the matter.
Assuring you of my deep interest in
your work, 1 remain, yours very sim
cerely,
c. v. PIPER, Agrostologist.
With respect to the supposed
crown gall" found in the orchard of
]. D. Loughlin and referred to in
Prof Piper's letter, l have received
the following letter from the depart
ment of pathology and it confirms my
suspicion that this is crown gall and
was caused by tying stock with strings
at the point of union. 1t is worth
much to know that this disease is not
contagious. This is in harmony with
what 1 said in The Ranch year ago.
The following is the letter referred to:
Dear Sir: Mr.. C. V. Piper, agrostolo-
gist of this department has referred to
this office a specimen of apple bark that
he has received from you, with the re-
quest that we inform you of the nature
of the trouble affecting 1T. The specimen
would seem to indicate that the tree has
been attacked by the ordinary Grown
gall" although it is quite uncommon to
find such gals appearing upon sc1ons
which have been top-worked into apple
trees. So far as the specimens would in
dictate, and to the best of our knowledge,
this is not a contagious disease, but is
probably due to carelessness in wrap
ping the CRAFTS with Irvine which does
not readily rot away, thus causing all
irritation of the tissues about the graft.
Ordinarily, if the graft is surrounded by
a cloth bandage or by wax this effect of
calling is not produced.
We should be pleased to have larger
specimen of this if you find one in your
orchard Under separate cover we send
you a copy of Bulletin No. 80, of this
Bureau, which contains an article on
1.-THE Grown Gall and HairyrOOt Dis
eases of the Apple Tree" Very truly
yours,
P. J. OGORA, Scientific Assistant