254 Bulletin 144. 



tree. Of course a few other accessories are necessary aside from 

 those mentioned, but they are what anyone attempting to spray would 

 almost of necessity possess. 



In these times of low prices, the question of whether to spray or 

 not to spray has often been asked. First-class and fancy fruit of all 

 kinds will usually sell at a profit while inferior grades are a drug on 

 the market at any time. It is a fact of common observation that the 

 finest fruit is that which has been sprayed. Not long ago the writer 

 was comparing two vineyards which were situated side by side and 

 under similar conditions in practically every respect. One vineyard 

 had been thoroughly sprayed and the fruit was perfect, selling at a 

 profit, and the foliage was healthy. The other vineyard had been left 

 unsprayed and scarcely a perfect cluster of fruit could be found and 

 the vines were in as pitiable a condition as the fruit. Such a product 

 could not have sold for enough to pay for picking. This is only one 

 of many instances which might be mentioned as an argument for 

 careful spraying; and what is true of grapes is often true of other fruits. 

 Again, it sometimes happens that conditions are unfavorable for the 

 development of bugs and fungi and, for a single year, there is very 

 little difference between sprayed and unsprayed fruit. It should be 

 remembered that the effect of spraying is not confined solely to the 

 year in which it is done, but among those who have had abundant 

 opportunities for observing it is held that trees sprayed for a series of 

 years and then left unsprayed for a season, are more vigorous and 

 produce better fruit than trees which have not been sprayed at all. 



When to spray and when not to spray. — The time of making the appli- 

 cations varies with the condition of the season, but for orchard fruits, 

 when treated against the more common insect and fungous foes, we 

 may say in a general way, spray first, just before the fruit buds open ; 

 second, just after the blossoms fall ; and third, ten days or so after the 

 second spraying. In a dry season, the third apphcation may not be 

 necessary, while in an excessively rainy one more than three may pay. 



When to spray cannot be regulated by rule. When not to spray, at 

 least in one particular, can be stated with emphasis. If the spraying 

 solutions contain poisons, as they should at that season of the year, do 

 not under a?iy conditions spray when the trees are in bloom. Nothing is 

 accomphshed by spraying at this time which cannot be attained either 

 before the blossoms open or after they fall. More than this, irrepar- 



