Appendix. 215 



all othex" limbs can be fastened, hence making a top far stronger than 

 any other system of supporting the tree when loaded with fruit. 



I feel as though it would be time wasted .for me to state the many 

 reasons why I prefer a low-topped tree. Such reasons as convenience 

 in thinning, spraying, and picking the fruit; in protecting the body of 

 the tree from extreme changes of heat and cold, and the protection of 

 both tree and fruit from being damaged by heavy winds. All these 

 reasons, and many more, are so plain that I wonder why any progres- 

 sive fruit grower would ever think of growing a high-topped tree. 



The subject of spraying is one of much intei'est to every apple grower, 

 and one upon which a whole volume could be written. However, I shall 

 only make a few general suggestions. This part of orchard work, more 

 than any other, demands extreme thoroughness in every detail. If you 

 spray, do it well or not at all. A poor job of spraying is labor and 

 money wasted. 



A few weeks ago I received a letter of inquiry asking my opinion 

 upon the following questions, which were to be read at the Pacific Coast 

 Nurserymen's Association, held at Tacoma, Washington. First, can an 

 orchard badly infested with San Jose scale be given one thorough spray- 

 ing with the proper remedies and be entirely eradicated of all scale? 

 Second, has not the time arrived when it is advisable that every orchard- 

 ist in the Northwest should spray for San Jose scale every season? My 

 answer to these questions, briefly told, was this: First, it might be 

 possible, but hardly probable, that one spraying would eradicate all 

 scale. Second, every orchardist should spray with the sulphur and lime 

 spray, or something equally as effective, every spring, just before the 

 buds open, and those who do not and will not should be made to by 

 strict enforcement of strong horticultural laws. 



For several years I have sprayed with sulphur and lime late in the 

 spring, just befoi-e the buds opened, and as far as I know I have never 

 had a scale in my orchards. In this respect, I believe in the old adage, 

 an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. 



A few days ago I received another letter, this time from the editor 

 of the Spokesinan-Revietv, at Spokane, Washington, asking for my 

 opinion upon the criticisms made against the fruit inspector at Salem, 

 Oregon, because he condemned some peaches which were slightly affe:t3d 

 with the San Jose scale. His letter closed with this very important 

 question : "Is it practicable to allow the growers any leeway in this 

 respect?" Here is my answer in short: Thorough, diligent and intelli- 

 gent spraying will practically eradicate the San Jose scale. It is easier 

 to control in our valley than the codling moth. No leeway should be 

 given. It would be absolutely impossible to frame a law giving any 

 leeway in selling diseased fruit, which would give satisfaction to either 

 the producer or consumer. It would be greatly abused by the growers, 

 and would ever be a source of trouble for the fruit inspectors. 



I have used several formulas for mixing sprays with which to ex- 

 terminate the gi'een aphis, but I find that one pound of whale oil soap 



