424 STATE HORTICULTURAL. SOCIETY. 



In one or two parts of the country, notably central Virginia, it is 

 claimed that Bordeaux mixture of the above strength is apt to injure the 

 foliage of some varieties, especially Norton's Virginia. The only way 

 we can account for this is that the soil and climate of these regions is such 

 as to render the vines more susceptible to the action of fungicides, or else 

 that proper care is not exercised in the use of these preparations. It is more 

 likely, however, that the trouble is due to climatic influences, and if this is 

 the case it becomes necessary to reduce the amount of copper somewhat. 

 Around Charlottesville, Va., grape-growers are using a formula containing 

 from 2 to 3 pounds of copper sulphate and 1^ to 2 pounds of lime to 22 

 gallons of water very successfully. We would not recommend the use of 

 this formula, excepting in the very rare cases where the vines appear to be 

 injured by the stronger mixture. In this connection it mitjht be well to 

 say that injury has sometimes resulted to the vines from the use of the 

 Bordeaux mixture made with air-slaked lime. In all cases it is best to use 

 fresh lime, but when this can not be readily obtained it would be well to 

 use 5 or 6 pounds of ijhe air-slaked lime for each 6 pounds of copper. 



3. Ammoniacal solution of copper carbonate. — (a) In an ordinary 

 water pail dissolve 5 ounces of copper carbonate in 3 pints of aqua 

 ammonia, having a strength, of 26°. If three pints of ammonia are 

 not sufficient to completely dissolve the copper, add enough to bring about 

 this result. When completely dissolved, pour the solution into a barrel 

 and fill the latter with water. 



Ammoniacal solution of copper carbonate. — (b) Mix thoroughly 6 

 ounces of pulverized ammonia carbonate and 1 ounce of copper carbonate. 

 Keep in an air-tight vessel, and when ready for use dissolve in 10 gallons 

 of water. 



This preparation is not as expensive as the preceding; moreover it has 

 other advantages, namely, ease of preparation, portability, etc. When 

 only a few acres are to be treated the chemicals might be obtained ready 

 mixed, put up in air-tight cans. A 5 pound can, sufficient for 100 gallons 

 of the solution, put up in this way should not cost over 50 cents. Buying 

 the chemicals in quantity and mixing them at home will reduce the 

 expense considerably. A further reduction will result if the copper car- 

 bonate is made at home according to directions which are given further on. 



4. Eau celeste. — Dissolve 2 pounds of copper sulphate in 6 or 8 gallons 

 of water. W T hen thoroughly dissolved add 3 pints of strong ammonia and 

 dilute to 50 gallons. Last season we prepared and sent out a mixture for 

 trial which, in some c ases, gave very good results, so far as its fungicidal 

 properties were concerned. It has the same objection as eau celeste, 

 namely, that it is not safe to use it on tender foliage. The mixture con- 

 sists of equal parts of ammoniated copper sulphate and ammonia carbon- 

 ate. It was put up in air-tight cans and for use was simply dissolved in 

 water at the rate of 1 pound to 25 gallons. The solution thus obtained is 

 practically the same as eau celeste made in the usual way. One pound of 

 the mixture costs 45 cents, making it more expensive than eau celeste pre- 

 pared according to the old formula. The only advantage the mixture pos- 

 sesses is that it enables those who may wish to use the eau celeste in small 

 quantities to do so without going to the trouble of buying the copper sul- 

 phate, aqua ammonia, etc., and mixing them. 



(5) Eau ctteste, modified formula. — Dissolve four pounds of copper 

 sulphate in 10 or 12 gallons of water. Add 3 pints of strong ammonia, 

 dilute to 50 gallons, and add 5 pounds of common washing soda. Stir 

 thoroughly and the solution is ready for use. 



