122 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Mr. Cook: I understand this fungus is cold-proof. Why not spray in 

 cold weather? 



Prof. Taft: It has been done, and can be done, any time in the winter, 

 and then 1 would use only the copper solution, which is more effective 

 than Bordeaux mixture. This would be effective against any disease. 

 When we use Bordeaux mixture, which is practically insoluble in 

 water, it settles to the bottom, and is not nearly so effectual as copper 

 sulphate, except as it becomes dissolved, later on, by the ammonia in the 

 air — there is a slow solution which takes place, and in that way it 

 becomes effectual. If there is no foliage, I would always use copper 

 sulphate, and I have had as good results in using a weak solution. 



Mr. Munson: I have used Bordeaux considerably, but I have never 

 used it stronger than six pounds of sulphate and six pounds of lime, and 

 I would like the best method of preparing the lime. Is milk of lime as 

 effective? 



Prof. Taft: I generally recommend a little stronger solution than I 

 use myself, for the reason that where one has sprayed year after j^ear 

 tliere are fewer spores, and a weaker solution will answer. I am sure 

 that Mr. Munson could use a solution half as strong as the beginner. But 

 I never come down quite so much as that, in our own spraying. You will 

 tind that you will have far less trouble the year after spraying than 

 others who have not sprayed at all, and of course a weaker solution 

 would answer. Kegarding the use of lime, I would say I have found that 

 the best way of preparing it, if large quantities are to be used, is to 

 slake the quantity wanted for use for the week, or for months, if you care 

 to keep it. I slake perhaps half a barrel and do it carefully, avoiding 

 burning or putting in water enough at one time to prevent proper slaking. 

 In using a few pounds of lime, and throwing water on by the pailful, 

 you are likely to prevent its slaking. By taking a quantity, you obviate 

 thi^ difficulty, and there is far less danger with half a barrel or a barrel 

 than with less. I slake that and keep it just moist, a paste, and just 

 covered with water. At the same time that I want to spray, or the day 

 before, I take, say, twenty-five pounds of the copper sulphate (I use it in 

 the pulverized form) and place in a piece of burlap or an old basket and 

 suspend this in a barrel of water. I like at least two gallons to every 

 pound. I suspend it so that it is barely covered. You will then have the 

 clear water around it, and this will dissolve a certain amount of 

 copper sulphate. This solution being heavier, drops down, and so it 

 goes, and finally we will have it all dissolved and in shape to use. The 

 common way is to take the right quantity of lime and the proper quantity 

 of solution and j)ut them together and dilute. The trouble with that is, 

 as you have probably found, the material being quite heavy, drops to 

 the bottom, unless kept in motion. You will find that if you slake your 

 lime and dissolve the copper sulphate, and dilute each of these — for 

 instance, if you wish to make fifty gallons, dilute each to twenty-five 

 gallons, and then pour them together, stirring as you pour, the,y will stay 

 in suspension far longer, and it is only a slight amount of trouble, and 

 will save a good deal of difficulty in keeping it suspended. If you wish 

 to make fifty gallons, and have your solution all ready, take six 

 pounds of copper sulphate and four to six pounds of the lime mixture 

 and add enough water to make twentj'-five gallons of each, and pour 



