34 Second Annual Repobi* 



mixing barrel was provided with a valve and pipe extending 

 out over the spraying outfit and through which, by means of 

 an elbow at the outer end, the liquid was conveyed to the spray 

 tank. With this method of preparing Bordeaux mixture, the 

 only lifting necessary is that involved in elevating the lime and 

 copper sulphate and in transferring the stock solution to the 

 dilution barrels. With the opening of the faucets in the dilution 

 barrels and the valve from the mixing barrel, the whole process 

 by the aid of gravity, becomes self operative. The contact of 

 the two liquids in equal volume and strength in the pipe leading 

 to the mixing vessel is the beginning of a perfect mixture which 

 i.s further completed on the strainer and in the mixing barrel. 

 More perfect conditions could hardly be secured. In objection 

 to this method it may be urged that it is only feasible where 

 water under pressure is available. It is conceivable to the writer, 

 however, that this objection might be met by the erection of 

 elevated platforms over or at one side of the well, and by sim- 

 ply lengthening the pump stock sufficiently to raise the pump 

 to the desired level, the water could be delivered on the upper 

 platform with comparatively little extra effort. The cost of 

 erecting such a platform is slight as compared to the ease and 

 comfort derived from its use. 



Stock Solutions — One of the easiest ways of preparing 

 stock solutions is to use a vessel of known capacity, fill it with 

 water to the desired point, then enclose the required quantity of 

 copper sulphate crystals in a coarse sack, such as a bran sack, and 

 suspend them in the water from a stick or board laid across the 

 barrel. The crystals will dissolve more quickly if not too deeply 

 immersed in the water. In the case of the lime weigh out the 

 desired amount and slake it in a barrel, adding just enough 

 water at first to prevent burning and at the same time thor- 

 oughly slake the lime, after which it can be made up to the 

 required volume with water. 



Some authorities recommend a stronger stock solution of 

 copper sulphate than that mentioned, that is, instead of one pound 

 to a gallon, two pounds are used ; and others advise a saturated 

 solution, claiming for the latter that when such a solution is 

 used no change in its strength can occur by evaporation, as it 

 is always at the saturation point. A saturated solution contains' 

 about three pounds of copper sulphate to the gallon. If the 

 weaker standards are used the only precaution necessary to ob- 

 serve when carrying over a stock solution is to mark the height 

 of the liquid in the barrel and restore it to its original volume 

 before using. 



The sulphur sprays are at the present time receiving a great 

 deal of attention, and deservedly so, for they are proving an 



