SPRAYING DEMONSTRATIONS. 



By FRANKLIN SHERMAN, Jr., Entomologist. 



At the conclusion of the pruning work described in the preceding 

 pages a demonstration was given of the spraying of fruit trees, to 

 prevent damage by insects and diseases, and to improve the quality of 

 the fruit. The general method followed was similar to that of the 

 pruning demonstration, and the trees which had already been pruned 

 were used in the spraying demonstration. 



1. A brief account was given of the most serious orchard insects 

 which are combated by spraying, and when present these were pointed 

 out in their actual natural location on the trees. 



2. A complete barrel-spraying outfit for. commercial orchards and 

 a complete bucket outfit for family orchards were exhibited, explained 

 and put together, ready for work. 



3. The manner of measuring out and dissolving the ingredients for 

 making the Bordeaux Mixture and Paris Green was explained and the 

 mixtures prepared before the audience. 



4. The trees were thoroughly sprayed, the process being fully ex- 

 plained in every detail. Members of the audience were encouraged 

 to take part in the work. 



5. Different nozzles and extension rods were used to show their 

 adaptability to different uses. 



6. A general discussion of the subject of spraying followed, with 

 the asking and answering of questions. 



Twice during the growing season a representative from this office 

 has gone to these orchards again, each time giving another application 

 of the same spraying mixture. 



It would be very desirable to give more demonstrations of this kind 

 in the future, not only in the western counties, but in the piedmont 

 and eastern sections as well — particularly in counties where fruit is 

 grown for distant shipment or to supply local markets, and where the 

 methods of spraying are not now well understood. 



Demonstrations of similar character, and using the same mixture, 

 should be made with other crops, especially Irish potatoes, grapes and 

 melons. With all of these it is fully established that spraying is 

 profitable in average seasons, and it only remains to adequately dem- 

 onstrate to the growers the methods and the value of the operation. 



