TENDENCIES IN HORTICULTURE. 177 



• ' ' "^^v^W 

 There is also an unusual interest in the subject of spraying. The 

 secretary of the State Horticultural Society and the Department of 

 Horticulture at the Experiment Station, are receiving constant requests 

 for information along the line of spraying apple orchards. Since the 

 introduction of lime-sulphur as a fungicide spray, the question naturally 

 arises in the mind of the orchard manager as to whether it is better to 

 spray with lime-sulphur or Bordeaux. The answer to this question will 

 depend largely upon the previous care of the orchard. Where an orchard 

 has not been sprayed properly, and there is every evidence of abundance 

 of scab and other diseases of the foliage, and fruit, it is quite likely that 

 it is better to spray the first time with Bordeaux jnixture. Our experience 

 with lime-sulphur is so limited that it does not entitle us to draw definite 

 conclusions. Where apples are grown on a commercial scale (and it Is 

 that phase of apple gi'owing the writer has in mind in outlining this 

 article), every care should be exercised to produce the cleanest and best 

 quality of fruit. The chief objection to the use of Bordeaux in spraying 

 has been its tendency to russet the fruit and injure the foliage. With 

 lime-sulphur there is little danger in this respect as the lime-sulphur 

 apparently does not, to any extent, injure the skin of the fruit or the 

 foliage, and seems to be in most cases equally effective as a fungicide. 

 The Rex lime-sulphur, manufactured by the Rex Company, perhaps 

 has the greatest reputation as commercial lime-sulphur of any brand 

 manufactured. Another feature in favor of lime-sulphur is the ease with 

 which it is mixed ready for application. As it comes from the factory 

 the solution tests from thirty to thirty-two. The explanation of this test, 

 and the use of the hydrometer, are thoroughly explained in Professor 

 Howard's article on co-operative spraying. To state briefly, when the 

 lime-sulphur tests thirty, we add thirty gallons of water to every 

 gallon of lime-sulphur solution. This is merely poured into the spray 

 tank together with the poison, which is usually four pounds of lead 

 arsenate to every one hundred gallons of water. The tank is then 

 filled with water and you are ready to spray. We know that Bordeaux 

 mixture is an effective spray, and we know that Bordeaux mixture 

 has its disadvantages. Horticulturists should not, however, forget 

 how to make Bordeaux, for it is quite likely it will play an important 

 part in the renovation of neglected orchards. At present Bordeaux is 

 cheaper than lime-sulphur. 



There are just three important considerations in the successful 

 spraying of an apple orchard. The orchardist should keep ever in mind 

 these considerations: First, the mixture must be properly prepared. 

 Second, it must be properly applied. Third, spray -at the right time. 

 The question is often asked, how many acres of trees ought two men 

 with a hand pump or two men with the gasoline power outfit be able 

 tc spray in a day? It is next to impossible to answer this question 

 directly, as trees vary in size, and require varying amounts of the 

 mixture. Two men with a hand pump and one lead of hose ought to 



