360 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



Scab of potatoes, W. P. Brooks (Massachusetts Hatch Sta. Rpt. 

 1896, pp. 44, 45). — The author conducted a series of experiments to test 

 the value of sulphur for the prevention of potato scab. One-half the 

 seed required for the planting of a plat was treated with corrosive 

 sublimate solution in the usual way. Then 240 hills of treated and 

 untreated seed were planted. In the furrows of half of these sulphur 

 at the rate of 300 lbs. per acre was scattered at the time of planting. 

 The yields from the different lots of treated and untreated seed are 

 tabulated, and the author draws from the figures given the conclusion 

 that "the use of sulphur in the drill appears to have been absolutely 

 without effect. The table indicates that even when seed is 'planted 

 in infected land the treatment with corrosive sublimate is somewhat 

 beneficial." 



Report of the horticulturist, S. T. Maynard (Massachusetts Hatch 

 Sta.Rpt. 1896, pp. 53-56). — A brief report is given on the use of insecti- 

 cides and fungicide's. The most common insecticides used were Paris 

 green, kerosene emulsion, hellebore, andpyrethrum. In the greenhouses 

 lemon oil was used very satisfactorily in keeping down scale insects 

 and mealy bugs. The fungicides used were copper sulphate solutions, 

 Bordeaux mixture, and ammoniacal copper carbonate. 



A report is made upon dry Bordeaux mixture, many samples of which 

 were carefully tested, and, so far as can be determined from one season's 

 trial, the author thinks the results have not been satisfactory on account 

 of the fact that (1) the material was not in a sufficiently fine condition; 

 (15) it was impossible for it to adhere for any length of time to the foli- 

 age, even when applied to a wet surface, and (3) there was a great 

 waste of material. 



A steam spraying outfit is briefly described and recommended where 

 sufficient work could be found for such an equipment. It is suggested 

 that a steam engine suitable for this work conkl be fitted with a fly 

 wheel, and could be used when not needed for spraying for enrting 

 wood, corn fodder or silage, grinding grain, etc. 



A brief preliminary report is given on 307 different lots of veg- 

 etable seed which were tested during the past year. With a few excep- 

 tions the vitality of the seed was found to be satisfactory. A complete 

 report of the work of the season's testing will be presented later. 



Fungiroid, W. P. Brooks (Massachusetts Hatch Sta. Rpt. ism;, pp. 

 43, 44). — A report is given upon the use of fungiroid alone and in com- 

 bination with Paris green for the prevention of potato blight. The 

 fungiroid and Paris green mixture was applied at the rate of 2 lbs. per 

 acre on July 13, 18, 22, and L'4, and pure fungiroid at the rate of 1£ lbs. 

 per acre August 1 and 3. The season was hot, and frequent showers 

 were favorable to the development of parasitic fungi. The fungicides 

 were always applied after a heavy rain while the vines were still moist. 

 By the date of the last application the blight was evident to a consid- 





