FARMERS' INSTITUTES. 97 



a large sized tree with the copper sulpliate, and it need not cost over six 

 to seven cents for the largest fruit trees, and in this way, we can, as has 

 often been the case, double the value of our fruit. 



In our own experience, taking the apple scab alone, where perhaps 

 only 12 per cent were free from scab without spraying, we had only about 

 the same per cent that were scabby where we sprayed. 



But to return again to the three points that I wish to impress upon 

 you. I would first post myself thoroughly as to the character of the 

 insects to be fought and the diseases troubling me; the best remedies 

 and how to apply them ; obtain an outfit adapted to the purpose, and then 

 spray thoroughly and early. If one does this, I am convinced that he 

 will meet with success, and that spraying will pay him and the expense 

 and trouble will be more than repaid by the results he will obtain. 



DISCUSSION. 

 LED BY W. K. MUNSON, GRAND RAPIDS. 



In my experience, and from observation, I think it is beyond doubt 

 that spraying is paying well. The only questions for us to discuss are 

 the proper materials to use, when to use them, and how to mix them in 

 the most economical way. As Prof. Taft has said, it takes a very small 

 quantity of copper sulphate to destroy spores. I think one of the great- 

 est failures has been in not keeping the mixture properly agitated so 

 that sometimes we apply it too strong, and at other times not strong 

 enough. The scientific part I shall leave to Prof. Taft, but I will give 

 you one or two practical points. 



I make a stock solution of the materials, by dissolving 50 pounds of 

 sulphate in 50 gallons of water, putting the sulphate in a canvas bag and 

 suspending it in the water; in about three days it will dissolve entirely. 

 I take fifty pounds of lime in a box and slake it. When I get ready to 

 spray, I take six gallons of the sulphate of copper, put it into my tank, and 

 sifting through a flour sifter six pounds of lime, then add a quarter of a 

 pound of Paris green, and fill the tank so it will hold 100 gallons — which 

 is much weaker than the Bordeaux mixture is generally made, but with 

 the agitator I have, which is a power machine, it keeps these in solution 

 all the while. I think the results are just as effectual as if it were made 

 stronger. I use more water though ; on ten acres of grapes I use twenty 

 barrels of water. I spray generally two or three times a year on the 

 grapes. 



Mr. Morrill : Does it ever curdle with you? 



Mr. Munson: No sir, it never has. 



Q: How much water do you put on the lime — that is, dry after it is 

 slaked? 



Mr. Munson : Just enough to wet it. 



Q : Do you spray the grapes or fruit trees while in blossom? 



Mr. Munson : No sir. 



Q: Do you never spray anything in blossom? 



Mr. Munson : No sir. 



Q: At what stage do you usually spray? 

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