150 



Journal of Agrlculhtre. Victoria. [11 March, 1918. 



multiplying the number of nozzles ojuTfitcd by one man that economy in 

 labour can best be effected. 



Witb tbe knapsack machine, spraying is irksome and laborious; 

 heavy weights of liquid must be carried on the operator's back, and the 

 working of the pump entails a constant strain. In the hands of any but 

 very conscientious workmen, pressure is not adequately maintained, with 

 the result that the vines are sprinkled rather than sprayed, the protec- 

 tive value of the treatment being considerably reduced. The vigneron 

 who sprays his own vines has more incentive to put up with these draw- 

 backs of the knapsack machine than the day labourer. 



Fig. 15. — Vermorel's older model Traction Spray Pump for low-growing vines. 



Pack-hokse Sprays. 



Tbese are largely used in Southern France, where the system of 

 training — or absence of training* — would hinder the passage of wheeled 

 implements. They are also very useful for vineyards on steep hill- 

 sides. This type of sprayer is illustrated in Fig. 14. , The two 

 reservoirs, one on either side of the horse or mule, are half filled with 

 liquid, and sufficiently charged with compressed air to insure a satis- 

 factory spray until emptied. The shape of the reservoirs and the move- 

 ment of the horse provides sufficient agitation to keep sediment in 

 suspension. 



The chief defect of this system is one common to all machines 

 operated by compressed air; the pressure when first charged is much 

 higher, and the spray consequently more efficient than when they are 

 nearly empty. More detailed description of this type is needless ; these 

 machines are not obtainable in Victoria, nor are they necessary, since 



* In the heavy-bearing vineyards of the Midi fnear Jfontpellier) the bulk of the vines are neither tied 

 up nor trained in any way; neither are they topped. Cultivation is carried out very thorousihly until 

 the lennth of the yonns canes prevents the passage of implements ; after tliis. with the exception of spraying 

 and sulphuring, the vines are left to themselves until vintage time. 



