36 



time. Only the quantity which can be used during the day should he 

 mixed, as the Bordeaux mixture deteriorates on standing. 



In case the dilution tanks are not elevated to admit of filling the 

 spray tank by gravity, the diluted solutions must be dipped and 

 poured into the latter by hand, a bucketfid of each simultaneously. 

 This method is only advisable in small operations, where a few barrels 

 at most are needed. 



The stock solutions should never be poured together before being 

 diluted, as a coarse, heavy, unreliable mixture will result instead 

 of the light, flocculent preparation that characterizes properly made 

 Bordeaux mixture. 



It is important that Bordeaux mixture should be thoroughly 

 strained in order to keep out any coarse particles that would clog 

 the spray nozzles, and it is a good practice to strain the stock solution 

 of lime upon pouring it into the dilution tank. The best material 

 for a strainer is brass wire netting of about 20 meshes to the inch. 



Mixing platform for Bordeaux mixture. — In the preparation of 

 Bordeaux mixture in any considerable quantities, some form of 

 elevated platform is almost indispensable, so that the diluted solu- 

 tions or the mixture may be conducted by gravity directly to the 

 spray tank on the wagon. The platform should be amply large to 

 accommodate the necessary barrels and tanks (at least 10 by 12 feet). 

 Strong and durable materials should be used in its construction, and 

 a well-made platform should last for several years. 



The water supply. — An ample water supply will often be at hand 

 in or near the orchard, and the mixing platform must be constructed 

 convenient to it. A supply through pipes or from a water tank is a 

 desirable part of the outfit. The water tank may be separate, as on 

 a windmill tower, or may be placed on the mixing platform above 

 the level of the top of the dilution tanks. 



This may be kept filled with a hand pump, but preferably with a 

 pump run by windmill or other form of power. By these means the 

 dilution tanks are most conveniently filled. A cheaper but less con- 

 venient way is to pump the water directly from a well, spring, or pond 

 into the dilution tank. If a hillside is available it will be convenient 

 to construct the platform against the hill, a road being made on the 

 lower side as a driveway for the spray wagon, while the chemicals 

 may be delivered *at the upper side. A good spring of water, some- 

 what above the platform, furnishes an ideal location, the water being 

 conducted by troughs or pipes into the water tank on the platform. 

 Sometimes the water is drawn from a pond beneath the edge of the 

 platform by means of a chain pump and delivered through a trough 

 into the tanks and barrels. This is an excellent arrangement where 

 the water supply is thus convenient, but lacks the desirable feature of 

 a storage water tank. 



