SPRAYING 147 



seen. The appearance of this peculiar color is one 

 of the best tests for a well-made mixture. 



Some sediment will usually be found in the bot- 

 tom of the kettle. This is mostly undissolved parti- 

 cles of lime, or unburnt bits of limestone. Any con- 

 siderable amount of this sediment, however, indi- 

 cates a poor grade of lime. The solution must be 

 strained before using. It should be strained directly 

 into the sprayer and used hot off the fire. The hot- 

 ter the solution can be put on the trees the better. 



Whenever large quantities of the lime-sulphur 

 mixture are to be used it is best to provide a steam 

 cooking plant. This consists merely of any sort of 

 steam boiler for generating the steam, and a hose 

 for conducting the live steam into the barrels in 

 which the cooking is done. The illustration, page 

 124, shows the arrangement of the various elements 

 in the scheme. Such an equipment is comparatively 

 inexpensive, and will produce a better grade of lime- 

 sulphur mixture than can be made in any other way. 



Good lime is very important in making up this 

 recipe. Air-slaked lime or half burnt lime should 

 never be used. In any case when the quality of the 

 lime is in doubt the quantity ought to be corre- 

 spondingly increased. An excess of lime will do no 

 injury, and it is a slight advantage. At least it whit- 

 ens the trees and helps to show how far the spray- 

 ing has advanced. 



Good clean flowers of sulphur should be used. 

 The so-called "sulphur flour" is a trifle cheaper, but 

 is not so good, particularly when one has to cook the 

 mixture in a kettle. When live steam is used the 

 difference is less important. Whenever possible sul- 

 phur should be bought in barrel lots. Barrels hold 

 about 200 pounds. Purchases should always be 

 made by sample. Early in the winter the fruit 



