WINTER AND SPRING WASHES 35 



1. The following mixture is recommended by the 

 Board of Agriculture : " To prepare caustic alkali wash, 

 first dissolve I Ib. of commercial caustic soda in water, 

 then I Ib. of crude potash (potashes or pearl ash of oil- 

 men) in water. When both have been dissolved, mix 

 the two well together, then add f Ib. of soft soap or 

 agricultural treacle, stir well, and add sufficient water to 

 make up lo gallons." As the wash has a burning effect 

 on the hands, the sprayer should wear gloves and be 

 careful. The Eclair hand-spraying pump, supplied by 

 Clark & Co., 20 Great St Helens, E.G., sends a spray 

 like a mist. The cost is about 353. We have used it 

 for years, and the same firm repairs it well. This 

 mixture with us, though easily sprayed, has not been a 

 great success. If used, it should be applied in February, 

 just before the buds open. 



2. The Bordeaux Mixture is used for spraying by 

 some, and is recommended by Messrs Bunyard. It is a 

 good fungicide as well as insect-enemy. The following 

 is the receipt : Sulphate of copper 6 Ibs., unslaked lime 

 4 Ibs., water 50 gallons. 



Dissolve the sulphate of copper in a wooden vessel, 

 pouring in sufficient water to cover the coarse bag in 

 which the sulphate should have been placed. Attach the 

 bag by means of a string to a rod placed across the vessel, 

 and let it hang in the water. In another vessel add 

 water gradually to the lime until a thick paste is formed ; 

 when cool mix the two together in a third vessel, and 

 add water up to 40, 50 or 60 gallons. If the mixture 

 is properly made, a clean knife blade held for one minute 

 in the solution should remain unchanged ; if coated with 

 copper, add more lime until no copper adheres to the 

 blade. Stir the mixture constantly while spraying and 

 use it fresh. Spray the trees when the buds are first 

 expanding. Messrs Bunyard (Fruit Catalogue, 1901-2) 

 recommend " 6 Ibs. of pure sulphate of copper, 4 Ibs. 



