Diseases of Fruit caused by Fungi 51 



slaking. Then add the sulphur in the form of a fine powder, adding 

 more water to slake the lime into a paste. Continuous stirring is neces- 

 sary to prevent the mass caking at the bottom. After the violent boiling 

 which results from the slaking of the lime is over, which occupies 

 from five minutes to a quarter of an hour, depending on the quick or 

 sluggish acting of the lime, add sufficient water to stop the boiling, and 

 make up to 50 gall, with water when required for use. 



Before commencing spraying, the mixture should be strained to remove 

 the gritty particles of lime; but all the sulphur should be rubbed through 

 the sieve. The mixture should be kept well stirred when spraying, as 

 it settles rather quickly. 



Paris green, for the destruction of insects, may be mixed with this 

 fungicide when used for spraying Apples, but should not be used for Peach 

 trees. Paris green may also be added to Bordeaux mixture. 



Sulphide of Potassium Solution. Sulphide of potassium, or "liver 

 of sulphur", is an excellent fungicide for use against the superficial mil- 

 dews, as Apple-tree mildew, Rose mildew, Hop mildew, &c. It is of especial 

 use in checking the spread of a disease in greenhouses, &c., but it must 

 be borne in mind that the solution discolours white paint. It is readily 

 soluble in water, and may be used in the proportions of 2 to 3 oz. to 

 3 gall, of water, depending on the relative hardness of the foliage. 

 One ounce to 3 gall, of water is, as a rule, strong enough for plants grown 

 under glass. 



Winter Spraying*. Where disease has previously existed it is often 

 advisable to spray during the winter months, when vegetation is in a 

 dormant condition. Under such circumstances a much stronger solution 

 can be used without risk. The Woburn Winter Wash (B) is perhaps the 

 best all-round winter wash to use, as it destroys all moss and lichens, 

 thus removing the shelter required by numerous insects; it also kills the 

 mussel and oyster-shell bark lice, in addition to destroying the spores of 

 the Apple-scab fungus present on dead branches. 



Its composition is as follows: 



Sulphate of copper (bluestone) ... 1 Ib. 



Lime ... | 



Paraffin ... ... ... ... ... 5 pt. 



Caustic soda ... ... ... ... 2 Ib. 



Water 10 gall. 



Dissolve the bluestone in a few gallons of water; slake the lime in 

 water and add to the dissolved bluestone, straining it to remove all grit; 

 then add the paraffin and stir thoroughly. Finally add the caustic soda 

 dissolved, along with water to make up 10 gall. 



The trees should be thoroughly drenched. The ground may also be 

 treated with advantage. 



It is most important to remember that the above wash should only 

 be used during the winter months, before the buds commence to swell. 



