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BORDEAUX MIXTURE. 



GEORGE E. STONE, PPI.D., AMHERST, BOTANIST, MASSACHUSETTS STATE 

 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE, 



The object of spraying is to protect plants from the 

 ravages of fungous and insect pests. Spraying constitutes 

 a preventive rather than a cure for diseases, which implies 

 that it should he done before injurious pests make their 

 appearance, or in the case of certain insects, before they do 

 any damage. Spraying is a form of insurance, there always 

 being a possibility that more or less disaster will result from 

 pests; hence, a return fi-om this kind of protection generally 

 follows. 



Some crops are especially susceptible to damage from in- 

 sects and fungi, and need protection every year ; while others 

 suffer only now and then, and are frequently productive 

 without spraying. Even where severe loss is occasionally 

 experienced from pests, it pays to practice systematically 

 methods of prevention. 



As an all-round fungicide for foliage the Bordeaux mix- 

 ture still stands first, and in certain cases it is unsurpassed. 

 There is, however, considerable difference in the quality of 

 Bordeaux mixture, due to variations in methods of prepar- 

 ing it. To obtain the best results with this mixture, it is 

 essential to have it properly prepared. 



Preparing Bordkatjx Mixture. 

 In preparing Bordeaux mixture, nothing but the freshest 

 quick-lime should be u;^ed. Air-slaked lime is unsatisfac- 

 tory, and should be avoided. Better results can be obtained 

 from the lump than from the fine, broken-up material which 



1 Natura Leaflet No. 17. Aug. 7, 1907. 



