NINETEENTH ANNUAL MEETING. 65 



the aphis, by using this spray, which sometimes is more 

 effectual than at other times. For the chewing insects I 

 have used several brands of proprietary mixtures, and also 

 the straight arsenate of lead, and have always had good 

 results. 



I now intend, just as the fruit buds begin to show col- 

 or, to spray with arsenate of lead and Bordeaux, or some- 

 thing of that nature, just after the blossoms fall, with the 

 arsenate of lead, and a third spraying is given as oppor- 

 tunity is afforded while the calyx is open. 



I have been many times convinced that it pays to 

 spray. Those very Mcintosh trees which bore the apples 

 that won the Grand Sweepstakes prize at the New Eng- 

 land Fruit Show, for the best barrel of apples in the show, 

 had their fruit so injured by insects five years ago that 

 much of it was unfit to market, and the best of it was very 

 commonplace, while last fall it was nearly all first-class in 

 every way. I should add, however, that these trees were 

 sprayed very heavily three times a year for three years,, 

 as they were nice young trees, and I found their fruit valu- 

 able. I did all I could for them. 



I would say in conclusion that I would trim often,, 

 cutting back the leading shoots on the young trees, al- 

 ways cutting smoothly and close, and parallel with the 

 branch or trunk that is left. Use a fine-toothed saw for 

 young trees. Be careful not to skin down the bark at the 

 bottom of the cut. Paint the wounds which are an inch or 

 more in diameter on all valuable trees. Take out all dead 

 wood, suckers, sprouts, and such crossed branches as are 

 crowding, and take out as much more as a few years of 

 practice and experience will justify, but do not overdo in 

 any case until you have done what is advised to all your 

 trees ; then, if you are sure it will be best, do a little more. 



By all means, spray when blossoms fall with arsenate 

 of lead, and do not expect good apples or profit without 

 spraying. 



