84 HORTICULTURE LECT. v 



then formed into lime-wash ; when the copper and lime solu- 

 tions are both cold, not before, they are mixed together and 

 enough water added to make 100 gallons. This is sufficient for 

 an acre of potatoes. For a rood (% acre) the quantities are 

 copper 51bs. , lime 5 Ibs., water 25 gallons. The mixture should 

 be pale blue in colour, if dark brown it has not been properly 

 prepared. Apply three times through a fine sprayer (not a 

 syringe) in the form of a dense mist to cover and rest on the 

 foliage like dew, not washing it like rain. The first dressing is 

 given in the last fortnight in June, the second a fortnight later, 

 the third in the last week in July. A sulphate of copper and 

 lime remedy for the blight is also prepared in powder form and 

 dusted on the plants with bellows. London agents, Messrs. 

 Barr & Son, King Street, Covent Garden. ] t is inexpensive and 

 has been found very beneficial. If mildew or the potato fungus 

 become firmly established in plants they are beyond cure ; the 

 measures recommended are preventive rather than curative, and 

 are only effective when resorted to on the first faint symptoms 

 of fungoid attacks. 



14. TIMELY ACTION. In combating insects and enemies of 

 all kinds, act promptly. When few, they are weak and easily 

 subdued before they do harm ; when numerous they are difficult 

 to destroy, and cannot be eradicated without trees or plants 

 sustaining serious injury. 



15. CAUTIOX. All preparations containing petroleum should 

 be applied in the evening ; if used in the morning, and bright 

 sun follows, the leaves of plants and trees may be seriously 

 injured by scorching. 



