24 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



ment is more effective under these conditions. It has been sup- 

 posed that the fungicidal action of sulphur was due to the evolution 

 at ordinary temperatures of the poisonous gas known as di-oxide 

 of sulphur, . but we now know that this gas is given off by sulphur 

 only at very high temperatures. We must, therefore, content 

 ourselves for the present with the simple facts and wait for the 

 explanation of those facts. 



In greenhouse work sulphur-vapor has long been an accepted 

 fungicide. Mixed to a paint with oil, and applied to the heating- 

 pipes, it exercises a mild but constant preventive action upon 

 fungous growth. If the IjCtter is sudden and persistent, sulphur, 

 or a mixture of linseed oil and sulphur, allowed to boil without 

 taking tire, in shallow iron dishes, for five or ten minutes, will 

 speedily rid the plants of all forms of " mildew." In the case of 

 the " rusts," particularly of carnations, and of the various leaf 

 diseases to which violets are so frequently subject, the bleachiry^' 

 action of sulphur renders its use inadvisable, nor in such cases 

 does it seem to have much effect. The destruction of the parts 

 affected, thorough drainage, and the use of some liquid fungicide, 

 will give decidedly better results. 



One word in closing, regarding the proper method of applying 

 liquid fungicides. It is almost needless to say that a watering- 

 pot, rose-nozzle, or whisk broom, are entirely inadequate to the 

 purpose. The liquid is distributed unevenly ; in one place the 

 fungus escapes entirely, in another the leaves are burned by the 

 excessive amount of the fungicide; and, furthermore, such rough 

 methods are wasteful of the material and hence not economical. 



The only proper means of applying liquid fungicides are nozzles 

 made for the purpose. Many different forms of spraying-nozzles 

 have been devised, but perhaps the most generally useful is that 

 known as the Vermorel, which delivers a copious mist-like spray 

 adapted to coat every leaf evenly with a thin film of the fungicide. 

 This nozzle is now prominent on the market at about Si. 25 apiece. 



To maintain a constant spray and to deliver it with sufficient 

 force, a force-pump of some kind is necessary. For all green- 

 house work, or for work out of doors on a small scale, such as 

 vineyards of an acre, potato fields not exceeding two or three acres, 

 and gardens, some form of knapsack sprayer to be carried upon 

 the back and shoulders is invaluable. A very admirable one is of 

 the Galloway pattern ; it consists of a copper receptacle fitted 

 with a small force-pump, and holding four or five gallons. This 



