CHAPTER XIII 

 GARDEN AND ORCHARD SPRAYS 



POISONOUS sprays for the destruction of insect and 

 fungi of garden and orchards have come into general 

 use. Upon their successful application often depends the 

 value of the crop, both as to quantity and quality. Not in- 

 frequently an entire failure of yield results from the attack 

 of these pests when they are not destroyed in time. Wormy 

 and scabby apples, rotting peaches and plums, blighted ber- 

 ries and diseased vegetables prove the necessity for some 

 means of stopping their ravages. 



The purpose of the two classes of mixtures, fungicides 

 and insecticides, is indicated by the name applied ; the cide 

 in each word means to kill. Only the more important and 

 common fungicides and insecticides will be described here. 



1. Bordeaux Mixture 



Bordeaux mixture is one of the most successful and 

 widely used fungicides. Used at proper strength it is harm- 

 less to most plants, though it has been found injurious to 

 some, especially plums and, in less degree, peaches. It will 

 also stain foliage and fruit upon which it falls. 



Composition. Bordeaux mixture is made when 

 needed, of copper sulphate (blue vitriol) and lime. The 

 strength .may be varied, depending on the required use. The 

 proportions most generally accepted are: 



4 pounds of copper sulphate. 

 6 pounds of fresh lime. 

 50 gallons of water. 



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