36 



in the orchard it will probably be the only material necessary to use 

 if we add to it, as of course we will, some arsenical poison, preferably 

 arsenate of lead, for chewing insects. It is a little difficult to outline 

 just what the season's campaign should be in spraying, without know- 

 ing what foes we have to combat, but in general the following will be 

 found satisfactory. Begin before the buds swell, at least to any extent, 

 and make a thorough appHcation of Bordeaux mixture. Use the Bor- 

 deaux type of nozzle, which throws a coarse stream with more force 

 than other types. Spray trunk and main branches, as well as the top, 

 and with these parts particularly, trunk and large branches, do not 

 be afraid to use i^lenty of material. This is contrary to the rules of 

 good spraying when the trees are in leaf, but when they are bare the 

 advantage of reaching thoroughly all the cracks and crevices in the 

 bark will offset any disadvantages. Let this spraying be followed by 

 another, just before the blossom buds open, when they are large 

 enough to be separated from each other in the cluster and to show 

 some pink or white, but before they have opened enough to show the 

 stamens or pistils. For this spraying I should use the same materials, 

 Bordeaux mixture and arsenate of lead, but I should use an entirely 

 different nozzle, selecting one of the Vermorel or the Friend type, 

 which, instead of tlirowing a coarse stream with some force, delivers 

 the spray in fog-like mist, which will float about among the leaves and 

 buds, and thus reach all parts of them. I should be much more care- 

 ful about drenching the trees. Spray so as to wet them thoroughly 

 with as little drip as possible, and again spray trunk and main branches 

 as well as the other parts. If this spraying is followed by a third one 

 within a week or ten days after the petals have fallen from the blossoms, 

 using the same materials and the same nozzle, and the same precau- 

 tions, as in the second spraying, I should have a great deal of confidence 

 that the result would be a crop of clean fruit. Of course one may be 

 confronted by special problems, like an acute attack of canker worms 

 or a scourge of apple aphis, in which case a specialist should be con- 

 sulted. But for all ordinary cases the foregoing programme ought 

 to be entirely adequate, and it would certainly surprise most old 

 orchards to receive half of this attention. 



The fourth factor in our operations is the fertilizer question, which 

 is naturally very closely related to our cultivation problems and some- 

 times has to be varied to suit the cultural methods adopted. At the 

 beginning I do not believe it is desirable to apply any nitrogenous 

 fertilizers, or if they are applied it should be in very hmited quantities, 

 and early in the season. A moment's reflection will show the philosophy 

 of this. Trees which have been allowed to grow in sod, as the old 

 orchards which we are considering will undoubtedly have been, and 

 in soil which has been impoverished by constant removal of the grass 

 as hay, and of the fruit, without any return of fertilizer, will have long, 

 straggling roots sent out to forage at a distance for all the plant food 



