6 The Spraying of Plants. 



Forsyth in 1791, * gave directions for the preparation of a com- 

 pound which became generally known as "Forsyth's Composi- 

 tion." The ingredients were apparently standard remedies at 

 this time, and they persisted long after his composition went 

 out of use. It was made as follows : 



"Take one bushel fresh cow dung, one-half bushel lime rub- 

 bish from old buildings, one-half bushel wood ashes, one-six- 

 teenth bushel pit or river sand. The last three are to be sifted 

 fine before they are mixed. Then work them well together with 

 a spade, and afterward with a wooden beater until the stuff is 

 very smooth, like fine plaster used for the ceilings of rooms." 



Soap-suds or urine was used to make the composition of the 

 consistency of plaster or paint. 



After being applied it was covered with a sifting of powder 

 made of " dry powder of wood ashes, mixed with the sixth part 

 of the same quantity of the ashes of burnt bones." 



This composition was recommended to cure disease, defects, 

 and injuries of plants. It was held to be particularly valuable 

 in promoting the healing of wounds, and was commonly used to 

 fill cavities in trees. 



Early in the history of the treatment of plant diseases, paints 

 and washes were in general use. They were applied by means 

 of brushes, or the plants were actually washed with a rag or 

 sponge, so that they were very thoroughly cleaned. This practice 

 is by no means out of date, for it is still one of the regular duties 

 in good greenhouse management to wash many of the plants in 

 order to keep the foliage clean and healthy. Soap or some 

 similar substance is still generally added to the water, as was 

 formerly done. This alkali could always be readily obtained, 

 and as it possesses decided merit as a destroyer of certain in- 

 sects, it was at a very early day regarded as a valuable remedy. 



We have another interesting note in the following extract 

 in which the destruction of the canker-worm is desired : 2 



" There are several experiments I could wish to have tried, 

 for subduing these insects : Such as burning brimstone under 

 the trees in a calm time ; or piling dry ashes, or dry, loose 



1 Oath regarding the correctness of the directions was made at the Land Revenue 

 Office, in Scotland Yard, the eleventh day of May, 1791. 



2 Samuel Deane, D.D. (vice-president of Bowdoin College), "The Newengland 

 Farmer, or Georgical Dictionary," second edition, 1797. 



