218 The Spraying of Plants. 



Later and improved forms of the pump represented by Fig. 

 1*2 have been extensively used during the season of 1895, with 

 very satisfactory results. One cylinder has been replaced by a 

 metal sheet, which is fastened at the base 'of the pump, but 

 the outer end is free to be carried up and down at every stroke 

 of the handle. This is one of the best and most easily operated 

 agitators with which I am acquainted, and the pump has met 

 with much favor, although but recently put upon the market. 



Barrel pumps have thus far proved the most satisfactory in 

 spraying old orchards. The operation is too slow and tedious 

 when smaller pumps are employed, and geared power sprayers 

 are unable to cover the trees with sufficient uniformity. Engines 

 have not as yet been sufficiently employed to warrant their rec- 

 ommendation. When trees are comparatively small, a very 

 serviceable outfit may be obtained by placing the barrel and 

 pump on a light wagon. Two men can work most conveniently. 

 One drives and pumps, while the other holds the nozzle, or the 

 operations may be differently divided. If more than one lead 

 of hose is in use, it will require a man for each hose, and another 

 to pump. 



If the trees are large, such as old apple trees, an outfit similar 

 to that shown in Fig. 32 will prove of great service. One man 

 drives and pumps, while behind him is the barrel or tank. The 

 tank may be of various shapes, some growers preferring hogs- 

 heads, while others use a long, low tank, having a flat (Fig. 33) 

 or rounded bottom, the latter being better, as the liquid can be 

 more thoroughly agitated. Above this tank is a platform, 

 which is from ten to fifteen feet from the ground. The men 

 directing the spray stand upon this, and are prevented from 

 falling by a rail which surrounds the platform. This elevation 

 allows the spray to be thrown to the tops of very high trees, 

 with the assistance of only a short pole. A pole is an unwieldy 

 instrument at best, and if proper nozzles are used it may be dis- 

 pensed with in the majority of cases. The work can also be 

 more thoroughly accomplished from above, as the parts of the 

 tree are more easily reached, and the liquid does not fall back 

 upon the men, as so frequently occurs when the spray is thrown 

 from lower elevations. The man who drives is at a disadvan- 

 tage, but if he is properly protected by rubber clothing, the 

 position is rendered much less uncomfortable. 



