226 The Spraying of Plants. 



this matter, it may be said that few of the formulas now in use 

 will fail to be effective even if they are slightly modified. 

 The history of the several formulas need only be considered 

 to show that this is the case. Spraying is not an exact 

 science, and most of the methods allow of considerable modifi- 

 cation. Spray, by all means, if the crops are in need of it, even 

 though the advice of the experienced is not always followed to 

 the letter in regard to the best method of making the applica- 

 tion or of preparing the materials. Follow such advice as 

 closely as possible, but no serious consequences will result if 

 slight deviations occur. Three points, however, cannot be too 

 strongly emphasized : 



First, be on time. Make an application when it will do the 

 most good, and never allow that time to pass if it can possibly 

 be avoided. Every delay is of advantage to the parasite, and it 

 will be used so well that in most cases the injury cannot be 

 repaired. The destruction of one insect may mean the destruc- 

 tion of hundreds, and one application made at the right time 

 may mean, and generally does mean, the protection of a plant 

 against millions of spores of fungi which are endeavoring to 

 gain a foothold. Be ready for action at a moment's notice, 

 and when the moment comes, spray ! 



Second, be thorough. When spraying a plant, spray it well. 

 With a little care, a complete success may be obtained instead 

 of only a partial one. When the work is finished, the grower 

 should have the feeling that it is well done, and then no fear as 

 to the result need be entertained. Spraying is not always 

 pleasant work, and the temptation to slight it is often strong; 

 but the operator will be rewarded just to the extent to which 

 he has been painstaking, and to that extent only. 



Third, apply sprays intelligently. This is really the most 

 important factor in the work, although good crops can be 

 obtained without it, provided directions are followed. The 

 first two points cannot be neglected without injury to the 

 crops, but this one can be. The crop is in need of the applica- 

 tions only, but the grower should know the reasons for them, 

 and should be in a position to modify his treatments so as to 

 make them conform with the character of the insect or the 

 disease which is being treated, and with the season. Every 

 year and every day such knowledge will be of value. So 



