170 FRUIT RANCHING. 



apricots should hardly be older than one year when 

 planted in an orchard. 



When the orchard has reached the bearing stage, 

 another important operation becomes necessary — 

 spraying. This is no more a simple operation than 

 pruning is. The object of spraying is either to pre- 

 vent the ravages of insect and fungus enemies of the 

 fruit tree or to destroy the insect or fungoid pest. 

 The process is carried out both in summer, when the 

 trees are in leaf, and in winter, when the vegetative 

 activities are dormant, the former chiefly to combat 

 insect pests, the latter directed principally against 

 fungoid nuisances. The most eflicacious agent em- 

 ployed against the attacks of insects is a mixture of 

 lime, sulphur, and salt, applied hot, in the spring, 

 immediately the pruning is finished, and before the 

 leaf buds begin to open. For preventing or curing 

 the attack of fungoid diseases, the remedy usually 

 employed is Bordeaux mixture (lime and bluestone — 

 i.c.y sulphate of lead). For fighting insects when the 

 trees are in leaf, various agents are had recourse to, 

 according as the pest specially to be combated 

 sucks the juices of the tree, eats its leaves, or bores 

 into its substance or its roots. Whale-oil soap, 

 quassia chips, kerosene, arsenate of lead, and Paris 

 green (arsenic), besides other remedies, are employed 

 in various mixtures, and at various periods of the 

 summer. Inill information with regard to these 

 matters can be obtained from a pamphlet entitled 

 " Orchard Cleansing — Remedies for Insect Pests and 

 Diseases," issued in April, 1907, by the Provincial 

 Inspector of Fruit Pests for British Columbia. 



