The Canadian Horticulturist. 49 



The dilute Bordeaux mixture, which was found to be best last year, occupied 

 the same place this season. The ingredients used in this mixture are sulphate 

 of copper, four pounds ; lime, four pounds ; water, fifty gallons. Comparing the 

 two plots where this compound was used with the two unsprayed plots, the 

 astonishing fact was observed that no marketable fruit could be found on the un- 

 sprayed plots, nor was there much fruit of any kind ; while on the sprayed plots, 

 which had been subjected to the same unfavorable climatic conditions, there was 

 about half a crop. 



There was sufficient bloom in the orchard for a full crop, and if we accept 

 the old theory of crop failure in time of wet weather, we are forced to the con- 

 clusion that spraying aids pollenization, which is absurd. We are, therefore, 

 forced to seek some other hypothesis. The most reasonable explanation that 

 can be offered at present is that spraying prevented the apple scab from attack- 

 ing the young apples and blossoms. It is well known that scab attacks apples in 

 all stages of growth, and that if it appears very early it may cause the young fruit 

 to drop prematurely. When it attacks the blossoms it, of course, destroys them. 

 The first spraying was done before the trees had bloomed, and the supposition is 

 that many of the fungus spores were thus destroyed and the apples were thus 

 given a chance to develop. The theory is tenable, and consistent with well- 

 known facts, but it must be admitted that a more careful study of the ques- 

 tion is needed before it can be settled beyond controversy. This experiment also 

 strengthens the theory that early spraying is essential to the best success in pre- 

 venting the apple scab. 



The spores, from which the scab fungus develops, live over winter on the 

 trees, and begin growth in the spring at the same time the leaves start to grow. 

 How rapidly the fungus develops depends upon the weather. It follows then 

 that the apples would be attacked earlier some seasons than others, and it may 

 not always happen that early spraying would show such striking results as above 

 mentioned. It is true, however, that the fungus is prevented much easier than 

 it is killed after once established, and to this end early applications of fungicides 

 are far more effective than late, and it may sometimes happen, as in this case, 

 that a crop is saved which would otherwise be lost. 



No dates can be named for spraying, but a good plan is to make the first 

 application just before the leaves open, and the second soon after the blossoms 

 fall, at which time four ounces of Paris green should be added to each fifty 

 gallons of the mixture, in order to kill the apple worm. A third spraying with 

 the combined mixture, is to be given about ten days later, and still another after 

 the same length of time, in case of continued wet weather. — Ohio Expermem 

 Station. 



FOP Gooseberry Mildew.— A solution of potassium sulphide is recom- 

 mended ; one ounce to two gallons of water. Apply as soon as leaves commence 

 to open, and repeat every three weeks. 



