50 The Canadian Horticulturist. 



EXPERIENCE WITH SPRAYING. 



AM not aware of the nature of Prof. Taft"s spraying operations at the 

 College. At this sub-station, the spraying was done by myself, with 

 only general directions from Prof. Taft. Owing to the late arrival of 

 material, the spraying was barely commenced when the almost 

 calamitous, rainy season, stopped the work, which we were unable to 

 resume till the development of fungus had proceeded too far for 

 Subsequent spraying had, apparently, the effect to arrest grape mildew, 

 or at least to check its development so far, that of most varieties, a moderate 

 crop matured in fair condition. 



Quinces, which had in previous years been badly affected with leaf spot, 

 were apparently saved by the early spraying. Good results were apparent also 

 upon pears and plums ; but the foliage of the apple of many, if not most 

 varieties, was so seriously injured that very few have made much growth during 

 the season, while the visitation has resulted in the total loss of the year's crop of 

 fruit, except in northern Michigan ; while the visitation occurred while the 

 trees were yet nearly, or quite, dormant ; with the result that they have been 

 favored with a superior " all around " crop of fruit : such exemption extending to 

 about the south line of Oceana County, on the west side of the State, and must 

 be attributed to the cause already stated, rather than to the effects of spraying. 

 I have had the Alexander apple in fruit since about 1850, and have found 

 it a moderate bearer of large, fair and very beautiful fruit. It is quite too acid 

 for dessert, but I know no superior for culinary uses. The tree is vigorous 

 and healthv. Wolf River is an alleged seedling from this, and is almost identi- 

 cal with it. 



The season's report from this sub-section is now in the hands of Prof. 

 Taft, to be published by the State Board of Agriculture ; you will, no doubt, 

 receive a copy from their secretary, Henry G. Reynolds, Agricultural College, 



Mich., who distributes them gratuitously. 



T T. Lyon. 

 Director South Haven Sub- Experiment Station, Michigan. 



General Lawn Management.— You want variety in flowers and flower 

 arrangement — something different next season from what you had last. Make 

 your plans ; decide on kinds and arrangement, and be in time with your orders 

 for stock and seeds. Soon after heavy falls of snow tramp it down around trees 

 and shrubs, and shake it out of the branches of evergreens. Rustic work may 

 now be made. Besides the cedar of our swamps, the canes of wild-grape vines 

 will be found eminently serviceable for this purpose. Laurel wood and roots also 

 make good material ; and many other kinds of timber will work up well. With 

 a little ingenuity, rustic tables, seats, arbors, vases, hanging baskets, etc., may be 

 made that are just as ornamental as they are inexpensive. 



