OF DWARF FRUIT TREE CULTURE. 91 



with varying results, as might be expected. The concensus of expert 

 opinion, however, was largely to the effect that it possessed real 

 merit, and that where it failed or was partially unsatisfactory was 

 finally traced to preventable causes. After long years of practical 

 and scientific work it has now been brought to a degree of perfection 

 and universal application as to render its use and result therefrom 

 absolutely certain of success if used vigorously, and with reasonable 

 intelligence. 



FORMULA. 



Sulphate of Copper (Blue Vitriol) four pounds. 



Lime (unslaked) four pounds. 



Water, 25 to 50 gallons. 



Dissolve the bluestone in hot or cold water, using a wood or 

 earthen vessel, and hanging the bluestone tied in a cloth on the sur- 

 face of the water. Slake the lime in a tub, adding water cautiously, 

 and only sufficient to insure thorough slaking. After thoroughly 

 slaking, more water may be added and stirred in until it has the con- 

 sistency of thick cream. When both are cold, dilute each to the re- 

 quired strength and pour both together into a separate vessel and 

 thoroughly mix. Before using, strain through a fine sieve or gunny 

 sack. This seems to be a very simple matter ; yet considerable trouble 

 has freequently been experienced in the prparation of Bordeau 

 mixture. Care should be taken that the lime is of good quality and 

 well burned and has not been air slaked. Lumps are far better than 

 fine lime, and are selected by masons for fine work. When small 

 amounts of lime are to be slaked it is advisable to use hot water. 

 Lime should not be allowed to become dry in slaking, neither should 

 it be allowed to be completely submerged in water. Lime slakes best 

 when supplied with just enough water to develop a large amount of 

 heat, which renders the process active. If the amount of lime in 

 the Bordeau mixture is not sufficient to neutralize the acid, there is 

 danger of burning the tender foliage. There are two simple tests 

 that will show this condition, one is to dip the polished blade of a 

 knife in the mixture. If the amount of lime is insufficient, a thin 

 coat of copper will be deposited on the knife. The other test is made 

 by dissolving Ferro cyandie of potassium in water (one ounce Ferro 

 cyanide to five or six ounces water), a deep brownish red color is 

 imparted on adding the test to the Bordeaux mixture, and more lime 

 should be added until neither reaction occurs. A slight excess of lime 



