WAY OF GROWING POTATOES 91 



HOW TO MAKE BURGUNDY MIXTURE 



The actual method of preparing the mixture is as 

 follows : Get two paraffin barrels (which are of 40 

 gallons capacity), fill one three-parts full of water, 

 then put 8 lb. of bluestone in a bag and hang it in the 

 water, moving it about until it is dissolved. 



In the second barrel put 10 gallons of water and 

 dissolve into it, in the same manner as the bluestone, 

 10 lb . of common washing-soda . When both substances 

 are dissolved, pour the washing-soda into the blue- 

 stone solution and mix the two together. 



The stuff must next be tested. This is generally 

 done by getting a small piece of blue litmus paper and 

 dipping it in the solution. If the paper turns red, or 

 even has a reddish tinge, dissolve another half-pound of 

 washing-soda and pour it into the liquid already 

 mixed. 



This little test is very important. The object of 

 mixing the washing-soda with the bluestone is to 

 neutralise the latter, and if the blue litmus paper turns 

 even a little red, it shows that the bluestone has not 

 been sufiiciently neutralised. If the stuff is used in this 

 state it will burn the potatoes. 



A second test must be made after putting in the little 

 extra washing-soda in the mixture, when it will 

 probably be found that the paper remains blue. If it 

 does not, still more washing-soda solution should be 

 added to the mixture. A little book of htmus paper 

 can be obtained from any chemist for 2d. 



SPRAYING HAS ITS LIMITS 



Spraying is most important for the late crop of 

 potatoes, which is more subject to blight than the early 

 one. It should be borne in mind, however, that spray- 

 ing is a preventive and not a cure for potato blight. 



