384 Fruit-growing in Arid Regions 



If one has light spraying to do and is without help, 

 the compressed-air sprayers are very convenient. Large 

 compressed-air machines that derive their power from 

 gearing attached to the wagon wheel are specially adapted 

 to the treatment of low plants, but it is doubtful whether 

 any spraying machines of this class on the market are 

 well adapted to the spraying of large orchard trees where 

 the wagon must stand still a large part of the time while 

 the spraying is going on. 



When large orchards are to be sprayed, it is a matter 

 of necessity and economy to use tanks that will hold 200 

 and 300 gallons, and pumps of large capacity. In such 

 orchards gasoline power sprayers are most useful and are 

 becoming more and more common. Heavier engines are 

 now being used, those of two and one-half and three 

 horse power being preferred. They are more stable and 

 give less trouble than lighter ones. 



The first requisite for a good job of spraying is a pump 

 that will give plenty of pressure in the hose. Then, if 

 one has a good spraying nozzle and a liquid that is free 

 from solid particles of a size to clog the sprayer, there 

 will be no difficulty in securing a good spray. 



Barrels and tanks should always be filled through a 

 strainer to avoid loss of time and annoyance through the 

 clogging of nozzles. 



A very fine spray is most economical of material and 

 for an even and thorough distribution is best, and is 

 specially useful for the destruction of caterpillars, slugs, 

 and other insects that devour the foliage of plants. In 

 spraying the first time for the codlin-moth, however, it is 

 recommended that the spray be a medium coarse one* 



