5S STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



ing, and thorough drainage, both of soil and atmosphere are always 

 advisable. 



Improved environment and the removal of infection will not 

 always protect our plants from disease. The advance in the knowl- 

 edge of the nature and value of fungicides and of methods of 

 application, has been even more rapid than the knowledge of the 

 fungi themselves. 



For several years sulphur in some form has been used to a great- 

 er or less extent. Powdered sulphur is one of the most valuable 

 fungicides we know for the treatment of surface mildews and of 

 certain "blights." It has been found that the best results are 

 obtained from the use of sulphur if the application is made on a 

 dry day when the sun is shining — why, is not known. For green 

 house work we have found the "liver of sulphur" (sulphide of 

 potassium) very satisfactory. For most plants dissolve one ounce 

 liver of sulphur in two gallons of water. 



At the present time, some of the salts of copper are regarded as 

 the most valuable aids in dealing with fungous diseases. The sul- 

 phate of copper ("blue stone") is the cheapest of the salts and 

 either alone, on dormant plants, or in combination with lime in 

 the form of "Bordeaux mixture," is usually considered the most 

 satisfactory. 



A word concerning the preparation of "Bordeaux mixture" may 

 not be out of place in this connection. As usually prepared the 

 mixture consists of six pounds copper sulphate, four pounds quick 

 lime and fifty gallons water. The copper salt is dissolved in a 

 wooden tub, the lime slaked in a separate vessel and when ready 

 for use the two are mixed and diluted as above, — care being used 

 that the lime is strained through a cheese cloth or a fine wire screen, 

 to prevent clogging the nozzle. 



The copper sulphate will dissolve much more quickly if placed in 

 hot water, and it is found, too, that the action is greatly hastened 

 by suspending the salt in a coarse bag instead of placing it in the 

 bottom of the vessel and pouring water over it. 



Bordeaux mixture should be used as soon as prepared, as it 

 soon deteriorates in value ; but in spraying large orchards much 

 time may be saved by preparing stock solutioos of both the lime 

 and the copper salt as suggested by Waite* and Swinglef of the 

 U. 8. Department of Agriculture. 



*Joiirniil Mycology, Vol. VII, p. 336. tibiil, p. 3G.5. 



