The Canadian Horticulturist. 157 



CHEAP FERTILIZER. 



Will tlie cheap fertilizer given on page 61 of the Canadian Horticui.txtrist be a pro- 

 per compound for clay loam ? Will it result best to mix the sulphate of ammonia and bone 

 meal and sprinkle along the matted rows of strawberries, and afterwards broadcast the 

 ashes ; or mix all together and broadcast over the matted rows and paths ? Would a larger 

 quantity of ashes per acre result still better ? 



Reply bv Prof, James, Ontario Agricultural College, Guelph. 



I St. The mixture is suitable to any land on which fruit is being successfully 

 grown. 



2nd. The sulphate of ammonia and bone meal should not be mixed with the 

 ashes for any considerable length of time before applying, as the lime of the 

 ashes, if they are at all fresh, may drive off some of the ammonia. Better mix 

 as you apply, or apply them separately. 



3rd. The dose of ashes can be doubled, if procurable; but it would be pre- 

 ferable to apply in a couple of doses rather than all at once. The amount of 

 ashes or of any special fertilizer that can be economically used in any fruit crop, 

 must be determined by experience in connection with each farm. 



DURABILITY OF PARIS GREEN. 



Sir, — How many years will Paris green remain effective ? W. W. R, Toronto. 



Since this substance is not volatile, we know of no reason why it should lose 

 strength by keeping. 



^ ©per) Left^ps. ^ 



VALUABLE WASH FOR TREES. 



Sir. — The followiug is an exceedingly valuable wash for trees : 



Take lime, slack, and prepare as for an ordinary whitewash, in an old barrel or box. 

 Take enough at a time to make a bucket two-thirds full — proper consistency for ordinary 

 whitewashing. Now add one pint of gas-tar, one pound of whale-oil soap ; dissolve one 

 pound potash, or one pint of strong lye from wood ashes, or box concentrated lye ; then 

 add clay or loam enough to make the bucket full of wash of proper thickness to be applied 

 with a whitewash brush . If the trees have had the earth ridged up around them, take 

 the earth away from around the collar, and apply to the body of the trees from the limba 

 down to the ground, or down to the roots. 



Its advantages are: Ist. It will destroy all scale insects, the bark louse, etc., and 

 will give the trees a bright, clean, healthy appearance. This wash will drive out all 

 borers that may be in the trees, and the moth will not deposit eggs on or about the trees 

 during the season the wash is used. All who grow apple, peach, dwarf pears, quince and 

 ash trees, should not fail to use this wash, as it is not patented and sold at a high price. 

 I have known cases where peach trees become healthy and vigorous with one application 

 of this wash. Again, mice and rabbits will not girdle trees where it is used. Apply in 

 May for borers and general benefit to trees, and the late autumn as a preventive against 

 mice and rabbits. Gas-tar, when applied pure, will kill trees. 



F. S. Fairfield, Orono, Ont. 



