501 



early in the morning, or, better still, towards the evening. If 

 necessary, spray at any time except at blossoming time, and within 

 three or four weeks of the fruit being sufficiently ripe for gathering. 



Arsenical and copper mixtures are poisonous, and operators 

 should therefore be particularly careful that the spray does not 

 accidentally get carried over to themselves or their assistants. 

 Other sprays are not poisonous, but offensive ; and those using them 

 will instinctively keep clear of them. 



Whenever the spray pump has been used, and before it is put 

 away for use next day or on a future occasion, it should be emptied, 

 and scrupulously cleaned by running fresh water through it. The 

 suction and delivery hose are unscrewed and drained. After dry- 

 ing the pump as far as possible, it should be carefully oiled, with 

 neatsfoot oil preferably; kerosene oil is not so good; while vegetable 

 oil is least to be recommended. A spray pump or a sulphurer well 

 looked after will last for many years, and do the work most effi- 

 ciently. 



Never keep copper mixtures and solution standing in iron tanks, 

 as it corrodes the iron, but use copper or wooden vessels. 



Kerosene, carbon bi-sulphide, and mineral oils will perish india- 

 rubber. 



Keep the Paris green locked up, as it is poisonous ; the same 

 caution will apply to the other chemicals, generally speaking. 



Be ready and begin early. 



PLANT FUMIGATION. 



The fumigation of trees by means of hydrocyanic acid gas is 

 fast becoming more popular. 



The success of the operation and its safety to the operators 

 depend on the methods in which this fumigation is carried out. 

 As very little is known about these methods by fruit growers, a few 

 directions will prove useful, together with more detailed information 

 regarding the process of fumigation and the making and handling 

 of the gas-tight tents. 



WHAT AND WHEN TO FUMIGATE. 



Fumigation by means of hydrocyanic or prussie acid gas is 

 successfully used in the treatment of insect pests ; it has little effect 

 on blights of fungoid origin. Insects which can be more readily 

 attacked are scales, red spider, mites, and aphides. Trees and 

 plants can be fumigated at any season of the year. In the 

 winter time deciduous trees can, without injury, be fumigated 

 at any time of the day ; they can also, when dormant, stand heavier 

 doses of gas, as well as a longer period under the tent. Citrus trees 

 require more careful treatment, and should only be fumigated on 

 dull mornings or afternoons, or in the evening by moonlight. 



