A SPRAYING CALENDAR 



51 



the author says, it is, of course, impossible to give 

 accurate dates for various sprayings, on account of 

 the difference in latitudes and seasons. But the dates 

 are approximate, and the calendar has a decided value. 



January and February — But little can be done 

 during these midwinter months in the way of spray- 

 ing, though a great deal by way of preparation. If 

 it has not already been done at the proper time, cut 

 out and burn the black knot of plum and cherry now, 

 and destroy all neighboring wild cherry trees which 

 are knotty. In the latter part of February do all 

 necessary trimming of vines and fruit trees, unless 

 this has been done in the autumn. Where anthracnose 

 has previously attacked grapevines, raspberries, or 

 blackberries, prune severely, cut out every trace of 

 diseased wood or cane and burn it. . . . In open 

 winters, February is none too early to go over the 

 orchard carefully and collect and burn all leaves and 

 fruit from diseased trees, such as mummified cherries, 

 plums, and peaches, scabby or rotted pears and quinces, 

 and all bhghted leaves. Remember that on the first 

 warm day the air will be full of the germs of plant 

 diseases from these fruits and leaves, if they are not 

 destroyed. Do not use them for bedding or mulch, 

 and do not throw them into the pig-pen. 



March — The middle or end of this month will see 

 everything ready for winter treatment (copper sul- 

 phate, I pound to 25 gallons of water). Select a 

 w^arm day, or, if possible, several days of warm, 

 melting weather. In some seasons winter treatment 

 can hardly be made before April. This treatment is 

 especially good for diseases of pear and quince, for 

 anthracnose and for the black rot of grapes. Where 

 the latter has occurred the previous year, ploughing 

 between the rows, in order to cover up diseased berries, 



