P40) 
satisfactory for checking the ravages of mildew applied it to 
the potato crop, where it was found to keep the Phytophthora 
under. Since his preliminary experiments its use has spread 
almost indefinitely, and many modifications of the original 
formula for preparing it have been suggested. If I may judge 
from the number of unsatisfactory cases where Bordeaux mix. 
ture has been used it appears to me that its proper method of 
preparation is still far from generally understood—a view borne 
out by the incorrect formule so often given in our horticultural 
papers. The most satisfactory mixture for most purposes is 
that containing Olbs. of copper sulphate and lbs. of lime in 50 
gallons of water. To secure the best results with this several 
precautions must be observed. In the first case the lime must be 
freshly slaked ; a small quantity of water should then be added 
to it and the lime should be allowed to crumble down to a 
powder. When in this condition a little more water is to be 
added and well stirred in so that a thick cream free from any 
lumps is formed. After adding a quart or so of water and again 
well stirring the liquid may be diluted down to 25 gallons and 
then mixed with the copper sulphate previously dissolved in 
another 25 gallons of water. Whilst mixing the two solutions 
should be thoroughly stirred together. If prepared in this way 
a bluish precipitate of a curious starchy nature is formed which 
settles down very slowly. A mixture giving a granular precipi 
tate which settles rapidly may be considered to be useless. 
Many of the recipes include such substances as treacle or soft 
soap, the object of these additions being to make the mixture 
adhere to the foliage better. Their employment is but an ad- 
mission that the mixture is not properly prepared, for it will 
adhere perfectly if this starch-like precipitate is formed. 
Numerous effective forms of spraying machines for applying the 
mixture can now be obtained. The one point to which atten- 
tion should be directed in spraying is the fineness of the spray. 
The more mist-like it is the better the plants can be coated with 
the fungicide. as 
Bordeaux mixture is now employed in combating the majority 
of the commoner plant diseases. Thus it is used on the large 
scale for the potato disease, hop and vine mildews, various frut 
diseases such as scab in apples and pears and so on. One 
peculiarity in its effects may be noted here, that is that in certam 
cases the employment of Bordeaux mixture results in the 
sprayed plants retaining their foliage for a longer period than 
they would normally. This is more particularly the case with 
the potato. In consequence of this the plant has a longer 
assimilating period and the crop is proportionately increased. 
This increase is as a rule more than sufficient to repay the cost 
of spraying, a fact which should prove a powerful argument for 
