1 Ocr., 1898.] ° QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. 315 
before the flowers appear, will afford nearly a complete protection against the 
disease.” He also writes of very beneficial results accruing from spraying 
with Bordeaux mixture (medium strength) after fruiting, and following this 
after an interval of six days with a second spraying with ammoniacal carbonate 
of copper solution [vid. 20, p. 389]. 
The employment of this reagent in coping with Strawberry Leaf Blight 
has been also especially recommended by Dr. N. A. Cobb, of the New South 
Wales Department of Agriculture (vid. (21), p. 492).* 
These three fungicides—and others might be alluded to—are mentioned 
to suit the convenience of growers. ‘Testimony, however, supports the conclu- 
sion that the use of Bordeaux mixture is likely to be attended with the best 
results. If, however, Red Spider be present on the foliage of the strawberry 
plants together with Leaf Blight, the first-mentioned fungicide (potassium 
sulphide) should preferably he employed. In all cases it is desirable that a 
proper spraying-pump be available for making the applications. Spraying 
operations must be, of course, desisted in from the time that the blossoms are 
formed till that of the completion of the harvesting of the crop. 
In conclusion, it is perhaps necessary to point out that, because instances 
of the successful employment of several of the different methods of treatment 
mentioned have been derived from the experience of residents in other 
countries, it is not to be inferred that there are grounds for concluding that 
they will not be equally efficacious in Australia also. For the contrary is the 
case; and indeed A. H. Benson, Fruit Expert to the Department, has 
assured the writer that he has met with instances in New South Wales of Straw- 
berry Leaf Blight being successfully coped with by the systematic employment 
of either Bordeaux mixture and carbonate of copper solution, as suggested by 
Dr. Cobb for use in that colony for the purpose of accomplishing this end. 
There is no reason, therefore, why—if the recommendations now tendered be 
given effect to—what is proving to be a most troublesome strawberry disease 
should not be held completely in check. 
REFERENCES, 
[ Publications referred to by numbers. 
(1) Tulasne (L. and C. R.)—Selecta Fungorum Carpologia, ii., p. 286, pl. 31. 
Paris, 1862. ; ? 
(2) Saecardo (P. A.)—Sylloge Fungorum—(q), Pirenomycete ; (/), Spheropside ; 
(c), Melanconiex ; (d), Hyphomycete. Padua, 1882-1892. ; 
(3) release (W.)— ‘The Spot Disease of Strawberry Disease.’’ Second Annual 
Report, Agr. Exp. Stat. Univ. Wisconsin, pp. 47-58. 1884. 
* The following directions for making Bordeaux mixture are given by B, 'T, Galloway, Chic 
of Division of Vegetable Physiology and Pathology, United States Department of Agriculture :— 
Ina barrel or other suitable vessel Place 25 gallons([the gallon of the United States—H.T. ] of water. 
Weigh out 6 lb, of coppersulphate, then tie the same in a piece of coarse gunny sack, and suspend it © 
just beneath the surface ofthe water. By tying the bay to astick l.id across the top of the barrel, no 
further attention willbe,equired. In another vessel slack 4 lb. of lime, using care in order to obtain 
a smooth paste, free from grit and small lumps. To accomplish this, it is best to place the lime 
in an ordinary water-pail, and add only a small quantity of water at first, say a quart or a quart 
and a-half. When the lime begins to crack and cruinble and the water to disappear, add another 
quart or more, cxercising care that the lime at no time gets too dry. Towards the last con- 
siderable water will be required, but if added carefully and slowly a perfect smooth paste will be 
obtained, provided, of course, the lime is of good quality. When the lime is slacked, add 
sufficient water to the paste to bring the whole up to 25 gallons. When the copper sulphate is 
entirely dissolved and the lime is cool, pour the lime-milk and copper-sulphate solution slowly 
together into a barrel holding 50 gallons. ‘he milk of lime should be thoroughly stirred before 
pouring. ‘The method described ensures good mixing, but to complete this work the barrel of 
liquid should receive a final stirring, for at least three minutes, with a broad wooden paddle. » It 
is now necessary to determine whether the mixture is perfect—that is, if it will be safe to apply it 
to tender foliage. ‘To accomplish this, two simple tests may be used. First, insert the blade of 
a penknife in the mixture, allowing it to remain there for at least one minute. Jf metallic copper 
forms on the blade, or, in other words, if the polished surface of the steel assumes the colour of 
copper-plate, the mixture is unsafe, and more lime must be added, &c. (‘Spraying for Fruit 
Diseases,” pp. 6-7, 1896.) 
