Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-03-27
SPRAYING FRUIT TREES.

The rapid increase OF fungi and insects
preying upon the trees and fruits OF our
orchards within recent years make It
incumbent upon the orchardist. whether
he be large or small grower. 10 resort TO
the use OF insecticides. AS 20 whether II
will pay or not 70 spray our fruit trees at
this season OF the year has been long ans
vered IN the Affirmative. hence there is no
need 70 enter upon any argument OF the
question. Our orchards have become in
tested with these destructive diseases
through the importation Of infected fruit
trees prior 10 passage OF stringent laws
requiring all fruit trees which come into
the state TO bear a certificate OF inspec-
ton from the state entomol0gist OF the
state from where the trees are shipped,
and requiring all nurseries IN this state
10 be inspected by state Entomologist
Scott at least once a year. The evil is
now being properly combatted. and the
whole work OF eradication Is being carried
on with state assistance backed by the
energetic exertions OF the growers. II is
just as important 20 spray an orchard
OF 50 trees as II IS one containing thou
sands OF trees. The small grower is just
as much entitled TO fine. perfectly formed
fruit as the large grower. and IL Is 10
that class especially the Information con-
tanned IN this article Is directed.
Bordeaux Mixture.
As q preventive Of all kinds OF fungus
parasites. the bordeaux mixture has been
long regarded as the best and most effect
I've preparation yet discovered. The chief
points IN its favor are it's thorough eff
fectiveness as fungicide its cheapness.
fts safety from hygienic standpoint. its
harmleSsness 20. the sprayed plants and
fts beneficial effects on plants generally.
The best results have been obtained
from what Is known as the 50-gallon
formula OF the preparation.
In order that the formula may be fully
and correctly given. the recipe as stated
BY the United States department OF ag-
riculture is quoted as follows:
The preparation contains when mixed:
Water. 80 gallons; copper sulphate.
pounds; unslaked lime. 4 pounds.
In barrel or other suitable vessel place
5 gallons OF water. Weigh out pounds
OF copper sulphate. then tie the same in a
piece Of coarse gunny sack and suspend Il
just beneath the surface Of the water BY
tying the bag to a stick laid across the
top OF the barrel - ts-kher attention viii
be r7uire<.
In another vessel slake pounds OF lime.
using care in order TO obtain a smooth
peste. free from grit and small Jumps.
TO accomplish this Il Is best to place the
lime in an ordinary water pail and add
only a small quantity OF water at first,
say quart or a quart and half. When
the lime begins 10 crack and crumble and
the water 10 disappear add another quart
or more. exercising care that the lime
at no time gets too dry. Toward the last
considerable water will be required. but
IL added carefully and slowly a perfectly
smooth paste will be obtained. provided,
Of course the lime is OF good quality.
When the lime is slaked add sufficient
water 10 the paste TO bring the whole up
70 > 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 mold
ing 80 gallons.
The milk OF lime should be thoroughly
stirred before pouring. The mtehod de-
scribed insures good mixing. but TO COM
plete the work the barrel OF LIQUID should
receive a final stirring. for at least three
minutes. with a broad wooden paddle II
is now necessary TO determine whether the
mixture Is perfect. that Is. IL It IS safe
70 apply IL TO tender foliage. To accom-
plish this. a simple test may be used. In
sert the blade OF a common knife in the
mixture and allow Il TO remain there for
az least one minute. II metallic copper
forms on the blade. that is IL the polished
surface OF the steel assumes the color
OF copper plate. the mixture is unsafe
and more lime must be added
IF on the other hand the blade OF the
knife remains unchanged. it is safe to
conclude that the mixture Is as perfect
as II can be made" Spraying should COM
mence when the bud begins TO swell, and
at intervals OF from 10 to Is days,
until az least FIVE or six applications have
been made. Where there is danger from
the cooling moth and other insects dam
aging the fruit. Paris green or London
purple should be added after the first APP