The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-07-05
.cucuMnERs AND MELONS.

By W. A, Ortoh, III 1hS Ooui'iy 0eheie
 man.
 Much loss has been occasioned in re- cent years by the attacks of fungous leaf pligilts on melons and cucumbers, and some have become discouraged by repeated failures with these crops and have ceased to plant them. Those who are willing to undertake some additional trouble will find that it is still possible te succeed by thorough spraying with Bordeaux mixture.
 There are three or more such diseases that may occur Of these, the most de- structive is the downy mldew. though anthracnose and alternaria are also harm ful. From the growers standpoint. all may be classed together, for although there is a difference in the appearance of the spots each one produces on the leaves, the treatment Is the same for all. Spraying has been proved successful re- moreover the only remedy available. The cucumber is less liable to disease than the muskmelon, and gives better results from spraying, though melon blight can be controlled except possibly in locations not well adapted to the crop, or in ex- ceptional seasons when continuous rains greatly flavor the development of the fungi causing disease.
 In preparing Bordeaux mixture for use
 
 borne in mind that they have tender foliage, more easily injured than that of potatoes or apples. For this reason we prefer to use the 3-6-50 formua--blue- stone. 3 h., fresh line h., water 50 gal. though 1t is safe to use the 4-4-50 form ula of ten recommended, The method of mixing is important both for the quality of the Bordeaux and the economy of la bor and time. Stock solutions of blue stone and lime containing ? lb. per gallon of water will keep separately for an in- definite period, and save the trouble of preparing them fresh each time Each should be diluted with half the water be- fore mixing Where a large acreage Is to be sprayed. platform high enough to al- low the spray cart to be driven under meath should be built to hold the stock solutions and the dilution barrels, so that the two ingredients can be run together into the spray tank, as shown in the H. illustration. Some kind of spray pump is essential for this work. and 1t will depend upon the area to be sprayed whether a cheap bucket pump or a barrel sprayer is provided. For large fields powerful geared sprayer will give good satisfaction and in this case the vines should be planted two feet apart in six-foot rows. rather than in hills.
 Outfit TOT General Work.
 A good outfit for general work where over quarter acre is to be sprayed con- sists of wheel cart carrying bar rel of 100-gallon tank and a good barrel spray pump with two lines of se-inch hose 25 feet long. each provided with an extension to enable close work to be done, consisting of four-foot M-inch pipe with stop cock which Is more convenient and cheaper than longer bamboo extension. No nozzle equals the Vermorel for such work as this, and 1t is recommended that a double Vermorel be attached to each pipe, at such an angle that the spray can be directed upward toward the under side of the leaves as we'll as downward.
 Thorough work is especially essential to success in spraying for cucumber and melon diseases. Effort should be made to cover the under side of thes leaves as well as the upper. and the spraying should be repeated in time to keep the new growth protected as it comes out. This means weekly applications during the critical period when the disease is ap- bearing on sunsprayed vines. As a mat ter of insurance. 1t is well to begin spray ing about the time the vines begin to run, though If the weather is clear and dry, and there is no disease in the neighbor- hood, it may be delayed beyond this time. The important point is that the spraying is a preventive and not a cure It must precede the appearance or the disease in order to secure best results since after fungous spore has pene- trated leaf, it Is beyond the reach oi our fungicide. and can continue its growth within the plant. Four or five applications will, as a rule. be sufficient The cost will vary according to clreum- stances but should not greatly exceed s5 per acre for materials and labor.
 The stain of the Bordeaux or the fruit is not of great importance. The field should be picked just before spraying and later pickings will show little trace of the mixtuse. because of the rapid growth of the fruit and the protection afforded by the leaves.
 While spraying Is a specific remedy foi the various leaf blights of cucumbers and melons, it should not be expected to bt equally effective in preventing the wilt diseases. If the vines wilt suddenly and die the cause is usually Smiths bac- teria1 wilt of cucurbits, for which Bor- deaux mixture Is beneficial only by keeping off insects. To alleviate this trouble, affected vines should be pulled and burned Add "a ID. of Paris green to each barrel of Bordeaux to keep of leaf-eating insects and choose a new lo- cation the next season.