Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1921-12-08
FOR BETTER APPLES.
Waynesboro, Virginia,
November 30, 1921.

E0itoi ShSphSioSto~H NSeiStSi
Dear Sir-Just previous TO thanks
giving, Prof. G. S. Ralston, Of Blacks
surg, Va, made trip through the
Valley, urging several things all fruit
growers should take to heart.
His address at Staunton on the 2lst
was the most important message ever
brought before the growers.
AS the matter is of so vital impor-
lance, and was heard by so few grow
ers, and given so little publicity,
trust you will find space to publish
the following resume of Prof. Rails
toms points.
First-ln order TO compete with the
Northwest and with other apple grow
ing sections, we must put on the mar
ket better apples and must be able
TO do it at profit or quit.
Second-In order TO put better ap-
Piles on the market at profit, we
must grow them cheaper. AS indi-
v'dual orchard practise cannot be dis
cussed to advantage, we must confne
ourselves TO the most fragrant waste
which can be most easily overcome
grow fewer cul's. Most growers do
rot spray often enough and when they
90 spray do not spray thoroughly
enough.
Third-The proper way to spray is
with a rod at high pressure. Under
no circumstances use a CUNT does
not do satisfactory work. Use your
spray dope at the proper strength.
put it on right. Cover the trees all
over. Have plenty of spray rigs so
that the job can be done in good sea-
son.
Notwithstanding particularly of
codling moth and scab, find out from
those who know when to expect these
troubles and have your insecticides
and fungicides waiting for them.
Greater spray control comes from pre-
vention rather than cure-which is
all but impossible. Hence the advice
now being worked out at Blacksburs 10
spray at least seven times during the
year so as to be on the safe side.
Fifth-After you have done all this
you will have grown crop with a
larger percentage Of good fruit and
much of that will be of a better grade
than ever before. Your extra spraying
costs will be much more than Off
set by Sour larger percentage of good
apples and less culls.
Sixth-The usa and advantage Of a
spreader to make your arsenical spread
and stick.
AS many growers, for some cause,
do not pay as much attention as might
be to the college" men, as thew call
them, but do pay attention to prac-
teal growers, may | make comments
on the above from my own experience.
To start with-Prof. Ralston is dead
right from "a" to 81" and back
again and the points he brings out
are those have been practising for
years. Let me take them up in or
der
first-Northwest boxed apples are
outselling Us in all markets. even
those we have called "our logical
markets" This is the day when
quality rates above price and consum-
ers are willing to pay big for a good
looking, uniform, sound pack of
fancy apples, while they will pass I'D
poor or even fair grade at their own
price.
Second-At Rose Cliff we have for
years put on seven sprays and | am
sure have been able, because OF il.
to pack larger percentage OF high
grade fruit than most any other grow
er in the State.
lhird-We have found from use of
the gun that we cannot do thorough
uniform job. Spray should be put on
tree in a thin, even finn, or mist, and
to do this a fine fog or mist is essen
tial. The only way to do this is bv
using fine disc in the nozzle on the
rod, and high pressure, 275 to 300
pounds. Spray the under side as we'll
as the upper side of your leaves. take
your time and do it right. The notion
that the gun is mere economical than
the rod is-according to our exper-
lence-all wrong. For the information
OF those interested, we have gotten
together our comparative costs as be.
tween gun and rod and will be glad
10 mail it to anyone interested. Spray
NIT IN To-. meal.