Fruit and

Fruit and its Cultivation
Copper machines must not be used for lime-sulphur spray
fluids, because the chemical action of the latter on the copper
would seriously damage them. Tinned copper machines may,
however, be safely used.
When to Spray.-Generally speaking, winter spraying is
done when growth is dormant. December to February is about
as good a time as any for carrying out such work. Spring
spraying is usually done between March and May. Summer
spraying may be done any time during the season of growth.
Poisonous spray-fluids should not, however, be applied to
ripe or ripening fruit. It is really not safe to spray within six
weeks of the fruit being fit to eat. This rule should be strictly
observed in order to avoid fatal accidents. Nor should arsenate
of lead solution be applied to trees under the branches of which
are grown vegetable crops, bush fruits, Raspberries, or Strawberries.
So far as is possible so dangerous a spray as lead
arsenate should be rejected in favour of more modern alternatives
such as derris in powder or liquid form, but where the
arsenical wash is deemed unavoidably essential every precaution
must be taken for the protection of the operator, who should
wear a mask and gloves of rubber or leather. Any near-by foodcrops
should be effectively covered before spraying commences
and uncovered only when the spray has dried, leaving no risk
of drip or of windborne globules being wafted to rest upon
edible produce. Fowls and animals may be poisoned' by eating
orchard grass upon which lead arsenate spray has fallen.
Spraying, again, should be done in fine weather, not when
raining, otherwise the fluid will be washed off before it has
had time to take effect. Evening is a good time to spray on
a small scale, except when night frost may be feared.
How to Spray.-See that the mixtures or fluids are
thoroughly well incorporated before using. When coarse materials
enter the composition of the fluids it is advisable to strain the
liquids at least twice through a fine strainer before using; otherwise
grit or other particles may get into the spray nozzles and
prevent the efficient working of the apparatus.
Whether applied with a spraying machine or with a syringe,
always see that the liquid is delivered in a mist-like diffusion.
so that it effectively coats the upper- and undersides of the
leaves with a thin film of moisture. Mixtures like Paris Green
always injure the foliage if the liquid collects in drops on the
edges of the leaves.
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