The Irish Times 31st August, 1891
Photo: Keith Weller
Wikimedia Commons
Sir,
I think it right that I should make public what I know on the all-important subject of the threatened potato blight.
On the 19th instant I inspected a field of potatoes on the estate of Comte de Basterot, in the County of Galway, at Duras, in the locality of Kinvara. The crop is a very heavy one, and the field is much sheltered by trees. On the 3rd inst. one rood was well dressed with the preparation of ‘Bonillie Borderlaise’ and quicklime. The remainder of the crop – about half an acre – was not sprayed. On the part dressed not a sign of disease appeared; on the rest of the crop it was quite evident. The “knapsack” used is the light Vermorel spraying machine.
Mr. John Quinn, Duras, Kinvara, Comte de Basterot’s agent and manager, prepared and used the mixture. A letter received from him today informs me that the experiment up to this is a complete success.
I shall be glad to give the recipe for preparation of mixture to anyone applying to me.
Yours,
J. Murray Walker, Land Valuer
73 Waterloo Road,
28th August, 1891
The Burren and Beyond 