FIGHTING INSECTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3612, 15 February 1906, Page 4

FIGHTING INSECTS.

Some Valuable Formula* Furnished by Prof. Maynard. Bvef'J fruit and plant has its peculiar iaseet enemies and fungous discuses. Progressive farmers, gaixleners and fruit growers are provided with spraying machinery for overcoming these pests, and spraying is as much routine work as is cultivation or fertilizing. For fungous pests, because of cheapness, effectiveness and lasting qualities, the Bordeaux mixture has superseded all other mixtures. To make it, four pounds of copper sulphate or blue vitriol arc dissolved in two gallons of hot water; or, suspended in a coarse rack in a cask of cold water it will dissolve in a few hours. Caustic o • quicklime, four pounds, is then sklted slowly by adding small quantities cf water until thoroughly dissolved. When

cooled, the lime wash is poured through a fine mesh sieve into the dissolved copper sulphate. To the mixture L then added 25 to 50 gallons of water. Destruction to fungous is probably caused by the copper, which is held in place by the lime. Should the bordtaux mixture l disfigure the fruit, the ammonJacal carbonate of copper should be used and applied often, as it washes easily. Formula: Copper carbonate three ouncas, ammonia enough to dissolve the copper, water 40 gallons. Paris green and kerosene emulsion are the insecticides in most common use. Paris green nffscttiaJiy destroys chewing or leaf-eating insects, ami is leas liable to injure foliage than louden purple. Use in water, one pound to SCO gallons. if lime is added, or the paris green added to the bordaaiu mixture, use ous pound to 50 gallons. , For sucking insects, tfeu kerosene emulfi: is unequalod; Dissolve a half-poui,.

bar soap in two gallons of hot water, and while hot add two gallons of kerosene oil and stir until a lard-like substance is formed. When used, dilute with water to 15 or 25 gallons. Inflects and fungous growths appear together, hence, many combine paris green with the bordeaux mixture, saving half the coat of application. For applying, the pump selected should throw .a heavy strsam, with considerable force, and yet work with ease. The illustration herewith show r e a powerful pump and suitable sprayer for all ordinary crops. The barrel is readily mounted on any form of wagon. —Prof. S. T. Maynard, Mass. Agr. College, in Farm and Home.