DESTRUCTION OF ORCHARD PESTS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1341, 16 May 1885, Page 1

DESTRUCTION OF ORCHARD PESTS.

A writer in the Journal of Horticulture thus relates bis experience of the kerosene and soft-soap cure for.plants infected by insects:—“l tried the mixture of soda, soft-soap and kerosene, as advised by ‘ A Gardener’, but, although the water used was soft, and the directions were followed minutely, there was a scum on the surface. The mixture killed some of the insects to \yhich it. was applied, but the scum had the effect of slightly binning the foliage. I then tried to draw the liquor off by means of a tap at the bottom of the tub, leaving the scum behind. This was better, and I found I could use it on most plants at double strength without the slightest injury to , the foliage. Eucharis, with some old thrips which had baffled all smoking, gardenias in small pots, with a suspicion of red spider, and cuttings of all sorts, were dipped, with such perfect results that I have made up my mind to give up growing insects altogether, The mixture is now made ns follows A nine gallon cask with the head out is placed on end, with a tap inserted near the bottom. A pound of good soft-soap is put into it, and four gallops of, soft water, boiling. This is stirred with a stick till the soap is dissolved, then one pint of kerosene ia poured in slowly while the water is kept violently stirred with a stick. Then four gallons more soft water is added. I think it is immaterial whether this last lot of water is hot or cold, but it must be soft. In five minutes after storing the, scum has risen to the top, and the mixture may be drawn off’ through the tap, leaving, however, a little more than sufficient to cover the tap at the bottom. This must be treated as waste, and on no account must any of it be used on the plants.” The above mixture is also a capital one for syringing plants infested with white hug aud scale. Syringe in the evenings.