The Pistol-Cask-Bearer. 17 



work, rendered it difficult to make any definite estimates of the 

 results of spraying for the latter insect. Where the pistol-case- 

 bearer was most numerous, they sprayed some of the trees twice 

 before the blossoms were fully open, with Bordeaux mixture and 

 London purple. On May ist, Mr. L- T. Yeomans wrote us : 

 * ' We may be mistaken, but it seems to us that we have not so 

 many cases on our trees, where we have sprayed the second 

 time. ' ' Kerosene emulsion was also tried when the insects were 

 feeding in the latter part of April. A barrel of the emulsion was 

 sprayed upon five trees, but Mr. L. T. Yeomans reported on May 

 nth, that he was unable to preceive any difference in the effect on 

 the worms between trees thus sprayed and those unsprayed. 



These experiments and our study of the habits of this pistol- 

 case-bearer lead us to believe that it can be kept in check by 

 thorough work with a Paris green spray, using one pound to 105 

 or 200 gallons of water, or Bordeaux mixture. The experience of 

 Messrs. Yeomans indicates that it will require two applications of 

 the poison before the blossoms open to effectually check the pest 

 where it is very numerous. It would be well to combine the poison 

 with the fungicide, Bordeaux mixture, in one of these sprayings, 

 perhaps the second one, as this is the time when the apple scab 

 fungus should receive its first check. This period between the 

 swelling of the buds and the opening of the flower is also just the 

 time when the bud moth and the cigar-case-bearer (which often 

 work with the pistol-case-bearer) should be treated to a poisonous 

 dose. As all three of these insects do their most destructive 

 work before the blossoms open, an especial effort should be made 

 to spray more thoroughly than usual. Do not wait until after 

 the blossoms have fallen before striking a blow at these pests ; 

 although many of the pistol-case-bearers could doubtless be pois- 

 oned by a thorough application of the Paris green made just after 

 the petals fall, which is also the best time to spray for the codlin 

 moth or apple worm. 



Never spray a fruit tree whe7t it is in blossom. Remember that 

 your success infightirig the pistol-case-bearer, and a7iy of the other 

 insects just mentioned, will depend almost entirely on how thoroughly 

 the sprayi7ig is do7te. 



Mark Vernon Slingerland. 



