146 AGRICULTURE OF MAINE. 



somewhat in size and shape but are usually about i-i6th to i-8th 

 of an inch in diameter. 



In a general way I have hastily gone over the Hfe history and 

 described the work of the blister mite. The next consideration 

 will be the means of control. There are three materials which 

 may be employed against the blister mite, viz. : Lime-sulphur, 

 kerosene emulsion and the miscible oils. 



Lime-sulphur may be obtained from dealers or manufac- 

 tured at home. The commercial lime-sulphur usually tests 32 

 or 33 degrees Baume. At this strength, I would recommend 

 one gallon of lime-sulphur to eight gallons of water. I realize 

 that the blister mite may be controlled by a weaker solution, 

 but since this will be a dormant spray application, I believe the 

 greater strength advisable. If well applied it will eradicate 

 scale insects at the same time and may also be of fungicidal 

 value. 



Kerosene emulsion may be secured from insecticide dealers 

 but is usually made at home. It can readily be made in the fol- 

 lowing proportions : One-half pound laundry soap, one gallon 

 of water and two gallons of kerosene. The soap is chipped up 

 and dissolved in the boiling water. As soon as thoroughly dis- 

 solved, it is removed from the fire and the kerosene poured in. 

 It should then be put through a force pump until a creamy 

 white solution results, making certain that there is no free oil. 

 In making this material in large quantities I employ an ordinary 

 barrel pump. By bringing the hose back into the barrel and 

 then pumping vigorously for about ten minutes, a good emul- 

 sion is usually obtained. This is known as a stock solution, 

 containing about 66% of oil. To control the blister mite this 

 should be used at the rate of one part of the stock kerosene 

 emulsion to five parts of water. 



The miscible oils are manufactured by several dealers. 

 Usually they are employed at the rate of one gallon to 12 or 15 

 of water. However, these manufacturers may vary the mate- 

 rial and I would advise that you follow their recommendations. 



There are two times during the year when growers may 

 spray against the mite. Most recommendations favor the fall 

 application, that is, spraying in the fall as soon as possible after 

 all the leaves have dropped. At this period, some of the mites 

 are to be found exposed in the pubescence of the new wood and 



