20 



"The flour emulsion is smooth, readily and easily atomized, and 

 does not clog- the nozzle. Any separation into layers (no free kerosene 

 will appear for several days, at least) may be readily overcome or reme- 

 died by simply stirring- the mixture. It is equally effective, as might be 

 expected, as an insecticide with the lime-formed emulsion, and amongst 

 other advantages that may be claimed for it there is no perceptible whit- 

 ening of the tree or foliage ; and, further, in some places it may be found 

 cheaper and easier to make than the lime emulsion. Its use is suggested 

 as an alternative where good lime is unobtainable and also for making 

 the emulsion when intended for ornamental trees, shrubs, etc., where 

 the whitening of the foliage is objectionable. The flour emulsion can 

 be added to Bordeaux mixture, Bordeaux and Paris green, if desired." 



Soap Washes.* 



"The most effective soap wash is made with whale-oil soap, one 

 pound to from four to six gallons of water. The term whale-oil soap is 

 merely a trade name for fish-oil soap, made with either potash or soda. 

 The potash soaps, which are the best, because even stronger solutions 

 remain liquid when they cool, are soft soaps. The soda soaps are hard. 

 Of the two>, the potash soaps are considered the best to use on vegeta- 

 tion, as well as being more convenient. Both kinds should always be 

 dissolved in hot water. 



"When bought at retail prices, these soaps cost from 15 to 20 cents 

 per pound, according to the locality, but if obtained in large quantities, 

 can be got at from 3 to 5 cents per pound. Fifty-pound kegs are sup- 

 plied at 5 cents per pound. Two well-known brands of potash soft soaps 

 which have been much used in Canada, and have given good satisfac- 

 tion, are those made by W. H. Owen, of Port Clinton, Ohio, and by 

 Good & Co., of Philadelphia, Pa. If thought desirable, these soaps can 

 be made at home; but it is very unpleasant and dirty work, and it is, 

 besides, doubtful whether such good or cheap results can be secured as 

 by buying from firms which make a special business of manufacturing 

 soaps with only the required amount of moisture and the proper grade 

 and amount of potash. It has been found in experiments carried on at 

 Washington that what is required for spraying purposes is a caustic 

 potash and fish-oil soap, made with a fairly good quality of fish-oil, and 

 from which water has been eliminated by boiling, so that it does not 

 exceed 25 or 30 per cent, of the weight of the soap. Soaps made with 

 caustic soda instead of caustic potash are unsuitable for spraying pur- 

 poses. Dr. J. B. Smith (New Jersey Experiment Station), in his circular 

 No. 5, "Whale Oil Soap and Its Uses," says: "Whale-oil, or fish-oil, 

 soap is one of the most reliable materials for use against plant-lice, and 

 generally against sucking insects which can be killed by contact insecti- 

 cides. It kills by clogging the spiracles, or breathing pores, of the in- 



* Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, Bull. No. 52. 



