PROCEEDINGS OP THE SUMMER MEETING. 121 



ously been placed there), and those that fall will go up the tree, looking- 

 for a place to hide, and if there is no loose bark they will go nnder the 

 bands. 



Prof. Taft: I wish to testify to the accuracy of Mr. Cook's observa- 

 tions. I think he has given you the facts just as they are, and I can also 

 say that a band put around the tree in the spring will be of no value 

 until about June, so there is no use in putting on the band until about 

 that Time, from the fact that the only insects that go in there are the 

 worms that come out from the first brood. In regard to spraying, I think 

 it is of the greatest importance, whether you are spraying for the codlin 

 moth or not, to spray early. We are most likely to have injury from 

 scab when the w^eather is moist and warm, about the time the fruit is 

 setting. Two or three years ago we had these conditions prevailing 

 when it was in blossom, and the fungus worked on the blossom and 

 stem, and the fruit did not set. To save the crop from this disease, I 

 think it is of great importance that we spra}^ even before the fruit 

 blossoms. My practice has been to spray just before the blossoms open, 

 for the purpose of coating over the leaves at that time, and to protect 

 the blossom stems. If we can do that we can save the crop up to that 

 time, and three years ago we lost a crop because the blossom stems were 

 not covered; and then, just as soon as the blossoms have fallen, we go 

 over it again to coat the young apples thoroughly, and use the arsenite 

 to destroy the codlin moth; otherwise the eggs deposited at first will 

 hatch, and the little worms will be beyond the reach of our poison. 



Mr. Comings: What progress has been made in finding substitutes 

 for arsenical poisons? It is stated by authorities that the very slight 

 trace of muriate in sugar is producing a large increase in the kidney 

 diseases of the country. The arsenical poisons are powerful chemicals, 

 and I should be glad to use something else. The amount we breathe 

 would be, according to homoeopathic ideas, a strong medication, to say 

 nothing of the amount we get on the skin of the fruit. Are there any 

 successful substitutes being found? 



Prof. Taft : No, sir. But there are various forms of arsenites used. 



Q. Do you hear any criticisms of arsenites, as concerns the health of 

 the people? 



Prof. Taft: Nothing worth considering, from the fact that the quan- 

 tity used is very small indeed, and the amount that remains on the fruit 

 is comparatively small, especially if we use it anj^where from six weeks 

 to six months before the fruit is eaten. It becomes greatly reduced, and 

 taking into consideration the amount which physicians say is harmful we 

 could eat several bushels of fruit without danger. 



Q. But we breathe it. 



Prof. Taft: The material being in solution, I do not think there is 

 danger in breathing. You might take a small amount from the face 

 and hands, by absorption. I won't vouch for the analysis, but I have seen 

 the statement quoted by reliable persons, and so often that I feel it 

 comes straight, that there is more arsenic in our wheat than upon the 

 apples after they are sprayed; and if we can eat wheat as we do, and 

 have for thousands of years, without harm, I think we can eat the apples 

 with safety. 

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