Rodent Injury to Trees. 447 



be obtained. Even wire mosquito gauze can be used, but it is less 

 durable than netting made from larger wire. 



Maize Stalks. — Dry stalks are cut into suitable lengths and bound 

 around the trunk. Unless the tree is perfectly straight, considerable 

 trouble is experienced in getting them to fit properly. Splitting the 

 stalks sometimes solves this difficulty. Reeds may be used as a sub- 

 stitute. Stalks and reeds furnish excellent protection and the 

 material costs nothing, but they often prove rather expensive if the 

 labour is taken into consideration. 



Bagging. — This is a good material for use. Rodents do not gnaw 

 through it; and in the case of large trees, or trees with branching 

 trunks, protectors made of this material are practically the only ones 

 tliat can be put in position easily. A few old bags are generally 

 available on the farm, and others that will serve the object, such as 

 old coal bags, can often be obtained at a cheap rate. 



Faqjer. — Any strong paper, with the exception of that contain- 

 ing tar, will answer the purpose and will generally prove satisfactory 

 as a wrapping material, provided, of course, that a proper thickness 

 is used. It is said that in countries where the ground lies covered 

 with snow for a long period rabbits will tear through paper, but hares 

 are not so pressed here by hunger. 



With regard to the comparative merit of the different materials, 

 the netting has the most to recommend it. The cylinders can be put 

 on the trees when the latter are small and left on until the trees are 

 large; whereas protectors made from the other materials must bej 

 removed each summer, otherwise there is danger of insects and fungi 

 finding shelter under them and injuring the tree. 



RErELLEXT Sprays. 



In the United States of America lime-sulphur sprajs have been 

 found to be of considerable value in protecting trees from the attack 

 of rodents. Their weak point is that the effect does not last through- 

 out a season. However, as a precautionary measure late winter oi^ 

 early spring spraying with lime-sulphur can be recommended, as, in 

 addition to having some value as a repellent for rodents, it is one 

 of the very best " general winter clean-up sprays " known. It is 

 fairly effective against most kinds of scale insects, helps to prevent 

 the development of fungous diseases, and has an invigorating effect 

 upon the tree. 



To prepare lime-sulphur spray, heat 5 gallons of water, and to 

 this slowly add 10 lb. of quicklime. Mix 20 lb. of sulphur to a thin 

 paste with a little water, and stir it into the lime while the latter is 

 still slaking. Add 5 gallons of water and boil until the sulphur is all 

 dissolved, stirring continually. Add water when necessary, keeping 

 the quantity in the cooking vessel up to 10 gallons. Boiling generally 

 takes from 45 minutes to 1 hour. When cooking is completed, strain 

 the liquid, add enough water to make 50 gallons of spray, and use. 

 If there is doubt as to the purity of the lime, or if slaked lime is 

 used, the quantity should be increased to 15 or 20 lb. Reliable brands 

 of ready prepared lime-sulphur can be purchased in shops, eitheu 

 in a concentrated liquid form or as a dry powder. 



