34 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO VEGETABLES 



of this remedy. There are no authentic recorded instances 

 known to the writer of poisoning from the consumption of 

 cabbage or other vegetables treated with an arsenical. Ac- 

 cording to Gillette, 28 cabbages dusted in the ordinary way 

 would have to be eaten by a human being at one meal in order 

 to produce poisonous effects ! It is preferable, however, in 

 order to avoid all danger, to use other insecticides in the case 

 of vegetables soon to be eaten. 



Caution. — It is advisable in using all arsenicals to sec that 

 they are correctly labeled and kept under lock and key, as they 

 are dangerous to human as well as other animal life. 



The utensils employed in preparing arsenical mixtures should 

 be thoroughly cleansed after use. 



Lime (oxid of calcium) possesses considerable value as an 

 insecticide and repellent, its efficiency being in proportion to its 

 dryness and caustic quality. It is more effective against delicate 

 and moist insects, such as the larvae of asparagus and potato 

 beetles and root-maggots. For leaf-feeding species it is sifted 

 on the plants and kills by contact, literally burning holes into 

 the soft bodies of the larvae which it touches. Certain root- 

 maggots and white grubs are without doubt largely attracted 

 to gardens by the presence of manures and decomposing veg- 

 etable matter, and if this be powdered with lime, finely sifted, 

 it soaks into the material with rains and, moreover, acts as a 

 deterrent, especially against the flies which produce the root- 

 maggots. It is useful also for slugs or snails. 



Fresh air-slaked or quick lime should be used, as when stale 

 it loses its caustic properties. 



Gas lime is of value in clearing infested land of white grubs 

 before planting some crops. It is a refuse product of gas plants 

 and may be obtained frequently merely for the cost of hauling. 

 It contains much gas in a crude form, and to be of greatest 

 value should be fresh so as to give out a strong gassy odor for 

 several days after application. When applied to lawns it is 



