6 
adding the kerosene to the hot solution, a very fair emulsion may be 
made, but on standing, a fermentation seems to take place which causes 
it to separate, and after that it will notremain mixed. The unexpected 
success of my first attempt with the very thick sorghum molasses led 
me to premature and unwarrantable conclusions.” 
Following out the first suggestion, Professor Osborn found it impos- 
sible to make a stable emulsion from the cold mixture of equal parts of 
molasses, kerosene, and water, using ordinary low-grade New Orleans 
molasses, no matter how violent and prolonged the agitation. In from 
fifteen to twenty minutes, at the most, the oil would almost entirely sep- 
arate from the mixture, rendering necessary its immediate use after 
preparation. 
COLD WATER AND CABBAGE WORMS. 
In addition to the results of the experiments with cold water asa 
remedy for cabbage-worms, as given by both Professor Osborn and Mr. 
Webster, we have received several communications since our publica- 
tion early in the summer, in the columns of the Rural New Yorker, of 
the suggestion* which originally came to us from Mr. C. HU. Erwin, of 
Painted Post, N. Y. All of these communications are condemnatory 
of the remedy. We extract from one (written by Mr. E. 8. Goff) an 
experiment which is worthy of publication in this connection: 
In experimenting with ice-water for the cabbage caterpillars I tried to intensify the 
conditions as much as possible. I immersed leaves having the caterpillars upon them 
in ice-water, leaving them there a quarter of a minute. I then removed the leaves to 
a bench on the west side of the house, about 3 o’clock p.m., on a very hot day. The 
temperature must have been at least 100 degrees. Half an hour later I examined 
them and found the leaves very much withered and becoming brown from the heat, 
but the worms had crawled to the rear side and were exhibiting no inconvenience. 
In our article just mentioned we left the question as to the efficacy 
of the remedy open to experimenters, but the positiveness of Mr. Er- 
win’s assurances, and the thorough, careful tone of his letter, inclined 
* The text of this suggestion was as follows: 
“‘Mr. Charles H. Erwin, of Painted Post, N. Y., has accidentally hit upon a simple 
and yet, according to his experience, so perfect a remedy for the imported cabbage 
worm that I wish to give his experience as much publicity as possible, that it may 
be widely tested, and, if possible, verified the coming season. It is (to sum up an 
extended experience which he narrated) simply ice-cold water, or water but a few 
degrees warmer than ice-water, sprinkled upon the worms during the heat of the day. 
Mr. Erwin found that such an application in the hot sun caused them to quickly let 
go their hold upon the leaves, curl up, roll to the ground and die, while the cabbage 
suffered nothing, but looked all the fresher for the application. Should this method 
prove as successful with others as it has with him, it is evident that we have here a 
remedy of very general application, and one which in cheapness and simplicity far 
transcends the pyrethrum, which, since I first discovered its value for the purpose 
in 1880, has been, on the whole, our safest and most satisfactory remedy against Pieris 
rapae. Where ice is readily obtainable, as in the more northern States, or where cold 
springs are found, Mr. Erwin’s discovery will prove of very great value to cabbage- 
growers, and will prove as useful against some other cabbage worms.” 
