16 FARMERS’ BULLETIN 650. 
the old-formula lime-sulphur wash, and, although somewhat more 
expensive, have been adopted by many of the commercial orchardists 
in preference to the ‘‘20-15-50” formula. They are especially useful 
for the smaller orchardists whose interests do not warrant the con- 
struction of a cooking plant. 
HoMEMADE LIME-SULPHUR CONCENTRATES. 
The question of the preparation at home of concentrated lime- 
sulphur solutions which will not crystallize upon cooling, thus dupli- 
cating the commercial product, has been investigated by the Bureau 
of Entomology, as well as by numerous experiment station entomolo- 
gists, notably by Profs. Stewart, Cordley, Parrott, and others. It 
has been demonstrated that it is practicable for orchardists to pre- 
pare concentrated stock solutions of lime-sulphur wash for immediate 
or later use, and many orchardists employ this plan. The necessary 
details for the preparation at home of lime-sulphur concentrates are 
given below. 
DIRECTIONS FOR PREPARATION OF LIME-SULPHUR CONCENTRATES. 
The so-called 50-100—50 formula, composed of 50 pounds of lime, 
100 pounds of sulphur, and water to make 50 gallons, has been 
generally recommended ‘for the preparation of a homemade con- 
centrated lime-sulphur solution. Some advise the use of five or six 
pounds of sulphur more than above stated in order to have a slight 
excess of this ingredient over the lime. The method of preparation 
is to boil together in the necessary water the respective ingredients 
for from 50 minutes to an hour. A good grade of fresh stone lime 
containing not less than 90 per cent of calcium oxid is necessary for 
the best results. Hydrated lime is sometimes used, but it is necessary 
to use a good grade and at least 20 per cent more of this form of lime 
is required, as it contains a high percentage of moisture. 
Place enough water in the cooking vessel to finish with 50 gallons 
of the solution; bring the water to the boiling point, then put in the 
lime and immediately add the sulphur. If the plant is equipped 
with an agitator, this should be started with the addition of lime and 
sulphur. If there is no mechanical agitator, the mixture must be 
stirred vigorously by hand until the lime is slaked, and necessary 
agitation must be given throughout the time of cooking. If the 
solution is to be put in barrels without filtering, it should be drawn 
off as soon as the period of cooking is completed, and allowed to run 
through a 30-mesh strainer into the barrels. The agitation should 
be continued while the solution is being drawn off so that there will 
be an equal distribution of the sludge in the different storage recep- 
tacles. 
