10 Farmers’ Bulletin 1101. 
ter are cut through each folded bag with a leather-punch or similar 
instrument. This provides each bag with two or three holes on 
each side for the entrance of the ants. Being opened, the bags are 
dipped in a pan of molten paraffin and set aside to dry. The paraffin, 
forming a waterproof surface, materially lengthens the life of the 
bag, which is protected from the entrance of water through the holes 
by part of another (2-pound) paraffined bag which covers the first 
one like a canopy. In use, each bag is provided with a small quan- 
tity of poisoned sirup and a piece of sponge, the protecting outer 
piece of bag is drawn over it, and the ends of both are folded 
over at the top and tacked to a tree. On account of the bag coming 
together at the top it is very narrow at the point where the entrance 
holes are made; consequently very small pieces of sponge are re- 
quired. The bags have been known to last for long periods, but 
= the larger percentage of them fit only about 
V4 \ two or three months. They can not be 
\ recharged. 
The tin can snown in figure 3 is the most 
satisfactory container. Any sized can may 
be used, but the handiest size is the one-half 
pound baking-powder can. The can must 
have a friction cover, and of course it must 
hold water. If the can is indented deeply 
. on the two opposite sides (as illustrated in 
the drawing, fig. 3) and the cover replaced, 
it will be observable that there is ample space 
between the top of the can and the cover for 
the entrance of the ants, and the can, if kept 
in an upright position, will be weatherproof. 
About a gill of the sirup will be sufficient for 
several months, but in heavy infestations it 
is better to put 2 gills in each can. It is 
: very advisable to place a fairly large piece 
Fig. 3.—Tin can container : ° 
for ant-poison sirups used Of Sponge in the can. The sponge will float 
in outdoor experiment. on the sirup and allow the ants to feed in 
large numbers. A piece of wire about 6 inches long may be bent for a 
handle, a hook inward at each end being made. The hooks may be 
attached under the lid of the can where it projects over the part that 
has been indented. This forms a handle by which the cans may be 
hung on trees, fences, walls of houses, ete. The ants prefer to climb 
for their food, and it is well to hang the cans near ant trails going up 
trees, walls, etc. It is advisable to hang the cans in the shade to pre- 
vent the evaporation of the sirup, for though it has been proved that 
evaporation does not affect this sirup to a marked extent, it is well to 
avoid raising the solid contents of the liquid. Eight to ten of these 
