Lime-Sulphur Concentrate. 9 
CLEANING THE COOKING TANK. 
The cooking tank should be cleaned after each cooking by using 
a liberal supply of hot water and washing out any deposits that 
adhere to the tank before they cool sufficiently to become hard and 
caked. By so doing, a better subsequent batch is assured. 
SEDIMENT OR SLUDGE. 
The coarse sediment is of no use for spraying purposes, but if it 
should contain considerable uncombined sulphur it may be recooked 
with the next batch, thereby utilizing that which would otherwise 
be discarded. However, in well prepared solutions the amount of 
uncombined sulphur is so small as not to affect to any appreciable 
extent the subsequent batch. If for any reason the quantity of 
sludge-sulphur is large and is employed in the next cooking, the 
effect is merely to produce a higher-test concentrate. The fine 
siltlike sediment which ordinarily passes through a 20-mesh screen 
is not objectionable for spraying purposes and need not be removed 
from the concentrate. 
SETTLING TANKS. 
In commercial plants a clear concentrate of cherry-red color free 
from sediment is sometimes obtained by the use of settling tanks 
into which the material is drawn immediately after boiling. The 
sediment works to the bottom of the tank, leaving the clear solu- 
tion above. 
TESTING THE CONCENTRATE. 
As soon as the lime-sulphur concentrate has cooled the clear 
solution should be tested with a hydrometer, as described on page 
10. The density of the solution should then be recorded or plainly 
marked on the storage container. Most hydrometers are graduated 
to test accurately when the solution is at 60° F. 
STORING THE CONCENTRATE, 
Most orchardists will find that storage of the concentrate in 50- 
gallon wooden barrels will best meet their requirements. Care 
should be taken to use only clean barrels free from acids,> strong 
alkalies, or soap, since these materials tend to break down the lime- 
sulphur. The barrels should be in good condition with hoops well 
driven, since there will be trouble with leakage unless the barrels 
are tight. If considerable quantities are stored, as in commercial 
or community plants, iron tanks are preferable. 
In storing lime-sulphur concentrate it should be protected from 
the air, since exposure causes crystals and a crust formation. The 
barrels in which it is stored should be completely filled and tightly 
corked, or, if the concentrate is kept in open containers, a thin 
layer of medium to heavy oil should be poured on as a protective 
covering. If the lime-sulphur is to be dipped out of these con- 
tainers, it will be necessary at first to skim off the oil, but if the 
Sif vincent barrels are to be used, they must be thoroughly cleaned to remove all 
traces of acid. F 
®If crystals are formed they may be dissolved in hot wate 
