
13 
(Howard). Itis employed to destroy the larve of the mosquitoes in 
their favorite breeding places ‘mn small pools, still ponds, or stagnant 
water, and where such bodies of water are not sources of drinking sup- 
ply or of value for their fish, especially in the case of temporary pools 
from rains, which frequently breed very disagreeable local swarms, the 
use of oil is strongly recommended. The kerosene is applied at the 
rate of 1 ounce to 15 square feet of water surface, and forms a uniform 
film over the surface and destroys all forms of aquatic insect life, 
including the larvee of the mosquito and also the adult females coming 
to the water to deposit their eggs. The application retains its efficiency 
for several weeks, even with the occurrence of heavy rains. 
THE RESIN WASH. 
This wash has proved of greatest value in California, particularly 
against red scale (Aspidiotus aurantit), and will be of use in all similar 
climates where tle occurrence of comparatively rainless seasons insures 
the continuance of the wash on the trees for a considerable period, and 
where, owing to the warmth, the multiplication of the scale insects 
continues almost without interruption throughout the year. Where 
rains are liable to occur at short intervals, and in the Northern States, 
the quicker-acting and stronger kerosene washes are preferable. The 
resin wash acts by contact, having a certain caustic effect, but princi- 
pally by forming an impervious, smotheiing coating over the scale 
insects. The application may be more liberal than with the kerosene 
washes, the object being to thoroughly wet the bark. 
The wash may be made as follows: 
GS Meanie ater rete nes Be oe SPP ASS pounds.. 20 
Crude. caustic soda:(7siper cent) 122-420 2. So =. 22s. 2's sn dozaa 25 
LTHSLY COME SAS ice, Oe Se ere ak ol Ee ne a ee eee pints.. 24 
1ST sts ea oe es a a ieee gallons.. 100 
Ordinary commercial resin is used, and the caustic soda is that put 
up for soap establishments in large 200-pound drums. Smaller quanti- 
ties nay be obtained at soap factories, or the granulated caustic soda 
(98 per cent) unsed—s4 pounds of the latter being the equivalent of 5 
pounds of the former. Place these substances with the oil in a kettle 
with water to cover them to a depth of 3 or 4 inches. Boil for one or 
two hours, making occasional additions of water, or until the com- 
pound resembles very strong black coffee. Dilute to one-third the final 
bulk with hot water, or with cold water added slowly over the fire, 
making a stock mixture, to be diluted to the full amount as used. 
When sprayed the mixture should be perfectly fluid, without sedi- 
ment, and should any appear in the stock mixture reheating should be 
resorted to. 
As a winter wash for scale insects, and particularly for the more 
resistant San José scale (Aspidiotus perniciosus), stronger washes are 
necessary. In southern California, for this latter insect, the equivalent 
of a dilution one-third less, or to 663 gallons instead of 100, has given 
