15 
the soil noted under Phylloxera treatment will have practically the 
same influence in this case. 
There appears to be no reason why a similar method of treatment 
may not be equally effective against such other insects as the grape 
root-worm (/7%dia viticida) and the peach borer (Sanninoidea exitiosa), 
especially on young trees, where the borer usually works just beneath 
the surface of the ground. 
DESTRUCTION OF ANTS. 
Carbon bisulphid is the best remedy known for the destruction of 
ants, which are frequently great nuisances to farmers and gardeners. 
With a little careful observation most of the common house ants, 
except the little red house ants, can usually be traced to their homes 
out of doors. The only effectual way of stopping the annoyance or 
injury from these insects is to destroy the queens living in the nests 
which they never leave. 
Methcd of treatment.—The treatment consists in making one or more 
holes in the nest with a stick or iron bar to the depth of from 1 to 2 
feet, and pouring into each hole 1 or 2 ounces of carbon bisul- 
phid. The hole may be closed immediately by stepping on it; or, as 
many writers suggest, the vapor may be exploded at the mouth of the 
hole with a match, in order to drive the fumes deeper into the cham- 
bers. If the latter method is adopted, the hole should be covered with 
fresh earth immediately after the explosion, in order to put out the fire 
and confine the fumes. If this is not done, a large portion of the gas 
will be burned and the efliciency of the treatment be lessened thereby. 
Right at this point an added word of caution must be given. After 
the explosion the vapor continues to burn with a colorless flame. It 
is therefore invisible, but its presence may be easily perceived by 
holding the hand over the opening or by blowing into it. This point 
should be carefully noted, for if the operator, thinking the fire had 
ceased and desiring to make the extermination of the insects doubly 
certain, should attempt to recharge the hole from a can or bottle an 
explosion would surely follow, with possibly fatal results. Explosion 
does not appear to add to the efficacy of the treatment and is not at all 
necessary. If it is not attempted, it may be well to cover the nest with 
a wet blanket, which will aid greatly in confining the fumes. If any 
considerable area is infested, as is often the case in lawns, the holes 
should not be more than 1} feet apart each way, and, after the close of 
the application the surface treated may be thoroughly watered, as the 
wet surface will add to the efficiency of the treatment by preventing 
the rapid diffusion of the fumes into the air. 
USE AGAINST WHITE GRUBS AND MOLE CRICKETS. 
The same method of treatment which has just been described for 
use against ants infesting considerabie areas in lawns will apply 
