14 
nozzle of the Vermorel type to secure this effect. An elbow designed 
for this purpose is shown in figure 5. 
Kerosene-soap emulsion, the standard remedy for aphides, is the best 
insecticide for spraying purposes, but various soap solutions are used 
both for the melon and pea aphides. They are diluted with 6 to 8 parts 
of water. The emulsion and soap washes are of particular value when 
the plants are small, as then the aphides can be more readily reached 
than when the leaves have grown to larger size; and, to repeat, if inju- 
ries are to be averted the insect should be checked on its first appear- 
ance, not alone on cucumbers, melons, squashes, or whatever the main 
crop may be, but upon all neighboring plants which may harbor the 
insect, including beds of strawberry or groves of orange trees. 
Kerosene-soap emulsion is prepared by combining 2 gallons of kero- 
sene, one-half pound of whale-oil soap, or 1 quart of soft soap, with 1 
gallon of water. The soap is dissolved in boiling water and then 
poured while still boiling hot (away from the fire) into the kerosene. 
The mixture is then churned rapidly for about five minutes, pumping 
the liquid back upon itself by means of a force pump and direct-dis- 
charge nozzle throwing a strong stream. At the 
end of this time the mixture will have become of 
the consistency of thickcream. Properly prepared, 
an emulsion will keep almost indefinitely, and 
should be diluted only as needed for use. For 
most species of aphides the staple emulsion should 
HG. 5.—Elbow attach. DC diluted with from 10 to 20 parts of water. In 
ment for underspray- the preparation of kerosene emulsion a force pump 
Bee ee: is a necessity, since if not made according to 
directions a perfect emulsion is not formed. There is then danger of 
injury to the plants by the kerosene, as also useless waste. There is 
danger and waste, too, if the insecticide is not applied by means of a 
fine nozzle in the form of a spray, which should be fine and mist-like, 
or ‘like a fog,” as some one has aptly exprest it. It should be 
sprayed only for a long enough time to cover the plants, otherwise 
the liquid forms into globules and runs off. Figure 6 illustrates 
the method of operating a knapsack sprayer so as to produce an 
underspraying. 
Spraying with water.—W here a few plants only are to be protected, 
and it is possible to direct a strong stream of water upon them from a 
garden hose, syringe, or spraying machine, so as to wash off the 
insects, the aphis can be materially checked without the use of other 
materials. Such of the insects as come into direct contact with a stiff 
spray are unable to survive, while others that are dislodged from the 
plants do not sueceed in returning. Many are wingless during the 
ereater part of the season and unable to crawl any distance, particu- 
larly if the ground be dry and hot. 
