TO KEEP MICE AND RATS AWAY 235 



These sections roll tightly about the tree, and yet expand so readily 

 with the growth of the tree that they may be allowed to remain, al- 

 though it is advisable to remove them each spring, so that they will 

 not become a harboring-place for insects. Tie thin strips of wood, as 

 laths or shingles, about the tree. Common window-screen placed 

 about the tree is effective and safe. Remove in spring, as it is likely 

 to attract borers. Tarred paper is sometimes advised to keep away 

 mice and borers, but it is very likely to kill the bark, especially on 

 young trees, if tied on, or if left on in warm weather. 



Washes to protect trees from mice. 



Wash the trees with some persistent substance in which is placed 

 paris green. Maynard finds the following substances useful for holding 

 the poison : portland cement of the consistency of common paint ; 

 Portland cement 10 parts and gas-tar 1 part ; portland cement 10 

 parts and asphaltum 1 part ; portland cement 10 parts and Merrill's 

 tree-ink 1 part. 



Lime-wash, to which is added a little sulfur, tobacco-decoction, and 

 soapsuds. 



Carbonate of baryta for rats and mice. 



Sugar and oatmeal or wheat flour, of each 6 ounces ; carbonate of 

 baryta, \ pound ; oil of anise-seed, enough to give the mixture a pretty 

 strong odor. 



This remedy is frequently made simply of oatmeal and barium- 

 carbonate, 1 part poison to 8 of oatmeal, the combined materials 

 being made into a stiff dough by the use of water. This has the ad- 

 vantage of working so slowly that the victims generally leave the 

 premises in search of water. 



Tartar emetic for rats and mice. 



Tartar emetic, 1 part; oatmeal or flour, 4 parts; beef or mut- 

 ton suet enough to make all into a paste. 



Strychnine solution for mice. 



Mice have been successfully poisoned by the use of wheat soaked in 

 strychnine solution. (See ground squirrel remedies, p. 241.) 



