50 INSECT PESTS OF FARM, GARDEN AND ORCHARD 



the cooking varies with different limes. Some limes are so sluggish 

 in slaking that it is difficult to obtain enough heat from them to 

 cook the mixture at all, while other limes become intensely hot 

 on slaking, and care must be taken not to allow the boiling to 

 proceed too far. If the mixture is allowed to remain hot for 

 fifteen or twenty minutes after the slaking is completed, the sulfur 

 gradually goes into solution, combining with the lime to form 

 sulfides, which are injurious to peach foliage. It is therefore 

 very important, especially with hot lime, to cool the mixture 

 quickly by adding a few buckets of water as soon as the lumps 

 of lime have slaked down. The intense heat, violent boiling, 

 and constant stirring result in a uniform mixture of finely divided 

 sulfur and lime, with only a very small percentage of the sulfur 

 in solution. It should be strained to take out the coarse particles 

 of lime, but the sulfur should be carefully worked through the 

 strainer." 



Its most important use is as a carrier for the arsenical, usually 

 arsenate of lead, used in spraying peach trees and other plants 

 with tender foliage. 



9. Sulfur. Pure sulfur is one of the best remedies for red 

 spider, on whatever plants it may occur, and for other mites which 

 infest citrus fruits. It may be dusted on the infested plants or trees 

 or applied with any other insecticide, using 1 or 2 pounds to 50 

 gallons. For citrus-mites the lye-sulfur wash and sulfide of lime 

 are extensively used. Sulfur is frequently dusted in poultry 

 houses to rid them of lice, and may be mixed with lard and rubbed 

 on the skin of domestic animals affected with lice. 



10. Pyreihrum, buhach, or Persian insect powder, is made by 

 pulverizing the petals of the pyrethrum blossom, and kills insects 

 by clogging their breathing pores. It is not poisonous to man or 

 domestic animals and may therefore be used where other insecti- 

 cides would be objectionable. It is chiefly used for household 

 pests, and in greenhouses and small gardens. It deteriorates 

 rapidly with age and should be kept in tight cans. An objection 

 to much commonly bought is that it has been kept in stock too 

 long by the retailer, thus losing its strength. Large users buy 

 direct from the only American manufacturers, the Buhach Pro- 

 ducing Co., Stockton, Cal. It may be used as a dry powder, 

 pure or diluted with flour, or in water at the rate of 1 ounce to 2 



