100 



in. Let the leaves scak for 48 hours, then pour off the liquid, and 

 apply as a fine spray. 



Hellebore. Powder of hellebore, applied either dry or in a liquid 

 form, was formerly considered to be one of the most useful insecticides 

 for Caterpillars and other soft-bodied pests, but now it appears to be less 

 popular, though for no apparent reason, as it is very effective. Lightly 

 dust the powder where necessary, or if required, apply as a spray ; mix 



1 Ib. to 10 gallons of water. 



Kerosene. This is one of the cheapest and most effective materials 

 for destroying insect pests, and is also useful in checking the spread of 

 some fungi. It is mostly used in the form of an emulson, in which 

 soap is a prominent factor, and other materials may be added to effect 

 special objects. Solutions may be made of different degrees of strength 

 to suit various purposes. No 1 (strong) may be made by dissolving 



2 Ibs. of soft or ordinary soap in 2 gallons of boiling water ; add 

 2 gallons of kerosene while boiling hot, and churn violently till the oil 

 is emulsified ; then add thirty gallons of water and use as a spray. This 

 emulsion may be used for deciduous plants before growth commences, 

 and on hard-leaved evergreens. No. 2 (mild) use the same proportion 

 of soap and water, but only half the quantity of kerosene. This pre- 

 paration will be better adapted for the more tender-foliaged trees. The 

 blending of the oil with the soapy water will be facilitated by first 

 mixing the kerosene with an equal bulk of milk and violently churning 

 it. Kerosene emulsion is an excellent remedy for the Scale insects 

 when sprayed or syringed over the trees. Various additions may be 

 made to these emulsions to increase their effectiveness for particular 

 purposes. Thus, 2 oz. of Balsam of Fir added to 20 gallons of the 

 mixture will make the material more adherent to the surface of the 

 leaves. A small quantity of carbolic acid will increase the effect upon 

 some insects ; so will London Purple, in the proportion of 1 oz. to 20 

 gallons. Kerosene mixed with castor, linseed or whale oil in the 

 proportion of one part to four of oil makes a useful winter dressing 

 for the trunks and branches of deciduous trees that are troubled with 

 Scale. 



Lime. This is a very serviceable insecticide, and may be used to 

 advantage in various forms. Slaked lime is a good remedy for Cater- 

 pillars, Slugs, Snails, Wood Lice, and other pests, when dusted over the 

 foliage and under the trees. It also checks Scale insects to some 

 extent, and facilitates the dispersal of the Sooty Blight upon Orange 

 and other evergreen trees. It is useful also in combination with blue- 

 stone, as previously stated. When mixed in the proportion of two 

 parts to one of sulphur, with sufficient water to bring it to the consis- 

 tency of a thick paint, adding half a pint of kerosene to 2 gallons, it 

 makes an excellent dressing for the stems and branches of fruit trees. 

 When painted with this mixture, many crevices, in which lurk the 

 germs of insect and fungoid pests, will be filled, and their development 

 prevented. It is an excellent practice to dress all fruit trees and vines 

 with this mixture every year. Gas lime is useful when scattered over 

 the ground in keeping down Slugs, Snails and other pests. 



