THE FARMERS' HANDBOOK. 



The treatmenl recommended by the Department is the caustic soda 

 method. This chemical, of a strength of 1 11). caustic soda to 2 gallons of 



water, has the advantage of being much less dangerous to animal life than 

 arsenical solutions. It is best applied as follows : — 



On small areas, firsl cut the vines down close to the ground, and remove 

 them from the area for burning later. Then, from a watering can. with 

 the rose attached, give the surface from which the vines have been cut a 

 thorough soaking of the above solution. The area is then left until a new 

 growth springs up, and has grown to 4 to 5 inches high. It is not necessary 

 to cut this growth down, but it is advisable to give it a further soaking of 

 the solution, which will soon kill more of the tops ami root, but, perhaps, 

 still will not kill the lot. This process will need to be repeated, so as to 

 keep the leaf growth in check, for it is only by keeping the tops down that 

 the roots can be ultimately killed. 



< >n larger areas it will be best to use a mounted spray pump outfit, using 

 an Edgell release valve to regulate the flow of spray. 



A solution of arsenite of soda acts in a similar way, but owing to its 

 highly poisonous nature, and- the danger from children picking the fruit, it 

 is not recommended. 



A flock of sheep or goats kept on an infested area for a few months helps 

 greatly in eradicating this pest. Tt is best to tether the goats, and to move 

 them about as soon as they have nibbled off all the green shoots. 



