318 CALIFORNIA VEGETABLES 



Some fungi are quite readily checked by- the use of dry sulphur, 

 but when this is not effective, the copper compounds will be found 

 satisfactory. 



In many cases the attacks of fungi may be avoided by keeping 

 the plants growing thriftily, or by choosing varieties which are not 

 affected by the diseases to which other varieties succumb. Wher- 

 ever this course is open to the gardener, it will be 'found more satis- 

 factory than the application of remedies. 



DESTRUCTIVE ANIMALS AND BIRDS. 



Against the larger marauders from the forest, the field or the 

 barn-yard, the farm garden must be protected by an adequate fence 

 close enough to exclude fowls and jack-rabbits. For the latter 

 purpose closely set strands of barbed wire are the cheapest material. 

 The bottom wire must be set low enough to prevent entrance by 

 scratching under. Even when a neater fence is made of wire net- 

 ting, strands of barbed wire above and below are often very useful. 

 ' Squirrels. Ground squirrels should be destroyed in the ad- 

 joining fields as well as in the garden, or its protection is almost a 

 hopeless undertaking. When the ground is wet, squirrels are very 

 satisfactorily destroyed with carbon bisulphide, and this material, 

 with appliances and instructions for its use, can be had in nearly all 

 country stores. 



In dry soil the carbon bisulphide is not so effective, and some 

 of the many good squirrel poisons must be used. The following 

 has been shown to be very satisfactory : 



Strychnine, one ounce ; cyanide of potassium, one and one-half ounces ; 

 eggs, one dozen ; honey, one pint ; vinegar one and one-half pints ; wheat or 

 barley, thirty pounds. Dissolve the strychnine in the vinegar, pulverizing it 

 in the vinegar, or it will gather in a lump. See that it is all dissolved. Dis- 

 solve the cyanide of potassium in a little water. Beat the eggs. Mix all the 

 ingredients together thoroughly before adding to the barley. Let it stand 

 twenty-four hours, mixing often. Spread to dry before using, as it will 

 mold if put away wet. In wheat districts use wheat, and in barley districts 

 use barley, as they eat it better. Look out for the poultry and stock. 



Gophers. Some gardeners are very successful in gopher trap- 

 ping. It is an act which has to be learned by experience and patient 

 observation. The following suggestions are made by an expert 

 and they may be helpful to beginners : 



