136 The Pocket Gopher. 



ducted on the Station grounds and elsewhere have borne out 

 the uniformly favorable reports from alfalfa growers, par- 

 ticularly, as to the merits of the poison. We therefore recom- 

 mend this poisoned syrup as the best means we have discov- 

 ered so far for the destruction of pocket gophers. The syrup 

 is sold by the College at actual cost of manufacture, which at 

 present is $1.10 per quart can. 



The method of using this poison commends itself as a time 

 saver. Pour boiling water over as much shelled corn as you 

 will need the quart of syrup will poison a half bushel and 

 let it stand several hours to swell and soften. Drain off the 

 water and pour over the grain enough of the syrup to render 

 it sticky when thoroughly stirred together. Sweeten the mass 

 with a little good table syrup and add a little corn-meal to 

 take up the excess moisture, but not enough to leave any dry 

 meal. Cork up the syrup can tightly and place it out of reach 

 of children and domestic animals. It will keep indefinitely and 

 is ready for use at any time. 



The soaked corn, poisoned as above, is introduced into the 

 burrows of the gophers, a few grains at a place, by means of 

 an old spoon. Openings into the burrows must first be made 

 with a sharp stick a sharpened broom handle will serve the 

 purpose or a spade handle shod with an iron point and hav- 



Two forms of prod for locating runways of the pocket gopher and making openings 

 for the introduction of poisoned bait. 



ing an iron foot-bar some distance from the end to aid in mak- 

 ing the thrust. Experience will soon enable one to tell when 

 he has struck the burrow, which can be located approximately 

 by getting on a line between two mounds of earth. After 

 dropping in the poisoned grain the hole may be left open, or if 

 closed care should be taken not to allow dirt to fall in and cover 

 up the bait. If the hole is left open the gopher is likely to be 

 attracted by the light and find the bait the sooner. 



The same method of introducing the poison into the burrows 

 is employed also when raisins and prunes or pieces of apple 



