162 SATURDAY IN MY GARDEN 



appearance towards the end of May. The spittle with which the 

 insects surround themselves is nothing less than the sap of the 

 plant, which has been secreted by them to form a protective 

 covering. Such robbery of the tree's vital ingredients must 

 be checked at once, and this can be done either by " thumb- 

 and-finger work," as previously recommended, or by spray- 

 ing with an insecticide which contains nicotine. In order, 

 however, to get rid of the froth, or spittle, and thus 

 reach the insect itself, it is necessary to spray first with clear 

 water and then to apply the tobacco wash. The ingredients of 

 the insecticide recommended are : Tobacco refuse or dust, J-lb. ; 

 soft soap, 1 Ib. ; soft water, 12 gallons. The tobacco should be 

 steeped in water for some days, and then be allowed to simmer 

 over a fire for an hour. Pour off the liquid, and repeat the 

 steeping operation, and add the second extract to the first. The 

 product may then be mixed with the dissolved soft soap and 

 applied through a syringe to the affected trees, above and below. 



