306 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



at the rate of two pounds to one gallon. June 7, 1897, no 

 scales could be found on the trees, which during the fall of 

 1897 were dug and "heeled in," preparatory to shipment. 

 An examination of these trees Dec. 13, 1897, showed them 

 to be generally infested with the scale. In this case, sources 

 of infestation were found later near by, yet other stock grow- 

 ing between the pears and the infested spots was apparently 

 free from the scale. I am forced to conclude that a few 

 scales survived the treatment, and by fall their progeny had 

 multiplied sufficiently to reinfest the trees. 



At Auburndale, Mass., a number of badly infested cur- 

 rant bushes were thoroughly drenched with the soap solution 

 on Oct. 9, 1897. At that time the bushes appeared to be 

 nearly dead. When last examined, June 11, 1898, they had 

 made a vigorous growth and were in a remarkably thrifty 

 condition. At the same time a few living scales and a few 

 young larvae were found, showing that the treatment, while 

 reducing the numbers of the scale to a minimum, had not en- 

 tirely exterminated the insect. 



A proper interpretation of the above-described experiences 

 is that in w T hale-oil soap applied as directed we have a valu- 

 able means for checking the increase of the scale, and by its 

 use infested trees may be restored to a thrifty condition. 

 This remedy cannot be depended upon to exterminate the 

 insect; and, in view of the cost of annual treatments, the 

 question to be considered is, Will it not be cheaper in the 

 end to burn the infested stock and start anew with trees free 

 from the scale ? 



3. Kerosene. — Recently, through the efforts of Professor 

 Webster and Dr. J. B. Smith, the value of pure kerosene as 

 a remedy for this insect has been extensively tested. The 

 results thus far obtained, while uneven, have been on the 

 whole satisfactory, and Dr. Smith has even advised owners 

 of infested trees to use kerosene in preference to other reme- 

 dies. He advises that during the month of September the 

 oil be applied as a very fine spray, and that only an amount 

 sufficient to moisten the surface be used. The trees must be 

 perfectly dry, and the time for treatment the middle of a 

 warm, sunny day. When used as above directed, kerosene 

 has been found to kill all of the scales, usually without in- 



