INSECT ENEMIES 127 



as water and in such a manner that it will mix with 

 water readily under favorable conditions. The usual 

 way of applying is to put these oils into the spray 

 tank with water in the proportion of one gallon of 

 oil to 15 or 16 gallons of water. The solution is then 

 stirred vigorously by pumping it back into the bar- 

 rel. It is then ready for immediate use. 



This ease of mixing forms a great argument in 

 favor of the soluble oil as compared with the lime- 

 sulphur sprays. Furthermore, it is much less caus- 

 tic when it strikes the hands or the face of the 

 operator. This is also an important advantage. One 

 of its most serious defects is that it cannot be seen 

 on the tree as the lime-sulphur mixture can, and it is 

 difficult, therefore, to tell when the tree is fully 

 covered. 



A very common practice among peach growers, 

 and one which is on the whole to be recommended, 

 is the use of soluble oil and lime-sulphur in alternate 

 years. When heavy spraying is to be done in cases 

 of severe and neglected infestation, lime-sulphur 

 should be used in the fall and the soluble oil in the 

 spring. 



PEACH TREE BORER 



Probably the peach tree borer has caused more 

 profanity than even the San Jose scale. It is a par- 

 ticularly troublesome and annoying insect and the 

 methods of discouraging its attacks are such as to 

 draw heavily on a fruit grower's religious fortitude. 

 It is much more difficult, as a matter of fact, to over- 

 come the attacks of the peach tree borer than to 

 clean out the San Jose scale. This insect occurs all 

 over the eastern United States in practically every 

 orchard, and many competent men believe it to be 



