124 



THE GYPSY MOTH. 



carbolic acid and turpentine, as follows : creosote oil, fifty 

 per cent. ; carbolic acid, twenty per cent. ; spirits of turpen- 

 tine, twenty per cent. ; coal tar, ten per cent. The coal tar 

 is always added to color the egg-clusters, so that those which 

 have been treated may be distinguished. The creosote itself 

 is not strongly colored, and often fades after application, 

 leaving the egg-clusters of their original color. Tar is used 

 in preference to ordinary pigments because it mixes well 

 with the creosote, and does not settle to the bottom of the can 

 but is held in suspension. Almost any mixture of sufficient 

 penetrative qualities and containing considerable carbolic 

 acid will kill the eggs. 



A pocket receptacle has been devised for convenience in 

 carrying paint and creosote and applying them to infested 

 objects. This consists of a tin can or box (Figs. 3 and 4), in 

 which two tubes are fastened. One of these tubes contains 

 creosote and the other white paint. Each of these tubes is 

 stopped at the mouth by a cork through which the handle of a 

 small paint brush is thrust. The space inside the can and about 

 the tubes is packed with cotton waste (Fig. 4), which receives 

 all drippings from the tubes. Paint and creosote can be 

 carried thus in the pocket with little danger to the clothing. 



Paint and creosote 



FIG. 4. A sectional view, show- 

 ing manner of packing. 



When a tree or other object is found infested, it is marked 

 with paint to indicate the fact. The egg-clusters are then 

 treated with the creosote. In woodland in outer towns each 



* Every tool issued to workmen in the field has its number stamped upon it. 



