134 THE GYPSY MOTH. 



machine is then filled. When in use the spring is released 

 from the latch. Like the other machines, this machine is 

 carried by a harness or carrying band. 



A simple utensil (Plate XXII., Fig. 1) is like the "Eich- 

 horn" machine, a lime " squeezer," and consists of a wedge- 

 shaped box, one side of which is movable and may be pressed 

 into the opening formed by the four stationary walls of its 

 other sides. Spades or trowels (Plate XXI., Fig. 3, a, b, c) 

 are often used to apply the lime and shape the bands where 

 the work is done by hand. Where a number of men are at 

 work, a lime hod (Plate XXII., Fig. 5) is also used. This 

 hod is carried by one man, who keeps several others supplied 

 with the lime. 



There are some disadvantages in the use of insect lime. 

 It is not cleanly, as under a hot sun more or less running oil 

 exudes, especially on smooth-barked trees. Unless placed 

 at a considerable height from the ground, cattle and horses 

 frequently rub against it, plastering their coats in a very 

 disagreeable manner. Complaints have been occasionally 

 received that pet cats returning from excursions up the tree 

 trunks have "tracked" the insect lime over their owners' 

 carpets. Notwithstanding all care that has been used in the 

 application of the material, certain spring overcoats and fine 

 shawls have been ruined when the owners of these garments 

 carelessly leaned against trees which had been banded. The 

 insect lime does not adhere well to trees when they are wet, 

 and occasionally heavy showers will cause it to drop off in 

 lumps. These lumps when trod upon adhere to the shoes 

 and are sometimes a source of considerable annoyance to 

 housekeepers. Such accidents may be avoided by applying 

 the lime when the trees are dry, and by forming the band 

 with its upper edge bevelled toward the tree so as to shed 

 water. It is then not likely to be displaced by rains. 



If the lime is used on trees standing on lawns, it is likely 

 to prove a source of unpleasantness. Some complaints in 

 regard to this have been received from owners of lawns and 

 croquet grounds. Such objections to its use will apply, how- 

 ever, to any material of the kind, and are not to be avoided 

 as the lime is ordinarily used. It is sometimes recommended 

 to place a band of stiff paper about the tree, turn up the 



