176 EXPERIMENT STATION. [Jan. 



fair. The application was repeated three times, and this of 

 course meant a hirge increase in cost. Hellebore in sufficient 

 amount to treat an acre once would cost, at the rate paid for 

 the material used in these tests, more than $50, and the labor 

 in applying it about $13 more. Even if it were effective as a 

 treatment its cost would, accordingly, prevent its use in large 

 onion fields. 



Hellebore Decoction. — This was prepared in accordance 

 with directions given by Smith (Xew Jersey Bulletin ISTo. 200), 

 by steeping 2 ounces of powdered hellebore in a quart of water 

 for half an hour, stirring occasionally. It was then diluted, to 

 make 1 gallon of liquid, and applied thoroughly to the ground 

 at the base of each plant. If a large amount of this decoction 

 be made at one time it can be kept without losing strength if 

 placed in tight containers. 



This material was applied through a nozzle giving a coarse 

 stream, only enough pressure being given to the pump to cause 

 a steady flow, without breaking up the decoction into a spray. 

 A liberal amount was placed at the base of each plant in this 

 way. Three applications were made at about ten-day intervals. 



Results obtained were very unsatisfactory, as the treatment 

 did not seem to have any effect whatever on the infestation. Its 

 cost, too, though less than that of the powdered hellebore, placed 

 it as too expensive for use. Decoction sufficient for one appli- 

 cation to an acre would cost about $15, while the expense of 

 application would be about $12. Three treatments, therefore, 

 would be prohibitive from this standpoint, though necessary, 

 even according to those who report some success with this ma- 

 terial. 



Boap ^Yas^l. — This was made by dissolving 1 pound — about 

 2 bars, in most cases — of good soap in 10 gallons of water. It 

 was poured along the rows, using a force pump without a nozzle 

 so that a solid stream could be obtained, and the ground around 

 the plants was well soaked with it. Three treatments were 

 given at intervals of about ten days except in one case where 

 rain seemed to make it desirable to repeat the application with- 

 out waiting for the end of this period. 



Results with this material were at best only moderately good, 

 infection appearing to some extent along the rows treated in 



