TREES, SHRUBS, VINES AND PLANTS. 387 



SOAP. 



Plant lice, leaf hoppers, etc., may generally be destroyed by 

 spraying them with one pound of any common laundry soap dis- 

 solved in four or five gallons of water. Extreme thoroughness of 

 application is necessary, as only those insects actually touched by 

 the spray are affected. 



KEROSENE EMULSION. 



This material is more effective than soap for sucking-insects, 

 but is more difficult to make. To prepare it, take half a pound of 

 any hard soap shaved fine, and dissolve in a gallon of hot water. 

 Then remove from the fire and add two gallons of kerosene and 

 churn with a spray pump, turning the nozzle of the pump back 

 into the mixture, which should soon become thick and therefore 

 difficult to force through the pump. When this condition has 

 been reached, take one part of the mixture or stock material and 

 add it to nine parts of water, if for use on plant lice; or to six parts 

 of water for leaf hoppers; mix well and spray. If the water is 

 hard add some borax or soda to soften it. 



Many other kinds of insects frequently attack our shade trees 

 and shrubs, and in case of doubt as to their identity and the appro- 

 priate treatment to be given, specimens of the insect or its work 

 can be sent to the Agricultural Experiment Station of the state in 

 which the person desiring assistance resides. Information and 

 advice as to the best methods of treatment for different insects are 

 supplied by the officials of these stations, without charge. 



