26 CROP PEST COMMISSION OF 



should be used. While theoretically "roll sulphur" ought to an- 

 swer the requirements, its use is not practicable, owing to the fact 

 that it is much more difficult to get into solution with the lime 

 than is the ground sulphur. Fruit-growers should guard against 

 the exorbitant prices sometimes charged for sulphur by druggists 

 and dealers. A price of five cents per pound, for small quantities, 

 usually allows the druggist a profit of 100 per cent, or better, 

 which is amply sufficient. When ground sulphur is purchased by 

 the barrel a price of three cents or three and one-half cents per 

 pound at the initial shipping point is as high a price as the fruit- 

 grower should consent to pay. 



The proportions of lime, sulphur and water, which have 

 given the best results and which combine with effectiveness the 

 utilization of the smallest possible amount of material, are as fol- 

 lows : 



Stone lime 21 pounds 



Sulphur . . . . 18 'pounds 



Water .50 gallons 



To prepare the lime-sulphur mixture place a few gallons of 

 water in an iron kettle (preferably one holding 50 gallons or 

 more) suitably mounted upon a base or brick arch over a fire r 

 and bring this water to a boil. While the water is heating weigh 

 out the stone lime required and place it to one side. Also weigh 

 out the sulphur and mix it with just enough cold water to make 

 a thick paste. Sulphur will not dissolve in water, but by stirring 

 vigorously the sulphur and water can be made into a heavy paste 

 which contains no dry sulphur. 



When the water in the kettle has come to a full boil, dump in 

 the sulphur paste, stir quickly with a long paddle to mix it well 

 with tlie hot water and then immediately add the stone lime. 



A very violent boiling will result from the rapid slaking of . 

 the lime in the hot water. This is exactly what is desired, for 

 with the combined heat of the boiling water and that produced by 

 the rapid slaking of the lime a higher temperature is ob- 

 tained than can be secured by mere boiling alone. This sudden 

 heating and violent agitation causes a considerable part of the 

 sulphur to unite with the lime. When the violent reaction in- 



