LOUISIANA CIRCULAR No. 4. 31 



boiled lime-sulphur mixture. For such conditions the lime-sul- 

 phur-soda mixture, a modification of the fore-going, which does 

 not require boiling with steam or over a fire, can be made with 

 less trouble, and while not nearly so effective as the boiled prep- 

 aration is, nevertheless, a very effective agency against the scale. 

 This wash is prepared as follows : 



Lime 16 pounds 



Sulphur 8 pounds 



Commercial Caustic Soda 8 pounds 



Water 50 gallons 



Mix the sulphur into a thick paste with boiling hot water. 

 Then add the caustic soda slowly (do not dissolve the soda in 

 water) keeping the mixture thoroughly stirred. A brick-red 

 color will appear almost at once. Continue the addition of the 

 caustic soda and continue stirring, adding small amounts of hot 

 water when necessary to prevent the mixture from becoming too 

 thick. The soda should dissolve all of the sulphur in a few min- 

 utes, producing a clear, deep red liquid. Unless the liquid is en- 

 tirely clear, with no particles of undissolved sulphur remaining, 

 the mixture must be heated until all sulphur is dissolved. 

 It is absolutely imperative that all sulphur be dis- 

 solved and a clear liquid obtained, before the lime is 

 added. To the clear liquid described, add the stone 

 lime, previously weighed out, and while St is slaking keep 

 well stirred. The completed preparation will have the character- 

 istic yellowish-green color of the regular lime-sulphur prepara- 

 tions. Dilute- with cold or hot water to the desired point and 

 spray while hot, as directed above for the lime-sulphur wash. 



This mixture is decidedly caustic and the usual precautions 

 must be taken to protect the hands and face. Badly infested 

 trees should always receive two sprayings, one in December and 

 the other early in February before the buds commence to swell. 



Neither this mixture nor the lime-sulphur wash can be used 

 upon citrus trees or upon evergreens. On account of their caustic 

 properties the use of these preparations is confined strictly to 

 deciduous trees, i. e. those which shed their leaves in autumn 

 and become thoroughly dormant during the winter months. 



