32 CROP PEST COMMISSION OP 



flying at the time of his experiment were killed by the applica- 

 tion. A translation of Porchinski's article, with additional notes 

 by Dr. Howard, is published in Bulletin 20, United States De- 

 partment of Agriculture, Division of Entomology, 1899. In an 

 investigation of this method I find it has merit in the right 

 place, but too often all the water of a locality is in swiftly flow- 

 ing streams, where such an application is not effective. 



The method of applying some oily or ill-smelling substance 

 t< stock for the purpose of repelling the Hies has been in. 

 use for a long time, but the main objection to it is that a single 

 application does not last long enough. Kerosene emulsion,* di- 

 luted with two parts of water, with the addition of a little car- 

 bclic acid, has received favor in some sections. This may be ap- 

 plied with an atomizer or hand sprayer. A small atomizer that 

 will throw a very fine spray may be had from different manu- 

 facturers and dealers for about a dollar, and with such a device 

 one can go over an ordinary-sized herd of cows in a few minutes. 



Several prepared mixtures are on the markets, and Mr. S. 

 J. Baldwin recommended the following in the Ohio Farmer for 

 August, 1904: Kerosene, 3 gallons; pine tar, 1 quart; carbolic 

 acid, 1 pint. These may be applied in the same way as the above. 



All of these mixtures, when properly applied, kill many of 

 the common flies,** such as the horn-fly and others which 

 usually cling to the animal until the application is made. The 

 horseflies, however, will not remain long where the atomizer is 

 in operation, consequently the repelling properties of these sub- 

 stances are practically all that are effective. 



When in Louisiana in 1903 my attention was attracted 

 by the large number of horseflies that entered the Station 



* Kerosene emulsion can be made from '2 pounds of whole oil (or good 

 laundry) soap, 4 gallons of water and 8 gallons of kerosene, as follows : Weigh 

 the soap carefully and place with the water in a vessel over the fire, using a 

 slight excess of water to make up for evaporation. Pit a pump with a straight 

 piece of hose, to which is attached a nozzle for throwing a straight stream 

 3-16 or 1-4 inch in diameter. .Pour the oil into a barrel or tub in which the 

 pump " is set, and when the soap is dissolved and the solution begins to boil, 

 add it to the oil (away from the fire) and pump the whole vigorously back 

 into itself for a period of at least ten minutes. The stream from the nozzle 

 should be directed straight downward into the mixture so as to agitate it to 

 the very bottom. After a few minutes the oil and soap solution will be seen 

 to combine, forming a thick creamy solution which, when perfectly made, will 

 remain without change for several days. For a 20 per cent, strength add 

 water to make a total of 40 gallons ; for a 15 per cent, strength add water to 

 make 54 gallons, and for a 10 per cent, strength add water to make 80 gal 

 Ions, and agitate thoroughly before use. 



**Of the Family Muscidae. 



