ichich infests the Rose Bush. 247 



After very many satisfactory experiments with the follow- 

 ing substance, I am convinced it will destroy the above insect 

 in either of the states in which it appears on the plant, as the 

 fly when it is laying its eggs, or as the slug, when it is com- 

 mitting its depredations on the foliage. 



Whale oil soap, dissolved at the rate of two pounds to fif- 

 teen gallons of water: I have used it stronger without injury 

 to the plants, but find the above mixture effectual in the de- 

 struction of the insect. 1 find, from experiments, there is a 

 difference in the strength of the soap; it will be better for 

 persons using it to try it diluted as above, and if it does not 

 kill the insect, add a little more soap, with caution. 



In corresponding with Messrs. Downer, Austin & Co., on 

 the difference in its appearance, they say, "whale oil soap 

 varies much in its relative strength, the article not being made 

 as soap, but being formed in our process of bleaching oil; 

 when it is of very sharp taste and dark appearance, the alkali 

 predominates, and when light colored and of flat taste, the 

 grease predominates." The former I have generally used, 

 but have tried the light colored, and find it equally effectual, 

 but requires a little more soap, say two pounds to thirteen 

 gallons of water. 



JWode of preparation. — Take whatever quantity of soap 

 you wish to prepare, and dissolve it in boiling water, about 

 one quart to a pound; in this state strain it through a fine wire 

 or hair sieve, which takes out the dirt, and prevents its slop- 

 ping the valves of the engine, or the rose of the syringe; then 

 add cold water to make it the proper strength; apply it to the 

 rose bush with a hand engine or syringe with as much force as 

 practicable, and be sure that every part of the leaves are well 

 saturated with the liquid; what falls to the ground in applica- 

 tion will do good in destroying the worms and enriching the 

 soil, and from its trifling cost, it can be used with profusion; 

 a hogshead of one hundred and thirty-six gallons costs forty- 

 five cents, not quite four mills per gallon. Early in the morn- 

 ing, or in the evening, is the proper time to apply it to the 

 plants. 



As there are many other troublesome and destructive in- 

 sects the above preparation will destroy, as effectually as the 

 rose slug, it may be of benefit to the community to know the 

 different kinds upon which I have tried it with success. 



The Thrips, often called the vine-fretter, a small, light-col- 



