THE SPRAYING OF FRUITS. 251 



insecticide for spraying purposes, yet it has several serious 

 defects : it is costly, does not remain long in suspension when 

 applied in water, often bums the foliage of tender plants, and 

 is variable in composition. 



This has led several manufacturers to offer substitutes, 

 chiefly compounds of white arsenic, lime, and copper sul- 

 phate, a few of which appear to be decidedly superior to 

 Paris-green for spraying purposes. None of these trade 

 arsenites, however, has been tested long enough to warrant a 

 recommendation that it supplant the older insecticide. The 

 only arsenite which has been thoroughly tested in many States 

 and has given universal satisfaction is arsenite of lime. Two 

 different compounds have been passing under this name. 

 One is the " Taft Mixture," made by boiling together for forty- 

 five minutes — 



White arsenic, . . . . i pound. 

 Stone lime, .... 2 pounds. 

 Water i gallon. 



This makes a stock solution which may be kept indefinitely 

 in a stoppered vessel. One quart of the stock solution to 50 

 gallons of water will be sufficient for most insects. 



The " Kedzie Mixture" is an arsenite of lime made by boil- 

 ing together until the arsenic dissolves — 



Sal. soda, 8 pounds 



White arsenic 2 pounds 



Water 2 gallons 



One pint of this stock solution and two pounds of slacked lime 

 will make a barrel of spraying mixture equal in insecticidal 

 value to one-quarter pound of Paris-green. The comparative 

 merits of the two compounds are not yet determined, but both 

 have given satisfaction. The chief advantages of both over 

 Paris-green are cheapness and efficiency. The same insecti- 

 cidal effect may be got for one-third the cost of Paris-green. 

 Neither one will injure the tenderest foliage at the ordinary 

 strengths. Both of these compounds can be made at home by 

 a careful man. They seem to be destined to replace Paris- 

 green in many parts of the country. 



White Hellebore. — An ounce of the perfectly fresh material 

 is applied in three gallons of water. Apply when thoroughly 



