43 



applications, since farmers are highly unreliable ami can very rarely 

 be depended upon to make applications properly. 



Mr. Fletcher agreed with Mr. Webster as to the variability mani- 

 fested by different insects under treatment with insecticides, instan- 

 cing as a striking case in point the gypsy moth. He spoke of the great 

 value of the work of the gypsy moth committee, particularly as brought 

 together in the recently published report, which contains much that is 

 of interest on this and other subjects. Referring to the value of Bor- 

 deaux mixture as a means of protection, he said that he had found 

 it quite effective against Crepidodera ( ?) when Paris green failed 

 entirely. He also referred to the use of lime with Paris green and 

 the value of this combination as a safeguard against scalding. 



Mr. Kirkland, referring again to the experience of the gypsy moth 

 committee, stated that results seemed to indicate no value whatever 

 from the combination of lime with Paris green. The lime, if it had any 

 action, would simply break down the Paris green. 



Mr. Howard suggested that the action of lime in determining the 

 effect of the arsenical on foliage and larv;e would depend largely on 

 the amount of lime employed. 



Mr. Fletcher agreed with the probability of the amount of lime used 

 being important and asked for information as to the exact proportions 

 that had been found to be most desirable. 



Mr. Smith stated that the amount of lime necessary to be employed to 

 neutralize Paris green had been experimentally determined by the 

 chemist of the Xew Brunswick Station, and that he had published the 

 data in a report of the station. He was convinced that the benefit of 

 the addition of lime to arsenicals had been demonstrated beyond ques- 

 tion, and he had always so recommended it. 



Mr. Fernald stated that he formerly agreed with Mr. Smith as to the 

 desirability of the use of lime and had recommended its use up to the 

 time of these experiments. He asked Mr. Forbush for his experience 

 with the use of this arsenical with or without lime. 



Mr. Forbush stated that his experience was that it made very little 

 difference whether lime was added or not. In some instances results 

 were less satisfactory with lime than where it had not been added. In 

 some instances, also, foliage was burned most where lime had been used. 

 He stated that he had early discontinued the use of lime with arsenicals 

 in work against the gypsy moth. 



Mr. Smith stated that he had constantly recommended the use of 

 lime in correspondence and publications and felt that its addition to 

 arsenicals was of decided value. 



Referring to the subject of insecticide soaps, Mr. Smith stated that 

 he had found the same difficulties mentioned in .Mr. Marlatt's paper on 

 the subject, and in some instances where the soaps had been used no 

 beneficial results had followed whatever, to the very considerable dis- 

 couragement of farmers who had gone to much expense to procure 



