46 



Of the samples received direct from the Eose Company the plain and 

 scented soda soap were of the same strength, the only difference being 

 that the scented soap is much more pleasant to handle. This and the 

 potash soap were of about equal strength and destroyed readily all 

 larvre where thoroughly applied in solution of 1 ounce to 1 pint of water. 



These soap solutions were used in a large number of tests which were 

 duplicated several times, and in the strength stated gave good satis- 

 faction, and are, I think, among the best liquid, non-poisonous appli- 

 cations I have ever used. 



Wolf's soap, in solution of 2 ounces to 1 pint of water, did fairly good 

 execution, but was not safe at that strength. In most of the tests it 

 was used 4 ounces to 1 pint of water, at which strength it was sufficient 

 to destroy all worms. After standing for two or three weeks the jelly 

 formed by this soap when first dissolved breaks up into liquid, and its 

 destructive power seems to be enhanced. 



On Cabbage Plant-lice. 



The Wolf's soap and the two samples received from the Division were 

 used on the lice in several strengths, and one-half ounce to 1 pint was 

 perfectly efficient, destroying all lice immediately. The samples re- 

 ceived from the Eose Company direct were not used on lice, but their 

 efficiency on rapce and brassicce would indicate that they would bear 

 still greater dilution. 



The circular of the Eose Company is, I think, quite misleading where 

 they state that the essential principle of their soaps is a gum taken 

 from tobacco in an aeriform condition and condensed in a vacuum. The 

 only destructive principle which I am aware is contained in tobacco is 

 a liquid alkaloid (never solid) known as nicotine. It is my opinion 

 that the destructive effect of all these soaps, when used on the bodies 

 of worms or soft insects, is entirely due to the caustic principle of the 

 alkalies used. Potash, being the strongest alkali, will, I think, give best 

 results where used in equal quantity with other alkalies. I proved to 

 my entire satisfaction that none of these soaps are poisonous when 

 eaten on the food plant. Of course, insects will not eat them readily. 

 (A sample of carbolic-acid soap was used in various strengths without 

 any results whatever.) 



SEVERAL REMEDIES IMPORTED FROM LONDON. 



These were used only on Cabbage worms. The results were entirely 

 unsatisfactory. 



The whole series of tests were conducted in breeding cages. The 

 quantities used were double what directions advised, and the tests were 

 repeated several times: Moore's compound, in solutions of one-half 

 ounce to 1 ounce in 1 pint of water : Only two worms killed after several 

 trials. Fir-tree oil solutions of 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls in 1 pint of water; 



