542 Adulteration of Sulphate of Copper, [dec, 



enough some finely-powdered quicklime may be mixed with it, 

 so that the bright colour is conspicuous. Observation appears 

 to show that the whole secret of the method lies in the bright 

 colour, which the flea beetles dislike. The instinct of self- 

 preservation, which here plays a part, warns the beetles that 

 when they spring from the plants on to a light coloured ground 

 they will be at once seen and devoured by their natural enemies, 

 the birds. The sand, which quickly dries, also hinders the beetles 

 in their movements, as it shifts from under their feet, so that 

 they become tired and are more easily caught. It is said that 

 wherever this method has been put in practice it has proved 

 satisfactory. 



Earwigs are nocturnal insects, and it is only at night that 

 they move about freely. During the daytime they hide in 

 crevices, dark corners, garden rubbish heaps, 

 ^EaPW] S s' 0 fatter of all kinds, in chinks between wood- 

 work, in window frames, &c, or in any 

 sheltered dark place. From these shelter places the earwigs 

 issue at night for feeding. 



The easiest and most successful method of dealing with the 

 pests is by trapping. Advantage should be taken of the hiding 

 habit of the insect by placing near wherever they occur inverted 

 flower-pots stuck upon sticks pressed into the ground, or 

 little upturned baskets inverted on sticks. Into these upturned 

 receptacles dry moss or tissue paper should be pushed. These 

 will act as traps, and will be most readily used as shelter places 

 if some small pieces of apple be added. The traps must be 

 visited daily in the daytime and the receptacles shaken over a 

 vessel containing boiling water or a little paraffin. 



Sulphate of copper, commonly known as * blue vitriol," or 

 " blue stone," is used agriculturally for several purposes. Com- 

 bined with lime in the form of Bordeaux 



Adulteration of mixture, it is a most effective fungicide, 

 Sulphate , . ' , r 



Of Copper. anc * lts va ' ue as a remedy for potato 



disease (Leaflet No. 23), peach leaf curl 

 (Leaflet No. 120), apple and pear scab (Leaflet No. 131), and 



