3 



cannot be effectively reached with poisons, and to aquatic or 

 semi-aquatic larvsg. The following are some of the petroleum 

 insecticides : 



Kerosene Emulsion. Kerosene emulsion is usually applied 

 to infested plants in the form of a spray, and is the standard 

 remedy for attacks of plant lice, scale insects and leaf hoppers. 

 In preparing the mixture, a "stock" emulsion is at first secured, 

 which will keep several weeks, and the necessary dilution is made 

 at each application. To prepare the stock, dissolve one-half 

 pound of whale-oil soap in a gallon of water over a fire. Remove 

 while hot to a safe distance and add 2 gallons of kerosene, stir- 

 ring vigorously until the oil and soap solution are thoroughly 

 emulsified. This is diluted with 15-20 times the quantity of 

 water before applying it to the plants. 



Miscihie Oils. Miscible oils are mostly proprietary com- 

 pounds which mix directly with water. There are many of these 

 on the market and they are mostly good, though more expensive 

 than home-made kerosene emulsion. They save time and bother, 

 and where but a small amount of spraying is to be done are per- 

 haps cheaper. 



MISCELLANEOUS INSCTICIDES. 



Soap. Castile soap dissolved in water is often used to kill 

 plant lice and scale insects, especially when the infested plants 

 are small and more or less personal attention can be given to the 

 application. The soap is dissolved in hot water and the applica- 

 tion made while the solution is still warm. Use 1 lb. of soap 

 to 1-2 gallons of water. 



Tobacco. Tobacco is often used as an insecticide and is fairly 

 effective against plant lice, mealy bugs and other soft-bodied 

 insects which can be killed by an external irritant. It is a cheap 

 remedy, as the tobacco is largely waste from tobacco factories. 

 It is applied as a spray from infusions or decoctions of tobacco 

 stems, or the powdered tobacco scrapings are dusted onto plants 

 after they have been moistened, or in the early morning or late 

 evening while the dew is on them. Infusions or decoctions of 



