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 
larvm 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. Iu 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: 
