season. The proportions used by him for large quanti¬ 
ties are 12 pounds of soft-soap and halt a gallon of 
paraffin to 100 gallons of hot water, the mixture stirred 
well together and used when cool; the nearer boiling 
that the water is used the better the paraffin mixes. 
This wash is found to be very effective in killing the 
Aphides without injuring the plant or the burr. 
For low shrubs or plants to which application could 
be made by means of a watering-can, the mixture of 
which the details of preparation and convenient method 
of storing are given as follows, would probably be found 
serviceable :— 
“ To eight parts of soft water add one part of black 
(soft) soap, and boil briskly for a few minutes until the 
soap is thoroughly dissolved. While boiling add paraffin, 
or any similar mineral oil, and boil for a minute or two 
longer, when the whole will be thoroughly amalgamated,* 
and, if bottled and securely corked while warm, it will 
remain so, and be fit for use at any time when required. 
The strength of the solution of course depends on the 
amount of mineral oil in it, and it can be easily reduced 
to the proper power by mixing it with soft water as it is 
wanted for use.” 
Mr. Malcolm Dunn gives me the following notes as to 
the method he finds most convenient for mixing the 
application :—“ In practice I boil the proper proportions 
of soap and water together, and when ready I fill this into 
ordinary wine-bottles, which have been placed in boiling 
water. The bottles are about half-filled with the lye, and 
then the paraffin is poured into them, two gills being put 
into each bottle. The bottles are then filled up with the 
boiling lye, corked at once, and stored away for use. 
“ When required for use a bottle ot the mixture is 
poured into a four-gallon watering-pot, which is filled up 
with soft water, and is ready for use, at a strength of one 
wine-glass of paraffin {half a gill ) to one gallon of water. 
* For field use the immediate application would save all need. of 
storing. For garden use the arrangement of bottling saves much risk 
from careless workers, as the exact amount to be used can be given out. 
