Farm friends and farm foes; a text-book of agricultural science

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1910 Excerpt: ...and is likely to be very useful for applying with various sorts of powder bellows. Trouble has been observed in some Western states in injury to the health of trees from the use of arsenate of lead. The poison appears to penetrate the soil and be absorbed through the roots. On this account arsenic sulphide has been substituted in an experimental way, and promises to become an important insecticide. It is less soluble than other forms of arsenic, and also less expensive. External Poisons The petroleum oils are among the most important of the contact-killing insecticides. For general use kerosene is the most convenient of these oils. As kerosene does not mix with water, dilution with this liquid is not practicable. It has been found, however, that kerosene may be safely and effectively used, provided it is first emulsified with hot soapsuds. This is generally accomplished by adding two gallons of kerosene to one gallon of a solution made by dissolving half a pound of common hard soap in one gallon of boiling water, and then churning the mixture by forcing it back into the same vessel through a force pump. A creamy emulsion will thus be formed. Before it is applied, this emulsion is to be diluted with nine or ten parts of water. It is better to use soft water or rain water for the dilution. The undiluted emulsion may be kept for some time, stored in a dark, cool place. When needed, the required amount may be measured out and mixed with three or four parts of boiling water, cold water being added to fill out the dilution. Kerosene emulsion is an excellent remedy for insects that suck the sap of plants through pointed beaks, such as the plant lice and the chinch bugs. It kills by contact, but does not remain upon the plant in an effective condition. It is applie...