Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1882-04-03
CONCENTRATED LYE VS.. COAL OIL AS
AN INSECTICIDES.

Matthew Cooke, Chief Agricultural Officer,
returned yesterday from San Jose, where he
attended meeting of the Santa Clara Hor-
ticultural Society, and also visited various or
chards whose owners have been attempting
to exterminate the scale insects which have
caused go much damage in Santa Clara
county. He reports the work Of determination
to be general in the infested districts. and the
results of the various experiments will prob
ABLY be known within the next thirty days.
This much can be said from present observa-
ton the scale insects can be exterrninatsd.
The question to be decided is the selection of
proper treatment, or, in other words, whether
the use of concentrated I've or coal oil "a
LIQUID made of coal oil, called ''tree wash y
is the best and safest remedy. At present it
is admitted by all that either the coal oil tree
wash or concentrated I've, one pound to each
gallon of water, will destroy the scales effect
uslIy. D. G. Vestal has washed his fruit
trees thoroughly with the coal Oil tree wash.
G. w. Rutherford, in the same neighbor-
hood, has washed his fruit trees thoroughly
with concentrated lye-7,0 900 trees. on which
he used five tons. Mr.. Rutherford's trees at
present are in full bloom; the scale effectually
destroyed; has not lost any trees The
orchard he would have sold November LIST
last FOR SIC, 600. which cost him S32, coo three
years ago. He has expended since November
81 200 and at present would not take 49,
600. His trees are cherry, plums, pears and
apples. MIR. Vestal reported to the Society
on Saturday that he was satisfied by washing
or spraying with the coal oil tree wash, he
had effectually destroyed the scale, and had
also effectuslly destroyed his peach trees, but
that he considers the apple. pear and plum
trees but little damaged. (Mr. Cooke thinks
some of the peach trees may recovery How
ever, the next thirty days will show the
amount of fruit that viii set upon the trees
washed by the different solutions, and enough
will be known whether the I've OF coal oil
advocates will gain the victory MIR. Cooke
has advised not TO uss coal oil in any form,
and says he has every reason to think that
the advice be gave was correct. However
the work has been so thoroughly done
that positive proof will be gained this
season. The fruit-growers of Santa Clara
county are greatly encouraged, as the pres
poets are good for fair crop of choice clean
fruit. So confident are they thst the orchard
pests can be exterminated, that overs, 600 acres
of orchards have been planted this spring. AS
an instance of the difference of opinion of the
fruit-growers in the county named as to the
use of insecticides, in looking over the files of
letter. in Mr.. Cookies Office. III. c. Smith, who
is experimenting the work in Mr. Ruiher-
ford's orchard, writes on December 22d last
Having read your pamphlet commenced
spraying the trees with lye as you directs d.
Now my neighbors (the coal oil advocated,
tell me 1 have burned the trees. Please ad.
wise me, ETC." Mr.. Cooke advised him to
continue the work On March 18th last Mr..
Smith writes: "We have completed the
washing of all the trees. and the result is BE-
ginrirg to show very favorably thanks for
yourtencouragement and advice And az the
orchard is in bloom at the present time.
would be pleased to see you here, etc."
Mr.. Cooke says 90 far as the determination
of the scale insects is concerned, beyond
doubt the problem is solved.