The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1915-04-29
GOVERNMENT EXPERT
POISONING C0PHERS
c. NJ. YERRINGTON IN THIS SEC
TION DEMONSTRATING MIXING
OF POISON ACCORDING TO THE
GOVERNMENT FORMULA.

Mr.. c. M. Yerrington, field assist
ant, U. S. Biological survey, has ar
rived for the purpose of demonstrate
ing among the farmers and farmers
organizations, methods of eXtermnat-
ing the Richardson ground squirrel or
fiickertail. The government and state
have been working comparatively, for
some time upon the formula recon-
mended, and have finally reached the
point where they are safe in recon-
mending it to the farmers.
The aim of the work is to reach as
many farmers as possible and give
demonstrations, showing the methods
used, taking up every detail the form
ula calls for. Arrangements have been
made whereby the supplies for the
preparation of the poisoned grain can
be purchased at wholesale prices, for
inquiries regarding the matter, farm
[ ers are referred to w. E. Peck, county
agricultural agent.
The work will be carried on largely
in cooperation with county agricul-
tural agents and demonstrations put
on before the various farmers clubs
or similar organizations. If the clubs
think it advisable to take up the
work, it will be we'll for each to ap-
point two or three men to look after
ordering the supplies and to mix the
poisoned grain. If absolutely neces-
sary, upon application to Mr.. Peck, an
experienced man will be sent out to as
sist the gentlemen in the preparation
Of the first mixture.
The cost for preparing the mixture
will vary from $3.50 to $1.75 per BUSH
ell of oats. The average cost per BUSH
ell of commercial poison will range
from $3.50 to $12 per bushel. This
poisoned grain formula will remain
effective for an indefinite time if stor-
ed in dry place.
Formula for preparation Of poison:
/. Mix thoroughly I ounce strych-
nine alkaloid (powdered) and ! ounce
baking soda.
2. Sift this into 3-4 pint of thin, hot
starch paste and stir to creamy
mass. The starch paste is made by dis
solving one heaping tablespoonful OF
dry gloss starch in little cold water,
which is then added to Sd pint of boil
ing water. Boil and stir constantly
until clear, thin paste is formed.
3. Add IA pint heavy corn syrup
and a tablespoonful of glycerine and
stir thoroughly.
4. Add 1-8 ounce saccharine and
stir thoroughly.
Of clean oats and mix thoroughly so
that each grain of oats is coated. Pre-
pare it "a to 48 hours before using.
For mixing small quantities an or
dinary galvanized wash tub is conven-
lent. For larger quantities a tight,
smooth box may be used, and mixing
may be done with spade.
6. A tablespoonful of the poisoned
oats should be placed near each
ground squirrel hole on clean, hard
ground, letting it scatter slightly as it
falls. placed in this way it will not
endanger stock). Do not put the pois-
oned grain on the loose dirt of the
mound or into the holes. Each quart
of the poisoned grain is sufficient to
treat about 60 holes.
Warning Attention is hereby. call
ed to the fundamental necessity Of u.s.
ing the exact ingredients in their rela-
tive proportions in preparing the poi
soned grain formula recommended
above. 1t is very essential that the
powdered form of strychnine ALKA-
LOID be used in every instance.
Unfortunately, several instances
have recently occurred where this
strychnine (sulphate) has been used
with very unsatisfactory results. For
this reason the necessity Of using
Strychnine ALKALOID is strongly
emphasized at this time. This is not
mere matter of sentiment, but is
based upon systematically conducted
field experimental work which has
been carried on in North Dakota.
The poison formula published above,
is recommended and widely spread for
the COMMON GOOD of all who are
interested in exterminating the Rich
ardson ground squirrel or flickertail on
an efficient, economic basis-all COM
mercial enterprises being advised to
act in accordance with the above sug-
gestion.
Commercial companies or drug
stores are hereby warned not to at
tempt to prepare or to sell this poi
son formula without the consent and
approval of the North Dakota Expert
ment Station.