The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-05-24
Trnp Cropn vs. Insect.


 mendations to use or plant trap crops as a means of controlling certain in- sects. Just what a trap crop Is ap- pears to be little understood by the average person. The planting of trap crops means the cultivation of some plant that will attract and af- ford food for the objectionable in- sects, and thus prevent them, in a measure, from attacking other more desirable plants that you expect crop from. At the proper time. when the trap crops may contain the great est amount of the objectionable pests, it is possible to destroy such crops with all their insects by applying and burn over if necessary. The harlequin bug, known also as the Mexican fire bug, one of the most destructive insects to fall gardens. making 1t difficult to grow collards, cabbage, and mustard, may be par tially controlled by planting trap crops. A bed of mustard. If planted some time before setting out collards or cabbage, will attract the first generation of this pest and afford the means of destroying many. if not all. of them. In the same manner, squash vines when planted at inter- vals may serve the purpose in keep ing canteloupes and cucumbers free from many injurious Insects. care ful study and practice of these methods of control will prove highly beneficial.
 Bordeaux Mixture
 As much as Bordeaux mixture is used. as remedy for blight or the treatment of fungus diseases and as repellant for many insects, a lot Of people are Ignorant or confused about what 1t contains.
 The standard formula for making 50 gallons of Bordeaux mixture ready for application, Is bluestone four pounds. quick lime four pounds, and water 30 gallons. The lime and blue- stone must be dissolved or mixed separately In water and afterwards poured together. This strength of Bordeaux Is expressed in bulletins and other writings as Bordeaux 4-4-5o. and If you see 1t expressed S-S-50. 1t means that only three pounds each of the lime and blue stone should be or has been used in the formula. The same conclusion holds good for other expressed strength
 It Is a mistake to assume that Bor- deaux Is only good for fungus dis eases. because it does exert a won derful influence as deterrent to many insects, and actually destroys some forms of leaf-eatinE insects It Is permissible, and generally prof itable, to use with Bordeaux such poisons $ nicotine sulphate and the arsenicals. The application of such combinations serves both as an in- secticide and fungicide.
 f~f, a dry form or powder, and when added to water is ready for imme- diate use. This is the best form for the general public, as 1t does not pay the small user to make from the raw material.
 Deep Cultivation The average cultivation is surpris- ingly shallow if pains were taken to measure it. There are times when
 shallow cultivation should be prac-
 ticed. because it becomes necessary not to disturb the fast growing roots any more than possible Then too, if the soil has been deeply broken before the crop is planted, shallow cultivation is sometimes all that is required.
 Deep cultivation. where at all per
 missible. is certainly to be encour- aged.
 Some of the most valuable plant food clements are largely contained
 In the subsoil. and moisture Is gen erally abundant but frequently the plant roots cannot or do not reach this storehouse of plenty. owing to had underground physical conditions. ! But when. by deep blowing. you are able to break up the tight formations of the subsoil and incorporate then
 with the top layers, you bring about
 good living conditions for roots. much deeper in the soil; enable them to root deeper and sustain growth through periods of drouth. when or dinarily. they might perish. It Is a good plan to stir the soil as deep as you can. Such practice when coupled
 with good judgment will accomplish
 wonders.
 Questions and Ansvvcrs c. What is the heaviest pack