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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 62

Resin Washes

Resin Washes.

These are also very excellent sprays, and are used against the same class of insects as the preceding. They act by contact, and page 9 also, in the case of scale, by forming an impervious coating, which effectually smothers the insects treated.

The following formula is for a strong winter wash, which must not he applied during the growing season, or it will cause loss of foliage and fruit:—
Resin 15lb.
Caustic soda (98 per cent.) 3lb.
Fish-oil of anv sort 1qt.
Water to make 50gals.

Put the resin, soda, and oil into a boiler; cover with 4in. to 6in. of water, and boil briskly for an hour or more, until the compound will blend perfectly with water : it is then cooked enough. Add water slowly, stirring well, until the compound amounts to 25 gals. It may then be put away, and used at any time by adding the remaining quantity of hot water. Most excellent for all scale-insects and woolly aphis of the apple, called in various parts of the country American blight, cottony blight, flossy blight, and white-mould.

Another resin wash for summer use is made as follows:—
Resin 6lb.
Caustic soda (98 per cent.) 1lb.
Water 36gals.

First melt the caustic soda in 1 gal. water in a boiler—or an empty kerosene-tin will serve the purpose. Let the boiling in all cases be done outside, for there is danger of the mixture boiling over and taking fire. When dissolved place half of the solution on one side, and add the resin to the remainder, and boil briskly. As it comes boiling up, from time to time add a little of the portion put aside. When that is done a little water may in the same way be added; but do not put in so much as to put the mixture off the boil, as that would delay the cooking. After half an hour try it from time to time: when cooked it will blend perfectly with water, and then, if in a kerosene-tin fill up gradually with water, if in a boiler make up to 4 gals. The compound is now prepared, and may be kept until wanted for use, or used at once by adding one part to eight parts hot water. This wash is especially useful against the apple-scale when on the move, and woolly aphis and thrips. It should be well strained ere putting into the spraying apparatus. In the application of these washes a coarse direct spray that can be thrown against the tree with considerable force should be used, as the object is not simply to damp the tree, but to thoroughly coat it over with the compound.