SPRAYING EVERGREENS. 261 



SPRAYING EVERGREENS. 



Before growth commences in spring, is an excellent time to spray 

 evergreens that are troubled with the red spider or any other injur- 

 ious insect. In fact, whether the presence of insects be known or 

 not, a good spraying is work well done, ensuring the freeing of the 

 trees from such insects as may not be visible. When evergreens are 

 in bad condition from the attack of insects it is shown in the pale 

 color of the foliage and by a cessation of growth. The sap is suckea 

 from the foliage, half killing it, and this stoppage of sap prevents the 

 flourishing of the tree, and a stunted growth is the result. 



It is well understood that anything of an oily nature sprayed over 

 insects is fatal to them, hence the value of many such compounds 

 offered by those who prepare them. What is known as fish oil is pop- 

 ular with many. Its cost is little, and its application most effectual. 

 Mixed in the proportion of about 12 lbs. of it in 50 gallons of water it 

 is of the proper strength. 



As aforesaid, before growth commences is a good time to spray, 

 there being then no tender leaves to be injured. If not done then, 

 wait until the new growth hardens somewhat, say about mid-summer, 

 then spray. A thorough spraying before growth starts is often all 

 that will be required, but another one in autumn is advisable, for then 

 it may be relied on that the enemy has been routed. It is a great 

 pleasure to observe the new growth following a thorough spring 

 spraying. The growth will not be as vigorous as it should be at first, 

 owing to the injury sustained from the insect attacks, but what is 

 made will be of the normal green color, not of the pale, sickly look 

 it would have, had no spraying taken place. 



The several spruces are much preyed on by insects, particularly 

 by the red spider. The Hemlock, the White, Black and Blue Spruces 

 are their favorites. 



In connection with spraying is the matter of cutting out dead 

 branches from evergreens. These branches harbor the insects to a 

 great degree, as it protects them from light, air and rains, which they 

 dislike. Th-'s is why, when such trees are in confined positions, 

 crowded together or near buildings, insects are always more trouble- 

 some than when rain and wind have full play on them. This explains 

 why when such trees are near enough for a line of hose to reach them 

 a full forcp of water alone will often suffice to sweep away all such 

 pests. — From Florists' Exchange. 



PICA ENGEL3.IANNI OR ENGELMANN SPRUCE. 



Among the Rocky Mt. evergreens that have met with much favor 

 among gardeners is Pica Engelmanni, both because of its handsome 

 appearance and its great hardiness. In common with all the Colorado 

 evergreens it is entirely hardy in our coldest states. A companion 

 tree to it in many of its wild positions is P. Pungens, the variety 



