50 WINDOW AND PARLOR GARDENING 
kept away by keeping the foliage sufficiently moist. In this 
case prevention is decidedly better than cure. 
Earth-worms when in pots can easily be removed by the 
hand ; their presence is indicated by the small globular masses 
of excrement that they deposit on the surface of the soil. 
Slugs, if accidentally brought into the house, may cause con- 
siderable damage on tender growing shoots, and should be 
watched for after bringing plants from the outside. Mice, if 
not prevented, will sometimes disturb young seeds. A good 
remedy is to cover all seed-pots with a flat piece of glass. 
Diseases may arise from injudicious watering, subjections 
to droughts, previous attacks of insects, or through insufficient 
drainage. Mildew is caused by sudden chills; it attacks young, 
growing foliage and shoots. It can be effectually stopped by 
dusting the affected parts with flower of sulphur. Many forms 
of fungi attack greenhouse plants, but are not much to be afraid 
of in the case of a few well-looked after house-plants. 
When the leaves of any plant turn sickly yellow, something 
is generally the matter with the root, and it should immediately 
be turned out and carefully examined. If the cause is not ap- 
parent a removal of the old soil, and in some cases a thorough 
cleaning of the root, re-potting in fresh and suitable soil, and 
very careful watering until new roots are formed, will effect a. 
cure. If the sickness is caused by bad drainage the remedy is 
evident. Strong sunshine will sometimes scorch the leaves. 
This of course is not a disease, but disfigures the plant all the 
same. ‘To prevent this, shade all tender-leaved plants. 
