HOUSE-PLANT INSECTS AND DISEASES 135 
he is at work, which first turn light green, then 
show minute yellow spots, turn yellow and finally 
drop off. 
The red spider is very tenacious of life, and hard 
to get rid of when he is allowed time to become 
well established. The best weapon to use against 
him, where it can be done, is clear cold water with 
as much force as possible against the under side of 
the foliage. Damp atmosphere assists in the work; 
so keep the air damp, and be on a sharp lookout. 
Evaporated sulphur, or flowers of sulphur dusted 
upon the leaves will also help. 
Where the collection of plants is not too large a 
one, the quickest and most certain way to be rid of 
the spider is to dip the top of each plant quickly two 
or three times into hot water — 140 to 165 degrees. 
Although uncomfortable to the hand, water of this 
temperature will not injure the tenderest plant. It 
is effective against aphis and mealy bug, as well as 
against the spider. 
Mealy Bug. The mealy bug inhabits a white, 
cottony looking mass, which is easily seen. Re- 
move this covering and the real intruder is there. 
It is most fond of the soft-wooded plants, such as 
coleus and fuchsias, thrives in a hot, dry atmosphere, 
and will keep out of sight, if not watched for, ina 
mass of leaves or under some branch axis, until 
there are a large number. 
If they are discovered before multiplying to any 
