ACCESSORIES 145 
of the particular plant being supported. If one 
has a soldering outfit, the main stake may be made 
of heavy wire. 
Raffia. This may be bought cheaply at the flo- 
rist’s and is much better than twine for tying up 
plants and similar purposes, as it is soft and broad 
—a dried, ribbon-like grass. It may be had stained 
green and with green stakes makes the support of a 
plant practically invisible. 
Syringe. If only a few plants are kept, a rubber 
bulb plant sprinkler may do for syringing them. 
But if one wants to combat insects and keep plants 
healthy with the least trouble, a small florist’s brass 
syringe will prove a good investment. With ordi- 
nary care they will last a lifetime. It will also be 
useful for applying insecticides in liquid form. 
Fertilizers. In addition to the chemicals, etc., 
described in Chapter III, there are to be had con- 
centrated plant foods in tablet form. ‘These are 
very convenient to use, and a box kept on hand will 
frequently prove useful. If any number of plants 
are kept, however, an old metal pail and a small dip- 
per, for mixing and applying liquid manure, should 
have a place in the tool outfit and be used fre- 
quently. Never apply liquid manure when the soil 
is dry. 
