THE INSECT 



If plants have become badly infested before 

 the presence of the spider is suspected, I 

 would advise resorting to what may be called 

 heroic treatment, and this at once, in order 

 to cripple the enemy at the very outset of the 

 campaign. Heat a tub of water to 120° F. 

 and immerse the plants in it, allowing them 

 to remain submerged about half a minute. 

 It may seem to you, if you dip your hand in 

 water heated to the point named, that a bath 

 in it must mean sure death to your plants. 

 But comparatively tender ones will not be 

 injured by it, as you can easily satisfy your- 

 self by experimenting with one or two before 

 proceeding to treat all of them. The reason 

 for using the hot bath is this: The spiders 

 are on your plants, in great numbers. Spray- 

 ing might not reach all of them, and it is 

 desirable to get rid of them as soon as possible. 

 The hot water will enable you to accomplish 

 this. After having killed them off, the spray 

 can be made use of, regularly, to keep them 

 from returning, or, at least, to keep them in 

 check. Apply water freely, and as often as 

 possible. Most persons will probably think 

 once a day too often, but it is not. Those 

 who have a plant-room can use water reck- 



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