40 
given for the destruction of these aphides, but what- 
ever means are adopted should be taken in time and 
before the plants get smothered with them. I have 
found the following remedy answer in every instance 
where applied :—To one pound of tobacco, and two 
pounds of soft soap, add six quarts of boiling water ; 
let this, stand a short time, then strain through a 
piece of coarse canvas ; to the filtered liquor add 
nine or ten gallons of water, and with this diluted 
fluid syringe the infested plants, or otherwise dip the 
branches into it, wetting the whole of the foliage. 
If necessary, repeat the operation two or three times, 
always syringing the plants over afterwards with 
clean water. A decoction of quassia is frequently 
used, in the proportion of one ounce of the chips to 
a quart of water. Fumigating with tobacco is. 
perhaps the best and most effectual way of des- 
troying them, where appliances can be had so as to 
confine the smoke. In hothouses and greenhouses 
this is readily done, and is the best means that can 
be adopted. 
Apuis VeEstator.—This, the Rose cultivator’s 
friend, should never be destroyed ; it feeds upon and 
destroys all other aphides, and is a most valuable 
ally for such purposes. The ladybirds are also 
useful in destroying these small insects, so are many 
kinds of birds, and none more so than the so-called 
mischievous tomtit and sparrow. The sparrows are 
especially valuable ; not only do they feed upon the 
aphides, but the Rose-chafer, and other enemies to 
the Rose. I have often watched their early morning 
avocations amongst the Roses; a dozen or two 
