orchids: irow to grow thesi successfully. 41 



young and tend(;r growths, which easily rot from this cause, 

 thoroforo it is best to h(^ cautious and well dry the liquid out of the 

 hearts of th(! young growth with a cauiol's hair brush. 



There are many chemical compounds nuide and freely adveilised 

 for the destruction of insect enemies to plant life, all of which may 

 1>«! good in their way, if used carefully, according to the directions 

 accompanying c^ach, and are not injmious to jjlants. I find 

 " Killnuight " an excellent insecticide for dipping the plants in, 

 also for washing them, using it in the proportion of six ounces to 

 four gallons of soft water, and even tlie flowers when immersed in 

 it are seldom injured. 



FUMIGATIOX is of gieat assistance in the prevention of insect 

 life, and it can be applied without injury to either foliage or 

 flowers, when used in the form of "Campbell's Rolls" or the 

 " Lethoiion " (Vax)our Cone). It is safest to fumigate under 

 rather than over the directions issued, especially for Odonto- 

 glossums. When it is desirable to fumigate choose a calm evening 

 for the operation — the atmosphere should not be over diy nor 

 should the foliage be at all wet. 



Syhinging. — The indisciiminate use of the sjiinge as a check 

 to the spread of insects is not a good practice, either with clear 

 water or water mixed with any insecticide, being ineffective and 

 frequently the reverse of satisfactoiy. 



Scale, which clings so tenaciously to the leaves of Saccolabiiuns, 

 Aerides, and Co^logpie cristata in particular, is a great pest, and 

 where it exists in large numbers, it is a good plan to make up a 

 "lather" of carbolic soap, and paint the leaves with it, allowing 

 it to remain five minutes, afterwards washing it off with a sponge 

 and clear water, when, should the scale still cUng to the leaves, a 

 little rubbing will remove it. There is a species of scale which 

 infests Cattleyas and Lailias, especially if the plants are not strong 

 and healthy, which can be cleaned away for a time in the same 

 manner, taking care, however, that the "lather" or insecticide 

 does not get down to the roots, and this is easily prevented by 

 holding a piece of sponge round the base of the pseudo bidb until 

 the operation is completed. Do not attempt to get them off -sv-ith 

 a sharj) pointed stick, as this is both a dangerous and tedious 

 method. "Cross's Electric Insecticide" is the best thing I have 

 tried for ridding the Cattleyas of this pest ; it should be used in 

 the proportion of one part insecticide to four of rain water. Apply 



