DISEASES OF THE CARNATION 93 



together, and the leaf finally turns yellow and dries 

 up. Recent observations of this disease seem to have 

 determined that it is caused by the attacks of various 

 insects, such as red spider, thrips, &c., and wherever 

 the plants are kept free from these insects the bacterial 

 disease does not seem to develop." " I advise all 

 amateurs who would excel in the culture of Carna- 

 tions to keep the plants in a healthy, vigorous con- 

 dition by giving them an abundance of light and air. 

 See that they are kept clean ; avoid over-feeding, and, 

 in the case of winter-flowering Carnations, a high, 

 moist atmosphere also. A rather dry, buoyant air is 

 best, with a minimum temperature of about 50° to 55°. 

 Water carefully, and let there be a free outlet for the 

 moisture." 



Sparrows are a nuisance in early spring, and inflict 

 much damage by pecking off the young foliage. If, 

 however, the plants have been well dusted over with 

 soot after rain they will not touch them. 



Hares and Rabbits. — These are the most destruc- 

 tive of all in winter and early spring, and must be 

 kept out with wire netting. Soot is helpful, but is not 

 reliable. A single hare or rabbit will clear a bed in 

 hard weather in a night or two, and they are sure 

 to begin with the most treasured plants. 



Gout. — If the plants show signs of gout — which is 

 the swelling and bursting of the stem near the ground 

 — pull them up and burn. If it attacks a plant of 

 a variety of which there is only a small stock, save 

 some of the growths to make cuttings of if they are 

 healthy. 



