THE CARNATION MANUAL. 173 



jDlants are about to flower, and in the case, at all 

 events, of blooms meant for exhibition, these 

 insects must be diligently trapped and destroyed. 

 Caterpillars are also very voracious about this time, 

 with a distinct preference for the buds. When any 

 signs are seen of their presence they must be 

 hunted for till found, for even one of these male- 

 factors if left undisturbed will do deplorable 

 damage among the flowers between night and 

 morning. They are most likely to be caught at 

 their depredations by the aid of a lantern at night- 

 time. 



It is sad to have to include among Carnation 

 pests that time-honoured pattern of thrift and 

 industry — the busy bee ; but it is useless to disguise 

 the fact that he is among the most troublesome we 

 have to contend with, destroying as he does for the 

 exhibitor any bloom on which he is allowed to 

 settle, and upsetting equally the best laid plans of 

 the seedling-raiser by his operations. Bees must 

 be kept out of the house as far as possible by means 

 of muslin or gauze placed over the openings. 

 From the flowers under canvas it is more difiicult 

 to exclude them, and in spite of all watchfulness 

 they will take toll of many a fine bloom. 



Among the larger pests, rabbits and hares, 

 which are so dearly fond of Carnations as to eat 

 them bodily, are only likely to trouble the suburban 

 grower who is located near the country ; but there 



