250 ON THE DESTRUCTION OF PI.ANT-LICE AND FROG -HOPPERS. 



flowers often seen in the metropolis : if properly treated, they re- 

 tain their beauty many weeks, but they are generally starved for 

 want of water. The Hydrangea is a native of a marsh, and will 

 grow luxuriantly half immersed in water, therefore its pot ought 

 to be plunged in a large pan, constantly kept full of water ; the 

 plant will then thrive and flourish, even in London. Pinks, Car- 

 nations, and Stocks, though favourite flowers in the windows of the 

 metropolis, it must be remembered, yield no second produce of 

 blossoms ; they bloom but once in the year, and their beauty lasts 

 only a short time. It must be observed as a constant rule, both 

 in town and country, to remove instantly all faded blossoms, as 

 well as dead leaves ; the plant is then kept in health, and is not 

 exhausted by bearing seeds. 



And now, wishing my young friends flourishing gardens, and 

 a profusion of beautiful blossoms, I bid them farewell. 



ARTICLE IV.— On the Destruction of Plant-lice and 

 Frog-hoppers. By Snowdrop. 



The plant-lice (aphis) have abounded this year in an unusual 

 degree, to the great injury of plants of every description ; and 

 various means for their destruction have, no doubt, been tried. 

 It is very desirable that any successful method should be made 

 known ; — not in vague language, but stating the jiroportionate 

 parts, if a mixture, and the number of times it has been used 

 before the desired object has been attained. In the use of the 

 usual remedies recommended, that is, tobacco-water, (which, I 

 think, may be injurious to plants), and fumigation with tobacco* 

 smoke, I have not been successful ; nor has camomile, which has 

 been so strongly recommended, either in decoction or powder, had 

 the desired effect. It is possible, however, that I have not applied 

 these remedies in a proper manner. By camphor-water, how- 

 ever — half an ounce of pounded camphor in a pint of water 

 allowed to stand for a week — and applying it several times in the 

 evening with a large camel-hair brush, I have managed to keep 

 my Carnations nearly free from this pest. As this insect has lately 

 attacked Tulips in their place of rest, I should recommend cam- 

 phor to be placed in the boxes or bags, and renewed once or twice 

 until planted. 



