332 VILLA GAEDENING i-art iv 



lodgment is soon effected, from which it is difficult to drive it 

 before much mischief has been done. Painting sulphur on the 

 pipes, and shutting up early vnth a saturated sulphur-impregnated 

 atmosphere, are the best remedies. It is most important to re- 

 member that in dealing with mildew and red -spider a stitch in 

 time saves more than nine. 



Mealy Bug on Vines. — When the vineries are kept solely for 

 the vines, there is not much trouble with the mealy bug. Now 

 that every house has to accommodate plants in "wdnter and spring, 

 if at no other time, it is difficult to keep this pest out of the 

 vineries. The only eftectual cure is to stamp it out thoroughly, 

 and keep it out for the future by banisliing all stove plants from 

 the bouse. As soon as the leaves fall and the vines are pnmed, 

 the house must be thoroughly cleaned, all woodwork painted, and 

 all walls lime-washed. The vines must have all loose bark removed, 

 be well scrubbed with a brush and a strong solution of soft soap and 

 water, and then painted with a powerful insecticide. In the cases 

 which I have dealt with I have used Gishurst compound, 8 oz. to 

 the gallon of water, mixed with sufficient clay to give it the con- 

 sistency of {^aint, rubbing it well into all the cracks and crevices. 

 Gas-tar, mixed with clay in the same manner, has been highly re- 

 commended by men whose position entitles them to be heard with 

 respect and confidence ; and though I have never tried it, I should 

 have no hesitation in doing so if I desired a new remedy for bug 

 on vines. But, whatever is used as a dressing, constant watchfid- 

 ness is necessary all the next spring and summer, for some of the 

 eggs will hatch off and produce lively, perfect insects. When the 

 sun is warm in spring, the bugs, if any are left, will travel along 

 the rods, and a keen observer will easily discover and destroy them. 

 For want of this close attention and care in spring, when their 

 numbers are few, the opportunity for utterly destroying them 

 passes away. Thrips and green-fly are occasionally found in vineries ; 

 but they are easily kept under by fumigating with Tobacco. 



The Phylloxera has not done all the mischief in English vineries 

 which it was feared would ensue from its importation into this 

 country. It has been found comparatively easy to stamp it out ; 

 in fact no one need tolerate it imless they like. But if it should 

 appear the best plan is to destroy the ^anes in the house, clear out 

 the border, and start afresh with all things clean and new. Unless 

 vines are obtained in a promiscuous manner from unknown people 

 and places, the Phylloxera need not be imported at all. 



