WEEDS AND PESTS AND DISEASES 141 



furnished with them vary to some extent, but generally 

 it is advisable to use them in the top spit of the soil during 

 winter digging. 



Some gardeners prefer to make a soil fumigant of their 

 own ; and there is no reason why they should not do so, 

 although the results may not be so good as those obtained 

 by the application of a proprietary article. However, here 

 is a formula of my own. 



FORMULA : A GOOD SOIL FUMIGANT. 



Fresh-burnt Quicklime (ground) . . . . 8 Ibs. 

 Ordinary Common Salt . . . . 2 Ibs. 



Crude Naphthalene I Ib. 



Pound up the salt and the naphthalene separately; 

 mix the salt with quicklime very thoroughly, and then 

 mix in the naphthalene. This material must be stored 

 in tins with tight-fitting lids. No naked lights should be 

 near while pounding the naphthalene, as it is inflammable. 

 The best time to apply it is in the winter during the 

 digging. It should be scattered fairly freely over the 

 surface of the soil, about a handful for every 2-3 yards of 

 trench (top spit). 



Carbolic acid, carbon bisulphide, and formaldehyde 

 should not be used. They are expensive and extra- 

 ordinarily powerful, not to say dangerous, and are better 

 left alone altogether. 



Some Garden Pests : I propose now to mention a few 

 of the pests which trouble the flower gardener. 



Aphis. These little creatures are found on rose shoots 

 and on the growths of perennials in the summer. They 

 are best killed by syringeing with a solution of quassia 

 made as follows : To every half pound of quassia chips 

 add half a pound of soft soap and ten gallons of water. 

 Boil and strain. Use the liquid when cold. 



Ants. These are often troublesome. Mix a little 

 arsenic with honey and put near their runs, they will be 

 driven away or killed. 



