The Canadian Horticulturist. hi 



to the full action of the sun. It is better, if possible, to plant with a northern 

 exposure, or where they will be shaded for part of the day. Use a heavy rau ch- 

 ing, water occasionally, syringe freely in the evening during the hot time when 

 there is little or no dew. We do not think the buds fail after the weather begins 

 to cool, and until then dahlia buds are poor at the best. 



699. Sir, 



Propagation of Carnations. 



-Kindly tell us also how carnations are propagated from cuttings. 



W. A. B., MouHt ForeM. 



Reply by Webster Bros. 



Carnations are propagated by cuttings inserted in a sand bench, (they will 

 root in a pot) and kept moist. They root most quickly with a bottom heat, but 

 it is not a necessity. November to March is the best time for the operation. 



The Oystep-Shell Bark Louse. 



700. Sir, — Is the sample of bp.rk louse enclosed injurious to the tree, and if so, 

 what is the beat remedy ? 



R. J. Bishop, Round Hill, N.S. 





1 ^^^<^? 



The pieces of bark enclosed are covered with scales of the Oys- 

 ter-shell bark louse, something like the picture, shown in the margin. 

 The insect is by no means rare in Ontario, indeed some large orchards 

 almost ruined with it. So small is the insect, that the owner is 

 often perfectly unconscious of its presence until his trees cease to 

 grow, and begin to show limbs besmeared with the scales. These 

 remain where they are during the winter months, but, about the ist 

 of June, the young lice hatch out and begin hunting about for 

 tender portions of bark, where they can insert their beaks and begin 

 sucking the juices. Since these increase nearly one-hundred-fold 

 yearly, it is plain that they soon become a serious pest. 



In Fig. 742, 2 represents one of the young lice as shown under 

 the microscope, 3 one after remaining in one place for a few days, 

 4 a still farther change, while 5 and 6 show the louse as it approaches 

 Fio. 742. maturity ; 7 shows the scaly covering secreted toward the end of 

 the season, under which it lives and matures. By the middle of August this 

 female louse is little else than a bundle of eggs. To destroy them, the bark of 

 the trees may be scraped in winter ; but the most effective remedy is a thorough 

 spraying with kerosene emulsion, about the ist of June. The scraping will 

 expose the trees more fully to the action of the spraying liquid. In the absence 

 of spraying apparatus, the trees may be scrubbed with the emulsion, or with a 

 strong solution of washing soda and water. 





