Notes and Gleafiings. 173 



they pay particular attention to the eggs of the Hce, frequently moistening them 

 with their tongues, and, in fine weather, bringing them to the surface of the nest 

 to give them the advantage of the sun. On the other liand, the sweet fluid sup- 

 plied in abundance by these lice forms the chief nutriment of the ants and tlieir 

 young, which is sufficient to account for their solicitude and care for their valua- 

 ble herds." 



We can truly say with the wise man of ancient times, " Go to the ant, thou 

 sluggard," and learn a lesson of industry, wisdom, and prudent thrift. It is 

 pleasant to see such mutual good services performed by insects of such differ- 

 ent habits. It is amusing to see the care of the ants to protect their profitable 

 flock from all harm. No farmer could tend with more solicitude his farm-stock. 

 The green aphis is well known to all gardeners as a great pest ; but is easily 

 destroyed in the greenhouse by tobacco-smoke, but not so easily controlled in 

 the open air. 



The only other insect with which I am acquainted, injurious to the aster, is 

 the grub-worm, which sometimes cuts the plants down in June, near the surface 

 of the ground : they are easily found when the damage is done, as they bury 

 themselves by the stump of the plant. It is easy to destroy them ; but, when 

 the steed is stolen, it is of no use to shut the stable-door ; and the only way to 

 repair the damage is to take another plant from the reserve-bed, of which there 

 should always be a stock on hand. JosepJi Breck. 



The Preparation of a Croquet-Field. — Being somewhat interested in 

 croquet, which has really become a "man's game," our attention was drawn to 

 an article on the turfing of a lawn in the last number of the Journal, extracted 

 from " The Gardener's Chronicle." 



While there can be no question as to the superiority of a swarded surface, 

 provided it is often cut, and kept soft and even, still it must be admitted it is at- 

 tended with some disadvantages. If much used, it becomes worn along the line 

 of the wickets, the force of the balls becomes uneven, and the player is often 

 disappointed. A swarded surface, also, soon becomes damp at night-fall, a time 

 at which many have the most leisure ; and it is, besides, useless for some hours 

 after rain. Taking every thing into consideration, a field prepared by removing 

 the sward, making it perfectly level, raking it entirely clear of stones, rolling it 

 smooth and hard, and then applying about half an inch in thickness of fine, 

 spent tanner's bark, will be found the most serviceable, most comfortable, and 

 really the best method that can be adopted. It will be dry and clean, and will 

 be in good condition for use a much greater proportion of time than ground 

 prepared in any other form. The more it is occupied, the harder and smoother 

 it will become. It will require a re-dressing of bark but once or twice during 

 the season, and, when rendered uneven by heavy rains, the surface may be readily 

 restored by the use of a common gardtn-rake. After an experience of three 

 years, we are convinced that such a field will not only gratify the player, but 

 prove at once durable and economical. Will those who enjoy the game please 

 try the experiment ? . B. 



