INSECTS WOODLICE, THEIPS, AND LAEGE BLACK SLUGS. 31 



with a piece of wood, like the handle of a small painter's brush, 

 stuck full of pointed wires, spearing them whilst feeding ; but the 

 spearman must strike very quickly and suddenly, or they will be 

 too nimble for him. Poison may be laid for them also. I have 

 used lard and boiled Carrots crushed into a paste, both mixed 

 with arsenic, and made into small balls and stuck upon short 

 sticks. These baits may be stuck into the pots, baskets, &c., 

 at night, and removed in the morning if any fear is entertained 

 of the poison being eaten by domestic animals. All these 

 methods to get rid of these pests should be diligently resorted 

 to and followed till not one is left alive. 



WOODLICE. In old houses more especially these devourers 

 will abound. They also, like the last-named insects, secrete 

 themselves during the d%y. I have found them in the drainage 

 and in baskets. The poison recommended for cockroaches will 

 kill these also. I have got rid of great numbers by the following 

 plan : When the compost in the baskets is dry I take them 

 down, and gradually force the basket down into the cistern. 

 The insects do not like wet : hence, as the basket descends, they 

 creep upwards and finally appear on the surface. They are 

 then easily caught and killed. I have found tfeat two or three 

 toads will devour great numbers of woodlice. It is a curious 

 sight to witness the toad catch his dainty morsel; but the 

 spectator must be very sharp, for the toad darts out his tongue 

 and draws in the insect as quick as lightning. 



THEIPS. These tiny enemies feed on the under side of the 

 leaves. They only abound in cases of great neglect. The 

 sponge is the best remedy for them. By washing the leaves 

 with it, using tepid water, the plant may be cleansed ; but the 

 operation should be performed in a warm shed, or some of the 

 insects will escape. I have killed them also by filling the house 

 with tobacco smoke, 



LARGE BLACK SLTJGS.If one or two of these voracious 

 enemies find their way amongst the Orchids, they do a serious 

 mischief by feeding upon the young roots, leaves, or flower-stems 



