PLANTING LIST 335 



plant two more, three or four weeks apart, and be prepared to pro- 

 tect the latest against frost. An excellent way to grow cucumbers 

 in the field is to protect the hill with a little frame, covered with 

 glass or perhaps with cheesecloth; keep the frame on until the 

 plants get too big for it. The hills should not contain more than 

 three plants. Frames for this purpose, twenty inches square or 

 more, are now sold by many dealers. 



The worst disease of cucumber is mildew ; against which, spray 

 before it appears, using Bordeaux once a week, and taking pains 

 to reach the under sides of the leaves. The various beetles that 

 feed on the plant are a great nuisance. It is well to mix for them a 

 poison with the spray. Or pick them by hand. Destroy squash- 

 bugs' eggs. The aphis should be killed with soap, tobacco water, 

 or kerosene emulsion. Burn all leaves or vines that are diseased. 



Dahlias : Seldom grown from seed, and this is not advised. Plant 

 them as directed in Chapter XXVIII, give deep and well-worked 

 but not very rich soil, and protect from strong winds. The stalks 

 should be tied to stakes. Dahlias are tender. 



Daisy : The English (Bellis perennis) : A low, neat, and very 

 free-blooming hardy perennial plant, usually treated as an annual 

 or a biennial. It is generally used as an edging, where its bright- 

 colored flowers are very attractive. Sow early, under glass, and 

 set out about six inches apart in May ; sow outdoors in late April ; 

 or else sow late in August, and carry the plants over winter under 

 a light mulch, or in a cold-frame, and set out in spring. These last 

 plants will flower in May and June, the others later. Our hot and 

 dry summers are hard on this plant, or it would be more popular 

 on account of its wealth of bright flowers. 



Daisy, Michaelmas, see Perennial Aster. 



Daisy, South African, see Dimorpotheca. 



Delphinium, see Larkspur. 



Dicentra, see Bleeding-heart. 



Digitalis, see Foxglove. 



Dimorpotheca, South African Daisy : A plant new to this country, 



