202 SCHOOL AXD HOME GARDENS 



one half of the capacity of the vessel, and fill it nearly 

 full of water. In three or four days a brown liquid will 

 be extracted from the manure. If this is very strong, 

 it should be thinned to a light-brown color before apply- 

 ing it to the roots of plants. The vessel may be refilled 

 several times. 



Liquid manure is one of the best fertilizers for house 

 plants, as well as for the garden. Apply the manure 

 every two or three weeks ; then water freely, to carry 

 the nourishment to the roots of the plants. Garden 

 plants may be given a very liberal supply by removing 

 the rose of the sprinkler and pouring the liquid around 

 them 



HOW TO DESTROY INSECTS 



Biting insects. Some insects bite or chew the plants 

 on which they feed. These may be killed by spraying 

 poisons on the parts which they eat. Caterpillars have 

 jaws and always chew their food. All beetles and 

 weevils have biting mouth parts. 



Sucking insects. Other insects have sucking mouth 

 parts. They thrust their beaks into the tissues of the 

 plants and suck the juice. Such insects cannot be killed 

 with stomach poisons. Instead, a " contact insecticide," 

 something that kills the insect when it comes in contact 

 with it, must be used. Plant lice, scale insects, and bugs 

 must be killed with contact insecticides. 



