DISEASES 89 



ground, will kill wireworm and other larvae. It must be 

 remembered, however, that gas-lime applied in a fresh state 

 is injurious to plant life. 



DISEASES 



Carnations in general are subject to diseases peculiar 

 to their species, and they are usually rendered epidemic 

 by unsuitable culture and management. It is strange that 

 certain varieties of Carnations are more prone to disease 

 than others. This being so, isolation in the first place (as a 

 preventive of the spread of disease spores) of these plants Is 

 essential, and, in the case of badly affected plants, destruc- 

 tion by burning is profitable in the end, as they might other- 

 wise contaminate others that are not in the least weakly. 



Carnation Leaf-Spot (Uromyces Dianthi). This dis- 

 ease, although not a deadly one, is the most prevalent, and 

 its presence on the plants affected may at first be detected 

 by the raised, warty-like appearance of the surface of the 

 foliage and on the stems. This raised surface bursts, and 

 the spores in the form of a fine, dark-brown, dust-like 

 substance are scattered over the plants. Those badly 

 infested soon become covered with infectious spores if 

 preventive measures are not taken. Sulphide of potassium 

 dissolved at the rate of one ounce to three gallons of water, 

 and sprayed over the plants, is a good remedy, taking care 

 to keep the liquid from touching white paint-work, which 

 it soon discolours. Veltha Emulsion is also a good pre- 

 paration for checking the spread of fungal diseases, but 

 my experience is that where the trouble has become 

 deep-rooted, no remedy is really effectual in eradicating it. 



