Insects of the Flower Garden arid Green-House, 



Flowering plants, whether in the green-house or in the 

 dwelling, are subject to the attacks of several insects, 

 which, unless they are kept in subjection, soon cause the 

 plants to assume an unhealthy appearance. Most of the 

 insects that infest the plants when indoors, as a general 

 thing, remain upon them when they are placed outside 

 during warm weather, and some of them attack hardy 

 plants also. 



In green-houses, where water can be freely used to 

 shower the plants, and where the house can be filled with 

 tobacco smoke as often as may be necessary, there is little 

 difficulty in keeping the plants in a healthy condition so 

 far as insects are concerned. Those who cultivate win- 

 dow plants find it more difficult to keep them free from 

 insects by these means. Where syringing is necessary, 

 the pots may be set in a bath-tub or sink, or, if it is de- 

 sired to wet the underside of the leaves, laid upon the 

 side, and water applied by means of a syringe, or by the 

 use of a watering-pot with a fine rose; this should be held 

 high above the plants in order that the water may fall 

 with force against the foliage. All smooth-leaved plants, 

 such as Camellias, Ivy, etc., should have the leaves oc- 

 casionally washed on both sides, by the use of a sponge 

 or soft cloth; this will not only remove the dust, but be 

 of great service in keeping the insects in check. 



House plants may be fumigated by having a large box, 



in which they may be shut up, and the smoke made by 



damp tobacco stems or other cheap form of tobacco upon 



a few live coals placed in an iron vessel or an old flower 



262 



