The Orchid-house 



if they do not multiply, and I think they do not, 

 the fact is intelligible. Snail-shells are made of 

 lime. Hard water contains a supply, but there is 

 none in rain-water. Thus, it may be, they gradually 

 become extinct. 



As for slugs, it will be observed that they do not 

 like orchids. If there be any other food within 

 reach they will make for it. Accordingly, they 

 may be trapped with bits of cabbage-leaf or potato. 

 Especially they are fond of bran ; if a little heap 

 be put in their way they will be found hidden in it. 

 But, for all we can do, if slugs be fairly estab- 

 lished, to get rid of them is a desperate task. I 

 think of a neighbour who has been fighting the 

 enemy for years. He encircles a flower-spike with 

 cotton wool, which neither slug nor cockroach can 

 creep over. And still the percentage of loss is 

 awful. 



It is very easy to exclude cockroaches if one be 

 building a new house. They cannot live nor breed 

 unless in darkness. Take care there are no holes 

 to shelter them, and you will never be troubled. 

 In an old house another rule applies. Their eggs 

 will not hatch unless in a dry place ; so keep all 

 suspicious corners well watered. They are easily 

 poisoned, but never exterminated by that means. 

 Finally, as has been said, a little bunch of cotton 



