THE HOME FLORIST. 



21 



Insects. If any plants become infested with Aphis or Green-fly -, take a handful of tobacco 

 stems, steep in water until it looks like strong tea, and wash the affected foliage, or else 

 fumigate the plants by burning tobacco stems. The presence of Red Spider indicates too 

 dry an atmosphere. Any plants affected should, several times daily, receive a thorough 

 sprinkling or washing with water. Meally Bug and Scale, if they appear, may be exterminated 

 by washing and brushing the affected part of the plant. To remove Angle Worms, plants 

 should be tapped out of the pots and the worms picked from the ball of earth. 



Pruning, etc. Any tendency in plants to become irregular in shape or too tall, should be 

 corrected by pinching. Unless it is desirable to have a showy window, as seen from the 

 street, the pots should be turned frequently, to prevent the plants from growing towards the light. 



Ferneries and Wardian Cases. Lovers of plants and flowers should by no means 

 overlook the advantages, presented by these novel and successful appliances, for growing 



plants in the dwelling in the autumn, winter and spring. 

 Dryness of atmosphere and dust are among the detri- 

 mental influences which we meet in winter plant culture, but 

 by adopting the Wardian case principle of growing plants, 

 these are entirely avoided, and instead, a uniform moist 

 atmosphere is secured, which is altogether congenial to 

 plant growth, no matter how dry the air outside in the 

 drawing room or parlor may be. A glass case or shade is 

 the principal agent employed. 

 This is placed over plants 

 growing in a vase or stand, 

 to which it is fitted, and com- 

 pletely surrounding the plants. 

 It retains the moisture of the 

 atmosphere, and constantly 

 returns it to the bed, thus 

 also making frequent water- 

 ingunnecessary. Usually 

 plants with striking foli- 

 age are employed in 

 Fernery culture, the 

 Ferns and Lycopodiums 

 being especially prized 

 for the purpose, although 

 all mentioned in the de- 

 scriptions, including the 

 flowering Begonias, are 



Fig. 23. Round Fernery. 



Square Fernery. 



quite as suitable. After planting the Fernery, the only care necessary to its management is 

 to prop up the glass on one side, or entirely remove it for a short time daily after the mottling 

 dusting, and decaying flowers or foliage should be removed. Water should be given only when 

 the surface of the soil becomes dry, which will not be often. 



Culture of Hyacinths and other Hardy Bulbs in Glasses, Pots, etc. , 

 for Winter Decoration. Taking advantage of the peculiarity of these bulbs to grow 

 and flower freely in any medium capable of retaining moisture, we find it easy, with a little 

 forethought, to have a profusion of bloom in the house or conservatory during the winter, 

 and the presence of their brilliant colors among the various pot plants is very desirable 

 for adding to the attractiveness of the winter collection. Whether bulbs are grown in glasses 

 of water or in pots, vases, or other articles, they should, in either case, to make a complete 

 success of the undertaking, be removed after planting, to a cellar, or any cool, dark place, here 

 to remain six or eight weeks, for the purpose of causing a growth of roots before the leaves and 

 flower stems start into growth. From this place they can be brought directly into the parlor or 

 conservatory where they are to flower. The difference of a week or two between the periods 

 of starting will produce a corresponding difference in the periods of bloom. When growing 

 Hyacinths or Crocus in the glasses made for the purpose, it is necessary to see that the base of 

 the bulb, only, touches the water ; also, after admitting to the light, the water should be changed 

 occasionally. In pot, box or vase culture, bulbs should be planted one-third or one-half of their 

 heights in the soil or other material employed, moderately pressing the same around the bulb 

 and applying water sufficient to soak thoroughly before placing into the dark quarters above 

 alluded to. Bulbous plants of any kind should never be allowed to suffer for lack of water 

 while in a growing state. A very good course to pursue in managing bulbs in glasses, is by first 

 starting them in clean sand in some cool place, and after they have become well rooted, trans- 

 ferring them to the glasses, first washing all sand from the roots. Dark colored glasses are 

 preferable to clear ones for bulb culture. Any attempt at forcing the hardy bulbs will be quite 

 certain of being attended with successful results, only take care that the temperature be not too 

 high where they are to flower. The flowers Mail develop most beautifully in a rather cool 

 place, where the thermometer, however, never falls to the freezing point, for, although a slight 

 freeze will not destroy them, it will lessen the beauty of the flowers. 



