STRA WBERRJES APHIDES AND RED SPIDER. 243 



Dusting with tobacco powder is the best cure. Aphides multiply rapidly on the swelling 

 crowns of forced plants, and infest the trusses as soon as they appear. A sharp look-out 

 should be kept for them, and, when the first insect is seen, fumigate, and repeat if 

 necessary until the flowers are showing colour. The plants must be perfectly clean then 

 and at all times ; but fumigation must not be practised when the plants are in flower, 

 and only moderately after the fruit is set or it will not swell freely. The tender foliage 

 is also injured by an excess of tobacco smoke. 



Red Spider (see page 269, Vol. I.) is most injurious outdoors on plants with downy 

 leaves, and is a consequence of drought, for when rains are forcible red spider cannot 

 thrive. The preventives are copious waterings, mulching, abundance of nourishment 

 and forcible syringings. Under glass, red spider will not cause trouble where the plants 

 are properly syringed, sufficient atmospheric moisture maintained, and the supplies of 

 liquid food adequate. If neglected in those respects the plants may be seriously injured. 

 Strong remedies cannot be applied on account of the fruit, but the plants may be well 

 syringed with clear water. Infested plants should be removed from peach houses and 

 vineries, for red spider on strawberries cannot be kept oil the peach trees or vines if 

 near them. 



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