General Notices. 321 



Pruning must not be neglected, the operation being regulated by the habit 

 of the flower. If liable to become coarse, the knife must be little used, but 

 if the tendency of the flower is to diminutiveness, it may be applied with 

 advantage. 



As it is of the utmost importance to keep up a regular moisture at the 

 root, mulching is recommended in hot weather, i. e., from the time of 

 planting till September, or nearly through the whole season of growth. T 

 have for several years been foiled in my attempts to keep evaporation from 

 proceeding too rapidly, by the birds, who have scraped away, in the early 

 morning, the grass or other covering placed around the plants at night. 

 Last year, I covered the mulching with twigs, but from some cause I could 

 not discover, they still persevered, and rendered my efforts futile. This 

 year, I intend to plant deeper, and gain a mulching by an extra thickness of 

 mould between the surface and the root. I am not aware that this plan will 

 have any disadvantages, while it will allow of a small depression being 

 made to retain water. The principle to be remembered is, that artificial 

 watering is, to some extent, an evil, as it hardens the soil and carries its 

 fertilizing properties out of the reach of the plant. Whatever means, 

 therefore, can be adopted to retain moisture, are, so far, favorable to a 

 healthy development of vegetable growth. The best growers recommend 

 frequent waterings with a fine rose over the foliage, when the sun is oflfthe 

 plants ; besides the general benefit, it is said that the moisture prevents, to 

 some extent, the attacks of earwigs. 



The mention of that foe to florists, just alluded to, reminds us of the dis- 

 appointment so often felt, when, having succeeded in getting a good bloom, 

 our labors are neutralized by the fine teeth or mandibles of earwigs, ruining 

 in a night the finest specimens. How can they be guarded against 1 No 

 doubt by a greater acquaintance with the habits of the insect, and a more 

 diligent warfare against it in all its stages of growth. But as this radical 

 eradication of the pest is not to be looked for, we can only indicate the 

 modes of checking their propensities, in some particular case. They may 

 be caught by hundreds and killed, by bean stalks placed among the foliage, 

 or small pots half full of moss on the tops of the stakes. But the mischief 

 is then partly done, as will be manifest from the color of their internal 

 juices, which are yellow, crimson, or orange, according as the flower they 

 have been eating is of either of those hues. It was once thought sufficient 

 to prevent their ascent, by water-pans, or by wool tied around the stem ; 

 but it is now known that earwigs have wings, and are consequently not de- 

 pendent on their feet for access to their food. That they can fly is undeni- 

 able, but that they exercise the power much may be doubted. I never saw 

 one on the wing, nor even preparing for flight, although 1 have been out in 

 the nights of summer repeatedly, and watched their movements with a can- 

 dle. I am inclined to think the faculty of flying is but rarely used, and 

 that, therefore, while traps should be placed to catch them, means should 

 also be taken to prevent their ascending to the dahlias. It is known they 

 dislike cotton or wool, which entangles their feet, and perhaps some oily 

 substance in addition would effectually repel them. The wool should be 

 VOL. XV. NO. VIL 41 



