38 PRESENT-DAY GARDENING 



to say that aphides came with the east wind in spring, but 

 it is now well known they make their appearance when the 

 plant has its growth checked by adverse influences. The 

 best and safest cure is the solution of soft soap referred 

 to above, to which has been added some quassia made by 

 boiling quassia chips in water. This preparation can either 

 be applied with a syringe, or, if only a few plants are to be 

 dealt with, the liquid can be dropped from a sponge into 

 the centre of the plants, where the fly mostly lodges. If 

 the leaves are seen to curl, the plants ought to be examined 

 at once, as more than likely the flies are doing the mischief 

 and must be got rid of without delay. 



Slugs or small snails frequently cause serious loss 

 among newly planted Pansies and Violas by eating them 

 partly through just at the surface of the soil. If there 

 is any reason for thinking the ground is infested with 

 slugs, it should be dusted with powdered, newly slaked 

 lime once or twice before planting, on an evening after 

 dark, when the weather is mild. After the beds are 

 planted the only safe cure is hunting for the depre- 

 dators with a lantern after dark, removing them and 

 killing them. As has been already recommended, flowers 

 and buds should be removed when planting, and no 

 flowers should be left to develop until the plants are 

 getting well established. Not more than four growths 

 ought to be allowed to develop on each plant. These 



