286 SATURDAY IN MY GARDEN 



a good plan for destroying the grubs is a frequent rolling of 

 the grass. 



The pests that make their attack on the leaves and stems of 

 plants form a much larger class, and first among them is : 



THE APHIS. This is the common greenfly, which, in spite of its 

 diminutive size, can, by reason of its marvellous powers of repro- 

 duction, cause untold damage in an extremely short space of 

 time. Here thumb-and-finger work may be recommended at 

 the outset and in cases where the aphis has not secured a 

 foothold. 



But where a firm hold has been obtained nothing remains but 

 to bring the syringe and a suitable insecticide into operation at 

 once. (See Chapter XXI., " Rose Pests.") Use a strong syringe 

 so that a powerful stream may be directed at the affected parts, 

 and thus dislodge the enemy. 

 CUCKOO-SPIT. (See Chapter XXI., " Rose Pests.") 

 GOOSEBERRY CATERPILLARS. These are the bane of the goose- 

 berry grower's life. An excellent plan where they have not 

 secured a good hold is to place sheets of paper on the ground 

 beneath the bush, and give it a vigorous shake. Many cater- 

 pillars can in this way be dislodged, and afterwards killed. Where 

 this is not completely effectual, hand-picking will serve the pur- 

 pose. Other methods are to dress the foliage above and beneath 

 the leaves with slaked lime, especially after rain or heavy dew, 

 while they are still damp. Repeat the dressing at intervals. 



BLACK FLY. This pest makes its appearance nowhere more 

 certainly than at the top of the stems of broad beans in dry 

 soil just as the beans are coming into flower. The tops of the 

 stems should be cut off as soon as the fly is detected, and 

 burned. 



RED SPIDER. This is a minute pest that attacks gooseberries, 

 violets, and many greenhouse plants. The best remedy is a 

 frequent application of cold water overhead. If liver of sulphur 

 be added to the water at the rate of a quarter of an ounce to 

 the gallon, the disappearance of the pest will be more rapid. 

 CABBAGE BUTTERFLY. The white butterfly will be found to be 



