GRASSHOPPERS. 



In aster beds located near fields of grass the outer rows are often 

 completely eaten up by grasshoppers. This may be prevented by 

 planting something else on that side next the grass. 



VARIETIES OF ASTERS. 



Since all the varieties of this plant obtainable have been grown in 

 connection with this work a few words about the various kinds may 

 not be out of place. Asters are commonly distinguished into types 

 or groups, similar in form and general characteristics, under each of 

 which we have a variety of colors. They may also be classed into 

 early, mid-season, and late, coming into bloom ordinarily about July 

 20, August 15, and September i, but varying, of course, with the 

 time of planting. The Queen of the Market, in various colors, is 

 the standard early variety, together with the similar Queen of Spring, 

 Queen of the Earlies, etc. The recently introduced Tom Thumb 

 Comet or Poodle, is also worthy. Of the mid-season the Victoria, 

 Paeony Flowered Perfection and Giant Comet are best known, but 

 by no means include all the best kinds. The new California 

 Branching Comet is especially striking, and many others might be 

 mentioned. Of the late varieties Semple's Branching stands pre- 

 eminent as one of the finest of asters, especially for commercial pur- 

 poses. The pink " Mary J. Semple " is considered by many the 

 finest of all asters. It is with difficulty that such a list as this is 

 brought to an end, on account of the many beautiful kinds left 

 unmentioned. The dwarf varieties are numerous and odd but of no 

 great value for cutting. 



SUMMARY. 



The very prevalent trouble in growing China Asters is due to a 

 variety of causes. These are principally, a stem rot disease or wilt, 

 caused by a fungus, a peculiar abnormal growth the cause of which 

 is not definitely known, and lice on the roots. Other troubles occur 

 but are more obvious or not generally destructive. 



The stem rot disease is characterized by a wilting and final dying 

 of affected plants, accompanied by a discoloration and rotting of the 

 stem just at the surface of the ground. 



The yellow disease appears as a spindling yellow growth of the 



