62 METHODS OF APPLYING THE INSECTICIDES. 



only be carried out on comparatively large smooth- 

 leaved plants, such as eucharis, crotons, palms, camellias, 

 etc. It is a favourite and at the same time thorough 

 method, and is very generally adopted by horticulturists. 



Brush Application. For all wall-trained trees, such 

 as peaches, nectarines, apples, pears, etc., it is impos- 

 sible to thoroughly apply a dressing by any other 

 means than a brush. It is truly a laborious process, 

 and entails a vast amount of time and patience, but 

 with a good insecticide this method gives the most sal is- 

 faction. It is obvious the branches should be un-nailed, 

 in order they may be painted all round, taking special 

 care to get behind them (/. e. between the branches 

 and the wall), as it is there the greatest number of 

 scale accumulates. Where supporting "shreds" are 

 of necessity left, these should receive careful attention. 



Spraying. When a large number of trees have 

 to be treated, which fortunately is rarely the case in 

 England, or, as in large conservatories, where tall 

 palms, creepers, etc., are out of reach, the only chance 

 of applying an insecticide is with a spraying apparatus, 

 such as a " Stott " syringe or sprayer. 



Dipping. All that is necessary for this purpose is to 

 provide a large wooden vessel or tub capable of holding 

 from three to six gallons of the wash. 



The whole plant, mi mix fin- //<*/, is then plunged into 

 the mixture. 



Both outdoor and greenhouse and conservatory work 

 are best carried out in the winter months, when other 

 work is slack, and while plants are more or less in a 

 resting condition, and can better resist the action of an 

 insecticide. But certain Coccids increase so rapidly in 

 summer that plants require frequent attention, which 

 must necessarily be given wherever there is available 

 help. In spring or summer dull or cloudy days should 

 be selected for treatment of plants. Application made 

 in bright sunlight scorches and otherwise injures the 

 foliage. Failing dull days, apply the insecticide in 

 the evening, after the sun has lost its power or gone 



