CHAPTER IX 



FOES AND FRIENDS OF THE VEGETABLE GROWER 



THE list of foes is, unfortunately, more formidable 

 than that of friends, as far as the vegetable grower is 

 concerned, and in consequence we will deal with the 

 obnoxious creatures first. The new hand must not 

 expect to encounter all the conspirators mentioned 

 below in his first season of work, but a goodly number of 

 specimens are sure to come his way and he must know how 

 to recognise and deal with them without loss of time. 



Prevention is always better than cure, therefore, in a 

 general way 



(a) Dig deeply to disturb the creatures. 



(6) Manure scientifically to ensure strong plant growth 

 which will be able to withstand the onslaughts of 

 many pests. 



(c) Hoe constantly to expose surface inhabitants. 



(d) Use lime frequently and in small doses to make 



conditions unpleasant for the unwanted visitors. 



(e) Search for caterpillars, etc., in likely places before 



damage has been committed. 



Having offered these few preliminary suggestions, we 

 will turn to the depredators themselves : 



Ants. These creatures become a nuisance under glass. 

 Pour boiling water on the hillocks thrown up by them. Trap 

 in inverted flower pots smeared with any treacly substance, 

 or dust with Keating's powder. 



