IN THE TROPICAL GARDEN. 261 



Even if the tree should ultimately die of the strain 

 produced by several strippings, it matters little 

 from nature's point of view, although the loss of 

 one of the line may spoil the appearance of an 

 avenue. 



In our gardens we have some very handsome 

 so-called lilies. There is the Hippeastrum equestre, 

 Crinums, Pancratiums, and the well-known Eucharis 

 Amazonica. Some of these are well known in 

 Europe, but there, even if they were subject to the 

 attacks of larvae, moths cannot get into the glass 

 houses. Here, however, it is different, and the poor 

 plants suffer much from their attacks. The perfect 

 insec' lays its eggs on the under surface of their 

 leaves, and, if the gardener does not search for 

 them, some fine (or wet) morning you see your 

 beautiful plants turned into perfect wrecks. Hun- 

 dreds of ugly worms are crawling over them, their 

 leaves are nothing but thin membrane, and hang 

 down in rags, while, if you have not discovered 

 them within two or three days after they are 

 hatched, it is almost certain that one or more have 

 penetrated the bulb and are eating out its very 

 heart. We have never seen destruction like this 

 among these plants under natural conditions. Why, 

 then, should it be so common in our gardens ? This 

 is a question which might be asked of several other 



