GENERAL TREATMENT OF PLANTS. 37 



be drawn, where not more fully explained in other parts of 

 this work. To destroy insects, such as the red spider, 

 green fly, &c., that infest pot plants, I have always found 

 whale oil soap the most effectual, to be mixed in the pro- 

 portion of fifteen gallons of water to two pounds of soap ; 

 not stronger, unless to destroy caterpillars. The soap and 

 water should be mixed twenty-four hours before used ; may 

 be syringed or used with the water pot ; the former is de- 

 cidedly the best, as it throws the suds with force, and will 

 penetrate where it could not be conveyed with the water 

 pot. 



The practice of wintering plants in a bed-room is one 

 that ought never to be adopted, and no doubt is, without 

 due reflection ; but when we consider that it subverts oce of 

 the greatest blessings our Maker has bestowed on us, health, 

 we ought to pause ; for the gases emitted by plants lay the 

 foundation for many diseases that are not easily eradicated 

 from the human system. 



HYBRIDIZING 



** Seek for beauty, if thou wilt, 

 But mark the quality." 



This system has become so well understood that nature 

 appears subjected to the will of the florist. There is certain- 

 ly something in the ambition of man that leads him beyond 

 the apparent bounds of nature in his endeavors to change 



