ORCHARD-HOUSES. 21 



from insects. Nothing is easier, if taken in time. 

 Of course, this is not written for gardeners ; they 

 know that a man who has a house full of plants 

 infested with insects, is no gardener, or an idle 

 one, or so foolish as to undertake more than he 

 can carry out, in which case he will in time lose 

 both place and character for ability. 



As strong tobacco smoke will sometimes prove 

 injurious to Peach blooms, it is better to prevent 

 the necessity of fumigation if possible till the fruit 

 is set. If the plants are kept clean till they are 

 in flower it may generally be avoided. 



Next to allowing the Peach to be devoured by 

 aphis, the non- fertilisation of the blooms is the 

 greatest cause of failure. Most persons know 

 that the farina or pollen of the stamens must 

 come in contact with the pistil, if perfect fruit is 

 to be produced. To this end Providence has 

 placed honey in the nectaries of flowers, as an 

 attraction to bees and other insects, which, in 

 buzzing about, distribute the pollen. 



A moment's consideration of this subject will 

 explain the cause of many failures. Of course 

 the farina cannot fly if not in a dry state ; a damp 

 atmosphere, therefore, tends to prevent the setting 



