208 THE PRACTICAL GARDEN -BOOK 



ting a hold. It is much better to Spray once very thor- 

 oughly than to Spray a half dozen times carelessly. It is 

 important that the entire surface of the foliage or stems be 

 covered with the material in order to prevent the access of 

 the fungi. 



Of insecticides, there are two general types : those 

 which kill by external contact and are applied to plant lice, 

 scale insects, and all other insects which suck their food ; 

 and the poisonous compounds which are used for the chew- 

 ing insects, as all the tribes of worms and beetles. Of the 

 former class, the most important material is kerosene in 

 various forms (which see). Of the latter kind is Paris 

 green (which see). For insects, Spray just as soon as the 

 attack is evident. Paris green and Bordeaux mixture may 

 be used together. 



The best pump for Spraying is the one which throws the 

 stream the greatest distance with the least amount of liquid, 

 and the best nozzle is that which distributes the material 

 most finely and evenly. For Spraying plants close at hand, 

 the Vermorel nozzle is now the most popular. If it is de- 

 sired to reach the tops of large trees, some other nozzle 

 should be used, as the McGowen, Boss, or other types. 

 Every outfit should have two or three kinds of nozzles for 

 different kinds of work. Get a pump with much power. 



Spray thoroughly. The general rule is to spray the entire 

 plant until the material begins to drip, at which time it may 

 be supposed that the plant is covered completely. When 

 and how often one should Spray, and what material ho 

 should use, will depend entirely upon the difficulty which 

 he is endeavoring to combat. Most fruit trees should be 

 Sprayed before they bloom and again just afterwards. Some- 

 times they will need Spraying again. 



Sprekelia. Culture of Amaryllis. 



Squash. The time of planting, method of pre- 

 paring the hills and after culture are the same as for cucum- 



