THE CARNATION. 33 



Pink. As it works below the surface of the ground, 

 it is not easily detected; nothing, in fact,, but the 

 dead or dying state of the plant points out its re- 

 treat. It attacks the stem just at the root, and will 

 perforate it through and through. It is introduced 

 into gardens, for the most part, with the fresh loam, 

 in the turning of which the eye should always be on 

 the look-out for this pernicious insect, which, when 

 met with, never, I believe, escapes destruction. 



I met with two a few days ago, and tried what 

 effect a little quick lime had upon them. I scattered 

 a little over them, but it seemed to make no other 

 impression than to induce them to move from it with 

 more speed than they are generally accustomed to do, 

 I brought them back to it again, and kept them there 

 for a couple of minutes ; but they were still able to 

 crawl from it, apparently not much hurt by it, and 

 they effected their retreat to a heap of mould hard 

 by. The only sure way to deal with them, is, f to 

 catch them and kill them.' 



I am very little acquainted with the natural his- 

 tory of this destructive insect, which breeds with as- 



C 5 



