INTRODUCTION. 49 



powder, or smoke, of tobacco, are all fatal to these 

 honey- dew- making insects. In this case, the 

 florist's duty is the same as the fruit-grower's : 

 they both should endeavour to prevent the 

 attack rather than wait to perform a cure. If 

 the insects appear before the flowers, tobacco 

 may be used without fear of injuring their 

 sweetness: and, whether they have showed 

 themselves or not, a good fumigation about a 

 week before they blow will probably keep the in- 

 sects off during the bloom. Anticipating thus 

 the attack of the fly is an excellent expedient in 

 the culture of fruit, as well as of flowers ; and, 

 were it a rule in practice, constantly and timely 

 observed, many beautiful flowers and much fine 

 fruit would come to perfection which are every 

 year spoiled and lost. The fumigation should be 

 done with- bellows designed for the purpose ; and 

 if the plants be first sprinkled with water, the 

 smoke will adhere more readily. 



Grubs of different kinds, the larva of moths 

 and beetles, are sometimes found to prey on 

 bulbs J but there is no remedy or defence better 



