THE CHRYSANTHEMUM 313 



A few words may be devoted to the enemies of Chrysanthemums 

 before concluding with some remarks about varieties. Some of 

 these enemies are insects, others fungi. The ubiquitous aphis is 

 among the former, and the grower who finds it on his plants, 

 in however limited numbers and under whatever colour, should 

 never rest until he has exterminated it. He may succeed with 

 almost any of the advertised insecticides, or with Quassia water, 

 or with paraffin and soft soap, which have been described in pre- 

 vious chapters. As there advised, the appearance of the very first 

 insect should be the signal for the commencement of hostilities. 



There are several fungoid enemies. One of comparatively recent 

 origin is rust, which forms large, brown, wart-like excrescences on 

 the leaves ; and if allowed to spread, speedily causes the death of 

 the plant. When it first appeared very serious apprehensions were 

 entertained respecting it. The early days of the Potato disease 

 and the Hollyhock murrain were recalled, and pessimists were not 

 slow to prophesy a fate for the Chrysanthemum analogous to that 

 which had befallen the latter plant. However, things did not turn 

 out so badly as had been feared. It was found that if affected plants 

 were promptly removed and sprayed with liver of sulphur (sulphide 

 of potassium), at the rate of half an ounce per gallon of water, at 

 the first sign of an attack, the disease could be kept under. At 

 the time of writing it has had several years in which to spread, 

 but has not done so ; and it may therefore be fairly assumed that 

 the grower has found a means of keeping it under, and that only 

 in case of neglect on his part is it likely to become a real menace 

 to the plant. 



Mildew is an old enemy, which coats the leaves with a whitish 

 powder. It generally appears shortly after the plants have been 

 put under glass in autumn, and is a result of sodden soil, or cold 

 draughts, or a heavy, humid atmosphere. Free ventilation, with 

 care in avoiding draughts ; a lively, fresh atmosphere ; and a soil 

 which, while just moist, is never saturated, will keep mildew at 



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