IKSECT EXEMIE3 OJ? THE GRAPE. 



consequently we must resort to other means than mere 

 atmospheric changes to destroy any of these pests. Sul- 

 phur is the best remedy with which I am acquainted, 

 and the one upon which gardeners mainly depend. It 

 may be dusted over the plants, or be scattered on the 

 soil beneath them. When used in the house, the usual 

 method is to place it on the return flue, or pipes, being 

 careful not to place the sulphur where it will become so 

 hot as to take fire, for in that case the fumes will destroy 

 the plants as well as spiders. There is but little danger 

 of its taking fire if placed on the return flue, as the heat 

 will usually be just sufficient to slowly melt the sulphur, 

 and cause it to give off its fumes slowly. 



Sometimes the sulphur is mixed with soft soap and 

 water, and a little clay added to make the composition 

 of the consistency of thick paint ; this is then applied to 

 the pipes and flues, when the sulphur is slowly evapo- 

 rated and continues giving off its fumes for a long time. 

 The constant fume of sulphur is not needed in a house ; 

 besides, it is very disagreeable. 



The Vine Scale is occasionally met, but it is not 

 common. To the unassisted eye it appears to be noth- 

 ing more than a small scale, without the least appear- 

 ance of life. The scale is the shell, or covering, of a 

 very minute insect that pierces the bark of the young 

 shoots and sucks its juices. Kerosene emulsion will 

 destroy these pests, or a strong solution of potash say 

 one pound to four or five gallons of water or an appli- 

 cation of pure soft soap. 



It is well, to wash the stems of all vines in gardens 

 with potash water every winter, as it will destroy 

 insects that make their nests in the crevices of the bark. 

 That portion of the solution that falls upon the ground 

 is not wasted, because it furnishes the vine with potash, 

 which is one of the most valuable ingredients of all 

 manures. 



