408 On the Treatment of several Genera 



Art. IV. On the Preservation of Plants^ Fruits, S/-c. against 

 ^nts. By M. Emilien De Wael, of Antwerp. 



So many modes are in use throughout Belgium, that it is 

 hardly possible to say which is the best, every one preaching 

 highly upon his own method. I will, therefore, only state the 

 three ways most generally adopted. 



1st. The use of fish oil does not destroy the insects; but it is 

 an excellent preservative for both trees and vegetables, against 

 their aggress. If it is a tree that wants to be protected, it is 

 done by putting round the stem a piece of canvass impregnated 

 with oil. If it is a bed planted with seeds that wants protection, 

 the surface may be lightly sprinkled over with the oil, or at sun- 

 dry places may be put some rags, soaked through with the same. 

 The smell annoys the ants so much, as to prevent their coming 

 near. 



2d. A compost, of four parts tar, one part essence of tur- 

 pentine, and one quarter sperm or whale oil, is also very much 

 used. 



3d. Repeated watering with one ounce sulphate of potash, dis- 

 solved in water, is an excellent preservative, but the destruction 

 of the ants is not the consequence, and it does not expel them 

 longer than the watering is continued. 



The only efficient mode of destruction is to cover some of 

 the common earth worms [Lumbricus terrestris), collected in a 

 pot, with arsenic. When they are dead, and well inflated, they 

 are thrown into the garden, and instantly eaten up by the ants, 

 who also carry the worms to their nests, and they are thus poi- 

 soned in immense numbers. Yours, 



Boston, October 17th, 1836. Emilien De Wael. 



Art. V. Observations on the Treatment of several Genera of 

 the Jfatural order Iridacece. By the Conductors. 



Several of the genera belonging to this rather extensive 

 natural order are among our most beautiful plants, and deserve 

 an extensive cultivation. They are, a greater part of them, na- 



