

INSECTS OF THE GREENHOUSE. 317 



While we should always endeavor to make the sur- 

 roundings uncongenial to them by keeping all rubbish and 

 litter picked up, if they do make their appearance they 

 can readily he brought under control by any of the 

 methods given. What are commonly known as "Thou- 

 sand Legged Worms" are often found with the above. 

 They are Myriapods, and Julus virgatus is among 

 the most common species. They feed, as a rule, upon 

 decaying matter, but sometimes attack the roots, bulbs 

 and fleshy stems of plants. They can generally be de 

 stroyed if baited with slices of poisoned vegetables. 



EEL WORMS. 



Florists have often found what they called "root 

 galls" upon the roots of roses and other plants, but have 

 not known what the real cause was. They are often due 

 to the workings hi the root of a microscopic worm called 

 from its appearance an "eel worm." They luxuriate in 

 warm, moist surroundings, and a rose house, especially 

 if kept unnecessarily warm, and if the beds are over- 

 watered, gives them the very conditions they prefer. 

 In filling the beds, care should be taken that fresh soil is 

 obtained, and the roots of the rose and other plants 

 should be examined, to ascertain that they are free from 

 galls. If they once get into a bed they will increase 

 rapidly and the plants will take on an unhealthy 

 appearance. 



No satisfactory remedy is known, although air- 

 slaked lime and kainit sprinkled over and worked into 

 the beds have been used*with fair success in some places. 

 Care should be taken in applying kainit, but one pound 

 per one hundred square feet can be used with safety upon 

 roses. Frost is also valuable as a natural enemy of the eel 

 worm. Various other plants, including the violet, 

 tomato and carnation, are often seriously troubled by 

 this pest. 



