62 DISEASES AND INSECTS. 



" It frequently happens that these stripes are but very- 

 little distinguished from the color of the healthy part of the 

 bulb ; and therefore great attention is necessary, that they 

 may not be overlooked. When two, three, or more stripes 

 are seen round the heart of the bulb, it is generally past 

 recovery ; but if they are found far from the heart, and con- 

 sequently near the outer scales, they can all be cut away, 

 with the exception of such as have reached the root-plate 

 and attacked it. Above all, care must be taken that neither 

 the germ nor the root-plate of the bulb is injured ; but all 

 parts round them may be cut away. 



" Fourth^ The mould is found only on the outer or inner 

 part of the first four scales : it is not considered a danger- 

 ous disease, but must be removed by taking off those scales 

 that are attacked. 



" Fifth, Consumption, or wasting, is indicated by never- 

 varying yellow^ish or brownish spots in the scales near the 

 heart. This disease is not a dangerous one, but is rather 

 an indication of a weak flower, and is very common with 

 several varieties. These spots may go through the whole 

 bulb without being injurious : therefore they are not to be 

 compared with the stripes of the rot. 



" Sixth, Shrinking is indicated by spots similar to those 



