QUESTIONS 259 



shade for half of the day they flourish better than when in full 

 sun all of the time. If thrifty they may largely overcome the 

 attacks of root lice. 



Leaf Bugs. These destructive bisects (see page 148) kill buds 

 both of asters and of dahlias. The best remedy known to the 

 writer is frequent application of fine tobacco dust to the buds. 



Cut Worms. Good tillage of the soil and the killing of worms 

 when found are recommended. One should also encourage the 

 presence of birds. Young plants, when set out, may be protected 

 by "collars" of paper or cardboard or metal encircling the plant 

 and inserted about three inches into the ground, care being taken 

 not to enclose cut worms within the collar. Tablespoonfuls of 

 poisoned bran mash (see page 195) may be placed at intervals 

 among the plants in the flower beds. 



Slugs or Naked Snails in the Flower Garden. While these 

 are not insects, they nevertheless deserve attention here, since 

 they sometimes eat the delicate leaves of flowering plants. Air- 

 slaked lime dusted on the ground about plants is a good deterrent 

 so long as it remains dry, and is very effective if applied directly 

 upon the animals. Pieces of shingles or cabbage leaves or boards 

 may be made use of as traps; the slugs will conceal themselves 

 under them during the day. 



Slug Caterpillars on Roses. These are true insects, the larvae 

 of a saw-fly. Dust white hellebore on leaves, or add one ounce 

 to a gallon of water and use as spray. Dusting with air-slaked 

 lime is effective. 



QUESTIONS 



1. Enumerate the insects which are most commonly found on house plants 



and in the greenhouse. 



2. Which of these are you familiar with, in your experience? 



3. Give remedies for mealy bugs, scales, and plant lice occurring on house 



plants. 



4. Should Paris green or arsenate of lead be used against any of the above? 



State reasons for your answer. 



5. Give remedial measures for each of the following insects of the flower 



garden: plant lice, stalk borers, ants, white grubs. 



6. How are slugs or naked snails combated effectively? 



