CHAPTER X 



INSECT PESTS 



GREEN FLY is a pest so common that it needs no descrip- 

 tion. These insects were hard to overcome and did much 

 damage, years ago, when burning Tobacco stems was in vogue, 

 to the detriment of the flowers. We have now good proprie- 

 tary articles advertised in the trade papers which are so effec- 

 tive in killing green fly, and so harmless to the flowers, that 

 there is no excuse for anyone being troubled by these pests; 

 the cost of the remedies, although rather high, is not excessive 

 when the results obtained are considered. 



In burning the various forms of nicoteen paper, follow the 

 directions given as closely as possible. Do not wait until a 

 house is overrun before applying the remedy, but fumigate 

 lightly and often. If you apply preventive measures and never 

 see any green fly, which is possible, you are better off than if 

 you await their arrival and then give a heavy dose. All fumiga- 

 tion is best done on a still night when the air is moist inside. 

 A good, sharp syringing, if the weather is fine the next morning, 

 will clean off and freshen up the plants. In case of neglect, 

 where the fly is thick and established, two or three fumigations, 

 at intervals of one or two days each, will be necessary to clean 

 them out. 



Red spider is another pest common in some Rose houses, 

 but is easily controlled if the proper measures are taken 

 for its suppression. It is not usually troublesome on Roses out 

 of doors, but under glass they may breed at any season of the 

 year. These insects are so small as to be scarcely discernible 

 with the naked eye, and their presence is made known by the 



