222 NEBRASKA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Last, but not least, among the annuals are the China asters. These 

 have been a total failure with us the past two seasons, owing to a 

 small black bug eating the leaves as soon as they are formed. Cau 

 some one tell me a preventative and method of extermination ? 



Next I will speak of the bulb family, they being easy of culture, 

 and favorites with us all. My gladiolus were so beautiful last season. 

 I cannot refrain from describing two or three. Madam Monneret, 

 most lovely of all blossoms, very large, and a pure, pale pink. Lord 

 Byron, vivid scarlet with white throat. Isaac Buchanan, golden 

 yellow, faintly striped with red. Angele, a pure white. Everyone 

 should raise gladioli. They are so little trouble, and once planted, 

 require no further attention, excepting, perhaps, simply tying to a 

 stick. They are certain to bloom, and give abundant satisfaction. 

 Tuberoses have reached a high state of perfection in the past few 

 years. By the introduction of the pearl and dwarf varieties, their 

 season of bloom in the open ground extends from July 1 until frost, 

 and in the whole floral kingdom there is nothing surpasses them for 

 beauty of flower, or delightful fragrance. 



As soon as Jack Frost has destroyed our " out-door treasures " we 

 should turn our attention to the u Dutch bulbs," hyacinths, nar- 

 cissus, crocus, tulip, and snow drops. There are few things that will 

 create more admiration, and add more to the beauty of a house dur- 

 ing the dull months of winter than a quantity of well managed 

 bulbs, and by giving a little attention to the potting of these already 

 named, one may have a succession of beautiful flowers from December 

 until May. But we must stop somewhere, and though our list is not 

 exhausted, I fear your patience is, therefore I will defer the descrip- 

 tion of my other treasures among the perennials and house plants 

 until some future time. I only wish I could have imparted a frac- 

 tional part of the pleasure I have received from the cultivation of the 

 few mentioned. 



