WINDOW GARDENING 



plants belong mostly to the genus Lecanum. 

 All are of a brownish color and resemble minia- 

 ture turtle-shells fastened on the leaves. (Fig. 

 20.) The numerous fruiting bodies on the un- 

 der side of fern leaves should not be mistaken 

 for scales, as is often done. 



Where the leaves are smooth and fiat, the scales 

 are best removed by rubbing them off with a 

 piece of coarse cloth or a sponge. Where the 

 leaf surface is uneven, they may be removed by 

 means of a tooth-brush. Care must be exercised 

 in this operation to avoid injury to the leaves by 

 bruising. 



THE MEALY-BUG 



The mealy-bug usually occurs in the axils of 

 the leaves, on the growing tip, in the flower-clus- 

 ters, or along the veins on the under side of the 

 leaves. (Fig. 21.) It is white in color and is 

 easily distinguished from other insects by its 

 mealy or waxy covering. 



Mealy-bugs are best removed from the plant 

 by means of a brush, following the treatment by 

 syringing, where possible. When once de- 



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