PALMS 141 



of the plant well, using force enough to dislodge and 

 remove any of the insects which may have congregated 

 there. This is where the mealy bug will establish 

 himself if not interfered with. It is quite necessary 

 that he should be given to understand that his presence 

 will not be tolerated, if you expect to keep your plants 

 in good condition. Because he looks so much like a 

 bit of cotton, he often escapes detection. As soon as 

 you see small white specks here and there, generally 

 between the leaf and main stalk, be sure that the 

 mealy bug has come, and be prompt in the application 

 of your remedies. 



Scale is another deadly enemy of the Palm, as 

 well as of most firm, smooth-leaved plants. Those 

 who have never seen this troublesome creature will 

 not be likely to suspect its presence for some time, 

 because it is so small, unobtrusive and quiet in its 

 operations. But very soon the appearance of a plant 

 infested with it will go to show that there is trouble 

 of some sort, somewhere, and a close investigation will 

 lead to the discovery of flat brown particles, resembling 

 a fish scale more than anything else, adhering to the 

 leaves, and the base of the plant. As a general thing, 

 they will be found most plentifully on the underside 

 of the leaves. Scrape one of these ofif with a stick and 

 you will find that beneath the scale or shell there is 

 a live creature which sucks the life from the plant. 

 The best remedy for this dangerous enemy of the Palm 

 is the lemon or fir-tree oil application advised for fight- 

 ing the mealy bug. Apply it with the bristle brush, 

 and do it with sufficient force to remove the creature. 

 Do not rest easy as long as a scale is to be seen. If 

 plants are neglected until they become covered with 

 insects it will be almost an impossibility to get them 

 clean, and their vitality will soon be lowered beyond 

 the safety point by their ravages, and a state of chronic 



