I30 GARDEN STEPS 



away, and it also tempers the extremes of heat and 

 cold to the sensitive sprout. It keeps it warmer at 

 night and breaks the direct rays of the midday sun. 



If the netting protectors are not convenient, the 

 plants may be sprayed with arsenate of lead, or 

 Pyrox. Pyrox is the most convenient form of spray, 

 as it is easily mixed and will soon be needed as a 

 defense against the blight. It is worth while also 

 to plant a few radish seed in the hill with the vines. 

 These will sprout first and will attract the main 

 offensive of the fly army, as flies usually prefer the 

 radish plants. 



Blight. — Where wilt and blight are to be feared, 

 spraying with Pyrox must begin as soon as the true 

 leaves appear and the plant begins to run. A light 

 spray only is needed. The small hand-sprayer 

 mentioned among the tools may be kept loaded for 

 use and handy. Be sure that the foliage is kept 

 protected by a thin covering of this blight preventive. 



Culture 



When the plants are well sprouted, begin to thin 

 them out, weakest first, leaving not over four to 

 mature in each hill. The screens may be taken off 

 as soon as the plants begin to run, as the spray will 

 then effectually protect the vines from insects. The 

 soil between the rows should be kept deeply stirred 

 with the wheel harrow or cultivating fork, and the 

 hills should be carefully turned over with the trowel at 



