90 A LITTLE GARDEN THE YEAR ROUND 



a small mass of white, which looks "cottony." 

 It is a most difficult plant pest to overcome, 

 and an insecticide diluted with lukewarm water 

 is advised for destroying it. This should he 

 applied with a plant syringe. Three table- 

 spoonfuls of petroleum to three gallons of 

 soapy water makes an excellent insecticide for 

 exterminating mealy bugs. The solution must 

 be kept well mixed by frequent shakings while 

 in use, and then applied carefully. This treat- 

 ment is suitable for large plants; small plants 

 can be freed from mealy bugs by frequent 

 cleansings with a sponge dipped in soapy 

 water. Whale-oil soap is best to use in spray- 

 ing and washing solutions. 



The red spider is a minute insect pest which 

 dry, hot rooms tend to bring forth. Also lack 

 of water at the roots of potted plants makes 

 them fall easy prey to this tiny enemy. Fre- 

 quent washing and syringing are excellent pre- 

 ventives, and when once this destructive insect 

 appears upon a plant, it should be sprayed 

 with the insecticide recommended above for 

 mealy bugs. 



The common scale (Lecanium) is similar to 

 the aphid, and it frequently attacks Oleanders, 



