112 A LITTLE GARDEN THE YEAR ROUND 



of the plant you wish to prune and pick off all 

 the large leaves for some four inches from the 

 extremity of each branch, leaving a couple of 

 end leaves, then cut the branch at a point be- 

 tween two nodes square across. When plant- 

 ing slips, be sure no flower-buds are left on 

 the slips, otherwise all the strength will go into 

 them and be taken out of the new plant. In- 

 sert the square-cut end of the freshly cut slip 

 in the earth of a small pot by burying it just 

 above the first node, as it is here the new roots 

 will form. Protect slips from the full sun- 

 light at first, and water sparingly. 



INSECT PESTS 



Fortunately, the pests that bother Gerani- 

 ums can be well controlled, but they must be 

 watched, for, as once your plants become both- 

 ered, you will have continual trouble to do 

 battle with them. This is one reason why one 

 should be careful that flower pots are clean 

 before using, and that the potting-soil does 

 not contain insect larvs. The author has 

 found that soaking pots when cleaned, in am- 

 moniacal carbonate of copper will kill the green 



