i 
CULTIVATION AND ANALYSIS OF PLANTS, 
PRUNING PLANTS. 
NDER the three terms, Pruning, Cutting Back and Pinching, 
are understood only different degrees or forms of the same process. 
and the cutting back is mainly applied to the pruning off of all dead 
wood back to the quick, or the restoring of a plant or shrub to its 
proper shape when it has grown misshapen by neglect. Pruning is best 
done in the late fall or early spring, while the sap is at rest; it consists in 
removing the useless, thin, poor shoots of the previous growth. But little 
pruning would be needed in amateur culture if the finger and thumb, under 
the guidance of a watchful eye, were used freely in removing, by what is 
technically called pinching, all poor growths while the shoots are soft and 
green. 
oN INSECTS. 
are in a slow state of growth, or that are suffered to become dirty. 
Besides their destructiveness, they render plants untidy and soiled; 
and where they become epidemic, as it were, they render them dis- 
gusting. It is only idleness or ignorance that allows insects to injure 
plants; and those having only a few in pots have no excuse for being 
troubled with them. Cleanliness is nature’s great remedy. When 
Va they make their first appearance, the whole plant should be washed with soapy 
water, and afterward dipped two or three times into a tub or pail of Clean water. 
This simple process, repeated whenever necessary, will keep a large majority 
_ of plants free from the insect nuisance. 
FOLIAGE INSECTS. 
Aphis Ros#.—This insect, known also as the green-fly, is one of the most common 
of plant insects, and is so named by reason of its fondness for the tender shoots of all species 
of roses, Still it is not at all particular as to diet, and feeds promiscuously on almost 
any plant upon which it finds lodgment, except perhaps such strongly scented ones as 
some kinds of the Geranium. Taken singly, it is not at all repulsive, being in color the 
most delicate, transparent green, and frequently with beautiful gossamer wings, and has, 
for such a small creature, a firm and stately walk. Collectively their destruction is great, 
as all the juice of the plant is absorbed to satisfy their insatiable appetite. With watch- 
fulness this plague may be kept down in small collections. Fumigation is the best remedy 
for them, and this operation may be performed either in a room, close box or barrel, 
by placing damp tobacco-stems or leaves on some coals, in some kind of fire-proof vessel, 
and care being taken that they do not blaze. Most rough-leaved plants cannot endure 
fumigations, and are, in greenhouses, put under the staging when this work is going on. 
Woes ia a i 
