CULTIVATION AND ANALYSIS OF PLANTS. 
/ U ISEASE seldom takes hold of plants while surrounded by such 
circumstances as are favorable to their full development; ordinarily 
it springs from neglect, but occasionally from accidental causes, 
such as deterioration of soil, overpowering by dust and dirt, overcrowd- 
ing, and the like. The leaves, being the lungs of the plants, must be 
sedulously guarded from becoming clogged with dust, deranged by 
insects, or scorched by exceeding heat, all which are prolific sources of disease. 
Everything about the roots and rootlets should be sweet—that is, free from 
offensive odors—and composed of substances that are easily dissolved by rain or 
water; for the rootlets, being the mouths, will refuse unwholesome food, and the 
plant will soon sicken. 
Mildew.—This is a fine, minute, white, fungus growth, not peculiar to plants, but 
affecting them as well as other things where the conditions are favorable. It generally 
arises in plants where an unequal temperature or distribution of moisture prevails in the 
different parts, as when any one portion is too dry, too wet or too cold. It is most easily 
removed by applying through a common pepper-box a very light dusting of flour of 
sulphur on the parts affected, and prevented by maintaining equal conditions in the various 
parts of the plant. 
Blackrust.—This is a black, moist, fungus growth that is produced mostly by exces- 
sive moisture and the absence of the necessary amount of warmth. The remedy is the 
same as for mildew, with the addition of securing greater heat. 
Damping Off.—This disease is mostly caused by want of air, changes of temperature, 
or excessive moisture; and therefore most frequently occurs among plants, cuttings and 
seedlings that are overcrowded. A little powdered, dry charcoal, or dry sand, sprinkled 
in among the plants, will help to keep it down, when the diseased ones should be care- 
fully removed; and, if still too crowded, even healthy ones must be sacrificed. 
+ PRACTICAL PRECEPTS. 
1. Syringe the leaves of plants, unless in extremely cold weather, at least once a day, 
with water at the temperature of the place where they are growing; when syringing or 
sprinkling in the hot sun, the plant should be shaded, otherwise the leaves will become 
spotted. 
2. Give plants fresh air by letting down the windows when the outside tempera- 
ture is sufficiently high; at other times by opening the doors into other rooms. 
3. Shield the rootlets of plants from a too close contact with the rays of the sun; as 
by encircling the pot in a larger one, or by protecting the box with a detached board or 
sheet of paper at some little distance, to intercept the direct heat. 
4, Protect all plants from extreme changes of temperature, from drafts and puffs 
of cold air. 
5, Remember to give plants their needed season of rest after they have finished 
flowering, by withdrawing them, with the exception of a few creepers and the like, into 
the shade and withholding the wonted supply of water. 
