DREER’S VEGETABLES UNDER GLASS. 43 
In discussing this question an English authority of the 
present year (Carter’s Practical Gardener, London, 1896) says 
it is surprising what a great insect-enemy pure water is; but 
if this fails resource must be had to something stronger. 
Three or four ounces of soft soap dissolved in a gallon of 
water, and half a pint of tobacco liquor added, will kill all 
ordinary insects, especially if the plants are syringed with 
it at a temperature of about 120°, or dipped in it. It will 
not injure the plants. 
Maggots trouble some cold frame vegetables, especially 
radishes, onions, etc. Powdered copperas sprinkled over the 
beds, before planting, is mentioned by Professor L. H. Bailey 
asa preventive. Carter’s Practical Gardener (London, 1896) 
recommends gardeners ‘‘to strew sufficient fresh soot over 
the ground to discolor it, before drawing the drills for recep- 
tion of the seed.’’ 
There are many fungous diseases which the gardener 
must combat, but let it be remembered that all the parasitic 
fungi prey upon vegetation which is not quite up to its 
greatest vigor. Under proper cultivation, watering and 
ventilation, the chances are always on the side of the plant 
or vegetable. It is in the gardener’s neglect of the requisites 
for the growth of his plants that the fungus enemy finds its 
opportunity and gets in its evil work. 
Of all the avenues of failure bad ventilation is probably 
the one that causes most trouble; and unwholesome soil the 
next in evil effects. 
It is advised that thorough cleanliness be observed ; 
that the sashes be washed or painted every year; that the 
unpainted wood work of the frames be renewed before decay 
sets in; and that the same soil be not long used in any 
structure (frame or greenhouse) from which the fresh air is 
permanently excluded. 
To follow this advice literally may not in all cases be 
possible, but we may remind our readers that perfect cleanli- 
