96 THE AMATEURS’ GUIDE 
spider; their foliage being often entirely destroyed by these trou- 
blesome insects. The following mixture will serve to rid the 
plants of this pest of the garden. To a half pound of the flour-of- 
sulphur add a half pound of unslacked lime, mix well together in 
three pints of water, and boil for ten minutes, stirring it well when 
boiling. Remove from the fire, and, when settled, bottle for use. 
To one part of this mixture add two parts of water, and apply 
the same to the under part of the leaves by the syringe, until the in- 
sect has disappeared. The young shoots are also frequently attack- 
ed by earwigs. If any common oil be applied to the stalk near the 
ground, it will generally serve to free the plant from these vora- 
cious insects. If liquid manure be occasionally applied to Dah- 
lias, it will add to the profusion and beauty of their bloom. 
GERANIUMS 
This family of plants, with proper culture, will amply repay in 
the profusion and beauty of their bloom the labor bestowed upon 
them. Very exciting composts should not be used for these 
plants, for where they make a rapid growth, they do not produce 
their bloom in the same perfection as when kept within proper 
bounds. They should have a soil composed of one-half pure 
loam, one-fourth leaf-mould, and one-fourth well-rotted manure, 
well incorporated together. Excessive moisture is‘very injurious, 
causing the leaves to fall, and gives the plant the appearance 
of mildew. When crowded, some of the lateral branches should 
be thinned out. Geraniumns may be propagated from seed, cut- 
tings, or slips of the root. If placed in a shady and dry position, 
cuttings will readily root in three or four weeks. Plant out in 
June. 
HYDRANGEA. 
These beautiful and showy plants may readily be propagated 
from cuttings, layers, or divisions of the root, in the ordinary 
