23 



or more on your plants destroy them at once, even though it 

 be done by crushing it with the finger, for all these insects 

 multiply with amazing rapidity. Kerosene may be used in- 

 stead of soap-suds; it will kill the insects, but it should not be 

 allowed to drain off the plant into the soil, as it might prove 

 injurious ; syringe the plant after either operation with clear 

 water. 



Vaporizer.— 

 This is the best 

 article made for 

 spr a y i n g cut 

 flowers, and ap- 

 ply! n g W h ai e 

 Oil JSoap and 

 other com- 

 ])Ounds for the 

 destruction of 

 insects on 

 plants. 



Black Rust. We are in doubt v/hether or not we should 

 mention this "Rust " in this chapter. The "Greeks", are at 

 war; some claim that it is caused by an insect called the Ver- 

 bena Mite, whilst others equally eminent are positive that it 

 is of fungoid origin. We do not propose to discuss the disease ; 

 we only wish to describe the " Rust " and how to avoid it. We 

 feel perfectly safe in saying that if the plants are in good 

 health, not suffering from any cause whatever, they will not 

 be attacked. The presence of this disease will be noticed by 

 the young leaves becoming blackened, and in course of time, 

 if the disease is not checked, the young growth will be gnarled 

 and knotty, and the plant will eventually die. If the plants 

 are in a high temperature, by removing them to a cooler place 

 the ravages of the disease will be checked, and when first 

 noticed the part affected may be pinched or cut off ; this will 

 allow the side shoots a chance to push out; they may not be 

 affected. See to it that the plants have sufficient pot room, 

 moisture, etc. It is said that pulverized charcoal applied to 

 the rust spots will prove a successful remedy. This I have 

 never tried, for as soon as a plant gets rusty, I throw it away ; 

 better lose one plant than run the risk of having all affected. 

 We believe this to be the best plan. Keep your plants in 

 health and they will not be attacked ; if they are badly 

 diseased, throw them away and get healthy ones. 



Mildew attacks principally Verbenas and Roses. It is a 



