21 



other annuals, withering and dying without any cause appearing 

 for such ungrateful action. When you notice any p'ant in this 

 condition make up your mind thatsomehundreds,atleast, of Blue 

 Aphis are at work sapping its life blood. This may not be the 

 cause, but ninety-nine times out of one hundred it is the cause. 

 The only remedy that has proved beneficial at this stage is tobacco 

 water. Steep some tobacco in water, use enough of the " weed ' 

 to make the decoction the color of strong tea. Apply this to the 

 roots, completely saturating the soil every day for a week or ten 

 days. We advise in addition to this that the tops of the plant be 

 cut back some, and all superfluous tops be cut off. This will 

 relieve the roots considerably and will enhance the chances to suc- 

 ceed, which are perhaps very meagre when the injury is discovered, 

 as the insects may have been at work for weeks and may have 

 destroyed all the tender working roots. If the plants are in pots 

 take them out carefully, remove all the soil, wash the roots in 

 clear water and re-pot in fresh soil. 



Red Spider is fully as formidable an enemy to plant life as the 

 Blue Aphis, whilst the latter is secreted beneath the soil, and 

 consequently invisible. The former secrets itself on the under 

 side of the leaf, and being exceedingf small, may do a vast amount 

 of injury before its presence is noted. Its presence will be indica- 

 ted by the leaves of the plants turning brown as though they had 

 been scorched ; on many soft wooded plants, the leaves will fall off. 

 A hot, fZry atmosphere will produce m'llions of these in a very 

 short time, and a moist atmosphere will effectually prevent their 

 appearance. Frequent syringing and hot water (110 degrees) 

 baths will kill them. The vapor arising from /lea^e^? sulphur will 

 operate successfully both as a preventative and cure. Do not 

 fturn the sulphur, simply heat it. If the spider attacks such plants 

 as Dracenas Palms, Camellias, etc., wash as directed in the begin- 

 ning of this chapter. This little pest is very troublesome, and is 

 usually found on plants grown in the house. The only remedy 

 when it attacks plants in the garden is to syringe frequently, say 

 every morning and evening as long as any can be seen. Kemem- 

 ber the inseci inhabits the under side of the leaf, and that is the 

 place that should receive the largest part of your attentioa whilst 

 sprinkling. 



Mealy Bug is a white or downy looking insect, in shape 

 oval; in size, when full grown, about of one-fourthan inch 

 inlength. From its color and size it can readily be seen if 

 present. It seems to enjoy tobacco as well as the most in vet- 



B 



