88 



ladies' flower gardener. 



about milk warm, or containing a small quantity of camphor, will 

 sometimes revive decayed flowers. The best method of applying 

 this, is to have the camphor dissolved in spirits of wine, for which 

 the common camphorated spirits of the druggists' shops will be 

 quite sufficient ; and to add a drop or two of this for every half 

 ounce of water. A glass-shade is also useful in preserving flowers ; 

 and cut flowers ought always to be shaded during the night, and 

 indeed at all times when they are not purposely exhibited. The 

 following are some of the genera of plants the flowers of which 

 remain longest after being cut : — Gnaphalium, Astehna, Heli- 

 chrysum, Phcenocoma, Aphelexis, and others, which the French 

 have designated " immortal flowers," from remaining unchanged 

 by decay, hold the first rank. Next to these come the whole 

 natural order, Protectees, many of Graminece, several of Cruciferce, 

 several in Phamneacce, several in Cassuvice — the genus Acacia in 

 Leguminosce, all Calycanthacece, most of Myrtacece, most of Dip- 

 sacece, several of Compositce, most of Ericece — the genera Laven- 

 dula, Sideritis and Phlomis, in Zabiatce, all Orobanchece, all 

 Plumbaginece, all Amaranthacece, many of Orchidcce, Strelitzia, 

 and Heliconia in Musacece. 



INSECTS AND DISEASES OF HOUSE PLANTS. 



Plants in rooms, especially geraniums and roses, are very liable 

 to be attacked by aphides. These may be easily removed by 

 tobacco smoke or tobacco water ; and where the smell is not 

 offensive, smoke blown from a common tobacco pipe is as effec- 

 tual as any other method. Camphorated water may be used by 

 those who dislike the smell of tobacco. Mildew, occasionally, 

 though rarely, attacks house plants. It appears like a white 

 powder, and is supposed to consist of minute fungi ; but these 

 fungi are not the original disease, but its consequences, and Uieir 



