Insects and Diseases 171 



have soil, food and plants that will produce a rapid, 

 robust growth without check. Such plants are sel- 

 dom attacked by any plant disease, and the foliage 

 does not seem to be so tempting to eating-insects; 

 besides which, of course, the plants are much better 

 able to withstand their attack if they do come. Sec- 

 ond, give clean, frequent culture and keep the soil 

 busy. Do not have old weeds and refuse lying 

 around for insects and eggs to be sheltered by. Burn 

 all leaves, stems and other refuse from plants that 

 have been diseased. Do not let the ground lie idle, 

 but by continuous cropping keep the bugs, caterpil- 

 lars and eggs constantly rooted out and exposed to 

 their natural enemies. Third, practice crop rotation 

 (described on page 106). This is of special import- 

 ance where any root disease is developed. Fourth, 

 watch closely and constantly for the first appearance 

 of trouble. The old adages ''eternal vigilance is 

 the price of peace," and "a stitch in time saves nine," 

 are nowhere more applicable than to this matter. 

 And last, and of extreme importance, be prepared to 

 act at once. Do not give the enemy an hour's rest 

 after his presence is discovered. In almost every 

 case it is only by having time to multiply, that dam- 

 age amounting to anything will be done. 



If you will keep on hand, ready for instant use, 

 a good hand-sprayer and a m^odern powder gun, a 

 few covered boxes, tobacco dust, arsenate of lead 



