66 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



Swollen Catt- 

 l Growth. 



sently emerges and continues its depredations. Frequent use of 

 the vaporising fumigator is advisable in collections badly attacked, 

 this killing any flies that may be present in the house. Fig. 32 

 shows attacked swollen growth ; Fig. 33 healthy growth. 



Coccus or scale, and mealy bug, are frequent visitors. There 

 are many kinds, and only one, the "stock seed" scale, as it is 

 called, is at all likely to succumb to fumigation. This is a black 

 scale with a white or silver lining ; it breeds very rapidly, and 

 greatly affects the barbatum section of cypripediums. All the 

 other varieties, and there are several, must be carefully sponged 

 off. Make a pailful of soapy water, a lump of soft soap as large 

 as a pigeon's egg to a gallon, and dip the head of the plant 

 in this. Then go over it carefully with the sponge and remove 

 every insect. Avoid puncturing the outer skin of the 

 leaves, and when the sponging is finished, syringe the plants 

 thoroughly with soft, tepid water. This practice must be persisted in until 

 every insect is killed, and others may be prevented by the same means promptly 

 resorted to. 



Cockroaches. — These are night marauders, and when present in numbers do an 

 immense amount of harm, especially among the roots of large-growing tropical orchids 

 of the vanda section. There are several preparations of arsenic sold under the name of 

 " Beetle Paste," and this must be laid about the houses. Entering an infested house 

 quickly at night with a bright lantern disturbs 

 and frightens the insects, and many may be killed 

 in this way. 



Snails (small) and slugs work sad havoc among 

 the roots and flower-spikes unless very closely 

 kept under. They are especially attentive to cool- 

 house kinds, and can only be got rid of by trapping 

 in bran, or pieces of potato hollowed out and laid 

 about the house, or by hand-pieking at night with 

 the aid of a light. 



Red Spider and Thrips. — Both these are very 

 troublesome insects, and where present it is useless F i g . 33. Healthy Cattlbta Growth. 



