By William Kent, Esq. 



■2S<) 



commonly produced from flues, and which is destructive of 

 the nutriment that the plants derive from the mould. Al- 

 though this plan of a stove is not so good as that where 

 steam is used, still it holds out many advantages superior to 

 the old method. 



There are, however, many other causes which facilitate the 

 growth and preserve the health of plants, which the active and 

 intelligent practical gardener will not overlook, more espe- 

 cially the destruction of insects. A vigorous state of growth 

 can never be obtained, unless the plants are always kept 

 clean, for which purpose, the occasional use of a hot-house 

 engine will be found successful ; when they are neglected, 

 insects w ill increase rapidly ; two of the most injurious of 

 which are the Acarus, or Red Spider, and the Aphis, or 

 Green Fly; these, notwithstanding the greatest care, will 

 occasionally appear in stoves, but both may be readily de- 

 stroyed, if attacked on their first appearance. For the Acarus, 

 make a wash of quick lime, adding to it a quantity of sul- 

 phur vivum ; with this, brush over the flues of the house ; 

 a fire rather stronger than usual should be kept up for 

 a few days after the operation ; the fumes will then be so 

 effectual, that in a very short time scarcely any Acari will 

 be found alive. The Aphides are easily killed, by burning 

 tobacco in a charing dish, provided it is done when they are 

 in a young state ; but it is expedient to have these remedies 

 used before the plants can be injured by the attacks of the 

 insects. As to the scaly insect, and mealy bug, when they 

 are once perceptible to the eye, they can only be removed 

 by picking off, or washing the leaves and branches with a 

 spunge. When these different enemies of the Gardener are 



