THE ROSE 



the same time. The aphis I find no difficulty in 

 keeping down by the use of Nicoticide — a very 

 strongly concentrated extract of the nicotine 

 principle of tobacco. This should be diluted with 

 water, as directed on the cans or bottles in which 

 it is put up, and applied to all parts of the bush 

 with a sprayer. Do not wait for the aphis to 

 appear before beginning warfare against him. 

 You can count on his coming, therefore it is well 

 to act on the offensive, instead of the defensive, 

 for it is an easier matter to keep him away alto- 

 gether than it is to get rid of him after he has 

 taken possession of your bushes. If he finds the 

 tang of Nicoticide clinging to the foliage on his 

 arrival, he will speedily conclude that it will be 

 ^ made extremely uncomfortable for him, if he 

 decides to locate, and he will look for more con- 

 genial quarters elsewhere. 



For the worm that does so much injury to our 

 plants at the time when they are just getting 

 ready to bloom, I use an emulsion made by add- 

 ing two quarts kerosene to one part of laundry 

 soap. The soap should be reduced to a liquid, 

 and allowed to become very hot, before the oil is 

 added. Then agitate the two rapidly and for- 

 cibly until they unite in a jelly-like substance. 

 The easiest and quickest way to secure an emul- 



146 



