136 



HOT-HOUSE — INSECTS, ETC. [January. 



OF INSECTS, THEIR DESTRUCTION, &c. 



In this department, insects begin to increase bj hundreds, 

 and too frequently their ravages are very obvious before their 

 progress is arrested. We will treat of those which are most 

 common, under their respective heads, with their nature and 

 cure, as far as has come under our observation. 



AjMs rosce, of the natural order of Hemiptera, or what 

 is commonly known by Green Fly, Green Lice, &c., infect 

 plants in general, and are particularly destructive in the 

 hot-house to Hibiscus rosa-sinSnsis, AscUpias, Crdssulu coc- 

 cinea^ Lanfdnaj &c., and many other plants of a free-growing 

 nature. They attack the young and tender shoots at the 

 point, leaving a dark filthy appearance on the foliage. 

 Many remedies for their destruction have been offered to 

 the public by various writers, each equally securie in his own 

 opinion. Extensive practice alone can show the most easy 

 and effectual cure. Fumigating with tobacco is decidedly 

 the most efficacious, and in the power of any to perform. 

 Take a small circular furnace, made of sheet iron, diameter 

 at top twelve inches, and at bottom eight; depth one foot, 

 having a grating in it to reach within three inches of the 

 bottom, which wall leave space for the air to pass, and where 

 the ashes will fall and be kept in safety, having a handle 

 like a pail to carry it with. This, or anj'thing similar, being 

 ready, put in it a few embers of charcoal, ignited to redness; 

 take it into the centre of the house, and put therein a quan- 

 tity of moist tobacco. If it attempts to blaze or flame, 

 sprinkle a little water thereon; and, as it consumes, continue 

 to add tobacco until the house is entirely full of smoke, 

 observing always to do it in still, cloudy weather, or in the 

 evening. If it is windy, the smoke is carried off without 

 having half the effect, and requires more tobacco. The 

 house must be closely shut up. There are several plants 

 whose foliage is of a soft downy nature, such as Ilelitr opiums, 

 CallacdrpuSj Salvias^ and many of the Lantdnas, Vincas, 

 with several others that cannot stand strong fumigation 

 without danger. These should be put down in the house, 

 or under the stage. These fumigations will have to be 

 repeated frequently, the time for which will easily be per- 

 ceived; and, when required, ought not to be delayed. 



