68 HARDY PERENNIALS 
are common enemies, all of which devour the fleshy 
roots or succulent crowns of such plants as Del- 
phiniums, Pseonies, Campanulas, and other of our 
favourite plants. It is possible to catch some of 
these pests by putting down slices of carrot, beetroot, 
or potato, making an inspection of these after 
dark by the aid of a lantern, but this is a slow, 
tiresome, and at best only a partially successful 
task. A better plan is to mix one pound of Com- 
mercial Naphthalene with fourteen pounds of freshly 
slaked lime, and bury this in the soil by making 
holes with a trowel or dibber in every convenient 
space between the plants, dropping a spoonful of 
the mixture in the hole and covering immediately. 
As soon as the mixture comes in contact with the 
moisture of the soil it gives off a poisonous gas 
which will permeate through the surrounding soil, 
and will either asphyxiate the insects or drive them 
away. Many plants are subject to attacks from 
aphides and various kinds of caterpillars. These 
must not be allowed to go unchecked. As a general 
rule it is easier and wiser to ward off such pests 
than to destroy them when once they have secured 
a footing. A simple spray composed of Quassia 
extract and soft soap evenly distributed over the 
whole surface of the plant will render the foliage 
distasteful and largely prevent the parents of the 
insects laying their eggs upon these plants. When 
one finds that his plants are actually infested with 
gnawing or sucking insects the use of a stronger 
