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CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 
Remedies. — For outdoor plants well lime the soil before 
planting. It they invest pot plants to any serious extent 
immerse the pots in water for an hour and so drown the 
pests. (See also remedy under Wireworms.) 
Sclerotinia Disease. — This fungoid disease, scien- 
tifically called Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, attacks a number of 
plants, including the chrysanthemum. It first appears in the 
form of a white mould on the stem, just above the soil. As 
the fungus develops it penetrates the stem, causing it to become 
brittle and to split, when the interior will be found more or less 
full of black sclerotia. 
Remedies. — Fortunately it is not a very common enemy of 
the chrysanthemum, but whenever a plant is found to be 
attacked it should at once be cremated. Should the white 
mould stage of the fungus be found on the stem, dust freely 
with slaked lime. 
Slugs and Snails. — Both are partial to the young 
shoots of the chrysanthemum, and consequently must be 
reckoned with, especially in regard to plants just planted out 
in .beds or borders. They either eat off the young shoots 
entirely or half way through. They often find their way into 
greenhouses and cold frames, and browse on the cuttings. 
Remedies. — Trapping is the best remedy. Lay some lettuce 
or cabbage leaves, or heaps of brewers’ grains or bran about 
the house or frame, and surround the stem of each plant in the 
open with a cordon of soot or lime. 
Springtails. — These are lively little insects, which have 
been noted of late years as frequently investing the roots 
of pot plants, including chrysanthemums. When present in 
large numbers, they undoubtedly do a great deal of harm to 
the roots of plants. The commonest kind is known as Podura 
terrestris. It varies in length from i*3oth to | in., is of a 
whitish colour, and more or less hairy. When disturbed, it 
jumps or runs away with alacrity. This species frequents 
damp and sour soils mainly. Other kinds of springtails which 
are equally harmful are Achorutes purpurescens, a browish 
insect of similar size to the preceding one, and Lipura 
ambulans, a milky-white kind. They are easily recognised by 
their habit of jumping or springing when disturbed. 
