25 
A. H. NICHOLS 
THRIP CONTROL 
During the growing season last Spring I sent out a letter to 
some of you regarding THRIP, that small insect pest that causes 
blighted flowers and damaged foliage on Gladiolus. Many 
friends report that they had wonderful blooms while others 
nearby were not quite so fortunate. Seems to be like influenza, 
perhaps you have them and perhaps you don’t, but it does seem 
that it would be well to take some precautions both in regard 
to the bulb when harvested and during the growing period of 
the plants. We have to spray and work with many other of 
the valued flowers in our gardens to obtain good results and 
sorely Gladiolus are worthy of the same care. 
As digging time is here, I thought some suggestions as to 
care of bulbs would be in order. Follow the usual method of 
digging and curing. After digging clean up the garden, burning 
all tops, leaves and old flowers. Do not leave any trash around 
to harbor insects. 
When the bulbs are thoroughly dry, place them in paper 
sacks, shoe boxes or bags than can be covered or closed tightly. 
Then scatter over them a good dusting of Naphthalene Flakes 
and close container for two or three weeks so the vapor will 
kill any insects or eggs. Then be sure and open the containers 
so the bulbs will have air as they need air to keep well. This 
is inexpensive treatment, easily carried out and if used by all 
whether or not we have had any damage by Thrip, it will help 
control the pest. 
Then before planting if you want to make doubly sure of 
clean bulbs, dip them for six to eight hours in a solution made 
up in the proportion of one ounce of Bi-chloride of Mercury 
to ten gallons of water. Your druggist will put this powder 
