88 LADIES* FLOWER GARDENER. 
about milk warm, or containing a small quantity of camphor, will 
sometimes revive decayed flowers. The best method of applying 
this, is to have the camphor dissolved in spirits of wine, for which 
the common camphorated spirits of the druggists’ shops will be 
quite sufficient; and to add a drop or two of this for every half 
ounce of water. A glass-shade is also useful in preserving flowers; 
and cut flowers ought always to be shaded during the night, and 
indeed at all times when they are not purposely exhibited. The 
following are some of the genera of plants the flowers of which 
remain longest after being cut :—Gnaphalium : Astelma , Heli - 
chrysum , Phcenocoma , Aphelexis , and others, which the French 
have designated “ immortal flowers,” from remaining unchanged 
by decay, hold the first rank. Next to these come the whole 
natural order, Proteacees , many of Graminees , several of Cruciferce , 
several in Rhamneacce , several in Cassuvice —the genus Acacia in 
Leguminoses , all Calycanthacees , most of Myrtacece , most of Dip- 
sacece , several of Composites , most of Rricece —the genera Laven - 
dula , Sideritis and Phlomis, in Labiates , all Orobancheee , all 
Plumbagineee, all Amaranthacees , many of Orchidece , Strelitzia , 
and Heliconia in Musacece . 
INSECTS AND DISEASES OF HOUSE PLANTS. 
Plants in rooms, especially geraniums and roses, are very liable 
to be attacked by aphides. These may be easily removed by 
tobacco smoke or tobacco water; and where the smell is not 
offensive, smoke blown from a common tobacco pipe is as effec¬ 
tual as any other method. Camphorated water may be used by 
those who dislike the smell of tobacco. Mildew, occasionally, 
though rarely, attacks house plants. It appears like a white 
powder, and is supposed to consist of minute fungi; but these 
fungi are not the original disease, but its consequences, and theii 
