220 POLYANTHUSES. 
Polyanthufes are very liable to the 
depredations of fnails and flugs, which 
infeft their leaves and bloffoms in the 
fpring of the year ; in order to extirpate 
thefe vermin, it is neceffary to examine 
the plants and pots on all fides, as early 
in the morning as poffible, otherwife the 
opportunity might be loft, becaufe they 
go in queft of food at night, and conceal 
themfelves as the day advances, and as 
the light becomes difagreeable to them, 
in fuch a manner as not to be difcovered 
without difficulty. But the worft enemy 
to the Polyanthus is a fmall red or fcarlet 
fpider, which in fummer forms its web 
on the under fide of the leaves : it is 
fcarcely difcernible to the naked eye, but 
may eafily be perceived, if it exifts, by 
means of a lens, or magnifying glafs. 
Thefe fpiders probably fubfift on the 
juices of the plant; it is, however, evi¬ 
dent 
