In a work of this character it seems needful to treat more fully of
those pests which prove so destructive to plant life, than we have in
our brief references.
The APHIS or green louse is the one that most frequently infests our
plants, and the rapidity with which it multiplies, is astonishing.
REAUMER has proved that in five generations one aphis may be the
progenitor of six thousand millions, and there may be ten generations in
a year!
The method most generally adopted for their destruction is fumigation
with tobacco. As this is attended with considerable difficulty, a weak
solution may be used quite as effectively. We have had no experience
with either method, having used another with good success for several
years. This is white hellebore which we usually apply in the powder when
the Rose-bushes are wet with dew or rain, bending the branches over, so
that the application can be made chiefly on the under side of the
leaves, where the pests are found. Two or three times proves sufficient.
For our house plants we usually make a solution, by putting half an
ounce of the hellebore into pretty warm water, and letting it stand for
several hours, stirring it up however, before spraying the leaves.
Afterward, the plants need to be washed.
For the SCALE a strong solution of soap-suds applied with a sponge or a
small stiff brush. A tooth brush is very suitable for this purpose.
For MEALY BUG, a mixture of one part alcohol and three parts water,
applying with a feather, or what is better, a camel hair brush. Another
method is to use kerosene in the same way. A florist who has practiced
this for eight years, says it is sure death to the insect. The feather
should be brushed all over the mealy-looking substances found usually in
the axils of the leaves.
WORMS IN POTS. Lime water is a safe and effectual remedy for the little
white worms often found in the soil. Slake the lime in water and after
it has settled, pour off the clear water and drench the earth.
ANTS. Various remedies have proved effective. One is to take a vial or a
cup nearly filled with sweet oil, and sink it in the ground where the
ants resort, so that the rim is on a level with the surface. The ants
are very fond of it, but it is sure death to them.
A German writer says that carbolic acid and water will drive ants away
from any grounds--one hundred parts of water to one of the acid. Mix in
a tub and stir repeatedly for twenty-four hours, taking off the scum
that rises to the top.
Kerosene or coal-oil mixed with water has proved very successful in the
destruction of noxious insects and grubs. A tablespoonful of the oil to
two gallons of water is the rule for tender plants; for hardy ones it
will be necessary probably to have it of greater strength. As the
compound does not mix readily, it needs to be thoroughly stirred, and
then quickly applied. The best way is to draw it back and forth a few
times in a syringe, and then apply.
Water tainted with coal-oil, poured into little holes made in mole
tracks, will, it is said, drive them effectually away.