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General Garden Advice (To combat root aphids dig)

To combat root aphids dig a little tobacco dust in the soil around the plants.

Cutworms and wire worms can be eradicated in the following way: Make holes a foot deep at intervals of every 2 feet and pour 1 or 2 tablespoonfuls of carbon bisulphide in each, quickly plugging up the hole firmly with soil. In using carbon bisulphide great care must be observed not to have any light or fire around, such as lighted cigars, as it is highly inflammable.

Poison mash is another remedy and is made as follows: 1 teaspoonful paris green, 1 quart of bran, 1 tablespoonful of molasses. Mix the ingredients together and moisten the whole with a little water; sprinkle the mixture over the beds, near the plants, but not touching them. Do not use poison mash if there are any pet animals near by, because it is very poisonous. The carbon bisulphide remedy described above is an excellent means of exterminating ant holes. For further information on insect control consult "Injurious Insects," by W. C. O'Kane.

DISEASES The old saying "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" is certainly true in the case of plant diseases. Healthy, well-cared-for gardens are not so [179] apt to succumb to fungus diseases as those less able to withstand attacks. However, there are times when the most careful gardener is troubled with an outbreak of some disease and in this case some good fungicide must be applied to the plants immediately, the sooner the better. Reproduction is unbelievably rapid and remedial measures must be prompt and thorough.

Pick and burn all dead and fallen leaves to avoid unnecessary spread of disease. The study of plant diseases is a very intricate and extensive one and those desiring information on this subject will find much to interest them in "Diseases of Cultivated Plants and Trees," by George Massee.

Bordeaux Mixture may be purchased already prepared and ready for use when diluted with water. Follow the directions given on the container, as the strength it is advisable to apply varies with the different brands. A recipe for homemade Bordeaux is made as follows: 1/2 lb. copper sulphate dissolved in a little hot water; 1 lb. lump lime, dissolved in a little water; 8 gallons of water. Mix in a wooden or porcelain vessel and compound when needed as Bordeaux soon loses its strength.

A combined fungicide and insecticide is a great saving of labor and very efficacious. [180] Bordeaux-Arsenate and Pyrox are examples, they may be purchased through seed firms. If each time an arsenical spray is required for combating some leafeating insect one of these combined sprays is used it will apply the needed remedy, and at the same time its Bordeaux content will serve as a preventive for fungus diseases.

Ammoniacal copper carbonate has the advantage of not temporarily disfiguring the foliage, as unfortunately is the case with Bordeaux. It may be made as follows: 1/2 ounce copper carbonate, 1½ glass of ammonia, and 1 qt. of water. Dilute the whole mixture with 5 gallons of water.

Potassium Sulphide, or Liver of Sulphur, can be purchased at a drug store. Mix 1 ounce of potassium sulphide with 2 gallons of water. Use soon as it loses its strength rapidly.