Colza
The French sow colza on the ground infested with Cockchafer grubs, and when there is a good crop, it is dug or ploughed in. We have found rape, used in this manner, very serviceable.
Nitrate of Soda and Soot. This, sown at the rate of 2cwt. of nitrate and 30 bushels of soot per acre, materially reduces the grubs numerically, particularly if the ground has been dug level, so that the mixture gets washed into the soil equally.
Gas Lime. Applied in the proportion of 40 bushels to the acre, this will kill nearly all grubs and insects, and will also manure the ground; but it must be ploughed in deeply before sowing. It is desirable that the ground should remain vacant for some time after.
COCKROACHES (Blatta orientalis). These pests are frequently, but erroneously, termed Black Beetles. In its mature state, the male has wings extending only half the length of the body; the female has only rudimentary wings her eggs, which are about sixteen in number, are enclosed in an oblong case, which she carries about with her at first, fixed to the abdomen by a sort of gum. There are several good recipes for the destruction of these; and, although not generally so numerous as some other insects, they are sufficiently so to demand attention. It should be remembered that, like Crickets, they will not always eat the same thing, and, therefore, if one remedy fails, another should be tried.
James's Phosphor Paste. Without exception, this is one of the best exterminators. Spread on slices of bread, or mixed with honey, the insect takes it readily. Two or three applications are generally sufficient. Arsenic. This, prepared as for ants, or mixed with boiled potatoes, parsnips, or roasted apples, will also kill almost every one in a few nights. Bracken. The fresh cut fronds of Pteris aquilina, laid about, are said to drive them away.
Traps. The ordinary beetle traps sold at shops, if baited with honey or sprinkled with beer, will catch large quantities. Basins, containing beer, or beer and water, and having a few sticks placed against the sides to form a road, will also be found successful; soda water or champagne bottles, partly filled with beer and water, or weak honey syrup, and sunk into the earth, will prove very effective traps if not too often disturbed. COCOA-NUT FIBRE REFUSE. This is a most useful and inexpensive material, extensively employed by gardeners for various purposes. It is described as being free from any acid, saline, or tannin principle. The more recent or fresh it is, the longer it will last, and the better it is for all purposes. Being very light and easily worked, it forms one of the best materials for plunging small pots in, either in the propagating house or frame, in winter and spring, or outside, at any time. Cuttings of tender bedding plants are propagated by thousands annually in Cocoa-nut Fibre, as they root into it very quickly. It may also be used for potting such plants as these, but not for any subjects that are to be potted permanently, as it retains too much moisture, and decomposes so quickly. As a surface covering for flower-beds in summer, and for affording protection to the roots of somewhat tender plants during the winter months, Cocoa-nut Fibre Refuse is unequalled, in cheapness or otherwise. It may be employed with much success in rendering stiff, clayey, and other unfertile soils into productive ones, and is also useful in various other ways.
COCOS (from coco, the Portuguese for monkey; in reference to the end of the nut being like a monkey's head). Cocoa-nut Tree. ORD. Palmoe. A genus of elegant stove Palms, which, in their native countries, grow into majestic proportions. They are unarmed trees, with smooth, ringed trunks, and pinnatisect leaves, with linear segments. Spadices appearing in the axils of the lower leaves. Drupes with a fibrous husk and a solitary seed, with three holes at the base. They thrive in a compost of two parts rich loam, one part peat, and one of sand. During the growing period, copious supplies of water must be given, the quantity of which should be gradually diminished as winter approaches. They are not so well suited for sub-tropical gardening as many other genera of Palms; but, in a well-drained and sheltered spot, it is probable several of the species might prove satisfactory. C. australis (Southern). l. pinnate, with very numerous linearglaucous pinnae. Stem erect, columnar, in old specimens 20ft. to 30ft. high. Buenos Ayres and Paraguay. A slow-growing, decidedly ornamental Palm. C. nucifera (nut-bearing). Cocoa-nut Palm. l. pinnate, 6ft. to 20ft. in length; pinnae long, somewhat narrow and pendent, bright glossy green. h. 50ft. East Indies, 1690. A very common species in tropical countries, but somewhat difficult to cultivate in this country. (J. B. 1879, 202.) C. plumosa (feathery).* l. pinnate, 3ft. to 15ft. in length; pinnae clustered together in bunches, 1ft. to 2ft. in length, about 1in. in breadth, somewhat obtusely pointed, dark green above, glaucous below. Stem stout, straight, columnar. h. 40ft. to 50ft. Brazil, 1825. A highly ornamental tree, with long leaves and drooping bunches of waxy flowers, which are succeeded by quantities of orange-coloured nuts, enclosed in an edible pulp, about as large as an English acorn. (B. M. 5180.) C. Romanzoffiana (Romanzoff's).* l. long, gracefully arched; pinnae long, pendent, dark green. Brazil. A handsome decorative species. C. schizophylla (cut-leaved).* l. pinnate, spreading, dark green, gracefully arched, 6ft. or more in height; pinnae 2ft. long, 1in broad; apical lobe 6in. to 8in. broad, deeply bifid; petioles bordered with red; edges armed with stout red spines. h. 8ft. Brazil, 1846.
C. Weddeliana (Weddel's).* l. 1ft. to 4ft. or more in length, gracefully arched; pinnae disposed nearly the whole length of the petioles, long, narrow, pendent, dark green on the upper surface, glaucous beneath. Stem slender, clothed with a quantity of black netted fibres. South America. This is probably the most elegant small palm ever introduced into Europe, and one that should be in every collection of stove plants. SYNS. Leopoldinia pulchra and Glaziova elegantissima. for which we are indebted to Mr. William Bull. There are many other species of this genus, among which are: capitata, comosa, coronata, flexuosa, lapidea, and oleracea.