Talks About Flowers

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.

INDEX OF FLORISTS

For the convenience of our readers who may wish to procure varieties of plants of which we have treated in this work, we give the address of reliable florists who make a specialty of those connected with their address. All of them will furnish their catalogues free when requested.

Pansies. Seeds for the Wild Garden. B. K. Bliss & Sons, New York City.

Verbenas, Petunias, Fuchsias. C. E. Allen, Brattleboro, Vt.

Geraniums. Innisfallen Greenhouses, Springfield, Ohio.

Pelargoniums, Ornamental Foliage Plants, Gloxinias. John Saul, Washington, D. C.

Gladiolus, Single Dahlias, Novelty Dahlia. V. H. Hallock & Thorp, Queens, N. Y.

Coleuses—New Hybrids, Dracænas. H. A. Dreer, Philadelphia, Pa.

Chinese Primroses, New Primula, Double White Bouvardia. Ellis Brothers, Keene, N. H.

New Monthly Pelargoniums. John G. Heinl, Terre Haute, Ind.

Wistaria. E. H. Ellwanger, Rochester, N. Y.

Amaryllis, Rare Varieties. John L. Child, Queens, N. Y.

Lilies a Specialty. John L. Child; V. H. Hallock & Thorp, Queens, N. Y.

Camellias and Azaleas. John Dick jr., 53d st., and Darby Road, Philadelphia, Pa.

AUTHOR'S NOTES

Vick's Illustrated Magazine is the best Floricultural Monthly we know of for amateurs. We are indebted to it for much of the information we have obtained respecting the culture of flowers, and have drawn largely from its pages in this work. There is a finely colored frontispiece in each number, and it is otherwise fully illustrated. Its entire arrangement evidences the fine æsthetic taste of its editor and publisher. It is very low at $1.25 per year. Beautifully bound vols., $1.75. Mr. James Vick, Rochester, N. Y.

The Gardener's Monthly and Horticulturist takes a wider range, treating not only of Flowers, but also of Fruit and Vegetable Gardening, Natural History and Science, Forestry, etc. The ample Notes pertaining to the several departments, by its editor, Mr. Thomas Meehan, are of special value. Published by Chas. H. Marot, Philadelphia, Pa., at $2.10 per annum.