I find that I am daily placing more reliance upon water as an insecticide. Not long since it was my misfortune to procure a lot of plants which were badly infested with the mealy bug Various reputed remedies were tried in vain, and it seemed as if all the plants in my house would have to be destroyed ; but two weeks of vigorous work with the hose has destroyed nearly every mealy bug in the house.

The water is dashed against the plants with some force and the insects are knocked off. This forceful watering at the same time removes all dust from the leaves, and keeps the plants clean and vigorous. The aphis and most other insects can be treated in the same way with success. We have lately become the possessors of an innumerable horde of minute spotted mites, apparently an introduction from Europe, and which is just now getting a foothold in some parts of this country. It is by far the most formidable of all the greenhouse pests with which I am acquainted. We have tried many insecticides, and none have had any effect upon this pest, but we have been able to keep it in check in a cucum-ber and melon house by the vigorous use of water.

At times we are obliged to syringe twice a day for the mites, and, this in certain cases is some disadvantage to the plants, but we found that we could not hold our own against the pests. The aleurodes or white fly, also a recent importation from Europe, can be held in check in the same way. A light syringing of the plants will cause the flies to start up in great numbers, when the water is turned on to them as they fly and they are brought to the floor. For the last two months I have discarded all fumigation in a little conservatory attached to my residence - much to the delight of the family - and have fought insects with water, and my plants never looked so well as now. - L. H. Bailey.

There are Geniuses whom nature or more acute powers of observation and application raise above their fellow men, but all of us are not geniuses. A few great singers find engagements whenever they want them at enormous salaries. Good singers meet with difficulties because we have so many who can sing ; but poor actors and singers are never wanted. If we bring good fruit and vegetables to market there will be a rate for them unless there is an over stock, which never happens for any length of time with the best productions. We or other people do not care for the habits or morals of those who make the cloth or raise the vegetables we buy. But with a private gardener it is a different thing. Consumer and producer are brought into contact and more is mutually expected.

It may be said on both sides that to be respected they must be respectable. If an employer takes a mean advantage of his gardener it is human nature to retaliate when opportunity offers. If an employee is taught dishonesty and untruthfulness by example he may be expected to practice them. If people will instruct their gardeners to sell plants and flowers and give them the money, while saying that they never raise anything excepting for their own use or amusement, they may expect to be deceived in their turn. If a gardener sells the flowers or fruit belonging to his employer and keeps the proceeds he is worthy of no consideration, and the mercies of the law are too good for him ; but if he has been taught such ways by those who intrusted him, they are morally to blame. Some of the graduates from "our largest commercial establishments" seem to have devoted more time to learning the tricks of the trade, than all else, and are a constant menace to a respectable establishment. A good gardener and a good man becomes a friend to all about him, above or below, and is honored and respected by the community in which he lives. - J. D. W.