Since the fact became known that linseed oil and sulphur kills mildew without hurting the foliage of roses or other plants, it is claimed by some that the oil is wholly unnecessary as sulphur alone is a perfectly safe remedy. It is true that this substance has been frequently used without doing harm, but it is also true that in untold instances much mischief has been done by applying it in this state even when under the direction of experts. Knowing this, and also that such work is often intrusted to incompetent hands, it seems highly important that a harmless remedy has been discovered which not only kills mildew but also prevents it appearing, however favorable the causes might be for its development. That it can do this is placed beyond a doubt, for we know of several cases in which plants perfectly infested have been made clean and kept so by occasionally renewing the dose.

But the merits of this mixture do not end with the destruction and prevention of mildew. Red spider cannot live in the house in which it is freely used. And there is good evidence for believing that, the plants are benefited by the vapor from the oil in the atmosphere; but whether this comes by inhalation or by lubricating their external parts we presume not to say; but certain it is under this treatment the leaves assume a deep and glossy green which is rightly interpreted as a sign of vigorous health.

In recommending this remedy "to the afflicted" we do not assume the role of one who trumps up a quack medicine for gain, but from the conviction that, all in all, it is the best yet made known, and those who oppose its introduction may yet find it take the place of all others.

New Haven, Conn.

[The writer of this has two houses, one wholly with Catharine Mermet, the other, several kinds mixed, in which mildew had always been troublesome, though sulphur was freely used. This season the pipes were painted as recommended last fall by Mr. Veitch, and there has been no sign of mildew since. - Ed. G. M].