Important: Safety Warning
This page recommends pest-control substances such as arsenic compounds, strychnine, or cyanide — in some cases applied to food crops. These substances are lethal to humans and animals, and their use is now banned or strictly controlled.
In addition, this page directs the use of hazardous substances — such as benzine, gasoline, lye, or strong acids — for household tasks. These materials are highly flammable, corrosive, or poisonous, and the practices described have caused fires, burns, and poisonings.
This information has been left in for historical purposes but should not be acted upon.
Floral
TO KILL EARTH-WORMS
Ten drops of carbolic acid in a pint of water, poured over earth in flower-pots will kill all earth-worms.
SURE SHOT FOR ROSE SLUGS
Make a tea of tobacco-stems and a soap-suds of whale-oil or carbolic soap, mix, and apply to the bush with a sprinkler, turning the bush so…
TO PREPARE AUTUMN LEAVES AND FERNS
Immediately after gathering, take a moderately warm iron, smear it well with white wax, rub over each surface of the leaf once, apply more…
KEEPING CUT-FLOWERS FRESH
Cut-flowers soon drop and fade. Here are some of the ways in which they are preserved: Add to the water a few drops of camphor or ammonia…
HOUSE PLANTS
Plants that require a high or low temperature, or a very moist atmosphere, and plants that bloom only in summer are undesirable. Procure…
THE CARE OF HOUSE PLANTS
When plants are frosted sprinkle with fresh cold water, and place under a box or something that will exclude the light and prevent too…
HINTS ABOUT PLANTS
Few things are necessary for the successful cultisuccessful cultivation of house plants. A patient, untiring spirit is most important. The…