tween them
with sawdust. This absorbs the moisture falling from the plants when
you water them and retains the warmth acquired during the day, keeping
the temperature of the roots even. When you retire at night spread
over the posts a blanket or shawl, and there is no danger of freezing.

SURE SHOT FOR ROSE-SLUGS.

Make a tea of tobacco stems and a soapsuds of whale oil or carbolic
soap; mix and apply to the bush with a sprinkler, turning the bush so
as to wet the under as well as the upper part of the leaves. Apply,
before the sun is up, three or four times.

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, applying more
wax for each leaf. This process causes leaves to roll about as when
hanging on the trees. If pressed more they become brittle and remain
perfectly flat. Maple and oak are among the most desirable, and may be
gathered any time after the severe frosts; but the sumac and ivy must
be secured as soon after the first slight frost as they become tinted
or the leaflets will fall from the stem. Ferns may be selected any
time during the season. A large book must be used in gathering them,
as they will be spoiled for pressing if carried in the hand. A weight
should be placed on them until they are perfectly dry; then, excepting
the most delicate ones, it will be well to press them like the leaves,
as they are liable to curl when placed in a warm atmosphere. These
will form beautiful combinations with the sumac and ivy.

TO PREPARE SKELETON LEAVES.

When properly prepared, skeleton leaves form a companion to the
scrapbook or collection of pressed ferns, fronds, etc. This is a
tedious operation and requires skill and great patience to obtain
satisfactory results. Some leaves are easier to dissect and make
better specimens than others, and, as a rule, a hard, thin leaf should
be chosen; that is, when a special variety is not required.

Among those which are skeletonized most successfully are the English
ivy, box elder, willow, grape, pear, rose, etc. They should be
gathered during the month of June, or as soon as the leaf is fully
developed. The leaves should be immersed in a vessel of rain water and
allowed to remain till decomposed. When this takes place, press the
leaf between pieces of soft flannel, and the film will adhere