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To make the kerosene emulsion, use 2 ounces of soap (whale-oil is much
better than the common), 1 quart of boiling water (over brisk fire), 2
quarts of kerosene oil. Dissolve the soap in boiling water, remove from
fire, and add oil. Churn or beat until of the consistency of cream. If
correctly mixed, the emulsion, on cooling, will adhere without oiliness
to glass. Use rain water, if possible; if not, add a little baking soda
to the water.

For scale insects, dilute with 10 parts of water; for aphis and soft
insects, with 15 or 20 parts water. In using kerosene emulsion, apply in
fine spray. Remember it must come in contact with the insect to be
effective.

CHAPTER XVIII

ACCESSORIES

The following list of implements and materials is suggestive rather than
imperative. While all these things are useful many successful flower
growers get along without many of them. At the same time, if one adds to
the garden outfit from time to time, the expense will hardly be noticed
and in the course of two or three years a fairly complete set will be
accumulated. Do not feel in the least that in the meantime you cannot
grow flowers successfully.

FOR MIXING SOIL

_Spade._ A good long-bladed sharp instrument should be procured, for use
both in taking up plants and in cutting out sod, etc., for the compost
heap and in "cutting down" the same for repiling.

_Hoe._ Get a long blade with a straight edge. See that the ferrule and
shank are of one piece if you do not want to be bothered with a loose
head.

_Sieve._ For small amounts of soil, an ordinary round coal ash sieve is
just the thing. It is a good thing to have as it will insure getting
soil for seeds and small pots to the proper degree of fineness.

_Trowel._ Don't buy a cheap trowel. They may be had for fifteen or
twenty cents but a fifty-cent one will outlast a dozen of these and not
break just when you need it most.

SOIL INGREDIENTS

A sufficient quantity of soil constituents should be kept on hand in
barrels or covered boxes. Store where they will not dry out.

_Rich Loam or Rotted Sod._ This is the basis of most plant soils. Keep a
good supply ahead, that it may be thoroughly decomposed.

_Sand._ What is known as "Builders' Sand," medium, coarse and gritty, is
the proper kind. Contrary to some horticultural superstitions, it makes
no difference what the color is, "silver" or gray, red, white or yellow.

_Leaf-m