The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1892-05-11
THE DELICATE CARNATION.
Mildew That Saps the Life Out OF the
Beautiful Flower.

Prof. c. s. Plumb, director OF the agri-
cultural experiment station at Purdue
university, was recently found in his lab
oratory by SENTINEL reporter. who asked
the well-known botanist what he was
doing. The professor was seated in a
bent-over position at table. One of his
eyes was tightly closed; upon the other
was fastened something that very nearly
resembled the barrel of derringer pistol.
In front of the gentleman on the table
was potted carnation, and fine speci-
men OF that popular floral beauty it was.
It was crowned with a wealth of blossoms
and the foliage was proiuse and strong.
That is healthy plant, professor" was
casually suggested.
"No, sir; Won are mistaken. 1t is the
last stages OF consumption. 1t is going the
way of four-fifths of its kind. Among
those who love flowers at this season the
carnation is for the most part best be-
loved, and yet for every dozen OF these
plants purchased from the CONNER
cisl hot houses not more than
been experienced almost IN every climate
aud by nearly every grower OF carnations,
and up to within the past week TO ascor-
prevention have been unknown. We
have finally discovered them and a report
to the agricultural department at
Washington will be made. Examine this
leaf You would probably consider it Wig
orous and healthy" The leaf indicated
was of bright green color and appeared
in perfectly normal condition.
Now look through it TO the light" said
Prof Plumb The leaf was found
10 be spotted and every spot
was translucens-so much so that by
shutting off the light of the sun the spot
disappeared and the surface OF the leaf
was again restored to its apparent uni
formity of green color. Those spots,
said the professor, "are mildew, which is
nothing more nor less than the micro
scopic bacteria steadily at work
sending the plant to its death
and furnishing a source OF puzzing
study 10 its owner. Is the bacteria alive?
Well. see for yourself" Assisted by the
searching eye OF a powerful microscope,
the reporter examined about as much OF
the midew from the carnations leaf as
could 5e carried on the center OF pins
head. 1t was wriggling, squirming mass
OF hideous reptile-loOking objects; APP
parently biting, scratching, gnawing and
| eNhAAOMlUk cdCB OkBiI. 4NOhs arc lOh
surprised that your wife cannot keep her
potted carnations alive" and the reporter
SIMPLY but emphatlcally said No"
These bacteria" continued the pro-
lessor, ARE transported in the atmosphere
| They will not adhere TO a perfectly smooth
surface. The prevention is to throw little
or no water on the foliage. This, OF course,
gives a sort of sticky surface to the leaves
a good resting place for this animal
cule II the leaves of the carnation are
watered at all let it be once week and
then slightly with spray. little impreg-
mated with copperas. When the plant ID
wa,ered let it be at the roots and in such 0
way that at no time shall the soil be
soaked. This is very simple, but take my
word for it il carefully attended To there
is scarcely any home that may not be
rendered little more attractive by this
beautiful plant"