The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-04-13
perennials. etc., may be safely planted.
Insects. Preventixe Measures

planted.
 Insects, Preventive Measures Not a day passes but what one CT more inquiries reach The Age Herald appealing for help or advice as to low to save some valuable plant from total loss. So, when 1t is considered, the great number who must have similar troubles, the actual loss IS almost incalculable. The unfortunate fact is that in most cases the insect or disease has progressed to such an extent that the damage cannot be repaired.
 The spread of injurious insects and disease has more than kept track with the remarkable development and discovery of remedies and appliances for combating them.
 That an "ounce of preventative is worth a pound of cure" could not be better illustrated. when applied to a rational control of plant enemies. Preparedness, close watch and prompt treatment Is the most sem sibie and economic insurance against insect pests. Nothing Is more cer- tain than the advent of insect pests. Sprayers and dependable remedies comprise the best protection.
 
 Evergreens may stii be trans planted. and just now when much of it is being done, it is well to observe some fundamental essentials that contribute so much to success. Ever greens should be dug up with a ball of dirt and if not immediately trans planted, the dirt ball should be se- cured with burlap bagging to prevent root exposure. A hole at least twice the size of the dirt ball, should be excavated and partially filled with rich soil. Set plant firmly at bot tom, leaving burlap on, but cut away the burlap at the top when hole is almost filled, and complete filling with good surface soil, but don't pile the dirt around the plant K Water thoroughly and leave a slight depres- sion around the plant to admit drain age of water to the roots. It is a crime to exhibit carelessness in set ting out an evergreen, when, maybe, 1t has required several years of at tention to produce it's growth.
 POtting Soil
 The chief reason for lack of suc- cess in growing any potted plant or fern, is the want of suitable soil. Many homes are so located that suit able soils are not available, when this is the case, it becomes neces- sary to go to the woods where the very best dirt is to be found.
 A good formula for the majority of plants. is rich woods earth or gar den loam one part, routed turf or leaf mould one part, coarse sand one part. The sand, while containing but little or no plant food, Is very im- portant item. its main funtion is to areate the soil. afford proper drain- age and thus let in air and prevent souring. All plants ought to have an occasional application of well de- cayed animal or vegetable manure to replenish their food supply, because their roots soon exhaust or consume the soil fertility and they suffer from like of nourishment. in the same manner as do animals-and humans. With proper soil and regularity Tn watering, you may expect success Q.-My garden is a red clay soil and bakes badly. I have been told that lime would make it harder. Can you suggest vine for porch where only evening sun is available? Miss N. H., Talladega.
 A.-Lime is nearly always a valu- able application to stiff clay soils;
 
 potash, aerates and brings a neutral or slightly alkaline reaction, so nec- essary for soil bacteria and micro- scopic plant life and exceedingly val uable attribute to all fertile soils Applications of both animal and veg etable matter are recommended as permanent treatment. The velvet bean, Japanese hops. balsam apple. balsam pear and the dish cloth gourd will stand the evening sun and af- ford satisfactory vine.
 Q.-My roses are not doing well. Would fertilizer help them? Mrs F.. Calera.
 A.-The soil around roses should be stirred up every week or ten days. A good mulch of well decayed anil nal manure should be maintained. Do this and note the change. Q.-What is the best snap bean to grow on corn? D.. Opelika. A.-Two of the best tender sorts are striped creaseback and Tennessee Wonder. Both are early to fruit and have long bearing period. Q.-I want to plant a large variety of muskmelon for family use. What sort would I ask for? J. B. L.. AL bany.
 A-Montreal market, banana and long yellow are desirable sorts. Q.-I want the earliest okra to grow for market. What do you rec ommend? S.. Montgomery. A-The French market. cwarf green stick, ribbed, podded sort, very