they have rotted at the base or just below the surface of the
ground. The rotted portion will soon become covered with a brown coat of
spores--much like felt. Generally it is the young stalks that are
affected, though sometimes stalks with buds just opening will suddenly
wilt and fall. It is thought the spores are carried through the winter
on the old stubble, after the tops have been cut off. They are in the
best position to give rise to a new crop of spores in the spring, and
the new shoots become infected as they appear.

"To eradicate this disease the old stubble should be carefully removed
in the fall or early spring by removing first the soil from the crown so
as not to injure the buds, and cutting off the old stalks. These should
be burned and the soil replaced with clean soil or preferably sand.
Whenever a shoot shows sign of the disease it should be cut off and
burned. The buds must also be watched and any that begin to turn brown
or black and die must also be cut off and burned, as spores will be
found upon them, and these will be spread by the wind and insects.
Spotted leaves should also be picked off. In wet seasons the peonies
should be closely watched. For the small garden, with comparatively few
clumps of peonies, this treatment will be entirely practical and
effective."

Bulbs should be ordered this month if you wish the pick of the new crop.
There are two fall blooming bulbs that would add to our September and
October gardens. One is the Sternbergia, or autumn daffodil, and the
other is the autumn crocus.

The bulbs should be planted in August and will blossom the same season.
The daffodil is a clear yellow and is good for cutting. These bulbs must
be ordered as early as possible.

Lady bugs are our garden friends, destroying multitudes of aphides. They
should never be killed.

Have you the following all ready for use?

For insects, bugs or worms that chew--or eat portions of
plants--arsenate of lead, paris green or hellebore.

For sucking insects, nicotine or kerosene emulsion.

For diseases, bordeaux mixture or ammoniacal copper carbonate solution.

A good sprayer.

* * * * *

_Remember_ our photographic contest.

BEE-KEEPER'S COLUMN

Conducted by FRANCIS JAGER, Professor of Apiculture, University
Farm, St. Paul.

INCREASING COLONIES (CONTINUED FROM JUNE NO.)

[Illustration: Prof. Francis Jager's apiary at St. Bonifacius.]

To increase you m