106 Mr Murray ovi the Paragrek or Protector from HalL 



The curious and remarkable facts and proofs which have been 

 detailed in Mons. Crud's letter to Mons. Chavannes, dated 29th 

 July 1824; and those by Dr Joseph Astolfi, in his communica- 

 tion to Professor Onoli, give the most decided and indisputable 

 proofs of their efficacy and successful application. They should 

 be planted from one to two thousand feet apart, and the higher 

 elevations similarly supplied. 



During my stay at Lausanne in the summer of 1825, I had 

 a good deal of conversation with Professor Chavannes on the 

 subject of the paragreles ; he complained bitterly of the opposi- 

 tion he had met with, and the attempted ridicule that had been 

 cast upon him by the journals of the day, and was glad to re- 

 ceive an opinion from me decidedly favourable. It may suffice 

 to say, that a greatjpart of the vineyards of the Canton de Vaud 

 are now guarded by paragreles. My inquiries as to their utility 

 throughout Switzerland have been extensive, and the voice in 

 their favour unanimous ; and, on the other hand, in districts that 

 were not guarded, the mischief was considerable. In one case, 

 in a field immediately adjoining the boundary of the paragreles, 

 the ruin occasioned by a hail storm was complete, but it ceased 

 at this limit ; as if science had stood by the paragreles, and had 

 been commissioned by Providence to say to the destructive me- 

 teor, ** Hitherto and no further C " Here shall thy proud force 

 be stayed." I am respectfully, dear sir, yours, &c. 



3c? May 1827- 



Explanation of Plate IL 



Ai A pole of wood, which may be from 35 to 50 feet long. 



B, The earth in which the pole is fixed to the depth of about 3 

 feet. 



n, The termination of the brass-wire ; it is 3 or 4 inches higher 

 than the summit of the pole, and sharpened at tlie point. 



b. The brass-wire attached to the pole in all its extent, resting in 

 a shallow groove channelled in the wood. This brass-wire 

 should be at least the 20th part of an inch in diameter. 



Cf Small rings which fasten the wire to the pole, and prevent it be- 

 ing displaced. 



d, A small transverse pin, which secures the conducting wire at 

 the bottom of the pole. 



