CORRESPONDENCE. 261 



least a fortnight after their usual time of appearance. Mancipium cardamines 

 did not appear till the first week in June ; and the Pont ice were very rarely 

 observed previous to the same period. In "fact, as far as I have been able to 

 judge, each species of insect is from a fortnight to a month later in its appearance 

 than usual. 



Excuse my troubling you with such a lengthy, tedious and desultory letter, 

 and believe me, 



Dear Sir, yours very sincerely, 



To Neville Wood, Esq., &c. Peter Rylands. 



Campsall Hall. 



The Cause of Blight in Trees. 

 To the Editor of the Naturalist. 



Sir, — I was advised to give the following statements publicity, although from 

 their simplicity they did not appear worthy, or sufficiently attractive for public 

 notice. They were communicated to me by a neighbour in lowly yet easy cir- 

 cumstances of life — a man of observation, and one who takes great delight in the 

 culture of his garden. The remarks were to the following effect : — I have for 

 many years been trying to find out the cause of blight in trees, vegetables, &c. 

 I once thought differently, but have now come to the following conclusion ; — First, 

 we know that Nature, whether animal or vegetable, breeds its own corruption, 

 and thus I account for the blights. The tree or vegetable commences its growth ; 

 the sap or juice arises ; however, shortly comes frost, east-wind, or some thing 

 pernicious communicated through the atmosphere ; instantly the plant shows it 

 has received a check. Now the tubes, vessels, &c, are full or filling at this 

 time ; the outer opportunities of enlargement and evaporation of the substance 

 are now denied. Then what becomes of the superfluous sap or juice ? for the 

 receiving vessels of the root, being protected, still continue to fill. What is the 

 consequence of repletion and want of perspiration in the human body ? Are not 

 the pores of the skin the safety-valves of health ? It must end in disease, some 

 way or other. 



In plants, &c, I conceive, as the check received is more or less violent, or 

 more or less continuous, so will the blight be more or less abundant. 



One circumstance supporting this supposition is, that the grub or fly comes 

 in such a manner or in such a situation (in the heart of an apple, &c.) as 

 frequently to prevent our supposing the blight to be caused by attacks of the 

 insect tribe. 



I have the honor to remain, Sir, 



Your humble servant, 



East Drayton, Nottinghamshire, G ' < . 



JuneM } 1837. ; 2m 2 - . . -' 



