ENTOMOLOGICAL NOTES. 



History and Cultivation of Pyrethrum. — As this plant 

 is doubtless soon to come into general use as an insecticide, 

 everything in relation to its history and cultivation will be of in- 

 terest, and therefore we copy a very interesting article on this 

 subject, written by Prof. Eiley for the American Naturalist : 



" There are very few data at hand concerning the discovery of 

 the insecticide properties of Pyrethrum. The powder has been 

 in use for many years, in Asiatic countries, south of the Caucasus 

 mountains. It was sold at a high price by the inhabitants, who 

 successfully kept its nature a secret, until the beginning of this 

 century, when an American merchant, Mr. Jumtikofl, learned 

 that the powder was obtained from the dried and pulverized 

 flower-heads of certain species of Pyrethrum, growing abundantly 

 in the mountain resrion of what is now known as the Russian 

 province of Trans Caucasia. The son of Mr. Jumtikoff began the 

 manufacture of the article on a large scale, in 1828, after which 

 year the Pyrethrum industry steadily grew, until to-day the ex- 

 port of the dried flower heads represents an important item in the 

 revenue of those countries. 



"Still less seems to be known of the discovery and history of 

 the Dalmatian species of Pyrethrum (P. cinerariaifoliurn), but it 

 is probable that its history is very similar t3 that of the Asiatic 

 species. At the present time, the Pyrethrum flowers are consid- 

 ered by far the most valuable product of the soil of Dalmatia. 



"There is also very little information published regarding 

 either the mode of growth or the cultivation of Pyrethrum plants 

 in their native home. As to the Caucasian species, we have rea- 

 son to believe that they are not cultivated, at least not at the pres- 

 ent time, statements to the contrary notwithstanding. The well- 

 known Dr. Gustav Padde, director of the Imperial Museum of 



