BLIGHT IN PEAR TREES. 



understand if Prof. T. means to convey the idea that all the insects he saw in connection 

 with the blight, are the emanations of the eggs under the scales on the branches of the 

 trees. I wish he had been less ambiguous about it. 



I have had occasion to deplore the destruction of my trees, giving me much reason for 

 close and critical observation, to detect, if possible, the cause, and a remedy for its destruc- 

 tive effects. I have not been idle in improving the opportunities thus afforded. A part 

 of these researches the public are already in possession of through your Journal, vol. 2, p. 

 328 and 436, and others. I have seen no reason for abandoning the views there presented, 

 but subsequent observations have confirmed their soundness. It is not my purpose to re- 

 iterate them here; those who feel an interest in them can refer to them; nor do I hope to 

 add much that is new» 



It is of little consequence to the public, or ourselves, whether there is one or twenty 

 sorts of blight, so long as we are grovelling in the dark about the first principles of its 

 origin. My e.xperience has entirely removed from my mind the idea that the blight is 

 caused by insects, and equally satisfied my judgment of its real cause. This T do not he- 

 sitate to say, is altogether external — originating with the rapid changes of heat and cold, 

 stimulating and suddenly checking the active motions of vegetation; and that insects have 

 no more to do in producing it, than they have in causing bilious fever in the human sys- 

 tem, though death may ensue, and insects, in either case, be attracted by the disease, and 

 the abnormal condition thus produced. 



I take it there is a strong analogy between vegetable and animal life and existence. That 

 neither the one or the other can be transported from clime to clime, and subjected to un- 

 used fare, without endangering health; or can a system of crossing, having in view a diffe- 

 rent object than that of hardiness and long life, be pursued without the strong probability 

 of sacrificing the one at the expense of the other. This is trul}' our position, whether ap- 

 plied to the pear, cherry, rose, or other exotic. We have contented ourselves with im- 

 porting from other countries their enfeebled stocks. These will suffer just in proportion 

 to their capabilities to resist the new influences under which they are brought. It matters 

 not whether it be the frost of winter, or the scorching rays of a mid-summer's sun, or 

 both combined; it is still blight, and conclusively proves the want of hardiness in the tree 

 or plant, for our climate. It does not help us, that we import our seed, and from this 

 produce some new and good sorts — they are as liable to be constitutionally defective, as if 

 grown in Belgium or France, and then imported; it still remains the same enfeebled pro- 

 geny. 



A query may here arise, what shall we do.'' Shall we give them up in despair? By no 

 means. We must begin at home; we must select our seed from trees, the structure of 

 whose wood has given evidence of its power to resist this atmospheric influence. We 

 have such — the Seckel, with many others of inferior fruit, but perfectly hardy trees, 

 which my long and severe trial has proven. These we must fertilize with each other, and 

 from their seed j)roduce a new race of superior fruit, and hardiness of tree. Let us, then, 

 not set down in hopeless despair, but go cheerfully to the work, enjoying a bright future 

 as though it were present. 



Hoping that what I have said in reference to the Professor's mistake, will not be constru 

 ed as disrespectful, I remain ver}' respectfully yours, A. H. Ernst. 



Spritig-Gardtn, Cincinnati, Junt 12, lb52. 



