134 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA. 



matter from what country or source through which such 

 information has been obtained. By way of illustration it 

 may be pointed out how unprepared we were when the 

 unfortunate outbreak of phylloxera at Fyansford, in 1875, 

 took place. Although we were handicapped from want 

 of a practical acquaintance with the life-history of the 

 insect, the prompt and effective measures then taken for 

 its suppression are too well known to need repetition here. 

 It is to be hoped that the fears entertained by some 

 persons as to the probability of another invasion of this 

 scourge may prove to be groundless. 



To be in the position to resist the attacks of any com- 

 mon enemy we must be prepared first with a possible 

 means of resistance, and secondly, should the first fail, 

 with methods by which the attack, if made, may be 

 attended with the least possible danger. When the dread 

 phylloxera makes its appearance, it comes as our Ameri- 

 can friends put it, to stay, so that no measures, however 

 stringent, can be too severe, and when we know that 

 the insects have been found on roots which have been left 

 in the soil for six years, it will be easily seen with what a 

 persistent and dreadful scourge we have to deal. 



