6 



of claret has doubled. Now, the question may be asked, what can 

 the Naturalist do to assist the Viticulturist in this extremity ? 



The reply is, much every way. 



The insect is probably of American origin, where it has fed on 

 the indigenous species of vines, and as the several species existing 

 there, some thirteen or so in number, have hitherto survived its 

 attacks, it is probable they will continue to do so. 



But it is far otherwise with the European vine, Vifis .Vinifera, 

 and with the hybrids produced between that and the American 

 species of Vitis, viz. : V. Lahrusca, V. jEstivalis, V. Rtparia, and 

 V. Vulplna ; they have never been subjected to the attacks of the 

 Phylloxera, and it therefore remains to be seen whether the Vitis 

 Vinifera or the hybrids obtained fi'om it will ultimately survive 

 the attack. 



The Americans, however, are fully alive to the advantages de- 

 rived from a scientific knowledge of "Noxious and Beneficial 

 Insects," and several of the States have for years past appointed a 

 State Entomologist. I have the pleasure of being on friendly 

 terms with the gentleman who holds the post of State Entomo- 

 logist of Missouri, a country somewhat larger than England and 

 Wales. 



Mr. Charles V. Riley, to whom I advert, has made the Phyl- 

 loxera a subject of special study,' and has traced the insect through 

 all its changes from the egg to the perfect state. He has shown 

 that it is polymorphous — the appearance it presents when feeding 

 on the root being widely different fi-om that which it presents 

 when found feeding on the leaves of the vine. 



He has shown also, which might have been predicted, that the 

 American indigenous vines are not so much injured by the attack 

 of the insect as the introduced European species. 



The French viticulturists, already acting on this knowledge, are 

 importing American|species of vines into France. If they succeed 

 we may in a few years expect from France new kinds of wine. 



To be forwarned is to be forearmed. The Legislature of some 

 of the Australian Colonies have passed Acts of Parliament pro- 

 hibiting the importation into the colonies of any species of mitis 

 whatever ; a very wise precaution. 



Natural Science having ascertained the cause of the failure of 

 the vine, for it must be borne in mind that, the pest (being so 

 small, and attacking the roots as well as the leaves of the vine) 



