WATTLE BARK. 507 
been remarkably slow as compared with its sweeping advance in Europe, 
though evidently not less sure. It is as though the winged form were 
either not produced at all or very much restricted in its powers of loco- 
motion. It, therefore, seems quite possible to check, and perhaps stamp 
it out by timely precautions. But nothing of the kind has been done, 
and the penalty of this neglect has already been dearly paid in the Sonoma 
Valley, the region chiefly afflicted. Scnoma Mountain seems to have 
proved an effectual barrier against its transmission to the Napa Valley. 
The ravages of the insect are also reported from some other localities, but 
no noteworthy damage has thus far been heard of. Of other vine pests, 
the Oidium and a kind of black-knot are the chief; but, on the whole, 
the damage done has been merely local and easily checked, and it may 
truthfully be said that to the grape-vine, as to the human race, the cli- 
mate of California is exceptionally kind. 
WATTLE BARK. 
(KNOWN IN COMMERCE AS “Mimosa Bark.”) 
In January last a board of inquiry was appointed by the colonial coun- 
cil of Victoria, Australia, to consider and report upon the subject of 
wattle bark, with regard to the indiscriminate stripping of the trees 
caused by the inereasing demand for bark in continental and English 
markets, in addition to the requirements of Victorian tanners, which 
might lead to the early extermination of the trees or to a reduction of 
the supply necessary for the home trade even temporarily. The board 
was also asked to state whether forest regulations could be so framed 
as to conserve and encourage the growth of the wattle trees in order 
that a suificient supply of bark might be insured for local requirements, 
as well as for the maintenance of the export trade. 
From this report it appears that two of the varieties of the wattle 
mentioned are extremely valuable, not only for the tanning material 
they furnish, but for their timber, which can be used for a variety of 
purposes, and for firewood, which is said to be of the very best descrip- 
tion. Their remarkably rapid growth, too, should be taken into consid- 
eration as an important element in estimating their worth. 
Cf the tree known as the wattle in the colony of Victoria, there are 
three species, all of the genus acacia, from which the bark used in tan- 
ning is obiaimed. These are: Acacia pycnantha, commonly known as 
the ‘“broad-leaf,” “golden,” and “green” wattle; Acacia decurrens, or 
black wattle; Acacia dealbata, or silver wattle. The first named has a 
thick, glossy ovate leaf, the bark being thinner and smoother than that 
of either of the others. It is chiefly found in the southwestern part oi 
the colony and along the coast as far as the colony of South Australia. 
its bark is generally considered superior to any other, but the habit ef 
the tree is not so advantageous, being of slower growth and not attain- 
ing such large dimensions as the black and silver species. 
The black wattle is found over all the western district ef Victoria, in 
the northeast, and also in the district of Gippsland. It is of vigorous, 
robust habit, and for commercial purposes is equal to the broad-leatf 
species. I’rom the rapidity of its growth, and the ease with which it 
can be stripped during the proper season, the board considered that, for 
all practical purposes, it was desirable to cultivate this species either 
