THE PHYLLOXERA, OB GRAPE LOUSE OF THE VINE. 123 



sandy soil this dreadful insect is retarded in its develop- 

 ment, action, and progress. Bisulphide of carbon has 

 proved an efficient remedy ; this fluid is introduced into 

 the soil by a peculiar injector, or through porous sub- 

 stances (decayed wood) saturated with the bisulphide, the 

 cost of this operation being, in France, 3 10s. to 4 per 

 acre annually (Planchon, David, Marian, Robart). 



" Dressing with sulpho-carbonate of potassium is still 

 more efficacious and less dangerous, but involves an 

 annual expenditure of about 8 per acre (W. T. Dyer). 

 Sand might be dug in at the roots of vines, which may be 

 in imminent danger of becoming a prey to phylloxera. 

 Recently it has been insisted on by Mr. Bauer, of San 

 Francisco, that it would be best to put minute quantities 

 of mercury and chalk near the roots of vines affected 

 with phylloxera, a measure which deserves every con- 

 sideration, as the particles of quicksilver would only very 

 gradually be dissolved and long remain stationary ; and 

 we know that metal in its solutions to be the most power- 

 ful antiseptic, a dilution of -1 part of bichloride of mercury 

 in 5,000 parts of water proving strong enough for surgical 

 purposes. 



64 The Phylloxera vastatrix and also its ova succumb at 

 a heat of 113 F. (Cousanon and Solomon), and thus by a 

 careful heating of the soil the insect and its eggs may be 

 destroyed without hurting the plant dangerously." 



Fortunately for Victorian vignerons, this pest, owing 

 to the prompt and heroic measures which the Govern- 

 ment of the day insisted upon, is believed to have been 

 thoroughly stamped out, at least we sincerely trust that 

 such is the case. Should this scourge again make its 

 appearance in our vineyards, it is hoped that the very 

 plain and concise account of the life-history of the insect, 

 as given by Mr. Buckton and other eminent authorities, 

 will enable the vigneron to at once recognise the insect, 

 should he be called upon to again face such a calamity; 

 and as the coloured plates are all that can be desired, 

 having been adapted from the beautiful drawings issued 



