116 FUTURE PROSPECTS OF THE DISEASE. 



leaves of plants sent to market ; but it is strange that the 

 Aphis of the hop has done but little or no mischief this 

 season. 



(459.) To suppose that the Aphis vastator will con- 

 tinue to increase, and cause actual famine, is to look at 

 the dark side of the question, for we may hope that it has 

 already reached its utmost limit. 



This is, however, a question which time only can settle, 

 and we must look anxiously for troops of ichneumons and 

 legions of lady-birds to come and eat up the all-devouring 

 creatures. 



(460.) Supposing that the ravages of the insect cease 

 or stop to a great extent, yet, however, the potatoe is dis- 

 eased, and will grow diseased plants for some little time. 

 I think, however, that we need be in no fear of permanent 

 damage from this cause, for in all probability, the malady, 

 under favorable circumstances, will wear itself out ; and 

 certainly, by industry, we may easily overcome this 

 difficulty. If the disease does not stop when the insect 

 departs from the potatoe, we have but to commence with 

 sets derived from the sound tuber to obtain new crops ; so 

 that eventually we should be enabled to renovate our 

 stores with good seed. 



(461.) It is appalling, however, to consider the dark 

 side of the question ; for a continuance of the action of the 

 insect upon the stalks of the diseased tuber would render 

 the plants still further diseased ; and if that be assisted by 

 cold and moist weather, the crop may be nearly annihi- 

 lated. 



(462.) Moreover the insect is still on the increase ; it 

 was more abundant this year than the year before ; and, 

 judging by its effects, still more numerous than the year 



