ON THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS INSECTS, ETC. 535 



almost wholly composed of this flesh-coloured Pyrethrum. (P. 

 carneum, Biebers.) Dr. Ch. Koch in his ' Travels in. the East' 

 gives very curious details respecting this precious species in the Cau- 

 casian regions. In the ' Journal de la Societe Imperiale et Centrale 

 d'Horticulture de la Seine,' vol. iii. 1857, p. 756, may also be found an 

 analysis of a note by Mr. Neumann, of Breslau, on the ' Culture and 

 Preparation of the Powder of the Pyrethrum carneum. 



We may here remark, in passing, that in countries where the most 

 frequent use has been made of these powders of Pyrethrum, they have 

 only been applied to the destruction of those insects which are trouble- 

 some in dwellings. Our object has been to select from the different 

 plants the one which presents the greatest range of efficacy ; and we 

 have been more exacting in this than heretofore has been the case 

 in seeking a plant of incontestable efficacy for the destruction of insects, 

 and which can be so applied, not only to vermin in the house, but also 

 to those insects which every year commit such great ravages upon the 

 cereals, fruit-trees, leguminous and ornamental plants, &c. A plant was 

 desirable which can easily be acclimatized in Prance, the properties of 

 which, in its wild state in its native regions, are neither destroyed nor 

 weakened by cultivation, and which can be raised with but slight atten- 

 tion to its culture. We want, finally, a productive plant, to the end 

 that the powder it furnishes may be sold at a very low price. Such a 

 plant we are now fortunate enough to introduce for the public use. Its 

 efficacy has been fully proved by a great number of persons, as will be 

 seen hereafter ; its acclimatization is very satisfactorily evinced ; its cul- 

 ture is most simple ; its properties are wholly retained ; the production is 

 very abundant ; now nothing remains but its extensive propagation 

 which, however, is not without many difficulties. We will not dis- 

 guise the fact that the great success so far attained by no means makes 

 us suppose the task accomplished, but it, nevertheless encourages us 

 to continue our efforts with new perseverance. It was about 1850 when 

 the first powder of Pyrethrum was introduced into France for the 

 destruction of insects in houses. The powder came exclusively from 

 provinces of the Caucasus, of Persia, and Dalmatia. Our researches 

 have proved to us that that from the Caucasus is the best. For a 

 number of years the inhabitants of those countries have successfully 

 used the powder of the Pyrethrum to protect themselves against the 

 ravages of numerous insects. 



For a long period, a preparation was used throughout the Russian Cau- 

 casus for the destruction of injurious insects, and was regarded as a secret 

 by the rest of the world, until its properties became known to Mr. Jum- 

 tikoff, an American merchant, while travelling through that country some 

 forty years ago. He communicated his discovery to his son, who manu- 

 factured the article in 1828. This powder, or the plant from which it was 

 obtained, was soon after introduced into Alexandropol, and subsequently 

 the pow T der got into use in Germany and France, -where its popularity is 



