-i BULLETIN 903, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
even at this late date, though refuted at different times by investi- 
gators, that this importation of European vines was responsible for 
the introduction of phylloxera into California. This is a mistaken 
idea. The history of the grape industry virtually proves that the 
insect was imported with American species or varieties of grapes 
from east of the Bocky Mountains. 
FIRST DISCOVERY OF GRAPE PHYLLOXERA IN CALIFORNIA. 
The first evidence of phylloxera infestation in California dates as 
far back as 1858. The dissemination of phylloxera continued for 
years in California before the existence of the pest was known, al- 
though its destructive work was observed, commented on, and desig- 
nated a disease of vines from unknown causes. Eeference to the 
first discovery and determination of the insect in California is to be 
found in a report (4, p. 108-111) dated August 28. 1880, and sub- 
mitted by H. Appleton. In his report the first ravages witnessed in 
California are discussed, and from them is inferred the date of in- 
troduction of the insect. Extracts from this report follow : 
On the nineteenth of August, 1873, an insect was found on the roots of 
grapevines by H. Appleton and O. W. Craig, in the vineyard of the latter, 
situated two miles north from Sonoma Town, on the west side of Sonoma 
Creek. An investigation was ordered at the time, for though the insect was 
identified as " the insect, or louse, known in Europe by the title of phylloxera- 
vastatrix. and in the United States as pemphygus vitifoliae," there existed a 
doubt in the minds of the investigators, because the injury was confined wholly 
to the roots of the vine, and no symptoms of injury such as recorded in 
Europe and in Eastern North America could be detected on the leaves. 
From information received from Mr. A. F. Haraszthy and Captain E. Cutter, 
Superintendent of the Buena Vista Company's vineyards, I am able to give 
the following facts in regard to their large vineyards : 
A vineyard of about one thousand vines was planted in 1834-35, and was 
watered every year. In 1850 and 1852 the vineyard was largely increased, and 
the system of irrigation was stopped. In 1857 about two hundred thousand 
vines were set out, and in 1858 one hundred acres were put in vines (six 
hundred and eighty vines to the acre). Again, in 1860, fifty acres were 
laid out. In 1862. Colonel A. Haraszthy planted 70,000 European vines, and 
it was among these vines the disease increased most rapidly. 
In the Spring of 1863 the Buena Vista Company was incorporated, and in 
the Spring of 1S61 that company planted 100,000 vines. 
As early as I860 decayed and dying vines were noticed in the vineyard, and 
they were taken up and others planted in their places. An examination was 
made to discover the cause of the disease in these vines, and it was attributed 
to alkali water, which was found a few feet underground. The roots were de- 
cayed. No examination by microscope of these roots was made. Vines 
died from time to time, showing short growth, small and colorless grapes, 
early yellow leaves — in fact, all the symptoms were observed of vines dying 
from the vine pest. 
In 1868 about 3 acres of diseased vines were taken up (planted in 1S50) 
on the north side of the dwelling house, and new vines planted, which grew 
well, showing little signs of decay till they were four years old, at which 
time (1S73) the Phylloxera Committee, of the Viticultural Club, found the 
phylloxera on several vines. 
