173 
ON DESTRUCTION OF INSECTS BY PYRETII11UM. 
i 
pagation, which, however, is not without many difficulties. We will not disguise the 
fact that the great success so far attained by no means makes us suppose the task ac¬ 
complished, but it nevertheless encourages us to continue our efforts with new perse¬ 
verance. 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 pro¬ 
vinces 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 Caucasus 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. Jumtikoff, an American merchant, while tra¬ 
velling through that country some forty years ago. He communicated his discovery to 
his son, who manufactured the article in 1828. This powder, or the plant from which it 
w T as obtained, was soon after introduced into Alexandropol, and subsequently the powder 
got into use in Germany and France, where its popularity is rapidly increasing. At 
present there are more than twenty villages in the district of Alexandropol engaged in cul¬ 
tivating the plant and collecting its flowers. The plants from which this powder is pro¬ 
duced consist of small perennial shrubs, from twelve to fifteen inches in height, bearing 
flowers an inch and a half in diameter, and resembling those of the ox-eye daisy ( Chry¬ 
santhemum Leucanthemum). 
They grow on the mountains of the Caucasus, at an elevation of 5650 feet above the 
level of the sea, in a temperature of 68° Fahr. They are of easy cultivation in gardens, 
and since their hardiness has become known they have been introduced into Germany, 
Holland, and France, for the purposes of ornament, when they begin to flower in June. 
They will flourish in any ordinary garden soil, and may be propagated by layers as well 
as by seed. 
The parts of the plants from which the powder is made are the dried flower-heads, 
gathered when ripe, on fine days, and usually dried by exposure to the sun; but they 
have been found to be more serviceable when dried in the shade, during which operation 
they are occasionally turned. In the process of desiccation they lose about 90 per cent. 
When perfectly dried, they are first comminuted with the hand, and then reduced to 
powder in a small mill. 
A quantity of these plants grown upon eighteen square rods is estimated to furnish 
one hundred pounds of powder, which is best preserved in sealed vessels of glass. The 
application is made either as a powder or as an infusion, though in the latter form it is 
more beneficial, especially when intended for the destruction of insects on plants. The 
powder maybe employed directly to the insects themselves, or in the places which they 
frequent. They are attracted by its smell, become stupefied, and immediately die. This 
substance may be employed without injury to the larger animals, or to man. It is inti¬ 
mated that the amount of this powder consumed annually in Russia alone is about 500 
tons. 
The inhabitants of the Caucasus and adjoining countries who used these powders 
had only a very limited knowledge of their plants,- and did not suspect that one among 
them, the Pyrethrum Willemoti, Duchartre, would be called upon to render the most 
effective service to agriculture and horticulture, achieving the preservation of food, wool, 
furs, and the comfort of man and the domestic animals, etc. 
These powders had been introduced into France for several years before a choice had 
been made among them, and the special importance of this particular species recognised. 
The high price, and the numerous adulterations they have undergone, diverted the public 
from this acquisition, and from a public appreciation of its efficacy. Submitted to a 
close analysis, these powders, as sold, have been found to be mixed with dangerous sub¬ 
stances, which in due regard to public safety require to be vigorously excluded from sale. 
In them sumac powder is a common ingredient, from its close resemblance to the Pyre¬ 
thrum powder; and also jalap, cockle of Levant, nux vomica, and even arsenic, enter 
into the composition of the powders we have examined. 
It was not till 1856, and after many efforts, that we could procure some good seeds of 
the Pyrethrum of the Caucasus. We were then able to extend our researches as to the 
culture of the plant. We had to proceed cautiously in determining the soil best adapted 
to it, to find out the best exposure, and to discover the care necessary to be bestowed on 
YOL. V. O 
