CORRESPONDENCE. 
261 
least a fortnight after their usual time of appearance. Mancipium cardamines 
did not appear till the first week in June; and the Pontice were very rarely 
observed previous to the same periods In fact, as far as I have been able to 
judge, each species of insect is from a fortnight to a month later in its appearance 
than usual. 
Excuse my troubling you with such a lengthy, tedious and desultory letter, 
and believe me. 
Dear Sir, yours very sincerely. 
To Neville Wood, Esq., &c. Peter RylanDs. 
Campsall Halt. 
The Cause of Blight in Trees. 
To the Editor of the Naturalist. 
SiR,^I was advised to give the following statements publicity, although from 
their simplicity they did not appear worthy, or sufficiently attractive for public 
notice. They were communicated to me by a neighbour in lowly yet easy cir¬ 
cumstances of life—a man of observation, and one who takes great delight in the 
culture of his garden. The remarks were to the following effect:—I have for 
many years been trying to find out the cause of blight in trees, vegetables, &c. 
I once thought differently, but have now come to the following conclusion First, 
We know that Nature, whether animal or vegetable, breeds its own corruption, 
and thus I account for the blights. The tree or vegetable commences its growth ; 
the sap or juice arises; however, shortly comes frost, east-wind, or some thing 
pernicious communicated through the atmosphere; instantly the plant shows it 
has received a check. Now the tubes, vessels, &c., are full or filling at this 
time; the outer opportunities of enlargement and evaporation of the substance 
are now denied. Then what becomes of the superfluous sap or juice ? for the 
receiving vessels of the root, being protected, still continue to fill. What is the 
consequence of repletion and want of perspiration in the human body ? Are not 
the pores of the skin the safety-valves of health ? It must end in disease, some 
Way or other. 
In plants, &c., I conceive, as the check received is more or less violent, or 
more or less continuous, so will the blight be more or less abundant. 
One circumstance supporting this supposition is, that the grub or fly comes 
in such a manner or in such a situation (in the heart of an apple, &:c.) as 
frequently to prevent oUr supposing the blight to be caused by attacks of the 
insect tribe. 
I have the honor to remain. Sir, 
Your humble servant, 
G-—. 
East Hrayton^ Nottinghamshire, 
June 17, 1837. 
2 M 2 
