PHYLLOXERA.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2610, 18 August 1882, Page 3

PHYLLOXERA.

In order to lay the fullest possible informs* tion before the Government on the subject of this dreaded pest, the Christchurch Horticultural Committee, through its members and secretary, communicated with all whom they regarded as authorities on the subject. Mr Nair received from Mr Isitt, the secretary, a. letter addressed to Mr J. B. Armstrong, by the director of the Melbourne Botanical Gardens:

Melbourne Botanic Gardena, __ August Bth, 1882. Dear Sir,—As our financial year closed io June there was much work which affected correspondence, hence my non-reply to your favor of July 3rd. I hasten now, however, to give you the information desired.

Ist. The Phylloxera vastatrix is chiefly confined to Geelong and the western district of the colony, hut is not known in Melbourne, Sandhurst, &0., nor do I think it is in Adelaide or Sydney. In Geelong the culture of grape vines is not permitted, and all the vines in the vineyards have been destroyed. Ido not know this of my own knowledge, bnt I have it on very reliable authority. This I know, no phylloxera tainted vines are to be found anywhere in the vicinity of Melbourne. 2nd. I cannot say for certain, bnt am of opinion that as the d aease is confined princito the root (and as Mr Neils on, of onr Horticultural Society’s Gardens, informs me to every piece of the rcot of each infected plant) that the disease is not readily transmitted in connection with the frnit. 3rd. Mr Neilson informs me also that Messrs Veitch and Sons, of London, nurserymen, had to destroy 800 vines from ths cause named in their vineries under glass. I have written to the Secretary for Agriculture for supplementary information, and will forward the same as soon as received.

Sa far as I can learn, no remedy, at least no effective remedy, has been found. An Act was passed some time ago authorising wholesale destruction of vines in affected districts. I believe they are usually horned. Tours, &c.,

W. E. Quri.poTLK, Director.

J. B. Armstrong Esq , Botanic Gardens, Christchurch, New Zealand.