The Phylloxera

Abstract

IN the report to the Department of the Interior of the Canton of Geneva by the commission appointed to inquire into the best means of stopping the ravages of Phylloxera, which I have just received from Prof. Forel, of Morges, it is stated that the insect was most probably introduced from England in some vines which were taken to Geneva to certain graperies of Baron Rothschild in 1869. These graperies are in the middle of the infected district—they were found to be infected within twelve months of the arrival of the plants, and no vineyards but those in the neighbourhood of these graperies have been infected in all Switzerland. Prof. Forel, in his letter to me, says that while the surrounding vines have perished, those attacked in Baron Rothschild's houses have suffered very little indeed, and bear plenty of fruit. These vines, he says, are Black Hamburgh and Muscat d'Alexandrie or d'Alicante. He asks if in England anything is known which points out any kind of vine as suffering less than other kinds. Can any of your readers tell me anything about it?