large complement like the "Shah"

would have had serious results.

23. At 5.45 p.m., it being dusk, and the "Huascar" having placed herself close inshore, and in a line with the town, I caused the firing to cease.

24. The "Shah" and "Amethyst" then took up positions to watch the "Huascar," and a torpedo expedition was organised and despatched from the "Shah," as reported in Enclosure No. 9.

25. At 3.30 a.m. on May 30 the torpedo expedition returned, reporting that the "Huascar " had escaped. This she could easily do, owing to the darkness of the night, the height of the land, and her draught of water enabling her to go close to the rocks.

26. Concluding that the "Huascar " had certainly gone northward to attempt to effect a landing at Quilca, I proceeded (as soon as the steam pinnace and torpedoes were stowed) with the two ships in that direction, detaching the "Amethyst" to Mollendo for intelligence.

27. At 7 p.m. the "Amethyst" brought off news that the "Huascar " was at Iquique, and preparing to disembark. Her preparing to disembark her force subsequently proved to be incorrect.

28. The "Shah's" coal supply getting short now began to be a serious consideration, but trusting to getting some coal either at Pisaqua or Iquique the two ships at once started off for the latter place.

29. At 5 p.m., when twenty miles off Iquique, the "Shah" stopped, and prepared a torpedo expedition.

30. Soon after dark the "Amethyst came up, and I detached her to board and obtain intelligence from a steamer seen coming from the direction of Iquique. The "Shah" then proceeded on, and when within seven miles of Iquique, being unable to wait longer for the " Amethyst" lest the moon should rise, the torpedo expedition was despatched to destroy the "Huascar in Iquique.

31. Shortly after the bcats had left we perceived guns, rockets, and blue lights in the direction of Mexillones. Apprehending that the "Amethyst had got on shore in attempting to intercept the steamer, the "Shah " proceeded towards the lights, getting a launch, and steam anchor and cable ready.

32. Soon, however, the "Amethyst" was perceived returning, and made the signal, "Huascar" has surrendered to-day to the Peruvian fleet.' The "Shah" then steamed with despatch

35. Having received confirmation of the "Huascar" having surrendered, I obtained as much coal as possible by 6 p.m., and having detached the “Amethyst" to resume her station as senior officer's ship on the coast of Chili, I proceeded in the "Shah" northward for Callao and Panama.

36. Before my departure from Iquique, Commodore Moore came on board to call upon and thank me for having been the means of the "Huascar's surrendering. I, however, stopped his thanks, and explained to him most distinctly that Her Majesty's naval forces under my command had taken, and would take, no part whatever in the internal dissensions or other affairs of Peru; the action I had taken in respect to the "Huascar" having been solely on account of her having committed piratical acts against British subjects, ships, and property.

66

37. In reply to my inquiries, Commodore Moore informed me that the Huascar" had landed the two English engineers at Autofagasta and shipped two French ones instead. He also informed me that amongst the "Huascar's crew were two or three Englishmen, but that they took no part in the action a statement I venture to think incorrect; but in the absence of proof I have abstained from further complicating matters by making any demand for their delivery into British custody.

38. I had a further conversation with Commodore Moore, but of so singular a turn that I shall give its substance in a separate letter.

39. I trust that in view of the proceedings I have reported, and for the following reasons, the Lords Commis

sioners of the Admiralty will deem that I was not only justified in the course I have adopted, but that I had no alternative, viewing my duty to protect the lives, ships, and property of Her Majesty's subjects.

40. I submit that an officer holding the high appointment of Commander in Chief is bound to act according to the best of his ability in such cases without embarrassing his Government with perplexing questions, and having done so to stand or fall by the subsequent judgment of his superiors, well knowing that no Government could give him decisive orders upon the mere information which could be embodied in a telegram at this distance, even if time had admitted of waiting for a reply (when a section of the cable was not working).

41. The reasons I submit to their Lordships are as follows:-

I. The "Huascar in boarding and detaining the "John Elder" at sea, in boarding and demanding despatches from the "Santa Rosa," in forcibly taking coal from the "Imuncina," in forcibly taking a Peruvian officer out of the "Columbia," and in forcibly compelling the engineer, a British subject, to serve against his will, committed acts which could not be tolerated.

II. The "Huascar," having no lawful commission as a ship of war, and owning no allegiance to any State, and the Peruvian Government having disclaimed all responsibility for her acts,

MEMORANDUM OF THE CANADIAN MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE UPON REFERENCE IN A DESPATCH OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES, TO THE SUBJECT OF THE COLORADO BEETLE.

The undersigned, in accordance with a request of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, having carefully examined the Despatches of Lord Carnarvon, respectively bearing date March 3, 1875, and August 28, 1876, has the honour to report as follows:

The occasion of considering measures for the prevention of the introduction of the Colorado potato beetle into other countries from Canada has

not yet presented itself, and the information from the German authorities, conveyed to Her Majesty's Minister at Berlin, on the capture of the insect on board ships and at Bremen, as well as other information given by newspapers relative to its introduction into Sweden, shows that the beetles had come from the United States, having been shipped at ports the neighbourhoods of which were invaded by them.

The document furnished to Her Majesty's Minister at Berlin, a copy of which forms part of the Despatch of August 28 last, contains the following remark.

"It may be considered an almost insoluble problem in regard to trans

atlantic ships' traffic to prevent by more extensive supervisional measures the introduction of these beetles in Europe."

The difficulty thus foreseen by the German authorities cannot but be selfevident when the habits and modes of progression of the insect are examined; for not only does it move by flying, and by navigating, so to speak, smooth water, but also travels on common vehicles, railway carriages, and platforms, on decks of vessels, &c., especially during the months of August and September.

In localities fully invaded, the beetles may be seen creeping on side walks, bridges, and wharves, crawling up buildings, occupying fences, lodging themselves in every crevice, penetrating houses and dwellings, ascending and occupying vehicles of all sorts, finding their way into boats and vessels, placing themselves on any and every article, and being found alive after a long sojourn in situations where there would seem to exist no chance for them to find any subsistence.

Such a short but correct exposé of the habits of the beetle as connected with the possibility of its penetrating almost anywhere, and by almost any means of transport, renders indeed insoluble the problem of absolutely preventing its inroad into new fields of devastation, no matter how remote or by what obstacles they may be separated from the regions already invaded.

It may be remarked in this respect that potatoes and their covering are neither more nor less apt to harbour the insect than anything else.

But if the absolute repelling of the invader is unfortunately beyond reach, the extent of the disaster is fortunately in a very great measure under control, involving, of course, care and expense.

The remedies which necessity has taught on this side of the Atlantic are such as to require for their application the joint effort of the community at large, kept alive to its interests and duties by the authorities, and men of devotedness to the common welfare.

These remedies are

1. Searching for and crushing every potato beetle wherever found.

2. Frequent visits to the potato fields, and searching for the eggs deposited on the under side of the leaves of the potato vine; and

3. Watching for the presence of the larvæ on the buds, and on the leaves of the plant in order to destroy them by means of Paris Green, the only sub

stance yet discovered to be effectually operative on a large scale for the destruction of the insect in its larval state. By these means, and by these means only, the invaded American States, and the western part of Canada, have been able to secure potato crops in a measure commensurate with the care and energy bestowed, and by similar means only can the invasion be retarded and lessened in its effects.

No measure has been taken in Canada, for reasons given, to prevent the falling or creeping of individual insects on board ships loading in Dominion seaports.

There is, however, almost a certainty that the environs of Montreal will be invaded next year, and with that prospect in view, general orders may be given to public officers and employés of the ports to look for and destroy any beetles which might be observed on the wharves, on sheds, on packages of goods to be embarked, or on board ships. A general appeal might also be made to all persons having to deal with the shipping for assistance in the execution of such preventive measures.

The undersigned respectfully recommends the adoption of such precautions, beyond which he does not see that there is anything within the power of the Canadian Government to do.

The whole respectfully submitted. (Signed) LETELLIER. Department of Agriculture, Ottawa, October 6, 1876.

TELEGRAM FROM MR. H. MACDONELL. Berlin, June 27, 1877.

Ministry of Agriculture as yet possess no reliable information respecting appearance of Colorado beetle at Mülheim. They have sent Professor Gerstaker, entomologist, to investigate and report. Papers state Professor Foester of Aachen, has pronounced the insect to be the Colorado beetle. Shall report any further information I obtain. H. MACDONELL.

TELEGRAM FROM HER MAJESTY'S CONSUL GENERAL AT DUSSELDORF, DATED JUNE 28, 1877.

Colorado beetle was found with larvæ numerous in a potato field near Mülheim. Yesterday, before the authorities, the field was fired with sawdust and petroleum. One beetle was seen on the wing. It is feared the plague may spread.

Sir, I hasten to send you the different reports on the Colorado beetle, which I have found in the different editions of the Cologne Gazette and the Stadt-Anzeiger, supposing that they will give you a better insight into the present state of the approaching plague than a personal report could do.

The Government, as well as the public, seem to take the matter seriously enough, so we will hope that their united endeavours will succeed in preventing further devastation.

It seems to be a fact, that the insect found on a potato field near Mülheim, on the Rhine, belonging to a butcher, who imports American bacon, is the real Colorado beetle. The chrysalis of the insect appears in considerable, but the beetle itself in more confined, quantities till now, on about one-fifth of the field, which measures about twenty

Düsseldorf, June 29, 1877.

MY LORD,-No discovery has as yet been made as to the manner in which the Colorado beetle was imported into the field in which it was found on the 24th instant near Mülheim. The statement that the owner of the field, being an importer of American bacon, may have had Colorado beetles' eggs in his bacon cases is as yet the only plausible one that has been given. The field, which I visited yesterday, is a large one, but edged on one side by houses; one of them, I believe, the property

and residence of the importer above mentioned.

As yet no signs of an extension of the beetle-plague have been discovered; but the authorities are apprehensive that it may spread, and they have issued a notice to the following effect:-

"The potato beetle (chrisomela decemlineata), commonly called the Colorado beetle, has undoubtedly been found in a field by Mülheim-am-Rhein. The ravages which this insect is well known to cause induce the issue of the following police order :

"Every owner, user, or lessee of fields planted with potatoes is bound to give notice of the appearance of the Colorado beetle, or its brood, to the police of his place of habitation." (Here follows a full description of the beetle and its larvæ and eggs.)

"2. Whoever shall neglect this duty will be fined from 9 to 30 marks, or suffer proportionate imprisonment.

"Neglect will be held to have been shown whenever, on revision, larvæ shall have been found in any potato field.

(Signed) "GUIONNEAN." "Köln, June 27, 1877."

I have, &c. (Signed) J. A. CROWE. The Right Hon. the Earl of Derby,

&c. &c. &c.

LETTER FROM MR. MACDONELL TO THE EARL OF DERBY.

Berlin, June 30, 1877.

MY LORD,- With reference to my telegram to your Lordship, No. 45 Com-. mercial, of the 27th instant, on the subject of the appearance of the Colorado beetle at Mülheim, I have now the honour to report that in answer to my inquiries at the Imperial Sanitary Office, which has been entrusted by Prince Bismarck's order with the investigation of the matter, I have been informed that a report has been received from Dr. Sell, professor of chemistry, who was sent to devise the best means of destroying the insect.

Dr. Sell states that there is no doubt that the insect is really the much dreaded Colorado beetle, but that prompt means have been taken for its destruction in the field where it appeared, which is only of about the extent of one hectare.

The sanitary office have promised to furnish me with a copy of Dr. Sell's

report on Monday, when I shall be able to send your Lordship further particulars.

I have, &c. (Signed) B. G. MACDONELL. The Earl of Derby,

&c. &c.

LETTER FROM MR. MACDONELL TO THE EARL OF DERBY.

Berlin, July 4, 1877.

MY LORD,-With reference to my Despatch, No. 46 Commercial, of the 30th ultimo, I have the honour to enclose herewith a précis of the report made by Dr. Sell to the Imperial German Sanitary Office, on the subject of the appearance of the Colorado beetle, together with a précis from the Gazette of the Empire on the same subject. I have, &c.

(Signed) B. G. MACDONELL. The Earl of Derby,

&c. &c.

In his Report to Dr. Struck, the director of the Sanitary Office of the Empire, Dr. Sell states that he visited the field where the Colorado beetle was said to have appeared, and that there is no doubt that it is the much dreaded beetle, as Dr. Gerstäcker has also reported.

The field, which is about one hectare in extent, had been burnt with petroleum before Dr. Sell's arrival, and the

vegetables in the neighbouring fields cut and burnt by way of precaution. On the day following, a search for traces of the beetle was almost without result, but the next morning from forty to fifty larvæ and chrysalides were dug out in presence of the reporter and Professor Gerstäcker at a depth not exceeding from ten to twelve centimètres.

Another burning of the field was to take place at once, and Dr. Sell proposed the application of an alkaline preparation composed of about 100 hectolitres of raw potash and limewash, which should be worked into the ground, and from which he promised a successful result.

In spite of every precaution which could be taken by the authorities there was still a fear that collectors or the curious might spread the evil, and with a view of preventing this a notice has been issued that all persons in possession of larvæ or chrysalides should hand them over to the authorities, under pain of a fine; the public are also called upon to give any information in their power with regard to the existence of the insect; and all owners of potato fields in the mayoralty have been directed, also under pain of fine, to have them closely inspected at least twice a week.

Dr. Sell concludes by stating that, in his opinion, everything has been done on the part of the local officials which can entail the entire extermination of the plague.

THE SELECT COMMITTEE APPOINTED

TO INQUIRE AND REPORT UPON THE PETITION OF LORD COCHRANE TO HER MAJESTY, PRAYING HER TO BE GRACIOUSLY PLEASED TO COMPLETE THE GRACIOUS ACT OF ROYAL JUSTICE WHICH RESTORED THE LATE LORD DUNDONALD TO HIS RANK AND HONOURS, A COPY OF WHICH WAS PRESENTED TO THE HOUSE UPON THE STH DAY OF MARCH LAST, PURSUANT TO AN ADDRESS TO HER MAJESTY ;-HAVE CONSIDERED THE MATTERS TO THEM REFERRED, AND HAVE AGREED TO THE FOLLOWING REPORT:

1. Your Committee beg to report that they have carefully examined the

Petition presented by Lord Cochrane to Her Majesty, which has been laid upon the table of the House, and referred by the House to your Committee.

2. Your Committee have received from the Treasury, Home Office, and Admiralty, all the documents in their possession relative to the case of the late Lord Dundonald, and they have been supplied by Lord Cochrane with other papers bearing upon the subject, all of which they have examined.

3. In considering the petition, your Committee have not deemed it necessary to touch upon those portions of it which refer to the trial of the late Lord Dundonald (then Lord Cochrane), but they have confined their inquiry