THE greater part of the agricultural, and especially the viticultural, regions of France possess scientific establishments, agricultural schools or stations which, by their work, their researches and their discoveries, aid the viticulturists, unfortunately so much troubled, and indicate to them the safe course to follow.

The Beaujolais were in need of such a guide. The viticultural station at Villefranche supplies this want.

It is situated in the center of Beaujolais, essentially a grape-growing country, which has acquired a universal reputation for the quality of its wines. All this vast vineyard has, in its turn, been ravaged by the phylloxera. And, to-day, when all these hill-sides are covered with foliage as formerly, the grower painfully sees the number of enemies attacking the vines increasing each year. He must continually be on the alert in finding new remedies for the new diseases.

Never has the grower been busier with all that is connected with the vine; defense against insects, fungi physiological diseases and atmospheric conditions, adaptation and improvements in pruning, methodical culture, perfecting the processes of vinification, treatment of diseases of vines, etc., etc. It is with the view of study all these questions that Mr. Vermorel has founded at Villefranche a viticultural station, the motto chosen being "Progress by Experience".

If the station is well located, so its equipment leaves nothing to be desired. Mr. Vermorel has done everything in regard to the number and importance of the labors which it is designed to undertake.

The buildings comprise a physiological and pathological laboratory, including a hall devoted to microscopic work. This laboratory is also connected with a greenhouse, divided into several compartments in which are raised the plants upon which the experiments are performed.

A chemical laboratory, in which special attention is given to analysis, and a studio for photography, also form part of the station. In the midst of all the buildings is a large hall occupied by the museum and the library.

A meteorological observatory forms an indispensable complement to the various laboratories.

The station is situated on a low hill in the center of a vineyard of about 15 acres, which it uses for experiments. About 70 acres, planted in vines and situated near Villefranche, also belong to the station. Experiments with fertilizers are being carried on, and 20 acres of the poorest land have been reserved for this purpose. On another plot over 500 varieties have been set out.

Among the numerous questions which it is proposed to study in this station, pathological agriculture occupies one of the principal places, and in this vast branch the entomological division will be the object of particular attention.

To complete the utility of the station, Mr. Vermorel proposes soon to open a winter course on the plan of the many now existing in Germany.

A review, published every three months, gives an account of the work in the laboratory and experimental fields.

Although just established, the station at Villefranche has already shown its utility, which will increase from day to day. Three bulletins have appeared, giving accounts of the interesting work undertaken. All these experiments have a great practical value, this being particularly the aim of the station, although a large space is reserved to purely scientific questions. Among others we cite complete studies on the cochylis; the pearly glands of the vine; comparative experiments on the treatment of anthracnose ; a new parasite of the cochylis ; destruction of the white worms.

It remains for us to add, that the disinterested example of Mr. Vermorel is bearing fruit, and that soon, in various parts of France, similar stations will be erected. All those who undertake this work will render a service to the State of the greatest importance - Progres Agricole it Viticole.