MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 119 



A majority of the replies simply made the statement that the authors were 

 unacquainted with the disease or its effects beyond newspaper articles that had 

 come under their observation. A few, however, contained valuable informa- 

 tion, and these are appended herewith : 



SUGGESTIONS AS TO i:iNYESTIGATIOX. 



Charles A. Green, of Clifton, New York, writes: Your favor has my at- 

 tention, but I can help you but little, as we have been lucky enough thus far 

 to escape the grape rot. We have all the prominent old and new varieties 

 groAving free from any trouble except phylloxera in the root, and this is but 

 trifling. I have read with interest the opinion of Mr. Bateham and others, on 

 grape rot. The theory that it is caused by the unnatural and cramped treat- 

 ment given is plausible. Roots do not extend nor are they healthy when the 

 vines of vigorous varieties are confined to narrow limits. The theory of pecu- 

 liar weather and temperature fails, for we have had these eternally. Were 

 phylloxera present at the roots, I should be tempted to charge the rot to them. 

 Were I to investigate the subject closely I should certainly secure the aid of an 

 entomologist, for I cannot now be surprised at any new freak that insects may 

 attempt. 



Then again, there are diseases that are new and contagious, and likely at any 

 time to spread among fruits just as there are new disorders in the human fam- 

 ily ; no one can state their source or remedy. Peach yellows and pear blight 

 or grape rot may all be of this class. Diseases are certainly spread by bud- 

 ding, and by various unsusj^ected methods — winds, insects (the bees), etc. 



Grapevines have of late, in many instances, received extravagant dressings 

 of bone-dust, wood ashes, phosphates, etc., dead animals have been buried 

 about their roots ; every fancy has been indulged in excessive fertilization and 

 mainly experimental. May it not be that the grape has taken potash or phos- 

 phoric acid, or other agents designed to promote growth, in excess, and that 

 the rot is a consequence? My thoughts are not experience, simply suggestive 

 of lines of investigation. 



EXPERIENCE AT MIDDLE BASS ISLAND. 



Mr. G. M. High, of Middle Bass, Ohio, writes : 



jSTo one can be more anxious for facts in regard to grape rot, cause, remedy, 

 and cure than myself. I have experimented some during the last year. I 

 first received from Geo. B. Forrester, of New York city, what he supposed was 

 a sure cure ; gave it a thorough trial according to directions, without produc- 

 inoj the least effect in arresting the disease. I think the mixture was larsrelv 

 composed of sul^^hate of potash. 



I experimented first in applying IJJbs. of sulphate of potash, 73 per cent, to 

 each of 200 vines ; a mixture of 100 lbs. of potash (same as above) 125 lbs. hen 

 manure, 50 lbs. pure ground bone, and 125 lbs. of land plaster, 2 lbs. to each 

 of 200 vines. To another 200 vines 1\ lb. each of common salt, with two other 

 mixtures, changing the order somewhat. But beyond the mixture contain- 

 ing hen manure I saw no marked difference the first season, and that only 

 in increase of foliage. This year I can see a slight increase of foliage and 

 strength of vine in all the applications. I received last j-ear a lengthy letter 

 from a Mr. Richards of Hyram, Ohio, given "a certain cure'' which would be 

 impracticable in extensive culture. I would have given it a trial but overlooked 

 the matter till too late for this season. There are not many but have some 

 theory about the matter that have given the subject any attention whatever, 



