290 ANNUAL EEPORT 



the grower will at least have the consolation of havig ndone his 

 duty according to the light possessed. 



It would be wise for every grower to get the reports upon this sub- 

 ject, published annually by the agricultural department at Wash- 

 ington. They are conducting officially a very interesting series 

 of investigations into the cause and cure of this kind of mildew, 

 and these reports include also the results of many private investi- 

 gators. Good results are following from this work, and it is the 

 privilege of all growers to assist, as all would reap the benefits. 

 The experiments to control this disease are now pretty much 

 confined to spraying the vine with various preparations in which 

 the active principle is sulphate of copper, ajid the results accom- 

 plished indicate that they are in the right direction. These ap- 

 plications must be made before the mildew appears so that the 

 spores will be destroyed as they fall upon the leaf, in advance of 

 their taking root. The different formulas for making the prepa- 

 rations called Eau Celeste, Bordeaux Mixture, Sulphate Mix- 

 ture, etc., are long, and as they are all contained in the report 

 referred to, time will not be taken up with them here. 



Minnesota is peculiarly well adapted in climate and soil to the 

 growth of some early varieties of the grape vine, and a little set- 

 back from disease should not discourage the grower. Industry, 

 good judgment and perseverance will make him master of the 

 situation. 



DISCUSSION. 



Mr. Pearse. I burn all leaves that are diseased, and all the 

 trimmings. 



President Elliot. We are aware that these grape diseases are 

 here and the question is now how to get rid of them. I don't 

 know that we can find any remedy but i^erhaps we may. 



Mr. Pearse. I have two questions to ask on the grape. At 

 what time should grape vines be uncovered in the spring? 



Mr. Dartt. When it is warm enough. 



Mr. Latham. When you can go out and pull them up — that 

 is the best time. 



Mr. Harris. I think as soon as the frost is out of the ground 

 and you can get them up. 



Mr. Underwood. A good deal depends upon the location; 

 whether they are grown in a warm and sheltered place . If they 

 start too early in the spring the blossoms will be pretty cerl^^n 

 to be killed by late frosts. We should not raise any grapes if 



