PREFACE 



the phylloxera invasion, over 5,000,000 acres of vines; more 

 than three-fourths of that area have been destroyed by 

 phylloxera. By 1899, 2,500,000 acres were reconstituted 

 with American vines. The production of wine, which had 

 fallen to 638,000,000 gallons, exceeded, in 1900, 1,430,000,000 

 gallons; further, the average production was 1,100,000,000 

 gallons before the appearance of phylloxera. The Depart- 

 ment of the Herault, in which 450,000 acres were formerly 

 under vines, had, by 1900, reconstituted 445,435 acres with 

 American vines. 



All other processes or methods of combating phylloxera 

 can only be of transitory value, and only prepare, more or 

 less progressively, the way for eventual reconstitution with 

 American vines. The following comparative figures estab- 

 lish this beyond a doubt: 



Bisulphide of carbon was applied in France in 1890 to 

 155,595 acres; in 1900, it was only applied to 90,500 acres, 

 American vines, on the contrary, show the following pro- 

 gressive increase: 



1880 16,102 acres. 



1885 188,230 acres. 



1890 1,090,045 acres. 



1900 '. . 2,404,895 acres. 



The use of American vines necessitates, however, greater 

 supplementary care in culture; but these difficulties (selection 

 of graft-bearers for different classes of soils and grafting) 

 are insignificant for those who possess a sound knowledge of 

 adaptation. The main object of this translation is to impart 

 that knowledge, and we trust that the viticulturists of Cali- 

 fornia will profit by the work which the translators have so 

 willingly performed. 



P. VIALA, 



Inspector-General of Viticulture. 

 PARIS, December, 1902. 



