60 



examined a white grey or brown fungus growth will be found upon 

 them. This mould is at first white then changes to grey then brown 

 and black. It is composed of minute filaments which are matted 

 together and spread over the roots, and also extend some distance 

 into the soil. Some of these filaments come to the surface to 

 fructify or produce a perfect fungus. Aguricns melleus or Honey 

 Agaric may be taken as the type of the class. This fungus is as 

 large as an ordinary mushroom, and is edible. The spores of this 

 fungns are produced in great numbers and they rapidly germinate 

 when the conditions are favourable. Whenever this disease is 

 discovered it will be advisable to take up and destroy with tire, any 

 plants that are badly affected, and lime should be supplied liberally to 

 sweeten the soil. Prevention is, however, much better than cure 

 and the disease should be avoided by perfect drainage. Mouldy 

 Root is a disease that will never or rarely occur in land that is 

 thoroughly drained. 



Oidium. This fungus (Oidium Tuckerii) is generally known as the 

 Common Mildew or Powdery Mildew and is widely prevalent in 

 vineyards in all parts of the world. In Australasia it is a Avidely 

 spread and very troublesome pest, some varieties of Grapes being 

 specially liable to its attacks. Heat combined with moisture seems 

 to be the most favourable conditions for the spread of this fungus, 

 and it is generally worse in districts near to the sea coast. On the 

 other hand in the dry interior districts it causes less trouble, as a 

 rule. The Oidium is a fungus that grows upon the outer tissues of 

 the Vine and attacks the buds, leaves, young 1 wood, tendrils, flowers, 

 berries, and stalks. Its appearance at first is like thin white powder, 

 and it usually attacks the leaves first. But the berries seem to 

 attract the fungus most and they are often entirely covered with 

 its greyish white powdery looking filaments. If left unchecked the 

 effect of the parasite is to tighten the skins of the berries and cause 

 them either to dry up or crack. But though the Oidium is a 

 troublesome fungus, yet it may be effectively combatted by the use 

 of sulphur, provided it is not allowed to get a strong hold before the 

 remedy is applied. A still better plan is not to wait for the 

 appearance of the fungus, but to apply sulphur as a preventative and 

 give several dressings during the season. The first dressing should 

 be given in the spring, soon after growth has started. A second one 

 may be given when the flowers make their appearance and others at 

 intervals of two or three weeks as circumstances may require. In 

 applying sulphur Vine growers should bear in mind that the result 

 may be materially influenced by atmospheric conditions. It is not 

 the contact of the particles of sulphur with the fungus that destroys 

 the latter, but the fumes that are caused by the action of heat. 

 Sulphur should therefore be applied on bright calm days and while 

 the air is warm. Sulphur is usually applied by means of bellows 

 specially arranged for the purpose, but may be effectively used with 

 a common flour dredger or a bag that will allow it to come through. 

 Though sulphur in all its forms may be used, yet it should be 

 remembered that the finer the powder it is reduced to, the quicker 



