15 



Draining is to the subsoil what digging is to the surface 

 and when once land is opened, up kept in a friable and 

 porous, yet, firm state Nature comes to man's assistance 

 every particle of manure, each constituent of the soil, is in 

 available form as food for the plant or is ready and able to 

 perform its quantum of usefulness every shower of rain 

 takes life into the soil and expels all sour air, which it con- 

 tains, making room for constant fresh supplies of OXYGEN, 

 without which the soil to all intents and purposes is dead. 

 If the estate be shaded, lopping and thinning must always 

 be carefully attended to and the Planter must by his own 

 energy and capital carry out such other operations as from 

 time to time his experience may dictate or which the peculiar 

 requirements of aspect, elevation and locality shall render 

 necessary. 



CHAPTER 2. 



A PRACTICAL VIEW OF LEAF DISEASE AND ROT, 

 AND CONCLUSIONS ARRIVED AT BY EXPERIENCE. 



In commencing an investigation of a parasitical fungus 

 like Hemilia we naturally search diligently for information 

 connected with the details of its life history, development 

 and requirements. Failing in this respect we look for ax- 

 ioms and definitions applicable to pests of a kindred nature. 

 We are disappointed however at the outset, we find that the 

 whole subject is shrouded in mystery, information is vainly 

 sought for, books are read and re-read; all around are diffi- 

 culties, and one toils through a labyrinth of technicalities and 

 puzzling phraseology vainly seeking to grasp a wily phantom, 

 which at every turn appears likely to be secured, but finally 

 " vanishes into thin air." The subject however viewed is 

 abstruse, unyielding, and mysterious, but yet, there are many 

 attractions about it which render its consideration alluring 



