Grapes 



197 



obtained for grapes during the last two years, The great difference in the 

 prices of early grapes for the two years given is largely due to the death 

 of our late King; but the price of grapes has been steadily declining every 

 year. At the present time Muscats hold their own fairly well, while 

 Hambros and Gros Maroc scarcely pay to grow. The average weights 

 given above are probably low. My own average crop -over a period of 

 live years works out at over 1^ Ib. per foot of rod for Hambros, and my 

 soil is a very poor one for grapes. As to the cost of growing, my records 

 bear out the estimate of 6d. per pound almost exactly. 



3. PESTS AND DISEASES OF THE VINE 



Red Spider. This is first seen by its causing small yellowish semi- 

 transparent patches on the leaves, easily noticed by looking at the foliage 

 against the light. If taken in time it can be stopped by sponging the 

 patches with one of the spider killers advertised for the purpose. A moist 

 atmosphere, a growing condition of the Vines, and the use of the Campbell's 

 sulphur vaporizer are the best preventives. Most important of all is 

 thorough attention to the cleaning; of the house and rods in the dormant 



c? O 



season. Red spider is caused by checks to the growth, dry borders, and 

 general weakness through overcropping. 



Warty Leaves are caused by sour borders or too moist an atmosphere. 

 The sulphur vaporizer will kill the warts. Give a dressing of lime to the 

 borders, and maintain a slightly drier atmosphere. 



Vine Weevil. Its presence is shown by green berries being found on 

 the borders in places, and by the eating of the leaves. The weevils can be 

 caught by tapping the Vines at night over a white sheet, and showing a 

 bright light on the leaves at the same time. Green leaves put on the 

 border will attract many during the night, and the weevils will be found 

 under them in the morning. When the Vines are dormant, dress the 

 borders with one of the tried soil sterilizers on the market at the strength 



