THE PHYLLOXEKA, OR GRAPE LOUSE OF THE VINE. 133 



"When the soil is either very wet or very dry the treatment ought 

 to be delayed. 



" The most favorable conditions for treatment to ensure the best 

 distribution of the vapours of sulphide, and their persistence in the 

 soil are those of a soil slightly humid, permeable, but close on the 

 surface, and forming a crust after the action of rain. In these cases 

 excellent results can be obtained, even in strong soils, which are the 

 most difficult to defend. In light and permeable soils the treatment 

 can be effected at any time of year. 



" It is essential not to leave the vines long under the influence of an 

 attack of phylloxera. To obtain good results the invasion ought to be 

 treated at once, and before the vines show any enfeeblement. The 

 vineyard must be treated in its totality, it would be useless to inject the 

 sulphide only where spots are seen ; and the treatment must be renewed 

 every year. 



" In the southern vineyards of France the extreme dryness of the soil 

 and the great development of shoots at the beginning of summer are an 

 obstacle to operations during that season, and the treatment in autumn, 

 winter, or spring is the easiest and most efficacious. On the other hand, 

 in most of the other viticultural regions, the rains of autumn and winter 

 frequently prevent the work, and it is easier in spring or summer. 

 Summer treatment, instead of being only done once, requires two appli- 

 cations, succeeding each other at an interval of from four to six days, 

 half the dose being employed each time which would have been injected 

 by a single treatment. The advantage of reiterated treatment is, that 

 it maintains during a longer time the parasites under the action of the 

 toxical vapours. It is, therefore, essential that the interval between the 

 first and second injection should be short. 



" 4. Manuring. The vine, like every other plant, requires manures to 

 replace in the soil the elements which the crop takes away. Ordinary 

 manures are sufficient for vines which have not been already greatly 

 attacked by the phylloxera, and when the insecticide treatment is 

 adopted without delay; but when the roots have been already partly 

 destroyed by the parasite, reparatory and supplementary manuring is 

 imperatively required, so as to favour a rapid re-constitution. Experi- 

 ence has shown that the applications of sulphide of carbon, if made 

 with care, method, and persistence, bring back enfeebled vines into 

 complete production, and maintain in full value vineyards which have 

 been treated immediately on the appearance of the phylloxera." 



About the phylloxera, its ravages, prevention, and 

 remedial measures, &c., growers can hardly have too 

 much information, so that although this chapter may 

 appear a lengthy one, it is hoped that the great importance 

 of the subject will be considered sufficient justification 

 for the inclusion of these valuable, and often difficult to 

 obtain, extracts and opinions of the best authorities, no 



