in Exira-Tropical Countries. 40$ 



suggested however seem to have proved really effective, or they are not 

 of sufficiently easy and cheap application, and the Phylloxera-pest is- 

 still rapidly on the increase in Europe; according to the latest 

 accounts one-third of all the vineyards of France are affected, and the 

 disease is also spreading in Italy and Spain. Inundation to the depth 

 of a few inches for about a month, where that is practicable, com- 

 pletely suffocates the Phylloxera, but renders the vine for a while 

 much less productive. In sandy soil this dreadful insect is retarded 

 in its development, action and progress. Bisulphide of carbon has 

 proved an efficient remedy; this expansive fluid is introduced into 

 the soil by a peculiar injector, or through porous subtances (wood, 

 earth), saturated with the bisulphide, the cost of this operation being, 

 in France, 3 10s.-4 per acre annually. (Planchou, David, Marion, 

 Robart. See also translations by K. Staiger and A. K. Findlay.) 

 Dressing with sulpho-carbonate of potassium is still more efficacious 

 and less dangerous, but involves an annual expenditure of about 8 

 per acre (W. T. Dyer). Sand might be dug in at the roots of vines, 

 which may be in imminent danger of becoming a prey of Phylloxera. 

 Recently it has been insisted on by Mr. Bauer, of San Francisco, that 

 it would be best to put minute quantities of mercury, triturated with 

 chalk, near the roots of vines affected with Phylloxera, a measure 

 which deserves every consideration, as the particles of quicksilver 

 would only very gradually become dissolved, and long remain 

 stationary; and we know that metal in its solutions to be the most 

 powerful antiseptic, a dilution of one part of bichloride of mercury in 

 5,000 parts of water proving strong enough for surgical purposes. It 

 is reported from California, likewise, that there cereals seem also 

 attacked by Phylloxera. Little's soluble Phenyl is among the reme- 

 dies, recommended by the chief viticultural officer in San Francisco 

 against the insect. Wetmore urges the use of sulphate of iron against 

 the mildew of vines. Travellers through new temperate regions might 

 include carefully kept vine-seeds among those to be disseminated. 



Vitis VUlpina, Linn.* (Vitis rotundifolia, Michaux.) 



The Muscadine- or Fox-Grape. South-Eastern States of North- 

 America; extends also to Japan, Manchuria and the Himalayas. 

 This species includes as varieties the Bullace, the Mustang, the Bull- 

 ate-Grape and both kinds of the Scuppernongs. The berries are of 

 pleasant taste, but in some instances of strong flavor; they are the 

 largest among Amerian grapes. All the varieties derived from Vitis 

 vulpina are perfectly proof against the attacks of Phylloxera vasta- 

 trix. Although in infected districts a few insects may sometimes be 

 found on it, yet no ill effects are ever manifested. The flowering 

 season is about six weeks later than that of the European vine. This 

 species is not easily propagated from cuttings, but must be raised 

 from seeds or by layering. As this is a very large species, the vines 

 should be planted 20 to 30 feet apart, and grown in bower- fashion or 

 on trellises. It does not bear pruning, but some of the superfluous 

 wood may be trimmed off during summer. It is only suited for mild 



