154- THE GRAPE. 



it is not so injurious, as the berries only become marked 

 by a black spot on the surface, (but which penetrates 

 through the skin), and remains on the vine to ripen ; the 

 quality, however, is considerably deteriorated, for it con- 

 tinues to be a ' spot" to the last, and gives a bitter taste 

 to the flavor, not only for table use, but also to the wine 

 which may be made from the affected fruit. After some 

 years of careful watching for the cause of this, we are led 

 to the conclusion that it is produced by the direct striking 

 of the heat of a midsummer sun immediately upon the 

 berries, after heavy rain, the individual drops of which 

 fall with great force, and knock clear off a spot of the 

 " bloom" or farina that the berries are covered with, and 

 which, no doubt, is a protection against its intensity, 

 thereby leaving the tender cuticle exposed, and subject to 

 be more readily acted upon, just the same as the concen- 

 trated focus of a burning glass, on a previously covered 

 and delicate skin would be, if it were to be acted upon in 

 the same way. With this paralizing action upon the par- 

 ticular parts, they are more easily attacked by a fungus, 

 which, when once it becomes established, will progress so 

 long as the same weather continues, and hence is ex- 

 plained how the disease increases with a similarity of cir- 

 cumstances, and likewise the cause of its cessation. 



There are several trifling matters connected with the 

 subject, which may not be considered as disease, that may 

 be traced to some of the causes previously mentioned, 

 but which if carefully observed may be remedied in time, 

 without permanent injury; and in connection with this it 

 may be mentioned, that although it has been recommended 

 to keep up a moist atmosphere with repeated syringing, it 

 is by no means to be inferred that it is intended to water 

 overhead in the middle of the day, or yet in the morning 

 unless very early. In such a climate of " grey sunlight" 



