276 AMERICAN GEAPE GROWING 



The stable manure was also distributed over the surface 

 and plowed under. The ammoniacal liquid was again 

 applied in midsummer, and showed astonishing results 

 in the increased vigor of the vines and size of the berries. 

 The gas lime was next in efficacy, and the stable manure 

 third, but all caused an increased vigor, and though we 

 lost over five acres again by the insect, we made thirty- 

 seven thousand gallons of wine, which, deducting the area 

 destroyed, made our crop double that of the year before. 

 It is but fair to say, however, that different pruning and 

 training, as well as better cultivation, contributed largely 

 to this increase. I intend to follow up this treatment, 

 and keep the vines alive as long as I can, and to replant 

 the destroyed part of the vineyard with American vines. 

 Those already set out show satisfactory growth and 

 vigor, although planted in the same place where the 

 Viniferas were destroyed. 



In the first part of the book I have already given the 

 condensed life history of the Phylloxera, and it would 

 lead too far, were I to go into all the testimony and details 

 relating to this pest. A word to the wise is sufficient. 



We also have the grape vine Fidia here in this State. In 

 addition to the remedies given on page 112; we apply sul- 

 phur, which seems to check them. The Thrip or Leaf- 

 hopper (a dull white and yellow insect) is very abundant 

 and destructive to the foliage in certain parts of the State. 

 Spraying in spring with a mixture of sulphur, Buohach 

 and soft soap, through a fine nozzle manufactured for 

 the purpose, is a good remedy. In fall, when the grapes 

 are off, sheep may be turned among the vines, which will 

 eat the leaves and weeds, thereby destroying millions of 

 the insects, and enrich the ground by their droppings. 



ISTone of the diseases and insects found here, are such 

 serious obstacles to grape culture, as the unfavorable 

 climate and the manifold diseases present to the grape 

 growers of the States east of the Rocky Mountains. In 



