106 AMERICAN GEAPE GROWING 



During the winter of 1889 the subject of black rot 

 and its prevention by spraying was discussed by the 

 press, in fruit growers' associations, and elsewhere. All 

 who had experimented the previous year urged all grape 

 growers to procure suitable outfits and spray thoroughly 

 the coming year. The few who did were richly paid, as 

 they saved nearly their entire crop, while those who did 

 not, lost from ten to ninety per cent. 



The experience of 1890 fully demonstrated the value 

 of the practice as a preventive of both black rot and 

 mildew. One large grower claimed the operation saved 

 him one hundred tons of grapes. Instances were com- 

 mon where adjoining vineyards showed nearly complete 

 destruction by black rot in the unsprayed, and a perfect 

 crop where the vines had been sprayed. The foliage of 

 Delaware vines, where sprayed, was as healthy and clean 

 till frost came, as that of Concords. 



The fact that applications of copper salts will prevent 

 other forms of fungus than black rot, makes the grow- 

 ing to perfection of many delicate hybrid grapes possible. 

 During a season of frequent heavy rains the successful 

 treatment of a vineyard is expensive, and in some cases 

 almost impossible. 



Anthracnose has made its appearance in many vine- 

 yards, but while affecting the vitality of the vine more 

 seriously than does black rot, it does not spread so rapidly. 

 It yields to an application of a saturated solution of sul- 

 phate of iron to the trunk and arms of the vine before 

 the buds swell in the spring. 



But few vineyards are damaged by phylloxera. In 

 some sections the steel beetle is destructive by eating into 

 and destroying the opening bud. Spraying with Paris 

 green is done for the destruction of this pest. The rose 

 bug, by eating the blossom and embryo grape, is occa- 

 sionally very destructive. Hand picking, and jarring 

 the insect into a basin of kerosene, in the cool of the 



