114 AMERICAN GRAPE GROWING 



all rot and mildew from the fruit." Just such mistakes 

 as these are to blame for all failures in spraying grape- 

 vines, for wherever fruit and foliage are covered with a 

 copper solution, the germination of the spores or seeds 

 of the fungi causing rot and mildew is impossible. But 

 just as impossible it is for any spray to be of the least 

 benefit, if applied after this germination has taken place. 

 When by naked eye we can discover the least trace of 

 mildew or rot, it proves that we should have commenced 

 spraying at least ten days before. 



Bordeaux mixture and the ammoniacal solution of 

 carbonate of copper, are now almost exclusively used. 

 For the last two years I have treated about eight acres 

 of vines with one, and eight acres with the other solu- 

 tion, and both with equally good success. I use a 

 Eureka knapsack sprayer with Vermorel nozzle. In va- 

 rious parts of my vineyards I dig holes to collect rain 

 water, and at these holes fill the knapsack, adding the 

 needed proportion of ammonia solution or concentrated 

 Bordeaux mixture. Thus water carrying is reduced to a 

 minimum. A Bordeaux mixture of one and one-half 

 pounds of bluestone to twenty-two gallons of water is 

 just as effective as the stronger solution formerly used. 

 This summer I allowed the Bordeaux mixture to settle, 

 using only the clear liquid for spraying. This avoids 

 clogging of the nozzle, makes spraying easier, and keeps 

 the fruit clean, without impairing the effectiveness of 

 the spray. To the sediment water may be added again, 

 and the bluish whitewash used for sprinkling strawber- 

 ries, melons, potatoes, tomatoes, etc. 



Finally, I claim one more benefit for spraying; it 

 greatly improves the hardiness of our vines. Ability to 

 resist low temperature mostly depends on the perfect 

 ripening of the wood. The fruit, canes and buds can 

 only ripen while the foliage is sound. Well-sprayed 

 vines keep their leaves perfect till killed by a hard frost, 



