WJNE-MAKING IN CALIFORNIA. 193 



surface ot the ground, will destroy the oidium, but a larger 

 quantity would be required. 



Sulphur falling on the giound is by no means lost, but a 

 lesser quantity will answer if lodged on the leaves and 

 branches. I> has been stated that sulphur falling to the 

 earth is lost by its effect being immediately neutralized. The 

 sulphurous acid formed is neutralized, but the vapor of sul- 

 phur the active disinfectant is not neutralized, nor is the ef- 

 fect of the sulphur lost, except as it be covered up and hid 

 from the sun and air. 



The simplest rule as to the time for applying sulphur is: 

 " Treat the vineyard whenever the disease makes its appear- 

 ance." But if we desire to apprehend even its introduction, 

 which is the general custom in California, the first application 

 should be made at or about the time of flowering, as at this 

 period the disease is apt to attack the delicate organs of fruc- 

 tification and render the vine infertile. Altogether the most 

 favorable results have been obtained by sulphuring at the time 

 of blossoming. This, .too, is one of the methods of combat- 

 ing coulure, a trouble which will be treated later on. Young 

 vines do not require so frequent sulphuring nor so great a 

 quantity as vines in full bearing. The former should be sul- 

 phured when the shoots attain a length of a few inches; and 

 again, later on, if the oidium makes its appearance. Bearing 

 vines should, in addition to the treatment at blossoming, re- 

 ceive a second application from the first to the middle of June, 

 .and again, later on, if the disease makes its appearance. 



The quantity used at each application may vary with the 

 number of vines per acre, and should be governed somewhat 

 by the susceptibility of the variety, as before explained. Less 

 is needed for. the first than for subsequent applications, when 

 the vines attain full proportions. The quantity commonly 

 .used in California .for old vines subject to oidium, is about 



