194 GRAPE CULTURE AND 



eight pounds per acre for the first treatment, and from twelve 

 to twenty pounds at the second application. 



The use of this remedy in conformance with the above in- 

 structions will affect a great-saving over conventional methods 

 pertaining at present in California. Not unfrequently our 

 vineyardists sulphur in weather positively prohibitory to the 

 disease, Varieties but little liable to oidium, situated per- 

 haps in the hottest and driest interior localities and trained 

 low to escape it, often receive a dose which goes only to fer- 

 tilize the soil and stimulate the growth of the vine. 



This latter function is one which, however, must not be 

 overlooked; the general aspect of the vine is always improved! 

 and vegetation greatly stimulated by the free use of sulphur, 

 A small percentage only of the sulphur applied vaporizes the 

 balance works into the soil, becomes slowly oxydized and fi- 

 nally unites to form sulphates of the alkalies and alkaline earths r 

 which are in substance the essential ingredient of some of the 

 best fertilizers. Still it is well to know whether the sulphur is 

 applied for the cure of oidium and as a fertilizer,, or as a 

 fertilizer only. 



The most favorable hours for applying sulphur are from 

 eight or nine o'clock in the morning to the middle of the af- 

 ternoon, preferably from 9 A. M. till 2 p. M. The sulphur 

 which comes in contact with dew or other water is in no wise 

 altered thereby, but ceases to give off its vapor only until the 

 water evaporates, and thereby exposes its surface to the at- 

 mosphere. A rain following the application of sulphur does 

 not alter this element, but results in damage only in removing 

 the particles mechanically from the foliage of the vine to other 

 places more remote from the seat of disease. 



Any wind other than very gentle will do much to shake off 

 and remove the sulphur from the leaves. A windy day should 

 therefore be avoided. In fact, a hot, still midday is best in 



