19t) GRAPE CULTURE AND 



COULURE OR IMPERFECT SETTING. 



Some varieties are constitutionally and inherently inclined 

 to this disease, for instance the Malbeck, which always suf- 

 fers from it, and therefore is not worth cultivating here. In 

 others, it arises from unfavorable conditions of the atmos- 

 phere, improper location and soil, etc. Among those most 

 easily affected by these changes, I note the Zinfandel, Muscat 

 of Alexandria, Flame Tokay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chaucne 

 Noir, the Rieslings, Gelber Hosier, White Elben, etc. 

 With these, it generally follows sudden changes of tempera- 

 ture; for instance, very cool weather or frost, followed by hot 

 northern winds; windy locations are more subject to it than 

 those somewhat protected, etc. Sometimes, late rains, which 

 keep the ground cold and moist, are the cause ; and again, 

 methods of pruning. If the vine has been pruned too short, 

 rank growth and coulure are almost sure to follow; and vice 

 versa, if the vine is taxed beyond its strength, it is apt to set 

 imperfectly. While we may not be able to control atmos- 

 pheric influences entirely, we can certainly do much by 

 pruning properly, taxing the vine neither too much nor too 

 little; and it also should lead us to be careful in choosing 

 our location, avoiding cold, damp soils and exposed loca- 

 tions. No doubt we can also prevent it to a certain extent 

 by using certain fertilizers, applied just before the bloom., 

 Foremost of these, where it can be had, is the ammoniacal 

 liquid, which can generally be had at gas works for very 

 little more than filling into casks, and which is the cheapest 

 and best fertilizer I know. Dilute each gallon of the liquid 

 with seven gallons of water, put a cask on a low wagon or 

 sled, and attach a hose with a faucet to it. Make a small 

 hole above each vine, say eighteen inches or two feet from 

 and above it, and apply about half a gallon to each vine- 

 Two men can go over about five acres in a day, and it is 

 wonderful how it stimulates the vine and increases the size 



