CULTURE OF THE VINE. 



much as can be cleared off until the roots are visible, when a 

 covering of the above mixture must be placed immediately on 

 the roots to the depth of four or five inches. Water the inside 

 border copiously over the manure ; frequently repeat the 

 watering throughout the winter and spring, in order to wash 

 the strength of the manure amongst the roots. It will not be 

 necessary to water the outside border, as sufficient moisture 

 will be had from rain. The dressing of manure should be 

 done at least a month before the vines are pruned, as by so 

 doing it gives the vines the ability of shooting forth numerous 

 young roots amongst the newly-laid-on manure, which is of 

 immense importance to their well-doing the following season. 

 The reason I recommend their not being pruned immediately 

 after the crop is taken from them is, that, however well- 

 matured the wood may be, and however many of the principal 

 leaves may be in a state of decay, it will be observed that 

 numerous small lateral shoots, at the extreme end, have still 

 some vitality left ; therefore those lateral shoots will keep up 

 a sufficient circulation to enable the vine to throw out roots 

 with greater facility, which, if once started, will continue to 

 increase with rapidity, notwithstanding the branch is in a 

 state of repose. 



I will now say a few words relative to mildew, which has 

 been of late the subject of much animadversion. I have read 

 and heard much of it, but never felt the ill effect of it until 

 the first week in August last. A fine crop of grapes, in a most 

 luxuriant state, within the short space of twelve hours, was 

 completely covered as with a shower of snow; fruit, leaves, 

 and branches, being alike affected. When the disease attacks 

 the vines thus suddenly, the remedy, of whatever kind, must 

 be as promptly used. It is generally allowed that sulphur is 

 almost the only cure ; but much depends, even with that, on 

 the method of its application. Whether mildew is produced 

 by atmospheric or other causes is not at present my subject. 

 To remedy the evil is the object. My practical experience is 



