PLANT-DISEASES. 59 



copper is to be recommended (see Beak). Other diseases, 

 much like damping-off in general external characters, seem 

 to be due to bacteria. A confined atmosphere, compact 

 and wet soil, favor damping-off. 



Preventives and Eemedies. — Ventilate the cutting or 

 seed-beds, do not let the plants crowd, and do not keep 

 very wet, and keep the soil equally moist throughout its 

 depth, and the surface dry. When the trouble appears 

 among valuable plants, the healthy ones should be trans- 

 planted into fresh soil. Dusting the soil with sulphur, and 

 sifting upon it and the plants very hot clean sand are to be 

 recommended. 



Dropsy. — See (Edema. 



Gooseberry. Mildew {Sphcerotlieca Mors-uvoe, B, & C). — A 

 downy mildew attacking the fruits and young growth of 

 English varieties of gooseberry (varieties of Bihes Grossu- 

 laria) . 



iJewedies. — Potassium sulphide (liver of sulphur), \ 

 ounce to a gallon of water is a sure remedy, if applied as 

 soon as the leaves begin to unfold, and at intervals of two or 

 three weeks thereafter. Bordeaux mixture is equally good. 



Grape. Anthracnose or Scab (Sphaceloma Ampelinum, De 

 Bary). — The fungus attacks the leaves, where it forms 

 definite brown spots, and also the young shoots and the 

 fruits, where it forms pits or scabs. Generally distributed 

 east of the Mississippi. Probably introduced from Europe. 

 Eemedies. — It is difficult to combat. Before growth 

 starts, cut out and burn affected canes and then spray 

 plants and trellises with a saturated solution of sulphate of 

 iron. After the leaves open, use Bordeaux mixture to pre- 

 vent new attacks. 

 Black-Rot (Lcestadia Bidwellii, V. «Sb R. ; Phoma uvicola, 

 B. & C). — Attacks nearly full-grown berries. The fruit 

 becomes black, hard, dry, and shrivelled, and is covered with 

 minute pimples. Occurs east of the Rocky Mountains, 

 especially southwards. Of American origin. 



Preventive. — A board placed over the trellis, as men- 



