GRAPES 43 



Admit all the air that is compatible with " growing " conditions, 

 using judgment to prevent any harsh draughts that are likely 

 to bring mildew into the house. 



That cold draughts will cause mildew is undoubted, but 

 far oftener it is the lack of moisture at the roots which causes 

 this disease, or a coldness at the root following the use of water 

 at too low a temperature. 



" Shanking," that is, a shrivelling of portions or even the 

 whole of a bunch, not in the berries, but first in the stalks, is 

 another disease caused sometimes by lack of root moisture and 

 sometimes by overcropping. It may also be caused through 

 poverty, viz., underfeeding. The experienced grower for market 

 is seldom troubled much by this disease, because he gets to 

 thoroughly understand his vines and the conditions under 

 which they are working, and he also has the complete root 

 system under control. 



A sharp look-out must be kept for any appearance of red 

 spider and mealy bug, both of which are most virulent pests. 

 The syringe must keep down the former, for as the period of 

 ripening approaches and drier treatment is meted out, conditions 

 are set up which encourage its attacks. If mealy bug appears 

 it should be fought by hand and washed out. 



The wholesome and almost natural conditions under which 

 the vine is generally cultivated, coupled with its great vigour 

 and strength, makes it tolerably easy to keep it clean and 

 healthy, and a filthy cane is seldom to be found save as the result 

 of gross negligence. Mildew is the greatest enemy, and this 

 should be prevented as far as possible by occasional thin films 

 of flowers of sulphur, as well as by judicious watering and 

 ventilation, as before stated. It is a sound practice to reassure 

 oneself as to the efficiency of the drainage at least every 

 alternate year, as the health of the vines is so nearly connected 

 with it. 



When the fruit ripens and the bunches are cut, throw open 

 the ventilators night and day, and allow the elements full 

 scope to ripen the wood as no other power can. Nothing is 

 more gratifying than to see the passing foliage clothed with the 

 richest autumn glories, showing that up to the last they 



