CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 237 



A brine was made in the proportion of one pound of salt 

 to one gallon of water, which was sprinkled broadcast. 

 The result was, that the mildew was completely subdued. 

 Mr. Cartwright adds, " I believe it to be instant death to 

 fungus. This, however, is certain, in less than forty- 

 eight hours, the straw nearly recovers its original color and 

 brightness. The certainty and celerity of its operation I 

 account for thus : The mildew, it is well ascertained, is a 

 parasitical plant of the fungus tribe, the principal constit- 

 uent of which tribe is water : when salt is therefore ap- 

 plied to them, the aqueous particles are immediately 

 absorbed, and their vitality destroyed. The action of salt 

 upon mushrooms, as in making mushroom-catsup, confirms 

 this theory." 



This applies to 'mildew upon wheat; but it would be 

 reasonable to suppose that its nature was so similar to 

 grape mildew (Oiclium Tuckeri of Europe), that it would 

 have equal effect upon the latter also. I have never heard 

 of any experiments in this direction in this country as 

 applied to the grape. It is certainly worthy of trial. But 

 the most powerful specific is sulphur, which has long been 

 known and applied, long before the nature of the dis- 

 ease was understood. The testimony in its favor is unani- 

 mous and very decided. If it can be made to pervade a 



