244 CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 



with boiling water will dissolve ten times the half-pound 

 of sulphur. Though the caustic lime-water is undoubt- 

 edly destructive of the fungus, yet its effect is limited to 

 actual contact with the disease. Our main reliance is 

 upon the sulphurous gas. I have made a solution of the 

 following proportions, without perceiving the slightest 

 injury to the foliage of the vines from its application : To 

 a peck of lime add five pounds of sulphur; slack with hot 

 water, in order that the heat of the lime may be as great 

 as possible, and the solution of the sulphur more perfect. 

 This may now be diluted with two barrels of water, which 

 is in the proportion of twelve gallons of liquor for every 

 pound of sulphur. I have indeed used it stronger than this 

 without ill effects. Considerable strength will be obtained 

 by drawing off a second, and even a third, run from the 

 lime-mortar. This liquid is to be applied to the foliage 

 with a syringe or hand garden-engine. It is quick in 

 action, and is therefore more desirable than dry sulphur 

 when the disease is under headway. It may also be used 

 in dull weather. A vineyardist will therefore do wisely 

 to provide this remedy in case of necessity, relying upon 

 the dry flour mainly for prevention, and in dry weather. 

 With a faithful use of these remedies, it is believed that 

 mildew cannot make headway. 



