526 



of the vine. The symptoms of the disease are those of general signs 

 of weakness and debility. The canes grow thinner and thinner, the 

 leaves smaller, and, after a while, the trunk assumes a " cabbage- 

 head " shape, and can be easily pulled out ; the roots being rotten, 

 brownish, and spongy. The roots of the vines affected by this 

 parasite show, between the bark and the wood, patches of felted 

 mouldy threads. Around the trunk, in damp soil, a growth of 

 white cottony threads is seen, which spreads through the soil, follow- 

 ing the roots and extending like a stain of oil. 



Remedies. Modify the conditions of the soil by draining and 

 liming, to sweeten it and make it more healthy. 



When the disease is just showing, pulling out the attacked 

 plants, collecting roots and all, and burning them, to prevent the 

 diffusion of these spores (seeds of mould), is advisable. Manuring 

 the vines to stimulate their growth helps them to get over the 

 weakening effect of the mould. 



I have seen good results attend the application in winter- 

 time, on the main roots and round the stock of the vine, laid bare 

 for the purpose, of a mixture of kerosene oil stirred in a white- 

 wash or a solution of sulphate of iron. 



DOWNY MILDEW (Peronospora viticola, De Barry). Appears 

 in small frost-like patches on the under surface of the leaves, 

 finally causing yellowish discolouration on the upper surface. 

 Berries are also affected, remaining small and hard and turning 

 brown. 



Remedies. Two or three applications of Bordeaux mixture. 



This disease does not exist in Australia, but causes consider- 

 able damage in American and European vineyards. 



OIDIUM TUCKERII (Powdery mildew). One of the most pre- 

 valent diseases wherever the grape vine is extensively cultivated. 



Vine Steins Showing Stains of Oidium. 



Before a remedy for this disease had been found, it swept out 

 of existence the vineyards of Madeira. Some twenty to thirty years 

 ago a number of small vineyards in Western Australia were rooted 



