AND WINE MAKING. 73 



ries fall ofp, covering the ground beneath the vine with 

 worthless fruit, to which a few fibers, of the diseased 

 pedicles still adhere. Even in mild attacks the berries 

 shell off badly from the bunches, rendering them unfit 

 for market, while the affected berries are of no value 

 for wfne. 



The disease is most prevalent upon cold, heavy clay 

 soils. Thorough undefdraining of such soils will per- 

 haps be found the best preventive. There is no appar- 

 .ent connection between the disease and sterility, for it 

 appears equally on lands which have been heavily ma- 

 nured, and those without fertilizers. That the vine, in 

 cases where its growth is materially checked by this dis- 

 ease, should be pruijed very short, and possibly in ex- 

 treme cases cut wholly back, would appear to be logical 

 to every grape grower. 



Vs EiPE Rot {Glmosporium fructigenum). — It is only 



within the last five years that the disease has appeared 

 to any seriously damaging extent, but its increase is such 

 as to cause grave ajjprehensions. It commonly shows 

 itself at first upon one or two berries in close, compact' 

 bunches, from which it spreads rapidly, especially in 

 close, hot weather. In California i'; appears when the 

 grapes are ripening, manifesting itself only by discolora- 

 tion of the berries, and spreading to others. The qual- 

 ity is not affected for a time, as the grapes remain sweet 

 and unchanged. In the Eastern and Northern States 

 there appears to be a connection if not identity between 

 this disease and the "bitter rot" of apples. In fact, 

 the experts of the United States Department of Agricul- 

 ture have agreed that it is one and the same disease. It 

 certainly calls for the utmost vigilance on the part of 

 grape growers. Eafly and persistent spraying with 

 spme of the mixtures recommended for black rot and 

 downy mildew may also prove eflBcient against this. 



The Valde oe Spraying. — There may even yet be 



