Chap. XXII.] CULTUEE OF THE VINE AT THOMERY. 



383 



point is the sulphuring to prevent the Oidium. Sulphur is the 

 effectiye cure for this pest, and it should be applied directly after 

 the first pinching of the shoots, at a temperature below 96° Fahr. 

 in the open air. If the heat is too great, the young skin of the 

 Grape is liable to become decomposed. In full sunshine at noon 

 the fruit would be burnt up in an hour's time. Sulphuring may 

 be carried on while the dew is falling. There is no fear in this 

 case of soiling the Grapes. The operation should not be deferred 

 until the Oidium has made its ap- 

 pearance. The second sulphuring 

 should be performed when the 

 Grapes are about as large as a pea, 

 or even earlier if the Oidium has 

 appeared at all. It would be pre- 



LoTV Espalier of Vines trained vertically, four 

 feet high. 



Layer of Vine raised and planted 

 in basket. 



ferable to sulphur while the Vines 

 are in flower. The operation is 

 performed with sublimated sul- 

 phur, blown upon the Vine with 

 a pair of bellows specially con- 

 trived for the purpose. It may be effectively done without the 

 operator standing an instant in one spot, but passing quickly along 

 the line. In these latitudes heavy rains destroy in part the effect 

 of the sulphur, and it is nearly always necessary to repeat the 

 operation three or four times. If the Grapes themselves are attacked, 

 it is on them that the flowers of sulphur should be applied. It has 

 been remarked that under sunshine the Oidium may be totally 

 destroyed in one hour, a result that may be attributed to the 



