HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 179 



consider nearer the truth. A moment's consideration would remind us that 

 currents of cold air are " few, and far between," during the month of July. 

 That aridity has to do with it might be surmised from the repeated observa- 

 tion of its appearance being first detected on the lower part of the house, if 

 the front ventilators are opened; and a very frequent recommendation to 

 keep that portion of the house closed, thus preventing a rapid evaporation of 

 moisture. We have in many instances seen Black Hamburgh grapes fruit- 

 ing in the open air ; but with one exception, they were renderd useless by 

 mildew. In the exception alluded to, the fruit was clean and perfectly ripe, 

 though badly colored. The vines that produced \liem were trained on a cir- 

 cular-topped arbor, the waste water from a pump ran down the centre of the 

 arbor, which was rarely dry ; consequently there was a continual evaporation 

 arising about the fruit. The situation was, perhaps, otherwise favorable, 

 being shaded from afternoon sun. We are aware that these remarks do not 

 coincide with the generally acknowledged origin of mildew ; but our observa- 

 tions leads us to these conclusions. We will be glad to learn from the expe- 

 rience of others, if our opinions are erroneous. 



Happily, however, there is an antidote. Sulphur is an established pre- 

 ventive and cure. It may be applied in various ways — sprinkled thickly 

 on the ground, or thrown with an engine on the plants will arrest its pro- 

 gress. Unslacked lime and sulphur mixed in water, give a solution which 

 has been used with success when syringed over. the plants. 



Grapes Out-doors. — Attention to tying up, pruning and thinning will 

 now be required. There cannot be a more mistaken economy than over- 

 cropping ; a heavy crop never ripens well, the plant is weakened from over- 

 exertion, and the wood produced will be weak and not properly matured, and 

 several years must elapse before the plants recover sufficiently to bear an 

 average crop. On weak, low shoots one bunch will be enough to leave'; all 

 others cut off. Higher up on the plant, where the growths are stronger, two 

 may be left. On all except leading shoots, pinch out the tips six or eight 

 leaves beyond the fruit, tying all regular and securely. The occasional ap- 

 plication of soapsuds, or other liquid stimulant, will be favorable, especially 

 during dry weather. 



Strawberries — after the crop is gathered, if intended to fruit another 

 year, should be kept clear of runners and weeds, and receive occasional stir- 

 rings between the rows, especially after heavy rains. If an opportunity can 

 be embraced immediately before a shower, of giving them a soaking of ma- 

 nure water, the trouble will be well repaid. It is a practice with many to 

 allow the young plants to establish themselves between the rows, and destroy 

 the old ones in the fall. Where this is intended, the open space should re- 

 ceive a heavy coating of w r ell decomposed manure, and cover in deep and 

 thoroughly. When space is limited, and not convenient to occupy a separate 



