224 
Methods of Preventing and Gheckinrj 
citron industry of the State, for its spreading to every grove 
would only have been a question of time." ' 
Not less important and valuable are the achievements of 
French savanix in their warfare against the phylloxera, the 
scourge of vineyards, whose calamitous action has been previously 
described. By means of submersion of the land in the plains 
that could be irrigated, by the application of bisulphide of carbon 
and sulpho-carbonate of potassium, and by replanting with 
American vine stocks proof against these insects, the plague has 
almost been stayed. It is calculated that at least one million 
ficres of vineyard have been replanted with American stocks. 
Until better and cheaper modes of using bisulphide of carbon 
and suljjho-carbonate of potassium were devised the cost was 
very great. The bisulphide is put into the ground in two or three 
holes close round the roots of each vine with a kind of hand- 
pump (pnl) terminating in a tube with a short point having an 
orifice near its end. This is thrust into the earth, and the liquid 
is forced into the hole by pressure from the pump. Sulpho-car- 
bonate of potassium is conveyed through main pipes laid in the 
ground in the vineyards, communicating with a second system of 
pipes of much smaller diameter, from which there is a third system 
of small india-rubber or gutta-percha hose with taps to be turned 
on for the treatment of each stock. By means of a steam-engine 
the liquid is forced through the systems of pipes. The cost of 
this is from 3/. to 61, per acre. Before this improved method 
was introduced the cost was from 20/. to 30/. per acre, which 
Avas prohibitive to all but wealthy proprietors.^ By these and 
other means, carried out with vigour and persistency, the 
phylloxera will be soon stamped out from the French vineyards. 
" Nowhere," says Professor lliley, " has the combat been carried 
on more energetically than in France, originally the most sorely 
stricken countrj^ and nowhere has so much success been achieved 
against phylloxera attack." ^ 
The same may be said with regard to the mildews which 
have plagued the French vineyards, the Oidimn Tiicheri and 
its more dangerous congener, Pcronospora viticola. Constant 
applications of powdered sulphur keep the former of these 
in subjection in ordinary climatic conditions, if they are made 
regularly at certain defined intervals. Curiously, sulphur has 
no effect, or comparatively no effect, upon the Peronoapora 
viticohi. Sulphate of copper is employed with wonderful 
results against the latter fungus. It was the custom to 
' J meet Life. Edited by C. V. Hilcy. Washin°:ton, 1889-90. 
■ Li-n Inni-cte.1 ih- III \'i//n,'. J'ar VnlCry Mayet. 1890. 
» Jnitect Life. Edited by C. V. Riley. Wiisliington, 1889-90. 
