SOUTHERN CULTIVATOR 
221 
advantage in a given space of time, and this latter cause 
is the result of the subject under discussion. 
1 am aware that lam on virgin soil, and that my theory 
is subject to criticism, but I am willing to stand the or 
deal, and from practical experiments instated (not with 
this view) am determined to hazzard and stand by and 
defend my declaration. 
NoW: we shall enquire in what manner does this ex- 
cess of potassa or soda interfere with nascent ve 2 :etation 1 
We say that by its excess protein is formed. Now, pro- 
tein is the decomposition by potassa or soda of vegetable 
albumen, and that, the disease once established, is true 
contagion and actually exists, and amputation beyond its 
utmost limits will not always remedy the disease, for the 
same cause is or may still linger in the roots to create un- 
der favorable influence the same condition. 
I recognize but one form of blight, and that is termed 
by Downing, Thomas and others “ Frozen Sap Blight or 
Fire Blight.’’ All other forms I shall class under the 
head of diseases, unless it be that the Scylotus pyri have 
indeed the power of inoculation under peculiar circum- 
stances, and which I very much doubt, although I do not 
consider it impracticable. 
Plants absorb during the early spring (and this spring 
especially) certain ingredients, (and we are compelled to 
the conclusion that it is potassa) which render them equal- 
ly liable to damage from mild frosts, which produces the 
same baneful effects as the heat produces to cause blight, 
and all entertain no doubt whatever, as to its identity of 
action, although their cause directly conflicts. 
Pomona. 
Columdus, Mus , May, 1857. 
THE CURCUEIO. 
Editors Southern Cultivator — A person in your 
June number makes some inquiries in relation to the 
Curculio and the season at which it deposits its eggs. T 
was under the impression that all their eggs were deposit- 
ed in the plums in the spring, till I had conclusive evi- 
dence to the contrary. For 26 years the only plum trees 
that I rely on for a crop, are planted in brick pavements 
and have never had a plum in which an egg was deposit- 
ed. In the open ground ray plums have only' escaped en- 
tire destruction two years. When I have trees in the 
open ground to test the quality of the fruit, I cover one or 
more plums with a piece of fine gauze, to keep off the 
Curculio. The first season I took the gauze off when the 
fruit had attained its full size and began to color, to give it 
more sun. I found every plum stung by the Curculio 
within two or three days, and I have since left the gauze 
on till the fruit was ripe. N. Long worth. 
Cincinnati, O , May, 1857. 
LAUIiEE OIE V8. FEIE.S.— SOUPFERNONG 
Wiue, &c. 
Editors Southern OvhTw xtop.— Gentlemen— \ have 
seen it stated several times, that “ Laurel Oil” is an ef- 
fectual antidote to flies. Can you tell me on what au- 
thority the statement is made 1 and what is your opinion 
in regard to it 1 If true,^it is a matter of no small impor- 
tance; for flies are certainly oue of the most tormenting 
pests we have to endure, and anything which will !-anish 
them from our houses, kitchens, &c., will deserve to be 
Tanked as a I'lessing. 1 have seen it stated repeatedly, 
that the meat market at Ghent was freed from this nui- 
sance, by the application of laurel Oil to ihe walls, &c. 
How would it do to coat the walls of houses (plaster walls'' 
withitl Would it not discolor and grease them ? If ii 
is a daik oil (greenish yeilows according to the U 8. Dis- 
pensatory) it would stain a whitewall But could it n<,i 
fee bleached 1 The odor is said to be the anti fiy principle 
— would the bleaching process destroy that I Again, 
there are two oils obtained from the Laurel, a fixed and a 
volatile oil. Which one is meant I If the latter, perhaps 
it would not grease white plastered walls to any extent, 
nor stain if it was bleached. Would it I Essential or 
volatile oils seem to be much less "'/'ms?/ or unctuous, than 
the fixed oils, and I suppose they are indeed so. Please 
answer me in the next number of the Cultivator, if there 
is time for it, as I am anxious to test the matter. 
In your April number there is an article on Grapes, 
Wine, &c., (page 160 ) signed “ J. L. M.” You do not 
agree with him in rega.rd to the value of the Scuppernong 
grape. I do, however, though only acquainted with (and 
but partially so) one side of the question. I have never 
seen the Catawba growing, but have drank the wine 
(Longworth & Zimmerman’s) both still and sparkling’, 
I and also their brandy. The last I regard as very good, 
but do not think so much of the wines. Wine is made 
from the Scuppernong, in this and the adjoining district 
of Williamsburg, by comparatively rude and unscientific 
processes, which I much prefer to any Catawba I ever 
drank. The usual mode of making is two, and some- 
times three pounds sugar to the gallon of juice — put in 
barrels and let it ferment and settle ; and then it is 
either allowed to stand, and used out of the barrel, or 
else poured off into jugs and bottles. Made in this way, 
it is rather a cordial or liquor than a wine, but still is a 
delightful beverage. It has the grapy taste in perfection,, 
and if bottling is not put off too long, it retains gas enough 
to make it smoke when uncorked. If properly managed, 
I believe a first rad-e Champagne can be made from the 
Scuppernong. My faith is so strong in the yrofid to be 
derived from it, that having but a few acres, I have de- 
j termined to devote half of it (4 acres) to this crop. But 
I don’t know how to begin. The usual way is just to 
plant them, and let them run on a canopy, which must be 
extended every year, as they are never pruned. But I am 
not willing to cultivate this way, and have made a small 
beginning pretty much according to Mr. Axt's plan for the 
Catawba. But I fear it may not answer, and I know no 
one who can instruct me. “ J. L. M.” writes as if he un- 
derstood the subject: — could you not get him to wipe an 
i extended article on the proper mode of culture for the 
j Scuppernong I — planting, pruning, training, dec.! I, for 
one, would be very much gratified, and I dare say, many 
of your readers w'ould find both profit and pleasure in it, 
S. M. R. 
Marion District, S. C , May, 1857. 
[We have never used Laurel Oil for the purpose indi- 
cated, and are not, therefore, qualified to give any opin- 
ion of its efficacy. It possesses a very peculiar odor, 
v/hich may be offensive to flies, and we advise a trial of 
it. The Scuppernong must have plenty of space — say 20 
to 40 feet for each vine, and some sort of rough canopy 
j or open scaffolding (8 or 10 feet high) to run on. The 
j main stem of the vine may be kept clear of side shoots or 
branches, from the ground to the canopy, and what other 
slight pruning is necessary, must be done in the autumn, 
immediately after the grapes arc gathered.. Tliis treat- 
ment applies peculiat ly to the Scuppernong, though we 
scarcely consider any pruning absolutely essential The 
fruit is gathered by spreadiiig sheets or large cloths be- 
neatli the vines wl ere the giape-^ begin to ripen and sha- 
king the latter with a forked stick. This process mutt be 
rcjieafed from time to time, as the grapes advance. Su- 
gar and alcohol, artificially added, always imjiair the 
value of wine, and grape juice of the best quality never 
