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THE FLORIST. 
its absorbing powers would be considerably greater, and therefore more 
apt to suffer in hot and dry weather. Vine mildew is propagated 
principally, as most cryptogamic plants are, by sporules, or seeds, and 
in their absence it is totally without reason to suppose that the disease 
could make its appearance. 
I have said that a contaminated atmosphere, insufficient moisture at 
the roots, &c., by injuring the health of the Vines, predisposes them to 
disease ; but we very well know that the mildew is not particular to 
wait for an unhealthy subject. Of this I think there is abundant proof 
in the fact that nearly all the principal vineyards in Europe have 
been more or less affected. We may also find examples enough in this 
country. The Vines in the Royal Gardens, Frogmore, are, I suppose, 
as healthy, and annually produce as large crops of Grapes as any Vines 
in the country ; and yet they were amongst the first in this country to 
be attacked. Numerous other instances might be cited to prove this 
fact. I shall content myself, however, by relating my own experience 
with Vine mildew. Up to the summer of 1856, I, like your corre¬ 
spondent “ had to go from home to see Vine mildew. Since 
that time, however, I have not been so fortunate. 
In the summer I have just named I had charge of a number 
of Vineries, besides a quantity of young Vines in pots. From some 
cause or other, the stock of a certain variety was found to be small, 
and must be made up. A nurseryman was applied to, and the desired 
number obtained ; this was in the month of June, and it being desirable 
to have them as strong as possible, they were at once placed in a 
growing temperature with the general stock of pot Vines. In a very 
short time it was observed that they were infested with mildew, and 
notwithstanding sulphur was immediately applied, it was not before the 
evil had had time to diffuse its spores over the young stock, and in a 
month afterwards it had found its way into five Vineries,—some of 
them not less than fifty yards from the plants originally infected. Now, 
although little or no damage was done to the crop of Grapes, yet the 
enemy had to be combated with, and, I may say, that prompt attention 
is necessary, for even with the greatest attention, it is somewhat 
difficult totally to eradicate the mildew ; with cleanliness, however, and 
promptitude in dusting the Vines, with dry flowers of sulphur, when¬ 
ever it makes its appearance, no evil can occur. 
To give an idea to those who may entertain the opinion of “ Curing 
with one dressing ” in the case of mildew, I will relate a circumstance 
that came under my notice in the case of a Peach tree : A plant of 
the Royal George variety was growing on a south aspect, and from 
some cause was attacked by mildew. Sulphur—almost the only sure 
remedy—was applied, and by a little after attention in keeping clean, fair 
wood was well matured. 
In the winter of the same year it was found necessary to tranfer this 
tree to a Peach house, where it was, after pruning, dressed with a 
mixture of sulphur, soap, and tobacco water, the same as those growing 
by it. When the buds began to grow, every leaf as they expanded was 
covered with mildew, and notwithstanding it was kept thoroughly in 
check throughout the summer, and the same routine of dressing in the 
