THE VINE DISEASE.

Thames Star, Volume IX, Issue 3085, 7 January 1879, Page 1

THE VINE DISEASE.

Mr T. S. Leacock, of Madeira, recommends the following treatment for the prevention of Phylloxera:—ln the autumn and winter I cause the underground stem and principal roots of the vines which are to be treated to be laid bare of earth us far as can be conveniently and safelyldone, removing and causing to be burnt or plunged into boiling water tbe loose bark, which is generally teeming with insects. I then apply with a brush a coating of turpentine, in which sufficient resin has been dissolved to render it decidedly sticky. The proportion is about 3|ozs of finely powdered resin to a quart bottle of turpentine. Solution to be assisted by heat. I take this opportunity to manure, the vines so that one removal of the earth shall suffice for both operations. The roots when tolerably dry are covered with earth. The mixture kills all it comes in contact with, and in whatever other way it may act, continues to present, in consequence of its being unaffected by water, an impassable, barrier to the passage of the insect to the upper world. Several thousand vines have been treated by me in this way in the course of the last two or three years, and although at the time of treatment they were teeming with phylloxera, they have thrown out strong shoots, produced good crops,'and have preserved the dark green colour of their foliage through the past trying season. The cost of the mixture is trifling, and, as far as I have seen, the operation need not be repeated oftener than once in two or three years."