Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1846-03-12
REMEDY FOR DISEASED FRUIT TREES
READ BEFORE THE rARMER's CLUB.

New YoRK, May 26, 1916.
Dear Slr-ln reference to the tobacco rerledy for
diseased fruit trees will, you desired state in
writing the few facts which have come under my
lowp observation.
In the early part Of July last, (1S44,)I was in
the tobacco factory of Mr.. John Ellison, No. -
Mercer street; and while there, my attention was
called by Mr.. Il. to fine peach tree the premi-
ses of DIR. Quinn, directly in the rear of said fac
tory. "There," said Mr. Ellison, that tree, only
few weeks ago, was considered as lost the
leaves were turning pale and yelow--the fruit
too, looked sckly, and had begun to fall from the
tree | told the Doctor that had in my factory a
remedy that would speedily and effectually restore
his tree to health, if he would permit me to appy
1t. He desired me to do so. So dug away the
earth from the roots of the tree; then, with some
of our refuse tobacco, made pretty strong sou-
ton, common-sized pail full, and poured it round
the roots and there, as you see, is the effects of
it." AT this time the tree looked healthy and flour
ishing, and its branches bending low with the
iairest Of unripe fruit But the remedy was new
thing for me; and on my remarking to Mr. Ellison
that medicine valuable ought to be universally
known, he observed that it no new discovery ;
he said he had used the tobacco solution MANY
years ago, and had seen it used by others. and
with great success, in the healing of sick peach
and other trees, as also diseased shrubs and flower
plants. He stated, moreover, that the solution of
tobacco independent Of its healing qualities was a
10 Ile growth OF all
kinds of trees and plants, when applied to their
roots.
In confirmation Of this latter fact, | must now
tell you what the effects of tobacco on a fine
grape vine on the premises | occupy, at 80 Van
dam street. 1t is a large and extensive vine, and
bears the purple Isabella grape Last summer, in
the latter end of the same month above mentioned.
(July) noticed that my grapes were not forward
as those of some of my neighbors. The leaves
looked PALE and the grapes had the appearance of
premature npenng. Remembering Mr.. Elsons
remedy on the peach tree, concluded to try it on
my grape vine and following his method, | re-
moved the earth from about the roots, and poured
in or 10 quarts of the solution. In less than ten
days visible change effected throughout eve
ry part of the vine, and both the foliage and the
grapes gave cheering evidence of returning health
and vgor But the most singular fact about it is
yet to be told. An entire new set of shoots came
out all over the vines. These new branches grew
lat SO surprising a rate, that within three weeks
from the time of bathing the roots with the tobac-
| co juice, they had grown to the length of 9 and
IL feet, and were thckly set with large foliage
and rich clusters Of young grapes. | had previ-
ously thlnned out the barren shoots and some OF
the leaves, to admit free air and sunshine to the
early grapes. But these were now completely
oyershaded again by the thick foliage of the new
shoots; and was at a loss to know what to do be-
tween the strife. was fearful that the later shoots
would affect and neutraze the growth and ripen-
ing OF the early grapes, and doubts arose whether
either crop would come to maturity. Yet SO great
was my curiosity with respect to the growth and
ultimate fate of the latter crop, that concluded to
disturb neither of them, but let them take the game
of Nature to themselves
The result was this. The early grapes rpened
fine and fair, at the usual season. and were gath.
cred when those of the second crop were only
half grown The latter having now the monopoly
OF the tobacco power, exhibited most rapid
growth, until they were larger and iarer than theii
predecessors. But before they had time to ripen
the frost set IN, and Mrs. =. gathered and made
from these grapes few jars of as fine Jelly as eve
| saw or tasted. Very truly yours,
JOHN FRAzEE.