The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1885-10-03

ABOUT GRAPE CULTURE.

We have received letter from Mr..
E. Lycan, in reference to an article In
the ADVERTISER of the 18th
September on the subject of
viticuIture, which we are unable
to publish on account of its
length. In the main we agree with
Mr.. Lycan in his general view of the
necessity for providing against the
Introduction of phylloxera and other
insect pests. Mr.. Lycan would have
3 responsible officer appointed to dis
infect all shrubs, plants, cuttings,
seeds, etc., upon arrival, in addition
to disinfecting before shipment. If
: the work be done thoroughly before
shipment there is very little danger
cannot take too many precautions in
such case. It is evident, however,
that unless the introduction of useful
and ornamental plants is confined TO
one port q single inspector would not
suffice. However, that is a matter of
detail, and does not affect the princi-
pie. Very little care has been taken
In this particular heretofore, seeds
having been brought Unfortunately
from all quarters, introducing at the
same time new kinds of insects, some
of which may prove to be highly in
furious.
Mr.. Lycan states that he did not, in
the paper commented upon by US, on
September 18th, ask directly for Gov
eminent aid, as the sugar growers do,
but simply this: ''Let each importer
Of fresh fruit, seeds, vines, trees and
plants pay per cent on first cost suf-
ficient to cover the cost of such inn
portation, and pay an extra charge
where it is necessary to disinfect.
Would it not have been good in
vestment for this country, if two
years ago, when the black aphis was
Imported, there had been a man with
the necessary knowledge and Gov
eminent commission to destroy all
diseased plants and seeds? We could
have found a ready market for
oranges, lemons and lines in the near
future, as this pest threatens the de-
structlon of all citrous trees in Cali
fornia. We have good man for the
inspection Of stock; why not have one
for trees, vines, etc?"
Mr.. Lycan thinks we did him an
injustice in stating that he did not
apprehend any danger from phyl-
Ioxera. his words being: "There is
not the least danger from this disease
if the knowledge gained by practical
experience of such men as are in the
business in California is followed"
There does not seem to be much diff
ference between us, but we give him
the benefit of the explanation. We
are quite agreed with him regarding
the Importance of introducing resist
ant vines as stock upon which to
graft the choice but more delicate
BILE and wine grapes, which do not
apparently resist phyllOxera.
When On the subject of grape cul-
ture, the following extract from the
Melbourne Leader" viii be found at
once suggestive and Instructive:
GRAPEVINE OIL.
At the meeting held at Sandhurst for the
formation of vine and fruit growers asso-
citation samples of grape oil were laid be-
fore the meeting, from r. Dods of Marong.
The samples were of excellent quality, and
the article has exactly the appearances, taste
and smell of olive oil, but being, as it is
said, worth a guinea ounce, is far more
valuable. The idea of making the extract
suggested itself to Mr.. Deds by a remark let
fall by DR.. L. L. Smith, in Melbourne, that
it was possible to make the extract, and SO
secure a valuable commercial commodity.
The oil is extracted from the stalks and
seeds of the grapes, which refuse is usually
thrown away as useless by wine makers.
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The ROYAL Hawaiian Band Will give con-