The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-01-30

when there is sure to be always enough
moisture 10 dissolve it into plant food.
But on the other hand, when the root feed
ers are away from near the surface of the
soil and lack the warm sun and air given
by cultivation the quality of the fruit suf-
fers Applying the fertilizer after the
first blowing and narrowing it into the
soil is the plan most recommended, and
failing a severe drought in early summer
is the one that win give best results upon
the whole.
The quality and quantity of the ferti-
lizer calls for very careful study of this
part of the work, since the grape is very
easily influenced by the fertilizer used
Care should be taken that an excess of
nitrogenous fertilizer is not applied, 9TH
erwise it would induce rapid and imper-
feet growth of wood, which renders the
vine more subject to attacks of fungous
diseases.
a good way to furnish nitrogen is by
growing leguminous crops (cowpeas and
crimson clover, for example,, between the
grape rows.
An ideal grape fertilizer for a full bear
ing vineyard should analyze about per
cent phosphoric acid and 10 per cent.
potash. The phosphate should be high
grade acidulated rock phosphate. The
potash used should be the highest grade
of sulphate obtainable. If this grade of
fertilizer is used at the rate of half a ton
per acre it cannot fail to give satisfaction
both as to quality and quantity, all other
conditions as to seasons, etc, being fav-
orable.
Any one who wants an object lesson in
results of vineyard fertilization can get
the same by visit TO any of our large
city markets during the grape season and
he will be very much astonished at the
lessons he will get there and the difference
that exists both in appearance and quality
of grapes of same varieties, all caused by
different modes and qualities of fertilizers
used The careful observer will find some
baskets whose contents look fairly well
but on examination will turn out to be
soft and insipid, with a thick leathery
skin and always the first to decay That
kind of a grape had been produced from
an inferior grade of fertilizer. Other bas-
kets of the same varieties of grapes will
contain fruit that may to all outward APP
pearance resemble the others, but on close
examination will be found to be of a very
superior quality, having a fine vinous
flavor, that all good grapes have, skin
smooth, thin and tough, good shippers and
good keepers all resulting from q high
grade fertilizer.
As already said, the grape is the most
particular of our fruits as to its plant
food and the progressive vineyardists will
bear that in mind when the proper time
comes and act accordingly and in so doing
he will have his reward in superior quail
ty and greater quantity of fruit in its
| season. A good deal of the results OF
proper fertilization, however depend or
the after treatment UP to the time the
| grapes are about half grown. The sol
| should be well stirred after every heavy
| rain and the last two or three times should
be with sweeps on the cultivator instead
| of shovels, thus simply scrapng the sur
| face and keeping clear of the root feeders
| that then get so near the surface. When
the fruit as two-thirds grown all cultiva-
ton should cease and the vineyard allow
| ed to remain that way until next winter