Mildew

Mildew is a microscopic fungus, that is parasitic upon cultivated

plants. Roses, Bouvardias, and especially grape vines, are subject to

its attacks. If not arrested, mildew will soon strip a plant of its

foliage. Whenever a whitish dust, as if flour had been sprinkled upon

them, appears upon the leaves, particularly those of the Rose, and its

leaves curl up, it is evident that the plant is attacked by mildew, and

some remedy must be at once applied to prevent the spread of the

trouble. Several excellent remedies are used by florists and gardeners

for the prevention and cure of mildew. None of these are more effective

than the following, which, if applied in time, before the disease has

become so bad as to be beyond help, will very surely arrest it. Take

three pounds each, of Flowers of Sulphur and Quick-lime, put these

together and add sufficient hot water to slake the lime. When the lime

is slaked, add six gallons of water, and boil down to two gallons. Allow

the lime to settle, and pour off the clear liquid and bottle it for use.

To treat plants affected by mildew, add one gill of the liquid, prepared

as above, to six gallons of water, and mix well together. This is to be

freely syringed upon the plants every other day. It will not only arrest

mildew, but prevent it. Sudden changes of temperature, as cool nights

following warm days, tend to the production of mildew, and with house

plants, these sudden changes should be carefully guarded against.