Col. Col-man is desirous of getting all the information possible about these diseases, and has issued a circular of questions which he desires answered. Grape growers have a vital interest in these questions, and would do well to send for blanks. Referring to these troubles, the Commissioner says:

"Two very different kinds of mildew are known to be injurious to the vine. One, the least injurious but most conspicuous of the two, grows abundantly upon the upper surface of the leaf and is prevalent in dry seasons; the other is to be found chiefly on the under surface of the leaf and its development is favored by moisture. The first is named the powdery mildew, the second the downy mildew of the grape-vine. The one is Uncinula spiralis, the second is Peronospora viticola.

"It has been shown that what is generally known as "The Grape Rot" may arise from very distinct causes, 1st. From insects. 2nd. From the downy grape-vine mildew. 3d. From a fungus named Phoma uvicola. The last produces the disease now specifically recognized as " The Black Rot." It appears during the latter part of June or in July, usually after protracted rains, fogs or heavy dews succeeded by hot weather. The first manifestation of the disease is a brown spot with a dark central point upon the half grown or nearly matured berries. This spot increases in size and intensity of color, and soon minute, shining pimples or pustules begin to protrude above the epidermis, finally the whole berry, still adhering to the vine, shrivels and dries up, turns to an intense bluish-black color, while the entire surface is roughened with the little pustules above mentioned, in which are imbeded the spore-forming sacs of the Phoma".