16 Agbioultubal Experiment Station, Ithaca, N. Y. 



attempt to determine more accurately the life history and devel- 

 opment of these imperfect forms. It is hoped, now the work is 

 in such shape, that quite a thorough and comprehensive investi- 

 gation upon these obscure forms can be undertaken so far as the 

 material can be obtained. It is very desirable that opportunity 

 be offered and means be provided for the successful conduct of 

 this important study. The methods of technique employed for 

 the cultivation and critical study of these forms has already 

 resulted in showing relationship to some higher form in the cycle 

 of development, and has also furnished differential characters 

 of apparently closely related species heretofore not known to 

 exist, and which will be of great aid in discriminating between 

 forms that in the natural condition upon their hosts seem to show 

 no real points of difference. 



For several months there has been in progress a study of cer- 

 tain Cladosporiums, especially the Cladosporium fulvum on the 

 tomato. Artificial cultures are secured from plants grown in 

 the garden and in the forcing house. The purpose is to learn 

 the course of development of the fungus and the possible varia- 

 tions, if any, between the forcing house and open air forms, as 

 well as some possibly more highly developed phase. 



Special investigations by artificial cultures of some Pyrenomy- 

 cetes are now also on hand with a view to trace the development 

 and polymorphy by precise methods and to test the supposed 

 relationship of certain pycnidial and conidial forms. 



Considerable time during the past year has been taken up with 

 the determination of species of fungi submitted and with some 

 correspondence relating to the same as well as in other routine 

 work appertaining to the department. 



Some further additions have becD made to the equipment of 

 the department which tend to increase its eflBciency. I feel that 

 it is necessary to call attention again to the urgent need of a 



