Report of the Botanist. xix 



ingly more expensive. But if such a study could be wisely con- 

 ducted on a large scale the result would be of great importance and 

 w^uld justify a large endowment fund for research on the mycologic 

 flora of America. 



In connection with my studies of the different species especial 

 attention is being given to certain genera in which the best edible 

 species occur, and also to those forms or varieties of the common 

 mushroom, or closely related species, with a view to inquiring into 

 the possibility of employing some of them in cultivation. This is 

 a desirable field of work to prosecute, and some facilities should be 

 provided which would make it possible to test some of these forms 

 when they apppear. Respectfully submitted, 



GEO. F. ATKINSOK 



To the Botanist of the Cornell AgriGultural Experiment Station : 



Sir. — I transmit the following report for 1900-1901 : — During 

 the past year a variety of plant diseases have occupied the attention 

 of tlie botanist working under the '*' Nixon appropriation." In con- 

 junction with F. C. Stewart, botanist of the State Agl. Exp. Sta., 

 Geneva, forms of the sterile fungus Hhizoctoiiia have been studied 

 as a cause of various plant troubles in this State, and incidentally 

 in other States. Bulletin 186 embraces some of the w^ork alono^ this 

 line. The fungus has occupied oilr attention since 1898. The work 

 is directed towards a monographic report, of which Bulletin 186 

 embodies only preliminary data. The occurrence of Bhizoctonia 

 on some entirely new hosts has been observed, and also upon other 

 hosts new to America. Among the economic plants upon which it 

 has been found are the bean, Phaseolus vulgaris ; sugar beet. Beta 

 vulgaris^ cabbage and cauliflower, Brassica oleracea j carrot, 

 Daucus carota j celery, Apiitni graveolens j cotton, Gossypium 

 herhaceitni I lettuce, Lactuca sativa • potato, Sola^^^um tuherosum j 

 \"Si(\\%\\^ Raj^hanus sativus / rhubarb, Bheum rhaponticum • orna- 

 mental asparagus, Asparagus sprengeri • China aster, CaUlsteplius 

 Kortensis j carnation, Dianthus caryojjhyllus ^ sweet AVilliam, 

 Diantlius harhatus j Coreopsis lanceolata ; violet, Viola odor ata j 

 and also on white pine and cucumber seedlings ; cuttings of begonia, 

 coleus, verbena, hydrangeaj hardy candytuft, mamnioth sage ; and 



