Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y., Feb. 3d, 1899. 

 The Honorable Commissioners of Agriculture, 



Albany, N. Y. 



Sir : — The great awakening in the production of sugar beets 

 naturally leads to a careful study of the diseases which effect them 

 and which may, in man}' cases, seriously reduce the yield, there- 

 fore, it has been thought wise to make somewhat extended 

 studies of some of the diseases of the sugar beet observed dur- 

 ing the past season. 



Mr. B. M. Duggar has made most careful investigations and 

 studies of three diseases which are more or less prevalent. An 

 attempt has been made to confine the work largely to those dis- 

 eases which have proven to be of economic importance in this 

 state. The •' root rot " is a new disease in the Eastern states, 

 but in the few localities where it was present during the past year 

 it showed its possibilities for harm, and remedial measures 

 should be at hand. This fungous is of special interest since it 

 ma}'' cause diseases of other plants. The leaf spot of beets is 

 ubiquitous in its occurrence, and in many localities it caused 

 severe loss during the past season. The work here presented is 

 the result of work in laboratory and field. The abundance and 

 distribution of the diseases have received special attention in the 

 field studies. I. P. Roberts, 



Director. 



