188 Repokt of the Botanist of the 



Appreciating the limitations and inaccuracies of tbe circular- 

 letter method, the committee planned to supplement the data ob- 

 tained in that way with data obtained from observations made by 

 experts. For this purpose the Chairman associated with himself 

 Ml'. F. II, Blodgett, Assistant Botanist and Entomologist, who 

 made three two-day and three three-day trips to different localities 

 in the southern half of the district for the purpose of inspecting^ 

 fruit plantations, taking notes on fniit diseases and collecting speci- 

 mens. The Chairman made six similar trips of inspection to locali- 

 ties in the northern half of the district. 



This combination of circular-letter method and expert inspection 

 is a good one. The two methods supplement each other admirably. 



The following is a copy of the circular letter sent to fruit 

 growers, the spaces for answers being omitted: 



Circular Letter of Inquiry Sent to Fruit Growers. 



Geneva, N. Y., Nov. 15, 1899. 



Dear Sir. — The undersigned, a Committee on Plant Diseases, appointed hy 

 the Eastern New York Horticultural Society, wish to get together informatiott 

 in regard to the most troublesome diseases prevalent the pa%t season among 

 orchards, vineyards and nurseries in the Hudson River Valley. They issue 

 the following circular in the hope that prompt replies may enable them to 

 prepare a valuable report for the next meeting of the Society. Will you kindly 

 fill out the blanks below and return at once? Please answer only those ques- 

 tions concerning which you can give positive information. Address your reply 

 to the chairman, F. C. Stewart, Geneva, N. Y. 



1. Which of the following plant diseases have caused serious injury in your 

 locality during the past season— 



ORCHARD DISEASES. 



Apple. Plum. 



Pear blight (Fire blight). Black knot. 



Scab. Fruit rot. 



Leaf spot. Leaf blight. 



Pear. Peach. 



Leaf blight. Fruit rot. 



Pear blight (Fire blight). Leaf curl. 



Scab. Yellows. 



Little peach. 



Quince. . Cherry. 



Fruit spot and leaf blight. Fruit rot. 



Pear blight (Fire blight). Leaf blight. 



