XX Report of the Botanist. 



In connection with this, investigations have been begun upon 

 the development and embryology of certain of the forest trees, 

 especially, at present, the pines and other conifers, with a view 

 to determining rate of growth, distribution, fertility of seed, as 

 well as the conditions which influence or modify the life of 

 these trees. 



Mr. B. M. Duggar, the assistant botanist, is engaged upon 

 several lines of investigation. Practical and scientific studies 

 are being made by him of certain celery diseases, and of the 

 leaf spot of the pear. Other investigations are being started 

 which will lead to important results it is hoped. Beside the 

 work of investigation and of instruction which Mr. Duggar is 

 carrying on, the correspondence is constantly increasing in 

 reference to diseases of various kinds which attack fruits, vege- 

 tables, etc., so that a considerable part of his time is taken up 

 with these matters. 



The work of the year besides the results of the investigations 

 has added materially to the equipment of the Division in the 

 way of illustrations, negatives, etc., besides the additions to the 

 apparatus by purchase. 



Very respectfully yours, 



Geo. F. Atkinson, 



Botanist. 



