REPORT OF THE CRYPTOGAMIC BOTANIST. 



To the Director of the Cornell University Agricultural Experi- 

 ment Station : 



Sir: 

 The work of investigation accomplished dnring the past j^ear is, 

 to a certain extent, indicated in Bulletin XIV., on the diseases of 

 the strawberry plant. But a large amount of time has been con- 

 sumed in getting under way investigations on the development 

 and habits of several little known parasitic fungi, some of which 

 are indicated below. Correspondence developed the presence of 

 several of these maladies not hitherto recognized in the State, or 

 which have appeared but recently ; and work on the fungi infest- 

 ing the following host-plants is more or less advanced in this lab- 

 oratory, especial attention being given to the life of the parasite 

 during the winter and spring months : 



The Onion. 



The Strawberry . 



The Cultivated Currant. 



The Clover. 



Considerable work, also, has been already accomplished on the 

 disease causing the cracking of Quinces and Pears (mentioned in 

 the First Annual Report.) A disease of wheat, caused hy a 

 Cladosporitim, appeared in 1889, i" this vicinity, doing much in- 

 jury; and so far as time permits in the coming spring, this will 

 receive attention. Reports of progress on the above may be pub- 

 lished, and from time to time a completed study ; but for the com- 

 pletion of biological studies presenting such extraordinary difficul- 

 ties as the work on the fungi, it is impossible to predict the exact 

 amount of time required. The great aim should be care and tho- 

 roughness. 



Between four and five thousand specimens of fungi belonging to 

 the Station have been mounted and catalogued during the year. 

 Five cases for the storing of apparatus, reagents, herbarium-speci- 



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