LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. 



U. S. Department of Agriculture, 

 Division of Vegetable Physiology and Pathology, 



Washington, D. C, October 6, 1900. 

 Sir: I respectfully transmit herewith and recommend for publica- 

 tion a report by Dr. Erwin F. Smith, of this Division, on a bacterial 

 disease of hyacinths commonly known as "the yellow disease" or 

 "Wakker's disease." 



The fact that large numbers of hyacinth bulbs are forced each 

 year in the United States makes it desirable that their diseases be 

 understood. The information gained regarding the biologj^ of the 

 organism will also be of great value to those investigating the bacte- 

 rial diseases of plants. 



The report confirms earlier work done in the Netherlands and adds 

 much new and important information respecting the nature of the 

 parasite. The latter belongs to a group of bacteria, hitherto but little 

 studied, several members of which (also studied by Dr. Smith) cause 

 diseases widely prevalent in the United States. 



The report while primarily for pathologists and bacteriologists will 

 also be of interest to florists and any others who wish to detect this 

 disease and to avoid its introduction into the United States. 

 Respectfully, 



Albert F. Woods, 

 Hon. James Wilson, Chief of Division. 



Secretary of Agriculture. 



