348 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



in limited areas in such close iTi'oxiniity to certain trees that there appeared to 

 be some connection between them, and siibseciuent examinations showed that 

 a species of Cortinarius was associated with red oaks, maples, and climbing 

 bitter sweet (Cclastriis scandetis). This species of fungus, it was observed, 

 is characterized by its brick-red mycelial strands and stem, and microscopical 

 examinations showed that it formed truly ectotrophic mycorrhiza. A discussion 

 is given of the fungus and its relation to the host plants. The species, which 

 has been determined as new, is described under the name CortiiKiriiis ruhipes. 



Studies in root parasitism, C. A. Barbkr (Mem. Dept. Agr. India, Bot. Ser., 

 1 (1906), No. 1, pp. SO, pis. 7). — Studies are reported on the root parasitism of 

 the sandalwood tree (Santalmn album). 



Attention has been drawn to the sandalwood tree during recent years on ac- 

 count of the occurrence of a serious disease, and it was thought worth while 

 to make a careful study of the root system with reference to its possible bear- 

 ing on it. In addition doubt has been cast on the extent of the root parasitism. 

 The author has therefore made a study of the haustoria of the sandalwood tree, 

 paying particular attention to the early stages up to the time when they ]iene- 

 trate the woody tissues of the host plant. 



In addition to the parasitic sandalwood, for which over 100 host plants 

 have been found, studies were made of a number of other allied species. The 

 various tissues of the host and its parasite are described at considerable length, 

 and a second paper is promised to deal with the structure of the mature haus- 

 torium. 



The witch broom disease in Surinam, C. J. J. van Hall (Trop. Life, 2 

 (1906), No. 6, p. S3). — The Avitches' broom disease of cacao is said to be widely 

 spread in Surinam, the disease in places proving a very serious one, inasmuch 

 as it attacks not only the trees, but also the pods. The infested pods exhibit 

 black spots, which spread rapidly, the pods remaining small and deformed. In 

 some eases fully 50 per cent are practically destroyed. Upon the twigs the dis- 

 ease does not seem to be so serious, and the author believes that if the pods 

 can be kept in a healthy condition considerable progress will be made in 

 checking the disease. 



To get rid of the disease, experiments are now being carried on in pruning 

 the trees thoroughly, following this by good tillage of the soil, and also spraying 

 with Bordeaux mixture. These experiments have not yet been sufficiently pur- 

 sued to warrant any definite conclusions, but the indications are that the amount 

 of injury may l>e decidedly reduced by these treatments. 



A fungus attacking the roots of Para rubber, H. N. Ridley (Agr. Bui. 

 Straits and Fed. Malay States. 5 {1906). No. .3, pp. 6-'/, 65).— The author 

 reports having received from a number of localities rubber trees that were 

 attacked by some fungus which appeared different from Fomes semitostus. 

 The specimens were all young trees about 2 in. in diametei", and the roots were 

 encrusted with a white mycelium. The trees were dead; if left alone the trees 

 die within about 3 weeks after the first appearance of the disease. The fungus 

 appears to be some member of the Polyporese, and the attack quite similar to 

 that which has been noted on clove trees, coffee, etc. 



The biology of Polyporus squamosus, A. PI. R. Duller {.Jour. Econ. Biol., 

 1 {1906), No. 3, pp. 101-138, 7)/.s. 5, figs. 6). — After some general remarks on 

 the destruction of wood by fungi and a review of literature, the author 

 describes his investigations on the destruction of the wood of the sycamore 

 maple by Polyporus squamosus. 



So far as the author's knowledge goes, this fungus has never been ol)served 

 on anv coniferous tree, but it attacks numerous species of maple, oak, elm, 



