r8 PLANT DISEASES AND FUNGI. 



Plant Life," but the prevailing epidemic prevented, and Dr. M. C. Cooke kindly 

 undertook to supply his place. Dr. Cooke delivered a most interesting and 

 eloquent lecture on " Injuries to Plants caused by Fungi," and in the course of his 

 address alluded to the immense importance of the study of the lower forms of fungi 

 in connection with modern theories of the causes of diseases. Dr. Cooke gave 

 some startling evidence from America and some of the British Colonies of the 

 injuries caused to crops by fungi. The Doctor urged strongly the importance of 

 the practical study of the subject, and expressed a hope that now technical 

 instruction was in the air, County Councils and other bodies dealing with this 

 matter would see that some real instruction should be given to farmers, gardeners, 

 and others on the important subject on which he had spoken that evening. 



[A full report of Dr. Cooke's address is printed below.] 



A short discussion took place, and Dr. Cooke was warmly thanked for his 

 lecture. 



Mr. W. Cole called attention to the threatened spoliation of that magnificent 

 recreation ground, the New Forest, by the Government for the purpose of forming 

 a military range and permanent camp. The proposed enclosure was in direct 

 contravention of the New Forest Act of 1877, which everyone thought would for 

 ever protect this grand national woodland from the spoiler. The Club would 

 nave copies of a petition of strong protest ready for signature at a future meeting. 



A cordial vote of thanks was passed to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson for the use of the 

 room on this and the previous meeting, and for the trouble they had taken to 

 accommodate the Club. Tea and coffee were served, and at the conversazione 

 specimens were exhibited by Mr. Crouch, Mr. Oldham, Mr. Sauze, Mr. Sworder, 

 and others. 



PLANT DISEASES AND FUNGI. 



By M. C. COOKE, M.A., LL.D. 

 [Being' the substance o/a Lecture delivered before the Essex Field Club, January y:>th, 1892.] 



T^ISEASE, especially epidemic, whether in man, animals, or 

 -"-^ plants, is the topic of the day. On all these phases the 

 progress of science is gradually reflecting more light, and exhibiting 

 close analogies ; but especially has a strong and growing interest 

 been manifested in plant diseases of fungoid origin. This increased 

 interest and anxiety has been stimulated into activity by the investi- 

 gations which have taken place, under the superintendence of 

 Departments of Agriculture and other public bodies, into the heavy 

 losses sustained by these causes. The powerful stimulus of self- 

 interest has led to the establishment of experimental stations 

 throughout the States of the American Union, and the organisation 

 of agricultural departments of the Governments in our own colonies. 

 In the course of time it will possibly arouse some spirit of inquiry 



