250 Agricultv/ral Journal of Victoria. 



REPORT OF THE VEGETABLE PATHOLOGIST. 



D. McAlpine. 



The work done during tlie period covered by this'' report has been 

 of a very varied character. There are few, if any, of our cultivated 

 plants vs^hich are not liable to some disease, and even although the 

 spring was so dry and the summer so early, between 700 and 800 

 specimens were sent in for determination. In addition to this, experi- 

 ments were continued and extended in connection with the treatment 

 of various diseases, and lectures were delivered at the request of 

 societies anxious to gain information as to the best methods of dealing 

 with the diseases prevalent in their respective districts. 



Publications relating to the Diseases of Stone-fruit Trees and the 

 Black Spot of the Apple and Pear have also been issued, and a number 

 of articles contributed to the Journal of the Department on current 

 diseases and their remedies, as well as kindred subjects. The editing 

 of the Journal necessarily takes up a considerable portion of my time, 

 and since the day must be largely devoted to microscopic work, 

 correspondence, &c., the evenings have often to be spent in looking 

 after matters connected with the bi-monthly publication. In this, as 

 in other matters, I have the loyal co-operation of my Assistant, 

 Mr. G. H. Robinson, without whose aid it would be next to impossible 

 to give the necessary attention to microscopic researches and experi- 

 mental work, which are essential in this branch, if progress is to be 

 made. 



During the present season, experimental work will be largely 

 increased and extended at the instance of the Director of Agriculture, 

 who has imported the best varieties of the celebrated Garton wheats, 

 oats, and malting barleys. These are not only being tested in single 

 seed plots in different localities, but several acres are being grown to 

 provide seed for next season's crop. A supply of seed has also been 

 obtained from the United States Department of Agriculture of a 

 number of the best forage plants and grasses, including saltbushes, 

 and these are being tested, at first in what may be called pocket- 

 handkerchief plots, before being sown on a large scale, as explained 

 in Guides to Growers, No. 38, Experiments with Fodder Plants. A 

 commencement has also been made in the cultivation of our native 

 grasses. 



The summary of the year's work may be conveniently grouped 

 under the following heads : — I. Experiments. II. Principal Diseases 

 of the Year. III. Publications. IV. Miscellaneous. 



I.— Experiments. 



Black Spot of Apple and Peae. 



Although not so prevalent as in the preceding season, this disease 

 caused a deal of loss where s])raying was not carried out, but I am 



