446 Journal of AgricuU im , ]'ictoria. \\0 July, 1917. 



Tvere subsequently submittal to microscopic examination, and were 

 definitely found to be diseased. Mr. W . O. Allan, of Ballarat, 

 agreed with Mr. I'pbam. The trees nt Ballarat were badly attacked 

 under most diverse conditions. 



Various delegates considered that tlio Plane tree bad been planted 

 too freely in the past, and, in many instances, in soils and situations 

 unsuitable for its bealtby development. It was, however, generally 

 agreed that the Plane was a most suitable street tree, and that it was 

 specially valuable where the atmosphci'c was smoke laden. 



The action of the Minister of Lands iu calling the representatives 

 together to discuss the matter in question was cordially approved. The 

 hope was freely expressed that a conference of tree and park managers 

 would be held annually to consider questions bearing on the selection, 

 planting, and management of trees suitable for street and park decora- 

 tion. It was pointed out that large sums of money had been spent in 

 tree culture, and would need to be spent in futiire in caring for the 

 trees already planted and for fresh plantings, and that meetings such 

 as the present one would tend to more satisfactory results generally 

 henceforth. 



The Chairman commented on the various statements of the scientific 

 and lay members of the Conference, and submitted the following 

 resolution : — 



That this thoroughly representative meeting of curators and 

 other gentlemen, representing over thirty municipalities in Victoria, 

 view with much concern the spread of the fungoid disease of the 

 Plane tree (scientifically Glceosporium nervisequwn on leaf, 

 Myxos'porwn vahoideum on branch). That it is imperative that 

 remedial measures be taken early to check its ravages; these to be 

 effected by systematic pruning of diseased trees by competent men, 

 and by spraying the trees under the advice of officers of the De- 

 partment of Agriculture. 



This resolution was seconded by Mr. A. Rumball, of Bendigo, and 

 carried unanimously. 



Other resolutions that were carried were — 



That this Conference recommends that in fut-ure the Plane tree 

 shoiild only be planted in soils and sitiiations that are favorable 

 to its healthy development. 



That the matter of calling an annual conference be left in the 

 hands of tlie Hon. the Minister of Lands, the Secretary for Lands, 

 and the Curator of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens. 



A hearty vote of thanks to the Minister of Lands for his action in 

 calling the Conference was carried unanimously. 



A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the proceedings. 



Recommendations made regarding the treatment of affected trees 

 were — 



1. That all diseased trees be heavily pruned early in winter, and 

 all affected shoots and branches be burned forthwith. 



