116 
A species of Aspidium and one of Diplazium have been attacked 
by the fern eel-worm. This causes deep brown blotches on the 
fronds of the plant, completely spoiling its appearance. The eggs 
of the pest are deposited in the soil, and when hatched out mi- 
grate to the leaves. Treatment consists of fumigating the soil 
with carbon bisulphide, or drenching it with a solution of potas- 
sium permanganate. he leaves are dusted with a mixture of 
tobacco dust and flowers of sulphur, and this prevents the insects 
from entering the leaves. 
No very serious fungous disease has made itself known during 
the year. 
Plants of Prunus serotina have been attacked by a “ shot-hole” 
fungus, probably a species of Cylindrosporium. The fungus 
causes small circular pieces of the leaves to die and fall to the 
ground, giving the leaves the appearance of having been riddled 
and shot. The remedy for this disease is to till the soil thoroughly 
in the autumn, thus burying the pieces of leaves which contain the 
fungus, and to spray the trees in spring with Bordeaux mixture 
to prevent the germination of pores and subsequent growth on 
the leaves. 
Leaf-spot on garden peas has occurred and occasioned some 
annoyance. The fungi concerned in this case are believed to be 
Septoria Pisi and Ascochyta Pisi. 
Other fungous diseases, which are apparently not greatly to be 
feared, are a “rust” (Puccinia Thalictri), which has appeared on 
a plant of Thalictrum in the local flora section, and a “smut hs 
(Urocystis Anemones) attacking the hepaticas, also in the local 
flora section. 
A leaf spot of unknown origin has been noticed on the water 
lilies in the lake, but it does not appear to cause any serious 
damage. 

Montague Free 
CONFERENCES FOR THE BETTER UNDERSTANDING 
OF POTATO DISEASES AND POTATO 
IMPROVEMENT 
On the invitation of Dr. I. E. Melhus, in charge of the labora- 
tory for the study of potato diseases, maintained by the United 
