10 
largely bacterial, the initial injury in most cases being probably 
ue to some other cause. No specimens of the black Phoma rot 
were seen. It was ascertained that a more or less severe form 
of canker occurred over a wide area around Evesham, also in 
parts of Gloucestershire, whilst roots received from Somerset 
were almost completely destroyed through the same cause. In 
some cases where no rot, either wet or dry, was present a certain 
amount of the so-called canker was definitely attributed to the 
workings of Carrot Fly, and injury by this pest was found subse- 
quently to be very considerable (see Bd. Agric. Leaflet No. 38). . 
At this season it was obviously too late to obtain a general 
insight into the nature of canker and of the black rot. A few 
simple tests, with regard to soil and culture for the coming 
season, were therefore arranged pending further examination in 
September, about which date canker was said to commence. 
These experiments included the dressing of the soil with lime, 
soot and sulphate of ammonia. is was carried out by several 
0 
Evesham. The fields of seven large growers were inspected, and 
also the gardens of several others where parsnips were grown on 
a smaller seale. By this date canker had been reported from 
several market gardens, and, as was subsequently discovered, 
was in certain localities far advanced. It was regarded as being 
To form a really true estimate it would have been necessary 
to lift a large number of roots and have a somewhat detailed 
knowledge of the character of the soil and its previous history 
with regard to manuring. This much, however, may be said: 
in most fields the distribution of the canker appeared fairly 
uniform and to be unaffected by the dressings which had been 
apphed. The application of sulphate of ammonia did not 
apparently result in any very great increase in the growth of 
the parsnip nor in the amount of disease. No very striking 
results were, however, anywhere apparent, though, on the whole, 
canker appeared to be distinctly worse where limine in the past 
had been omitted. 
cases on wet heavy land (Pebworth and Sedgeberrow). A bad 
case was noted on light land (Fladbury), On the whole, canker 
appeared least prevalent on medium loam. 
