389 



periments several times, always witli the same results. It is evident 

 that the healthy leaves possess an antiseptie substance, which prevents 

 the growth of the connnon molds on them. A portion of healthy and 

 unhealthy leaves from the trees above mentioned was analyzed in the 

 laboratory to determine the respective amounts of moisture, organic 

 matter, and asli in them, and gave the following results : 



Healthy pcacli-leaves : 



Moistmo 20.20 



Organic matter C3. !22 



Ash 7.58 



100. 00 



Uuliealthy leaves : 



Moisture ^6.9 



Organic matter ..., 59.4 



Ash 3.7 



100.0 



The fact of the absence of asli or solid matter and of the increase of 

 moisture in the unhealthy leaves, would of itself account for their greater 

 tendency to mold. Since leaves do not absorb earthy matter from the 

 atmosphere, it is evident that the cellular structure of the tree has in 

 some way failed to perform its functions ; for, had the ascending sap car- 

 ried with it potash, lime, or other earthy matter, the leaves would have 

 been stored with them, since the leaves have no power to evaporate 

 them. The deficiency of earthy matters in the leaves may also account 

 for the absence of ash in the fruit. If the theory is well founded that the 

 leaves elaborate juice for the growth of the fruit, the leaves being de- 

 prived of proper nourishment, the fruit cannot mature. It has been 

 long observed that trees affected with the yellows fruit earlier and ma- 

 ture i^rematurely, and soon decay. The presence of a larger amount 

 of sap in the unhealthy than in the healthy, indicates an earlier and 

 greater flow than in that of the healthy tree. The presence of watery sap 

 in the leaves, twigSj, and buds would induce naturally an early growth 

 of fruit and i)remature decay. From these and other observations the 

 disease seems traceable to the body of the tree or roots. Applications 

 of washes in this case to the leaves would probably x)rove useless, but if 

 applied to the bark and roots, might prove curative ; and for that par- 

 liose, judging from microscopic observations, I would recommend the 

 frequent application of hot lye as the best substance. 



FACTS FROM VARIOUS SOURCES. 



Economy in the use of Fodder. — At a national convention of 

 German agriculturists, chemists, physiologists, and directors of the 

 experimental stations, held in 1871, Professor T. von Gohren presented 

 his views on practical rules for the use of fodder. The following 

 are the leading points in his discussion: In fixing such rules it is 

 necessary to know, first, the general principles on which the desired 

 results in feeding stock depend ; second, the most economical means of 

 attaining those results. Other things being equal, every method may 

 be recommended which makes fodder more palatable and diminishes 

 the tax on the digestive organs. It is necessary to distinguish between 



