NOTES AND QUERIES. 319 
more cheaply, but is also more durable, and, as the points of 
the barbs are completely coated, it retains its efficiency much 
longer than by the old method.” James Kay, 
MANAGEMENT OF BrrcH SEED. 
Professor Schwappach has very kindly sent me an account of 
the system that he follows with regard to the raising of young 
birches; and as the information is sure to be of interest and value 
to members of the Society, I append a translation :— 
“The seed must be gathered and sown as soon it is ripe, which, 
in this district, occurs in the beginning of August. The seed-bed 
must be prepared on moist, but not wet, open soil. The seed is 
sown broadcast, and, having been very lightly covered with sand, 
is firmly rolled. The slightest excess of covering will prevent 
germination. The bed is then kept sufficiently moist by a cover- 
ing of sparred frames or branches, though, if the weather is very 
dry, watering may be necessary. When the tiny seedlings appear 
in a few weeks, the covering must be removed. Late in autumn 
the bed should be lightly covered with spruce leaves to protect the 
plants against frost. 
“Since I began to practise this system, I have never failed to 
obtain satisfactory results.” WILLIAM SOMERVILLE. 
Phoma pithya, A Funcus on tHE Dovue.as Fir. 
A Note read by Georce Leven, Forester, St Quinox, Ayrshire, 
ab the Annual Meeting held in January 1898. 
The Douglas fir is generally believed to be free from disease 
in this country, and it has been planted largely on some estates 
as a probable successor to the larch. I cannot speak of its 
qualities as a timber tree, but undoubtedly it is liable to attack 
by at least one fungus, which affects it in some respects as Peziza 
Wulkommit does the larch. I am unable to quote an authority 
on this disease, although I understand it has been observed on 
the Continent, and with your permission I will give my own 
observations on it, 
