"Some comparative observations upon the shape of Basidia and Method of 

 Spore Discharge in the Uredineae and Hymenomycetes" , by A. H. R. Buller. 



In this very interesting paper it was shown that the shape of the basidium 

 and of the promycelium was always such as to allow of the rapid and unhindered 

 discharge of the spores when mature. Dr. Buller also showed that, contrary to 

 the statements of certain German scientists, there was always formed just prior 

 to spore discharge a minute drop of liquid at the "hilum" of the spore. When the 

 basidiospore was discharged this drop was carried by the spore. The time occupied 

 in the formation of the drop was of such short duration that this fact accounted 

 for the lack of general observation of its formation. 



"Witches Broom of the Canada Balsam and the alternate hosts of the causal 

 organism", by R. E. Stone. 



Dr. Stone gave a short account of his infection experiments with Aecidium 

 elatinum Alb. et Schw. to show its relation to Melampsorella cerastii Pers.. He had 

 been able to ])roduce infections on Stcllaria media by acciospores from Abies 

 halsama, and also on Cerastium vulgatmn from the same source. 



Arthur has connected Aecidium elatinum, and Abies lasiocarpa with Melamp- 

 sorella cerastii on Cerastium oreophilwn. 



Wier connected Aecidium on Abies lasiocarpa with Cerastium oreophilum 

 and Stcllaria borealis. The same aecidium is reported on Abies grandis but no 

 culture work has been done. 



There is an aecidium on the western spruces, Picca angelmanii and Picea 

 paryannn and on Norway spruce in the west. Aecidium is known as Aecidium 

 coloradense and Weir has connected this xA.ecidium on Picea engelmanii with the 

 Melampsorella on Stellaria borealis and Stcllaria longifolia, so that it seems 

 possible that this aecidium on spruce is the same as the aecidium on the balsalms 

 and firs, but more work on this should be done. 



"New or little knoz^'u diseases of tlic potato zvhich cause the running out of 

 seed", by P. A. Murphy. 



Mr. Murphy described pathological conditions of potatoes which were de- 

 nominated "Streak", "Crinkle", and "Leaf drop",. these names clearly indicating 

 the symptoms in each case. 



"A Smut of Western Rye Grass", by Professor W. P. Fraser. 



A smut of Western Rye Grass is prevalent in the prairie provinces of Canada, 

 sometimes the percentage of infection being as high as 60% or more. This smut 

 attacks the spikelets and sometimes the glumes. The smut is close to Ustilago 

 bromivora, but is regarded as distinct by Dr. Clinton and has been named Ustilago 

 Agropyri Clint. 



Field experiments and laboratory studies have shown that this smut belongs 

 to the seedling infection group. The smut is carried over the winter by spores 

 on the seed. The ordinary seed treatment by a solution of formalin gave complete 

 control, and no injury of the seed was evident. 



"Some Obserz'ations Made in Inspecting for Leaf Roll and Mosaic'"' , by Prof. 

 1. E. Howitt. 



