12 



' ' A careful examination of the publications of the last few years reveals 

 a great amount of work done on old problems. The old problems have been 

 attacked anew with new weapons, with more experience, and with a better 

 knowledge of related problems. Investigations relating to the Codling 

 Moth, the Curculio and Apple Scab have yielded a large amount of new and 

 valuable information. The study of the biological relations of organisms, 

 that is, the relation of one organism to another, and of the organism to its 

 environment, is receiving much attention at the present time, and much 

 fresh light has been thrown upon the life-histories of many of our economic 

 plants and animals. 



"As workers in economic biology, we are indeed fortunate 

 m having so many valuable books of reference to aid us. INot 

 many years ago the study of insects and plant diseases was slow 

 and unsatisfactory on account of the scarcity of available reference and 

 text-books, and beginners were often discouraged at the outset. I beg 

 to call your attention to a recent work by Prof. B. M. Duggar, of Cornell 

 University, entitled. " Fungous Diseases of Plants," published by Ginn & 

 Company, of Boston. In my judgment it is the best work on the subject 

 that we have in America, and every student of plant diseases should possess 

 a copy for ready reference. 



"In conclusion, gentlemen, may I again remind you of the importance of 

 our work as a Society to the province. Millions of dollars of valuable 

 plants are destroyed every year by insects and fungous diseases, and it is our 

 privilege and duty to take the lead in devising ways and means of preventing 

 such losses, 



"The Government of the province continues to show its interest in us 

 by giving us a grant to hold our meetings and by printing our report." 



A number of very excellent papers were read during the afternoon, 

 which called forth a great deal of discussion. Prof. Klinck spoke on the 

 "Susceptibility of Certain Crops to Smut." Mr. Hammond's paper dealt 

 with the ' ' Influence of Fertilizers on Disease in Plants. ' ' He wa.s followed 

 by Prof. Dimitriou on "The Control of a Noxious Mildew of Cereals." 

 Mr. Chapais dealt with the " Carrot Fly." District reports on insects and 

 fungi were then presented, Mr. Dupiiis reporting for the Quebec district 

 and Mr. Winn for Montreal. 



Note. — Since the .above was written three excellent books on economic fungi have 

 appeared: Selby's Handbook of the Disenaes of Cidlivated Plants, Bulletin 214, Ohio Agric. 

 Exp. Station.; Stevens & Hall's DUeiaei^ of Economic Plants, Macmillan Co., New York; 

 and Massce's Diseases of Cultivated Plants and Trees, Duckworth & Co., London. 



