XXV111 INTRODUCTION. 



universal character had appeared in the potatoe plant; 

 which intelligence was speedily confirmed by other 

 observers. When the fact was announced, several 

 communications were sent, to the effect that the dis- 

 ease had existed to a large extent the previous sea- 

 son ; but, strangely enough, although the fact is 

 undoubted, no person had chronicled the important 

 circumstance. 



Every circumstance worthy of note upon this all- 

 interesting topic is to be found in the daily and weekly 

 newspapers ; and now, scientific intelligence is so 

 rapidly promulgated in these great organs of know- 

 ledge, that an invention of one day is in active ope- 

 ration over the country the next. This extraordinary 

 and rapid diffusion of knowledge is certainly not 

 without its disadvantage ; for though it be communi- 

 cated with great rapidity, yet the subsequent refer- 

 ence to it is the less easy, as the mass of newspapers 

 is so great, that it is almost impossible to hunt over 

 by-gone periodicals for particular essays. 



The " Gardener's Chronicle," under the able editor- 

 ship of Dr. Lindley, has always freely discussed the 

 subject since the 16th of August, 1845. In the 

 " Illustrated London News " there is also an excel- 

 lent article, illustrated by wood cuts, which, if we can 

 believe common report, was also written under the 

 superintendence of the same distinguished botanist. 



If we turn to the proceedings of the great learned 

 societies, we shall perceive that they have not done 

 much for the inquiry. The Royal Society contains 



