270 BULLETIN 94. 



known in most cases to be high temperature accompanied by a 

 large moisture content of the soil, humid atmosphere, insufficient 

 light and close apartments, and soil which has become thorough- 

 ly infested with the fungi by the development of the disease in 

 plants growing in the same. Some excellent notes on the treat- 

 ment of the disease by gardeners and horticulturists are given in 

 the American Garden for 1890, by Meehan, Massey, Maynard, 

 Watson, lyonsdale, Gardiner, and Bailey, and a short description 

 of the potting bed fungus (Artotrogus debaryanus} by Sey- 

 mour. The principal lines of treatment suggested there from the 

 practical experience of the writers are as follows : 



When cuttings are badly diseased they should be taken out, the 

 soil removed, benches cleaned and fresh sand introduced, when 

 only the sound cuttings should be reset. For cuttings is recom- 

 mended a fairly cool house, and confined air should be avoided in 

 all cases. As much sunlight as possible should be given as the 

 plants will stand without wilting. When close atmosphere is 

 necessary guard against too much moisture and keep an even 

 temperature. The soil should be kept as free as possible from de- 

 caying vegetable matter. This is a very important matter, for 

 several of the most troublesome of the parasites grow readily on 

 such decaying vegetable matter and in many cases obtain such 

 vigorous growth that they can readily attack a perfectly healthy 

 plant which could resist the fungus if the vegetable matter had 

 not been there to give it such a start. Soil which is dry beneath 

 and wet on top as results from insufficient watering by a sprink- 

 ler favors the disease more than uniformity of moisture through- 

 out the soil. 



In seed beds use fresh sandy soil free from decaying matter. 

 Avoid over watering especially in dull weather, shade in the mid- 

 dle part of the day only and keep temperature as low as the plants 

 will stand, 



he seedlings are badly diseased it will be wise to discard 

 them and start the bed anew. In the early stages however they 

 can frequently be saved by loosening the soil to dry it, and plac- 

 ing the pots in sunny places at such times as they will not wilt. 

 Some advocate sprinkling sulphur on the soil and in some cases 

 sulphur at the rate of one to thirty is mixed in the soil before 

 sowing with good effect. When the beds are badly infested 



