1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 33. 



REPORT OF THE BOTAI^TST. 



G. E. STONE, N. F. MONAHAN, ASSISTANT. 



With the exception of a continual increase in our corre- 

 spondence, tlie same routine has been pursued as in previous 

 years. Experiments have been carried on in the greenhouse 

 as usual on problems connected with roses, carnations, to- 

 matoes, melons and violets. There are obscure diseases 

 connected with these crops, which are in need of further 

 study in order to throw more light on some practical methods 

 of controlling or eliminating them. 



"Work has been continued on the efiects of illuminating 

 gas on trees, — a subject which is becoming important to 

 communities. This matter is receiving attention in various 

 States, on account of the not infrequent destruction of 

 avenues of valuable shade trees. Experiments of various 

 kinds pertaining to electricity and plant life in general have 

 also received some attention. There is an increased interest 

 in this subject, more particularly relating to the injurious 

 effects which are too frequently manifested in valuable shade 

 trees coming in contact with live wires. The de})artment 

 has also given considerable attention to the study of soil 

 organisms, but this work at present is merely in a prelim- 

 inary stage. 



Crops as related to Weather Conditions. 

 Every season is distinctly peculiar as regards the preva- 

 lence or non-prevalence of specific fungous growths. The 

 early potato blight appeared in most places to do more in- 

 jury than usual during the early part of the summer. This 

 is true even where crops were sprayed. As far as this season's 

 results arc concerned, it would indicate that spraying was 

 not commenced earlv cnoiiuli for controlliiii!: tins bliu'ht. 



