190().] PUBLIC DOOUMEXT — No. 36. 115 



KEPORT OF THE BOTANIST. 



a. K. stone; assistant, n. f. monaiian. 



The long period of dry weather during the past summer 

 has rendered many plants free from certain types of fungous 

 diseases. On tlie other liand, the dry conditions were favor- 

 able for the outbreak of other troubles. A considerable 

 amount of rain fell, and a more or less prolonged period of 

 cloudy and damp weather prevailed during the latter part 

 of August and first of 8epteml)er, which brought on some 

 severe cases of blight. This rainy and damp period, coming 

 as it did after the severe drought, exerted a peculiar influence 

 on the quality of fruit, and in some instances it was respon- 

 sible for inducing a renewed activity of the reproductive 

 organs of plants. It is well known that favorable condi- 

 tions following a check often stinmlate vital activity along 

 the lines of reproduction, and it was not surprising to find 

 some wild plants responding in this manner. 



Downy Mildew of Tomato. 

 (^PhytopJttliora in/estans, DBy.) 

 The damp and rainy period following the prolonged dry 

 season caused an unusual outbreak on tomato plants, namely, 

 the downy mildew, which is the same as that giving rise to 

 the late blight of potatoes. It is seldom that this mildew 

 attacks tomatoes, in this State at least, to any extent; but 

 this season the damage was quite severe and widely dissem- 

 inated, especiall}^ injuring the younger vegetative portions 

 of the plants. 



