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No. IX. 



On the Mildew. By Mr. W. Jones, of Foxdown Hill, Wellington, 



Somersetshire. 



My Lord, 



It must have afforded much pleasure to all lovers of agriculture, that Sir Joseph 

 Banks has turned his attention to that very important subject, the Mildew in 

 Wheat, by publishing an Essay on the subject, with plates, describing the fungus, 

 he has, by the help of the misroscope, discovered on the straw ; but some time 

 having elapsed since I saw it, I have really forgotten whether Sir Joseph consi- 

 dered this fungus to be the cause of the injury, or an effect of some other caxise ; 

 in either case I should feel equally disposed to submit, with the greatest deference 

 to your Lordship, and the Board over which you have the honour to preside, an 

 hypothesis as to the cause of the injury, founded on some observations ; being well 

 assured that if it should be seen by Sir Joseph Banks, and not accord with his 

 present opinion, or that of the Board, yet it will be considered with all that liber- 

 ality of sentiment that is sure to accompany superior attainments. I have therefore 

 flattered myself with experiencing indulgence for the first part of this Essay, and to 

 hope for the approbation of the Board as to the second part, which treats of the 

 state or condition in which the wheat should be reaped, and the subsequent 

 management of it when mildewed, that will afford some remedy to lessen this 

 great evil ; which being the result of actual experience, founded on a principle 

 to be clearly understood by every one who will give it a few minutes consideration, 

 I do with the greater confidence submit it to the practice of others, being well 

 assured it will stand the test of their experience as well as my own. 



I have the honour to be, my Lord, &c. 8cc. 



The Rt. Hon. Lord Sheffield, 

 P. B. A. 



