PREFACE. 



The present investigations, which have chiefly as subject matter the newly discovered 

 blossom infections by smut fungi and, in connection with them, the natural distribution of smut 

 diseases, form the continuation of the work on smut fungi already published in 3 parts, Vols. 

 V, XI and XII, of this work. 



It would not have been possible to carry out these new investigations to the extent here 

 reached, if the Cultusministerium, at my suggestion, had not been so very kind as to grant the 

 requisite means. 



It is a great satisfaction to me to be able to express at this place my respectful thanks. 



Professor BREFELD. 

 Breslau, September, 1905. 



