In either form specimens are mailable at the rate of one cent an 

 ounce. 



Requests for information or advice concerning plant diseases or 

 other subjects within the scope of this Department will be answered 

 as promptly and as fully as may be possible under the circumstances. 



Pending the completion of the laboratories and greenhouses pro- 

 vided for the use of the Department by the present Legislature, tem- 

 porary quarters have been equipped in the chemical laboratory 

 building. 



During the present season a leading subject of inquiry is the scab 

 of potatoes. A resume of our present knowledge of this disease 

 will be found on pages 131-8 of the report of the Station for 1888, 

 and all readers of this bulletin who can contribute towards a more 

 complete knovrledge of the subject by answering any of the following 

 questions are earnestly requested to do so. It is desired that no one 

 will attempt to answer any question, except from practical experi- 

 ence and observation. 



Questions Conckkning Potato Scab. 



1. What is the extent of the damage caused by 2^otato scab in your 

 vicinity ? 



2. Is scab more or less prevalent 

 (a) in a wet season ? 



(&) on a naturally wet soil? 



3. What is the effect on the develoi)ment of scab of the use of 

 (a) barnyard manure? 



{b) commercial fertilizers? 



(c) tobacco stalks or dust? 



(d) other refuse matters? 



4. Is scab more or less likely to attack potatoes grown on 



(a) newly broken land? 



(b) old land previously in other crops? 



(c) old laud previously in potatoes? 



5. How do crops raised from scabby seed-potatoes compare in 

 scabbiness with those raised from smooth potatoes? 



6. Have you noted any effect on the development of scab caused 

 by deep or shallow planting? 



7. Is there any difference in liability to the attacks of sar/j between 

 light and dark skinned varieties of potatoes? 



8. How early in the development of a potato tuber have you ever 

 seen it attacked by scab? 



