10 Annual Report of the State Botanist. 



foliage is so destructive that it must greatly diminisli the yield of 



this grain in places where it abounds, for no plant can do its best 



work with half its foliage dead and discolored. It is probable 



that in an ordinarily dry season its attacks will be much less 



severe. 



Not only have the parasitic fungi manifested great activity, but 



also the saprophytic, as has been indicated by the abundant and 



vigorous growth of those species that are found upon stumps, 



dead branches and prostrate trunks in and about our woodlands. 



A letter to me from P. H. Dudley, C. E., who is making a study 



of this subject, with especial reference to its practical and 



economic aspect, has such a direct bearing upon this subject 



and records observations of such practical value, that I have, 



with his permission, appended a copy of it to this report. It 



is marked F. 



Very respectfully submitted. 



CHAS. H. PECK. 



Albany, December 10, 1889. 



