66 BOTANICAL GAZETTE [yuLy 
spotting of peaches, and observations on apple and cedar rust. Wm. C. Stur- 
gis (Conn. 20; 246-284) in extended trials with corrosive sublimate, lysol, and 
sulphur for prevention of potato scab, concludes that the first mentioned is the 
only one that can be recommended. He gives the results of other studies 
upon this disease as it occurs on potatoes, beets, turnips, mangles, and ruta- 
bagas. It does not appear to attack radishes, parsnips, salsify, and carrots. 
There are also notes upon leaf-blight (physiological) of melons, winter condi- 
tion of the fungus (Cladosporium carpophilum Thm.) causing spotting of 
peaches, a destructive fungus (Cercosfora Nicotiane E. & FE.) on tobacco 
leaves, asparagus rust (Puccinia Asparagt DC.), and shelling of grapes 
(physiological). Geo, E. Stone and R. E. Smith (Mass. 9 : 57-84) describe a 
sporadic attack of a parasitic bacterium in strawberry plants, various forms 
of spotting of leaves of decorative plants, an anthracnose of cucumbers (Co/- 
letotrichum Lagenarium E. & H.), asparagus rust (Puc. Asfaragi DC.,), late 
rust of blackberry (Chrysomyxa albida K.), tomato mildew (Cladosporium 
Julvum Cke.),a chrysanthemum rust (Puc. Tanaceti S.), drop and top-burn 
of lettuce, two diseases due in part to disturbed functions and in part to 
attack of botrytis, and peculiar meteorological conditions causing the wilting 
and death of maple leaves.— J. C. A 
METHODS OF EBONIZING wood have long been known in the arts, but it is 
only a few years since ebonized tables have been used in botanical labora- 
tories. Professor Dr. Julius Wortmann describes a cheap and effective method 
of doing this,"* which he learned from Mr. A. Jérgensen at Copenhagen. 
Tables treated in this way have now been in use in the bacteriological labora- 
tory of the University of Wisconsin for some months and have given entire 
satisfaction. As most microscopic preparations can be better made on a black 
background, and as these ebonized tables are very resistant to acids and 
stains, it is probable that they will come to be extensively used when their 
merits are known. The following directions will enable anyone to prepare 
them. 
Two solutions are needed. Wortmann (I. c.) gives the following receipts 
for them: 
I. 1oo%™ copper sulphate ; 50%™ potassium chlorate ; 615%™ water. 
II. 100%" anilin chlorate; 40%" ammonium chloride; 615%™ water, or: 
I. 67%™ sodium chlorate ; a8 copper chloride; 1' water. 
If. 150%" anilin chlorate; 1! water. 
The solutions used in the Uieuty of Wisconsin are somewhat nr ses 
from either, though in effect the same: 
I. 125®™ copper sulphate; 125%™ potassium chlorate: water to make I 
liter. 
II. 60%™ anilin oil; 90% hydrochloric acid (c. p.); water to make 500%. 
™ Bot. Zeitung, 547: 326. 1 N 1897. 
