agricultural experiment station. ill 



Characters of the Fungus. 



This fungus causes a premature discoloration and dropping of the 

 foliage and in some cases the spotting and cracking of the fruit. 

 It has done considerable damage to pear and quince orchards. It 

 does not seem to be as bad in Maine as in the Atlantic States 

 farther South, but it is here and should be known and precautions 

 taken to prevent its spread. Sometimes the leaves all drop early, 

 but usually they drop slowly during the season. The leaves are 

 unhealthy, the trees do not make a normal growth and sometimes 

 a second blossoming occurs. 



The disease first shows itself in the form of minute red spots, 

 which increase in number and size and finally cause the leaf to 

 shrivel and drop. The tender twigs are affected and often 

 destroyed. The disease upon the fruit causes it to crack, through 

 which germs enter and cause early decay. 



Black or Hahi Mold. 



Phy corny ces nitens. 

 We received the above-named fungus from Mr. Martin, and as 

 the species is quite common in Maine we give Mr. Martin's letter 

 and an account of the plant. 



Fort Fairfield, Me., March 31, 1892. 

 Friend Jordan, 



Dear Sir : — Enclosed with this letter you will find a piece of 

 an elephant potato, to which is attached a hairy mane. 



In the same hill there grew seven potatoes, all of which had a 

 hirsute growth similar to the enclosed. 



Will you please let me know whether this is the much-sought- 

 for missing link, or what it may be ? 



This has elicited much curiosity and we would like to know of 

 what nature it is. 



Respectfully yours, 



N. H. Martin. 



The above-named mold belongs to an order of fungi known as 

 Mucorini or Black Molds. The species of the genus Mucor are 

 quite common on decaying organic matter and are frequently seen 

 on rotten potatoes, squashes, pumpkins and other vegetables in 

 the garden and in the cellar. They also are very annoying to 

 housewives, appearing quickly upon bread, or cooked vegetables 



