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In fact, so long as the leaf is taken as the determining point, any- 

 thing that performs the function of a leaf should be classified as leaf, 

 without regard to outward appearance; and the same rule must equally 

 be followed in the classification of parasites occur on them. It follows 

 therefore that Macrophoma, Phoma and Phyllosticta should be compre- 

 hended in a single division. Such a classification would certainly be 

 natural and it should have a comprehensive name relating also to the 

 name of the host. Discarding Macrophoma on account of its ethymological 

 significance, we may take one of the two remaining names and it is 

 appropriate to adopt that of Phyllosticta since the fungi referred to, 

 invariably bear their picnidium on leaves or else on twigs. 



The malady, although so injurious in nature, has never been studied, 

 and naturally there is not the literature on the subject. After careful 

 consideration, the author has decided to designate the fungus as Phyllosticta, 

 (Phoma) Cryptomae, the name being derived in part from that of the host 

 tree. Besides Phyllosticta, above-mentioned, Cercospora may be account- 

 able as the cause of the red plague. 



III. Symptoms of the Plague 



The red plague attacks severely " Sugi " (Cryptomeria japonica) seed- 

 lings of 1 to 2 years old mostly; those 3 to 4 years old suffer far less, 

 while saplings are least affected. The plague first make its appearance 

 on leaves near the ground, since there are deflicient of sunshine, less 

 ventilation and excessive moisture from the ground. 



The fungus injuries leaves at its early stage ; it passes into branches 

 and twigs later on, causing brownish dark spots on the surface. Evidently, 

 the fungus which thus attacks the leaves and gradually makes its way 

 into other parts of the young plant, hinders the growth. 



In proportion to the progress of the red plague, the chlorophyll grains . 

 contained in leaves and twigs turn brown, giving them a dark brown 

 appearance. The next step is the utter failure of the growth of the 

 tissue and then the leaves become dry and brittle. 



PLATES VIII. 



Fig. 5. A. Cross section of picnidium magnified IIIxV, Seibert. 

 Fig. 5. B. Spores do. 



