218 



the epidermis of the leaf^ and then push out several 

 stalks^ on the ends of which the spores are produced. 

 The latter (Fig. 88 a) are long and slender, and diyided 

 by several transverse partitions. They germinate when 

 on moist alfalfa leaves, by sending out a slender thread, 

 which penetrates the skin of the leaf and starts the 

 fungus anew. 



Treatment. — Uj)on this point Professor Chester 

 says : "^^In case it should be necessary seriously to com- 

 bat this difficulty, the writer would advise that all dis- 

 eased patches or areas be cut and burned, or composted 

 with an excess of lime.'^ 



Literature. — The only article of importance con- 

 cerning this disease yet published is the one above re- 

 ferred to, which may be found in the Second Eeport of 

 the Delaware Experiment Station (1889, pp. 95-97). 

 Another disease of alfalfa is briefly described in the 

 same connection, and another in the report for 1890. 



