SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE, SEPTEMBER 20. 



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bury the eelworins so deeply that they cannot reach the surface again. 

 As this pest is also the cause of the disease in Clover known as ' Clover 

 sickness,' this crop should never immediately follow an infested crop of 

 Oats. This pest is easily carried from one field to another by the soil 

 attached to various implements, horses' feet, and the boots of labourers. 

 The following dressings have been found of use in assisting an infested 

 crop to ' grow away ' from the pest, though I doubt if they have had much 

 effect on the eelworms : — Sulphate of potash 1 cwt. per acre, 3 cwt. cf 

 sulphate of potash and 1 cwt. of sulphate of ammonia, or two parts of 

 sulphate of potash and three parts of sulphate of ammonia, cr sulphate of 

 iron 3 cwt. per acre." 



Grapes attacked by Insects. — The following is Mr. Saunders' report 

 on samples sent from Blackheath : — "I have no doubt but that the insects 

 attacking the Grapes are the caterpillars of Batodes (Tortrix) angus- 

 tiorana ; but the Tortrix caterpillars are so much alike, and the moths 

 were in such bad condition, that I cannot speak positively. As to destroy- 

 ing the caterpillars, it seems almost impossible to suggest any means 

 which would not spoil the Grapes, as any insecticide would impart a 

 flavour to the fruit. Syringing with cold water might do some good, but 

 it would have to be used with considerable force. I have not been able to 

 find out where the chrysalides are formed. If in the ground, removing, 

 say, 2 in. of the surface soil would be effectual ; if they are formed on the 

 stems or shoots of the Vines, then the latter should be carefully dressed. 

 This would kill the chrysalides, which will be found in a silken web or 

 cocoon. The walls and woodwork should also be well washed, so as to 

 kill any which may be formed on them." 



Iris and Fungi, — In reply to an inquirer as to the cure of the common 

 Iris fungi, the Rev. W. Wilks gave his experience of dusting the plants 

 with kainit once a fortnight or once in three weeks during autumn and 

 spring. By this means he perfectly cured many badly diseased plants. 



Peach Hot. — Dr. Cooke, V.M.H., reported as follows upon fruits 

 received from Leeds :— " Undoubtedly the Peaches are suffering from a 

 bad attack of Glceospcrium fructigenum, which also attacks Apples, 

 Grapes, Figs, and other fruits. It is dangerous, as it may soon extend to 

 other trees, and is very difficult to exterminate, as it is deep-seated. Let 

 all fruits be gathered and destroyed as soon as diseased spots appear. 

 The only remedy we know is spraying with a solution of half-an-ounce cf 

 sulphate of potassium to one gallon of water. Application to be made at 

 intervals of ten days." 



Apple, Canker.— Dr. Cooke exhibited branches of Apple suffering from 

 canker. Surrounding the cankerous spots were tufts of slightly pinkish 

 mould, which had been identified as the conidia of Nectria ditissima. 

 Other and older cankers on thicker limbs showed no trace of either the 

 conidia or the perfect Nectria, and would otherwise have been difficult to 

 trace to their true Cause, especially now that it is believed the Glrosporium 

 also produces canker on Apple branches. With this evidence it would be 

 tolerably clear that all the cankers on this tree were due to the Fusariiun, 

 which forms the initial stage or conidia! form of the Nectria. 



Lychnis with Grubs.— Mr. Saunders reported as follows upon speci- 

 mens sent by Mr. Holmes :— " I should say that the small yellow grubs 



