NOTES AND ABSTRACTS. 



321 



cnbensis), with a concise account of its distribution, systematic position, 

 life- history, and modes of prevention. 



This is succeeded by an account of the Downy Mildew or Blight of 

 Potatoes (Phytophthora infestans), giving the life-history of the fungus, 

 results of spraying experiments during three years, and general 

 conclusions. Early potatoes suffer very much less from blight than 

 the late varieties. There is no doubt that the character of the season is 

 the dominant factor in determining how little or much damage will be 

 caused by blight. Wet weather in August or September following the 

 blighting of the vines determines largely the amount of rot that develops 

 in the tubers. The first step in lessening the disease should be the 

 selection of seed as free as possible from disease. The results of spraying 

 with Bordeaux mixture vary with different seasons, but depend largely on 

 the thoroughness of the treatment, and its application at the proper 

 time.— M. C. C. 



Gentiana Melvillei. By S. Moore (Joicm. Bot, 509, pp. 143-144 ; 

 5 1905). — Description of a new, apparently annual, species, probably 

 with pale mauve flowers, near G. tilicaulis, collected by Major Melville, 

 at 3,000 feet altitude, at Pyinsamben, in the Shan States, and preserved 

 in the National Herbarium. — G. S. B. 



Gipsy Moth, The. By J. K. M. L. Farquhar (U.S.A. Hort. Soc. 

 Mass. Trans. 1904, pp. 19-24). — The gipsy moth was introduced to America 

 about 1868 for experiments in silk raising and allowed to escape. It 

 rapidly increased, and now attacks large numbers of shade, fruit, and forest 

 trees, often completely defoliating them. In addition to this the leaves 

 of many herbaceous plants are eaten voraciously. The writer warns all 

 to do what is in their power to exterminate the pest, and suggests that 

 investigators should be sent to Europe to discover the natural enemies 

 of the moth. — F. J. C. 



Gladiolus, The. By A. Cowee (U.S.A. Hort. Soc. Mass. Trans. 1904, 

 pp. 124-132).— This paper deals chiefly with Groff's Hybrid Gladioli. 

 The manner in which they are raised and cultivated is treated of, and 

 claims are made as to their superiority over all other forms of Gladiolus 

 for garden purposes. — F. J. G. 



Gnidia polystaehya. By M. S. Brown (Bot. Mag. tab. 8001).— Nat. 

 ord. Thymclceacece, tribe Euthymclceece ; South Africa. A free-growing, 

 densely branched shrub, 5-6 ft. high. Flowers in dense clusters, yellow, 

 and heterostyled as to style and calyx-tube, but not the stamens. — G. II. 



Golden Seal (Hydrastis canadensis Linn.). By Alice Henkel and 

 G. F. Klugh (U.S.A. Dep. Agr. Bar. PI. Bid. Bull. 51, 2/1905 ; 4 figs., 

 2 plates). — This plant, officinal in U.S.A., is becoming scarce, and the 

 price has increased from about 20 cents per lb. in 1894 to $1.25 in 1904. 

 About 200,000 to 300,000 lb. are grown yearly. The rhizome and young 

 roots are used in the drug trade. It is of a yellow colour, changiug after 

 some time to a greenish yellow or brown internally, and deteriorating in 

 quality. The value of the root lies in the alkaloids which it contains, 



Y ; 



