REPORT OF THE COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR 1916. 
vii 
(4) Offer of expert advice to Local Authorities on the growing 
of vegetables on unoccupied lands. 
11. Staff Enlisted. — There has been a further response on the part 
of the S )ciety to the call for men. The total number from our Staff 
and Students (past and present) serving is 118, of whom five have laid 
down their lives for their country. Two, Capt. Ferris Grant and Lieut. 
J C. Powell, have been awarded the Military Cross, whilst Sergt. H. W. 
Abbis has won th^ Distinguished Conduct Medal. Capt. Page, the 
Society's Chemist at Wisley, was severely wounded, but is now making 
a satisfactory recovery. 
12. War Relief Fund. — On December 31 the total amount received 
and promised for our War Relief Fund amounted to over £14,000. 
The increase during the twelve months has been almost entirely due 
to the hard work and unflagging zeal of Lady Northcote, C.I., President 
of the Ladies' Committee, the Vice-Presidents, the ladies of the Com- 
mittee, and the County Presidents. Their patient and untiring efforts 
have brought about a result which ought to be as gratifying to them- 
selves as it is to the Council. By the holding of garden fetes, meetings, 
entertainments, and such-like, considerable sums have been collected. 
Whilst it would be invidious to mention particular names where all 
have worked so energetically, the Council desires to make two excep- 
tions and to specially thank Lady Northcote for her extraordinary 
zeal in the cause, and Mrs. Lowther for the highly successful meeting 
held at the Speaker's House on May 24. During 191 7 the work of the 
Ladies' Committee will be continued. A List of Subscriptions accom- 
panies this Report [not reproduced here]. 
13. The Laboratory at Wisley. — The magnificent laboratories at 
Wisley have been completed during the year (see R.H.S. Journal, 
vol. xlii., pt. i), and work, with such staff as is available, has com- 
menced. During the year the following problems, among others, 
have been under investigation : 
(1) The so-called Fusarium disease of Narcissi, by Mr. J. K. Rams- 
bottom (Research Student). 
(2) The control of American Gooseberry Mildew, and the effect of 
Burgundy mixture in preventing the summer stage of the disease 
on the berries, by Dr. A. S. Home. 
(3) Rose Mildew and Apple Fruit Spot, by Dr. A. S. Home. 
(4) The effect of electrical discharge on the yield of market garden 
crops, by Mr. F.J Chittenden, F.L.S., in collaboration with the Imperial 
College of Science and the Board of Agriculture. 
(5) Problems connected with pollination in orchards, and with the 
fruiting and growth of fruit-trees, by Mr. F. J. Chittenden, F.L.S. 
(6) Breeding of hardy peas, by Dr. Keeble, F.R.S. 
(7) Breeding of strawberries, blackberries, and other Rubus fruits, 
by Dr. Keeble, Mr. Wright, and Mr. Wilson. 
(8) Breeding of hardy Primulas, by Dr. Keeble and Mr. Blakey. 
