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A NEW POTATO DISEASE. 
A new enemy of the potato crop is the wart disease, which is 
attracting great attention in Europe, and which is liable to be 
introduced into the United States at any time. The U. S. De- 
partment of Agriculture has recently issued a circular (for free 
distribution) giving a brief account of this disease. It affects 
the tubers, forming large rough unsightly warts, and, in severe 
attacks, completely destroys the crop. Once the fungus gets into 
the soil, it is impossible to grow a crop of potatoes on the land 
for several years. 
The fungus which causes this disease was discovered in 
1896 in potatoes grown in Hungary. It is now prevalent in many 
places in England and there is great danger that it may spread to 
Ireland. It is also found in Germany and some other European 
countries. It has been carried to Newfoundland, but has not yet 
appeared in the United States. The disease is spread by using 
affected potatoes for seed, and, as this country imports consider- 
able quantities of potatoes every year, there is danger that it 
may be introduced. 
HOW TO SEND CROP DISEASES BY MAIL. 
The Division of Entomology of the Board of Agriculture and 
Eorestry is desirous of receiving specimens of any and all 
troubles affecting trees, plants and seeds, in order to be able to 
examine and investigate these matters and, if possible, give reme- 
dies for eradication. 
The forwarding of specimens by post is usually an easy mat- 
ter. It is only necessary to enclose the specimens in a tin or 
wooden case such that the specimens may be fully protected 
from the handling to which ordinary postal matter is subjected. 
The most important point is that the specimens arrive in the 
freshest possible condition. To this end they should be gathered 
and packed shortly before the mail leaves for Honolulu. A few 
hours extra time in transit sometimes makes a great difference 
in the state of the shipment on arrival. This matter is therefore 
an important one, and fortunately, in most cases, a little thought 
will make it no more difficult to comply with this condition than 
to neglect it. 
If it can be done it is best to send the material in its natural 
state, that is, not preserved in any fluid. 
It is not necessary to send a large amount of material, but 
every stage possible should be included. 
Blighted leaves and twigs may be placed loosely in a tin. The 
tin should be a close one unless the material will be several days 
