212 
First Report of the Consulting Botanist. 
to H. J. Seels, Esq., of The Hall, Wainfleet. In June of this 
year he observed that many of the ears were in a weak and 
sickly condition, in some cases somewhat discoloured ; and in all 
the attacked specimens the process of maturing the grain had 
entirely stopped. In examining the plants, he found that a brown 
discoloration existed in every one at the base of the straw. The 
specimens forwarded to me were all discoloured between the 
first and second joints from the root ; and, on examining this 
portion of the plant with the microscope, 1 discovered that the 
soft cellular tissues of the stem were everywhere penetrated, and 
more or less completely destroyed by the mycelium of a fungus. 
The brown colour on the stem increased in intensity with the 
development of the fungus. Very soon the parasite so injured 
the tissues of the plant that all vital connexion between the 
roots and the upper part of the wheat was cut off ; the circulation 
of the sap was stopped, the nourishment was wanting for the 
grain, and this remained in an immature condition. After my 
examination I reported to Mr. Seels the nature of the malady, 
and suggested that nothing could be done to save the crop ; but 
that the heavy and persistent rains, which were obviously the 
cause of the disease, might to some extent be the means of 
recovering the field from it. I had hoped that sufficient mois- 
ture might be absorbed by the leaves and stems from the rain to 
enable the living plants to send down new roots and re-establish 
their connexion with the soil. 1 am glad to report that this was 
really the result, and that to some extent the injury was not so 
serious as at first it threatened to be. 
In investigating the history of this disease I ascertained that 
it had suddenly made its appearance (in the year 1851) in 
France, in fields of wheat extending over a large area, and that 
from its attacking the foot of the wheat stalk it had received the 
name of " pietin." In 1854 the Rev. M. J. Berkeley incidentally 
referred to it in a review in the ' Gardener's Chronicle,' as having 
come under his notice in this country, but no detailed account 
has hitherto appeared of its nature, or of its occurence in 
England. 1 have, therefore, appended to this Report, an account 
of the disease, with woodcuts, representing its aspettts to the 
naked eye, and the appearance of the parasite when examined 
under the microscope. There is the more necessity for calling 
the attention of agriculturists to this disease, as the fungus has 
not yet been foimd in a condition fit for its complete investiga- 
tion ; and until the botanist can ascertain the precise character 
and habit of the plant, he can suggest only vague remedies for 
the cure of the maladv. 
(Signed) 
WiLLi.\M Carruthers, F.R.S., F.L.S. 
