320 Annual Report for 1908 of the Consulting Botanist. 
arrest the growth and spread of the fungus, but would of 
course be detrimental to the white blanched shoots, as they 
would soon turn green and unfold their leaves. Where 
diseased shoots have been cut away it is necessary to powder 
the cut surface and the soil under the top with lime. This 
would destroy any grub or prevent snails getting at the plants. 
Occasional ventilation would prove of beenfit, but care should 
be taken not to admit light at the same time. 
Smoke Injury to Oats. 
Oats growing on a field adjacent to iron works showed 
marked signs of an injury to the leaves, which turned yellow 
in part and became limp. The plants seemed also to make 
no progress. 
Microscopically examined, no parasitic agent was found, 
but the tissues showed that the injury was due to physical 
causes, such as smoke or fumes. Smoke of coal rich in 
sulphur, or from the kilns of iron works, are very destructive 
to some plants. It is remarkable that other plants do not 
suffer from such smoke. In the case under observation no 
injury was done to cocksfoot or the young shoots of the 
surrounding hedges. It is impossible to suggest any means 
to combat an injury of this kind. Perhaps plants may be 
found that are less affected, for the pastures around the 
works near Middlesbrough are quite vigorous. 
The Laboratory, 
44 Central Hill, Norwood, S.E. 
William Carruthers. 
