172 Annual Report fo-r 1905 of the Consulting Botanist. 
(. Alabama . Coll. Stat. Bull. 108, page 19) suggests that the 
plants affected should be treated with insecticides to destroy 
the insects which give access to the bacteria. 
From North Wales were received some unhealthy and 
shrivelled grapes. The fungi that were detected on the 
grapes were not the cause of the injury, but it . was primarily 
due to some defect in the cultivation. A similar injury was 
investigated in Surrey, where it was suggested to lift the vines 
nearer to the surface of the soil so that the fibrous roots would 
be able to obtain food from the manure applied to the surface 
of the ground. This proved eminently successful. It was done 
during the rest period of the plant, and the vines are now in a 
perfect condition. As a sample of the soil asked for contained 
no fragments of the fine roots, it was clear that the defect in 
North Wales was the same as that dealt with in Surrey, and 
the member was advised as to treatment. 
Two diseases affecting violets were sent for information by 
members. In the one case the plants were growing out of 
doors. They were attacked by a fungus called Urocystis violce 
Sow., which produces abnormal swelling and distortion of the 
leaf-stalks. These burst and emit a black powder composed of 
the minute spores of the fungus. As soon as the swollen leaf 
stalks are observed the plants should be pulled up and 
destroyed by burning. The other case was an attack of fungi 
in violets growing under glass. It was no doubt due to the 
plants growing very closely together and keeping a moist 
atmosphere surrounding the lower leaves and stem. The 
plants should be thinned, and kept quite dry for two or three 
days. If the fungal attacks re-appear, then the plants should 
be lifted and planted out of doors. 
During the year several communications have been held 
with home and foreign authorities. Mr. E. Brown, of the 
Department of Agriculture of the United States of America, 
visited the laboratory to investigate the methods pursued in 
connection with the Society’s work. Specimens of the 
apparatus in use were supplied to him for the information of 
his department. A similar visit was paid by Dr. Hillman, 
of the German Agricultural Society, who has special charge of 
the department dealing with the improvement of farm seeds. 
Work has been done for H.M. Office of Works, and an inquiry 
attended to on behalf of the London County Council. 
Professor Dr. Kempsky, of the Agricultural Experimental 
Station, Rostock, Germany, had information given him as to 
the opinions entertained in regard to the vitality of seeds 
which have passed through the alimentary system of animals 
and birds. Dr. Maze, of the Pasteur Institute, Paris, supplied 
information and specimens in regard to a disease of cucumbers 
