SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE, MARCH 22. Xxiii 
Cypress Diseased. —A specimen received from Dr. Church, 
having the bark split and detached and infested with fungi, was 
forwarded to Kew for further examination. The following 
report was received : “ Cupressus dolabrata. —This is a typical 
example of bark-scorching. The cortex, being first killed by 
exposure to the sun’s rays, afterwards splits and forms sun- 
cracks, and finally separates from the wood. The fungus present 
—Corticium lacteum , Fries —is simply saprophytic on the dead 
parts.” 
Scientific Committee, March 22, 1898. 
Dr. M. T. Masters in the Chair, and eight members present. 
Orchid Boots with Fungus. —With reference to the nature 
of the fungus attacking Orchid roots in a damp atmosphere, 
referred to at the last meeting, Dr. W. G. Smith, of the York¬ 
shire College, Leeds, writes as follows :—“ The Orchid aerial 
roots sent contained a fungus which lives on them and has 
killed some already. The absence of any form of reproductive 
organs renders it impossible to identify the parasite. Other 
portions of diseased plants (i.e. leaves) would be required to 
ascertain the true nature of the fungus. The fungus present 
attacks living cells, consumes the food laid up by the plant, and 
finally kills the roots. A disease having somewhat the same 
effects has been found in the Vanilla plants of Mauritius.” 
Palm Leaves Discoloured. —Mr. W. A. Holmes, of the Putney 
Nurseries, sent some portions of Palm leaves with numerous 
translucent spots. They were received from the Continent. An 
examination appeared to indicate a previous attack by insects ; 
but none were present, the interior tissue having disappeared 
from the spots, so that the new leaves would probably be quite 
healthy. 
Vine-Browning. —Mr. Hudson showed a young shoot, the 
leaves of which were blistered and brown. This is due to the 
presence of Myxomycetous fungus, Plasmodiophora vitis, allied 
to P. Brassicce, the “ slime fungus,” which gives rise to “ club 
disease,” or “finger and toe,” in cultivated cruciferous plants. 
The only remedy is to cut away and burn all affected leaves or 
shoots. It is described and figured in Viala’s “ Maladies de 
la Vigne,” p. 400. 
