SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE, OCTOBER 11. 
clxxv 
These, of course, vary for different soils, and must be found out 
after making the necessary experiments in the locality where 
they are wanted.” 
Apple Diseased. —This was received from Mr. A. H. Pearson, 
Chilwell, Notts. Professor William G. Smith reports as follows:— 
“ The Apple sent me shows a ‘ fruit-rot.’ The primary 
cause is a fungus (mycelium) present in all the discoloured 
areas, but I should like to see other specimens before saying 
definitely what is the species. Several fungi have the same 
action in discolouring and softening the fruit; most of them 
also cause it to crack. When the flesh is exposed, then the 
white and blue moulds present on the specimen make their 
appearance. They are common mould-fungi ( Penicillium 
glaucv/m and a Mucor, probably M. piriformis ), and are not the 
cause of the trouble—at least, they have not yet been proved so by 
anyone. The primary fungus is the one which has to be dealt 
with by remedies. The best preventive is probably Bordeaux 
Mixture. It has been used in the United States, and the results 
obtained appear satisfactory. The Mixture is applied as a fine 
spray : the first application when the young foliage appears, the 
second after the fruit has set, the third two weeks later, and 
perhaps a fourth somewhat later. In this case, where the 
Apples are grown under glass, much might be done to hinder 
the progress of the fungus by free ventilation and dry air. The 
Apple sent seems to be a fine-skinned variety; hence it is all the 
more susceptible to fungus attack.” 
Apple with “ Glassiness. ”—The Apples received from Mr. J. 
Yert, gardener at Audley End, have a peculiar translucent 
appearance. This is due to water having penetrated the inter¬ 
cellular spaces instead of air. No fungus is present, but the 
cause of the transfusion of water is not known. This glassiness 
is said to be highly esteemed in Italy. 
Dahlias Grossed by Sunflower. —Mr. E. J. Lowe, F.R.S., 
forwarded blossoms having a true Dahlia appearance, which he 
believes to be raised from seeds of a parent the issue of the 
above cross. Nothing, however, excepting a rather large disc 
appeared to indicate a cross. The relationship between a 
Dahlia and a Helianthus being relatively remote, any a priori 
probability of such a cross being effected is but slight. In 
experimenting it would be extremely difficult to prevent 
