284 
THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
[ December, 
Sciences some observations on that very common malady, Blister of the Peach 
Tree , and which has been attributed at various times to the attacks of aphis, or 
to sudden alternations of temperature. Tulasne, however, discovered, some years since, the 
presence of a minute Fungus on the blistered leaves, which he called Taphrina deformans 
(Ascomyces deformans of Berkeley). The thecae containing the spores present themselves 
almost exclusively on the upper surface of the leaf, the mycelium or spawn forming a very thin 
layer beneath the skin of the leaf, and consisting of minute oval, globular, or somewhat angular 
cells. From this mycelium proceed the ascior spore cases, each containing eight smooth spherical 
sporidia of extremely minute dimensions. These sporidia, when they escape from the asci, 
form a sort of white dust on the leaf. Each sporidium gives bud-spores, which multiply in 
their turn till a sort of chain is produced. If the mould does not produce spores it simply 
renders the leaves blistered, but when the sporidia ai*e formed the leaf is thickened, as well 
as altered in form. M. Prillieux, while confirming the observations of M. Tulasne, has in addition 
determined the existence of a true mycelium or vegetative portion, the slender filaments of 
which spread even in the central cellular tissues of the leaf, and thereby cause the irregular 
multiplication of the constituent cells, the consequent thickening of tissue, and “ puffing ” of 
the leaf. The chlorophyll of the leaf disappears as the Fungus grows. Mr. Berkeley’s asser¬ 
tions are thus confirmed by the French observers, and it is important to note this, as 
some of our microscopists have been inclined to doubt if the Fungus in question has 
any real connection with the disease. The best method of preventing the ravages of the 
disease is to pluck off the leaves and burn them. 
- She seeds of Trillium should be sown as soon as ripe in sandy 
loam and peat, covered lightly with soil, and then a thin stratum of sphag¬ 
num should be laid on the surface, to prevent alternations of drought. The 
pots are best placed in a cold frame. Home-grown seeds, if sown immediately they are 
ripe, generally germinate quickly; while imported seeds lie longer, often months, after sowing. 
When the plants appear, remove the sphagnum altogether; give plenty of water, to sustain 
growth as long as possible, and withhold it only when the foliage begins to colour-off, so 
that the growth may be perfectly matured, and not hastened. Winter the plants in a cold 
frame protected from frost. In spring they will start afresh, and if the compost is in a sound 
state, they may be allowed to make another season’s growth in the seed-pots ; otherwise, 
it is well to carefully prick them off into pots or pans, and treat them throughout the growing 
period to moderate heat and shade and constant humidity. In autumn they may be planted 
out in their permanent quarters. 
- very useful Waterproof Translucent Paper for screens, &c., may be 
formed by washing the paper (or a cotton fabric) over with a solution of gelatin 
or glue, to which one-fiftieth part by weight of the bichromate of potash is 
added ; the material is thus rendered impermeable to water. The process must be carried 
out in full daylight. It is stated that the Japanese prepare their paper umbrellas in 
this way. 
- {Jhe charming Fuchsia Sunray is a silver tricolor variety, sent out by 
Mr. Milner, of Bradford, and proves to be a beautiful subject for conservatory 
decoration. The very beautiful foliage is boldly marked with a white variegation, 
and is also deeply flushed with red. 
- ®he Rev. Edwin Sidney died on October 22, at the Rectory, Cornard 
Parva, near Sudbury, Suffolk, in the 75th year of his age. He was an active 
member of the Royal Institution, a popular and most successful lecturer on 
scientific subjects, and a devoted lover of horticulture. As an author he was known by his 
Blights on the Wheat, Dialogues on Scientific Subjects, &c. His warm heart and genial dis¬ 
position endeared him to all who knew him; wherever he visited he made a friend of the 
gardener ; and in his own parish, where he laboured for nearly a quarter of a century, he was 
universally beloved. 
