116 REPORT OF THE BOTANIST OF THBP 
able weather the search was not as thorough as it should have 
been, but we failed to find any indications of the presence of 
Rhizoctoma on asparagus roots. 
For excellent specimens of the European fungus on the last 
named host we are also indebted to Prof Sorauer. 
ON THE CHINA ASTER. 
(Callistephus hortensis.) 
In the summer of 1899, Mr. Murrill received from a corres- 
pondent specimens of diseased China asters. From his notes we 
find that the plants presented a wilted appearance, but he ob- 
served no fungus either upon branch or leaf. As described by 
the gardener, the disease might well have been due to a 
Rhizoctonia. An examination of a specimen preserved showed 
that the lower part of the stem was considerably permeated with 
hyphe of a Rhizoctonia. The fungous threads were also present 
superficially, and small crust-like sclerotia had formed upon the 
stem. There is as yet no further evidence that the fungus found 
was the cause of the disease. A pure culture of the Rhizoctonia 
was, however, secured, and the fungus will be tested. 
During the present season, China asters collected by Mr. Rolfs 
at Border City, N. Y., also showed a Rhizoctonia associated with 
as aster stem disease. Particular stress cannot be put upon this 
matter until inoculation experiments are made, for there seems 
to be at least one other stem disease of asters due to another 
fungus. | | 
ON THB CARNATION, 
(Dianthus caryophyllus.) 
The carnation is subject to a very destructive Rhizoctonia dis- 
ease known to florists by the name of stem-rot. Affected plants 
wilt suddenly, take on a gray green color, and are soon dead and 
dry. The seat of the trouble is found to be in the stem at or 
just below the surface of the soil. The cortex on this portion 
of the stem is soft-rotten and separates readily from the wood. 
The medulla is rotten and both medulla and cortex are filled 
with the hyphae of Rhizoctonia. Not infrequently large, brown, 
