162 ) REpPoRtT OF THE BOTANIST. 
THE OUTLOOK FOR THE FUTURE. 
All things considered, this is probably the most unusual and 
remarkable epidemic of a fungus disease that has ever occurred 
in this country — certainly of any on record. The unusualness 
lies in that fact that it was caused by a fungus that has been well 
known for many years as a saprophyte, and supposed to be of 
no economic importance, but in the past season suddenly becom- 
ing a parasite of wide distribution, attacking apples and causing 
an enormous loss to the crop of the State. 
Fruit growers are anxious to know if the same trouble is liable 
to appear the coming season, and if it is liable to occur regularly 
every year hereafter and become a menace to the apple industry. 
Of course this cannot be predicted with certainty, but it is our 
opinion that the apple growers need not feel uneasy about the dis- 
ease becoming a regular pest. There is evidence that the same 
disease has caused damage to apples in past years, but is has 
been so slight as to be overlooked. Judging from what is known 
of its history, it seems unlikely that it will become troublesome 
except in occasional and very unusual seasons like the past one; 
where all conditions favor it. However, the fact that orchards 
are now abundantly seeded with the spores of this disease must 
not be lost sight of, and for this reason apple growers are advised 
to spray more thoroughly, to prevent the scab, during the coming 
season than in the past. The rot may not become epidemic 
again in many years, but the fact that it was so abundant in 1902 
is certainly favorable for its appearance in 1903 if the weather 
conditions are similar to those of the past season. 
ACKNOWLEDGMENT. 
It is with pleasure that I acknowledge my indebtedness to Mr. 
F. C. Stewart, Botanist of this Station, without whose interest 
and help this work would not have been done. 
