684

Section of Vegetable Pathology.

For the investigaiton of the diseases of fruits
and fruit trees, grains and other useful plants,
due to parasiti fungi, (familiarly termed "rust,"
"smut," "mildew," blight," "rot," etc.), with the
view of discovering remedies for the same.

Samples of the affected or diseased plants, or
parts of plants, are desired and addressed [?]
will be furnished for their transmittal by mail to
the Department.

Personal

United States
Department of Agriculture,
Division of Botany,
Washington, D. C., May 8 1887.

Dear Prof. Bessey,

I have received Mr. Smith's letter,
accompanied by your recommendation of
Mr. J. G. Smith. I can only say at this
time that the moneys appropriated
for the Section of Vegetable Pathology
by the last Congress, will not become
available until July 1st, the beginning
of the new fiscal year. At that
time there will be appointed an
assistant in this Section at a salary
of $1400. No plans have yet been perfected
for the employment of outside
assistance or "field agents." No appointments
can be made until after
July 1st. It is my intention to put
one man at work investigating peach
yellows. What are J. G. S's qualifications?
What can he do in his present location?
Shall be glad to hear from you.

Respectfully,
F. L. Scribner.