18 plant diseases and fungi.
Plant Life," but the prevailing epidemic prevented, and Dr. M. C. Cooke kindly
undertook to supply his place. Dr. Cooke delivered a most interesting and
eloquent lecture on "Injuries to Plants caused by Fungi," and in the course of his
address alluded to the immense importance of the study of the lower forms of fungi
in connection with modern theories of the causes of diseases. Dr. Cooke gave
some startling evidence from America and some of the British Colonies of the
injuries caused to crops by fungi. The Doctor urged strongly the importance of
the practical study of the subject, and expressed a hope that now technical
instruction was in the air, County Councils and other bodies dealing with this
matter would see that some real instruction should be given to farmers, gardeners,
and others on the important subject on which he had spoken that evening,
[A full report of Dr. Cooke's address is printed below.]
A short discussion took place, and Dr. Cooke was warmly thanked for his
lecture. 
Mr. W. Cole called attention to the threatened spoliation of that magnificent
recreation ground, the New Forest, by the Government for the purpose of forming
a military range and permanent camp. The proposed enclosure was in direct
contravention of the New Forest Act of 1877, which everyone thought would for
ever protect this grand national woodland from the spoiler. The Club would
nave copies of a petition of strong protest ready for signature at a future meeting.
A cordial vote of thanks was passed to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson for the use of the
room on this and the previous meeting, and for the trouble they had taken to
accommodate the Club. Tea and coffee were served, and at the conversazione
specimens were exhibited by Mr. Crouch, Mr. Oldham, Mr. Sauze, Mr. Sworder,
and others.
PLANT DISEASES AND FUNGI.
By M. C. COOKE, M.A., LL.D.
[Being the substance of a Lecture delivered before the Essex Field Club, January 30th, 1892.]
DISEASE, especially epidemic, whether in man, animals, or
plants, is the topic of the day. On all these phases the
progress of science is gradually reflecting more light, and exhibiting
close analogies; but especially has a strong and growing interest
been manifested in plant diseases of fungoid origin. This increased
interest and anxiety has been stimulated into activity by the investi-
gations which have taken place, under the superintendence of
Departments of Agriculture and other public bodies, into the heavy
losses sustained by these causes. The powerful stimulus of self-
interest has led to the establishment of experimental stations
throughout the States of the American Union, and the organisation
of agricultural departments of the Governments in our own colonies.
In the course of time it will possibly arouse some spirit of inquiry