William C. Medcalf, 98 Avenue D, North St. Paul street, Rochester, N. Y., writes: "The papers on the above subject, which have appeared in the Gardeners' Monthly, do not as clearly point out the originator of this theory as they do the apparent plausibility of its soundness. It would, however, seem to rest with one of two individuals, or with both, viz.: William Creed, of this locality, and Professor J. T. Burrell, of Illinois. If you could enlighten us on the above query you would undoubtedly confer a favor upon the inquisitive in search of facts, as well as clear up a doubt to the satisfaction of those giving attention to the study of the disease, as based upon this most recent hypothesis. Perhaps both the above gentlemen can give aid as to the time of their respective standpoints of investigation".

[Professor Burrell made the first absolute statement that Bacteria were the cause of the "blight" in the pear, at the meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Boston; though the statement that it was caused by the development of some minute organism closely allied, if not the same, was made in our columns some years before by Professor J. Gibbons Hunt, of Philadelphia. Dr. Hunt's demonstration, however, seemed to point to some very low ferment fungus than to a bacterium, and it is by no means certain yet that this is not the case. After fermentation is once started, as it would by a wound, one would be quite likely to find bacteria there. For they are omnipresent, feeding on decaying matter and watching for more. We may find them by millions in every one's mouth, and, it is said, in dew drops, as well as in a branch with the pear "blight." - Ed. G. M].