THE “Report on the Occurrence of Insect and Fungus Pests on Plants in England and Wales for the Year 1919,”14 which has just been issued by the Intelligence Department—Plant Pests Branch of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, marks a very definite step in the recognition in this country j of the danger to our food crops from diseases caused by insects, fungi, bacteria, etc. This disease-survey work was originated by a sub-committee of the| Technical Committee of the late Food Production Department, which was formed to advise the department on questions relating to plant disease and insect pests. A few honorary correspondents scattered throughout the country forwarded monthly statements relating to diseases and pests in their own particular areas, and at the close of the year these were summarised by the sub-committee, and a "Report on the Occurrence of Insect and Fungus Pests during 1917 "was published. This was the first time that any successful attempt had been made to gather together and systematise data relating to the incidence and spread of plant disease in this country. With the experience gained the work was continued in a more efficient manner, and a report for 1918 issued. There has now appeared the present, and somewhat belated, report for 1919, and a comparison of these three publications shows a marked progress in width and inclusiveness of vision. A mass of valuable data has been accumulated, and the Ministry, by becoming acquainted with those areas where disease is most serious, is in a better position to advise and to urge measures of control. Further, the Ministry must lead the way, oand by the recognition of those diseases most responsible for heavy losses, it will be enabled to suggest, or institute, policies which will lead to the prevention of the present appalling waste of foodstuffs.