Be} A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW OF THE IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TOR THE WEST INDIES. WAGE MER Xa. JANUARY TO DECEMBER 1915. ISSUED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. London: Messrs. Dotau & Co., 37, Soho Square, W.; THe West Inpra Commirrer, 15, Seething Lane, E.C. Barbados: THe Apvocate Co., Lrp., Bridgetown. , ; . Sie: a ape = ry al ; : - e°-- Taye rnd . ae 7 > oa j * a s 4 *, et oe ee 7 te i if 4 ; 2 5, a a w# Py | 7 4 P a [ ‘ @ m 7 - eit ‘ In Mi c ' b i mrs , 7 i ayy: bed) hy ) uty . hers ’ meee ie ons ¢ : all i " ° ; cM bh L) ; j a 5 “) . a } i a er + ‘a ' ns yy’ mY i y —- / ee ght ‘amy ale buh enh! Ala ih y UJ BS $i) uf et) eee L aves ii' a u Oo cai Jos oos WR AS 4 D ‘Vol. XIV. No. 331.] SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 1915. [One penny. e R.M.S.P. 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Saunders, M.R.C.V.S.; Agricultural Education Special quotations for larye lots on «application to:— and Its Adaption to the Needs of the Student, by Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G.; The Budding of Cacao, by Joseph Jones; ae THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE Analysis of Citrate of Lime and Concentrated Lime Juice COTTON FACTORY. LIMITED Specific Gravities of Cane Sugar Solutions at 30°C. : 2 (Douglas); Report on the Prevalence of some Pests and BRIDGETOWN, Diseases in the West Indies during 1913. BARBADOS. SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENT. er = tap Io G3 ~ € AN A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW OF THE LIBR. NEW | IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. BOTAN GARD Ware sekihViz0 INO... <33il: BARBADOS, JANUARY 2, 1915. Price ld. CONTENTS. : ‘ Serr 234 supply just the kind of information wanted at the PAGE. Pace, moment, they are not fulfilling their purpose. Agricultural Departments, Insect Notes: Such a frame of mind results from overlooking the Idueational Funetions sect Pests in Mauri- ; ; é P x = 3 oe Sees OTS 1 ae ee eeauiy 19 fundamental fact that the publications of a scientific Barbados Agricultural and Notodtale ech Tdian department are meant to be educational in the broadest Industrial Exhibition cou te) aS : basi ; ly ane Book Shelf 5 ee eco Cattle Feeding ... 7 Market Reports 16 4 : J : Coco-nut Meal and Gluten Medicinal Plants, Shortage In any system of education, the mere lnparting C aoe f British and E wail Pail, New | 5 of a certain number of facts, or the endeavour to onference 0 s s ( cK Pa e ° 4 5 fi F ‘ Colonial Entomologists, Notes and Comments 8 instruct for a special purpose or for a particular object, c pepuoed - 8 Bepaw, Be ‘ is rightly condemned as mere cramming. Education Jotton Notes:— otatoes, Swee z A : ae ‘ Cotton-Seed Meal and Soils, Partial Sterilization must be a leading up to an adequate appreciation of Ber rrp as Food Blac ee FL principles, based of course on particular facts, but or MeCKENS 5 > Students’ Corner ” : ie GnvoncSeed) Menl as’ x Sugar Litiieory- conducing to a broad and generous outlook. This has Feed... ... 6 — Abstracts of Papers Read to be especially the aim of the instructor in agricultu- West India an C otton 6 at International Con- Away = : : . : Departmental Reports ... 11 rele g ral science. So the aim of the Imperial Department Fungus Notes:— Mill Work in Java 8 in its publications has consistently been, not only to A Dangerous Citrus Dis- Sugar Duties in Canada 3. : dears : : see ; F nee Ha Maes (ane: for Betate give information about isolated facts or processes, but Gleanings ... 12 Purposes, Preservative also to place those facts or processes in their true ig tor vi ) J : 9 : ; Bass ee 5 agian foes 15 /V ee ae Bepere | °8 relation to agricultural principles. For this reason the The Educational Functions of Agricultural Departments. ,>HE work of This is done by publications of citterent kinds, disseminating Aacricultural subjects is a most important part ot the functions of departments of agriculture. knowledge on with varying aims, and intended to meet the needs of many readers. of all ditterent pens, in spite meet his But doubtless it very often hap- efforts to needs, that a reader of the publications of an agricultural depart- ment becomes somewhat disappointed im not finding the thing that he specially wants at the time. It is rather unreasonable for readers of such publications to feel, that because each number does not happen to publications of the Department are, in some measure, to The remarkable progress the agriculture in the last thirty or forty years rendered it necessary in the that he be enabled to refer without difficulty to the results obtained by the devoted to the elucidation of questions connected with his business. S¢ ries. of meant form a which science has made interests of the pl: inter or farmer, men who have their attention So the Agricultural News is designed to supply, in a popular form, items of information on agricul- tural subjects, which seem to meet the require- ments, or to advance the interests of those interested in the agriculture of the West Indies. For this purpose extracts are made in its pages from the latest publications relating to agriculture, and hints, to the cultivation of various crops, or with reference to other or even instructions are given with reference 2 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JANUSRY 2, 1915. The regular reader of the Agricultural News will doubtless find, from time to time, some notice of the point on which he - certainly, references to authorities on the subject. subjects with which the planter is concerned. is looking for information, and almost Then there comes in the Pamphlet Series. These Pamphlets are issued by the Department as compen- diums of knowledge on various matters of standing importance connected with West Indian agriculture: they are written or compiled by men with scientific -acquaintance of the subjects of which they treat: and as far as possible they are expressed in language which avoids unnecessary technicalities. Should the planter wish to study more deeply the scientific aspects of any question, the articles contributed to the West Indian Bulletin deal with this side of agriculture and kindred topics, especially m relation to this part of the world. to above cannot pretend However, as the publications referred to be a comprehensive encyclopedia, it may occur that the seeker after knowledge is still unable to find what he wants. The best course then is, first to refer to the officers of the Agricultural Department of the island or colony in which he may happen to reside; they probably will be able to point out to him the source from which he may gather the desired information, or in case of their inability to do so on the spot, refer for further informa- tion to the Head Office of the Imperial Department. And eyen then, should the specialists of that Office be unable to elucidate the point, they can refer to the best authorities in the world for information of the highest value, and of most recent date, which they will be glad to communicate for the guidance of any investigator, either as regards books to be consulted, or any other necessary light on the subject. So much for the position of agricultural depart- ments as to their work in disseminating agricultural knowledge, and as to their ability to do so. But there is the other side of the question. The agriculturist in the West Indies, as in all other countries, must do his share of the work, and that is by making use of agricultural publications, and by asking questions, whenever he finds himself at a loss for information, from the authorities. It is futile dissatished with not finding what he wants in the for aman to feel publications or books to which he may have access, when, by asking a question in the proper quarter, he can almost certainly receive the desired information. Throughout the world, and very noticeably in the United States, the value of the publications of agri- cultural departments in their educational aspect is Vast becoming more and more realized. sums of money are spent without hesitation on this portion of the work of the departments, because the farmers recognize that in the progressive science of agriculture there is no standing still, and that there is something new for them to learn every year, which concerns their business as vitally as the invention of the latest explo- sive conerns the art of war. They must learn these new things, if they are to continue to be good farmers. This is also true of the planter in the Tropics. He must keep abreast of the knowledge of the-time. If the work of the agricultural departments con- sisted merely in telling planters how to do what they have been doing themselves for years, the need or use of them would to exist. But they aim to do more: they aim to teach planters to think and reason for themselves: and this they endeavour to effect by means of their publications, which bring to the notice soon cease of the planter new thoughts, new results, new methods, which they must examine, reflect upon, and experi- ment with for themselves. The day is past when it was considered that yery little education and practically no reading was required for a planter. Agriculture is now recognized as a science which needs the best educated men, and needs the continual application of education to the solution of its In this way the profession of agriculture is elevated from mere drudgery, problems by those who practise it. as a means of making a livelihood, to its proper position, as an occupation capable of employing the highest intellectual powers of any man, and of affording his intellect continual pleasure and satisfaction, SUGAR — INDUSTRY. ABSTRACTS OF PAPERS READ AT INTER- NATIONAL CONGRESS. Mr. W. R. Dunlop, Scientific Assistant to the Imperial Department of Agriculture, at present in London, has forwarded the following abstracts of papers dealing with sugar, read at the International Congress, London, 1914:— THE SUGAR-CANE IN INDIA. By C.A. Barber, D.Se. In discussing the central factory question in regard to India, the writer says the want of success has been due to several canses. The class of factory and kind of machinery may not have been those best suited for the thin North Indian canes. Local conditions of land tenure, the supply of canes to the factory, or the quality of the Jaggery or gur made, were probably not sufficiently considered. Dr. Barber thought there was great scope for research in connexion with the central factory system in North India, where a taste for white sugar is rapidly growing stronger. CLASSIFICATION OF SUGAR-CANE. By C. A. Barber, D.Se. The writer has been making interesting observations on Indian canes, chiefly in connexion with morphological charac- Vou. XIV. No. 331. teristics like erectness, bending of the leaves, thickness of the leaves, stems, tillering, colouring of the stems, and the like. The writer does not attach much value to colouring as a means of differentiation for Indian ganes, in spite of this being an important factor of determination in the West Indies. An interesting point brought out is that which refers to the circlet of hairs on the leaf scars of varieties of Indian canes. Dr. Barber has found this a useful character- istic, in classifying Indian canes, but the ¢haracter does not eceur much on tropical canes, though it has been noticed on at least one Barbados seedling. This circlet of hairs seems to be a ‘primitive’ characteristic appearing only in the most primitive forms of sugar-cane. Dr. Barber attaches much value for classification to the bud, and especially to the bursting of the bud. SUGAR PRODUCTION IN THE NORTH WEST FRONTIER PROVINCE, INDIA. By W. R. Brown and J. Walter Leather. This paper contains interesting evidence to show that harvested cane in northern India, which is stored whole in clamps, like mangolds are in England, does not deteriorate as regards inversion as one would expect. This seems to be explained by the low temperature, which is about 50°F. Efforts are being made to extend beet cultivation in this part of India. SUGAR DUTIES IN CANADA. In the last number of the Agricultural News (Vol. XIII, p. 407) mention is made of the effect of the change in the Dutch Colour Standard for raw sugars in the Canadian market. In further consideration of the subject the following infor- mation may be of interest. The Dutch Standard No. 16, in use by the Canadian Customs Authorities, is stated to be darker than the No. 16 of previous years, in fact it is stated to be about the same as the No. 14 of previous years, and this would make a great difference in the amount of duty to be paid on certain raw sugars, especially those of a light colour and a low test by the polariscope. According to the schedule, which has now become law, presented in the Budget Speech of the Hon. W. T. White, M.P., Minister of Finance, in the Canadian House of Commons on August 20 last, on all sugars above No. 16 Dutch Standard in -colour, and all refined sugars of whatever kinds, grades or standards, testing not more than 88 degrees hy the polariscope, the duty shall be 31:52 per 100 Db. under the British Preferential Tariff, and for each additional degree over 88 the additional duty shall be ong cent per 100 Ib. Sugar not otherwise provided for, not above No. 16 Dutch Colour Standard, and molasses testing over 56° and not more than 75° by the polariscope, pays duty at the rate of 88c. per 100 tb., and for each additional degree over 75 the additional duty is 3c. per 100 tb. The following table shows the duties payable on 100 bb, raw sugar under the present and the old tariffs, both British preferential and general. In order to save space the figures are not given for each degree: for the higher colour stand- ards the figures by even numbers from 88 to 100 degrees are given, whilst in the table under the lower standards the figures start from 75 degrees, and are given at each addi- tional five degrees to 100. THE AGRICULTURAL —_—————_ ee. NEWS. 3 ABOVE NUMBER 16 DUTCH STANDARD. Present tariff. | Old tariff. ls Degrees | British | Go ovat le Bata eet Polariscope. Preferential. ener" | Preferential. | ~°7°*#" | | Shc Mor g's: $ «. 100 1 64 oTOSt 4 1 08 98 1 62 2 O54 82 1 05} | 96 1 60 | 2 03% x0) 1 03% 94 1 58 2 01 78 1 Ol 92 1 56 1 98} | 76 981 90 1 54 | 1 953 74 952 88 1 b2 |e 9351 72 93 The preferential tariff is thus increased under this colour standard by 80 cents, the general by $100. NUMBER 16, OR BELOW 16, DUTCH STANDARD, Present. taviff. Old tariff. Degrees | British | Goo || British | Gonenat (eas Preferential. aenera". |\Preferential,| 7°70" $ oc. $ oc. $ oC. $ c. 100 1 06% 1 424 433 624 95 1 03 1 364 364 564 90 OGr. met 30nill 324 50 85 95t | 1 233 28% 433 x0 913 | 1 1%} 25 37h 75 88 1 114 314 The preferential tariff is thus increased under this colour standard by 65 cents, the general by 80 cents. MILL WORK IN JAVA. The Imperial Department has received a commu- nication detailmg the facts relating to sugar milling in Java, in the year 1915. The following table of the mean results obtained on 129 factories will doubtless be of interest:— Cane sucrose per cent. 12°54 Hibre Sy 3 12:40 Bagasse sucrose per cent. 4°45 Moisture ” OO» 46°52 Fibre shin SB 47°66 Sucrose in bagasse per cent. on cane 116 Juice of first mill: Brix per cent. 18°72 Sucrose ,, ,, 15°51 Barity, .givus 82°85 Juice of final mill: Brix ,, ,, 7°85 Sucrose yo, 6-00 Purity 9,245 76°43 Mixed juice: Brix ) 16°43 Sucrosess 33). 33 13°30 Bority Sau 80°95 Maceration water on 100 parts normal juice 13°9 In mixed juice contained sucrose on 100 cane Normal juice in bagasse on 100 fibre corrected for variation in sucrose and fibre in the cane* 579 Juice extracted on 100 parts of juice in cane * Ditto uncorrected (Lely factor) 60-2, 4 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, January 2, 1915. ———— ee Se eee SWEET POTATOES. Sweet potatoes probably contribute a larger part to the food of the great mass of the people living in the smaller West Indian islands, than any other one article. From several of the islands there is information of a larger area being put under this crop this year. In view therefore of these facts the following may be of interest. The sweet potato (Ipomoea Batatas) is a native of the Tropics, its original habitat being probably the West Indies, or Central America. It is now largely grown in the tropical and subtropical regions of both hemispheres. The soil best suited to the cultivation of the sweet potato is a moderately fertile, sandy loam. Its requirements are, however, modest, for a fairly good crop can be grown on soils that are too poor for the production of most roots or cereals, especially when sweet potatoes are used in rotation with leguminous crops. With the potato, as with other crops, judicious rotation conduces to success. Good drainage is essential. Probably one of the reasons for the very general planting of sweet potatoes on ridges is to secure better drainage. Well rotted stable or pen manure is to be recommended for use with the sweet potato. Too heavy applications of manure to the land, shortly before planting, tend to stimulate the growth of the vines at the expense of the roots. Prob- ably, the best course to pursue is to manure thoroughly the previous rotation crop, so that the manure may be somewhat reduced before the sweet potatoes are planted. As it has been proved that they need also a good supply of potash, the use of wood or vegetable ashes along with the pen manure will be of advantage. To obtain good results on soils deficient in lime, this should be liberally applied, preferably some months before planting. In the West Indies sweet potatoes are grown almost universally from cuttings, though the small tubers that are now used as food for hogs might be employed for that purpose. Reference to this point will be made further on. The varieties of sweet potato are numerous. Very useful work has been done in the different experiment stations of the Departments of Agriculture in these islands with regard to varieties, their yield, their char- acteristics, their adaptability to local conditions. Anyone desiring information on these points should consult the annual reports of these stations, or preferably refer to the agricultural officers in charge of them. The sweet potato does not usually keep well when stored, at least in the West Indies. This is probably attri- butable in some degree to carelessness in harvesting the crop, and to want of proper storehouses. Farmers’ Bulle- tin, No. 520, issued by the United States Department. of Agriculture, on the storage and marketing of sweet potatoes, gives advice on this point, which, allowance being made for different climatic conditions, should prove useful to the West Indian grower. The following is an abstract of the directions in the above mentioned bulletin as to harvesting the crop. The first point to be considered is, that if the sweet potatoes are to be stored, they must not be reaped until they are fully ripe. Farmers’ Bulletin, No. 548, with reference to this, gives the following test of ripeness: ‘Farmers can judge when sweet potatoes are ripe, by breaking or cutting the tubers, and leaving them exposed to the air fora few minutes, If the cut or broken surface dries, they are mature, but if the surface remains moist, they are not ready to be dug.’ The most important factor in keeping sweet potatoes is careful handling. They should be dug without cutting or bruising the tubers. If possible, the digging should be done on a bright sunshiny day, so that the potatoes may lie exposed to the sun and the wind for a couple of hours before being taken to the storehouse. In harvesting and storing, sweet potatoes onght to be: handled as carefully as if they were Before storing they should be graded, the main object being to separate from those intended to be stored for any period, all the eut, broken, or bruised roots, as well as those that are extremely large, or too small. OOS, eSSs- With regard to storehouses, the bulletin says that a dry room, well ventilated, with an equable temperature of from 80° to 85° F. is requisite. The best results are obtained by placing the potatoes in bins. These are constructed of 2 by 4 inch scantlings, placed on the floor as sleepers, and a bottom of 1 by + inch slats nailed on them, leaving }-inch spaces between the slats. ‘The sides of the bins are made by setting the same sized scantling, of the height required, upright, and nailing the same sized slats to them, only the space between may be 1 inch. A space of at least 6 inches should be left between the bins, and also between the bins and the wall of the house, to ensure ventilation and a free cirenlation of air. A good size of bin is 6x 10 x 10 feet. In storing the potatoes in the bins, care in handling is again emphasized. When the potatoes are brought from the field they should be placed in a layer about 2 feet deep over the floor of the bins. As a rule, it is well to allow this layer to dry for a day or two before a second is put in. In order to carry the second layer to the back of a large bin without walking on the first layer, and so bruising them, a few bags filled with straw are thrown on the potatoes, and on these planks are placed for the workmen to walk on. After a day or two a third layer is added, the depth of potatoes being about 6 feet when the bin is filled. No straw or other material is placed between the layers. The potatoes thus stored give off-a quantity of moisture. A week or ten days is required to cure them properly. One test of curing is the ease or difticulty with which the skin of the potato can be scraped off. As long as it can be easily removed the curing process is not complete. The main thing after this is to keep the roots perfectly dry, and well ventilated. Increased production of sweet potatoes might lead to an export trade. There is already some export of this crop from Barbados to some of the other islands and to Demerara; but there seems to be a possibility of there being a remunerative market for sweet potatoes in Canada, where climatie conditions forbid the cultivation of them, Here emphasis must be again laid upon the necessity of careful grading and packing. Each package, barrel, or box should contain tubers of uniform size, shape, and variety. To cram indiscriminately into one package, big and little, round and long, red and white, dry and moist potatoes, means poor value in the market. In the first place, experiments would have to be made as to the best keeping varieties of potatoes, and then as to the size, shape, colour, ete., most likely to be acceptable in the market. Probably a medium sized potato, of a somewhat long, oval shape, would be found to be the most attractive. Barrels with ventilating spaces provided in the staves would be about the most convenient packages to use for shipping. These should be carefully packed, so as to avoid crushing and bruising the potatoes. In this connexion it may be remarked that according to Farmers’ Bulletin, No, 324, of the United States Department of Agriculture, if the small tubers mentioned above are used for planting, it is well to select them of uniform size and of the shape desired in the next year’s crop Vor: XPV, THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 5 ETT Gy i THE COCO-NUT. By Edward Bingham Copeland, Professor of Plant Physiology and Dean of the College of Agriculture, University of the Philippines: Macmillan & Co., Svo., 212+ XIV pp. Price 10s. net. A good deal of the recent literature of the coco-nut has been produced with more enthusiasm than sound knowledge, and the prospective planter who has been inspired by the exponents of the ‘next great boom’ would do well, when he comes to start operations, to turn to a book in which agri. cultural practice is considered in the light of scientific enquiry, and business considerations in the light of common sense. The manual before us has been written in correlation with courses of instruction on the subject, given by the author in the University of the Philippines, and has been amplified and substantiated by the experiments and observa- tions of the students in successive classes. We hasten to add that it is far from being academic, in the derogatory sense of that word, and that while there is a certain amount of local colour in the descriptions, the information given is capable of quite general application. The physiology of the different organs of the coco-nut lant is first considered, with a view to bringing out any special adaptations the tree may possess, and any special conditions it may require. It is shown to be not so indi- vidual in its needs or tolerances when compared with other plants as is sometimes supposed. Several questions of very practical importance, such as the nature of the root system, the influence of shade on transpiration and growth, and the relation between rate of growth and production of fruit are discussed from exact data. With regard to suitable soils and situations, the author discredits the common idea that salt is necessary for the full development of the tree. He points out that the sandy beaches where it thrives are, as a matter of fact, quite as free from salt as ordinary soils, except in the event of an inunda- tion from the sea. Like other sea-shore plants, the coco-nut is adapted to withstand the effects of such occurrences, but derives no positive advantage from them. That the tree is able to thrive in almost pure sand is attributed to the supply of food contained in the seepage water from the lands behind the beach, which bathes the roots on its way to the sea. The belief current in the West Indies, as else- where, that coco-nuts like plenty of water in the soil so long as it is not stagnant, may be explained on these lines. Porous soils situated around the bases of mountains, especi- ally of voleanoes, atford somewhat similar conditions, and are regarded as highly favourable to this crop. Consideration of the possibilities of the transport of food materials in under- ground water still further discredits soil analysis as an index of fertility. _ A very adequate summary is given of our present knowledge on the subject of the diseases and pests of the coco-nut palm, some eighty pages being taken up with their consideration. The author’s remark that ‘knowledge of the nature of pests and of the mischief they do, or even ot methods of combating them, is not of great value unless. it is applied,’ is as necessary as it is obvious. In the chapter on selection and treatment of seed, it is pointed out that while the existence of a large number ot varieties, races, and strains, and the occurrence of consider- able variation give very wide scope for selection, too little is known of the comparative values of the different types to enable very much advantage to be taken at present of their existence. The fallacy of the common practice of nut selection, as distinguished from tree selection, is emphasized. The directions for nursery work, and the chapter on field culture contain fully reasoned advice on these subjects in all their details. The final chapter appears to deal adequately with the nature and preparation of coco-nut products. A full index is appended. The book can be warmly recommended to planters and agricultural officers, To the latter, it will suggest useful lines which further investigation may follow. Coco-nut Meal and Gluten Feed.—The eoco-nnt meal used in animal feeding consists of the dried and ground flesh of the coco-nut from which the oil has been extracted. The particular sample used in this experiment had the following composition (per cent.): Water 9:00, protein 19°35, carbohydrates 48°00, fat 9°12, fibre 8-64, and ash 5:89, so that it contained rather less protein and fibre, and more carbohydrates than the average of German samples. The food chosen for comparison was gluten feed, and this contain- ed less ash and fat, rather more protein, and decidedly more carbohydrates than the coco-nut meal. Digestibility experiments with sheep showed the follow ing amounts in Ib., to be digestible out of 2,000 fb:— Coco-nut meal. Gluten feed. Protem 347°6 397-2 Carbohydrates 829:0 9466 Fat 187-4 46°6 Fibre 40-4 118-6 Ash T54 65°5 Total indigestible matter 1,479°8 1,578°5 If the fat is converted into its starch equivalent the coconut meal would seem to furnish 1,705 tb., and the gluten feed 1,634 tb. of digestible matter per 2,000 tb. fed. Ten cows were selected, and the comparative value of the two foods for milk production was ascertained. ‘The basal ration consisted of hay and bran, five cows being fed on coco-nut meal and five on gluten feed, these two foods afterwards being changed over; both foods were fed at the rate of 3°68 Ib. per head per day. Substantially the same amounts of milk were obtained from the coco-nut meal, as from the gluten feed, but slightly more butter fat was secured from the former. It is believed that coco-nut meal is fully equal to gluten feed in nutritive value, although it is doubtful if it exceeds it. German observers consider it particularly desirable for dairy animals, in amounts of from 3 to 4 Tb. per head daily, and it has been shown to inerease somewhat the fat content of the milk. Fed in excess of 4 Ib. it is held to make too hard a butter. (The Journal of the Board of Agriculture, November 1914.) 6 THE AGRICULTURAL COTTON. WEST INDIAN COTTON. The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week ended December 5, is as follows:— The demand continues for the limited offerings of odd bags on a basis of our quotations, the buying being largely on account of the Northern Mills, who are attracted by the prices ruling for Fully Fine and Fine, which look relatively cheap in comparison with prices paid for Floridas and Georgias. The exports for the week were 208 bales to Northern Mills. The crop continues to move ‘to market slowly, the receipts to date being only 1,517 bales against 3,728 bales last year. The Planters’ crop lots are held at 30c. to 35e., which is much above the views of buyers. We quote, viz:— 23C)— 20e. to 21c. Extra Fine 133d., cif. & 5 per cent. Fully Fine : 12d. toMed., ,, ” , bh) Fine 18e. = 11d. mee eee AG aah Fine off in colour 17e. = 103d. pce hier This report shows that the total exports of Sea Island cotton from the United States to Liverpool, Manchester and Hayre, up to December 5, 1914, were nil, 260 bales, and nil respectively. COTTON-SHED MEAL AS A FEED. The accompanying article, taken from Modern Farming, shows that in the Uuited States there is a likelihood that low prices for cotton seed will prevail during the coming year, and indicates the profit which may be expected to result from feeding cotton-seed meal to farm animals, especially when the object is beet for slaughter. The use of cotton-seed meal instead of linseed as a high proteid food is known to West Indian plan- ters, and it is used to a considerable extent for feeding purposes. The figures given herewith should be of interest:— The estimated 15,000,000 bale crop of cotton should yield 6,680,000 tons of seed. All of this, of course, will not be crushed, but if last year’s proportion holds good again, about 2,000,000 tons of cotton-seed meal will be available. Last year approximately 400,000 tons were sent abroad. Under present conditions it is not probable that anything like this quantity will be exported this year, and, as the cotton crop is larger than before, it is safe to assume that the quantity of cotton-seed meal on the home market will be 500,000 tons more than last year. The situation has already resulted in a substantial drop in the price of cotton seed by-products. Cotton-seed meal can now be bought in the South at prices ranging from $22 to $24 per ton, instead of $27 to $31 demanded last year. An even greater decrease has taken place in the price of cotton seed hulls, NEWS. JANUARY 2, 1915. which are now selling at from 54°50 to 55°50 a ton, instead! of S7 to $9 a ton. a At these prices cotton-seed meal is approximately $15 per ton cheaper than linseed meal, and, in addition, its feeding value is a trifle higher. This meal is very rich in protein, and it is usually considered that its feeding value is at least twice that of corn. In other words, 1 tb. of cotton-seed meal is equal to 2 tb. of corn for feeding cattle. A small portion of cotton-seed meal has ameven greater relative value where the ration would otherwise be composed entirely of feeds high in carbohydrates, such as corn, corn stover, and timothy hay. This is extremely important to cattle feeders throughout the corn belt, and other States where much corn is fed. In Indiana, for example, it was found that the addition of 1 Ib. of cotton-seed meal to a ration of corn and clover hay resulted in a saving of 1°37 lb. of corn and 1:41 th. of clover hay. This means that if corn was worth 70e. a bushel, and clover hay $15 a ton, each ton of cottonseed meal fed the cattle saved the farmer $55-40 worth of other feed. With cotton-seed meal at $24 a ton, this is a net saving of $31-40—a saving well worth while. COTTON-SEED MEAL AND BEEF SCRAP AS FOODS FOR CHICKENS. Eight experiments were carried out to compare cotton- seed meal and beef serap as protein foods for chickens, These two foods were fed in most cases in such quantities that their nitrogen content was the same. The basal rations. fed were so deficient in protein that a considerable amount could be added in the foods under trial, without supplying enough for the maximum growth of the chickens. Under such conditions the amount of protein would be the main factor influencing growth. Further, the non-protein consti- tuents of the foods were usually in such liberal amounts that the protein was probably mainly efficient as a source of nitrogen rather than of energy. It was shown that for the growth of young chickens it is more important, within reasonable limits, for the amount of protein to be sufficient, than for it to be associated with a definite proportion of carbohydrates and fat (i.e., than for there to be a definite nutritive ration). In certain of the experiments the chickens were cooked, after preparation in the usual way, and the amount of water, ash, protein, and fat determined, not only in the bones, but also in the meat and soup. Between the ages of about four to fifteen weeks, the chickens retained in the cooked portion about 18 per cent. of the nitrogen consumed in the rations of medium protein content, in which case there was no unnecessary waste of nitrogen. There was, if anything, a larger gain in live weight per gramme of nitrogen fed in the case of beef scrap than in that of cotton-seed meal. If the constituents of bone are supplied, there appears to be no reason why cotton-seed meal may not be used to- furnish a considerable portion of the protein required by chickens, especially if a moderate growth is satisfactory to- the feeder. If the most rapid growth is desired, regardless of the amount of food consumed, beef scrap, it is stated, will be found more satisfactory, since in these experiments the- chickens consumed more of the beef serap ration when allowed to have all they would eat, and made a more rapid growth in consequence, No toxic effect was’ found to result from the feeding of” cotton-seed meal. (The Jowrnal of the Board of Agriculture, November 1914.) Vor. XIV. No. 331. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 7 INDIAN CORN. TESTING THE GERMINATION OF SEED CORN. In the last number of the Agricultural News the notes -on Indian Corn had to do with the eare of Seed Corn. It was there pointed out that the Indian corn plant produces seed of exceptional vitality and germinating power. In the case of corn which has been properly grown, ripened, and stored, every kernel should grow, and consequently it is necessary to produce good seed corn, and to preserve its vitality, rather than attempt to choose out of a mass of ordinary corn a certain number of ears which may be used to supply the seed for the next crop. Seed corn must be harvested as seed corn, and stored as seed corn, not merely as corn, in order to produce ‘satisfactory results. It should be remembered also that it is not enough for seed corn to possess good germinating powers: it must also represent good production. The germinating power is of much importance, however, and in order that West Indian planters may be in a position to make satisfactory tests if they desire to do so, the follow- ing is reproduced from Farmers’ Bulletin, No. 229, of the United States Department of Agriculture, entitled The Production of Good Seed Corn, by C. P. Hartley:— ‘Seed corn should be so well cared for that it will contain no ears that will not germinate, and seed testing should be employed as a demonstration of the fact that the seed has received proper attention, rather than as a screen to separate the worthless from the poorly preserved seed. If through accident or carelessness, « supply of seed has been so -damaged that a test of 100 or more representative ears proves that less than ninety-seven kernels out of every 100 germinate, and better seed can not be procured, it is certainly advisable to test the ears separately, and discard the poorest. ‘This test can very easily be made by numbering the -ears, and then taking five or ten kernels from each ear and placing them in numbered rows in shallow boxes of moist sand, arranging them so that the kernels from ear No. 1, are in row No. 1, ete. If the boxes used are 2 or 2} inches deep, anda damp cloth is spread over the top after the kernels are placed in the sand, no further attention will be necessary for five or six days, when the results of the test can be recorded. The box should be kept in a warm place where the temperature does not fall lower than 50° FY The following paragraph from Circular No. 95, United States Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry, is copied here as being of interest in this connexion. This circular, entitled The Seed Corn Situation, is also by Mr. Hartley:— ‘The prevailing idea that the thing of most importance js to obtain a good stand of stalks must be discarded. Farmers must consider the productiveness of the stalks of more importance than the number. Full stands can be obtained by the heavy planting of weak seed. Good yields ean not be obtainedin this way. The most expensive seed to plant is that from which a stand of stalks can be obtained, but from which a good yield can not be obtained. The stand of stalks bears the same relation tothe grain yield as the number of trees in an orchard bears to the amount of fruit produced, Productivity as well as quantity must be considered.’ THE PARTIAL STERILIZATION OF SO’ 5. The following is a short abstract of an article in W-éure, November 19, 1914, on the above subject, by E. J. Russell, containing an account in untechnical language of the efforts that are being made to discover the exact reason why the fer- tility of soils, especially those that are said by the agriculturist to have become ‘sick’, should be increased by this process. The increased productiveness of partially sterilized soils was traced to the increased nuutbers of bacteria; this increase in turn was found to be due to the putting out of action, by partial sterilization, of a detrimental factor present in normal soils. The present position is that there seems no doubt that this detrimental factor is living, and there is strong indirect evidence to connect it with the soil protozoa. But the direct evidence is lacking. The ‘sick’ soils are being further investigated. That ‘sickness’ could be cured by partial sterilization has aroused much interest. Lime was investigated by Dr. Hutchinson, and found to satisfactorily. Mr. Buddin has found that non-volatile disinfectants, as long as the doses are not too strong, some of the soil bacteria to multiply, but the increased numbers of bacteria do not produce any cor- responding increase in ammonia or nitrate. Hence the use of these non-volatile substances is not promising. » Steam seems for the present to remain the best agent; it partially sterilizes; it effects some decomposition of the organic matter in the soil; and seems to induee a development of fibrous root. answer cause CATTLE FEEDING. The object of the experiment described below was to test the relative feeding values of maize silage and of mixed ha, ‘or cattle, and the advisability of feeding cattle chiefly on roughage during the earlier part of the feeding period, and of adding grain during the later part. Twenty-four bullocks were divided into two lots equal in weight, and of the same quality and breed. The animals in Lot I received as much maize silage as they would consume during the first two months, and each had 3 tb. of cotton-seed meal per 1,000 Ib. live weight daily. At the end of fifty-six days they received in addition as much maize as they would eat. The animals in. Lot II received daily 20 tb. of maize silage each, and all the mixed hay they would consume, as well as 3 Ib. of cotton-seed. meal each per 1,000 tb. live weight. After fifty-six days they were fed in addition with as much maize as they would eat. At the end of the test, which lasted twenty weeks, it was found that the bullocks im Lot I had made a total gain in weight of 3,280 tb. against 3,135 tb. in Lot IT, or an average daily gain per animal of 1°944 tb. compared with 1°803 fb. The cost of feeding per 100 tb. of gain was, in the case of Lot I, £1 14s. 7d., and in the case of Lot II, £119s. 4d. The profit per bullock, obtained by deducting the initial value and the cost of food from the selling value, was in the case of Lot I, £2 18s. 9d:, and Lot II, £2 6s. 9d The conclusions reached are that maize silage at 16s. 4d. per ton is relatively more economical and more effective for feeding bullocks than a combination of silage and mixed hay, when hay is valued at £2 16s. per ton. Maize silage was found to be more palatable than maize in the ear, and for this reason it is necessary when fattening cattle to limit the amount of silage given, in order to insure the greatest gain in flesh during the finishing period. The experiment bears ont the results of previous experiments, which have indicated that when cattle of about 900 tb. weight are put on roughage during the early part of the feeding period, they will make economical gains even though the actual daily gains may be smaller. (The Journal of the Board of Agriculture, November 1914.) 8 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 1915. JANUARY 2, EDITORIAL NOTICES. Letters and matter for publication, as well as all specimens for naming, should be addressed to the Commissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture, Barbados. All applications for copies of the ‘Agricultural News should be addressed to the Agents, and not to the Department. Local Agents: Advocate Co. Ltd, Broad St., Bridgetown. London Agents: Messrs. Dulau & Co., 87, Soho Square, W.; West India Committee, Seeth- ing Lane, E.C. The complete list of Agents will be found on page 3 of the cover. The Agricultural News: post free 2d. 2s. 2d. Price 1d. per number, Annual subscription payable to Agents, Post free, 4s, 4d. : Agricultural Hews Vou. XIV. SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 1915. No. 331. NOTES AND COMMENTS. Contents of Present Issue. The editorial im the present number treats of the educational function of agricultural departments. Under the heading of Sugar Industry, on page 2. there appear abstracts of papers relating to this subject, which were read at the Agriculture recently held in England, and also notes on sugar duties in Canada, and the working of sugar mills in Java. , es On page 5 there is a review of a valuable work on the coco-nut. The Insect Notes in this number deal with mis- cellaneous insects from the West Indies, and a report on insect pests in Mauritius. In the Fungus Notes, on page 14, will be found an article on a dangerous citrus disease due to a fungus which is known to oceur in Florida, and a short. article on a beneficial fungus of the genus Aschersonia. ——_—__— On page 15 an article on indigo is presented, which should be of especial interest at this time. International Congress of Visit of a Cotton Expert. Mr. J. L. Fonda, representing the Fine Cotton Spinners and Doublers Association, Ltd., is at present ona visit to the West Indies. In the Agricultural News for November 21 last, was mentioned the prospect of Mr. Fonda’s visit, with an explanation of its general purpose, After a few days spent in Barbados Mr. Fonda proceeded to St. Kitts and Nevis, where he has visited cotton growers, and addressed meetings of the Agri- cultural Societies in both those islands. Mr. Fonda will visit Antigua, Montserrat, and St. Vincent, before returning to Barbados. a Proposed Conference of British and Colonial Entomologists. In May last the Colomial Office put forward pro- posals for the holding of a Conference in London during 1915, at which it was hoped that. official entomologists from different parts of the Empire might be present for the discussion of questions relating to insect control in the several parts of the British Empire. It was further suggested, that as mycological questions are often inseparable from entomological, it might be of value if mycological officers could also attend. Such a Conference would be of great value, and there is no doubt that it would have met with hearty support on all sides. Owing to circumstances arisin out of the war, however, it has been found desirable to postpone the Conference indefinitely, and the Colonial Office has communicated this decision to Governments and official departments which had been previously invited to participate. The Barbados Exhibition. The annual exhibition under the auspices of the Barbados General Agricultural Society was held on December 16. The weather was everything that could be desired, and, on the whole, the attendance was good. The exhibits of agricultural products were “very creditable, considering the very dry weather experienced throughout the island in the earlier part of the year. On the other hand, the show of stock was exceedingly good, the cattle meriting special commendation. Among these the remarkably fine thoroughbred and high grade bulls of the milking strains, and the half-bred bulls of general utility breeds were very noticeable. The exhibits of goats also are worthy of par- ticular mention. Specimens of imported thorough- bred animals were shown, along with stock, thorough- bred and others, derived from them. The improvement in the strain of this most useful animal in recent years in Barbados has been very marked—a proof of the value of co-operation, for this improvement is largely due to the efforts in this direction of the Barbados Goat Society. On the industrial side special mention must be made of the excellent workmanship displayed in the exhibits of various handicrafts. Specimens in particular of the work of joiners and smiths, show that Barbadian artisans can turn out first-class work, Agricultural and Industrial Vot. XIV. No. 331. THE A New Milk Pail. In the Indian Trude Journal tor July 23, 1914, there is a note on the efficiency of the ‘small top milk pail, a recent American invention for keeping milk tree trom dirt. The invention consists of an ordinary pail fitted with a cover with a small apperture in it on the side furthest from the milker. It is claimed that 97 per cent. of the bacteria usually present were kept out when this pail was used in not particularly clean cowsheds. Under better conditions milk drawn into open pails contained six and a half times as many organisms as were found in that in the small top pail. It would seem therefore that this simple appliance is very effective, but all farmers and milkmen must remember that even the use of suc ‘h etfective appliances does not dispense with the necessity of three essential operations before milking— (1) grooming the cow: (2) washing the udder and teats: (3) wi ashing the hands. It cannot be too strongly emphasized that no invention will render milking a cow with a dirty udder into a half- washed pail with a filthy pair of hands anything but a crime. a Carica Papaya—The Papaw. ‘This well-known tree has been subjected to ill- merited abuse, described as ugly and everything that is disagreeable, yet it may be questioned if there is a more handsome or generally useful tree in Indian gardens.’ Under this text, in the Agricultural Journal of India, Vol. IX, pt. 9, L. B. Kulkarni, of the Bombay Agricultural Department, has some interesting notes on methods of propagation, and the advantages of causing the trees to branch. With regard to the first he gives details of experi- ments made in the Botanical Gardens, Poona, which show that vegetative propagation by cuttings and graftings has been — successfully achieved. Both of these processes may prove useful when the propagation of some special variety is of importance. It is doubtful however, as yet, whether they will be of any special yalue in the practical cultivation of the papaw, When a papaw tree grows to a considerable height difticulty is experienced in Gating after and gathering the fruit. The tree too is lable to be broken otf by a heavy wind. In view of these drawbacks experiments have been made at the same gardens to encourage branching, by the removal of the tops of the stems just before the time of flowering. Not. more than four branches were allowed to grow, though many more started. The result was a symmetrical head, producing within reach, fruit of uniform size and shape. It was observed also that the branched trees gave a greater number of fruit than those lett to grow straight up, though the imdividual fruit averaged less in weight. ‘Another point made by the anthor of the article referred to above, is that ac cording to other e xpe riments made at the same gardens, the best results in papaw fruit are obtained by judicious thinning out from the stem of a certain number of fruit, in fact any that are obviously going to be crushed by others, or are to be the cause of others becoming misshaped. AGRICULTURAL gong NEWS. 9 The Shortage of Medicinal Plants. The Board of Agriculture and Fisheries has recent- ly issued a leaflet, No. 288, on the cultivation of medicinal plants in England, pointing out that the supplies of vegetable drugs much in demand are bound torun short on account of the present war, owing to the impossibility of obtaining them from Europe, and giving advice-as to the method of cultivation of such medicinal plants as may be possibly grown in England, Among these are three species of Datura, commonly met with in the West Indies. The first is D. Stramo- nium, thorn apple. The principal use of the drug obtained from this plant is as an ingredient in burning powders for asthma. It has been chiefly imported from Germany and Hungary. The price of the dry leaves has risen since the outbreak of the war from 40s. to SOx. per ewt. A closely allied species, D. Tutula, with purple flowers, is occ: sionally used in medicine in place of D. Stramonium. The third species, D. Metel, is a valuable source of the alkaloids hyoscine, hyoseya- mine, and atropine. The crop is cut when the plants are in flower. The leaves are stripped off and dried as quickly as possible, usually by artificial heat. The seed is also a commercial article, but in very limited demand. The thorny capsules are gathered when full-grown but still slightly green. T hey split, and shed ‘their drying. seed on ———————————— SS Soo Preservative Treatment of Timber for Estate Purposes. The Journal of the Board of Agriculture, November 1914, has a ' Bie taken from the (Juarterly Journal of Forestry tor July 1914, on experiments undertaken to ascertain whether creasote treatment for preserving timber could be modified or cheapened, Different lots of timber were treated with pure creasote, with creasote s saponified by the addition of a very small proportion of caustic soda, and with naphthalene. It has been found so far that the addition of even less than } per cent. of caustic soda to pure creasote improves penetration in the case of timbers which take the preservative with difficulty, and that the saponifi- cation of the creasote makes it possible to dilute the preservatives with water, thus cheapening the process. For the treatment of estate timber by the simple open tank method, saponified diluted creasote would seem to be a cheap and effective process. Good results were obtained when average creasote was diluted to half its strength. Greater dilution than this was found in- advisable, especially with only partially seasoned timber, The advantages of using naphthalene as a preserv- ative are that green timber can be treated as effectively as seasoned timber, and that the discolora- tion of the timber is less than with ereasote. It is an excellent preservative, but large quantities are absorbed by most timbers, and at present prices the process would not be che aper than creasoting, 10 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. January 2, 1915. INSECT NOTES. NOTES ON WEST INDIAN PESTS. The following brief notes are based upon the information transmitted in the Items of Departmental Interest for No- vember last, and they present a general account of what is going on in the other islands. In St. Vincent, the chief pest. of cotton was the black scale on cotton. This insect, Sazssetia nigra, is well con- trolled, ordinarily, in the other islands, by its parasite, Zalophothrix mirum, but in St. Vincent, the parasite, although present, does not seem to exert the same control over the scale insect. At Montserrat the chaff scale (Parlatoria pergandet) is reported to be more troublesome on citrus trees at Grove Station than the purple scale (Lepidosaphes beck). Cotton worm attacks were severe along the Leeward side of the island, possibly the most severe recorded in that island. Cotton stainers are suspected of being connected with the oceur- rence of the internal boll disease of cotton. It is thought that the punctures made by the stainers in feeding furnish .a means for the disease organisms to gain access to the interior of the bolls. On some of the lime estates, and at Grove Station, hard backs are being collected. The insects referred to as hard backs in this instance are probably the adults of the Leeward Islands root borer (Yxophthalmus esuriens) which, it will be remembered, appeared in great numbers in certain lime fields in Antigua and Montserrat in the early part of 1914 (see Agricultural News, Vol. XIII, p. 250). This collection of beetles marks the adoption of a new practice in Montserrat. It is also stated that interesting experiments with lime plants are in progress, some of which are in connexion with the effects of Exophthalmus grubs in the soil, and others with the purple scale. In Antigua also, attacks of the cotton worm were recorded > ] during the month. In St. Kitts the greater part of the cotton had been reaped, but where this crop was left to make a second growth, leat-blister mite was much in evidence. A plot of young cassava plants (cuttings) was found to be badly attacked by the root borer grubs (Hxophthalmus esuriens). This pest seems to be increasing in St. Kitts. In Nevis the cotton was reported to be attacked by leaf- blister mite, the cotton worm, and 1. mealy-bug; the first was of general, and the two latter insects of local, occurrence. The Leeward Islands root borer (Hxophthalmus eswriens) has come into much prominence during the past two or three years asa pest of cotton and other crops in the Leeward Islands. It has been known for many years as a common insect in those islands, but only recently as a pest. It has been found in Barbados during 1914. Specimens from this last mentioned locality have been examined by Mr. G. A. K. Marshall, Director, Imperial Bureau of Entomology, who reports that while the Barbados specimens differ slightly from those from the Northern Islands, the differences are not suft- cient to enable the insects to be regarded as distinct species. Mr. Marshall considers that the Barbados Exophthalmus has probably been established in that island for a long time, and is not likely to prove more of a pest in the future than at present. It has been only once reported from sugar-cane fields in Barbados, being most commonly found in the adult or weevil stage feeding on the leaves of Agave stsalana in one small district on the seacoast, in the southern part of the island. INSECT PESTS IN MAURITIUS IN 1913. The report of the Division of Entomology for 1913, by D. dE. de Charmoy, which appeared in the Annual Report of the Department of Agriculture, Mauritius, for 1913, was abstracted in the Review of Applied Entomology, Series A, Agricultural, for October 1914. This abstract is given herewith as likely to be of interest to West Indian planters. As in previous years, the Dynastid beetle (Oryctes tarandus) was prevalent during 1913 on certain sugar estates, but the method of digging out the larvae was adopted more widely, and has proved to be highly beneficial. The Melolon- thid, Lachnosterna sp., was found on sugar-cane in small numbers, control measures being responsible for a noticeable reduction. Aphis sacchari occurred in great numbers on two sugar estates, but by the middle of July all the insects were destroyed by a fungus. The white borer, the larva of a small, greyish moth, not yet determined, was very abundant throughout the island in virgin canes, while burning previous to cropping was suggested in order to protect the ratoons, and to avoid the dissemination of Chionaspis tegalensis. A census of the area infected by Phytalus smithi, Arrow, made in May and June 1913, indicated that this pest was not spreading. During 1913 some 34 million insects were destroyed, against 15 million in 1912, and 24 million in 1911. The increase of captures in 1913 was probably due to the reward offered being higher than in 1912, and secondly, to a more thorough knowledge of the habits of the beetle. Up to the end of December 1913, some adults, chiefly males, of Tiphia parallela, Smith, had been observed in the insectary built for the breeding ef this Scoliid parasite of P. smithi. Other insects damaging various crops were Ceratitis capitata, Dacus ferrugineus, Agromyza phaseoli, Prodenia littoralis, lawn cutworm (Crambus sp ), Cratopus punctum, Adoretus versutus, Sphenophorus striatus (banana borer), and Coccus viridis (Lecanium viride), besides numbers of other mealy- bugs and scale insects. Tomatoes were seriously damaged by the eelworm, //eterodera radicicola. The ‘awn cutworm’, which for the last few years has been a serious pest, was successfully controlled by means of an application of kerosene mixture made as follows: 1 part (by weight) of common soap is dissolved in 20 parts of water, 40 parts petroleum being gradually added; to 24 parts of this emulsion add 16 parts Phenyl or 12 parts Creoline. A 2 per cent. solution of this mixture does not injure grass, if applied at the rate of 11 gallons per 80 square feet for the destruction of subterra- nean caterpillars and Qryctes larvae. Vor. XIV. No. 331. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 11 ANTIGUA: REPORT ON THE BOTANIC STA- TION AND EXPERIMENT PLOTS, FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1914. The rainfall recorded for the twelve months reported on, was above the average of the three previous years, and better distributed, so that the appearance of the Botanic Gardens has much improved. The number of plants sent out from the nurseries, when compared with last year, has fallen off to a considerable extent. This may be attributed to the succession of dry years having had a discouraging effect on planters, especially of lime trees. Among additions to the Botanic Station may be men- tioned several species of Eucalyptus not previously grown there, making the collection of these trees quite a good one. Some of the species are being found to be well worth planting in Antigua, as they possess a capacity for resisting drought, and yield excellent timber. The plot experiments with regard to root crops—sweet potatoes, cassava, yams and tannias—are continued, with a view of definitely ascertaining which varieties give the largest returns. In the case of sweet potatoes, these experiments have been continuously made for the last fourteen years; therefore the results, as tabulated in the report, may be looked upon as reliable. In addition, a series of experiments in plant selection of sweet potatoes is being begun, with a view to obtaining increased yield. Varieties of cassava from Montserrat, Jamaica, and Colombia are being cultivated for experimental purposes, but this appears to be a crop of a very uncertain yield. The plant selection of tannias and eddoes seems to afford grounds for encouragement. It has not, how- ever, been continued long enough to warrant making any definite statement of results. Yams have been the subject of varietal experimentation for the last fourteen years; there- fore, as in the case of sweet potatoes, the tabulated results may be received with confidence. Plant selection with this crop also has been started. Continued trial maintains the position of Essex rape as a valuable fodder crop in Antigua. Imphee also, apart from the grain produced, seems to have done well as a fodder crop. A local plant, known as beggar weed (Desmodium sp.), has given satisfactory returns as a fodder plant and green dress- ing. An interesting experiment as to the comparative advant- ages in planting onion seed in nurseries, or directly in the field, apparently leads to the conclusion that in order to take advantage of the early markets, it would be well for the onion grower to plant some of his crop directly in the field. An encouraging small experimental shipment of tomatoes to the Canadian markets was made, and further efforts in this direction will be continued. Experiments with papaws, as to the yield of papain, and the best method of drying it, have resulted in the conclusion that the growing of papaws for the production of this drug might possibly prove lucrative, especially as the collection of papain, and the drying of it, do not require heavy or particularly skilled labour, The experiments with English potatoes, ground nuts, and soja beans yielded poor results. Turning to the principal industries of Antigua, the sugar-cane crop again suffered from dry weather. The work of Gunthorpe’s Central Factory is noticed, show- ing that from 70,349 tons of cane received, 7,336 tons of sugar were manufactured. The poor yield of canes is attributed to the unfavourable weather conditions. In the Experiment Station, there have been raised a limited number of seedling varieties of sugar-cane. The climatic conditions of Antigua, however, do not seem to favour any large production of these. The results of field experiments in connexion with sugar-cane varieties are dealt with in the usual separate report of the Superintendent of Agriculture: for the Leeward Islands, which is shortly to be issued. A large portion of the present report consists of details of experiments in the important work of cotton seed selection, and in the hybridization.of cotton. This latter has been carried on for four years with the object of endeavouring to obtain a cotton which will produce good lint, and at the same time be resistant to the leaf-blister mite. If success be ultimately achieved, it will mean much to cotton growers. The area under this crop in Antigua had increased by 332 acres, a noticeable feature being the number of small growers. Unfortunately the average yield per acre was much less than that of last season. The 150 acres of cotton cultivated in the island of Barbuda, however, gave the good return of 206 Ib. of lint per acre. The poor yield in Antigua is probably due to a great extent to the prevalence of boll dropping, the causes of which, and the best means of remedying it, are touched upon in the report. There does not seem to be much encouragement to any great increase in the cultivation of limes in Antigua. Existing lime plantations have done moderately well, but . neither climate nor soil seems specially adapted for this crop. The interest in coconut planting seems to be main- tained, over 5,000 nuts for planting having been ordered for - next season from the Station. The drainage of plantations will have to be attended to if success is to be assured. Two very encouraging lines of progess are to be noted: (1) the success of the efforts of the Onion Growers’ Associa- tion on co-operative lines to place the export of their produce - on a sound basis, and (2) the similar efforts that are being made with government co-operation, by planters who cultivate maize, to dry the corn, and to convert it into meal, with the view in the first place of supplying the local market. The first of these efforts may be considered to have achieved a measure of success already, and it is hoped that a simi- lar result will attend the second. In the section dealing with work connected with insect and fungus pests, and their control, the Leeward Islands root borer (Hxophthalmus esuriens, is credited with exten- sive damage done to the maize crop, and considerable loss in the cane crop. It also seems to be likely to give trouble on lime plantations. Timely methods of destruction and prevention are necessary. A hitherto unknown disease attacked the tubers of yams in some places; observations and investigations with regard to this are being conducted. From the conclusion of the report it would appear that the Cadet system continues to work satisfactorily in Antigua, y y sof 12 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JsNuARY. | 25 19D. Ce ee eS GLEANINGS. The staple industry of Turks Islands is salt raking, the produce being chiefly exported to the United States. The value of this export in 1913 was £25,132 out of the total exports of £27,808. (C@oloniat Reports—Annual No. 800.) The Board of Trade Journal for November 12, 1914, says that the Board of Trade is in receipt of information, through the Colonial Office, that telegraphic instructions have been sent to all British Governments overseas to prohibit the exportation of rubber except to British ports. St. John, New Brunswick, will soon have one of the finest sugar refineries in North America, run by the Atlantic Sugar Refineries, Ltd. The output will be 500 tons of sugar per diem. The West Indies will furnish the raw sugars. The finished product will be marketed in Canada, and some may go to Great Britain. (The Lowisiana Planter, Novem- ber 1, 1914.) A start has been made at Searles: Lake, California, in the manufacture of potash for commercial purposes. It is hoped ultimately that the plant will turn out 120 tons a day, roughly 37,500 tons per year. Statistics show that in 1911 America imported 237,453 tons of potash from Germany, and in subsequent years the imports have been even greater. (The Gardeners’ Chronicle, November 1914.) The cultivation of lily bulbs in Bermuda for the United States market is one of the chief agricultural industries. In 1913 the quantity and declared value of the export of lily bulbs were as follows: 2,357 packages, of a declared value of £3,470. The export of onions during the same year had fallen to 65,074 crates as compared with 252,368 crates in 1909. (Colonial Reports—Annual No. 803.) The Director of Industries at Madras reports that at the beginning of September there were about 16,000 tons of ground nuts in Madras ports awaiting shipment to Marseilles. The estimate of the erop in December is about 150,000 tons. The ground nut deteriorates very rapidly by keeping. Dealers with their present stock on hand are refusing to buy, so the crop is being thrown back on the hands of the cultivators. The qnestion of erecting plants for expressing oil from the ground nut is now being considered, in view of the continual closure of the Marseilles market. (The Board of Trade Journal, November 12, 1914.) The immense importance which maize has achieved, not only as a food for cattle, but also for human consumption, rests largely upon its cheapness relatively to other foodstutts. Maize has however risen greatly in price during the last ten years. As compared with wheat, the average price per hundredweight was, in 1903, maize 4s. 11}¢., wheat (British) 6s. 3d.; in 1912, maize 6s. 24d., wheat Ss. ld. The total world’s crop of maize in 1913-14 was no less than 1,733,102,517 ewt., compared with 2,053,345,727 ewt. of wheat; and there are years in which the world’s maize crop is actually bigger than the world’s wheat erop. (Zropical Life, November 1914.) In Madeira a company was formed in 1908 to develop the growth of tobacco, but it failed. In 1913 this industry was again started, and it appears to promise to be a snceess. Some Spaniards are employed, who pronounce the soil in the island to be very suitable for tobacco. Havana seed is being planted besides Kentucky and Virginia, but the first is said to be best, as the leaves from the two latter are far too The most modern machinery for making cigar- ettes and cigars is being erected, and if the growing is suecesstul, there can be no doubt that this new industry will flourish. (Diplomatic and Consular Reports, Annual Series, No. 5356.) coarse, The Annual Report of the Education Branch of the British Board of Agriculture on the disposal of grants for agricultural education and research, for the year 1913-14, shows that the Board is making satisfactory progress with its scheme of organizing agricultural work. | It has arranged for most of the Universities to undertake special work in connexion with the various counties, and, in addition, it supports a number of research institutes. The whole scheme has been carefully planned to avoid overlapping. It is not claimed that the scheme is yet perfect; indeed it is not yet in full working order, but it is clear that the fully developed scheme will serve the purpose for which it was intended. Provision is made for higher agricultural education, the provision of technical advice to farmers, the investigation of local problems, and for carrying out agricultural research. The total amount of money granted during the year was £67,939, against £32,434 last year. (Mature, Septem- ber 3, 1914.) An article in The Times for November 24, 1914, states that in the House of Commons on November 23, Mr. Runciman in reply to a question stated that the Board of Trade had entered into consultations with the principal interests concerned, with a view to the elaboration of a scheme for the establishment of an undertaking for the production of synthetic dyes and colours. In the main it was hoped that the capital required would be forthcoming from the industries by which dyes and colours were mainly used, but the Treas- ury were prepared, within certain limits and subject to certain conditions, to afford financial support to a well eon- sidered scheme which would be permanently under British control. With reference to this, the following telegram from London, dated December 24, is worthy of notice: ‘The Dye Trade Committee, appointed with the co-operation of the Board of Trade, announces the formation of a Limited Liability Company with a capital of £3,000,000 in £1 shares. The Government avill advance £1,500,000 to the company at 4 per cent., and will appoint two directors.’ MVS Nols 1: STUDENTS’ CORNER. AGRICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS. The examinations in connexion with the Courses of Reading in Practical Agriculture of the Imperial Depart- ment of Agriculture, were held on November 23, 1914. The following were the questions in the Intermediate Exam- ination. In the paper on General Agricultural Science not more than eight were to be attempted, in which Nos. | or 3 and 2 or 4 had to be included. In the Special Crop Subjects only six of the eight questions on each subject were to be attempted:— VoL. THE GENERAL AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE. 1. Give an account of the characteristics of, the injury done by, and the methods of control for, either (a) the brown hard back, or (b) the coco-nut weevil. : 2. Which one of the following pests of cotton causes most damage in the island you are connected with: (a) the cotton worm, (b) the cotton stainer, (c) the cotton leaf-blister mite? Describe fully the damage done, and the means of control adopted in the case of the pests you select. Explain, as well as you can, why the others are less harmful. 3. Give as many characteristics as you can to show how you would distinguish a large fly from a bee, and the larva of a cotton stainer from that of a beetle. 4. Write an account of the root diseases of any one of the following plants: (a) cacao, (b) limes, (ce) sugar-cane. State fully the measures adopted in their control. 5. What do you understand by the term saprophyte! By means of examples indicate the benefit and the harm that saprophytes are capable of doing under certain conditions. 6. Why is urine of great manurial value? What measures should be taken to prevent loss of this substance on the estate! 7. Write an account of the operation of budding cacao or oranges. State the economic value of this operation in estate practice. 8. Draw up a score card or scale of points for the field selection of any one of the following: (a) cotton, (b) sugar- cane, (c) corn (maize). Indicate the value of the laboratory in the case of the crop that is dealt with. 9. Of what use to plants are compounds of the follow- ing elements in the soil: (a) iron, (b) manganese, (c) magne- sium, (d) caleium, (e) sodium, (f) potassium? 10. Give a full account of up-to-date methods of pre- paring the following for market: (a) oranges, or green or fresh limes; (b) onions or arrowroot. 11. Give details of the methods and cost of harvesting either (a) a 10-acre field of sugar-cane, or (b) a 10-aere field of cotton. [Harvesting should be taken to mean the cutting or picking and conveyance of material to the factory or ginnery as the case may be. | 12. Describe in outline the experimental work carried out during the past three years at the Botanic or Experiment Station in your island. Indicate along what lines the most useful results have so far been obtained, stating your reasons. SPECIAL CROP SUBJECTS. SUGAR INDUSTRY. 1. Describe the characteristics of some of the newer seedling varieties of sugar-cane raised in the West Indies and introduced into cultivation during the past three years. AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 13 2. Give a concise account-of (a) the underground system of the sugar-cane and (b) the variation in the leaf structure. Indicate any economic aspects that occur to you in connexion with these. 3. Describe a system of manuring followed in your district for ratoon canes, and indicate to what extent this is adhered to; also to what extent followed in the plant canes. 4. Describe the implements used in the cultivation ot sugar-cane and the value of the work each performs. 5. State the measures adopted in cultivating sugar-cane for the prevention of disease and attack of insects. What is the most important disease or pest in your district! Brietly describe this. 6. In what ways do you dispose of the following in your island: (a) megass, (b) molasses, (c) cane tops, (d) stumps of cane! 7. State, in the form of a monthly diary, the field work to be done from the planting of the cane in November or December to the time of reaping. 8. How many labourers would be required to plant a field of 20 acres of sugar-eane? Describe how you obtain the cuttings and distribute them to the men for planting. case ot LIMES. 1. Give a detailed account of the process of concentrat- ing lime juice both by open tayche and steam-heated pans or vats. 2. Discuss the value of wind-breaks in lime cultivation, 3. Write an account of the methods of gathering lime fruit. 4, Describe the manufacture of citrate of lime. is it prepared for export! 5. Show exactly what area of land would be needed for a lime nursery to establish 50 acres in limes. Describe the soil and surroundings required for a nursery. 6. What measures should be employed in caring for an old lime estate with a view to maintaining its productivity! 7. Describe the most important insect pests of limes in your district. What measures are adopted for their control! 8. What may be done to improve or maintain the health and activity of the root system of a lime tree? How COTTON, 1. Make an examination of the sample of seed-cotton provided, and express the results of the examination in the torm of a table. 2. What are the natural scil and climatic conditions most favourable for the cultivation of Sea Island cotton? How may these be secured, or partially secured, by artificial means! 3. How do you prepare a field for cotton in your district? From what source do you obtain the seed for plant- ing, and how much per acre do you sow! 4. State in detail the measures and precautions you would take to prevent outbreaks of leaf-blister mite, and cotton worm. 5. What are the characteristics of the best type of cotton grown in your district! 6. How is cotton graded, cleaned, dried, and prepared for ginning! 7. What crops can be conveniently grown in rotation with cotton! Describe this cultivation, indicating the time the crops occupy the land. 8. Describe a system of manuring cotton applicable to your district, having regard to continuous cropping with cotton. What have been the general results of the manuring of Sea Island cotton! 14 THE AGRICULTURAL FUNGUS — NOTES. A DANGEROUS CITRUS DISEASE IN FLORIDA. References haye been seen recently to a new and serious disease of citrus trees im Florida. Since by some oversight the bulletin deseribing it has not yet reached us, we reproduce, from the magazine Modern Cuba, an article by Dr. J. R. Johnston, which gives the necessary warning to West Indian citrus planters. As there is a great possibility that the citrus canker may carelessly be introduced into Cuba, it is advisable’ that every citrus grower should familiarize himself as quickly as possible with its appearance. The following description is given by Stevens of the Florida State Experiment Station: ‘The disease appears as small circular spots, from less than one-sixteenth to one quarter of an inch across. They may occur singly, or several together may form an irregular area. They are raised above the surrounding tissue, are light brown, and composed of a spongy mass of dead cells covered by a thin (white to grayish) membrane that finally ruptures and turns outward, forming a ragged margin around the spot. The general appearance of the spots is much the same whether they are found on the leaves, fruit or twigs. The older spots often become overgrown with saprophytic fungi, and may be pink or black on account of secondary infection by species of Fusarium or Cladosporium. ‘The infections on the leaves appear first as small watery bulging dots, which are usually of a darker green than the surrounding tissue. They may appear on either surface of the leaf, but do not penetrate through the leaf tissue at this stage. The spots gradually increase in size, change to alight brown colour, and become visible on both sides of the leaf. Each spot is surrounded by a narrow yellowish band or zone. Later, the surface of the spot becomes white to greyish, and finally ruptures, exposing a light brown spongy central mass. ‘The spots on the fruit are similar to those on the leaves. They project from the surface and retain a cirenlar outline. They do not penetrate far into the rind, and may be scat- tered singly over the surface, or several may occur together, forming irregular masses. ‘The spots on the older twigs are more prominent, and usually larger and more irregular in shape. They show the same spongy tissue and the same colour as those on the leaves. On growth more than a year old, the spots assume a cankerous appearance, and the membrane covering the surface disappears. The spots do not penetrate to the wood, but are confined to the outer tissues of the bark.’ Although this disease is said to resemble the well-known scab, it may be distinguished by its rounder and larger spots, and by its white or greyish colour. The canker does not distort the leaves, nor cause the wart-like projections that are so common in infections of scab, Canker is found on the older wood, while infections of ‘scab never occur on the older twigs and branches. The cause of the disease has not been determined any more than that it isa fungus, and is infectious. In fact, as regards its infectious nature, it is considered one of the worst pests ever known. Up.to date it has been reported in Florida and the other States bordering the Gulf, and there it has occurred NEWS. January 2; 1915, only very recently. That it will be communicated to Cuba and the other West Indies before long seems only a foregone conclusion, unless the utmost care is taken to prevent it. This disease may be looked for especially in nurseries, but also on the fruit, foliage, and stems of grape-fruit, and occasionally it occurs on other citrus trees. The safest and surest known way to treat the canker is to burn the affected trees. ASCOSPORIC CONDITION OF THE GENUS ASCHERSONIA. Overshadowed by the more abundant forms, the part played by the fungi of the genus Aschersonia as scale insect destroyers has not attracted much attention in the West Indies, or at any rate, one may say with confidence, in the Lesser Antilles. Aschersonia turbvnata has been recorded from Dominica, St. Lucia, and Antigua, and it was recently found to be abundant on estates visited in the interior of the firstmamed island, occurring on unidentified scales on the leaves and twigs of lime trees. A species believed to be A. cubensis is known to oceur in considerable numbers in one situation in Barbados, attacking Vinsonia stellifera on lime trees. In Florida two species of the genus have hada great amount of attention in view of the control they exercise on the- abundance of two species of white fly (Aleyrodes) on citrus trees. The genus is also well known in the Eastern Tropics. Hitherto only the conidial forms of these fungi have- been described, and the ascosporic condition, though often sought, seems to haye completely eluded notice. Professor Thaxter now announces Botanical Gazette, LVII, pp. 308-13) - that as a result of a special effort made during a stay of some months in Grenada and Trinidad, he was able to obtain the perfect form of A. turbinata in the former island, and of four or five species in the latter. The ascosporic condition ‘occurred either by itself or associated on the same stroma with the pycnidial form; so that there could be no question as to the actual connexion of the two conditions. In some instances it appeared to follow the pyenidia in older speci- mens, while in others it was as evidently primary in its deyel- opment, and unaccompanied by pyenidia.’ The general character and appearance, it is further stated, recalls that of the genus Cordyceps, to which Aschersonia is evidently closely related. The description and figures given show the asci to occur in bottle-shaped perithecial cavities embedded in the stroma. The ascus is slender, and contains eight filamentous spores, at first continuous, later dividing up into segments which eventually become separated into rod-like unicellular spores. Professor Thaxter finds that the variability of the species, and the scanty information available regarding their hosts make any attempt at systematic revision at present prema- ture. In this connexion it may be said that owing to the usual very complete envelopment of the host by the stroma of the fungus, the identification of the former is often very difficult. Material from the Lesser Antilles available for the study of this genus at the Head Office of the Imperial Department of Agriculture is at present somewhat scanty, and more would be weleomed. For the information of collectors it may be explained that fungi taking the form of small pink cushions, expanded or;not into one or seyeral cups, and found on living leaves or twigs, may yery well prove to belong to the genus in question. 99 Vor. XIII. No. 331. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. ys) from which water can be run to the steeping vats. These INDIGO. The production of the dye indigo from some of the many species of the genus Indigofera has been carried on in India from very early times. So profitable was it that in the latter part of the 17th, and first half of the 18th centuries it was widely undertaken in the West Indies, the West Indian species (J. Anil) yielding a dye hardly inferior to that obtained from India. Owing however to the superior profits obtained from sugar-cane cultivation, the cultivation of indigo was practically abandoned in the West Indies about the middle of the 18th century, and has never been revived. In recent years also its cultivation in India has been very much restricted, owing to the manufacture, chiefly in Germany, of the synthetic article, which could be produced at a cost lower than that at which it was profitable to place the natural article on the market. On account of the war the supply of this synthetic article is likely to be very short. Inquiries have been made from the Imperial Department of Agriculture whether it would be likely to be profitable to resuscitate the cultivation and manufacture of indigo in some of these islands at the present time. It must be borne in mind that on account of their ancient acquaintance with the process, the Indian growers can easily at once increase the output of natural indigo to such an extent as to handicap very heavily experi- mental attempts in this direction in other parts of the world. Again, the manufacture of the synthetic product, long left a German monopoly, can easily be undertaken, if found to be profitable, by the great manufacturing chemists in Great Britain and other countries. In fact, as has been noticed in a gleaning on page 12 of this issue of the Agricul- tural News, the Imperial Government has already expressed its willingness to aid in the establishment of such manufacture. Still as enquiries have been made on this point, some account of the cultivation and manufacture of indigo will be of interest. It has been found in India that Indigofera arrecta, a species from Java or Natal, yields a larger percentage of indigotin, than the more widely cultivated species, I. sumatrana, known less correctly as J. tinctoria. The species J. Anal, wild or naturalized throughout the West Indies, is not considered to be of equal value with either of the other two species. The cultivation of indigo is apparently not very difficult; the crop matures, under varying conditions of climate, at from six to eighteen months. The dye is obtained from the stalks and leaves of the plant, which are cut when the plant is about 3 feet high. It may be remarked that, like other Leguminosae, indigo is a very valuable rotation crop, and the waste product, after the extraction of the dye, is highly prized as a manure. The following is an abstract from Sir George Watt's Commercial Products of India, on the manufacture of indigo. For the manufacture of dye from the plant the wet process is now almost invariably adopted. It is essential to have an abundant supply of water, as the process consists in extraction of the dye-yielding principle from the plant by steeping in water, and the precipitation, from the extract so obtained, of the indigo, by exposure to air—oxidation. At the highest point of the factory there is placed a large tank, are a row of cement-lined brick basins, usually about 20 feet square and 4 to 5 feet deep. Below these there is a row of the same number of slightly shallower ‘beating’ vats. The plant is taken from the field and loaded into the steeping vats. As soon as a vat is full, the contents are battened down by beams attached to pegs set in the sides of the vat, and water is rum into it until the plant is just submerged. Steeping is allowed to proceed for from twelve to fourteen hours, by which time the liquor becomes yellowish green; it is then run off into the lower or beating vat. The object of beating is to obtain as thorough an oxidation as possible. The more primitive method is for ten or twelve coolies to enter the vat, and beat the liquor with short sticks, to one end of which a flat dise of wood is attached. The process is considered complete after one and a half hours continuous beating. This hand-beating has been largely replaced by wheel-beating, operated by machinery. Where this is employed, there is one beating vat, running the length of the range of steeping vats, divided along its length by one or two walls, according to whether one or two wheels are employed. These walls stop short of the two ends of the vat, and are merely to give direction to the current set up by the wheel. The wheels consist of flat dises of wood attached to the ends of the spokes radiat- ing from the axle. Beating by this method is completed in about an hour. Beating has been replaced in some modern factories by blowing a mixture of air and steam through the liquor, and, later still, by blowing ammonia through it. Neither of these, however, has been generally adopted. After beating is complete, the liquor is allowed to stand until the precipitated indigo has settled to the bottom of the tank, leaving a clear red liquor above. This is drained off, and the residual precipitate is pumped into boilers, where having been mixed with clean water it is boiled either by steam or direct heat. When the boiling is complete, the contents of the boiler are run on to a ‘table’. This consists of a heavy canvas sheet, wetted and spread on a wooden support. This acts as a filter, allowing the water to drain off, and retaining the indigo asa thick paste. This paste is then transferred to the press, which is a strong square wooden box, with perforated bottom and sides. The interior of the press is lined with damp cloth, and the wet paste is poured into it to a depth of 8 or 9 inches. The lid, which fits the interior accurately, is then screwed home by means of a screw worked by a long lever. This is turned at intervals during five or six hours, by which time the paste will have been pressed into a hard cake 3 or 3) inches thick, This is then removed to a table, where it is cut by wire into cubes of about 3 inches. These are placed to dry on shelves inan airy room. During the process of drying, the cakes become covered with a layer of mould, which is brushed otf before packing. The dried and cleaned cakes are then packed into specially constructed cases, weighed and shipped. In Ceylon in the last. few years there has been some interest in the cultivation and manufacture of indigo. It is claimed that much adyantage accrues from the plan adopted there, of employing a process which enables the manufacturer to place his indigo upon the market, not as dried squares, but as a paste, thus avoiding the necessity of much grinding and mixing by the dyers in reconverting the indigo to paste, in which form it is used by them. This paste is exported in lead-lined boxes. It will be seen from the above that to undertake the manufacture of indigo would require the outlay of considera- ble capital in the construction of a factory, and also some technical acquaintance with the process, 16 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. January 2, 1915. MARKET REPORTS. Barbados.—Messrs. James A. Lynen & Co., Ltd., December 12, 1914, Messrs. T. 8. Garraway & —— Co., December 14, 1914. London.—Tue Wesr InprA CommmtTee Crecunar, Arrowroot—$4-00 to $425 per 100 th. Cacao—$8°50 to $10°00 per 100 th. December 1, 1914. Coco-NutTs—$16-00, Hay—S1°70 per 100 fb. Manvcres—Nitrate of soda, no quotations; Cacao manure, $48°00 to 550-00; Sulphate of ammonia $78-00 to $8500 per ton. Morasses—No quotations. Ontons—$2°75 to $3°50 per 190 tb. Pras, Sprrr—No quotations; Canada, $6°00. Porarors—Nova Scotia, $2°85 per 160 Th. Rice—Ballam, $5 °75 to $6°05 per 190 1b.; Patna, no quotas tions; Rangoon, no quotations. Svucar—American granulated, 55°00 per LOO th. AkROWROOT— 13d. to 43d. Barata—Sheet, 2/1; block, 1/9} per th. Breeswax—No quotations. Cacao—Trinidad, 65/- to 69 6 per ewt.; Grenada, 59, to 63/-; Jamaica, no quotations. CorrrE—Jamaica, no quotations. Copra—West Indian, £24 10s. per ton. Corron—Fully Fine no quotations; Floridas, no quota- tions: West Indian Sea Island, no quotations. Frvir—No quotations, Fustic—No quotations. Gincer—Quiet. Ispyoiass—No quotations. Honxey—No quotations. Line Jurce—Raw, 2/3 to 2/9; concentrated, £30; Otto of British Guiana. Messrs. Wrerixc & Ricurer, December limes (hand-pressed), 8/- to 9/-. 19, 1914; Messrs. SANpDBACH, PARKER & Co. Loc woop—No quotations. December 18, 1914 : Macr—9. to 2/3-. : : Nurmecs—4}d. to 53d. = 7 ————— ee Pinento—Quiet. erence Messrs. WIkTING \Messrs. Sanp- Rveser—Para, tine hard, 2/8}; fine soft, 2/1; Castilloa, 1/9. ARTICLES. & Rrenrer. [BAGe,: PARKER Rew—Jamaica, no quotations. & oe Arrowroor—st. Vincent $7°00 to $8:00 per’) S10-00 barrel of 200 tb. | Batata—Venezuela block — | =e Demerara sheet) — | —* Mah NG Qe ae 4 New York.—Messrs. Giutesrie Bros., & Co., July 24, pa ee oe mas tb. 12c. per Tb. Cassava STARCH— | 1914. Coco-nuts— $16 to $20 per M.) $23 per M. Cacao—Caracas, 114c. to 12c.; Grenada, Ile. to 1lic.; Trinidad, 11je. to 11fc.; Jamaica, 10e. to 11e. Corree—Creole —— l6c. per th. Coco-Nuts—Jamaiecaand Trinidad, selects $20°00 to $21-00; Jamaica and Rio 14e. per th. 16c. per th. culls, no quotations. Liberian 10e. per th. llc. per th. CorreeE—Jamaica, 93c. to 13$c. per Tb. Drat— $5°25 to S575 35-00 to $5°50 Grscer—7he. to 10c. per th. per bag of 168 tb, Goat Skrns—Jamaica, 46c.; Antigua and Barbados, 43c. to 46ce.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 40c. to 48c. per th. Green Dhal — = — Grave Fruir—Jamaica, $1°75 to $2°50, Eppors— | $1-44 — Limes.—$3°75 to $4°50. Mo tasses— Yellow None = Mace—4bc. to 53c. per tb. Ontons—Teneritfe —— —— Nvutrmecs—110's, 11 je. Madeira 4c. ats Orances—Jamaica, $2°00 to $2°50. Pras—Split -— $9°50 to S9-75 Pimento—3£e. per tb. per bag. (210 tb.) Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 3°26c.; Muscovados, 89°, 2°88c.; Marseilles — — Molasses, 89 , 2°61e., all duty paid. PLANTAINS— 24c. to 48e. — Porators ere Scotia $3:-00 to S3-25 $3°25 to $3°d0 asbon ee —— = Porarors--Sweet, B’bados $2-40 =n | Trinidad.—Messrs. Gorpon, Grant & Co., December 21, Rtce—Ballam No quotation == ’ ’ Creole $5°d0 to $5°75 $550 TANNIAS— S192 — 1914. Yans—White $2°16 = Buek 2 = Cacao—Venezuelan, $14°80 to $15°00 Trinidad, $14:25 to SuGar—Dark crystals $350 $14°75. Yellow $400 Coco-nuv Orr—83e. per Imperial gallon, White 39:00 to $525 =F Corree—Venezuelan, 114c. per th. , Molasses Corra—$4-00 per 100 Th, TiImBER—GREENHEART 32c, to 5dc. per | 32c. to 55c. per DxHat—No quotations. s cub. foot cub. foot Oxtoxs—$3"50 per 100 Tb. Wallaba shingles) $400 to $6°25 $400 to $600 Peas, Sprir—$8'50 per bag. per M. | per M, Porators—English $2°75 to $3:00 per 100 Th. Cordwood} $1°80 to $2°00 {rck—Yellow, 36°00; White $5°10 to $5°25 per bag. per ton SvuGar—American ernshed, no qnotations. i el ne j THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture FOR THE WEST INDIES. The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. A Quarterly Scientific Journal. Volume 1. No. 1. Out of print. Nos. 2, 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price 1s. each. Post free, 1s. 2d.; Volumes IT, ITT, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, NIT and XIII:—Price 2s. each; Post free 2s. 8d., where complete. (III, 2. IV, 3; and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.) Volume XIV, Nos. 1 2, and 8. No. 2 Containing Papers on (1) A Study of the Results of the Manurial Experiments with Cacao conducted at the Botanic Station, Dominica, by H. A. Tempany, B.Sce., F.LC., F.L.S.; (2) The ‘Tri-Drv or West Indian White Bait in St. Vincent, by W. N. Sands, F.L.8.; (3) Spray- ing for Control of Tieks in Antigua, by P. T. Saunders, M.R.V.C.S.; (4) New Cottons: Thoughts on their Development, by John W. Me.Connel; (5) Notes on Some Parasites of Some Live Stock in the West Indies, by P. T. Saunders, M-R.V.C.S.; (6) Mal de Caderas, by P. T. Saunders, (7) A Note on the Me.Fadyean Staining Reaction for Anthrax Bacilli, by Major J. D. Holmes, M.A., D.Se., M.R.V.C.S.; (8) Some Observations on the Bacterial Relationships of Certain Soils, with Special Reference to the Contents of Organic Matter, by H. A. Tempany, B.Sc. PAMPHLET SERIES. The Pamphlets are written ina simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially adapted to West Indian conditions. They contain, amongst other subjects, summaries of the results of the experiment work on sugar-cane and manures, the full official reports of which have only a limited circulation. The number issued up to the present time is seventy-five. Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are out of print. Sucar [ypusrry. GENERAL. Seedling and other Canes at Barbados (7) and (22) Seale Insects of the Lesser Antilles, Part I, price in 1900, No. 3, price 2d.; in 1901, No. 13; in 1902. 4d.; Part I1., price 4d. No. 19; in 1903, No. 26; in 1904. No. 32; price 4d. each. (17) General Treatment of Fungoid Pests. Price 4d. Seedling Canes and Manurial Experiments at Barbados, (43) Cotton Seed and Cotton-cake-meal on West Indian Planta- in 1903-5, No. 40; in 1904-6, No. 44;in 1905-7, No. 49; tions. Price 2d. in 1906-8, No. 59; in 1907-9, No. 62, No. 66, price Gd. each. (54) Fungus Diseases of Cacao and Sanitation of Cacao Seedling and other Canes in the Leeward Islands, Orchards. Price 4. in 1900-1, No. 12; in 1901-2, No. 20; in 1902-3, No. 27; (58) Insect Pests of Cacao. Price 4d. price 2d. each; in 1903-4, No. 33; in 1904-5, No. 39; in (60) Cotton Gins, How to Erect and Work Them. Price 4¢. 1905-6, No. 46; in 1906-7, No. 50; in 1907-8, No. 56; (61) The Grafting of Cacao. Price 4d. price 4d. each, in 1908-9, No. 63; in 1909-10, No. 67; (65) Hints for School Gardens, Fourth Edition. price 6d. each. (69) Hints to Settlers in St. Lucia. Price 6d. Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the Leeward Islands, (70) Coco-nut Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 6d. in 1902-3, No. 30; in 1903-4, No. 36; in 1904-5, No. 42; (71) Insect Pests of the Lesser Antilles. Price 1s. 3d. in 1905-6, No. 47; in 1906-7, No. 51; in 1907-8, No. 57; (72) Lime Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 9d. in 1908-9, No. 64; in 1909-10, No. 68; price 4d. each. (73) Root Borers and other Grubs in West Indian Soils. Sugar-cane Experiments in the Leeward Islands, Price 6d. in 1910-11; in 1911-12; in 1912-13, price 1s. each. (74) Cotton Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 9d. (75) Insect Pests of Sugar-cane in Antigua and St. Kitts. Price, 6d. (76) Indian Corn. Price 4d. (77) Erysipelas and Hoose. Price 2d. ' The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of 34. for the pamphlets marked 2d.; 1d. for those marked 4d. and for Nos. 73 and 75; 13d. for Nos. 40, 44, 49,59, 62,63, 67,69 and 74. Postage for No. 71, 4d. and for No. 72, 2d. The ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’: A Fortnightly Review. The ‘ Agricultural News’ contains extracts from official correspondence and from progress and other reports; and, in fact, any information indicating what is going on in each colony and the progress made in Agricultural matters throughout the West Indies. The ‘ Agricultural News’ is printed in time to be distributed, regularly, by each mail, and is on sale by the local agents of the Department at one penny per number, post free, 2d. The subscription price, including postage, is 2s. 2d. per half-year, or 4s. 4d. per annum. Volumes IV to XII complete, with title page and index, as issued—Price 4s. each— Post free, 5s. Some numbers of the early volumes are ont of print and therefore these volumes can no ionger be supplied complete. The scale of charges for ADVERTISEMENTS may be obtained on application to the Agents. A applications for opies are to be addressed to the Agents, not to the Department. Agents. The following have been appointed Agents for the sale of the publications of the Department:— London: Messrs. Dutau & Co., 37, Soho Square, W. St. Vincent: Mr. J. D. Bonapie, ‘Times’ Office. West Inpra Commrrrer, 17, Seething Lane. St. Lucia: Mr. M. A. Lawrence, Botanic Station. Barbados: Apvocatr Co. Lrp,, Broad Street, Bridgetown. Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. Bripcewarer, Roseau. Jamaica: Tur Epucationan Suprry Company, 16, King Montserrat: Mr. W. Rosson, Botanic Station. Street, Kingston. Antigua: Mr. 8. D. Matonr, St. John’s. British Guiana: Tur ‘Darty Coroner’ Orrice, Georgetown. St Kitts: Tue Braue AND Book Surpty AGENoY, BASSETERRE, Trinidad: Messrs. Murr-MArsHawt & Co., Port-of-Spain. Nevis: Messrs. Hows, Bros., Charlestown. Pobago: Mr. C. L. PLAGEMANN, Scarborough. Grenada: Messrs. Buos. LAwtor & Co., St. George. Vou. XIV. No. 331. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. January 2) 1915. THE BEST MANURES FOR COLONIAL USE ee 0 ae *Ohlendorff’s Dissolved Peruvian Guano—Fe:Sugar-cane and general use Ohlendorff’s Special Sugar-cane Manure Ohlendorff’s Special Cocoa Manure Ohlendorff’s Special Cotton Manure Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Superphosphates, (high grades), Potash Salts, Nitrolim and all other high-class Fertilizers. APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIRECT TO THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL (LATE OHLENDORFF'’S) GUANO WORKS. London Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C. Barbados Agents: James A. Lynch & Co., Ltd., Bridgetown. ~MACMILLAN’S WORKS ON TROPICAL | AGRICULTURE. Cocoa. By Dr. C. J. J. van Hatt, Chief of the Botanical Laboratories, Buitenzorg, Java. With Illustrations. Svo. Dr. van Hall intends his book to play a supplement: wy part in the education of the cocoa-planter, supplying the information which is not to be acquired by practical work in the field. The Coco-Nut. By Epwiy Bixcuamw Coretann, Professor of Plant Physiclogy and Dean of the College of Agri- culture, University of the Philippines. With Ihustrations. Svo. .*, The aim of this hook is to give the knowledge and advice which will qualify a person for the practice of coco-iut raising. The Diseases of Tropical Plants. By Metvinte THursron Coox, Ph. D., Professor of Plant Pathology, Rutgers College, formerly Chief of the Department of Plant Pathology for the Republic of Cuba. Ilnstrated. Svo. 8s. 6d. net. Forrital s f Bolony. *The demand for the vegetable products of the tropics, such as cotton, rubber, cocoa. ete., has increased enormously, and | the book has been written with a view to help the planters in their struggle with new and adverse . The illustrations are abundant and instructive, and the book will doubtless be of great value to the agriculturist conditions | in’ the tropics. |Sylviculture in the Tropics. By A. F. Broux, Commander of the Imperial Ottoman Order of the Osmania, forme rly of the Indian Forest Service, later Conservator of Forest, Ceylon. Illustrated. Svo. Ss. Gd. net. Bulletin of the Imperia! Institute—“This hook shonld prove of much value to foresters and botanists in the tropies.” Spices. by Henry N. Rippey, C.M.G., F.R.S. Tlustrated.. Svo.oSs. 6d. Het. Augricnlowal Beonomist :—** Fasemating reading as well as valuable information for those engaged in the cultivation of spices ave furnished by Mr. Ridley’s work. MACMILLAN & CO., LTD., LONDON. Printed at Office of Agricultural Reporter, 4 High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados, fA (i ih is ZW a) SS A\ A Up Gi) Vol. XIV. No. 332.] SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 1915. [One penny. |:| : Fans 5 eWal a | 2 FROM THE | WEST INDIES | Panama Canal, New York, Canada & Southampton PORTS OF CALL FROM BARBADOS, Trinidad (for West India Islands : Carupano, Pampatar & La Guaira: and Demerara), Puerto Colombia. Cartagena, Colon (for Panama Canal and Pacific Ports), Jamaica, Antilla & New York (for Bermuda). St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Dominica, Montserrat, Antigua, St. Kitts, Bermuda to St. John (N.B.) Also from. SOUTHAMPTON, CHERBOURG & LIVERPOOL, to Brazil, Uruguay & Argentina, Via Spain, Portugal, Madeira & St. Vincent. FORTNIGHTLY TOURS from LONDON to Morocco, Canary Islands, Madeira. YACHTING CRUISES by “ ARCADIAN” to NORWAY, MOROCCO, MEDITERRANEAN, ADRIATIC, &c., During Summer and Autumn.—From £1 a day. THE ROYAL MAIL STEAM PACKET COMPANY iS , : Head Office: 18, Moorgate Street, London. Branches at BARBADOS, Trinidad, Tobago, Colon, Jamaica, Antilla, New York, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, etc. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. : Crristy & Norris, FELMSFORD, =NGLAND. Specialize in Machinery for:— GRINDING & SIFTING: ee COTTON SHED, COPRA, BONES, AND OTHER MANURE. ; Write for Catalogue, and DISINTEGRATOR. send sample of material you (346) wish to grind. JUST ISSUED. INDIAN BULLETIN. Vol. XIV, No. 3. CONTENTS. |A Veterinary Survey of the Windward and Leeward Islands, hy P. T. Saunders, M.R.C.V.S.; Epizootie Lymphangitis, by P. T. Saunders, M.R.C.V.S.; Agricultural Education and Its Adaption to the Needs of the Student, by Dr. Francis Watts, C_M.G.; The Budding of Cacao, by Joseph Jones; Th: Analysis of Citrate of Specific Gravities of 30°C. (Douglas); Report on the Prevalence of some Pests and Diseases in the} West Indies during 1913. WEST Lime and Concentrated Lime Cane Sugar Solutions at SPACE AVAILABLE Juice; | | BARBADOS. FOR DULAU @eCO Tm (BSTABLISABD 1792.) ENGLISH & FOREIGN PUBLISHERS & BOOKSELLERS Agricultural, Botanical, Zoological, Entomologieal and Economic Subjects a Speciality. A large stock in all languages always on hand. Write for monthly lists ‘and Post free on application. special catalogues. 37 Soho Square, London, W., (339) COTTON SEED MEAL. England. A Pure Nutritious Pood for Mileh and Working Cattle. ANALYSIS GUARANTEED. Special quotations sor large lots on application to:— THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE COTTON FACTORY, LIMITED, BRIDGETOWN, ADVERTISEMENT. A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW LIBRA OF THE NEW y BOTAN; GAR IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. BARBADOS, JANUARY 16, 1915. Vor, “XLV. No: 332. Price ld. The West Indian exhibits, contained in the Colo- CONTENTS. : E : 3 i mial collections at the Imperial Institute in London, Pa Pace, occupy a rather different status from those which are : : m to be seen at ordinary commercial exhibitions. The Anti-strangles Serum ... 25! Indian Corm B24) idx Piece OL pigs ; : ; E Balata Industry in British Insect Notes: possibilty that this may not be fully understood in Guiana 21) Bean Caterpillars in the West Indies may explain why, in some respects, Book Shelf Je woe.) nes) V2O! Plotitia@yettes (shite 0..2 026) : : ’ Canadian Customs Laws... 25 Cyanide of Potassium in these colomes allow themselves to be but poorly Cold Storage for Tropical Trees + +: 26 represented. Even for economical reasons, proper Fruits .. ss «. ‘24! International Congress : : es : anes GN GaSEND tess Papers, Abstracts of 23 representation in England of West Indian possibil- eee Compt pa, \ pete for 2 ities is eminently desirable. But, in the case of tion in St. Vincent... 22) La Cuite or Pan Sugar 2° . ech i : West Indian Cotton 22|Market Reports ... ... 32 the Colomial collections at the Imperial Institute, Departmental Reports ... 27) Notes and Comments 24 there are other aspects which point still more Dominica, Transport — of Persona! Notes Eee een Dd Produce in ..- «. 25) Seed, Change of SE apes! Pe Fruit Trees, Stocks for... 23) Students’ Corner 29 Fungus Notes: Sugar Industry: Coco-nut and Cacao Dis- Prospects of Sugar Indus- eases ... 30 try in St. Lucia 19 Gleanings ... ... ... .... 28| West Indian Exhibits at Horse Manure, Fly Larvae the Imperial Institute... 17 Hil each eesieieee : 22| West Indian Products ... 3 West Indian Exhibits at the Imperial Institute. HE various committees, and the local Depart- ments of Agriculture in the West Indies have for some years now displayed great interest the several colonies at periodical and energy in connexion with representation of their exhibitions. A West Indian Court is now a regular feature of the National held at Toronto: the same can be said as regards the Royal Canadian Exhibition each year Agricultural Show in England, which has recently extended its scope to include the Tropics: and the circumstance holds good also in the case of the Tropical Exhibitions, which are from time to time held in London and elsewhere. clearly to the importance of comprehensive representa- tion. The exhibition galleries are not museums in the in charge of technical superimtendents, who are on the popular sense of the term. The specimens are spot to answer formal enquiries concerning Colonial produce. These officers are im a_ position to place visitors in touch with the producers, and they are also The ornaments, but able to refer enquirers to the manufacturers. exhibits are therefore in no way mere are intended to arouse actual interest in the resources of the various colonies, by having their products on exhibition as far as possible in bulk. Very often too, specimens, particularly material like seeds, waxes, and gums, are of value in the identification of recently received samples of the same kind: hence exhibits of the relatively minor products, of perhaps but trifling commercial interest locally, are technically valuable in London. In this small but useful way one colony can help another. During the past year or two there has been a general trend toward utilizing more fully the poten- tial In the museums and botanical gardens of the United interests of collections for educational purposes. Kingdom a system of guides has been established, 18 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. January 16, 1915. who endeavour to conduct parties of visitors through such institutions, and make -on the various poimts of interest, in short, explain observations things. his idea is soon to be adopted at the Imper- ial Institute; but it will be applied in a different and, it is believed, a better way. All the lecturing will be done before the visitors proceed to examine the - collections. for at least -a subject concisely under the conditions of a lecture This is preferable to the former method two reasons. First, if is easier to discuss room than while moving from point to point; secondly, visitors are mentally prepared by this method to take -an intelligent interest im the specimens. -added that the Imperial Institute has been able to It may be secure an officer, eminently fitted as a traveller and as an educationist, to undertake this work, which will be principally done in connexion with the London County Council and their schools throughout London -and the neighbourhood. These points should appeal to the West Indies, and help to show the -and up-to-date exhibit. in which the educational valueof the galleries comes value of a comprehensive But there is still another way out. by a casual visitor, a very important investigation Occasionally, merely as the result of an enquiry arises which may, indirectly at least, be the means of -considerable development both at home and abroad. Lastly, there is the Imperial aspect. It would unnecessary to say much in this connexion, but it may be pointed out that a permanent display of colonial produce in London helps appreciably to maintain mutual interests and sympathy between the Mother Country and the Colonies. Politically, therefore, it is -desirable for each Colony to do as much as it can to - show to the British public what it produces. seem Leaving these general considerations, we may turn now to a brief description of the West Indian - section asit is at present. It must be understood that its own equipment rests with each Colony, both financially and as regards the number of exhibits, but the amount of space occupied is naturally limited by the size of the building, and the relative importance of In the West Indian section, British Guiana now presents the most exemplary - display. the Local Permanent Department of Science and Agriculture, supported by the enterprise of the British “The first thing which strikes one is the prominence In the middle constructed of -each group of colonies. This is largely due to the combined efforts of Exhibition Committee and the Guana Government. given to the most important industries. -of| the section is a handsome case, British Guiana crabwood, containing specimens of sugar and sugar produets. The specimens are in bulk; for instance, Demerara sugar is exhibited in half-barrels of longitudinal section. The enquiring visitor likes to see things in bulk: he wants to be able to handle a specimen, whether it be sugar, rubber, rice, or cotton, small quantity with him., This question of specimens in and, if possible, to be able to take away a bulk is therefore of general importance, though here again the factor of limited space comes in. this taining specimens of balata, rice, and rubber Against one side of the wall in section are cases con- On the opposite side of the section is a collection of minerals, principally auriferous rocks representing the gold industry, a collection of great interest, well classi- fied and displayed. On the walls, above, are to be seen diagrams on a large scale, showing the relative impor- tance of the various industries, and space is reserved Below these is a large map of the Colony, designed to indicate the areas under the different crops, and to display other for extending the diagrams in future years. features of economic interest, as for instance, the aurif- The construction of the cases from local hardwood is a noteworthy feature, This is made more prominent by the presence of two screens constructed of the same erous areas and the forest land. material. Specimens are also to be seen of other kinds of timber for which British Guiana is noted. ‘Taken as a whole, the exhibit is attractive and representative. Considerable space is rightly devoted to fibres and cotton. The adjoining section, and the one next in impor- tance, belongs to Jamaica and Trinidad. It is under- stood that the Government of Jamaica has decided to follow the matter of increased expenditure on its display of exhibits in these galleries. Thus the Jamaica section may be considered to be under re-arrangement, and, in a more limited sense, the same may be said of the other West Indian sections. Ina general way there is considerable scope for improve- ment. The exhibits of Trinidad sugar, and even of cacao, the chief industry, are very inadequate. But in the case of both Trinidad and Jamaica there isan extensive exhibit of minor products which, as has already been pointed out, is of considerable educational value owing to its local It would be useful to represent Jamaica's principal industry by models of locally grown bananas, as has been done in the Fiji section. British Guiana in nature. The Windward and Leeward Islands shave half a section. This section is under re-arrangement, and for this. It seems misleading for instance, for the Virgin Islands—a there appears to be some room Vou. XIV. No. 332. THE Leeward Island a Windward Island ease. Presidency—to be represented in The partienlar exhibit to is that of The exhibits of Sea Island cotton appear as a whole to which reference is here made cotton. be good, especially the St. Kitts samples. Commercially and educationally it is of the greatest importance that there should be in the islands’ exhibits a proper representation of developing industries. One would hke to see a much larger display of lime products from Dominica, because the inadequate repre- sentation of that island’s citrus industries leads to an incorrect estimate of its position in this respect. A better representation of the products of the bay tree from Montserrat, where this cultivation is likely But one has to remember the attendant difficulties in these matters. easy to preserve in good condition, or to display where space is very limited; and the exhibition authorities find ditticulty in constantly renewing samples of produce which often quickly assume an industrial status. of perishable articles, like fruit, might well be made, as has been suggested above with regard to Jamaica bananas, by One thing is very certain, and that is that the smaller colonies might utilize better the wall space in the same manner as British Guiana has done. This would he a convenient and inexpensive way of demonstrating, by graphical methods, many of the new lines of development. With regard to citric products, more adequate exhibits should be presented by islands, such as St. Lucia and Carriacou, where the lime industry is being energetically developed. It must be remembered that most of the West Indian lime products come to England, and are in great demand in English manufactures, particularly in calico printing. to assume important dimensions, is desirable. Perishable samples of fruit products are not Some useful representation means of models. By devoting more attention to the matters out- lined above, the West Indian section at the Imperial Institute might be made a very valuable centre of information. On the section being brought before the public by means of the press, which should undoubtedly matters of this kind, the number of enquiries would increase, and in a general way greater interest in the West Indies would be stimulated in assist in Imperial London. Considering the development of co-operative movements in the West Indies, it would seem appropriate to exhibit models of factories or appliances connected with the industries of importance. the exhibits must be attractive, instructive, and up to date. Originality The main idea is that AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 19 pays. Those who visited the recent International Exhibition last June will remember the stands at which two lady operators were making cakes from St. Vincent arrowroot; this was suggestive of enterprise and orgin- ality. Similar effort on an educational, rather than on a purely advertising basis, is what is needed in the West Indian section at the Imperial Institute. PROSPECTS OF THE SUGAR INDUSTRY IN ST. LUCIA. The following report, submitted to the Acting Administrator of St. Lucia, by Mr. A. J. Brooks, the Acting Agricultural Superintendent, and forwarded to the Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture, will doubt- less be of general interest:— Speaking generally, the sugar-cane cultivation in this island is at the present moment in a flourishing condition. A certain amount of anxiety was felt in Vieuxfort district a short time ago, due to the continued drought; heavy rains have now fallen, and there is every prospect of a good crop in April. I estimate our total erop for the coming season to be as follows: Sugar—vacuum pan, 5,000 tons; muscovado, 150° tons; molasses and syrup, 200,000 gallons. Not more than 8,000 gallons is likely to be exported, as the bulk is used locally in the manufacture of rum, and the feeding of estate cattle. The area available for the cultivation of the sugar-cane in St. Lucia is about 6,000 acres, i.e.— Dauphin Quarter 100 acres, Dennery and Praslin 000%, 5; Micoud (Troumassie and Canelles) 300 _—=é~ Vieuxfort 1,500 __,, Laborie 100) 7; Choiseul (Balembouche and River Doree) 400 ,, Soufriére to and including Canaries 250, Coast lands from Canaries to Roseau 150) 5, Roseau and Cul-de-Sac 2,000 ,, Castries to Gros Islet 2007) 6,000 acres, This estimate includes the best lands; but since 1883-4 cane has ceased to be grown on a good deal of this area, and the machinery in many cases has been sold. Since 1884 the market has been such that only the Central Factories with their up-to-date machinery and improved methods have been able to withstand the great drop in prices. The drop brought about the ruin of almost every muscovado sugar planter in the island; and_ their factories have been allowed to crumble away. Owing to these circumstances, it would not be safe to rely upon more than 4,000 acres for sugar, out of the 6,000 mentioned. With an improved market, it is quite possible that this area could be quickly brought into cultivation, and from this an average crop of 8,000 tons could reasonably be expected, It may be of some service to record the fact that in the year 1875 St. Lucia produced 13,300 hogsheads of sugar, 2,473 puncheons of molasses, and 36 puncheons of rum; and this was at a time when imperfect mills were used, losing anything from 15 to 20 per cent. 20 THE shit 4 ez all gE EEN = Hall, Institute for Plant Diseases and Cultures, Buitenzorg, van Director of the Java. Price 14s. net. COCOA: By Dr. C. J. J. Macmillan & Co., The intimate acquaintance of Dr. van Hail with the cultivation of cacao in various parts of the world, notably in Surinam and in Java, coupled with his wide knowledge of tropical agriculture, has enabled him to produce a remarkably sound and interesting book, full of valuable information from cover to cover. The keynote of the book is struck in the opening words of the preface: ‘In writing this hand-book I have done my best to make it practical: and it is practical in the best sense of the word; practical in that it embraces what is best in regard to the scientific as well as the operative and commercial aspects of the work. The needs of those actually engaged in the production of cacao are kept closely in mind, while the assistance that is afforded them by scientific workers and investigators is carefully shown throughout. The author uses the word cocoa, but in the publications of this Department it is preferred, when referring to the tree, and to the raw material of commerce, to express it as cacao, thereby adhering to the name by which Cortez originally described the tree. The concise history of cacao given in the opening chapter is instructive. It deals brietly with the early history of the plant and of the use of its seeds, tracing their introduction into Europe and the growth of their use there: the part played by the various © ventral American and West Indian countries in its production is outlined, and it is interest- ing to note how soon Trinidad became identitied with the industry of cacao production. Not the least instructive part of the historical introduction is that which shows the present position of the world’s trade; the recent rapid increase in the use of the article; and the countries from which supplies are derived. A striking feature is the rapid rise of the trade in this commodity in various countries, some of which have only given attention to it during comparatively recent years. In dealing with the chemistry of cacao and eacao soils (Chap. ITT), the author intimates how little Importance can be attached to the chemical analysis of the soil as attording indications concerning the manures that may be profitably employed, and later he emphasizes the usefulness of properly conducted field experiments to determine this question. In doing so he points out (Chap. IV) that this work rightly falls upon Agricultural Departments and Experiment Stations rather than upon the individual planter, and he proceeds to lay down a few golden rules for the guidance of the worker, followed by suggestions for experiments in detail. The experiments conducted in this connexion in the West Indies, particularly in Dominica and Grenada, receive careful con- sideration. As regards the chemistry of the cacao bean, the work Harrison still remains the standard, and is quoted at some length. The information available concerning the changes London and New York. AGRICULTURAL NEWS JANUARY 16, 1915. that occur during the fermentation and curing of the bean is concisely stated, reference being made to the work of Sack, Ultee, and van Dorssen; but it is pointed ont that much more work requires to be done before our knowledge in this direction can be regarded as reasonably complete. The remarks on the botanical characteristics of the cacao plant are valuable and suggestive, particularly those relating to the nature of the flower cluster, the structure of the flower, and its mode of pollination. It is important to note that evidence is produced on the authority of Dr. von Faber to show that the cacao flower, instead of being insect-pollinated, is self-pollinated, and that the pollen falling from hanging blossoms may settle on the pistils of flowers on neighbouring trees, and effect cross-fertilization. That cross-fertilization does take place is supported by the fact, observed in Venezuela, that the progeny of Forastero types of cacao, planted amongst Criollo trees, show evidence of alteration of type, traceable to the crossing of the Forastero by the Criollo: the same facts have been observed in Java, and are supported by the authors observations in that country. The author takes the welcome course of simplifying the classification of the varieties of cacao. He recognizes two main types, Criollo and Forastero, the former of which consists mainly of local forms, but with one sub-variety, namely the Java Porcelame. The Forastero group he subdivides into four, namely Angoleta, Cundeamor, Amelonda and Calabacillo, with their respective local forms. The characters of these are carefully described, and will afford interesting information for many of our readers. In dealing with the cultivation of cacao the writer is most sound and interesting. Drawing on a large experience he recognizes that the art ‘must be learned by careful practice, and that many local methods, though possibly imperfect, have much to commend them, and makes the significant remark that ‘an enormous amount of money has been lost, and is still being lost, by men without local experience who want to improve on the old-fashioned way at once, or who adopt in the Tropics, without thorough experi- ment, methods used in temperate climates.’ A careful study is made in the book of the establishment of plantations, including the clearing and preparation of the land, the raising and planting of the trees, appropriate drain- ing, and the use of wind-belts and shade trees. The informa- tion given is based upon wide knowledge and experience, and will well repay careful study. Fixed rules cannot be laid down to guide the planter, who must lay a foundation of good general knowledge, and then be guided by experience, The remark (pp. 101-3) that cacao may be considered as a plant which is not very particular about drainage, although coupled with the advice to pay careful attention to this matter, strikes one as strange, and one is led to enquire whether a great deal may not depend on the movement of the subsoil water: a tree may possibly tolerate the presence of water that is moving, even if moving slowly, but may suffer when the water is stagnant. It would seem that instances where trees are growing fairly, though apparently poorly drained, are deserving of further investigation, for they may throw light on problems concerning root-action and drainage. The curious tolerance of salt, observed in Surinam in the case of cacao trees that have grown in salt-containing soil from the beginning, is both interesting and instructive, The author makes many references to the debated ques tion of cultivating cacao without permanent shade, and states that the way in which the plant is cultivated in Grenada without shade is instructive, and gives the key to the puzzle: he considers that the influence of the shade trees Wor XIV. “Ne. 332. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, 21 is effected rather on the soil than on the cacao trees, and that the shading of the soil is the most important function of the shade trees, the soil thereby being 1maintained in tilth; and that without shade trees more attention has to be paid to operations of tilling and manuring. It may perhaps be sug- gested that the action of the roots of the shade trees on the soil may also assist in draining it, thus enabling cacao to ow in heavier and wetter soils than would otherwise he possible. The whole subject may well receive renewed con- sideration on the part of planters who have these ideas before their mind. The sensitiveness of the cacao tree to wind is well recognized, and the use of trees as wind-breaks and shelter- belts is discussed: the value of many different kinds of trees is mentioned, reference being made to the possible use of some forms of rubber-producing trees in this connexion. Matters relating to the fermentation and curing of cacao are dealt with at considerable length, and the various methods in yogne in different countries are carefully described in a manner conveying most useful information. Knowledge con- cerning the changes taking place in the process of fermenta- tion is summarized and brought up to date in a clear and intelligent manner, thonghit is evident that froma chemical int of view, much work still remains to be done to complete our knowledge of this subject. Seeing that the effect of fermentation is best judged by the users of cacao, it may be regarded as a matter of reproach that the large and wealthy firms connected with the manufacture of cocoa and chocolate have done so little to investigate the question of fermentation, and to provide information as to their requirements for the guidance of planters, who are governed in their methods of production by the demands of the users. Free exchange of ideas between the users and the producers would lead to improvement in the quality of cacao produced in many districts. A good account is given of the systems of drying in vogue in all the principal cacao-growing countries, and, in connexion with drying, valid reasons are put forward for the practice of claying in certain circumstances, while it is recognized that this practice is unnecessary in others, and is open to abuse. As may be expected, the chapter on diseases and enemies of cacao is an exceedingly good one. It deals with those that are known in all the various cacao-growing countries: a_ useful table classifying the diseases and enemies, based on the parts of the tree attacked, will prove of service to the planter in enabling him to determine, in any given case, the cause of the trouble he may have to deal with, and thus enable him to employ the appropriate remedy. The life-histories, effects on the tree, and the precautions to be taken to control pests and diseases are dealt with in a clear straightforward manner. While abundant informa- tion is given, there is no attempt to overload the work with a mass of scientific detail; the requirements of the planter have been carefully kept before the writer, and he has succeeded in arranging the available knowledge and infor- mation ina manner that will prove of real service to the cacao grower. A very important part of the book is that which deals in some detail with the methods of cacao growing in each of the several countries where this commodity is produced. This is remarkably interesting and instructive reading; for the infor- mation, though given tersely, is very complete, and throws light on the conditions of soil and climate of the varieties cultivated, the manner in which the work is done, the various pests and diseases met with in each country, together with the extent of the trade andits progress. This important section occupies about one-third of the book, and forms a valuable work of reference which will be appreciated by cacao growers the world over. Full consideration is given to the industry in Trinidad and the Lesser Antilles. In connexion with the latter, a good deal of attention is given to the circumstances of Grenada, largely on account of the cultivation being carried on there without the use of shade trees: while, as may be expected from the author's intimate acquaintance with these countries, very interesting accounts are given of the industry in Surinam and in Java. West Indian readers will find much that is instructive in the accounts of the industry as carried on in the large pro- ducing countries, such as Ecuador, Venezuela, Brazil, St. Thome, and the Gold Coast, and, while noting the pro- these countries, will form a clear appreciation of their own position in the cacao world. A chapter on the commerce in cacao describes the characteristic of the marketable beans produced by each country, and the methods by which they are dealt with commercially; this forms a valuable compendium of intfor- mation. Following this is a section devoted to the markets, with another on the market prices of different sorts of cacao, closing with a table showing the production of various countries for the five years 1908-12, and the consump- tion in the various importing countries for the same period. This chapter is a mine of information. The final chapter deals briefly with the cocoa and chocolate industry, showing in outline how cocoa and choco- late are made, and the extent of the industry in various countries. In this latter connexion it is important to note the changes that have taken place in the industry, and to recognize the great relative advance made by the United States, Germany, Holland, and Switzerland. The attention of everyone interested in the production of and trade in cacao may be cordially directed to this work. It is replete with information of a practical character, and may be taken as the most complete general account of the subject that has yet appeared. gress of The Balata Industry in British Guiana. — According to the correspondent of the India Rubber World, December 1, 1914, the balata industry has been somewhat de- pressed from the effects of the war. The season is practically now over, and although from a producing point of view it has been fairly good, from a selling point it has been somewhat dis- appointing, owing to the unsettling of the markets as a result of the war. During the last two months, however, the position has somewhat improved, and fairly heavy shipments have been made. Several years of drought have combined to depress the industry, but with improved weather conditions this season, the producers hoped to recoup the losses sustained in recent years, during which the industry has passed through a very trying period. The effect of the war on the markets has very much lessened this expectation. The war has had alsoanother depressing effect on the industry, because it- has caused the postponement of the project of the railway into the interior lands of the Colony. The improvement of communications with the interior must be an important factor in the successful prosecution of the balata industry. The postponement of this raihvay scheme can only be temporary however, and the demand for balata will doubtless be much increased before very long. The balata export from British Guiana for the year up to September 23 was 883,392 tb., as compared with 829,157 tb. for the corresponding period last year. Had it not been for the nervousness shown by shippers in the face of war risks, the exports might very probably have reached a record figure. 22 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. January 16, 1915. COTTON. WEST INDIAN. COTTON. Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool, write as follows, under date December 14, 1914, with reference to the of West Indian Sea Island cotton:— Since our last report about 30 bags of new crop West Indian Sea Island cotton have been sold at 14d., with a limited demand. Prices are steady. sales The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week ended December 19, is as follows:— There has been no change to advise in the market this week. The receipts were 563 bales, but consisted largely of crop lots, against 799 bales last year. The demand con- tinues for the offerings of Extra Fine, with only a limited demand for the other grades, Fine and Fully Fine. The sales are reported as 224 bales, including a crop lot of 45 bales. Factors are refusing to lower their prices for the odd bags, and can only repeat last quotations. The crop lots continue to be held much above the views of buyers. We quote, viz:— Extra Fine 23¢. = Fully Fine 20e. to 2c. 134d., cif. & 5 per cent. Lad. fewl2td 5; ss: se on Fine 18¢. = 11d. ote ea eh Fine off in colour 17c. = 103d. 7 iS, Mm os This report shows that the total exports of Sea Island cotton from the United States to Liverpool, Manchester and Havre, up to December 19, 1914, were 50, 623, and nil bales, respectively. COTTON-GROWING COMPETITION IN ST. VINCENT. The subjoimed report on the results of the com- petition in Sea Island cotton growing for small holders in St. Vincent, in 1914, has been submitted by Mr. W. N. Sands, the Agricultural Superintendent, to His Honour the Administrator, and forwarded by him to the Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture for the West Indies. This report shows that prizes of the total value of $62:00 were awarded to the eleven most successful competitors. The Imperial Commissioner has expressed his intention to award also the Diploma of Merit of the Imperial Department to each of these prize winners:— I have the honour to submit the following report on the Cotton-Growing Competition for prizes, held at Clare Valley Questelles and Linley Valley estates for the 1914-15 season. The competition was conducted on similar lines to that held in last season, and had for its object the encourage- ment of the cultivation of Sea Island cotton in the most improved manner. Owing to various circumstances the competition was more limited in its character than last season, and was confined to the Leeward estates above named. However, these are estates where cotton is extensively cultivated. In the month of October the plots entered for competi- tion were inspected and reported on by the Assistant Agricultural Superintendent, and during November they were finally judged by me. As in the previous season, there were two classes in which the small holders could compete. Class I: For the best Sea Island cotton cultivation of not less than 1 acre on a small holding over 5, but not exceeding 10 acres. Class II: For the best Sea Island cotton cultivation of not less than }-acre on a small holding not exceeding 5 aeres. There were twenty-Seven entries, eighteen in Class I and nine in Class IT. In judging the plots, particular attention was given to the following points: Banks—formation of and __ tillage;. cleanliness of cultivation; thinning, spacing and staking of plants; evidence of manuring with pen manure, green dress- ing, or compost; formation and upkeep of drains; nature of intercropping methods; condition of plants in respect of pests and diseases; general condition of crop. It was very gratifying to observe that the lessons of last season had been well learnt in most cases, for not only did the plots entered for competition obtain a much higher average percentage of marks, but the beneficial influence of the advice and instruction given last season was to be seen in the improved condition of the cultivation in general. I recommend that the following awards be made:— CLARE VALLEY QUESTELLES. CLASS I. J. Samuel 93 per cent. Ist prize 310-00: Chas. Thomas ole, 2nd. .,; 3 5:00 Thos. Jack Soi, ord 4, $ 3-00 CLASS II. Hubert Williams 94 per cent. Ist prize $10-00 Horatio Roberts Smee ., 2nd .,, $ 5:00 J. Bramble Sime, ord ,; $3 3-00 LINLEY VALLEY ESTATES. CLASS I. J. Alexander 94 per cent. Ist prize $10-00 T. W. Clarke 90 RRs. 2nd", $ 5-00 Solomon Derrick 88 ,, ,, 3rd_,, $ 3:00 CLASS TI. N. Hamilton 87 per cent. 2nd prize $ 5:00 E. Williams 82° os word; $ 3:00 In Class II, Linley Valley Estates, no first prize is recommended. It was unfortunate that the excellent plots shown at Linley Valley by Jeremiah Providence and Patrick MeKenzie were under the acreage required for Class I, and had to be disqualified. Fly Larvae in Horse Manure may be effectively and economically destroyed by the use of commercial borax. According to Bulletin No. 118 of the Bureau of Entomology,,. United States Department of Agriculture, the application of 0°62 Ib. of borax to each 10 cubic feet of horse manure was found to kill eggs and larvae, and it was also found that in the case of many crops the addition of this amount of borax was not detrimental when the manure was applied to the land In order to prevent the hatching of the eggs, the borax should be applied to the horse manure immediately it is removed. from the stable. The maggots congregate about the edge of the manure pile, and on this account most of the borax should be applied in this situation. Wor. = Xiv. No: 332. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS Lo ABSTRACTS OF INTERNATIONAL CON- GRESS PAPERS, 1914. The following abstracts of papers on rubber, cacao, and maize, read at the International Agriculture, London, 1914, have been forwarded by Mr. W. R. Dunlop for the benefit of readers of the Agricultural News:— CEARA RUBBER CULTIVATION AND MANU- FACTURE IN SOUTHERN INDIA, By R. D. Anstead. The writer states that this rubber can be grown profit- ably in hill districts at elevations of 800 to 5,000 feet, with a rainfall of 50 to 80 inches where Hevea will not grow at a profit. Best planting 15x15 feet. Subsequent thinning and removal of weak trees necessary. It is inadvisable to tap before the trees are five to six years old. The best method of coagulation is with hot water in a dark room. As regards profits, during 1913 in Southern India, when rubber prices were extremely low, a profit of 104d. per Ib. was made. CASTILLOA RUBBER TREES IN MEXICO. By Ashmore Russan. The writer, who has a wide practical experience with this cultivation, was unable to say much in favour of Castilloa rubber, but he made several instructive observations, particu- larly in connexion with tapping. Hevea requires delicate treatment in this operation, but large gashes have to be made in the Castilloa tree. Hence the refined tapping tools used for Hevea are useless for Castilloa. One advantage attendant on Castilloa cultivation lies in the fact that the trees require tapping but twice a year, compared with 100 to 200 times a year in the case of Hevea. Hence where labour is scarce, other things being equal, Castilloa would seem to be the more desirable tree to grow. But the writer admitted the general falling off in yield of Castilloa latex, and on this ground he considered further planting of this tree inadvis- able, especially in view of Hevea competition. ANIMAL PESTS OF THE HEVEA RUBBER TREE. By E. E. Green. In this paper the author makes a reference to slugs, which may he of interest in the West Indies. He states that the West Indian slug, which has similar habits to the ‘Ceylon species, might be controlled by girdling the base of trees with coco-nut fibre steeped in coal tar—not cotton wool— as suggested by Professor Newman. The object of the tar is to disguise the smell of the host plant which is the stimulus of attraction. It is well to keep the base of the trees free ‘from trash, ete., and to sprinkle cinders around them. From the communication sent to the Congress on Variability in Plantation Rubber, it would seem that the most important factor wnder control is rate of cure, that is the working of the rubber in the estate factory, after coagula- tion. Varying degrees of grinding, for instance, in making erépe rubber, leads to variability in strength. The North British Rubber Company’s expert stated that his firm preferred plain sheet rubber, but Dr. Schidrowitz thought “that was because that firm with its technological department was able to select the best. He thought there was more variability in sheet than in crépe. Unanimous agreement was expressed as regards the necessity of co-operative, research between manufacturers and growers. In his paper on the Principles of Hevea Tapping, Mr. T. Petch made the following commendable observation on Congress of the necessity of pure research in tropical agriculture: “The experimenter should not permit himself to be deterred by the criticism that his tapping problem is “purely academic”. Our knowledge of rubber tapping would have been in a far more advanced stage to-day, had Experiment Stations and Botanic Gardens restricted their tapping experiments to “murely academic” problems during the last ten years.’ THE GOLD COAST CACAO INDUSTRY. By the Director of Agriculture, Gold Coast. It is due to the climate, more than to the soil, that the Gold Coast is pre-eminently a cacao-growing country. The rainfall is not excessive, but the humidity is high owing to the wealth of vegetation. In fact the rainfall is actually lower than in any other cacao-growing country, and a redue- tion in the humidity would be followed by disastrous consequences. The natives are not fully alive to the seriousness of the position, as the destruction of forest in making new clearings is being somewhat ruthlessly under- taken all over the country, and a Bill, recently introduced by the Government, for the regulation and preservation of the forests, is being rigorously opposed by the native owners of the land. The writer makes reference to the spontaneously pro- duced hybrid variety of Gold Coast cacao, which has been called ‘Cundeamor’ because of its external resemblance to a Ceylon type of that name. This variety is prolific, and produces very ‘much larger beans, which have been pronounced of superior quality. This variety is being largely sought after by the natives. The author regards the disease and pests menace as most serious. In connexion with Mr. J. Burtt-Davy’s paper on the Production of Maize, with special reference to South Africa, an interesting idea may be alluded to. The South African Government have adopted a system of supplying official samples representing the various grades of corn (registered) exported from the Union. Various commercial and technical institutions at trade centres are supplied with these repre- sentative samples, and intending buyers can rely upon them in coming to a decision as to what they wish to purchase. These samples can be seen, for example, at the Imperial Institute, London, in the South African Section. STOCKS FOR FRUIT TREES. An interesting and instructive article in the Monthly Bulletin of the California State Commission of Horticulture, for November last, was entitled Stocks for Fruit Trees, by U. P. Hedrick, of the Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva, New York. The article is briefly summarized in a_ paragraph which is quoted herewith. The future of fruit culture is bound up with the nature of the stock. The stock modifies the stature of plants; suits them to the soil and to the climate; influences fruitfulness; changes the time of maturity, size, colour, and flavour of the fruits; and affects the length of life of the trees. The stock, too, is influenced by the scion. The method of growing the stock, whether from cuttings or from seeds, is important. The effects of the stock on the scion, appreciable though they are, do not change the identity of a variety, and are not heritable. If these arguments are well taken we can only conclude that fruit growers and nurserymen must give the question of stocks much more careful thought, to the end, L am sure, that we shall thus secure more fruitful orchards, 24 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JaNuARY. 16, 19105. EDITORIAL NOTICES. Letters and matter for publication, as well as all specimens for naming, should be addressed to the Commissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture, Barbados. All applications for copies of the ‘Agricultural News’ should be addressed to the Agents, and not to the Department. Local Agents: Adyocate Co., Bridgetown. London Agents: Messrs. Dulau & Co., 87, Soho Square, W.; West India Committee, Seeth- ing Lane, E.C. The complete list of Agents will be found on page 3 of the cover. — Ltd., Broad St., The Agricultural News: post free 2d. 2s, 2d. Price ld. per number, Annual subscription payable to Agents, Post free, 4s. 4d. sews JANUARY 16, Agricultural XIV. Vou. SATURDAY, 1915. No. 332. NOTES AND COMMENTS. Contents of Present Issue. The editorial inthis number deals with the West Indian exhibits at the Imperial Institute, giving some description of them, and pointing out their educational and commercial value. On page 20 there will be found a review of Hall's excellent book on cacao, which has recently published. van been Under the heading Cotton, we publish a report on the cotton-growing competition in St. Vincent, which contains a list of prize winners. The Insect Notes in this number give an account of the use of cyanide of potassium im trees as an insecticide, and shows the injury \lone to trees by this mcans. —— The Students’ Corner page presents the remainder of the questions set in the recent examinations in connexion with the Reading Courses in Practical Agriculture. The Fungus Notes, on page 30, give a the information concerning the diseases of cacao and coco-nuts, contained in the books on these subjects reviewed in the present number (p. 20). and in the last number (p. 5) of the Ayrieultural News. review of Personal Notes. The importance of scientific veterinary work is generally recognized in progressive agricultural commu- nities. It is gratifymg to note that the Government of St. Kitts has realized this, and has taken steps to provide that island with a skilled veterinarian. In conjunction with proprietors of certain estates there, who have guaranteed to contribute a certaim propor- tion, the Government has arranged to provide the necessary salary of a Veterinary Surgeon. Mr. J. Lione! Shannon, D.V.M., has been appointed to this post of Government Veterinary Surgeon in St. Kitts, and he is leaving Barbados shortly to take up the appointment. Mr. E. M. Peterkin, First Field Assistant on the staff of the Department of Agriculture of Barbados, has resigned that position to accept an appointment as Agricultural Instructor under the Department of Scienee and Agriculture of British Guiana. Mr. Peterkin has for some years been in charge of the field experiments in cotton growing and cotton hybridization carried on by the Barbados Depart- ment of Agriculture. EEE ————— Cold Storage for Tropical Fruits. Experiments as to the effect of cold stor: we on star apples, avocado pears, papaws, pme-apples, mangoes, and water-lemons have been made at the Hawaiian Agricultural Experiment Station, and reported in Bulletin No. 47, October 10, 1914. These experiments occupied six months. With regard to star apples, the conclusion was reached that if intended for cold storage, they should be picked ina half-ripe condition, cured in a well ventilated room for about two days. and they will then keep well for three weeks at a temperature of 32°F. Papaws did not seem adapted to cold storage on account of their tendency to develop mildew, which grows very rapidly on the drops of juice exuding from the smallest skin puncture. : Avocado pears, picked green, and kept in cold storage for two months, ripened with good favour within three days after removal from cold storage, and held their favonr well tor a period of six days. This fruit seems well adapted to cold storage. The conclusion was drawn from the experiment that half-ripe and ripe pine-apples may be kept at a temperature of 32°F, for at least a month, without harm to the colour or flavour of the pulp. Mangoes, removed from a temperature of 32°F. after a month, showed slight shrivelling of the rind, but were found to possess pulp i in perfect preservation, with good flavour and no noticeable changes. Water-lemons seemed to be the best adapted to cold storage preservation of all the fruits with which experiments were made. This fruit kept in perfect condition both at the temperature of 32° and 36°F. for a period of three months, the appearance of the rind and the pulp of the fruit being the same in all respects as When the fruit was put into cold storage. They held their favour and physic: al appearance for four pps after removal from the refrigerating chamber. Vor.* XBY. ~ No: 332. THE A Substitute for Jute. The Board of Trade Journal, December 3, 1914, notes that the failure of the usual supplies of jute from foreign countries is causing serious inconvenience in Germany to the users of Backs: Increased employme nt is being made of a jute substitute, an artificial fibre called ‘Textilose’, manufactured in various factories in Austria, and also in Germany, at Oppeln in Silesia. Steps are being taken to increase- the output of this material, whercby the shortage of sacks will be less severely felt. Transport of Produce in Dominica. In a report recently received from: Dominica an account is given of the first long distance wire ropeway in that island. This means of transport has been erected by Mr. Campbell for conveying produce from Neba to Clark Hall estates, a distance of 22 miles. From Clark Hall, a motor lorry furnishes transport. to the coast. The working of this arrangement will be watched with interest, since, if it is as successful as it promises to be, it will be likely to indicate a solution of the transport difficulty in many rather inaccessible places In mountainous districts. ~} a ————_____ Canadian Customs Laws. It is of importance to shippers of produce from the West Indies to Canada, if they wish to obtain the full benefits of the prefere ntial duties in that country accorded by reciprocity agreements, that they should comply ex ictly with Can: adian laws in the matter of the filling up of imvoices. The following, taken from Heaton’s Annual—Commercial Handbook of Canada— for L914, p. 204, will probably prove useful to shippers:— ‘Every shipment must be accompanied by an invoice. Invoices must show the marks and numbers on each package, a sufticient and correct description of the goods, the quantities and values of the articles in each package, and “fair market value”, also selling price to purchaser in Canada if sold before shipment, the amount of any freight prepaid on such goods, and the amount of any freight allowance made by the exporter to the purchaser in Canada. Invoices should also contain terms of purchase, where are actually sold. Ifin any package goods are enclosed which are not included in the invoice of such package, the enclosure (to avoid seizure) should be noted on the invoice of the outside package containing the enclo- goods sure—thus, “three parcels enclosed” (or as the case may be). In declaring ‘fair market value’ for goods shipped on consignment, it would seem that some distinction might well be made between the value of a small experimental shipment, say of such things as ground nuts or sweet potatoes, and the declared value on large shipments of the same kind of products. Such things in small parcels could easily be locally dlisposed of at remunerative prices, but their vy: alue in any considerable quantity would be relatively very much less in local markets. Consequently the ‘fair market value’ per pound of ground nuts, tor mstance, would be proportionately much higher than if quoted per ton. AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 25 Anti-strangles Serum. Among the advertisements in the Record, November 21, 1914, there is one from the well- known firm of Burroughs, Wellcome & Co., London, drawing attention to their preparations for veterinary use of streptococcus vaccine, and of anti-streptococcus serum, for the prevention and treatment of ‘strangles’ in horses. In the same number there appears a letter from George W. Dunkin, M.R.C.V.S., an army veter- inary surgeon, noting the success of treatment of this disease by the serum, but strongly advocating the use of the prophylactic vaccine. He says that at the Reserve Department in Canterbury, 100 horses were experimented with. They were all free from any macroscopic evidence of strangles—fifty were treated with the prophylactic and fifty were left as controls, At the end of a fortnight all were examnined. Of the fifty which had been vaccinated, only four had strangles, and two others had abcesses in the neck at the point of inoculation. Of the fifty controls no less than twe nty- three had contracted str: ingles , and in nearly every case the throat had to be opened. Prophylactic treatment with the streptococcus yaccine is therefore highly recommended. Veterinary a em Change of Seed. The que sstion of the advisability, with a view to improved yield, of changing the seed of a crop grown in any loc: ity, is one that arises from time to time. Some authorities in the past have advocated this, but lately it would seem that in very many parts of the world this opinion has been very much modified, to say the least. The officials of the Imperial Departme nt of Agriculture for the West Indies have consistently pointed out, both with regard to cotton and maize, the better way of careful seed selection, as a means of improving the crop. ‘The Ag! icultural Guzette of New South Wales, November Lt is apparently coming round to the same way of hpiins In an article on plant improvement, the noe r, J.T. Pridham, says about wheat, that change of seed is occasionally beneficial, but in most cases fine ‘snot give nearly such good results as home-grown seed, tied farmers pay attention to the sele setion of seed, In the case too of potatoes, which are a crop of vegetative reproduction, and which therefore nay be supposed to tend to deteriorate more than crops propa- gated by seed, the writer says: ‘An expe rienced grower will detect the most productive plants in a crop, and the more careful the selection, the better will be the resulting crops. He coneludes with the following common-sense advice, which seems practical also for West Indian growers of tuberous crops like yams: ‘It will very rarely pay te substitute fresh seed for home- grown selected seed, unless the former comes from a locality of similar climate, and has been also subjected to selection.’ It must also be remembered that the importation of fresh strains of pli ints is attended with some risk of disease infection. The selection in the home field of healthy prolitic plants for seed of the next crop is one way of kee sping away many pests and diseases. 26 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. January 16, 1915. INSECT NOTES. —— CYANIDE OF POTASSIUM IN TREES. In two recent numbers of Setence, short articles have appeared on the use of potassium cyanide for the destruction of scale insects on leaves and branches of trees, by placing the poison in a hole bored in the stem of the tree, In the first of these articles a correspondent wrote to Science giving his experience in treating afew trees which were attacked by scale insects,,and generally lacking in vigour. In this case it was believed that the operation was successful in reducing the numbers of the scales, and in improving the general condition of the trees. The later -article is a communication from Professor H. A. Surface, State Zoologist, Department of Agriculture, Pennsylvania, who is very strong in his condemnation of this method. After the appearance of the first of these articles (Science, -October 9) trials were made at the Office of the Imperial Department of Agriculture in order to see whether certain plants would show any result from the use of the cyanide. Three trees were chosen: a small mulberry (Jorus alba), a king of flowers (Lagerstrwmia indica), and a red gum { Bursera gummifera). The cyanide was applied as follows: a hole 2-inch in ‘diameter was bored into the stem of the tree to a depth of about 1} to 1? inches, then nearly filled with finely crushed cyanide of potassium, and plugged with paraffin wax. This was done on October 21, 1914. A few days later the mulberry tree showed signs of some injury, as the bark in the vicinity of the hole was discoloured; the Lagerstrcemia and the Bursera gave the same indication in a short time also. On January 7, 1915, an examination was made of the three trees. The mulberry was badly infested at the time the trial was started by a white scale, Aulacaspis _pentagona. This tree is now very nearly dead, but it may be said that in this respect it is not very different from - adjacent trees of the same kind suffering from the same scale insect attack. What is very noticeable however, is the large area of dead and blackened bark in the immediate neighbourhood of the hole which contained the cyanide. In the case of the Lagerstrcemia, the injury to the plant is indicated in the same way by an area of dead and discolour- -ed bark. The Bursera tree gives a very much clearer idea of what has happened, because of its larger size, and of the greater length of trunk. The hole for the cyanide was bored at -a height of about 3) feet from the ground, at which point tke trunk of the tree is about 2 feet in diameter. The injury resulting from the application of the cyanide was easily to be seen in the dead and blackened bark to a distance of about 34 feet upwards, and 8 or 9 inches down- wards, from the hole. When the bark was removed it was found that the cambium and bark had been injured sufticient- ly for the injury to be easily followed to a distance of nearly -5 feet upwards and 18 inches downwards. This indicates that the cyanide was taken up by the sap to some extent, and that when applied in that manner and in that quantity, it is capable of causing severe injury to the tissues of the plant. This test does not prove anything with regard to the effect of cyanide applied in this manner on insects on, or in the tree, but it is obviously a dangerous method to employ— The following extract is from Professor Surface’s commu- nication in Science, already mentioned, in which he states that cyanide of potassium is the chief basis of treatment by a firm located in a town in Pennsylvania which does an extensive business, claiming to render trees immune from attacks by all insects and diseases, and also to fertilize them:— ‘Their theory is that a tree can be given medicine, as well as food, by placing the same in capsules and fastening these in incisions under the bark. While the chief inseet poison is cyanide of potassium, yet they use chlorate of potash and sulphate of iron “to give the trees chlorine, sulphur, iron and potash”. They make wonderful claims for destruction of the scale, and invigoration of trees, and commenced by charging 50c. per tree for the so-called “vaccination”. The price is now reduced to 15c., but they are taking thousands of dollars from the confiding publie. ‘The important scientific point is that I have examined hundreds of trees treated by them, and have in some instances found no evidences that scale insects were ever present, while in others I have found the San José scale alive on the trees some time after treatment. What is much worse,’ is that Tl have found, it is true, that some one or more of these chemicals is evidently taken up in the sap of the tree, and that to a considerable extent. While the material was placed under the bark about 5 feet from the ground, it blackened the cambium layer as high as I could reach and remove the bark, and started blight or death of tissue at the place where inserted. I have the names of scores of persons whose trees or orchards were finally killed by this treatment. One man, whose name and address I can give, thought that it benefited his trees, and had it applied the second year, and the trees then died quickly.’ BEAN CATERPILLARS IN FLORIDA. The Florida Agricultural Experiment Station has for several years past been carrying out extensive experiments in the cultivation of velvet and other related beans, and in the production of useful hybrids. According to the Annual Report of that Station for 1913, which has just been received, the velvet beans under cultivation there were, in 1912, seriously attacked by the larvae of the corn ear worm (Laphyyma frugiperds), of which the local name in Florida is the grass worm; and also by the velvet bean caterpillar (Anticaursia [Thermesia] gemmatilis), which is known in the West Indies as the woolly pyrol moth. The latter of these was often found to be heavily parasitized by an entomogenous fungus, which in many instances exercised a fairly complete control over it. At other times, however, especially in the dry weather, the Anticarsia larvae nearly destroyed the crop. It was neces- sary to experiment with insecticides for the control of these caterpillars, but as velvet beans, like many other leguminous plants, are very sensitive to the effect of poisons, the problem was rather difficult. It was found by repeated trials that a fairly satisfactory control could be maintained over these caterpillars by the use of arsenate of lead applied as a spray, and of zine arsenite. The caterpillars were not all killed by any one application, and there was always some burning of the leaves. These results are of importance to planters in the West Indies, and should lead them to experiment with these substan- ) ces in order to find out at what strengths, and at what stages | in the growth of the plant they may be applied to combine one which is liable to result in serious injury to the plants so , the greatest degree of efficiency with the least injury to the areated, leaves of leguminous plants, Vor. XLV. — No. 332. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 27 BARBADOS: REPORT ON EXPERIMENTS, 1912-14. Copies of the Report of the Barbados Department of THE SUGAR-CANE Agriculture, on Sugar-cane Experiments for the season between 1912 and 1914, giving the results of the manurial and variety experiments for that period, have been received. The total rainfall recorded for twelve manurial and experiment stations for the period under review, December 1912 to May 1914, ranges from 43 to 86 inches, two stations having a total below 50, and three above 70 inches. A drought, which set in towards the end of December 1913, and lasted until the end of the reaping season, seriously affected the returns from the experiment plots The results obtained from some of the manurial plots are reported to be so anomalous as to leave no doubt that a disturbing factor has been present that has masked the true results of the manuring of these plots. This disturbance is believed to have been caused by the attacks of grubs of the root borer (Dioprepes abbreviatus), of which insect 10,000 adults were caught on young sugar-canes in three adjoining fields. The same insect also occurred to a greater or less extent in all but three of the sixteen stations at which the variety experiments were carried on. In the manurial experiments a general application was made of 20 tons of farmyard manure to the acre, and the effects of a further application of farmyard manure and of other manures, and combinations of manures were then tested in the respective plots. All the plots which received sulphate of ammonia gave an increase over those which received no additional nitrogen. The most favourable result from the application of nitrogen in any form was obtained on the plot that received 60 Ib. of nitrogen as sulphate of ammonia, 15 Ib. in January and 45 tb. in June. Plots receiving nitrogen in the form of dried blood also showed an increase, but this, on the whole, was not so great as with sulphate of ammonia. The phosphate series gave negative results, thus confirming previous experience with this manure. The best result in the potash series followed the application of 160 tb. of sulphate of potash in January. Some attention was given to the important question of the extent of the experimental error which should be allowed for in trials conducted on the plan adopted in Barbados. The two middle rows of four plots of four rows each of the variety B.6450 were compared for this purpose. The differ- ence between the highest and the lowest amounted to 1,006 tb. of saccharose per acre (12 per cent.). The differ- ence between the highest and the average was 6 per cent., and between the average and the lowest, 5 per cent. Coming to the section dealing with the results of the variety experiments, we learn that no artificial hybrids were obtained in 1911 and 1913; but in 1912 three were produced, of which one survived. So far as the trials yet extend, it appears that none of the attempts made to secure hybrids of controlled parentage has resulted in produeing a cane superior to the best varieties obtained in the ordinary way. Since 1898, a total of 63,869 ‘varieties’ have been raised from seed; of this number 6,900 reached a second or third stage, 2,429 were under cultivation in the under review, and 688 were reaped and analysed. The average yield of plant canes of the variety used as a standard, the White Transparent, from twenty-two plots in the black soil districts was 6,154 Ib. of saccharose per acre. The seedling B.6450 maintains its superiority with an average yield of 7,776 Ib., ie. 1,622 Ib. per acre better than the White Transparent. This result is repeated in the red soils (eight plots) with yields of 7,710 tb. and 9,703 Ib., respectively, an increase of 1,993 1b. A general comparison of the remaining seedlings of established worth for the period under review is of doubtful value, owing to the small number of plots on which some of them have been grown, but it may be noted that the results place the well-known B.147 (six plots), B.208 (two plots), and B.376 (six plots) close to the bottom of the table of eighteen varieties, and below the White Transparent. In the table of selected varieties, for the five years 1910-14 (black soils, plant canes), the cane B.6450 (eighty-nine plots) comes first im order of yield, with 7,529 tb. of saccharose - per acre, B.6308 (twenty-four plots) second, with 7,412 bb., and White Transparent fifteenth, with 5,858 tb. In the- corresponding table in the red soils B.6450 is first, with 10,083 tb. per acre, B.3922 second, with 8,553 tbh., and White Transparent sixth, with 6,438 tb. The table comparing varieties on the basis of yield as plant canes, first ratoons, and second ratoons, red soils only,. gives the highest place to B.3922 (twelve experiments), with B.6450 second (twenty-two experiments. ) The notes given in the detailed tables show extreme: variations even on the same estate in the prevalence of such powerful factors as root disease (Marasmius), and root-borer, with additional disturbances due to red rot disease, and to: rats. This fact, taken with the normally high experimental error already mentioned, emphasizes very forcibly the danger of forming conclusions except from along series of such experiments. An interesting feature of the report is the account of an attempt made to obtain actual estate returns of the results from various seedlings. Of 271 estates appeal- ed to, replies were obtained from fifty-seven. Of these, twenty-one were rejected for reasons not stated, leaving twenty-nine from the black soil districts, and seven from the red. In the first-named class, the average yield per acre of plant canes, where they could be weighed, was 25°6 tons from B.6450 (1,079 acres), 23 tons from B.376 (385 acres), 23 tons from B.147 (203 acres), and 20°5 tons from White Transparent (68 acres). On the estates where instead of weighing the canes the juice was measured, the- results are similar, except that B.147 (26 acres) was placed below B.376, (150 acres). The results with ratoons on black soils, and for plants and ratoons on red soils are stated for B,6450, B.376 and White Transparent, the order given being maintained in each case. A somewhat hazardons. calculation gives the increase of value, if the 30,000 acres reaped annually in Barbados were planted with B.6450, over the same area if planted with White Transparent, as £160,000. We note that it has been decided by the local Executive that the issue of the customary pamphlet summarizing the results of these experiments is to be discontinued. The possibly related omission from the account of the manurial experiments, of the summary of results for the period since- these were established, robs this section of much of its practical interest, while the absence of a table of contents makes reference troublesome. The report records a large amount of instructive work, and the results are worthy of presentation to planters in the most convenient and practical form, season 28 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS January 16, 1915. 4 Sugar-eane, in common with other grasses, has a limited range in depth of root development. Of some thirty varieties under cultivation at the Coast Experiment Station in Natal some time ago, the Uba and D.74 alone showed a deeply rooting habit. The roots of Uba plants fea ie = = ey is a —— = Z > oe ee e pam za, — — 0m GLEANINGS. The report of the Gardens, Tk rtola, Acting Curator of the Botanic states that very heavy rains fell in that island during the month of November, 9°64 inches having’ The cotton fields The plants look green been registered at the Experiment Station. have been much improved thereby. and promise a good second picking. The Louisiana Planter, December 19, 1914, states that in Jamaica two of the sugar-cane districts will have a moder- ate crop of sugar next year, one will have an average crop, and the other district will not have any crop. The district from which no sugar will come is one of the best sugar districts in the world, but the lack of rain has caused the loss of this crop. The Queensland Agricultural Journal (November 1914) mentions a wasteful practice in sugar-cane cultivation in the Philippines: ‘the ashes from the bagasse are usually applied to the roads, or used to fillup depressions about the factory. They might be combined with the filter press refuse, and thus acomplete fertilizer made for canes, which might be applied with benefit on practically all cane soils,’ During the first fortnight in December the cacao market has continued to display a very firm tone, all des- criptions showing a further substantial advance in value. An active demand, chiefly for export, caused competition, and the bulk of the supplies were disposed of at figures which mark an advance of 8s. to 10s. per ewt. on last mail’s quotations. (Fortnightly Market Report, Gillespie, Bros. & Co., London, December 18, 1914.) No pasture, however rich, will stand continuous close grazing by sheep. Where possible, both cattle and sheep should be kept, the latter invariably following the former; where sheep only are kept the pasture should receive an occasional spell of rest, to permit the recovery the finer grasses and clovers, which constant close grazing will eventually kill. (The Journal of Agriculture, Victoria, November 1914.) The Rubber Growers’ Association on August 25, 1914), issued a Cireular from which the following is taken: ‘the raw material for the production of acetic acid, namely calcium acetate, is derived chiefly from the North American Conti- nent. This is converted to glacial acetic acid chiefly on the Continent of Europe. There are only two English mannfac- turers. At the present time we understand the manufacturers are besieged with orders, and cannot undertake at the moment to supply any acid, although they may be in a_ better position later on.’ have been traced to a depth of 12 feet, and those of D.74 to a depth of 5 feet, none of the other varieties having pene- trated below a level of 18 inches beneath the surface. (Durban Ayricultural News, October 15, 1914.) The reason why the young fruits drop in certain breadfruit trees so that mature, is because there is too much vegetative vigour in the tree, usually caused by a too plen- tiful supply of water at the wrong time. The owner of a breadfruit tree on which the fruit will not hold might try, as an experiment, girdling the tree with a wire drawn n tight round the trunk, just when the fruit is setting. This will generally prevent the falling of the fruit. W "hen the fruit is half ripe the wire can be taken off, and the bark will heal over in three months. (The Jowrnal of the Jamaica Agricul- tural Society, December 1914.) none With reference to the dropping of breadfruit mentioned above, it may be.stated that this appears to be similar to the dropping of the cotton bolls when, at certain critical times, the cotton plants experience a sudden change in the amonnt of moisture available, either an excess or shortage. In Barba- dos, it has been observed that breadfruit trees drop their young fruit if the supply of moisture becomes deficient at certain times. In a short article in the Canada-West India Magazine for December 1914, it is pointed out that by no means the least important of the changes brought about by the opening of the Panama Canal, isthe opportunity this will give to the West Indies for developing a profitable trade with New Zealand and Australia, Within a very short space of time it can be expected that ships from North America, and to some extent from Europe, will be making use of the new waterway en route tothe Colonies in the Pacific, in which event they must pass by or near the West Indian colonies. With direct transportation facilities thus assured, or at least with ready facilities offering for transhipment at Colon to catch the outgoing steamers, the needs of Australia and New Zealand point to the fact that a profitable trade can he developed. A new cane-cutting machine has been in operation during the last few weeks at the Clotilda plantation in Louisiana. It has been harvesting cane in a very suecessful manner, and those who have seen it have been very favourably impressed, The inventor, Mr. Luce, does not claim that the apparatus is at present perfect, but he believes that his machine, if built on its present lines, of high grade material, strong enough to withstand the heavy strains to which it is subjected, will be a success. He has up to now used cast iron and similar inexpensive material, avoiding the use of steel gears or similarly high- priced equipment. The result is that while his present machine works well, the gears occasionally break, but the substitution of steel will, he says, ee rtainly ene this disadvantage, (The Louisiana Planter, December 5, 1914.) Vor -XLY¥.. No. THE ans 392. STUDENTS’ CORNER. The results of the Intermediate and Final Examinations in connexion with the courses of Reading in Practical Agri- culture of the Imperial Department of Agriculture, which were held on Novemher 23, 1914, are as follows:— INTERMEDIATE EXAMINATIONS. Centre. Name. Result. St. Vincent Simmons, F. Ist Class. Antigua Gallwey, A. 2nd ,, Three candidates presented themselves for this Examin- ation, one of whom failed to pass. The candidate from St. Vincent, who obtained a Ist class certificate, qualified in Cotton and Cacao as special subjects; the one from Antigua passed in Sugar Industry and Cotton, with a 2nd class certificate. One candidate failed to pass. The questions set in the Intermediate stage were pub- lished in the last number of the Agricultural News, with the exception of those on cacao, which are given below, followed by those set for the Final stage. INTERMEDIATE EXAMINATION. CACAO, who sat for the Final Examination 1. Describe in detail how you would proceed to establish a field of budded cacao. 2. Give a concise account of the fermentation of cacao. 3. How may the soil be dealt with, witha view to the control of root disease! 4. What are the different varieties of cacao cultivated in the West Indies? State their characteristics and relative merits. 5. Why is it that the cacao plant is especially susceptible to fungus diseases! State the tissues of the plant that are attacked and the kind of damage that is caused. 6. How many bags of cacao should be obtained from a 10-acre field planted 20 by 20! Express this in pounds, and calculate the value on the basis of the present market price in your district. 7. Put forward evidence to show that manuring cacao pays. 8. Indicate the nature and value of the work done on cacao estates out of crop time. . GENERAL SUBJECTS.—FINAL A, PRODUCTION OF EXAMINATION. PLANTS. 1. Discuss broadly what is meant by the ‘fertility ’ of an estate. What are the conditions which determine fertility or productiveness / 2. What are the main problems that have to be faced in your island as regard plant pests and diseases! What meas- ures of control, direct and indirect, would you recommend for the ordinary estate / Give your reasons. 3. In choosing the location of an estate, what are the rincipal factors that you would take into consideration ! In- icate their relative importance, and give reasons for your views. B. PRODUCTION OF ANIMALS, 1. Discuss on broad lines the stocking of a West Indian estate. Indicate the steps that should be taken to secure the right quantity and quality of animals, and to maintain them in good condition and health. 2. What provisions should be made to secure an ade- quate food supply in order to maintain working animals in good health and efficiency! What housing arrangements are AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 29 necessary, and what measures should be taken to protect the animals from infection by parasites? 3. Write a short essay on mule raising, having regard to the local bearing of the subject. (oF CONSTRUCTION ON ESTATES. 1. Describe the kind of buildings and their equipment, suitable for some West Indian agricultural industry. 2. Write an account of the engines and machinery used in some West Indian agricultural industry. Adda note on the supply of fuel in this connexion. 3, Explain the principles of road-making, both main and secondary. Indicate how these ean be applied on the estate. dD. ECONOMICS OF PLANTING, 1. Give your views as to the amount of capital required for working an estate of any size and character you choose to select. Explain its apportionment, and indicate clearly that part which yields a direct profit. 2. Discuss, in particular instances, the advantages derived from the proper preparation and packing of estate produce. Mention the losses that follow from neglect in this respect. 3. What provisions should be made for the housing and maintenance of estate labourers? Why is this important / Refer to any special features of an estate which make if attractive to labourers, irrespective of wages and locality. SPECIAL SUBJECTS. CACAO, 1. What are your views as to the future of the cacao market! Indicate the future relation between production and consumption. 2. Write a short essay on the plant sanitation of a cacao estate. 3. What evidence can you put forward to show that the manuring of cacao pays! Explain a scheme of manuring suitable for any estate you are acquainted with. LIMES. 1. In establishing a new lime estate, what provisions would you make for the preparation of various lime products, having regard to such products as raw and concentrated lime juice, citrate of lime, ecuelled and distilled oils, indi- cating which you consider it best to produce! Give your reasons. 2. How would you proceed to select and lay out the necessary land in order to have planted 150 acres of limes in three years ! 3. What lime pests and their natural enemies predomi- nate in your locality! Explain fully the measures adopted for the artificial control of these pests. La Cuite or Pan Sugar.—Most West Indians know what ‘pan sugar’ is. Apparently something very like it is known in Louisiana as ‘La Cuite’. The Loutisana Planter, November 14, 1914, says that a considerable quantity of this delectable article has been shipped to New Orleans from Helvetia plantation for sale on the Sugar Exchange. ‘La Cuite’ is a product of open kettle sugar houses, where the sugar boiling is carried on with high heat. The concentration of the cane juice into syrup is carried on a shade beyond the normal crystallization point. The skilful ‘euite’ boiler has to avoid the sudden crystallization of it into sugar. It was usually only made by the old Louisiana planters as gifts for special friends. Messrs. Hymel, the proprietors of Helvetia, are trying the commercial value of this delicious product. 30 THE AGRICULTURAL FUNGUS NOTES. COCO-NUT AND CACAO DISEASES. COCO-NUT, A general review of Professor Copéland’s recent book on the Coco-nut, published in Messrs. Macmillan’s series of mono- graphs on tropical agriculture, appeared in the last number of this journal, and a review of Dr. van Hall’s work on cacao in the same series appears on another page in the present issue. Each book contains a summary of present knowl- edge regarding the diseases of the plant which forms its subject, and these are of interest as affording a view of these diseases in broader perspective than is found in depart- mental publications. The diseases of the coconut discussed in Copeland’s summary are five innumber. The stem-bleeding disease, due to Vhielaviopsis, is known in Ceylon, India and Trinidad, but appears to be regarded as serious only in the first-named place. Apparently the author is not aware that 7’. ethaceticus is a synonym of 7’. paradovra, The leaf disease caused by Pestalozzia palmarum is quite general in its distribution. Only in isolated instances however, has it been reported as causing a serious epidemic, and its usual position is that of a weak parasite, only capable of advancing when the tree is weakened from some other cause. The author refers to this fungus as the cause of a leaf disease, but in the West Indies it is known to produce a disease of the petiole also. Evidence as to the existence of a specific disease due to Diplodia is given, but it is conflicting, and obviously in need of confirmation, There remain the bud rots, which are adequately dis- cussed. The evidence on this subject has more than once been reviewed in this journal, so that we need not follow the author in his summary of it. He recounts, however, his own experience in combating an epidemic in Luzon, in the Philippines, which is interesting as a record of an attempt to put the usual recommendation as to the use of fire into vigo- rous practice. The disease had existed for many years. In the badly infested districts there were patches where almost every tree was smitten, and larger areas where fully half the trees were dead or dying. The presence of a moist atmosphere was found to be the predisposing cause of the disease. Legislation was secured making the disease noti- fiable, and requiring, under penalty of fine or imprisonment, the destruction by fire of the crowns of affected trees. Three months after the campaign began (October 1908), a diseased tree had become an uncommon sight, and the new cases arising were less than one-tenth as numerous as they had been one year before. In 1913 the disease was still appear- ing, but very scantily, and at the present time is practically harmless. The author’s conclusions are (1) that the best way of fighting bud rotis the destruction of the sources of infection, and (2) that attempts to save infected trees are at best a waste of time and effort NEWS. January 16, 1915. CACAO, The diseases of cacao have been the subject of so much discussion that van Hall’s opening remarks to the effect that their number is comparatively small is somewhat arresting. Its justification is seen, however, when we consider the effect which recent research has had, of reducing to the rank of saprophytes a large number of the fungi previously held to be parasitic, and the unification of others which had been regarded as distinct species. Thus the Nectrias are not even mentioned in the text, and the once complex Diplodia group is combined under Diplodia cacaoicola, a name which the author has preferred to Bancroft’s Thyridaria tarda, on the ground of popular usage. The author still regards die-back due to this fungus as. a serious disease, but agrees with recent opinion that this is only the case where entry is afforded by wounds or unhealthy condition of the twigs, such as may be brought about by exposure. There is no doubt in the reviewer’s mind that a very considerable amount of the damage still attribu- ted to this disease is due to root troubles, or to the effects of wind or sun. The author is further doubtful as to the exis- tence of a specific pod rot due to Diplodia (the ‘brown rot? of West Indian writers), and in his experience has found it possible to prove that most of the pods bearing the fungus had first been attacked by Phytophthora. Nor does he accept the existence of a Diplodia (Thyridaria) root disease as estab- lished. His mention of the black root disease due to Rosellinia sp. must seem inadequate to anyone who has seen the very definite specific characters it displays in the field. It is true that its nature has not been established according to the rigid rules of proof—the same can be said of most root diseases of trees—but the manner of its spread and the constancy of its characters are decidedly convincing. With regard to canker, the author states as a remarkable fact that the blackening of pods, and the canker of the stem and main branches do not at all occur side by side in the cacao fields, and instances that in Java several plantations suffer badly every year from canker, whereas black rot of pods is almost an unknown thing; conversely, in Kamerun, black rot is most serious, but canker is of no great importance. While accepting the current view that canker is due to Phytophthora, he lays stress on the great influence of cultural conditions on its incidence. We turn with especial interest to the section dealin with the Surinam witch broom disease, attributed by the author to Colletotrichum luxificwm, a connexion recently questioned by Rorer. The disease probably arose in the Surinam plantations by transfer from Theobroma speciosum which grows wild in the south of Surinam, and in the basin of the Amazon in Brazil. The actual damage does not arise from the formation of the hypertrophied twigs from which the disease derives its name, but from the infection of the cushions, on which crowded and useless blossoms are then produced, and of the pods, which become hardened, and contain beans which are browned and spoiled. In this way the disease is said to be responsible for losses which may amount to nine-tenths of the normal crop. The method of control adopted consists in removing and burning all the leaf-bearing branches, treating the wounds with tar, and spraying the remaining partsof the tree with 3 per cent. copper sulphate solution. It has been demonstrat- ed that by this means the disease can be effectively controlled, though a watch has still to be maintainedfor fresh out- breaks, and precautionary spraying with Bordeaux mixture at least once a year is advisable. Vor. XV. No, 332. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 31 WEST INDIAN PRODUCTS. DRUGS AND SPICES IN THE LONDON MARKET. Mr. J. R. Jackson, A.L.S., has forwarded the follow- ing report on the London drug and spice markets for the month of November. The return of the spice and drug markets to their nearly normal conditions, together with the satisfactory amount of business that has been transacted during November, is a proof of the foresight of the Government, and the excellent services of the British Navy in protecting and keeping open our oversea trade routes, by which means our markets gener- ally have been fairly well supplied. In the case of products which come under our consideration, prices have advanced during the month, as in that of West Indian mace and nutmegs; while citric acid took a somewhat firmer position in the middle of the month, but dropped later. “The following are the details. some GINGER, It will be remembered that the spice auctions, this year, have been held only once a fortnight, instead of weekly as formerly. At the first sale on the 11th of the month the offerings amounted to 384 packages of Cochin and Calicut, all of which were bought “in, fair brown rough Calicut at 26s., and washed rough Cochin at 24s. per cwt. A fortnight later, namely on the 25th, the prices ranged from 33s. to 36s. for common, 40s. to 45s. for medium to good Jamaica, and 23s. to 23s. 6d. for Cochin. NUTMEGS, MACE, PIMENTO, AND ARROWROOT, There was a good demand for nutmegs at the first auction on the 11th, when the large number of 711 packages of West Indian were offered, and sold at the following rates: 61’s to 70’s, 5d. to 10d. per tb.; 72’s to 82’s, 53d. to 64d.; 85’s to 95's, 44d. to 54d.; 118’s to 129’s, 44d.; and 132’s to 140’s, 44d. to 44d. All these prices showed an advance on previous rates. Mace was also in good supply and demand as the following prices will show, good West Indian being Id. to 2d. per b. dearer than it was last month. The following are some of the prices realized for the 200 packages sold: bold 2s. 3d. per lb.; good pale 2s. Id.; fair 1s. 9d. to 1s. 11d.; ordinary 1s. 5d. to 1s. 7d.; red 1s. 4d. to 1s. 6d.; and common 1s. 4d. For pimento there has been a quiet demand, 2d. per hb. being the price asked in the early part of the month, but at the end of the month 2}d. was the quotation. At the -end of the month fair manufacturing St. Vincent arrowroot was quoted at 24d. per Ib., and common at 2d. to 21d. SARSAPARILLA. This article has been in regular demand throughout the month, genuine grey Jamaica being quoted at Is. 11d. per tb., and Lima-Jamaica at 1s. 8d. CITRIC ACID, LIME JUICE, LIME OIL, KOLA, AND CASHEW NUTS, At the beginning of the month citric acid was quoted at from 2s. 6d. to 2s. 7d. per Ib, A fortnight later the demand had increased, with a rise of from 2s. 6d. to 2s. 8d. per b., falling again at the end of the month to 2s. 63d. Fair raw West Indian lime juice stood at 2s. 3d. to 2s. 4d. per gallon at the beginning of the month, but in consequence of fresh arrivals, and in anticipation of still further shipments, the month closed witha maximum price of 2s. 3d. West India distilled lime oil has been arriving in fair quantities, and at the beginning of the month was sold at 3s. 8d. per lb. A fortnight later it dropped to 3s. 3d. At auction on the llth of the month 16 bags of dried West Indian kola were offered, and 8 were sold at 1?d. per tb. At the end of the month some good bright West Indian were offered, 34d. per Ib. being asked for them. At the last auction on the 26th, some 20 cases of shelled cashew nuts were offered, and bought in at 55s. per ewt. INDIAN CORN. A METHOD OF PLANTING. In recent numbers of the Agricultural News seasonal notes have been given in connexion with selection of seed corn, and in the present issue it is intended to make reference to a method of planting which forms the subject of Farmers’ Bulletin, No. 400, of the United States Department of Agriculture, entitled A More Profitable Corn Planting Method, by Mr. C. P. Hartley. In the pamphlet entitled Indian Corn, which has recently been issued by the Imperial Department, it is stated that it makes little difference in the yield whether the plants stand singly in the rows, or whether they stand in hills with three or four plants to the hill, so long as there is a full stand of bearing plants to the acre. Mr. Hartley’s experiments in corn planting lead to the conclusion that when corn is planted in hills, a much better yield may be obtained if the plants stand a few inches apart, that is to say, if the seeds are dropped a few inches apart instead of being dropped together, in one hole. This bulletin shows that each corn plant needs some 5 or 6 inches of root space on all sides in order to obtain a firm hold in the ground, and that when the plants of a hill are very closely bunched together, they are easily upset by the wind, and the roots of one plant interfere with those of the others. The arrangement recommended is the planting of four seeds to the hill, these being placed with reference to each other as at the corners of a 5-inch square. It has been found that when corn is planted in this manner a better yield is gen- erally obtained, and the plants are stronger against high winds. For the experimental planting of corn in this manner Mr. Hartley used a board in which were inserted four funnels, placed as already described at the corners of a 5-inch square; a handle of convenient length for carrying the board was attached to its centre, and the kernels were dropped singly in each of the four funnels at each hill. It was found that a minimum inerease of yield of 2 bushels to the acre, or about a 4-per cent. increase, was the result of this method of planting. Mr. Hartley estimates that a planting machine arranged to drop the grain as described in these experiments would be paid for by the increase of yield in one year on a 50-acre crop of corn. A 4-per cent. increase in the value of the corn crop of Llinois for one year would amount to some $6,000,000. Among other experiments that are almost certain to be tried in the West Indies in connexion with the cultivation of Indian corn, attention might well be directed to the matter of planting at different distances, and especially to the matter of spacing the plants in the hills or holes. London.—Tue 32 THE MARKET REPORTS. West InprtA CommirTEE CIRCULAR, December 15, 1914. Arrowroot—l fd. to 434. Bartata—Sheet, 2/2; block, 1/10 per tb. Breswax—No quotations. Cacao—Trinidad, 72/- to 76- per ewt.; Grenada, 69, 72/-; Jamaica, no quotations. Corree—Jamaica, no quotations. Copra—West Indian, £26 per ton. Corron—Fully Fine no quotations; Floridas, no quota- tions: West Indian Sea Island, 14d. Frvurr—No quotations. Fusric—No quotations. Gincer—Quiet. TstnGLtass—No quotations. Honey—No quotations. Live Jurce—Raw, 2/3 to 2/9; concentrated, £28; Otto of limes (hand-pressed), 8 - Logwoop—No quotations. Mace—9/. to 2/3-. Nurmecs—4jd. to 5jfa. Pimento— Quiet. Ruseser—Para, fine hard, 2 94; fine soft, 2,6$; Castilloa, 1/9 to 1/10. Rum—Jamaica, no quotations. New York.—Messrs. Giniesem Bros., & Co., July 24, 1914. @acao—Caracas, lke. to 12¢.; Grenada, lle. to llic.; Trinidad, 11j}c. to 11¢c.; Jamaica, 10c. to 11c. Coco-nuts—Jamaiea and Trinidad, selects $20°00 to $2100; culls, no quotations. Corree—Jamaica, 9fc. to 13$c. per tb. Gincer—7e. to 10c. per tb. Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 46c.; Antigua and Barbados, 48c. to 46c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 40c. to 43c. per Th. Grape Froir—Jamaica, $1°75 to $2°50. Ta to $4°50. Mace—4dc. to 53e. per th. Nurmecs—110’s, 11 je. OrancEes—Jamaica, $2°00 to $2°50. Pimento—3Ze. per th. Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 3-26c.; Muscovados, 89°, 2°88c.; Molasses, 89 , 2°61c., all duty paid. Trinidad.—Messrs. Gornon, Grant & Co., January 4, 1915, Cacao—Venezuelan, $13°50 to $1400; Trinidad, $13°50 te $1400. Coco-nut Or—80e. per Imperial gallon. Correre—Venezuelan, Ile. per th. Corra—$4°00 per 100 Th. Duat—No quotations. Ontons—S2'80 per 100 Th. Pras, Spirit—S$8°50 per bay. Porarors—English $2°75 per 100 th. Rice—Yellow, 36°00; White $5°25 to $5°30 per bag. Sucar-—American crushed, no quotations. AGRICULTURAL NEWS Barbados.—Messrs. James JANUARY 16, 1915. A. LyncH « Co., Ltd., December 31, 1914, Messrs. T. 8. Garraway & Co., December Arrowroot—S4'00 te Cacao—$9-00 to 512° Coco-NuTS—S$16°80. Hay—S1°60 to $1°70 MANvuRES 31, 1914. »$4:25 per 100 th. 00 per LOO tb. per 100 th. Nitrate of soda, no quotations; Cacao manure, $48-00 to $5000; Sulphate of ammonia $78°00 to $8500 per ton. Morassrs—No quotations. ONIONS $2-50 to $450 per 190 Ib. Peas, Sprir—No quotations; Canada, no quotations. Porarors—Nova Seotia, $2°40 to $2°50 per 160 th. Rice—Ballam, $580 to $6°05 per 190 tb.; Patna, no quota- tions; Rangoon, no quotations. Sucar—American granulated, $5°00 per 100 th. British Guiana. Messrs. Wierisc & Ricurer, December 19, 1914; Messrs. SANDBACH, Parker & Co,, December 18, 1914. Se in | MESSSres omen ARTICLES. Messrs. WIETING Bick, Pees & Rrewrer. ‘ & Co. Arrowroor—St. Vincent $7°00 to 58-00 per $10-00 barrel of 200 Th. | Batara— Venezuela block a = Demerara sheet — =e Cacao—Native 12c. to 14c. per th. 12c. per tb. CASSAVA Cassava STARCH— Coco-xuts— Corretr—Creole Jamaica and Rio Liberian DHar— Green Dhal Eppors— Mo nassts— Yellow Ontons—Teneriffe Madeira Pras—Split Marseilles PLANTAINS— - Porators—Nova Scotia Lisbon Porarors--Sweet, B’bados Rice—Ballam Creole TANNIAS— Yans— White Buck SuGar—Dark crystals Yellow White Molasses Timner—GREENHEART Wallaba shingles Cordwood 96c. to SL‘08 ‘S16 to $20 per M. lde. per th. 10e. per th. $525 to SE 4) 24c. to 48c. $3°00 to S3-25 hr $2°40 No quotation $5°50 to Sd5°75 $1:92 $2°16 $240 $3°35 to $345 $400 to S410 $5:-00 to $5°25 32c. to 5dc. eub. fi rot $4°00 to $6°25 per M. $1-80 to $200 per ton per $23 per M. 16c. per th. 16c. per th. lle. per tb. $5°00 to $5°50 per bag of 168 th. | $9:50 to $9-75 per bag. (210 tb.) | $3°25 to $3°50 32c. to 55e. per cub. foot $4°00 to 36°00 per M, J SS eee esse SC THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture FOR THE WEST INDIES. The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. A Quarterly Scientific Journal. Volume 1. No. 1. Out of print. Nos. 2, 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price 1s. each. Post free, 1s. 2d.; . Volumes II, IIT, IV, V, VI, VIL, VII, IX, X, XI, NIL and XIIT:—Price 2s. each; Post free 2s. 8:7., where comple te. (III, 2. IV, 3; and V, 2 and 3 ave out of print.) Volume XIV, Nos. 1 2, and-3. No. 2 Containing Papers on (1) A Study of the Results of the Manurial Experiments with Cacao conducted at the Botanic Station, Dominica, by H. A. Tempany, B.Se., F.1.C., F.L.S.; (2) The ‘TriPri’ or West Indian White Bait in St. Vincent, by W. N. Sands, F.L.S.; (3) Spray- ing for Control of Ticks in Antigua, by P. T. Saunders, M.R.V.C.S.; (4) New Cottons: Thoughts on their Stock in the West A Note on the M.R.V.C.S.; the Me.Connel; (5) Notes on Some Parasites of Some Live [. Saunders, M R.V.C.S.; (6) Mal de Caderas, by P. 'T. Saunders, (7) Me.Fadyean Staining Reaction for Anthrax Bacilli, by Major Holmes, M.A., D.Se., (8) Some Observations on the Bacterial Relationships of Certain Soils, with Special Reference to Contents of Organic Matter, by H. A. Tempany, B.Se. PAMPHLET SERIES. The Pamphlets are written ina simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially adapted to West Indian conditions. They contain, amongst other subjects, summaries of the results of the experiment w er on sugar-cane and manures, the full official reports of which have only a limited cirenlation. The number issued wp to the present time is seventy-five. Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are out of print. John W. Development, by Indies, by P. ' Sucar Inpustrry. Seedling and other Canes at Barbados in 1900, No. 3, price 2d.; in 1901, No. 19; in 1903, No. 26; in 1904. No. Seedling Canes and Manurial Experiments at Barbados, in 1903-5, No. 40; in 1904-6, No. 44; in 1905-7, No. 49; in 1906-8, No. 59; in 1907-9, No. 62 _ No. 66, price Gd. each. Seedling and other Canes in the Leeward Islands, im 1900-1, No. 12; in 1901-2, No. 20; in 1902-3, No. 27; price 2d. each; in 1903-4, No. 33; in 1904-5, No. 39; in 1905-6, No. 46; in 1906-7, No. 50; in 1907-8, No. 56; price 4d. each, in 1908-9, No. 63; in 1909-10, No. 67; price 6d. each. Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the Leeward Islands, in 1902-3, No. 30; in 1903-4, No. 36; in 1904-5, No. 42; in 1905-6, No. 47; in 1906-7, No. 51; in 1907-8, No. 57; in 1908- 9, No. 64; in 1909-10, No. 68; price 4d. each. Sugar-cane Experiments i in the Leeward Islands, in 1910-11; in 1911-12; in 1912-15, price 1s. each. \ No: 13; i 1902. 32; price 4d. each. GENERAL. (7) ue (22) Seale Insects of the Lesser ; Part II., price 4¢. (17) Gone Treatment of Fungoid Pests. Price 4d. (43) Cotton Seed and Cotton-e ake: meal on West Indian Planta- tions. Price 2d. (54) Fungus Diseases of C Orchards. Price 41. (58) Insect Pests of Cacao. Price 47. (60) Cotton Gins, How to Erect and Work Them. (61) The Grafting of Cacao. Price 4d. (65) Hints for School Gardens, Fourth Edition. (69) Hints to Settlers in St. Lucia. Price 6d: on Coco-nut Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 62. iy Insect Pests of the Lesser Antilles. Price 1s. 5d 72) Lime Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 9d. Antilles, Part I, price acao and Sanitation of Cacao Price 4d. C: 3) Root Borers and other Grubs in West Indian Soils. Price 6d. (74) Cotton Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 9d. 75) Insect Pests of Sugar-cane in Antigua and St. Kitts. Price, 67. (76) Indian Corn. Price 4d. (77) Erysipelas and Hoose. Price 2d. The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of }/. for the pamphlets marked 2%, ld. for those marked 4d. and for Nos. 73 and 75; 14d. for Nos. 40, 44, 49, 59, 62, 63, 67,69 and 74. Postage for No. 71, 42. and for No. 72, 2d. : The ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’: A Fortnightly Review. The ‘ Agricultural News’ contains extracts from official correspondence and from progress and — other reports; and, in fact, any information indicating Agricultural matters throughout the West Indies. The ‘ Agricultural News’ local agents of the Department at one penny per Qs. 2d. per half-year, or 4s. 4d. per annum, number, what is is printed in time to be distributed, regularly, by each mail, post free, Volumes IV to XIT complete, with title page and index, as issued—Price 4s. each— going on in each colony and the progress made in and is on sale by the 2d. The subscription price, including ‘postage, is Post free, 5s. Some numbers of the early volumes are out of print and therefore these volumes can no ionger be supplied complete. opies are to be addressed to the Agents, not to the Department. The scale of charges for ADVERTISEMENTS may be obtained on application to the Agents. A applications jor Agents. The following have been appointed Agents for the sale of the publications of the Department:— London: Messrs. Dutau & Co., 37, Soho Square, W. St. Vincent: Mr. J. D. Bon ante, “Times’ Office. Wesr Ixpra Commrrrer, 17, Seething Lane. St. Lucia: Mr. M. A. Lawrence, Botanic Station. Barbados: Apvocare Co. Lrp., Broad Street, Bridgetown. Dominica: Mr. ue R. H. Brrpcewarer, Roseau. Jamaica; Tar Epucarionan Suppty Company, 16, King Jontserrat: Mr. V. Rogson, Botanic Station. Street, Kingston. British GUBEER "THE ‘Dairy CrronicLe’ Orrice, Georgetown. Trinidad: Messrs. Murr-Marsnaty & Co., Port-of- -Spain. Pobago: Mr. C. L. PuaGemann, Scarborough. Grenada: Messrs. Antigua: Mr. 8. 7 M ALONE, St. John’s. St Kitts: Tue Brsue 1Np Book Suprry AGENCY, BASSETERRE. Nevis: Messrs. Hower, Bros., Charlestown. Fros. Lawnor & Co., St. George. Vou. XIV. No. 332. { THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 7 JanuaRy 16, 1915; THE BEST MANURES FOR COLONIAL USE SN A ee Ohlendorff’s Dissolved Peruvian Guano—For Sugar-cane and general use Ohlendorff’s. Special Sugar-cane Manure Ohlendorff's Special Cocoa Manure Ohlendorff's Special Cotton Manure Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Superphosphates, (high grades), Potash Salts, Nitrolim and all other high-class Fertilizers. APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS Oh DIRECT TO:— THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) GUANO WORKS. London Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C. Barbados Agents: James A. Lynch & Co., Ltd., Bridgetown. ’ MACMILLAN’S WORKS ON TROPICAL | AGRICULTURE. Coeoa. By Dr. C. J. J. van Hawt, Chief of the Botanical Laboratories, Buitenzorg, Java. With Illustrations. Svo. +7, Dr. van Hall intends his book to play a supplementary part in the education of the cocoa-planter, supplying the information which is not to be acquired by practical work in the field. The Coco-Nut. By Envwiy Bincuam Coreiann, Professor of Plant Physiology and Dean of the College of Agri- cnlture, University of the Philippines. With Illustrations. Svo. ats The aini of this book is to give the knowledge and advice which will qualify a person for the practice of coco-nut raising. The Diseases of Tropical Plants. By Metvinte Taursron Cook, Ph, D., Professor of Plant Pathology, Rutgers College, formerly Chief of the Department of Plant Pathology for the Republic of Cuba. Illustrated. Svo. &s. 6d. net. Journal of Boteny.—** The demand for the vegetable products of the tropics, such as cotton, rubber, cocoa, ete., has increased enormously, and the book has been written with a view to help the planters in their struggle with new and adverse | conditions .. . The illustrations are abunc.ant and instructive, and the book will doubtless be of great value to the agriculturist in the tropics.” Sylviculture in the Tropics. By A. F. Brows, Commander of the Imperial Ottoman Order of the Osmania, formerly of the Indian Forest Service, later Conservator of Forest, Ceylon. Illustrated. Svo. &s. Gd. net. Bulletin of the Imperia! [nstitute—“This book should prove of much value to foresters and botanists in the tropics.” Spices. by Henry N. Krovey, C.M.G., F.R.S. Illustrated. Svo. 8s. Gd. neh | Agriculuural LKeonomist :-—** Fascinating reading as well as valuable information for those engaged in the [cultivation of spices are furnished by Mr. Ridley’s work. MACMILLAN & CO., LTD., LONDON. Printed at Offiee of Agricultinal Reporter, 4 High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados. — —~ ' pant 5 a GE PES Si, 2 OR Ma tren ae aS eo Poe Os AAG; eT |e wy Ss : pa ty en Ot Ed | f “We. > DI 0 wn any I) 7 Sig TAY 77 1 Gi : Vol. XIV. No. 333.] ‘SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 1915. [One penny. ef, R.M.S.P. REGULAR SERVICES| GEES FROM THE WEST INDIES Panama Ganal, New York, Ganada & Southampton PORTS OF CALL FROM BARBADOS, Trinidad (for West India Islands : Carupano, Pampatar & La Guaira: and Demerara), Puerto Colombia. Cartagena, Colon (for Panama Canal and Pacific Ports), Jamaica, Antilla & New York (for Bermuda). St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Dominica, Montserrat, Antigua, St. Kitts, Bermuda to St. John (N.B.) Also from SOUTHAMPTON, CHERBOURG & LIVERPOOL, to Brazil, Uruguay & Argentina, Via Spain, Portugal, Madeira & St. Vincent. FORTNIGHTLY TOURS from LONDON to Morocco, Canary Isiands, Madeira. YACHTING CRUISES by “ ARCADIAN” to NORWAY, MOROCCO, MEDITERRANEAN, ADRIATIC, &c., During Summer and Autumn.—From £1 a day. THE ROYAL MAIL STEAM PACKET COMPANY ’ 4 Head Office: 18, Moorgate Street, London. Branches at BARBADOS, Trinidad, Tobago, Colon, Jamaica, Antilla, New York, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, etc. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Gamat? & Bi onkis. DULAU & CO., urp.| R ENGLAND. (ESTABLISHED ie 25) BareEnisr Oo Machinery ENGLISH & FOREIGN PUBLISHERS & BOOKSELLERS, f Agricultural, Botanical, Zoological, oe Entomologieal and Economic GRINDING & SIFTING: SnhiecReopecialiny: A large stock in all languages always on hand. Write gpa Cl ITTON SEED, COPRA, BONES, | for monthly lists and special catalogue: Post free on AND OTHER MANURE. pplication. We, London, England. = 37 Soho Square, Write for Catalogue, and DISINTEGRATOR. send sample of material you (346) wish to Ks oe (339) = COTTON SEED MEAL. | WEST by P. 'T. by P. T. Analysis of Citrate of Lime and Concentrated Lime Juice; COTTON FACTORY, LIMITED | Specific Gravities of Cane Sugar Solutions at 30°C, d (Douglas); Report on the Prevalence of some Pests and BRIDGETOWN, Diseases in the West Indies during 1913. BARBADOS. A Veterinary Survey Saunders, Saunders, and Its Adaption to the Needs of the Student, by Dr. Francis Watts,.C.M.G.: INDIAN BULLETIN. A Pure Nutritious Pood for Milech and Working Cattle. Vol. XIV, No. 3. CONTENTS. M_R.C.V.S:; MRCS; Agri cultural of the Windward and Leeward Isl Epizootic Educ and Ss, Lymphangitis, sation The Budding of Cacao, by Joseph Jones; The SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ANALYSIS GUARANTEED. Special quotations THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE for large ADVERTISEMENT, lots on application to: A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW OF THE IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. Vou. CONTENTS. PAGE. Candle-nut Oil ... 41 Qassava Poisoning : 37 Cassava, The Poison in... 41 Cotton Notes: West Indian Cotton 38 Departmental Reports ... 39 Dominica Rubber, Reports on Sacbokee Ke momie Changes Fruits, Tropical, Budding of Fungus Notes: Citrus Canker Two Bean Diseases Gleanings ... Insect Notes: Insect Pests of Coco-nuts Items of Local Interest Lime. Influence of, on Com- position of Growing Bones Shield- PAGE. Market Reports 48 Notes and Comments 40 Panama Canal and the British West Indies 40) Pine-apples, Montserrat, im Canada. Ate ivess SO: Plant Breeding, Prepo- tence in... ... Got ajete 45 Stock Poisoning Due to Searcity of Food ... 40) Students’ Corner 45 Sugar Industry: The Burning of Cane Trashy Geo e-c4 ses) OD The Duteh Standard... isa) The Royal Sugar Commis sion 37 Turt Reset) coc paisa ed: Vanilla Cuttings ... -.. 41 West Indian “Permanent Exhibits in Canada 41 Economic Changes, Fn OI all phases of production, mechanical tural. 2 e ISM HE profound economic RI the present European world-wide in their ettects, In many instances the ettect War are changes caused by bound to be and to influence as well as agricul- will be an increase in values, and some places and some industries will derive increased profits from the reckless waste and the mistortunes of others. In other eases there will result a fall in values, from the inability to use certain commodities, and in consequence some districts will sutter, or be compelled to find other means ot employ = ment. XIV INO coo: BARBADOS, JANUARY 30, 1915. Price ld. The influence alluded to is already felt in the West Indies in both ways. In some _ industries, notably those connected with sugar, cacao, and limes, there has already been an inerease in prices; while Sea [sland cotton attords an instance of a commodity adversely affected. In consequence of all this, changes may be looked for, and these changes will doubtless leave a permanent inspress on these islands, and result in the modifica- tion of their industries. Inthe case of those establish- ec industries, the products of which are increased in value, one will naturally look for the introduction of imp th expected when production in Europe begins to assume »vernents in production or output, so as to enable to meet the increased competition that may be anormal condition again. One naturally thinks of this that the present is an opportune time to revive the questions of sugar in connexion, and would urge improved methods of manufacture, and the introduction still One outeome of modern factories into those districts which are dependent on the museovado process. of the present disturbances and the changed political be beneficial, may will give these questions outlook, which wall that those renewed consideration. probably be concerned Similarly, in the cacao industry, there are con- templated improvements that have been set aside for a convenient season, which may perhaps have now arrived, such as the provision of better appliances for curing and drying, and improved methods of cultivation, In regard to this latter question, reference may be matters as mulching made to such g, which 1S generally admitted to be beneficial, but which planters aver they have been deterred from undertaking because of the expense, and because of the number of labourers 34 THE required. The application of manures too, particularly of those that are likely to have long-lasting effects, and work in connexion with sanitation of the cacao orchards, such as the prophylactic spraying against fungoid diseases, may now have more consideration than has been expedient when prices showed a downward tendency. All such improvements as are possible now are calcu- lated to strengthen the industry, and to enable the plan- ters to face with greater confidence the increased competition that may assuredly be looked for. . As another instance where the products have risen in price in consequence of present disturbances, refer- ence may be made tothe lime industry. There is good reason to expect that those concerned with this will take advantage of the enhanced prices to improve their factories, and the methods of preparing their products for export, as for instance by the introduction of steam boiling and mechanical strainers, or of appliances for making citrate of hme. increased attention may be given to the improvement And, as in the ease of cacao, of the cultivation of their lme orchards, especially with regard to restoring the fertility of the soil by means -of manures. When we come to consider those industries which -are faced with a fall in the price of their product, the matter is more serious and urgent: the means of liveli- hood may be disappearing, and with them the means -of adopting measures of protection. In most cases there is the possibility that the depression is but tem- porary, and that with a return to normal conditions the industry may fully revive. In pursuing a policy of waiting, however, the danger of overproduction should not be lost sight of; for,in the event of a commodity, such for instance as Sea Island cotton, being produced in considerable excess, and stored, there may result a depression in price that may be permanent, or at any rate extend over a very considerable number of years. In such cases the temporary production of some readily grown and easily consumed crop will attract ‘attention, a crop that may perhaps be set aside when a normal condition of things returns; or it may be found that the new crop has become permanently established from the result of exertions made under pressure of abnormal circumstances. other turn On the hand, this pressure may induce planters to their attention to the establish- ment of what they hope may prove permanent indus- tries of a kind not hitherto developed in their districts; and here again the pressure of hard times may apply a stimulus that may prove of lasting benefit. AGRICULTURAL NEWS. January 30, 1915. The West Indian industry that presents the most obvious instance of temporary depression of price is that of the production of Sea Island cotton. Commun- ities dependent on this are turning their attention to the production of food crops, with the double object of cheapening their own food supplies, and of having other commodities to dispose of. These efforts are resulting in much attention being paid to corn, which fulfils both of these functions, and it is anticipated that other food grains will receive similar attention. Various kinds of peas and beans may be instanced as crops that may well have consideration at such a time as this; and the experience of local planters and Experiment Station workers will be had recourse to in order to These grains present the advantage that, with suitable pre- cautions, they made be stored for long periods; they furnish information for immediate application. may therefore be used for home consumption, or may be exported, as circumstances dictate. Much attentionis likely to be given in the com- munities referred to with regard to the production of | root crops as well as grains. These for the most part labour under the disadvantage of not keeping for any considerable length of time, but in many instances they would find a remunerative market at no great distance, This disability of root crops in the matter of keep- ing leads to the consideration of the question of con- verting them into meal. The best example, perhaps, of this is the conversion of cassava into ‘farine’, a useful food, well known in those West Indian islands that have come extensively under French influence. Much work has been done in efforts to produce such commodities as banana meal and sweet potato meal, but neither of these has yet found an extensive market. The introduction of new industries likely to be of a permanent character usually presents difficulties on account of want both of knowledge and experience, alike in the case of those directing the enterprise, and of the work people who have to carry out details, and also on account of the difficulty in attracting capital, which in ordinary circumstances will be required to be locked up for some considerable time before a remunerative return is derived. The stress of unusual circumstances may, however, lead to the exploitation of new industries by means of the moderate amounts of capital that will have been accumulated during the prosecution of a success- ful industry, as exemplified by cotton, In some districts attention is being drawn once more to fibre production. ‘This is no new story in the West Indies, and will be received in many quarters in Wore. Ave Non doo: a critical spirit. It well be that the success that is attending some in this direction, and the changes that have taken place in recent years, both in the knowledge that has been acquired, and in the machinery that may be employed, may put matters in a more favourable light, and render it desirable to reinvestigate the position. In this connexion it may be added that the mtroduction of improved and efficient machines, capable of cleaning the fibre without the aid of water, and the introduction of oil engines as a source of may urged, however, ventures power to drive them, have given new aspects to the question. As Jong as the products of a district are remuner- ative, the inherent conservatism of producers militates against any changes being effected. But when economic pressure is felt, a change is very often necessary. Hence it is well for planters at this time to look ahead. Changes of a very far-reaching character in the products of the Tropics may occur in the near future. There are some striking remarks in this connexion in a book on the coco-nut, recently reviewed in the Agricultural News. First, in the introductory chapter, the author, Dr. E. B. Copeland, gives his opinion that the future of coco-nut raising is safe, and that he considers that the business is certain to continue for a term of decades to pay large profits. And secondly, in discussing the by-products of a coco-nut plantation, he remarks: ‘there is no apparent reason why the Tropics should not develop a business in pork, lard, etc., the importance of which will be in some proportion to theease with which the feed of the hogs can be raised. I am ‘satisfied,’ he writes, ‘that it is possible to raise hogs more cheaply in the Tropics than in any temperate country, and there- fore expect to see the day when such products as pork, as articles of commerce, shall reverse their present direction of movement.’ The idea of profitably rais- ing supplies of meat, including beef, even for export: may therefore be worth consideration these West Indian islands. SUGAR — INDUSTRY. THE BURNING OF CANE TRASH. The advisability of burning the trash left on the field after harvesting cane was the subject of correspondence a few years ago between agricultural experts in Louisiana and the officials of the Imperial Department of Agriculture for the West Indies. As is well known, the almost universal custom in the West Indies is to leave most of the trash on the field, and to plough it in subsequently. It was maintained by the Imperial Department that this practice was best suited to West Indian conditions on the ground that no practical in some of THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 35 lessening of insect attacks was found to result from burning, and that this practice caused the loss of the large amount of humus obtainable from the buried trash, which was of the greatest value to the soil. From an article on the subject in the Louisiana Planter, December 19, 1914, by T. E. Holloway, of the Bureau of Entomology of the United States Department of Agriculture, it would appear that the Louisiana cane growers are beginning to doubt the wisdom of burning the trash. The writer gives, as the reason for this practice, the belief that in this manner the ravages of the moth borer especially, are largely checked. On the other hand, it would seem that the parasite, which kills the eggs of the borer, passes the winter in the trash on the fields; thus burning the trash tends to destroy this useful parasite. Experiments have been conducted by the writer of the article with a view of compar- ing results obtained as to freedom from borer attacks by the two methods. The canes on the experiment plots were reaped November 2 to 5, 1914, with the result that on the plot where the trash had been burned as_ usual, the infestation of canes by borer was nearly 84 per cent., while where the trash had been left on the field in the winter, and ploughed under in the spring, the infesta- tion was only about 46 per cent. On another plantation, where similar experiments had been undertaken, the manager has determined to treat his whole estate in this manner this year. A like resolve is expressed from a plantation in Texas where the same trials had been made. The writer concludes: ‘We find that ploughing under the cane trash in the spring has in every case reduced the number of canes bored. The injury due to the borer being reduced, it follows that more sugar is obtained, and more money secured for the crop.’ Perhaps the chief advantage which accrues to the West Indian plantation by leaving the trash on the ground is that it forms, when thickly spread over the field, a useful muleh helping to retain the moisture in the soil, and to keep down the growth of grass and weeds. This aspect of the question would not appeal so much to the planter in Louisiana, who leaves the trash on the field in winter; but the great advan- tage to him of ploughing it under in the spring is the addition to the soil of a large amount of organic matter which improves its condition, THE DUTCH STANDARD. In recent numbers of the Agricultural News (see Vol. XIII, p. 407, and Vol. XIV, p. 3) reference has been made to the Dutch Standard of colour as a basis for fixing the rates of import duties on sugar in Canada. The following extract from Dr. H. C. Prinsen Geerligs’s book, Cane Sugar, should be of interest as defining what the Dutch Standard really is:— The Dutch Standard (D.S.) consists of a series of samples of cane sugar, ranging from a very dark No. 7 to an almost white product No. 25. They are prepared’ every year by two firms in Holland under the supervision of the Netherlands Trading Society in sealed sample bottles, which are sent to the various merchants and Customs depéts. As these grades serve as standards for the different classes of sugar on which taxes are levied, it is important that sugar merchants should know exactly to which class the sugar belongs which they want to import; and, therefore, the sets of samples comprising the Dutch Standard are daily used for comparison ia many countries which export cane sugar. 36 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, FRUIT AND FRUIT TREES. —_—= SHIELD-BUDDING OF TROPICAL FRUITS. The tropical regions of the world possess a multitude of distinct species of plants bearing edible fruits, but very few of them are really delicious to European taste. The standard fruits of the northern temperate zone have been for centu- ries subjected not only to culture, but to selective breeding, whereas until very recently hardly any attempt at selection, or hybridization, or asexual propagation has been made with most of the fruits of the Tropics. Considering the small amount of care bestowed on fruit trees in the West Indies for instance, the quality of the fruit produced is remarkable. But the work of selection needs more attention, together with the fixing of superior varieties by asexnal propagation, especially. by budding or grafting them on to inferior, but probably hardier species. One meets now and then with a tamarind tree which bears pods sweet enough to be eaten raw with pleasure, or a cashew tree producing fruit of very much less astringency than is usual. If reproduction of such varieties is attempted by seed, years must elapse before the result can even be tested, and then the special quality desired may fail to have been secured. These instances have been selected from among the less sought after fruit, but the same thing oceurs in fruit of higher type. > . NY (fname « « ————s CE a =" WOON A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW © OF THE IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. MEV; No. 3: BARBADOS, FEBRUARY 13, 1915. Price ld. CONTENTS. PAGE. PAGE. Agricultural Credit Socie- Gleanings ... 60 ties 57 : OS er ore wee wee OL Toot, Notes: Agriculture in Zanzibar... 57 ae pas ~ es r 1 Notes on Ants bY Antigua, Vegetable Grow- : ; ; cia 54 Pests of Cacao cece 0 ees ark ss Ye) Ticks ag) Relation . to Blood, Effect of Tropics on 96 Di f Stock 59 a oS . “ases OT ¢ OCK e oe British Agriculture and Renta. i x ie aiipes 57 Maize Consumption in BicxsBidding in Estate Legg ae Practice... BD ve CuciaeProhibition: affect Maize in Antigua, Com- on Prices ni SOC. oo, AER mercial’ Handling of a3 Citrus Canker, United Market Reports ate arias Ne StatesQuarantineagainst 56 Bebes and ¢ gmenes Be Corn, Imports into Trini- puucents gageaer : dad ch nee 61 | Sugar Industry: Cotton Notes:— Colonial Cane, or Home- West Indian Cotton 54 Grown Beet?’ ROU. Department News eet OS Messchaert Juice Departmental Reports ... 55 Grooyes| ...... 51 Flyish-Fish Parasite 61) Sugar Situation, The 49) Fungus Notes:— {Sun Power, Utilization More about Citrus GE ... ee ees aT Canker 62 | West Indian Products 63 The Sugar Situation. raw sugars upward tendency, fulfiling the general anticipation that, if the usual quantities are this year to go to Canada, growers will be able to dispose of their crops on the basis of something over 35 per 100 tb., New York Prices by the end of April or the begmning of May. The sugar situation since August 1, of last year, has been very complicated and extremely difticult to prognosticate, Immediately after the outbreak of war, the buying stimulation which permeated the United States as a result of purchases made by the British Government in that country, created a fictitious value ot everyone was full of sugar, the demand suddenly ceased, over $6. Supplies were not curtailed, and when and it began to be realized that supplies, instead of 2 short, were much in excess of the demand, proving Towards the end of September therefore, a rapid decline set in, and up to the present date a level of about $3 has been steadily maintained. But now that stocks are becoming exhausted, and the Cuban crop is being held up by rain, a revival has set in which we hope may be lasting, at any rate, as far as the West Indies are concerned. The world’s sugar market is almost entirely gov- erned by England, and it will be worth while consider- ing briefly the action which that country has taken since last August. The Royal Commission, which was at that time appointed to deal with the situation resulting from a cessation of Austro-German supplies, purchased large quantities of raw sugar from Cuba, Java, and the British Colonies. The next action was to fix a maximum price for ordinary refined sugar. This did not seriously interfere with the grocery trade, but it affected manutacturers who were accustomed for many years to a supply of very cheap raw sugar. Quite recently, a reduction has been made in the case of Mauritius sugar for the benefit of the confectioners. Going back to the events of October, the Goyern- ment further found it necessary to prohibit the import of all sugars by private persons, since some of these supplies had undoubtedly been coming from neutral countries, which were replacing this sugar with con- signments received from the enemy. As a result of representations made by the West India Committee, the Government agreed to permit the importation of LIBKA® NEW ¥' BOTAN V SARL! 50 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Fresruary 13, 1915. West Indian grocery sugars by special license, since the origin and destination of this class were unques- .tionable. At the time of writing, the attitude of the British “Government as regards the immediate and distant future is not known definitely. The stock of sugar and visible supplies in England are sutticient to last until about May. advantage of personal introductions from the Manager When recently in England, the writer had the for the Royal Commission to the leading sugar firms in Mincing Lane, and the outlook for the future seemed to be quite indefinite. ‘The supply of sugar from the West Indies (apart from Demerara) being quite inap- preciable, its importance from the English aspect is also -slight, but as far as one could judge, the opinion was that the Canadian market would not be deprived of its usual supplies. The critical time in England will be June, July, and August. After August, the Java supplies begin to -come in, and on these the Government will largely depend until the end of the year. But -June to August period, the sources of supply seem Cuba will no doubt be drawn Then, it should be remembered as well, that for the -somewhat uncertain. npon. -since the war, almost unheard of countries as regards sugar exports have come to the front: for example, the Argentine, Columbia and Peru. It is true that individually, the output from these places may be ‘comparatively small, but in combination they have helped and will help to swell the supply of cane sugar considerably. Taking everything into consideration, it is fairly -certain that a level above the normal will hold for the _greater part of the current year, in both New York and London; but the question of imereased freights has to be considered. These are influenced by fluctuations in the naval situation. Looking further ahead, we may perhaps presume to put forward views on the probable situation in three years’ time. military operations that little can be said which is - dependable. long will the war last / remember that any will not -end the present economic disturbances. As an example, Every question is met by another—How It is essential to formal conclusion of hostilities assume that for this year and next the German beet sowings show a_ reduction of 20 per cent. and 40 per cent., respectively, and that peace is established in 1916. It will be obvious that there reduction in 1917 also, and that it will take many years will be a serious So much depends on the progress of for the industry to recover itself. This circumstance mnay assist in arousing a stronger feeling in favour of a preference for colonial cane. It will at any rate tend to stimulate the growing of that crop, for a short- age of beet must mean enhanced prices. There can be no doubt that when Continental sugar becomes available again in large quantities, the British manufacturers will turn to these supplies if they Indeed, it is scarcely to be expected that the Government will ever consider a complete the Continental They will however take care to ensure a larger supply of cane possibly can. departure from trade. sugar from the Colomies in the future than they have done in the past. As regards an English beet industry, this subject exists at present in a state of controversy. Like colonial cane growing, beet cultivation needs fostermg by the Government, but little action is likely to be taken until some practical estimate is put forward to show the the proposed area under cultivation. With English beet, as with colonial cane, the intendmg limits of growers should take the initiative and prepare some definite statement as to what they are ready to pro- duce. grown in East and West Africa. Tt seems futile to say that sugar-cane can be But it would not be futile if the respective Departments of Agriculture took the matter up as a definite problem, and prepared a local statement showing immediate possibilities, These reports could then be considered by the Imperial Government as a basis for decision in the matter of providing preferential tariffs. SUGAR — INDUSTRY. COLONIAL CANE, OR HOME-GROWN BEET? In The Nineteenth Century and After, tor December 1914, Mr. Seard replies to Mr. J. W. Robertson Scott’s views on the proposed development of a British beet industry. Mr. Robertson Scott quotes the farmer’s profits at £3 per acre, but the present writer points out this would mean the production of 13 tons of beet per acre, containing 15 to 16 per cent. of sugar, which is even above the average for all conti- nental countries. The writer raises the question as to whether it would be wise to introduce beet into English systems of agriculture: ‘This country needs all the corn and dairy products it ean sow. Reference is made to the Cantley venture, which, it is believed, can not pay under normal conditions withont considerable protection. Vou. XIV. No. 334: THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 51 a II a a eee ee ee The cost of technical labour in England for one thing is higher than it is in Germany. During the German 1908-9 erop, one factory gave the high price of 22s. 4d. per ton for beet, and paid interest on capital of 22 per cent. Had the roots been paid for on the Cantley basis of 25s. for roots of normal sweetness, the dividend would have been reduced to 5 per cent. American and European evidence oes to show that for the establishment of a successful beet industry in Great Britain, there must be protection of at least the £2 10s. per ton enjoyed by German beet. The writer suggests that assistance should be given rather to colonial cane, which ean be produced at a much lower cost level than temperate beet. Sugar-cane can be grown at 10s. per ton, and 9 tons can be trken as making a ton of 96° sugar. In England it costs, according to the writer, 20s. to grow! a ton of beet, and 7 tons go to a ton of 88° sugar. This means that cost per ton is Cane sugar £4 10s. 3cet sy, Lit But the factory expenses for cane are greater than those for beet, although the megass is used for fuel, stores, skilled labour, ete. is higher. Also the exhausted slices of beet form good cattle food. Capital expenditure is much the same in both instances, so first cost production of cane sugar is low by reason of the lower cost of the raw material. As a set-off in the cost of cane sugar, there are freight and shipping expenses to be con- sidered, equal to about £1 10s to £2 per ton, in time of peace. Colonial sugar could then compete with continental beet if it received preferential treatment equal to that which con- tinental beet receives. There is about 550,000 tons of cane sugar available for the requirements of Great Britian annually. This is produced in British Guiana, the British West Indies, Mauritius, and Fiji. The remaining million tons might be produced in Africa. The carriage of this produce would be beneficial to shipping interests. The home-grown beet sugar could compete with the colonial, which would be handicapped by shipping charges. Consumers need not be afraid of the protective tariff necessary. Even if it were as high as £2 10s. per ton, the increase in the price as compared with that due to the present duty would only be one-fourth of a farthing per b., or 5d. per annum per head of population. Political reference is made to the fact that the Govern- ment on leaving the Brussels Convention pledged themselves not to give preference to colonial sugar. The Government reserved the right, however, of withdrawing the pledge after giving six months’ notice. The writer concludes by pointing out that the climatic and labour conditions in the Tropics can be relied upon much more than Mr. Robertson Scott supposes. MESSCHAERT JUICE GROOVES. In the Agricultural News, Vol. XIII, p. 337 (October 24,1914), attention is drawn to the Messchaert Grooved Roller for sugar mills. It was there stated that the device described appeared to possess merit, and that detailed reports of the results of their employment were awaited with interest. In the Louisiana Planter for December 26, 1914, p. 412, Mr. P. Messchaert gives an account of the results obtained in the use of rollers grooved as he recommends, and also details further experiments in attempts to extend the application of the system he advocates. In the first instance the application of the grooves was. recommended to apply to the feed rollers. As the result of employing rollers grooved as recommended, it is found that the juice flows away easily from a grooved roller, passing out by the back as well as the front of the feed roller: the amount of the fine trash that is pressed into the grooves is said to be small, and to be easily removed. It is further stated that as the result of applying the grooves, the running of the engine driving the mills became much more even, that it was possible to grind some 10 per cent. more cane for the application of the same amount. of. steam power, and that the resulting megass was much more- even in quality, presenting greatly diminished fluctuations both in the sugar and the water contents. It is stated that grooving enables large quantities of maceration water to be used without difficulty. The most marked improvements * have been obtained, as might be expected, from the application of the system te those mills doing less perfect work; more perfect mills pres- ent less margin for improvement. In order to increase the extraction (crushing) when grooves are introduced, all that is necessary is to close the: rollers until the megass begins to refuse to feed freely: this is said to be the main point to observe to make the system a success. Tables are given, showing the changes in the dimensions of the feed-opening in the case of six sets of” mills in Hawaii. As the result of experience, the author now recommends ‘to give the juice grooves not more than 23-inch pitch and. dinch width. It is safe,’ he states, ‘to make them 1} inches’ deep, in 34-inch and 36-inch rollers. In 30-inch rollers, 1 inch depth is sufficient, with the same width and pitch, as these- mills have so much smaller capacity in proportion to the length of the roller. One inch depth is enough as the bagasse does not press more than }-ineh or 3-inch deep in the- groove, and is released by.its own elasticity after passing the- point of pressure. A small amount stays in the grooves and is easily removed by the scrapers.’ Some experiments have been made in grooving the- discharge rollers, and further improvements appear to result from this. In one instance the ‘discharge roller of mill # was turned smooth and only juice grooves }-inch wide, inch deep, and 1 inch pitch putin. This fourth mill now did better work than ever and gave a better extraction, but it has. been in operation too short atime to say how it will stand. wear.’ The writer goes on to say that ‘the top roller should always be kept rough as it has to pull the bagasse over the returner bar, and we keep the surface grooves of 2-inch pitch. on them.’ Appended to the paper are reports of six engineers and managers giving their experience in employing grooved rollers, and from these it is evident that considerable gains in effici- ency have been experienced. ————_ Considerable excitement obtains in Australian sugar circles in connexion with the price of sugar. This appears to have been raised in Queensland, but in New South Wales sellers are not given the same advantages in this respect. The matter is diseussed in the Australian Sugar Journal for December 3, 1914. 52 THE FRUIT AND FRUIT TREES. CACAO PROHIBITION: EFFECT ON PRICES.* At the closing auctions of 1914, in London, prices for cacao were ruling high. The intention to resume sales on January 5 was frustrated by the inability of the docks and wharves to unload steamers, and it was consequently impos- sible to get samples wp in time. Writing under date of January 12, Gillespie Bros. & Co. state: ‘For some weeks the chief strength of the market has lain in the demand for export to neutral European countries: but on the 7th inst. the Government prohibited the export to any country on the Continent excepting France, Russia, Spain, Portugal, and to some specified Mediterranean ports. Naturally the effect upon the market was very depressing, business being practically brought to standstill. ‘Interest in the supplies offered at auction to-day (when 5,545 bags were catalogued) was also seriously affected, and fine Grenada opened at 10s. decline, two fine marks selling at 66s. As importers generally were disinclined to accept so great a reduction, almost the whole of the catalogues were retired. Subsequently some parcels of fine Grenada were sold at 68s., and this may be considered to-day’s value. Common West Indian may be called 5s. lower: we value ordinary Jamaica at 63s. per cwt; some plantation Trinidad sold at 70s. i ‘Accra has fluctuated considerably in Liverpool, fair- fermented dropping to 48s. (Dec.-Jan. shipment), but recover- ing afterwards to 52s. ‘Superior Bahia is being pressed for sale in Liverpool at very low prices.’ 1915, Messrs. BOARD OF TRADE FIGURES (RAW) FoR 12 MONTHS. Imports. H.C. & Export. Stock 31 Dee. 1914 42,211 tons 40,733 11,154 1913. . 34,983. ,, 33,938 9,875 CACAO BUDDING IN ESTATE PRACTICE. Tt has been demonstrated at more than one Agricultural Experiment Station in the West Indies, and in other parts of the Tropies as well, that the actual operation of budding cacao can be carried out with every reasonable hope of success. The fact that budding as an art has been satisfactorily accom- plished is of much interest, but it will be of no practical benefit to the planter until experiments have been made to find out whether it is more profitable in the long run to establish estates with budded cacao rather than with seedlings. From an article by Mr. W. G. Freeman, B.Se., which appears in the Bulletin of the Department of Agriculture, Trinidad and Tobago (November-December 1914), it is learnt that such experiments are now being undertaken in Trinidad. The writer points out first the data which must be available *As we go to press, Messrs. Gillespie Bros. & Co.’s report dated January 27,1915, comes to hand, in which it is stated that the tone of the market, in spite of the prohibition, has shown a gradual improvement, the prices for West Indian supplies showing a recovery of 1s. to 2s. per ewt, Reade s will have noted that this improvement has been maintained from the cabled quotations during the past fortnight. AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Frsruary -13, 1915, in order that the planter may decide what is the correct answer to the vital question—‘Does it pay’! It is necessary to know the cost of preparing budded plants on a considerable scale, the season at which to bud, the habit of budded trees, the best planting distance for budded trees, their power of resistance, age at which they come into bearing, extent to which they retain the characteristics of the parent tree, and the yeild of budded trees compared with ordinary seedlings. Before proceeding to describe the special experiments laid down, the writer puts forward a few facts in connexion with the operation of budding. For instance, it is stated that bud wood when covered up with earth, remains in perfectly good condition for work on the next day. It is pointed out, also, that it is an advantage to be able to bud in the nursery, where the plants remain, demanding only ordinary nursery treatment, until thoroughly established. This circumstance is compared with the difticult procedure entailed in grafting by approach on the plantation. Coming to the essential part of the article, the plots which have been arranged for this experiment of comparison are as follows:— ORDINARY SHADE. A. One acre of cacao budded at stake. B. One acre of cacao budded in nursery. C, One acre of cacao seedlings. D. One acre of cacao grafted. sHapE. E. One acre of cacao budded at stake. F. One acre of cacao seedlings. NO PERMANENT The planting distance throughout is 12 feet by 12 feet. In order to make the results a real test of the value of budded or grafted plants, as compared with seedlings, it is necessary that the buds and grafts should be taken from the same trees as those which supply the seeds. Accordingly, a large number (twenty-nine) of Forastero trees have been selected on account of their bearing capacity over a period of four years, and the character of their cacao. A corresponding set has been selected for the Calabacillo stocks. The stock plants raised on plots A, Band E, will be budded or grafted next year from the same Forastero trees which supplied the seed for the seedling plots, and in the same proportion. It will be understood that seed from the whole of the selected trees is distributed uniformly throngh the plots. The results will, therefore, be thoroughly com- parable, for seedling budded and grafted plants, all of exactly the same age, and all derived from exactly the same known trees, will ultimately be growing side by side under similar conditions. ; It will be seen from this brief outline of the experiments, that the results in a few years, on account of the considerable ° seale of the work in hand, should provide valuable information for the benefit of cacao planters. The increased employment of explosives in agriculture has necessitated the introduction of special legislation in New South Wales. It is stated in the Agricultural Gazette of that State (December 1914), that under the Act, any person is entitled to keep explosives, such as gelignite, cheddite, together with detonators, up to a total weight of 25 tbh. For any quantity in excess of this amount, a magazine is necessary. The construction of such a magazine is deseribed in the article under consideration. eal —_—- — -—_— — ia 2 r Vou, XEV. No. 334 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 5: uw INDIAN CORN. COMMERCIAL HANDLING OF MAIZE IN ANTIGUA: A copy of an important proclamation, made by His Excellency the Governor, has just been forwarded by the Department of Agriculture from Antigua, which must be regarded as marking a decided advance inthe attempts which have for many months now been made to develop the maize industry in the Leeward Islands and elsewhere. The necessity for giving consideration to increased production of Indian corn rests largely in the fact that the price of wheat, and indeed of most foodstuffs, has considerably advanced as aresult of the war. It is very important that dependence on imported foodstutts should be reduced as much as possi- ble. This can be effected by the production of corn under the arrangements expounded in the proclamation under consideration. For the past nine months experiments have been con- ducted in Antigua, which have proved conclusively that maize grown in that island can be thoroughly dried in a kiln; that corn so treated will keep in excellent condition for several months; and that Antigua kiln-dried corn is, in every way, as good as, if not better than the cora imported from erica. It has also been proved that the production of corn meal of excellent quality presents no difficulties. Under the circumstances stated above, the Government has decided to step in and give the movement official support. The kiln-drying plant, which was erected in April last, is being extended and improved, and will shortly be in a position to cope with large quantities of grain. The Government granary will deal with corn in either one of the following ways: (1) the co-operative plan; (2) the purchase of corn for cash out-right; (3) the kiln-drying of corm Under the co-operative plan, the Government granary will, on and after May 31 next, be ready to purchase any quantity, up to 10,000 bushels of maize of good quality, on the cob, at a fixed price of 2s. 6d. per bushel of shelled grain. Such a price is believed to cover approximately the average cost of production. The grain so bought will be shelled, kiln-dried, and stored, It will gradually be sold by auction, tender, or otherwise, according to local requirements, and to the best advantage. The profits on such transactions, after deducting all expenses, will be divided into four equal parts. One part will be credited to the granary, and the remaining three parts will be distributed in due proportion among the various growers who supplied the corn. The second plan provides for the sale of corn outright to the granary. In sucha case a price of 3s. 6d. per bushel of shelled corn, of good quality, will be paidup to June 30 next, and the granary will not bind itself to purchase more than a total quantity of 5,200 bushels. It will be under- stood that the sellers of such corn will have no claim to participate in any profits which the granary may make in dealing with the grain. The third plan will meet the desires of growers who do not wish to dispose of their corn, and who only wish to have it dried. The charge for kiln-drying grain will not be more than 6d. a bushel, and the corn should be removed within three days of delivery. Itis possible, however, that storage room for sueh grain will be available at the granary at a moderate charge. ate In forwarding the copy from which the above intov- mation has been taken, the Superintendent of Agriculture adds that the necessary machinery for completing the equipment has been ordered from America, and will, it is anticipated, arrive in Antigua in about one month’s time. MAIZE CONSUMPTION IN DIFFERENT FORMS BY SWINE. The increased attention which is being given in the West Indies to the cultivation of Indian corn, and to the raising of pigs, lends special interest to an article dealing with the digestibility of maize in different forms, appearing in the Biochemical Bulletin for April and July 1914. The authors begin by pointing out that maize, as a fat and energy-producing cereal for meat production, has been the subject of numerous interesting and practical experiments, especially in connexion with swine. Digestion trials have been conducted with heavy-weight hogs, above twelve months old and 200 Ib. in weight, and also with light-weight swine, approximately eighty days old and weighing about 70 hb. The comparative digestibility of maize fed im five forms, namely, whole grain on pod, shelled grain dry, shelled grain soaked, ground g grain dried, ground grain soaked, has ‘been carefully studied, The results obtained indicate that light-weight swine digested whole grain on pod and shelled grain more thoroughly than did the heavy swine, while the latter utilized the soaked ground grain to better advantage than the former. The light- weight swine have the highest digestion coetticient for whole grain on pod, then dried shelled, dried ground, soaked shelled, and soaked ground grain, respectively: whereas with the heavy-weights, the soaked ground grain has the highest digestibility, then, successively, dried ground, dried shelled, ear, and soaked shelled corn. A remarkable correlation between digestibility, and time required for digestion was found, it having been bronght to notice by observations on the interval between the ingestion of bone black and its appearance in the fceces. More time was required for the food to pass through the alimentary canal of the light-weight swine in every case, except the soaked ground grain, than was required for this process by the heavy-weights. The former also digested all the prepara- tions, excepting soaked ground grain, more thoroughly than did the latter. The same kind of correlation exists to some degree for each class of swine. Thus, with the younger swine, the ear corn was most digestible, then dried shelled, dried ground, soaked shelled, and soaked ground, in the order mentioned. The ear corn remained longest in the digestive tract, then dried ground, dried shelled, soaked shelled® and soaked ground grain, respectively. The older swine digested soaked ground maize the most advantageously, then dried shelled, dried ground, ear, and soaked shelled grain, successively. The soaked ground corn required the longest time for traversing the alimentary tract, then dried shelled, ear, dried ground, and soaked shelled, the latter two being equal in this respect. Concluding, it may be stated that in a general way these feeding experiments have demonstrated that light hogs, weighing less than 200 tb., make the most rapid gains with whole corn on cob, in a natural state; while heavy-weight swine make the most rapid gains with the soaked shelled and soaked ground grains. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Fesruary 13, 1915. WEST INDIAN COTTON. Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool, ? write as follows, under date January 23, with reference to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton:— Since our last report about 80 bales of West Indian Sea Island cotton have been sold, chiefly Nevis 13d. to 1344d., a few St. Kitts at 15d., and Jamaica at 13d. Prices remain steady, but owing to the war, spinners _who mostly have stocks in hand, are net disposed to add to them until times are better. The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week ended January 16, is as follows:— There was a demand this week for the Fine, and Fine off in colour, for which Factors were willing to make some con- cession, but the remaining offerings of the odd bags in stock are still being held at our quotations. As the odd bags of the crop are thought to be nearly all marketed, and with only a moderate quantity of Fine, Fully Fine, and Extra Fine remaining in stock, Factors are in hopes they will be needed in time, enabling them to get their asking prices. The crop lots continue to be held above the views of buyers. We quote, viz:— Extra Fine 23¢. = 133d., cif. & 5 per cent. Fully Fine 20c. to 21c.=12d. to123d., ” ” he ” Fine 18c. = 1 ld. ” ” ” ” Fine off in colour 16c. = 10d. 53 Bp ae ics This report shows that the total exports of Sea Island cotton from the United States to Liverpool, Manchester, and Havre, up to January 16, 1915, were 50, 1,012, and nil bales, respectively. VEGETABLE GROWING IN ANTIGUA. The report on the Botanie Station Plots, Antigua, 1913-4, was reviewed in a the Agricultural News, but in the space was not found possible to include a detailed account of any one series of experiments. In view of the importance of the local cultivation of foodstuffs at the present time, it has heen thought desirable to reproduce from the report an account of the work done in regard to the growing of vegetables. Mention has frequently been made in this journal of the important onion-growing industry that exists in Antigua, and attention has been ealled to an experiment made by the Curator, which showed that onion seeds, planted in situ, give a greater yield per acre than those transplanted according to local custom, The figures obtained from a }-acre plot were, mm situ, 396 tb. of onions; ordinary planting, 268 Ib. Onions planted i situ do not have such a good shape as onions that have been transplanted. It would be well for the and Experiment recent number of of that article it local onion grower, however, to consider in future the advisa- bility of sowing a small proportion, at least, of his seed in this- manner. Part of the crop would then be ready for the very early markets. His main erop could be grown according to the recognized local custom. The question of the keeping qualities of onion seed has been brought up from time to time by local growers, and another experiment made by the Curator showed that onion seeds can be kept with a fair amount of safety, in properly sealed receptacles, for about six months, after which the power of germination rapidly decreases. The above results have been referred to sxlready in the publications of this Department, but there is no harm in bringing such important practical points again before the public. Useful trials have been made with varieties of tomatoes. The plants were pruned, so that each possessed one stalk only. A cheap medinm on which to train them was found in old telephone wires nailed to posts, which were sunk in various. parts of the beds. The seeds were sown towards the end of September 1913. The poorest yielding variety was Crimson Cushion, which gave 27} ib. of fruit from s3p-acre. The best yielding variety appears to be Aeme, which from the same area gave 554 1b., though in this case the percentage of bad fruit was rather high. Readers interested in tomatoes should follow these experi- ments in the Annual Reports themselves. It is interesting to add, that there is every possibility of exporting tomatoes to Canada. Varietal experiments with yams were again conducted during the year. The varieties grown at the Experiment Station are popular with planters, and there is asa rule, a brisk demand for sets for planting purposes. In these~ trials, which were designed to test the value of manuring as well as purely varietal characteristics, the produce from the manured plot was, in most cases, less than that from the unmanured. The most remarkable exception in regard to. increased yield through manuring is afforded by the variety crop, which, unmanured, gave 151 tbh. from ,))-acre, and 232 tb. from the same area, manured. From the results of variety trials conducted during the last fourteen years, a variety called Light Red heads the list, with an average yield of 85 b. per plot. The lowest position is occupied by a variety called Cush, which gave an average figure of 40 1b. per plot. An examination of the figures presented leads one to the conclusion, that not a great deal of reliance can be placed on these average figures, because the variation from year to year is so considerable. For instance, in 1906-7, Light Red yielded 161 tb. per plot, whereas in 1911-12, it yielded only 36 tb. per plot. These ftuctuations in yield are probably due to climatic changes rather than to positive characteristics of the plant itself. DEPARTMENT NEWS. The Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture for the West Indies returned to Barbados on February 10, 1915, by the R.M.S. ‘Trent’, after paying an official visit to St. Vincent. In view of the depression in the cotton industry, the Trade Index of New Orleans, for January 2, 1915, says that it may be necessary to bring about greater diversification of the Louisiana crops. It is pointed out that corn, oats, hay, cattle and hogs can all be produced in the Southern States in unlimited quantities, if the cotton crops cease to be Inecrative. Vor. XIV. No. 334. THE BRITISH EAST AFRICA: ANNUAL REPORT ON THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICGLTURE, 1912-13. It is a matter for considerable regret that the Protect- orate of British East Africa has been brought within range of war operations, for the Annual Report under review makes it evident that this great Possession is in a state of much prosperity as regards trade and agriculture. The publication opens with an interesting table showing the comparative values of the various articles exported and imported from Mombasa during the last six years. An examination of the ‘export figures for 1912-13 shows that during recent years a large and continuous increase has taken place in the amount and value of such exported products as copra, cotton, beans and peas, ostrich feathers, and especially maize (Indian corn). Consideration of the corresponding table of exports brings out the interesting fact that British East Africa, although it is to a large extent a tropical country, does not produce any sugar. The importsof sugar during 1912-13 were worth some £70,000. Itis possible that in the near future agricultural systems may be modified in this ‘Protectorate, and that the cultivation of sugar-cane may be substituted for that of other crops, the produce of which ‘may no longer be in such great demand. On account of the more or less temperate climate experienced up-country, the raising of live stock is one of the chief industries in British East Africa. Passing over the general remarks made in regard to cattle and sheep—matters that are of no great interest to the West ‘Indies—we may reproduce one or two statements made ‘concerning the pig industry in the Protectorate. It has been recorded in the Agricultural News that a central bacon factory has for some time been satisfactorily established in East Africa, and the report on this concern is of interest. It appears that during the past year or two unfavourable results have followed the execution of a policy whereby the company has, in the past, purchased from breeders, animals irrespective as to suitability for. the manufacture of the company’s products. A short time ago the factory decided to accept only high-class bacon animals; consequently settlers were left with a large number of pigs, which they had ‘to dispose of elsewhere at very low and unprofitable prices. The country is well adapted for pig breeding, and the ‘production of good bacon is beyond doubt, for consignments ‘which have been sent to the home markets have realized ‘within 2s. per ewt. of the best Danish. Thus, provided high- grade breeding stock is kept, and the animals are well fed “from birth, and primed up on food such as maize (which gives solidity to the flesh produced), the industry is certain to become well established, and extremely profitable. The account of the various crop eultivations in British East Africa is dealt with in a general way by the Director in his preliminary report, and in a more detailed manner by the ‘Chief of the Economic Plants Division (Mr. H. Powell, formerly of the Agricultural Department of St. Vincent, B.W.1I.), in his special report on economic plants. One of “ihe principal cultivations in the Protectorate is that of sisal. AGRICULTURAL NEWS Bo On page 13 of the report data are given showing the various yields which have been recorded from time to time. that in British East Africa 1 tb. average, from seventeen leaves: plant yields 160 leaves. This figure is said to hold good for German East Africa also. The yield of fibre per acre is stated to be just short of 3 tons. In Mr. Powell’s report some useful information is given in connexion with the same subject. On account of its more detailed nature, a consider- ation of this matter will be reserved for another page in this It seems of fibre is got, on an On an average, again, each journal. A most important East African crop is coffee, the value of the exports for 1912-13 being just double those of the previous year, and greater still than those of former years. A slight scare has been created through the discovery of the leaf fungus Hemeleia Vustatrix, but there is no reason to believe that the fungus has only just been introduced, and consequently the cireumstance of its observation should not necessarily interfere with an extension of coffee growing. Correspondence with India has been carried on with a view to obtaining information as to the best methods of control. A crop with which much progress has been made as regards yield of produce, is maize. As already stated, the quantity exported has been continually rising, but the quality is not of a high standard, and this is said to be due largely to the prices paid to natives being usually the same for selected as for mixed grain; in. consequence, there is little incentive to grade. It is stated that there is great need for a large warehouse, to hold some 2,000 to 3,000 tons of corn, where each bag of corn can be inspected, and stored until shipped. Although no regular system of examination has been in vogue, careful efforts have been made to check the export of weevilly maize, and when the weevils were detected in any consignment, the whole was submitted to fumigation. It is hoped, in the future, to be able to follow the example of South Africa, and institute Government brands for Indian corn. In the coastal regions, where the climate is more intensely tropical, coco-nuts are a thriving crop: but for some time the trees have sutfered considerably from the attacks of the palm beetle Oryctes. The Plant Inspector has been travelling in this district with a view to encouraging the natives to destroy infested trees, particularly those lying on the ground. Because of the great variation in the climatic conditions of British East Africa, it is to be expected that the kind of crops grown are very diverse. In fact, at the higher eleva- tions (6,000 feet), wheat and alfalfa thrive. Here the temperature ranges between 42° and 78° F. At a lower level, where irrigation is possible, cotton is a satisfactory crop to grow, and as already pointed out, the value of the exports of this product have rapidly increased, being 7,580 rupees in 1907-8, and 556,241 rupees in 1912-13 (10°78 rupees =£] sterling). We may conclude this review with a few notes on the veterinary information incorporated in the publication. In certain districts East Coast fever and rinderpest are common amongst stock, whilst horses appear to suffer considerably from epizootic lymphangitis—a disease well known in the West Indies. Trials have been made to cure this disease by treatment with salvarsan (606). It is said that it has a marked effect when used in a sufficiently early stage of the disease. Excision of the diseased tissue, followed by the application of iodine, is also practised with good results in the early stages of the disease. In order to prevent spread, all affected animals are isolated if possible. Amongst pigs, swine fever and anthrax have been somewhat prevalent. a6 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. EDITORIAL NOTICES. Letters and matter for publication, as well as all gpecimens for naming, should be addressed to the ommussioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture, Barbados. All applications for copies of the ‘Agricultural News should be addressed to the Agents, and not to the Department. Local Agents: Advocate Co., Ltd., Broad St., Bridgetown. London Agents: Messrs. Dulau & Co., 87, Soho Square, W.; West India Committee, Seeth- ing Lane, E.C. The complete list of Agents will be found on page 3 of the cover. The Agricultural News: Price 1d. per number, post free 2d. Annual subscription payable to Agents, 2s. 2d. Post free, 4s. 4d. Agricultural Hews No. 334. Vor. XIV. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1915. NOTES AND COMMENTS. Contents of Present Issue. The editorial in this number deals with the sugar - situation. An attempt is made to outline the probable position during the coming year, and the action which may be taken in regard to sugar supplies in following years. Under the heading of Sugar Industry, on page 50, will be found two articles, one dealing with the ques- tion of British-grown beet, and the other describing the advantages attendant on the employment of grooved sugar mills. Important experiments, from the point of view of the estate, are described in an article on page 52, which deals with the budding of cacao. The commercial handling of maize in Antigua, and the consumption of this corn in different forms by swine, are dealt with in two articles on page 53. East Africa Departmental Agricultural conditions in british are deseribed under the heading of Reports, on page 55. An important note in connexion with recent legislation against citrus canker will be found on this page. The subject of this disease, from the admin- istrative point of view, will be dealt with editorially In our next issue, 13, 1915. FEBRUARY United States Canker. Mr. C. W. Martin, American Consul at Barbados, has forwarded to this Office, the following information relative to the Notice of Quarantine, No. 19. The fact has been determined by the Secretary of Agriculture that a dangerous disease of citrus plants, known as the Citrus Canker, and also other citrus diseases, new to, and not heretofore widely prevalent or distributed within and throughout, the United States, exists in Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, North America outside of the United States, and foreign Oceanic countries and islands, and are coming to the United States with imported citrus nursery stock. An Act has been passed to prevent the further introduction into the United States of citrus canker and other citrus diseases, to forbid the importation into the United States ofall citrus nursery stock, including buds, scions and seeds, from the foreign countries and localities named, and from any other toreign locality or country. On and after January 1, 1915, and until further notice, by virtue of the said Act, the importation from all foreign localities and countries of citrus nursery stock, including buds, scions and seeds, except for experimental or scientific purposes by the Department of Agriculture, is prohibited. The term ‘citrus’ as used herein shall be under- stood to inelude all plants belonging to the sub-family or tribe Citratae. Attention will be given to citrus canker editorially in the next number of the Agricultural News. Quarantine against Citrus Effect of the Tropics on the Blood. Tke question of the influence of a tropical climate upon the blood of children of European descent is dealt with in the Annals of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology (December 15, 1914), im a paper by A. Breinl and H. Priestley, of the Australian Institute of Tropical Medicine. The investigation on which the paper is based was carried out in Queensland, and some very interesting results, possibly applicable in the West Indies, were obtained. It is worthy of note that previous investigations on the same subject have led to more or less contradictory results, but the present con- clusions, being based on a large number of observations, may be considered as fairly well established. The conclusions are as follows. Careful blood examinations performed on 574 school children in Townsville, Queensland, of European descent, of ages between seven and fifteen years, of whom the majority had been born and had resided in Tropical Queensland during their whole life, indicated (1) that the average number of red blood corpuscles is not diminished when compared with analogous figures for children born and bred in a temperate climate; (2) that the average haemoglobin content of the blood is normal: (3) that the number of leucocytes (white corpuscles), is slightly increased: (4) that the average blood pressure does not show any difference from that of normal children in temperate climes. eC Office) is cloves. Wore AV. No: 33d: THE Agricultural Credit Societies. In a paper read betore the International Congress of Tropical Agriculture, Mr. J. M. Doine dealt with co-operative societies, principally in regard to India: but although personally unacquainted with the West Indies, he made some observations on the position here. The author looked to the East Indian immigrants as the most lkely section of the people in the Western Tropics to take up self-governing societies successfully, but he recognized that the Land Settlement system is a great help in the establishment of societies among the native peasantry. adopting a too elaborate system of accounts at the first, since this puts too much strain on the elected officials. Mr. Domne regarded the co-operation of the Church a very important factor in securing permanent success. The writer is apparently unfamiliar with the more recent West Indian literature on the subject. No reference is made to the St. Vincent Agricultural Credit Ordinance, which was passed in 1913, and pub- lished in the West Jndian Bulletin, Vol. XIV, No. 1, together with a report on the working of the Credit Societies in that Colony. St. Vincent is the only British possession, excluding India, which possesses legislation for the provision of Raiffeisen banks. The circumstance is of importance, even if only from the point of view of its bemg a valuable experiment from the results of which other Colomes are bound to benefit negatively, if not positively. ED aa ___ Agriculture in Zanzibar. By far the most important product of Zanzibar (which now comes under the jurisdiction of the Colonial The exports from this important industry in 1913 were worth £428,692. During that season the crop harvested was an exceedingly large one, the value of the exports being greater than those of previous years. The average yield per annum from a plantation of about 3,000 trees of about sixty years old, owned and managed by Europeans, is £8 per tree. Ninety-eight trees are planted to the acre. Coco-nut cultivation ranks next im importance after cloves. It is estimated that there are about 45,000 acres under coco-nuts in Zanzibar. Copra produced on the Government plantations has been most favourably reported on by London brokers. The copra exported in 1913 was worth £216,842. As regards land grants, it is interesting to note there are a number of plantations in the hands of the Government, and under the control of the Department of Agriculture, with an area of about 16,000 acres. These fine properties formerly belonged to the Sultans of Zanzibar, and the Government policy in retaining them is imfluenced by the desire to keep them under efficient management, and free fron mortgage, until such time as rehable planters are found to take them over. As a general rule there is much scope for Juropean enterprise in Zanzibar. Communication and climatic conditions have greatly improved during the last year or two, so that future prospects for development may be regarded as favourable. AGRICULTURAL He emphasized the folly of NEWS. 57 Utilization of Sun Power. An interesting paper was read at the International Congress of Tropical Agriculture on the Utilization of Sun Power for irrigation and other purposes connected with agriculture in the Tropies. The principle involved in these machines is the concentration of radiant energy by means of mirrors on to boilers enclosed in glass cases to check radiation. Mr. F. Shuman stated that results of tests of the sun power plant near Cairo in Egypt had been satis- factory. It is estimated that power can be produced in the Tropics at the same cost as if coal were less than LOs. per ton: and as coal in many parts of the Tropics costs £2 10s. per ton, upwards, the saving to be ettected by means of sun power plants is quite obvious. Though sun power plants cost more than coal-burning plants, the saving effected by not requiring any fuel is sufficient to wipe out the extra capital cost after two years, and in four years to pay entirely for the whole equipment, Discontinuity in sunlight is overcome by the art of using low pressure steam: boiling water is stored in tanks and the steam drawn upon as required. ne me we British Agriculture and the War. An influential concourse of expert advisers recently assembled in London at a meeting of the Agricultural Edueation Association to discuss ‘Aoricultural Products Deflected by the War. Nature for December 31, 1914, gives a summary of the remarks made by Dr. Russell, Director of the Rothamsted Experimental Station, m opening the discussion. The Director pointed out tha the present duty of the farmer was to increase the saleable output from his farm, particularly of those things which the community needs most. Reference was made to the importance of substituting for home- grown foodstutts, in the rations for British live stock, by-products from the Tropics. In this direction, as well as in others, short rapid trials are necessary rather than prolonged and more accurate ones. If changes are to be made they must be effected at the earliest possible moment. In time of peace the price of cereals is lower than at present. The reduction in the amount of produce grown on the farm for farm consumption would make room for a desirable increase in the area under wheat. In considering substitution of crops, an important problem is the possibility of making rearrangements, whereby products, not likely to be in much demand, shall cease to be produced. Early cucumbers, for example, have hitherto gone almost entirely to Germany, and this fact has luckily been realized in time to prevent usual production. In conclusion, Dr. Russell stated that the time was appropriate to urge on all farmers the need for reducing all waste toa minimum. Itcan never be too st rongly urged that waste is a sign of bad farming, and the present is a good time for reform. 58 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Pe Fepruary 13, 1915. he ee SS INSECT NOTES. PESTS OF CACAO. The following is a summary of the notes on insect pests of cocao given in van Hall’s hook Cacao, referred to in the insect notes in the last issue of the Agricultural News: The West Indian Mole cricket (Scapteriscus dedactylus,) which is known in British and Dutch Guiana, and in the Antilles, is at times a serious pest of young cacao plants in the nursery and field. The mole ericket feeds underground -on roots, The young and adult forms tunnel through the soil, ranging in depth from just beneath the surface to a foot or more. They eat roots of many sorts, and even those that -are not accepted as food are often nibbled enough to be injured. Cacao seedlings are attacked just at the point of juncture of the stem and root. In this way it happens that many plants are killed by a few mole crickets in one night. Since only the young cacao plants are attacked by the mole cricket, the remedy for plants in the field is simple. Young plants may be raised in pots in the nursery, being carefully protected from this insect until they are of sufficient sizé and strength to escape injury. They are then planted in the field. The nurseries may be kept comparatively free from mole crickets by frequent turning up of the soil, and the destruction of the insects, in which the common fowl is very useful. Poison may be applied also as a poison bait, which is made by mixing 3 bb. of arsenie with 100 tb. of horse-dung, and distributing this in the soil. This amount is recommended for 1 acre. The cacao tree is subject to attacks by borers in most countries where this crop is grown. “The life-history of these different enemies varies in detail, but in many respects their mode of life is the same,and accordingly, the fight against the various borers proceeds everywhere along.the same _ general line. ‘The beetle or moth lays its eggs against the stem, or _against a branch, often ina little hole made for the purpose in the bark. The larva or worm lives for some time in the bark or in the wood, and damages the tree to a greater or smaller extent. Often the presence of one borer may cause the death of a whole branch, which then looks as if it had been killed by fire, as all the brown and dry leaves remain hanging on the twigs. Whole trees, especia!ly young ones, may be killed in this way when the borer lives in the stem. At present the general way of fighting the borers is to remove the “worms” or larvae, cutting away the bark by means of a knife until the worm is exposed. On many plantations -a gang of trained worm pickers is kept for this purpose. If possible, these men also collect the perfect insects—whether beetle or moth—but generally, the number of captured perfect insects is small in comparison with the number of captured worms.’ The boring insects which attack countries are described as follows:— cacao in different The West Indian cacao borer (Stetrastoma depressum) is one of the worst pests of cacao in some of the Antilles, and in various countries in South America, The Glenea borer (Glenea novemguttiata) is the most common and most destructive kind of cacao borer in Java. The Pelargoderus beetle (Pelargoderus hipunctatus), and the Monohammus beetle (Monohammus fistulator) rank next to the Glenea as serious borers of cacao. In Kamerun, an allied Monohammus borer { Monohanmus ruspator) is recorded as a pest of this crop. The large Catoxantha beetle (Catorantha bicolor) has also been a borer pest in Java, and it is known to occur in British India. Shot borers of the genus Xyleborus are recorded as doing damage to cacao at times in certain countries, e.g. Trinidad and Java. The larva of a Bombycid moth, (Zeuzera coffeae), which is fairly common in Java, is at times a serious borer in cacao. Of the insects which attack the leaves, twigs and fruits, the Helopeltis is the worst in Ceylon, and only second im impor- tance in Java, There are two speices— //elopeltis thevvors, and H. antonir, the former of which is prevalent in very hot climates while the latter in the more common species in the cooler regions. The eggs of these insects are laid in the young fruits, and at times in the tender twigs. The larvae and adults feed upon fruits, twigs, and leat stalks of the cacao, but not on the leaf blade. The mouth parts are of the suckiig kind, fitted for piercing plant tissue and sucking out the juices. During the dry season the numbers of Helopeltis are small, but in the rainy months they increase to enormous numbers and cause great damage. The fight against these insects is rendered more difficult because they live on many different plants. The methods of control consist in collecting and burning. The collecting is done by means of a stick of bamboo with a ring of bamboo or a kind of fork at the end. The ring has a diameter of about 3 inches. This is passed through a cobweb until it is more or less covered with web, and it is then used by the labourers to catch the adult Helopeltis. The viscous juice of the Jack tree is sometimes used in place of cobwebs. Burning is accomplished by means of a bamboo stick filled with kerosene, arid fitted with a cotton wick. With this as a torch, the fruit are lightly scorched over, and many Helopeltis are killed} but neither this nor the catching method is very satisfactory. Helopeltis seem to have very few natural enemies, and no diseases are known which exercise any control over them. It is stated that an ant, Dolichoderus bituberculatus, Mays, has been introduced into cacao fields with marked suecess in reducing the numbers of Helopeltis, although the ant does not attack the Helopeltis. The author does not say, however, why or low the introduction of large numbers of the ant accomplishes the result. The Rind bug (Sahibergella singularis) is stated to be the worst insect pest of cacao in Kamerun, This is also a sucking insect, which punctures the bark or rind of young twigs and inflicts serious injury. Good results in controlling this insect have been obtained from spraying with a mixture of Paris green (40 grams), kerosene (3 litres), soap (1 kilogram), lime (1 or 2 kilograms), and water (100 litres). A 1-per cent. decoction of tobacco has also been used with success, and burning, as in the case of Helopeltis, is likewise effective. The Mogqguilla isthe worst pest of cacao in Eenador. This is an unidentified hemipterous insect, which in both larval and adult stages feed on the developing pod. Every puncture made by the mouth parts of these insects results in a discoloured spot, and when these spots are numerous, as they often are, the whole pod turns black and does not develop properly. The pest has been known in Ecuador for the past twenty-five years, and at present occurs throughout the entire coast region. In some seasons it is so serious that practically no sound cacao is secured. Very little is known about the life-history of this insect, and no effective methods of control seem to be known. Leaf-eating caterpillars are not serious pests of cacao. Wor; XV. «No. 334, = THE AGRICULTURAL . NEWS. 59 The cacao thrips (Heliothrips {Physopus] rubrocinctus), which oceurs in the West Indies and Surinam, is mentioned as being at times a serious pest. Spraying with kerosene emulsion, which has been found successful in Grenada, has not given satisfactory results in Surinam, In Java, the cacao moth (Zaratha eramerella) is a most serious pest on many plantations, causing greater losses even than the Helopeltis. The larvae of this ‘small moth live in the cacao pods, tunnelling through the wall of the pod into the seed cavity, and though they do not attack the seeds, these are often spoiled as a result of the injury to the pods and the pulp. Only one method of control has been successful, that known as ‘rampassing’, which consists in picking all the fruit at adefinite season of the year, and destroying them. The first picking, which occurs some five months after rampassing, yields fruits which are nearly all free from moth attack. Each subsequent picking vields larger and larger numbers of infested pods, until nearly all are infested. Attacks of birds do not cause much loss in any cacao- producing country, although a certain number of pods are attacked, and the seeds eaten. Rats and squirrels are serious pests in many localities, but these may often be checked by the judicious use of poisons. Deer and pigs also cause injuries which at times, and in certain countries, are serious. The deer injure the trees by rubbing the bark off, while the pigs, in digging for grubs and other food, often injure the roots of the trees, and sometimes wholly uproot young trees. TICKS IN RELATION TO DISEASES OF STOCK. During the last two or three years the tick question has received special attention by the Imperial Department in the Windward and Leeward Islands, and several papers have been published as a result of the work done. For a longer period in Jamaica trials have been made with sprays and dips to eradicate these pests. In connexion with this work, a publication recently received from Messrs. Cooper and Nephews, M.R.C.V.S., of Berkenstead, England, will be of interest to planters in the West Indies. This booklet explains the anatomy and life-cycles of ticks, and the nature of the diseases which they transmit. Especially interesting, on account of the practical experience of the authors in all parts of the Tropics, is that section devoted to the methods of eradication. The various poisonous solutions employed as dips are described, as well as what are known as ‘starvation methods’ of eradication. This latter system involves the idea of causing ticks to live in a pasture fora certain time, in the absence of a suitable host. There are several methods that can be employed in carrying this out, and the best known is perhaps the pasture rotation method, which includes a tick-free cultivated section, and three cropped fields all separated from one another by fences. The method of procedure is described in considerable detail. The publication concludes with an account of Coopers’ spraying and dipping appliances, one of which was used with considerable success recently in Antigua. Accompanying the publication is a reprint of a paper,entitled Tick Eradica- tion in the West Indies (an account of cattle-spraying operations in Antigua), by Mr. P. T. Saunders, M.R.C.V.S., formerly Veterinary Officer on the staff of the Imperial Department of Agriculture. NOTES ON ANTS. The Curator of the “Botanic Gardens in Dominica torwards a letter from a planter in that island, who refers to the article in a recent number of the Agricul- tural News (see Vol. XIII, p. 376, November 21, 1914), in which is given an abstracted account of a species of ant occurring in the Seychelles. The following is quoted from the letter:— The writer of the article considers that it is the fact that ants protect certain scale insects, but it is not proved that they do more. I have seen the small black biting ant carrying the flat transparent scale to plant it on the under side of the leaf of a small grafted mango. Also doing the same thing on new shoots of orange. The same ant is the one that makes the earthern cover- ings to the mealy scale on pine-apples from. the ground-level up: also on Callalloo and other plants. Personally I have been convinced for a long time that the ant is responsible for the spread of many injurious insects. It roams over the whole land here, and I believe it selects by instinct or by trial every plant or tree that suits those insects. of which it can make use and then starts the colonies of them.. Tam under the impression that the large black biting ant also cultivates insects for use, but in this case altogether- underground and possibly on roots. If there is any practicable method of abolishing ants, . I should be very glad indeed to hear of it. The Imperial Department has made recommenda tions for the destruction and control of ants, and it. would be of interest to know whether trials of the- remedies or methods suggested have given any conclu-- sive results in the West Indies. The following references in the Agricultural News- to recommendations for the control of ants may be- mentioned: Vol. X, p. 346, Vol. XIII, pp. 298 and 392. In the Pamphlet No. 71, Insect Pests of the Lesser- Antilles, ants and their control is discussed at page 147. Work in the Experiment Station and Botanic Garden, St. Lucia, during December, included the distribution of~ lime plants, the picking of cotton, road making, painting sugar works, gates and fences, sowing lime seeds, and other- operations. Nearly the whole of the labour in the Botanic: Garden was employed throughout the month in breaking: coral, and repairing the roads throughout the Garden. According to a recent quarterly report forwarded to this. Office from the Acting Curator, Tortola, Virgin Islands, this season’s cotton crop has been quite early, and during the period under review, i.e. the quarter ended December 1914, 61 bales of 220 Tb. each of lint were ginned and baled at the- Cotton Factory. It is stated that the growers view the mar- ket situation with considerable apprehension, but those who- sell to the factory, at which the price has been reduced from Te. per tb. to 5e., seem to regard, on some sides, the reduction with reasonable satisfaction. ; 60 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Fresruary 13, 1915. GLEANINGS. ——— The importance of grading eggs for market is very great, and this subject is dealt with in Leatlet No. 13 of the English Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, under the general heading of marketing of eggs. The testing of this produce is also discussed. It is reported in the Monthly Bulletin of Agricultural Intelligence and Plant Diseases, for October 1914, that recent research in Berlin has proved that it is quite ont of the ques- ‘tion to think that bees have a sense of colour in any way comparable with that possessed by man. The English Board of Agriculture and Visheries Leaflet, No. 285, gives a useful practical account of bacon curing on the estate. The weight of pigs, slanghtering, preparing the carcass, curing, pickling, and smoking are all dealt with in considerable detail. A paper in the Biochemical Bulletin for April and July 1914, deals with the effect of salicylic aldehyde on plants in soil and solution cultures. As regards its effect on the growth of Indian corn, growth in the treated plots was much smaller than in the controls. The effect of salicylic aldehyde in sand is greater than in clay soil. The shipments of cacao for the year ended December 51, constituted a record for the Colony of Trinidad. They amounted to 63,447,876 Ib., against 48,116,377 Ib. in 1913. Prices might have been better, but these have been quite equal to the average of the last seven years. (Proceedings of the Agrizultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago, December 1914.) In connexion with the note on dry farming on this page, it is interesting to observe that, according to the Ayrieu/tural Gazette of Canada (November 1914), the field crops of the Dominion for 1914 were many thonsands of tons short of a normal yield, owing to insufficient moisture available during the growing season. . The importance of dry-farming systems under these conditions is obvious, especially where irrigation is out of the question. Those responsible for the management of school gardens will find much that is interesting on the subject in the Eleventh and Twelfth Annual Report issued by the West of Scotland Agricultural College, to be obtained on application to the Secretary, price 1s, post free. A scheme of work, note books to be kept by pupils, and syllabns of instruetion are given. The whole scheme is naturally adapted to temperate conditions, but the methods suggested will easily bear consideration from a West Indian standpoint. Several comprehensive experiments have been carried out with a view to preserving cut flowers by the addition of salts to the water in which the stalks are placed. In no eases have any striking results been obtained. The best treatment to adopt is to adda trace of zine sulphate or of copper snl- phate to the water, which will prevent fouling, due to bacterial action. Daily removal of the cut end of the stalks has been found to prolong the life of the flower. These, and other facts on the same subject, are discussed in the Gardeners’ Chronicle for December 26, 1914. In thesissue of Watwre for January 7, 1915, Sir Ronald Ross contributes an article entitled Attempts to Manufacture Scientific Discovery. The writer draws an interesting dis- tinction between major discovery and minor research. Those engaged in the former kind of investigation need almost unlimited freedom, whilst in the case of the latter, there is more possibility for the introduction of systems of co-ordina- tion and centralization, Real discovery, involving entirely new ideas, requires a peculiar and rare type of mind, whieh cannot be forced, and only superintended to a very limited extent. According to Colonial Reports, Annual, No. 809, the Bahamas in 1913-14 exported sisal, valued at £69,950. All this wens to the United States of America. Some £563 worth of grape fruit was sent to the same country. The export of oranges was valued at £599 compared with £172 for the preceding year. The export of coconuts has also increased. The pine-apple canning factories had a rather better year during 1913, though their record season was in 1910, when the value of tinned pine-apples shipped was £9,219, compared with £6,208 for 1913. The objects of deep ploughing are summarized as follows in the agricultural section of the Wealth of India (September 1914): (1) to destroy and prevent the growth of weeds and other vegetation not desired upon the ground; (2) to place beneath the surface, manure and organic matter, where it will not be in the way, and where it may be eon- verted rapidly into humus: (3) to develop various degrees of openness of texture and uniformity of soil conditions; (4) in some cases to modify the movements of soil moisture and of soil air; and (5) to change conditions so as to make the soil either warmer or colder. Deep ploughing is an essential part of dry farming. Associated with this system also is the maintenance of a dust mulch at the surface of the soil. Considerable discussion has taken place recently in connexion with the proposed revival of the natural indigo industry, especially in India. Matter dealing with the subject appears in theJournal of the Royal Society of Arts for January 1 and 8,1915. The first paper was read by Dr. Perkins, and in the discussion, Sir Steuart Bailey put forward the opinion that although during the next two or three years the market would be favourable for natural indigo, it was doubtful whether in succeeding years the position would be any better than in the past. It seems to be gener- ally agreed that the prime effort must come from the growers themselves. In the second issue of the publication already referred to, Professor H, E. Armstrong makes a point of this, and says that the recovery of the position of natural indigo may be a costly business, but if one-tenth of the zeal put by the Germans into the production of the artificial treatment be brought to bear on the problem, he believed it would be solved satisfactorily. Vou. XIV. No. 334 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. é 1 STUDENTS CORNER. Seasonal Notes: Concurrently with the reaping of sugar-cane the Inter- mediate and Final student should endeavour to obtain data to show the degree of efficiency of the factory with which he is connected. The following interesting figures will indicate the kind of information that might be obtained. These figures are actual results obtained on two estates in Barbados. The factory on the first estate is equipped with an 8-roller mill and yacuum pan; on the second, the open pan method is employed, and the sugar separated in the centrifugals. ADVANTAGE OF UP-TO-DATE MACHINERY OVER OLD-FASHIONED IN PRICE GOT FOR SUGAR, A. New Machine (steam) 10 tons cane. Dark crystals, 1 ton, at $2°15 per 100 Ib. of sugar Vacuum pan molasses, 40 gallons at 6e. per gallon $4816 2-40 350756 B. Old Machine, 10 tons canes. Centrifugal sugar, 12 ton, at $2°60 per 100 Ib. 34°25 Molasses, 192° gallons, at 16¢. per gallon 9-41 $43-66 Gain of A over B.==69c. per ton cane. Difference 36°90 for 10 tons. The present time is opportune for noticing the suitability of different varieties of cane for different localities. The student should notice carefully the varieties on the experimental plots, and make notes and, if possible, estimates, in yield per acre, and compare these notes as far as possible with the official results, which will be published early next year. Questions for Candidates. PRELIMINARY. 1. Name some common plants in which starch is produced in quantity, and state in what part of the plant the starch is stored. 2. Explain the difference between Pollination and Fertilization. INTERMEDIATE. 1. Describe the preparation of cassava and arrowroot starch. 4 2. Describe carefully the appearance of a good sample of either (a) concentrated lime juice, or (b) cane syrup. Explain how the one you select is tested. FINAL. 1. Discuss the establishment and value of wind-breaks from as many points of view as possible. 2. State fully the uses that are made of the by-products on an estate with which you are acquainted. ae en ee re ee ee Of two alternatives, a short crop and high prices is better for the planter; but a heavy crop and low prices is better for the labourer. Both are satisfied with high prices and heavy crops. A FLYING-FISH PARASITE. The flying-fish (Zvococtus roberti), which is especially abundant in the sea off the coast of Barbados, is often found when captured to be attacked by a parasite, which is partly embedded in the flesh of the fish, and partly protruding. The fishermen and others who are familiar with these parasites speak of them as ‘feathers’. Specimens recently forwarded to the British Museum (Natural History) have been reported on, and the report is reproduced in the following paragraph: FLYING-FISH PARASITE FROM BARBADOS, SENT BY DR. FRANCIS WATTS, C.M.G. ‘The two specimens are parasitic Copepoda (Crustacea) of the genus Pennella. They probably belong to the species P. exocoett (Holten), but the head is absent in one and very badly damaged in the other, so that the specific characters cannot be determined. The Museum would be glad to receive perfect specimens. Unless the parasite can be very carefully dissected out on the spot, the whole fish should be preserved, and specimens should be looked for which carry ego-strings—a pair of long, light-coloured filaments attached at the free end of the animal, easily to be distinguished from the brush of short, dark-coloured filaments which are believed to actas gills. The life-history of the genus is no doubt similar to that of the genus Lernaea which is described in most text-books.’ The following, taken from the Cambridge Natural History, is presented herewith as likely to be of interest in this connexion. FAM, Il, LERNAEIDAE. These parasites burrow with their heads deep into the skin, or even into the blood-yessels or body-cavity of various marine fish. The body of the adult female Lernaea is extraordinary deformed, consisting of a mere shapeless sac with irregular branched processes on the head, and two egg-sacs attached behind. Pennella sagitta bores so deeply into the flesh of its host, Chironectes marmoratus, that only the egg-sacs and some remarkable branchial processes attached to its abdomen protrude outside the host to the exterior. Peroderma cylindricum bores similarly into the flesh of the Sardine, and where it is com- mon, inflicts considerable damage. The males of these curious animals are of more normal structure. Claus states that fertilization takes place when both sexes are free-swim- ming, and of a more or less similar structure, and that subse- quently the female becomes fixed to her host and degenerates into the shapeless mass shown. Imports of Corn into Trinidad.—A note of interest appears in the Bulletin of the Department of Agriculture, Trinidad and Tobago, for November-December 1914, show- ing the extent of the imports of Indian corn into that Colony from 1899 up to 1911. Although there is a much larger quantity of maize imported into Trinidad than is necessary, it should be remembered that there has been a steady reduction in the imports during the period under review. In 1899, the imports were nearly 4,000,000 tb.; this figure dropped steadily down to 1,000,000 tb. for 1911. It is pointed ont that it should not be necessary to import Indian corn into Trinidad at all, since the crop can be easily grown in that: island, where its method of cultivation is so well understood. One million pounds represents in round numbers the cultiva- tion of another 1,000 acres of land, the produce from which would find a ready sale in the local markets. 62 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. FUNGUS NOTES. MORE ABOUT CITRUS CANKER. The Florida Agricultural Experiment Station has published in Bulletin 124, issued October 1914, three papers on the new citrus disease, which are summarized below. ]. HISTORY OF CITRUS CANKER, E, W. BERGER. The realization that a new citrus disease was present in Florida took place in July 1913, when it was found in several blocks of grapefruit at a certain nursery. Specimens had been received from another locality a year earlier, but were supposed at that time to show merely an unusual form of citrus scab. The infections were traced partly to importations of Citrus trifoliata from Texas, partly to stock obtained direct from Japan. It transpired later that the disease was present in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. An order was issued prohibiting importations of citrus plants into Florida; a fund was raised to which the Florida Growers’ and Shippers’ Association contributed $2,000, and the Governor of Florida $1,000; and a campaign was started against the disease. IL. sfUDIES OF CITRUS CANKER, H. E. STEVENS. Grapefruit is most severely attacked, the infection oceurring on leaves, twigs, branches and fruits; then in order of susceptibility follow Crtrus trifoliata, and the navel and some of the sweet orange varieties, which are affected on leaves, twigs, and fruits. Scattered infections have been found on the leaves and twigs of Satsuma, tangerine, lime, and rough lemon, ‘The distinguishing feature of citrus canker, as observed in the field, is the characteristic- spotting produced on the fruit and foliage. As usually seen, the infection appears as small light-brown spots, from less than 7 to }-inch in diameter. The spots are usually round, and may eccur singly, or several may run together, forming an irregular area. This last usually oceurs on fruits. The spots project above the surrounding healthy tissue, and are composed of a spongy mass of dead cells covered by a thin white or greyish membrane. The membrane finally ruptures and turns outward, forming a lacerated or ragged margin around the spot. ‘On the leaves, infections first appear as small, watery dots, with raised conyex surfaces. These dots are usually of a darker green than the surrounding tissue. Sometimes, however, the surface of the spots is broken as soon as they appear. Spots may appear on either surface of the leaf, but they do not at first penetrate through the leaf tissue. They gradually inerease in size, change to a light brown, and become visible on both sides of the leaf. In the older spots one or both surfaces may be bulged or raised, and such spots are commonly surrounded by a narrow yellowish band or zone. In the more advanced stages the surface of the spots heeomes white or greyish, and finally ruptures, exposing a light brown spongy central mass. Old spots soon become overgrown by saprophytic fungi, and may appear pink or black on account of these fungus growths. ‘On the fruits, the spots are very similar to those formed on the leaves. They project and retain a cireular outline. They do not penetrate far into the rind. They may be scattered over the surface, or several may occur together forming an irregular mass. Guimming is sometimes asso- ciated with the spots formed on the fruits. Canker, appar- ently, does not cause a rot of the fruits directly, but opens the way for other fungi to enter and cause infected fruits to Fesruary 13, 1915. rot. The spots on young twigs are like those on the leaves and fruit. On the older twigs they are more prominent, and more or less irregular in shape. ‘This is especially true of old spots. They show the same spongy tissue as is found in the spots on the téaves, but assume a cankerous appear- ance, and the surface membrane completely disappears. These spots or cankers are formed in the outer layers of the bark tissue, and do not penetrate to or kill the wood. The spots once formed in the bark are persistent, and are not readily sloughed off.’ They may remain for a long time, and form centres from which infections may readily spread. This is confirmed by observations on infections produced on potted trees in the greenhouse, and in the grove by artificial infee- tion. Some of these spots have been under observation for over a year, and show no tendency to slough off. ‘Other citrus diseases with which canker may be confused are Scab, Sealy Bank, and possibly Anthracnose. It ean, however, readily be distinguished from any of these by noting the following points:— ‘1. It differs from scab in the typical round spots pro- duced; the size of the spots, and the fact that the spots penetrate through the leaf tissue. It does not distort the leaves. There are no wart-like projections. Canker oceurs on older wood, Scab does not. P *2. Canker differs from Scaly Bark in the size of the spots, which are much smaller aud more circular than those of Sealy Bark; and the spongy nature of the spots—Sealy sark spots are hard and glazed. Canker is common on grape fruit, Scaly Bark is not. Canker forms spots on leayes, Scaly Bark does not. ‘3. Canker differs materially from Anthracnose in the size of the spots, which are much smaller than those of Anthracnose. Canker spots are raised, Anthracnose spots are sunken. Canker has spots of spongy character, those of Anthracnose are hard. Canker occurs on young shoots and older twigs, Anthracnose does not.’ Experiments in which dry infected material was pinned to young healthy foliage showed that the disease was infec- tious. Small watery spots appeared in one month, and these had developed in two months into the spots typical of the disease. A fungus was isolated from the young spots, and afterwards identified among those present on the older spots. Infection experiments from pure cultures gave positive results in two out of many instances. The fruiting bodies of the fungus are small globular pycnidia, which exude the colourless spores in thread-like tendrils. The pycnidia are somewhat difficult to distinguish from the tissues of the spots. : The disease spreads with great rapidity in rainy weather; infection proceeds from the old spots even after these have passed through a winter. : TI. ERADICATION OF CITRUS CANKER, FRANK STIRLING. Mr. Stirling was employed by the Growers’ League to: try to clear up the disease first of allin Dade County, a district in which the grape fruit industry is developing very rapidly. He tells his story very dramatically. At the outset some 200,000 nursery trees and over 500 acres of grove trees were cut back, defoliated, and the trunks painted with Bordeaux mixture or carbolineum. ‘At this juncture everyone began to breathe a little easier.” As the inspection proceeded, more and more infection was found, and more and more was treated. The number of infected proper- ties rose to nearly a hundred. Then with the new growth on the trees came the shoek of finding that the work had been carried out in vain; that instead of checking the disease, the activity of the workers had actually contributed to its spread, eS Vor. XIV. No: 334: THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 63 The next method adopted is even more heroic. A flaming spray produced by a machine ‘which resembles a plumber’s blow-torch, only a hundred times larger,’ is_ used to scorch the tree, the grass, and the soil beneath, until the tree is completely charred. In one distviet 1,933 grove trees and 101,300 nursery trees have been burned. Some fifty men are employed on the work. When leaving one grove for another, each man changes his suit, the discarded one being disinfected with corrosive sublimate solution. No one is permitted to touch a tree. According to Stirling, ‘canker is without doubt the most infections of any known disease.’ A certain 4-acre grove of grape-fruit trees, inspected in the first week of June, was to all appearances free of canker. Three weeks later one tree began to show a slight infection upon one limb. Four days later canker was found on five trees; in another week the number infected was twenty-seven, and there would have been no difticulty in picking fifty boxes of diseased fruit. Canker is so deadly that a tree is rendered worthless in two or three months from the time of infection. It will be seen that the citrus canker situation in Florida is affording us the spectacle of an attempt abso- lutely to eradicate a disease which has already become well _established, and that in a district which must always be exposed to reinfection over the land frontier of the State. The odds against success are great, but the cost of failure would be very heavy. ‘It would be merely a matter of months before the canker would be entirely over the orange belt.’ The moral for the citrus-growing islands of the West Indies is obvious. WEST INDIAN PRODUCTS. DRUGS AND SPICES IN THE LONDON MARKET. Mr. J. R. Jackson, A.L.S., has forwarded the follow- ing report on the London drug and spice markets for the month of December :-— j It is satisfactory to be able to report that the amount of businees done in the drug and spice markets during the early part of December, has shown no diminution since our last report, taking, of course into consideration, that the approach of the Christmas holidays, even in peace times, always has the effect of lessening the ordinary activity, which is made more prominent by the annual stocktaking, so that taking all these things into consideration, we may distinctly say that the markets are back to about their normal condi- tion. With regard to the position of individual products as compared with our last report, we may say that citric acid and lime oil were easier than they were at the close of last month, the former however becoming firmer at the time of writing. The following are the principal details:— GINGER. At the first spice sale on the 9th of December, the quotation for middling to good Jamaica was 40s. to 45s. per ewt., 35s. to 36s. for common, and 22s. to 23s. for washed Cochin. A week later some 213 bags of Calicut were brought forward, 45 of which were «lis sl of without reserve at 18s. 6d. for small washed. Su fair washed Cochin was offered and bought in at 24s, NUFMEGS, MACE, PIMENTO, AND ARROWROOT. At auction on the 16th, the very large supply of 544 packages of West Indian nutmegs was brought forward, and all were disposed of at the following rates: 61's to 72’s 64d. to 11d., 74’s to 85’s 5d. to 6}d., 86's to 94's 1d. to 43¢., 98's to L09's 44d. to 43d.,110’s to 120’s 4 1d. to 43d., and 134’s to 145’s 44d. to 44d. Mace at the same auction was repres- ented by 141 packages West Indian, all of which sold, good fetching 1s. 3d. to 2s. 11d., and broken 7d. to 1s. 8d. Pimento has not been in great demand, the price quoted in the middle of the month being 24d. per tbh. The same may be said of arrowroot, good manufactuiing St. Vincent fetching, in the middle of the month, 24d. per tb.,and common, 2d. to 24d. SARSAPARILLA. At the first drug auction on December 3, sarsaparilla was represented by 16 bales of grey Jamaica, 22 of Lima-Jamaica, 31 of Mexican, and 25 of native Jamaica. Of the first, only 5 bales were disposed of, 1s. 9d. per bb. being paid for roughish quality. Of the Lima-Jamaica, 3 bales of common, part chumpy, found buyers at 1s. 8d. per tb.> and for 12 bales of the native Jamaica, dull yellow to fair red, 10d. to 1s. per Ib. was paid, The Mexican found no buyers, but a week later Mexican in fair quantity was to be had at from 8d. to 10d. per tb., according to quality. CITRIC ACID, KOLA, LIME OIL, LIME JUICE, AND CASHEW NUTS. At the beginning of the month citric acid was in good supply at 2s. 64d. per tb.,in casks of 5 cwt. each. At the close of the month 2s. 7d. was being asked. At the first auction kola was in good supply, 88 packages being offered, but none disposed of. It was stated, however, that 3}d. per Ib. was asked for good bright. Later in the month, namely on the 16th, 4 barrels were disposed of at lid. to 13d. per tb. for dried nuts. West Indian lime oil has been in good supply; 26 packages were offered at the first auction, but no sales made: 3s. 3d. was the price asked for West Indian distilled, and 8s. to 8s. 6d. for hand pressed. For good bright raw West Indian lime juice there has been a steady demand at from 2s. 6d. to 2s. 9d. per gallon. At auction on the 17th, 22 cases of cashew nuts were offered, the whole of which were bought in at 40s. per ewt. It is stated in the Annual Report on the Botanic Station, sritish Honduras, 1913, that seeds from an edible bean from Guatemala were presented to the Station a couple of years ago by Mr. J. R. Boatman. These were sown, and a few plants raised and planted. One of the trees has grown up well and borne:a number of large pods. The edible part of this bean is the thick white arilus covering the bean inside the pod; the plant is evidently one of the Ingas (Inge spectabilis?), which according to the 7 easury of Botany, is a tree indigenous to Central America. It grows in Panama, and there the seed inside the pods, covered with a sweet white pulp, is eagerly eaten. The Inga makes a fine spreading shade tree, giving plenty of sweet-smelling white flowers twice a year. 64 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS Frespruary 13, 1915. MARKET REPORTS. Barbados.—Messrs. James: A. Lyncw & Co., Ltd. December 31, 1914, Messrs. T. S. Garraway & Co., February 8, 1915. London.—Tue West Inxpta Comirree Crrcvurar, Arrowroot— 34°00 to $4°50 per 100 tb. January 26, 1914. Arrowroor—l fd. to 44d. Batata—sheet, 2/1; block, 1/10§ per tb. Breswax—No quotations. Cacao—Trinidad, 69/- to 71/- per ewt.; Grenada, 60/ to 68/-; Jamaica, no quotations. Corrrr—Jamaica, no quotations. Copra—West Indian, £25 to £25 10s. per ton. Corron—Fully Fine no quotations; Floridas, no quota- tions: West Indian Sea Island, 13d. to 133d. Froir—No quotations. Fveric—No quotations. Giycer—Quiet. Isexoiass—No quotations. Honey—No quotations. Lime Juice—Raw, 2/3 to 2/9; concentrated, £25 10s.; Otto of limes (hand-pressed), no quotations. Locwoop—No quotations. Mace—7d. to 2/11ld. Nourmecs—No quotations. Pinento—Quiet. Rouseger—Para, fine hard, 2/6; tine soft, 2/4; Castilloa, 1/10. Rum—Jamaiea, no quotations, New York.—Messrs. Gitiespre Bros., & Co., July 24, 1914, Cacao—Caracas, 11$c. to 12c.; Grenada, lle. to ilte.; Trinidad, 11}c. to 11#c.; Jamaica, 10c. to 11e. Coco-nuts—Jamaicaand Trinidad, selects $20°00 to $21:00; culls, no quotations. Correr—Jamaica, 9fc. to 13$c. per tb. Gincer—7$e. to 10c. per hb. Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 46c.; Antigua and Barbados, 43c. to 46c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 40c. to 43c. per tb. Grape Fruit—Jamaica, $1°75 to $2°50. Limes. —$3°75 to $4°50. Macre—4bc. to 53c. per th. Nurmecs—110’s, 11 fc. Orances—Jamaica, $2°00 to $2°50. Pimento—3Zc. per th. Svucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 3°26e.; Muscovados, 89°, 2°88c.; Molasses, 89°, 2°61c., all duty pid. Trinidad.—Messrs. Gorpox, Grant & Co., February 8, 1915. Cacao—Venezuelan, $1600 to $16°25; Trinidad, $15°75 to $1625. Coco-nur O1—5ec. per Imperial gallon. Correre—Venezuelan, lle. per tb. Corpra—$4'00 to $4°25 per 100 th. DHar—No quotations. Ontons—$4°00 per 100 tb. Peas, Sprir—$s°50 per bag. Porarors—English $1°95 per 100 bb. Rice—Yellow, $6°25; White $5°75 to $6°00 per bag. Sucar—American crushed, ne qnotations. Cacao—$13°00 per 100 Tbh. Coco-nutTs—$16°80, Hay Manvures $1-75 per 100 te. Nitrate of soda, no quotations; Cacao manure, $50-00; Sulphate of ammonia $85°00 per ton. Mo asses No quotations. Oxtons—$8-00 per 190 Th. Peas, Sprir—S950; Canada, no quotations. Porators—Nova Scotia, $5°25 per 160 Th. Rice—Ballam, 36°10 to $6 tions; Rangoon, no quotations. Suear—American granulated, $5°00 per 100 tb. 35 per 190 Ib. ; Patna, no quota- British Guiana. Messrs. Wievine & Ricurer, February 6, 1915; Messrs. Sanpbacu, Parker & (Co, February 5, 1915. ARTICLES. Arkowroot—St. Vincent Bavata— Venezuela block Demerara sheet Cacao—Native CassAVA Cassava STARCH— Coco-NuTs— Corree—Creole Jamaica and Rio Liberian Drat— Green Dhal Hppors— Motasses— Yellow Ontons—Teneritte Madeira Pras—Split Marseilles PLANTAINS— Porators—Nova Scotia Lisbon Porators--Sweet, B’bados Rice—Ballam Creole TANNIAS— Yams— White Buck Suear—Dark crystals Yellow White Molasses TimeER—GREENHEART Wallaba shingles Cordwood Messrs. WIETING ee a & Ricwrer. oa Co $7:00 to $8-00 per! $10-00 barrel of 200 Th. 14c. per th. 1de. per fb. $1-08 —— $10 to $15 per M. Sis per M Ide. to 15c. per th. 10c. per tb. l6c. to 40c. $2°25 to $2-40 $2-16, No quotation $5°50 to $5°75 $2°16 $2-04 $3-40 $4°00 to S4-10 $5°10 to $5-25 $2-90 32c. to 5dc. per cub. foot $4:00 to $6:25 per M. $1°80 to $2-00 per ton l6c. per th. l6c. per tb. lle. per tb. $6°15 to $6°25 per bag of 168 tb. 311-50 to $12-00 per bag. (210 tb.) — $2-25 to $2-40 $5°50 $3-40 $4-00 32c. to 5de. per cub. foot $4-00 to 36°00 per M. i g, THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture FOR THE WEST INDIES. The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. A Quarterly Scientific Journal. Volume 1. No. 1. Out of print. Nos. 2, 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price 1s. each. Post free, 1s. 2d.; Volumes IT, IIT, IV; V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, NII and XITI:—Price 2s. each; Post free 2s. 8d., where complete. (III, 2. IV, 3; and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.) Volume XIV, Nos. 1 2, and 3, No. 2 Containing Papers on (1) A Study of the Results of the Manurial Experiments with Caeao conducted at the Botanic Station, Dominica, by H. A. Tempany, B.Se., F.1.C., F.L.S.; (2) The ‘Tri-Tri’ or West Indian White Bait in St. Vincent, by W. N. Sands, F.L.S.; (3) Spray- ing for Control of Ticks in Antigua, by P. T. Saunders, M.R.V.C.S.; (4) New Cottons: Thoughts on their Development, by John W. Me.Connel; (5) Notes on Some Parasites of Some Live Stock in the West Indies, by P. T. Saunders, M-R.V.C.S.; (6) Mal de Caderas, by P. 'T. Saunders, (7) A Note on the Me.Fadyean Staining Reaction for Anfhrax Bacilli, by Major J. D. Holmes, M.A., D.Se., M.R.V.C.S.; (8) Some Observations on the Bacterial Relationships of Certain Soils, with Special Reference to the Contents of Organie Matter, by H. A. Tempany, B.Se. PAMPHLET SERIES. The Pamphlets are written in a simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially adapted to West Indian conditions. They contain, amongst other subjects, summaries of the results of the experiment work on sugar-cane and manures, the full official reports of which have only a limited cirenlation. The number issued up to’ the present time is seventy-five. Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are out of print. Sucar Lypusrry. GENERAL. Seedling and other Canes at Barbados (7) and (22) Seale Insects of the Lesser Antilles, Part I, price in 1900, No. 3, price 2d.; in 1901, No. 13; in 1902. No. 19; in 1903, No. 26; in 1904. No. 32; price 4d. each. Seedling Canes and Manurial Experiments at Barbados, in 1903-5, No. 40; in 1904-6, No. 44;in 1905-7, No. 49; in 1906-8, No. 59; in 1907-9, No. 62, No. 66, price Gd. each. Seedling and other Canes in the Leeward Islands, in 1900-1, No. 12; in 1901-2, No. 20;.in 1902-3, No. 27; price 2d. each; in 1903-4, No. 33; in 1904-5, No. 39; in 1905-6, No. 46; in 1906-7, No. 50; in 1907-8, No. 56; price 4d. each, in 1908-9, No. 63; in 1909-10, No. 67; price 6d. each. Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the Leeward Islands, in 1902-3, No. 30; in 1903-4, No. 36; in 1904-5, No. 42; in 1905-6, No. 47; in 1906-7, No. 51; in 1907-8, No. 57; d4d.; Part IL., price 4d. (17) General Treatment of Fungoid Pests. Price 4d. (43) Cotton Seed and Cotton-cake-neal on West Indian Planta- tions. Price 2d. (54) Fungus Diseases of Orchards. Price 41. (58) Insect Pests of Cacao. Price 47. (60) Cotton Gins, How to Hrect and Work Them. (61) The Grafting of Cacao. Price 4d. (65) Hints for School Gardens, Fourth Edition. (69) Hints to Settlers in St. Lucia. Price 6d. (70) Coco-nut Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 62. (71) Insect Pests of the Lesser Antilles. Price 1s. 3d. (72) Lime Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 9d. Cacao and Sanitation of Cacao Price 4d. in 1908-9, No. 64; in 1909-10, No. 68; price 4d. each. Sugar-cane Experiments in the Leeward Islands, in 1910-11; in 1911-12; in 1912-13, price 1s. each. (73) Root Borers and other Grubs in West Indian Soils. Price 6d. (74) Cotton Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 9d. (75) Insect Pests of Sugar-cane in Antigua and St. Hitts. Price, 67. (76) Indian Corn. Price 4d. (77) Erysipelas and Hoose. Price 2d. The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of $/. for the pamphlets marked 27.; 1d. for those marked 4d. and for Nos. 73 and 75; 14d. for Nos. 40, 44, 49,59, 62, 63, 67,69 and 74. Postage for No. 71, 4d. and for No. 72, 24. 4 The ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’: A Fortnightly Review. The ‘ Agricultural News’ contains extracts from official correspondence and from progress sand other reports; and, in fact, any information indicating what is gomg onin each colony and the progress made in Agricultural matters throughout the West Indies. The ‘ Agricultural News’ is printed in time to be distributed, regularly, by each mail, and is on sale by the local agents of the Department at one penny per number, post free, 2d. The subscription price, including postage, is 2s. 2d. per half-year, or 4°. 4d. perannum. Volumes IV to XII complete, with title page and index, as issued—Price 4s. each— Post free, 5s. Some numbers of the early volumes are out of print and therefore these volumes can no ionger be supplied complete. The scale of charges for ADVERTISEMENTS may be obtained on application to the Agents. A applications yor opies are to be addressed to the Agents, not to the Department. Agents. The following have been appointed Agents for the sale of the publications of the Department:— London: Messrs. Dutau & Co., 37, Soho Square, W. West Ixpra Commrrrer, 17, Seething Lane. Barbados; Apvocste Co. Lrp., Broad Street, Bridgetown. Jamaica; Tar Epucarionan Suprty Compayy, 16, King Street, Kingston. British Guiana: Tar ‘Day Curonicie’ Orrier, Georgetown. Trinidad: Messrs. Murr-Marsnaun & Co., Port-of-Spain. Fobago: Mr. C. L. PLaGeMANN, Scarborough, Grenada: Messrs. Tros. Lawtor & Co., St. George. St. Vincent: Mr. J. D. Bonavin, “Times’ Office. St. Lucia: Mr. R. W. Nixes, Botanic Station. Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. Briocewarer, Roseau. Vontserrat: Mr. W. Rosson, Botanic Station. Antiqua: Mr. 8. D. Martone, St. John’s. St Kitts: Town Brote anp Book Suppty AGENCY, BASSEYERRE. Nevis: Messrs. Howext, Bros., Charlestown. Vou. XIV. No. 334 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Frepruary 13, 1915, THE BEST MANURES FOR COLONIAL USE Ape Ohlendorff’s Dissolved Peruvian Guano—¥oxSugar-cane and general use Ohlendorff's Special Sugar-cane Manure Ohlendorff's Special Cocoa Manure Ohlendorff’s Special Cotton Manure Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Superphosphates, (high grades), Potash Salts, Nitrolim and all other high-class Fertilizers. APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIRECT TO:— THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) GUANO WORKS. London Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C. Barbados Agents: James A. Lyneh & Co., Ltd., Bridgetown. MACMILLAN’S WORKS ON TROPICAL | AGRICULTURE. ‘Cocoa. By Dr. C. J. J. vay Hann, Chief of the Botanical Laboratories, Buitenzorg, Java. With Illustrations. 8vo. «7, Dr. van Hall intends his book to play a supplementary part in the education of the cocoa-planter, supplying-the information which is not to be acquired by practical work in the tield. The Coco-Nut. By Epwry Brycuam Coreann, Professor of Plant Physiology and Dean of the College of Agri- culture, University of the Philippines. With Illustrations. 8vo. «* The aim of this book is to give the knowledge and advice which will qualify a person for the practice of coco-nut raising. The Diseases of Tropical Plants. By Metvitte Tuursron Cook, Ph. D., Professor of Plant Pathology, Rutgers College, formerly Chief of the Department of Plant Pathology for the Republic of Cuba. Tlustrated. SVO. Ss. 6d. net. Journal of Botany.—‘* The demand for the vegetable products of the tropics, such as cotton, rubber, cocoa, ete., has increased enormously, and the book has been written with a view to help the planters in their struggle with new and adverse conditions. . . . The illustrations are abundan:t and instructive, and the book will doubtless be of great value to the agriculturist in the tropics.” Sylviculture in the Tropies. By A. F. Brouy, Commander of the Imperial Ottoman Order of the Osmania, formerly of the Indian Forest Service, later Conservator of Forest, Ceylon. Illustrated. Svo. 8s. 6d. net. Bulletin of the Imperia! fnstitute—“This book should prove of much value to foresters and botanists in the tropics.” Spices. By Henry N. Rivwey, C.M.G., F.R.S. Illustrated. S8vo. 8s. 6d. net. Agricultural Economist :—‘* Pascinating reading as well as valuable information for those engaged in the ‘cultivation of spices are furnished by Mr, Ridlee’s work.” MACMILLAN & CO., LTD., LONDON. Printed at Office of Agricultural Reporter, 4 High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados. — Sas} | — w/~{ <= V/> { - a ia | fm ai Xi LS ese 5 3 qa Vol. XIV. No. 335.] SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1915. _ [One penny. a= R.M.S.P. REGULAR SERVICES fg ees FROM THE ee WEST INDIES \'@7"\c) Panama Canal, New York, Canada & Southampton pr A \ gY- lay KI PORTS OF CALL FROM BARBADOS, Trinidad (for West India Islands : Carupano, Pampatar & La Guaira: and Demerara), Puerto Colombia. Cartagena, Colon (for Panama Canal and Pacific Ports), Jamaica, Antilla & New York (for Bermuda). St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Dominica, Montserrat, Antigua, St. Kitts, Bermuda to St. John (N.B.) ' Klso from SOUTHAMPTON, CHERBOURG & LIVERPOOL, to Brazil, Uruguay & Argentina, Via Spain, Portugal, Madeira & St. Vincent. FORTNIGHTLY TOURS from LONDON to Morocco, Canary Islands, Madeira. YACHTING CRUISES by “ ARCADIAN” to NORWAY, MOROCCO, MEDITERRANEAN, ADRIATIC, &c., During Summer and Autumn.—From £1 a day. THE ROYAL MAIL STEAM PACKET COMPANY * , Head Office: 18, Moorgate Street, London. | Branches at BARBADOS, Trinidad, Tobago, Colon, Jamaica, Antilla, New York, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, etc. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Curisty & Norais, GOOD INVESTMENT. Leading Hotel in St. Lucia for CHELMSFORD, ENGLAND. ieee Sears: Specialize in Machinery rOR SALE | b ae o |: : foP:— | PREMISES KNOWN AS GRINDING & SIFTING: , COTTON SEED, COPRA, BONES, LA FELICITE HOTEL. AND OTHER MANURE. LL that lot of land situate in St. Louis and Laborie Streets, Castries, me ze 73 feet on St. Louis Street Write for Catalogue, and jand 66 feet in depth at one e id for a distance of 43 feet and DISINTEGRATOR. send sample of material you 36 teet in depth at the Bther end for a distance of 36 feet. (346) wish to grind. Together with a: three storey (welling house and out- ~ houses chenean. The whole covered with galvanized iron tiles. Ist FLOOR.—Drawing Room 25 5 15 Dining Room TO BE ISSUED SHORTLY. 16%25 Small Dining Room 17x10 | WEST INDIAN BULLETIN. | T Bore Roots and Verandah 6525 | 2nd FLOOR.—7 Bedrooms (4 large) Baleony 25 x 6 Vol. XIV, No. 4. 3rd FLOOR.—3 Bedrooms. Containing papers on: The Production of Pork and Bead Outhouses.—]st, 12.8 «x58. 4 Rooms—1 used as the A new Industry for the West Indies, by Dr. Francis Watts, | Bar. Kitchen 15x12, 2nd, 12xT8. C.M.G.; Commerce and Science in Cotton Growing, by | 2 Bathrooms, ete. ete. John W. McConnel; Bordeaux Mixture; Some Sugar} Apply to Factory Calculations, by Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G.; Sugar W. WELLS PALMER, Industry in Cuba, by Noel Deerr; Report on Land Settle-| ‘7 Solicitor for the Suecession of ment Scheme in St. Lucia; Memorandum en the Geology of | FELICITE MYERS, deed. the Ground Waters of Antigua, by T. Wayland Vaughan; Chambers, The Ground Waters of Antigua, by Dr. H. A. Tempany; and Castries, St. L nei Cotton Leaf Diseases, by W. Nowell, D.I.C. (336) December 12, 1914. DULAU & CO., LTD. (HSTABLISHED 1792) ENGLISH & FOREIGN PUBLISHERS & BOOKSELLERS. Agricultural, Botanical, Zoological, Entomological and Economic Subjects a Speciality. A large stock in all languages always on hand. Write for monthly lists and special catalogues. Post free on application. 37 Soho Square, London, W., a Oates ear 7. an aoa (339) England. SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENT. THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE COTTON FACTORY, LTD. Cotton Ginners and Oil Refiners. We make a speciality in our “Star” brands in COTTON SEED OIL. LINSEED OIL. { COTTON SEED CAKE. COTTON SEED MEAL. All orders received by us will meet with our careful attention. | THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE COTTON FACTORY, LIMITED, WHITE PARK ROAD, BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. | February 5, 1915. | ale a x po J : a Sle _ fae A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW — Or IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. THE MOCAEEONVn SINOL4n oop: BARBADOS, FEBRUARY 27, 1915. Price ld. CONTENTS. PAGE. Hookworn, or Nodular Disease in Sheep... | Insect Notes: — Agricultural Pests, Nige- PAGE. Bananas, Notes on Experi- mental Drying of... ... Bay OilIndustry, Advance- ment of West Indian ... 68 = 72 | Cattle, Triple Purpose ria . Josel mous aac! Breed of... ... ... .... 77| Introduction of Disease... 65 Corn, Experimentsin Kiln- | Items of Local Interest... 68 Drying at Antigua 75 | Jute and Hemp, Production Cotton Notes:— Of! .:.- MR cose ae oatae Amendment of the Cot- | Lime Juice, Deterioration ton Trafic Ordinance, NetOE: .... URReMntss ete een Ce St. Kitts-Nevis... . JO} Limes, Cultivation of in British Cotton Growing St. Vincent 68 Association —... 70| Market Reports 80 West Indian Cotton 70| Notes and Comments 72 Department News ... 70) Oils, Outlook for Departmental Reports... 71| Fixed =. ... «.. ... 9 Divi-divi, Source of Valu- Rubber, Commercial, Shape AIMOMDVOsc. vac) coe), one. FL Of... See cco ene he Dominica, Rainfall in Sisal Hemp Industry in 1914 Mee ec se ess. Ger British East Africa 79 Fibres, Textile, Present Students’ Corner... ... 77 Supply of .. «. %o}Sugar Industry:— Foodstuffs, Animal, Con- | Manufacture of Concrete gress Papers on ... 67 | SUSAMEMEEN cel bs Trinidad: Messrs. Murr-Marsnani & Co.,Port-of-Spain. Pobago: Mr. C. L. PLAGEMANN, Scarborough. The following have been appointed Agents for the sale of the publications of the Department:— St. Vincent: Mr. J. D. Bonanpre, “Times’ Office. St. Lucia: Mr. R. W. Nixes, Botanic Station. Dominica; Mr. J. R. H. BripGewarer, Roseau. Montserrat: Mr. W. Rosson, Botanic Station. Antigua: Mr. 8. D. Matonn, St. John’s. St Kitts: THe Brsue AND Book Suppty AGENCY, BASSETERRE. Nevis: Messrs. Howe tt, Bros., Charlestown. Grenada: Messrs. Tos. LAwtor & Co., St. George. .* Vou. XIV. No. 335. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Feerukny 27, W906! THE BEST MANURES FOR COLONIAL USE © tS APE: Ohlendorff’s Dissolved Peruvian Guano—!ozSugar-cane and general use Ohlendorff’'s Special Sugar-cane Manure Ohlendorff’s Special Cocoa Manure ‘Ohlendorff’s Special Cotton Manure Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Superphosphates, (high grades), Potash Salts, Nitrolim and all other high-class Fertilizers. APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIRECT TO:— THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) GUANO WORKS. London Ageney: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C. Barbados Agents: James A. Lyneh & Co., Ltd., Bridgetown. SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENT. Printed at Office of Agricultural Reporter, 4 High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados. > peek Ts BAe ZF x I) 7 DENY SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 1915. R.M.S.P. REGULAR SERVICES WEST | INDIES Panama Canal, Canada & The United Kingdom. PORTS OF CALL FROM BARBADOS, Trinidad (for West India Islands and Demerara), Puerto Colombia, Cartagena, Colon (for Panama Canaland Pacific Ports), St. Vineent, St. Lucia, Dominica, Montserrat, Antigua, St. Kitts, Bermuda to St. John (N.B.). ALSO FROM LIVERPOOL, TO | ~ Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina, Via Spain, Portugal, Madeira & St. Vincent. FROM LONDON TO ‘Morocco, Canary Islands, Madeira. — YE e.) THE ROYAL MAIL STEAM PACKET COMPANY Head Office: 18, Moorgate Street, London. Branches at BARBADOS, Trinidad, Tobago, Colon, Jamaica, Antilla, New York, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, etc. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Curisty & Norris, GOOD INVESTMENT. | Leading Hotel in St. Lucia for CHELMSFORD, chine | = many years. Specialize in achinery | POR SAT is for:— GRINDING & SIFTING: COTTON SEED, COPRA, BONES, LA FELICITE HOTEL. AND OTHER MANURE. LL that Jot of land situate in St. Louis and Laborie Streets, Castries, measuring 73 feet on St. Louis Street Write for Catalogue, and and 66 fect in depth at one end for a distance of 43 feet and DISINTEGRATOR. send sample of material you 36 feet in de fi at the other end for a distance of 56 feet. (346) wish to grind. Together’ with a thrée sto rey dwelling house and out- houses thereon. The whole covered with galvs anized iron tiles. Ist FLOOR.— Drawing Room 25x15 Dining Room TO BE ISSUED SHORTLY. | 16 x 25° Sinall Dining Roonaan WEST INDIAN BU LLETIN Small Dining Room 1] x 11 2 Pantries, a | 1 Store Room and Verandah 6 x 25 2nd FLOOR.—7 Bedrooms (4 large) Baleony 25 x 6 Vol. XIV, No. 4. | dard FLOOR.—3 a ae . 7 Containing papers on: The Production of Pork and Bacon; Outhouses.—1st, 12.858. 4 Rooms—1 used as the A new Industry for the West Indies, by Dr. Francis Watts, | Bar. Witchen 15x12, 2nd, 12x Us: C.M.G.; Commerce and Science in Cotton Growing, by 2 Bathrooms, ete. ete. John W. McConnel; Bordeaux Mixture; Some Snear| Apply to Factory Calculations, by Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G.; Sugar | Wa WELLS PALMER, Industry in Cuba, by Noel Deerr; Report on Land Settle-| Solicitor for the Succession of ment Scheme in St. Lucia; Memorandum en the Geology of PELICITE MYERS, deed. the Ground Waters of Antigua, by T. Wayland V: aughan; | Chambers, The Ground Waters of Antigua, by Dr. H. A. Tempany; and! Castries, St. Lucia, Cotton Leaf Diseases, by W. Nowell, D.LC. (336) December 12, 1914. DULAU & CO., LTD. (ESTABLISHED 1792) | ENGLISH & FOREIGN PUBLISHERS & BOOKSELLERS, Agricultural, Botanical, Zoological, | Entomological and Economic Subjects a Speciality. A large stock in all languages always on hand. Write for monthly lists and special catalogues. Post free on application. PREMISES KNOWN — AS 37 Soho Square, London, W., ean agland, SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENT, THE BARBADOS | CO-OPERATIVE COTTON FACTORY, LTD. Cotton Ginners and Oil Refiners. We make a speciality in our “Star” brands in COTTON SEED OIL. LINSEED OIL. COTTON SEED CAKE. COTTON SEED MEAL. All orders received by us will meet with our careful attention. | THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE COTTON FACTORY, LIMITED, WHITE PARK ROAD, | BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. | February 5, 1915. a | = gh) AS ges ie er re et 7 A LA [ PR KOS NP Kae a am A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW OF THE IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. Von, XIV. No. 336. BARBADOS, MARCH 13, 1915. Price ld. CONTENTS There are two systems of agriculture which in j a general way are chiefly associated with the presence of enclosures: stock raising, and fruit or vegetable grow- > al 2) 1D ; r ~ Pace. - PAGE ing—the former because animals need restraint, the Agricultural News, Initial- \ Insect Notes:— . : : led Articles in’... ... 88] Agricultural Pests, Nige- latter because edible produce requires _ protecting. Azores, Flora of ... ... 91 ria, IT «++ +. 90 Both these conditions obtam in the West Indies, Balata Market in 1914 ... 87) International Products, : ’ 7 : . meen Culivation. in Exhibition, 1914 and it may be observed that in Jamaica where stock Bemlons ser) ey) wk tek. 184 St. Vincent Reporton 83 raising constitutes an important imdustry, fencing is Barbados Sugar-canes in Lime Juice in St. Lucia, éompulsory MUTRICY Weta cS. cues es «ace 89 | Testing of ... .... — 84 Seo ae i Book Shelf. 95 | Market Reports .:. ... 96 Cacao, Net Weight of | Notes and Comments ... 88 Bags... ... ... ... 84! Publicationsofthe Imperial Chemical Auditing versis Department of Agricul- Chemical Control... ... 89 ture) net cog | (eu! . Vincent Arrowroot ... 85 86 |Southe orm Nigeria, Forestry in 88 Cotton Notes:— West Indian Cotton Coffee, Robusta, in Cey- | Stomata and Drought Resis- OMe es. 55% adios. foes tANCe: Seareee strc Ue. OO Department News .., ... 86 |Students’ Comer ... ... 93 Bnelosures, Importance of 81 | Sugar and the War... ... 85 Fungus Notes:— | "Portola Experiment Sta- Tnvestigation of Citrus | eULON.. sees oes OO Diseases in Florida... 94{ United Fruit Company, Gleanings ... ... ... ... 92) Areas Controlled by ... 84 Grenada, Work on Land | | Vanill: i inthe French West Hettlements ... ... ... 83) Indies ... . Rhos ais! Indian Corn 86! West Indi: an Products sa) The Importance of Enclosures. S T is the custom in most countries to regard C the maintenance of enclosures an essential part of estate management, for it is well recognized that the protection afforded to the agricul- turist by hedges and fences is of very great benefit. On West Indian are notably conspicuous by their absence, and it has occurred results of the hitherto pursued. estates and settlements, enclosures to us that an enquiry into the causes and this neglect might have some influence in way of modifying the rather one-sided policy Looking at the subject first from the practical man’s viewpoint, we see several firmly rooted objec- some of them real, others somewhat tions, very imaginary. ‘The most important objection is perhaps the trouble and expense of upkeep which enclosures ental. The amount of labour needed to keep hedges and fences in order on a large estate would undoubtedly be considerable. Then there is the circumstance that the estate, presence of enclosures, especially on the large hampers the harvesting and removal of A third objection lies in the fact that take up space which might be devoted otherwise to they moisture, and to some extent help to harbour insect crops. hedges paying crops: furthermore deprive the land of and fungoid pests. These latter objections apply more especially to the peasant holding, namely, the smaller properties, and in this connexion it may be observed that the harmfulness of hedges tends to increase as the size of the property enelosed gets smaller. - The possibilities presented by fences constructed wire naturally enters one’s mind at this point; although this kind fence is devoid of some of the disad- vantages attendant on a living fence, their the inefficiency as a general initial would-be Stake fences composed of locally grown. employment is limited on grounds of expense, and barrier to trespassers. timber are considered scarcely worth constructing THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Marcu 13, 1915. because of the rapidity with which most woods rot in a warm climate. These are the principal practical objections to the erection of enclosures, and it will be useful now to see what ways there are of eliminating some of the -difficulties on which the objections are based, as well as what corresponding advantages there may be in favour -of enclosures. ‘The first point, which had reference to the cost of upkeep of hedges, isa very vital one, but it must be the point of that the advantages obtained in other ways will counterbalance faced from view the cost of erection and expenses of upkeep. Coming root action of hedges, resulting in to soil effects, the ges, loss of soil moisture for some yards within the enclosed area, can be lessened by trenching. This will serve a double function of drain, and barrier roots. Trenching should not be carried out, to full extent thoroughly established. to the extension of however, until the young become The next point is the question The gravity of this hedge has of the space occupied by hedges. objection depends largely upon what kind of hedges it is intended to grow. Some hedges are far bulkier than others. Information on the plants useful for hedge- making will be given later. As regards the harbouring of pests and diseases, another oral point commonly raised by the planter, it would seem that hedges are no worse in this respect than the headlands to the fields, which at the present are often clothed with weeds. time We now come to the actual advantages of hedges. In the first place they constitute an efficient wind-break. “The loss of the soil by evaporation due to the action of wind is probably just as great, if not greater than the loss of moisture through Then protection from wind moisture from increased the root action of hedges. improves the development of the growing crops them- selves. It is hardly necessary to add that hedges save fields and gardens from the depredations of stock, if the hedges are constructed of a proper material; in the -same connexion there is also their function in to human trespassers. Finally hedges are ornamental: they give a neat appearance to the estate or small holding, and ensure a considerable amount of privacy regard which would be impossible in their absence. Leaving these practical considerations, we now come to another of a more abstract, though none the less important kind. A general impression seems to prevail in the West Indies that the protection of property is the This misconception a direct function of law. is probably responsible for much of the apathy dis- played in regard to the erection of enclosures. It cannot be too well realized that the direct function of the to detect and punish crime. Pre- ventidn of crime is only indirectly the function of the law: it behoves the individual to protect his own property. admittedly a serious offence, and it should be heavily penalized: but it is law is Praedial larceny is only fair to remember that the opportunities for com- mitting it in the West Indies are very ample. The of the the best cir- cumstances, sufficient to prevent trespassing and theft. This highly efficient police this clearer, arm law is never, even under is recognized even in the great cities with their To make we may bring to the reader’s notice the conditions of insurance against burglary, where the Company will not agree to pay up the cost of stolen goods unless the house has been actually broken into, It would appear that the only effort made at present in most of these colonies to protect crops and stock is through the employment of watchmen. ‘This method is apparently considered more efficient and economical than the establishment of impenetrable barriers. Such a view is scarcely supported by practical experience. and detective forces. It is important to bear in mind that what has been said applies to large and small. owners alike. In most cases it is the peasant owner who feels the loss greatest, and it is especially in his interests to protect property by means of hedges and fences. If the watchman system were efficient and practicable, it ought not to be necessary to have to suggest in this way an alternative for an owner who lives practically in the middle of his own few rods of land. It may be argued by those who are not in sympathy with the proposal, that trespassing is unpreventible in this way. They will at any rate admit that the psycological effect of an enclosure would exercise a restraining influence, Taking all the views expressed into consideration, it would appear reasonable to that the establishment of enclosures is needed under some the West Indies. It may not be futile to endeavour to strengthen this view by point- ing out the importance of fences in regard to a rather different aspect of the subject, namely, the profitable management of live stock. Reference to veterinary reports which have appeared from time to time will show that the desirability of fencing pastures is very conclude circumstances in great in order to prevent the dissemination of disease, including ticks and other Some pastures are always more liable to contain infection animal parasites. a Vout. XIV. No. 336. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. that others, and it is necessary to have a sharp line of demarcation. Moreover, the erection of fences obviates the unnatural tethering of animals, and permits of a better system of rotation. So we see that enclos- ures not protect cultivated domestic animals, but ‘also protect domestic animals only crops from from disease under conditions more comfortable than when the animals are exposed. It is not intended to overcrowd the general con- siderations of this article with experimental details, but it will give practical support to the policy of this article if we just enumerate a few of the plants in the West Indies that are known to be satistactory hedge plants, as the result of experiment and common observation. Logwood (Haematoxylon campechianum), and some Acacias (as Acacia tortuwosa) are suitable plants, offering considerable resistance to Bread and Cheese (Pithecolobium Unguis-cati) is noted as a hedge plant. It has an excellent habit of growth, but it is rather bulky, and stock are inclined to pick at it. Mrytle lime (Triphasia aurantiolu) is almost impenetrable if thickly trimmed, but it is rather slow of growth. On the other hand, Wild Coffee or ‘Coffee bush’ (Clerodendron aculeatum) is very quick growing, and can easily be raised from cuttings. Stock eat this also, but if well trimmed aud pruned it can be made into an imposing barrier. A good hedge can be grown from Barbados Cherry (Malpighia glabra), whilst Aralia may be recommended because it is compact without being bulky. Opuntias and other spined zerophytes should not be employed owing to their dangerous nature as weeds of cultivated land. For the restraint of stock, however, it is really essential to have spiny plants, and that is why some of the Acacia, and Mimosa bushes should be useful,—that together with the fact that their moisture requirements are small. stock. effect is desired, there are the Jassmines and the Bougainvillaea. Unfortunately there is little exact information available in regard to the habit of the root systems, rate of growth, cost of upkeep. etc. of these different kinds of hedges. These matters the easily enquire themselves, in co-operation with the local Agricultural If ornamental landowners can into Departments, which have already devoted considerable attention to the condition of hedges. It is particularly hoped that the peasant proprietor will give the subject more attention, since as already pointed out in this article, it is the small proprietor who can least atford to have his crops interfered with. THE EXPERIMENT STATION, TORTOLA. The quarterly report of the’ acting Curator for the four months ending December 1914 contains a detailed account of the operations carried out at the Station, and the conditions and progress of the plots. An active demand was maintained for onion plants throughout the quarter, and the preparation of seed beds, and sowing of seed occupied the greatest portion of the nursery work. ‘The distribution of limes and coco- nut plants was also very considerable. Manurial experiments. with pine-apples and lime trees were laid ont. Those with lime trees are being conducted on a considerable scale, and should lead to interesting results. The sweet potato variety plot was harvested during the month of December. On the whole, very fair weights were obtained. It is of interest to notice that the variety Harper- headed the list with a yield of 13,000 tb. of potatoes, per acre, and was closely followed by Anguilla and Spooner. In regard to the cotton industry, it is stated that heavy rains caused boll dropping in all districts of the Presidency. Efforts are being made by the Experiment Station to encourage minor industries, and the cultivation of food crops has received special attention. Extensive and increased areas have been planted in onions, maize, sweet potatoes, and cassava. Much activity is evinced in the cultivation of limes and coco-nuts. The report concludes with a list of the plants distributed. from the Station during the quarter under review. This is as follows: onion plants, 60,000; coco-nut plants, 1,355; lime plants, 2,167; sweet potato cuttings, 17,000; cane cuttings, 2,000; cassava cuttings, 220; decorative and vegetables, 450. This is a record distribution since the establishment of the Experiment. Station. St. Vincent Report on International Products Exhibition, 1914.—A copy has been received from the Agricultural Department, St. Vincent, of a memorandum prepared by Mr. W. N. Sands, as Commissioner for St. Vincent at the International Rubber and Products Exhibition held last year in London. In this it is stated that a large variety of St. Vincent products arrived in excellent order and were displayed to the best advantage. Considerable effort was. made to advertise St. Vincent arrowroot, and Sea Island cotton from the same Colony. The prominent display of these two products attracted most attention from interested visitors. It will be remembered that the St. Vincent Per- manent Exhibition Committee was awarded for its cotton exhibit a gold medal. Also in one of the competitive sections of the exhibits Argyle estate was awarded a silver cup and diploma for the best sample of cotton from the West Indies. These awards were presented by the British Cotton Growing Association. The St. Vincent section was visited by a large number of distinguished personages. Work on the Land Settlements, Grenada. —In the report of the Land Officer for the month of January 1915, it is stated that sites hxve been selected, and arrangements made for compensation, for two new roads connecting the St. Cyr settlement roads with the Grand Etang main roads. Two new applications for land at Morne Rouge were applied for and the applications are being considered. At this settlement during the month, the ground nut and pigeon pea. plots were reaped, whilst at Westerhall the manihot plant was harvested, and the produce sold. It should be noted here that the present Land Officer, Mr. W. N. Malins-Smith.. only recently assumed the duties of his office (January 1) irs snecession to Mr. W. Bertrand. 84 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Marcu 13, 1915. FRUIT AND FRUIT TREES. Robusta Coffee in Ceylon.—The young plants ot Robusta cottee planted out next the parent plot, have developed both the leaf disease (émeleia vastatrix) and the scale (Coccus viridis) both of which are present to a slight extent on the parent bushes, which do not seem to be very much affected in general appearance. These young plants have no established shade. Some year-old Robusta stumps raised from the same seed, were planted out in June under dense, established shade of Leucaena glauca, next a plot of Liberian coffee sutfering heavily from both pests, and there is no sign of the Robusta plants having been affected from them. (The TZvopical Agriculturist, December 1914.) Areas Controlled by the United Fruit Company.—An interesting article in Tropica? Life (January 1915) contains a review of a report recently issued by the United Fruit Company, which controls such large areas in Central America. It is stated that the 276,821 acres of improved land, owned and leased, under crops, are made up as follows: Columbia, under bananas, 18,334 acres, cacao 33 acres; Costa Rica, bananas, 462,73, cacao 625; Cuba, bananas, 88, cacao 846; Guatemala, bananas, 50,311; Honduras, bananas, 15,117; Jamaica, bananas, 10,521, cacao 77; Panama, bananas, 34,552, cacao 1,195. Of other crops there are large areas under oranges, sugar-cane, coco-nuts, etc. It is understood that the banana erop is affected considerably with disease in Costa Rica, in which country also general administrative matters are in .a condition of some instability. It is suggested that the company in course of time may substitute cacao for bananas in Costa Rica. Testing of Lime Juice in St. Lucia.—The Agri- cultural Superintendent (Mr. A. J. Brooks) of the Botanic Station, St. Lucia, has forwarded the following notice concerning the testing of lime juice in St. Lucia, which has been published in the Officzal Gazette:— To assist local lime juice manufactures in establishing a uniform grade of juice, the Agricultural Department of St. Lucia has made arrangements for testing samples of juice submitted to them for examination. The examination of concentrated juice will include: (1) test showing acid content; (2) hydrometer reading; (5) test for sediment. A tee of 1s. will be charged for each examination of raw juice, and 1s. 6d. for concentrated juice. Samples of raw juice should be taken from the storage vat immediately after milling and straining. Samples of concentrated juice should be taken from the cooling vat, the contents being first thoroughly agitated before the sample is taken. Samples of juice should be put into clean bottles containing about 120z., securely sealed, labelled with the owner’s name, and sent addressed to the Agricultural Superin- tendent, Castries, Botanic Gardens, or the Agricultural and Botanical Station, Choiseul. The results of the test will be treated as confidential for the information of the person interested. No responsibility attaches to the Agricultural Department in respect to any report furnished. Vanilla in the French West Indies.— Vanilla was introduced into Martinique a long time ago (about 1697), but its cultivation has not spread much, and it scems at present to remain stationary. During the four years from 1908-11 the greatest exportation took place in 1909 (4,590 b., worth about £1,520), the least in 1911 (2,536 b., worth about £955). Vanilla planifolia was introduced into Guadeloupe m 1701; artificial pollination was begun in 1839, and afew years later the exportation of vanilla began; in 1911 it amounted to 39,267 Ib., of the value of £13,352. The greatest quantity was exported in 1908, 68.242 tb., worth £10,871. Besides Mexican vanilla (V. planifolia), the native vanilla (V. pom- pona) is also grown to some extent. Vanilla planifolia was introduced into Guiana about the year 1870 by the Administration of the penal settlement, but it did not gain a footing and its cultivation is now abandoned, (Monthly Bulletin of Agricultural Intelligence and Plant Diseases, September 1914.) Net Weight of Bags of Oacao ot Different Countries.—The following table taken from the Bulletin of the Department of _ Agriculture, Trinidad and Tobago (Vol. XIV, Part I), should prove of interest, owing to the noticeable variation in the weight of the bags from ditferent countries: Cwt. Surinam . J British West Indies 13 to 2 Guayaquil 12 Costa Rica 1} to 13 Carupano, Sanchez and Samana 1 told Java 1 tolk Bahia 1} Ceylon } to 1 Colombia ) Caracas | St. Domingo - 1 Africa Venezuela and Puerto Cabello / Note on Banana Cultivation in Ceylon.— By continually cutting off and burning the diseased, yellow leaves of plants affected with Fusarium, the disease seems- to be satisfactorily checked. Practically the whole of the first crop of bunches has cut, save in the red plantains which take fifteen months fully to mature, against the ten to twelve of the other varieties. In the Puwalu variety, the parent plant was cut on July 17, i.e., at eleven months, and the two ratoons flowered two months later, yielding bunches fit to cut in three months’ time. That is, the variety will yield three bunches worth 35c¢, each in sixteen months. . It has been said that the bunches in these plots are small compared to those elsewhere, but this may be due either to the elevation, or to the fact that Ceylon varieties are supposed to give larger bunches from the ratoons than, from the parent —a reversal to that which takes place in the West Indies. But in any case, planting according to the West Indian methods has resulted here in carlier fruiting than planting in the ordinary Ceylon manner. (The Z’ropical Agriculturist, December 1914.) been ———— . Africa, Mauritius, and the West Indies. t Vor. XDV. No: 336. SUGAR AND THE WAR. Some strong points were brought out by Mr. E. R. Dayson in a paper read recently in London before the Royal Society of Arts, on the subject of Great Britain’s sugar supplies. The speaker began by giving a brief account of how Great Britain’s supplies had been influenced by previous continental hostilities, and he sketched in outline how the great beet industry of Europe arose as the outcome of the Napoleonic troubles. Following this line of thought, the writer cliscussed the Brussels Convention and its effect upon colonial sugar. Immediately before the outbreak of the present war, 75 per cent. of Great Britain’s continental imports, or over 60 per cent. of her total sugar imports, amounting in value to £15,000,000, came last year from Germany and Austria. ‘Consequent on the outbreak of hostilities the supplies were so seriously reduced as to result in the rise of prices to an extravagant and unjustifiable height—by 140 per cent. It has already been described in the Agricultural News how the British Government dealt with the situation, and it is unnecessary to say anything further in this abstract on this part of the subject. But in regard to what practically amounted to the ‘commandeering’ of colonial sugar, we may reasonably refer to Mr. Davson’s pertinent remarks. ‘By “commandeering” the crops of the Colonial — pro- ducers, the Government has established the theory that producers of a commodity in the colonies are liable to have their commodity taken over by the Mother Country in time of need. This is no bad theory, but it seems to require the corrollary that to’ ensure such sources of supply in time of war, we must not neglect them in time of peace.’ Consideration was given next to the Royal Commission, appointed in 1905, to enquire into the conditions attecting the importation of food and raw material into the United Kingdom in time of war. The deliberations of this Cormmis- sion were restricted principally to the question of wheat and cotton. As regards the former, the divided nature of the sources of supply were rightly considered a point of strength. But in the case of cotton, 60 per cent. had been coming from one country alone, namely America. The existence of this monopoly of supply was condemned by the Commission. This condemnation is interesting, since at the outbreak of war Great Britain was dependent on 60 per cent. of her sugar supply from what, as faras this waris concerned, we may call a single foreign source. The principal argument expounded in the paper is of course the increased production of sugar within the Empire. Considerable attention is given to the efforts that have been made to establish a beet industry in England. The lack of success so far has been due, it is believed, to the inability of those concerned to start on a sufliciently large scale, and to do this, would need considerable Government support. In the case of sugar grown in the Tropics, the essential thing to remember is that any developments would merely constitute an extension and not fresh initiation as in the case of home-grown beet. It is well to bear in mind as well—though this and the previous point were not brought out in Mr. Davson’s paper—that a British home sugar industry would be valuable as creating in England and Treland a group of people understanding technicalities of Sugar production in general. The speaker proceeded next to survey the various tropi- al countries which are capable of producing more sugar, and attention was called to East and West, as well as South As pointed out British East Africa This is a discouraging already in the Agricultural News, nports practically all its own sugar. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 85 example to encounter when considering the development of the tropical colonies as sources of supply for the home country. Everything concerning the proposed developments centres, of course, round the question of taxation. Mr. Davson made a strong point when he said that in encouraging colonial cane it is not suggested that tariff alterations should be allowed to increase the price, but only to waive the duty for the present on what is a very small percentage of Great Britain’s supplies. It is true that as the percentage grew there would be a continual decrease of revenue, but one could hope that there would be a continual increase in wealth, so that Great Britain would: not suffer, The reading of the paper was followed by several lengthy discussions, which space does not permit our dealing with here. In conclusion, however, we may reproduce the follow- ing message sent to the meeting: ‘Hope audience will realize that British cane sugar is not mere raw material, but the fin- ished product of the highest agricultural and industrial skill? ST. VINCENT ARROWROOT. A copy has been received of the report and statement of accounts of the Committee of Management of the St. Vincent Arrowroot Growers’ and Exporters’ Association for the year 1914. This contains an account of the efforts made to im- prove the position of St. Vincent arrowroot on the English and Canadian markets. During the early part of the year, a committee, constituted of representatives of leading brokers in London, was appointed with power to grade all associ- ation arrowroot and fix minimum prices, the standard being trade E, whose minimum it was hoped might be maintained at 34d. per Ib. On account of the low level of prices result- ing froma flooded market, it was decided later in the year not to increase production in the 1914-15 crop. It was also then decided to regulate shipments, by extending exportation of the crop over ten months of the year, each producer ship- ping not more than one-tenth of his crop per month. It will be commonly known by now that the Association has for some time experienced the difficulty of dealing with the produce of small growers who are not members. With a view to eliminat- ing this difficulty, affecting not only the Association but also the general prosperity of the industry, it is hoped te establish a company to buy up the arrowroot of the non- members of the Association. The scheme is at present under consideration, St. Vincent arrowroot has for many years justly main- tained world-wide reputation. Its position, however, has of late been threatened by the appearance on the market of other forms of starch, which are sold to serve purposes which were originally monopolized by arrowroot. The Association has faced this competition with much vigour and ingenuity, by means of various forms of sale and advertisement. In the first place, an agreement with wholesale packers in Canada has been made for the sale of the so-called ‘No-wytv packets of arrowroot. . In connexion with this scheme con- siderable sums of money have been appropriated for print- ing advertising booklets, and furnishing coloured packets with labels of an artistic design. A similar effort has been made in the United Kingdom. As well as this, the Association arranged for’an excellent display of St. Vincent arrowroot at the Tropical Products Exhibition held in London last July. It is understood that Mr. C. J. Simmons (Chair- man of the Managing Committee), while recently in London made a careful investigation into the arrowroot market conditions, and it is stated that he has devised a new plan which will be submitted in due course, whereby it is hoped that the position of St. Vincent in the arrowroot trade will be considerably benefited. 6 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Marcu 13, 1915. COTTON. WEST INDIAN COTTON. Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool, write as follows, under date February 23, with reference to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton:— Since onr last report the sales of West Indian Sea [sland cotton have been confined to about 50 bales of medium quality Nevis at 12d. There is some enquiry at about this price, but no demand forthe better grades at the moment. The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week ended February 13, is as follows:— The demand has continued for the limited offerings of odd bags, classing Fine and Fully Fine, which the Factors would consent to sell at our quotations, bnt much the larger portion of the unsold stock is held for an advance of le. to 2e., the Factors here thinking they should be able to sell on a parity with the prices now ruling in Savannah. There has also been some demand for the crop lots, but at prices generally 2c. to 3c. below the views of the planters. We quote, viz:— Extra Fine 23c. =14d., c.if, & 5 per cent. Fully Fine 22c.=134d., a 2 ” ” ”) ate oc = 19k Fine 20c. = 124d., al oeT techie each Fine off in colour US8e:— lites Dm This report shows that the total exports of Sea Island cotton from the United States to Liverpool, Manchester, and Havre, up to February 13, 1915, were 103, 1,235, and nil bales, respectively. Bulletin No. 121 of the United States Department of Agriculture, deals with spinning tests of Upland long staple cotton, It discusses soil types represented, variation in grades and staples, lengths, invisible lustre, card waste, relation of grade to waste, comparison at the comber, comber value of waste differences, machine work, factors influencing waste, tests of breaking strength, and cultural characteristics; compares early and late picked cotton, and gives data on tests made at the New Bedford Textile School. This publication should be of special interest in the West Indies, in view of an endeayour which is being made to establish a system of commercial standardization of West Indian cotton. The Bulletin is reviewed in the Haperiment Station Record, Vol. XXXI, No. 7. tests, DEPARTMENT NEWS. Messrs. H. A. Ballou, M.Se. Entomologist, and W. Nowell, D.L.C., Mycologist, on the staff of the Imperial Department of Agriculture, returned to Barbados by the C.R.M.S. ‘Chignecto’ from an ofticial visit to Grenada on March 10, 1915. INDIAN CORN. CORN MEAL AS A FOOD, AND WAYS OF USING IT. Under the title given above, the United States Depart- ment of Agriculture issued Farmers’ Bulletin No. 565, in January 1914. This bulletin was prepared by C. T. Langworthy, Ph.D., D.Se., Chief of Nutrition Investigations, in collaboration with Caroline L. Hunt, B.A., Expert in Nutrition, and has been largely drawn upon in the prepara- tion of these notes. All the recipes given below are quoted from it, except that for cous-cous, as prepared in Barbados. At the present time when the prospects are that high prices and possibly shortage of supplies will soon prevail in respect of wheat and all other imported foodstuffs, it should be of interest to consider the methods of using locally pro- duced foodstuffs to the best advantage. Indian corn is not new to residents in the American tropics, nor indeed to those of almost any part of the world, but perhaps there is no locality where this cereal furnishes the same variety in the foods of the people of all classes as in the United States. In former days all corn meal consisted of the entire corn grains ground or crushed into a meal of varying degrees of fineness. Later, the process of preparation was improved so that the skin or enveloping membrane of the grains was removed, thus reducing the amount of crude fibre or bran in the meal. Still more recently the process has been further improved by the removal of the germ of the seed, which econ- tains nearly all the fat or oil. This improvement has resulted in the production of a corn meal which possesses much better keeping qualities, since the fat has a tendency to undergo chemical changes which cause the meal to become rancid. The meal in which all or nearly all the bran and oil are present is called old-process meal, and that from which a large part of the bran and oil has been removed is known as new-process meal. Probably all the corn meal imported into the West Indies is new-process meal, while that ground locally from locally grown corn is of the old-process type, which is fully equal to the imported meal when freshly ground from good corn, but which, as is well known, does not keep for any length of time without becoming rancid. Everyone in the West Indies is familiar with the ordinary cous-cous or fungee. The early settlers in America used corn in much the same way in the preparation of their corn-meal mush or hasty pudding. In Italy, polenta; in Jamaica, ‘Stamp and go’; and in America, serapple; are similar dishes, with the addition of fats and proteids which make rations with a better balanced nutritive ratio. When corn meal isused to form a large proportion of the food of a people it is generally combined with other things to increase the amount of protein and fat. In the ordinary course however, the use of corn might be largely increased in the West Indies withoutin any way upsetting the balance of the nutritive ratio, since nearly all classes of the population are able to provide themselves with the necessary amounts of proteids and fats to satisfy physiological requirements. The foods which supply relatively large amounts of proteids are meats of all kinds, eggs, milk, and leguminous seeds such as peas and beans. Fats are supplied in butter, lard, oil, pork, and to a considerable extent also, in good milk. In cooking corn meal in the mush or cous-cous form it has been found that the best results are obtained by using Vor. XIV. No. 336. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 87 a —$—$— KK the double boiler, but it is likely that in the West Indies this culinary utensil is not in general nse. Before quoting recipes given in the bulletin on which these notes are based, it might be well to give the recipe for cous-cous as prepared in Barbados: — COUS-COUS., Mb. 8 to 10 Water Salt 2 pints 1 teaspoontul Cornmeal Okras The okras are cut in slices and partially cooked in the water, to which the salt has been added; a part of the water is poured off and the meal is added to the okras and thoroughly stirred and boiled, the water which was poured off being added from time to time as needed. Boil for twenty minutes or until the corn is thoroughly cooked. The following are taken from Farmers’ Bulletin No. 565, quoted above: — CORN-MEAL MUSH, 33 cups water or 1 cup corn meal 4 4 cups milk or milk and water. 1 teaspoonful salt Put all the ingredients into a double boiler and cook for four hours. POLENTA. This dish, which is common in Italy, differs little, except in name, from hasty pudding, though it is served in very different ways. Sometimes cheese is added during the cook- ing. Polenta is often reheated either with tomato sauce or a meat gravy left over from a meal, or with a meat gravy made from a small amount of meat bought for the purpose, or with half tomato sauce and half meat gravy. In any case, the dish is improved by sprinkling each layer of polenta ‘with cheese. When the polenta is to be reheated in gravy, it is well to cut it into small pieces in order that the gravy may be well distributed through the dish. SAUCES FOR POLENTA: TOMATO SAUCE, 1 cup thick strained tomato juice salt and pepper. 2 tablespoonfuls butter 2 tablespoonfuls flour Melt the butter; cook the flour thoroughly in it; add the tomato juice and seasonings; and cook until smooth, stirring constantly. SAVOURY SAUCE. Take 2 0z. of salt pork, bacon or sausage. If bacon or pork is used, cut it into small pieces. Heat until crisp but not burned. In the fat which dries out of the meat, cook a small amount of finely chopped onion and red or green pepper, being careful not to burn them. Add 1 cup of thick tomato juice or a larger amount of uncooked juice, and cook the mixture until it is reduced to a smaller amount. Season with salt. To this sauce capers, mushrooms, or finely chopped pickle may be added. FRIED CORN-MEAL MUSH. The custom of packing hasty pudding in granite pans, cutting it into slices, and frying it, is too common to call for special mention here. A less common method in this coun- try [America] is that employed in Italy where polenta is usually spread in thin layers on a board and eut into small blocks. These blocks are egged and crumbled, and fried in deep fat. Another method is to mix corn meal in three times its volume of water and to cook it in water only long enough to form a mush, and to complete the cooking by frying the meal in butter or other fat. This is not so stiff as ordinary fried corn-meal mush, and has the advantage of requiring a shorter time for its preparation as the temperature of fat suitable for frying is far greater than that of boiling water. ROAST PORK OR FRIED CHICKEN Blocks of fried cornmeal mush are sometimes served with roast pork, and are a common accompaniment of fried chicken, particularly in the Southern States. The mush is made by the usual method, is cooled and cut in slices, and fried a delicate brown either in a in deep fat. WITH CORN-MEAL MUSH. greased pan or ROAST PORK WITH BATTER PUDDING, A dish corresponding to the Yorkshire pudding which is frequently served with roast beef can be made out of corn meal to serve with roast pork. One-fourth enp corn meal One-half teaspoon salt 1 ewp milk 2 eggs Place the milk, corn meal, and salt in the top of a double boiler and cook them about ten minutes, or until the meal has expanded to form a homogeneous mixture. After the mixture has cooled, add the eggs well beaten. Grease the tins thoroughly, allowing to each about 1 teaspoonful of fat from the roast pork. Bake in a moderate oven, basting occasionally with the drippings of the pork. CORN-MEAL MUSH WITH FRUIT. Corn-meal mush is often served with dried fruits, par- ticularly with figs and dates. In preparing such fruit for use with the mush, it is usually necessary to soften it. This can easily be accomplished by washing the fruit and then heating it in a slow oven. As a result of the heat, the water remaining on the fruit is absorbed and the fruit softened and also dried on the surface. CORN-MEAL MUSH WITH CHEESE, For this dish, yellow corn meal is usually used. For a mush made with 1 cup of yellow corn meal the usual allowance is one-half cup, or 2 oz., of grated cheese. There is, however, no limit to the amount of cheese which ean be added, and the addition of the cheese tends not only to make a more highly nitrogenous and nourishing dish, but also to make a dish which can be eaten without the addition of butter or cream. Like the ordinary corn-meal mush, it is often fried either in deep fat, after having been egged and crumbled, or in a small amount of fat. Other recipes for cooking corn meal in the form of bread and cake will be given in a subsequent issue of the Agricultural News. Balata Market in 1914.—Two very interesting charts are published in the India Rubber Journal for January 9, 1915, showing the fluctuations in the prices of West India sheet and Venezuela block balata during 1914. In the case of West India sheet the highest price was 2s. 11d. per tb. (c. 1. f. London terms) in February. From that date the price dropped steadily down to 2s. 5d. in July, Immediately after the outbreak of war, the value rose, but in September there was a sudden drop to 2s. at the end of October, from which date there was a slight rise of abont 1d. per tb. until the end of the year. In regard to Venezuela block, prices remained more steady during the first half of the year, though there was a sudden drop in September, The maximum and minimum prices were 2s. 1}d. per th, (February), and Is. 7d. per Ib. (September), respectively, 8é THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Marcu 13, 1915. Initialled Articles in the ‘Agricultural News’. The desirability of initialling certain articles im this journal has arisen principally in connexion with See NOTICES: the Insect and Fungus Notes. It has been noticed from ann OUnATE 3 SRS time to time that several of the entomological and Letters and matter for publication, as well as all specimens for naming, should be addressed to the Commissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture, Barbados. All applications for copies of the ‘Agricultural News’ and other Departmental publications, should be addressed to the Agents, and ‘not to the Department. The complete list of Agents, and the subscription and advertisement rates, will be found on page 3 of the cover. Imperial Commissioner of Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Sc., Agriculture for the West Indies F.L.C., F.C.S. SCIENTIFIC STAFF. Scientific Assistant and Assistant Editor W. R. Dunlop. Biitomologist H. A. Ballou, M.Se. Mycologist W. Nowell, D.L.C. CLERICAL STAFF, A. G. Howell. M. B. Connell. P. Bovell. P. J. Taylor. Miss B. Robinson. { A.B. Price, Fell. Journ. Inst. (A. Corbin. Chief Clerl. Assistant Clerk Funior Clerk We Assistant Junior Clerk Typist Assistants for Publications Vor. XIV. SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 1915. No. 336. NOTES AND COMMENTS. The editorial in this number discusses the advant- ages and disadvantages of establishing hedges and fences on West Indian estates. Two important general articles appear in this issue on sugar and the war, and St. Vincent arrowroot, res- pectively. A very useful collection of adyice and recipes in regard to the cooking of Indian corn will be found on page SO. Insect and Fungus Notes, which will be found on pages 90 and 94, respectively, deal with Nigerian pests, and citrus diseases in Florida. Attention may be called to Students’ Corner im this issue, which contains a useful list of books for the evidance of agricultural students. mycological publications of both British and foreign origin frequently disregard notes containing original observations of considerable biological value, presumably because of the difticulty of including an unsigned article in a scientific bibhography containing a list of authors. As well as this reason, there is possibly another, dependent on the fact that anonymous technical notes lack the necessary authoritativeness. This circumstance, which has tended to limit the usefulness of the Department’s work, if is now proposed to remedy. Reference to thé West Indian Bulletin, Vol. XI, No. 4, which deals with the history and organization of the Imperial Department, will show that, generally speaking, it has been the custom for the Entomologist to prepare the Insect Notes in each issue, the Myecolo- gist the Fungus Notes, and for the Scientific Assistant to write the editorials and most of the general articles. The Insect and Fungus Notes will therefore be imtialled in future by the respective officers, and, in certain cases, the editorials and other articles, at the discretion of the Imperial Commissioner. External contributions will be acknowledged in a preamble in the usual way. This, and future issues of the Agricultural News, will include under Editorial Notices, a list of the official staff for the convenience of readers abroad. In concluding this notification, it may be added that every effort 1s made in the Agricultural News, to insert information of direct interest to the West Indies and the Tropies generally. This policy can be assisted by readers, from whom communications con- taining brief comments, information or suggestions will be gladly received, and acknowledged in this journal, if made use of. Forestry in Southern Nigeria. The Annual Report on the Forest Administration, of Southern Nigeria, 1913, just received, deals with the activities of the Department in several directions, In the section dealing with the regeneration of forests, interesting notes are given in connexion with depart- mental plantations and the girth measurement of trees. As in previous, years, measurements were taken of the girths of various sample trees in one of the While the average annual girth increment of the wild growing trees in the Mamu Reserve is: not very high, only a little over .),-inch, the increment of the plantation trees in the Olokemeji Reserve is. remarkable, amounting to about 3 inches, on the average. The reason for this does not seem to be clearly stated. Of most interest from the West Indian, aspect is that part of the report dealing with minor forests products. Much attention has been given. to the production of rubber, and efforts are being made to continue the output of Piassava fibre. The intro- reserves. Wor: XIV. No? 336. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. ao duction of a suitable machine will make these eftorts more successful. A table is given showing the value of the principal forest products exported during 1912-13. The palm kernel and oil trade is worth nearly £4,000,000 annually. Other important pro- ducts are fibre, rubber, gums and ivory. It is noted in the report that 50th. of palm oil seeds were sent to British Guiana during the year, where experiments are being made with the oil palm on plantation lines. rn Stomata and Drought Resistance. The Kxperiment Station Record, Vol. XXX, No. 7, gives an abstract of a paper dealing with the stomatal characteristics of varieties of sugar-cane (West Indian Bulletin, Vol. XIII, No. 4), and follows with another of interest to the West Indies on stomata and drought resistance in maize (Indian corn). It is stated that in the South Africun Journal of Science (1913), No. 8, a report appears on the study of the relationship between number of stomata present and power of drought resistance in Indiaa corn. The stomata were found to be larger but less numerous on the upper sides of the leaves. The author inclines to the view that the drought-resisting capacity does not bear any close relation to number of stomata, but that it is related to the presence of a peculiar structure on the epidermis of the leaves, in the form of small special groups or absorbing and storing cells, which are to be further investigated. Views of a somewhat analogous kind were put forward in the second reference given above, in regard to the sugar-cane. It was thought that the distribu- tion of certain varieties of cane would be limited to definite regions, were it not for the correlation between leat habit, motor cells, etc., and stomatal characteristics. Barbados Sugar-canes in India. In the Report on the Agricultural Department of Assam for the year ending June 30,1914, it is stated that the imported varieties of sugar-cane, viz., Striped Mauritius, B. 376, and B. 147 have shown marked superiority over the local varieties, both in yield and in quality of juice. Another Barbadian variety, B. 208, is expected to rank as one of the best in the future, although it seems to be very liable to attacks of the borer. A comparison of the returns from B, 147 and the local variety, made by one of the planters, gives the following results per acre: Weight of cane: B. 147 40, 846. th. Local variety = 22, 140 th. Weight of juice: B. 147 =22, 801 th. Local variety =10, 604 th. Value of sugar produced from B.147=288 rupees, from local variety = 125 rupees This is a striking example of the value of some of the new varieties of cane which have been produced in Barbados, even wnéer very different conditions of climate and soil from their original place of production, Publications of the Imperial Department of Agriculture. Cotton Cultivation in the West Indies (Pamphlet No. 74), lately issued by the Imperial Department of Agriculture, has receivéd notice in recent issues of Nature and the India-Rubber World, respectively. It is stated in Nature: ‘this comprehensive account of Sea Island cotton in the West Indies.... forms a very trustworthy guide to those concerned in the West Indian cotton industry ...the pamphlet... is very well illustrated: the general information has been select- ed with great care, and the compilers are to be con- gratulated on the preparation of so useful a manual,’ 1S The subject of Sea Island cotton is of some interest to the rubber growers and manufacturers, in that this fibre is employed in the manufacture of certain rubber articles, for example, pneumatic tyres. The IJndia- Tiubber World observes that, in view of the increasing importance of cotton growing, this useful pamphlet has been issued, and the information has been brought up to date and numerous photogravure illustrations included. The Pamphlet is also referred to as an important publication for the textile industry, in The Board of Trade Journal. > Chemical Auditing versus Chemical Control. It is interesting to note from the Hawaiian letter to the Louisiana Planter, February 13, 1915, that the term ‘auditing’ chemist is to be employed in con- nexion with a large group of sugar factories in Hawaii as the official designation of their supervising chemist. Some years ago Dr. Francis Watts, duxing the course of the negotiations for the erection of Gun- thorpe’s Sugar Factory in Antigua, made use of this appellation, as a suitable description of a chemist to be attached to such a factory, because it represented the work which might be expected of him, Tt has been usual hitherto to speak of chemical control of a factory. This term is rather misleading, because the control of a factory, in the sense of direction, is the business of the manager, not of the chemist. The work of the chemist is much better described as audit. His analysis of the products of the factory enables him to check the returns, and so to be able either to state that the working is satisfactory, or to point out where there is wastage, or to suggest where some improve- ment may be made so as to secure better results. An ‘auditing chemist’ ought therefore to be aman with a wide knowledge of nearly every activity connected with the production of sugar, for he may be called upon to give advice on any thing which tends to increased yield in tonnage of cane or richness of juice. Besides this, from his analyses he has. to check the efficiency of the mills, and all the process of manu- facture. Perhaps therefore the term ‘auditing chemists’, as the designation of cane factory chemists, has come to take a permanent place in the nomenclature of the industry. 90 THE INSECT NOTES. AGRICULTURAL PESTS, NIGERIA. IL. The following is a continuation of the abstract of the report on insect pests in Nigeria, Southern Provinces; the first part appeared in the last issue of the Agricultural News. CACAO—CONTINUED. The stem of the cacao plant was attacked by the larvae of the moth, Hulophonstus myrmeleon, Feld., the only represen- tative of the family Megalopygidae known to oceur outside the American hemisphere. This is the only cacao borer found. It tunnels in the medium sized branches, rarely in the main stem. The attacked branches drop their leaves and even- tually die. . The common method of dealing with this cacao borer is to cut off the dead and dying branches, and to leave them on the ground. This probably does not kill the borers; to accomplish this, the infested branches should be burned. The boring larvae may be killed in the branches in the early stages of the attack by probing the tunnels with a flexi- ble wire, or by injecting carbon bisulphide into the tunnels and plugging the opening with damp clay. The bark sapper or rind bug (Sahlbergella theobroma, Dist.) has occurred in certain districts asa serious pest, and in others in small numbers. The scale insects attacking cacao in Southern Nigeria are not serious pests. They include one or more species of Dactylopius, Stictococeus sjisteadi, Newst., and Stictococcus dimorphus, Newst. The latter is a recognized pest of pigeon peas and probably invades the cacao to a slight extent from that plant, which is commonly used as a shade plant. In addition to these isa species of Icerya, which was common on pigeon peas, and also occasionally found on cacao, The species of Dactylopius are commonly held in check in Nigeria by the larvae of a Lycaenid buttertly (Spalgis lemolea, H. H. Druce). On small plants the Dactylopius scale is treated also by being brushed over with kerosene emulsion. The cacao pods were attacked by only a few insects, and very little damage was done by them. Termites are numerous, eating away the dead wood of cacao trees. They were not found eating away living wood, but it is likely that as the dead wood is eaten the live wood dies faster, and thus their action hastens decay. Dead plants on native farms are not often removed until they become infested with termites, and frequently no other cause was to be seen to account for the death of the tree; but it is stated that these insects follow close on fungus attacks, and perhaps trees dying from fungus diseases are attacked by termites, and their death hastened. The termites were successfully combated by the use of the ‘Universal Ant Destroyer—a machine by means of which sulphurons and arsenical vapours, with a mixture of carbon monoxide and dioxide, are pumped into the termitarium. (An account of this machine was given in the Agricultural News, Vol. XI, p. 122.) MAIZE. The leat-eating pests attacking maize are not numerous, the most important being lepidopterous larvae. The life- history of one of these lepidopterous insects (Prodenia litura, F.), was worked ont. The female parent moth deposits her eggs en masse on the underside of the corn leaves, protecting and concealing them with hairs and seales AGRICULTURAL NEWS. MarcH 13, 1915. from her abdomen. The larvae hatch in about three days and attain full growth in about three and a half to four weeks. The pupa stage lasts about eight days. When the larvae are about two-thirds grown they conceal themselves in the heart of the plant, and it is at this time that greatest damage is done, for they eat off the young undeveloped leaves and destroy the growing shoot. The earwig (Hlaunon erythrocephalus, Oliv.) damaged young maize plants by boring into the base of the leaves, and congregating there in numbers. These insects breed on the plants, the parent female often being found brooding over a batch of ten to fifteen eggs, or a family of young. The larvae of at least two moths were found on leaves of corn, but not in abundance or doing much damage. The caterpillars of two moths of the family Lymantriidae attacked the silks, eating them away flush with the tip of the husk. If this happened before pollination took place the ear could not develop. The pests which attack the stem and the ear of the corn are more numercus and more important. There are three species of moth, the larvae of which are borers in the stems and ears. These are Sesamza calamistis, Hmp., Lidana succharina, Walk., and Busseola fusca, Hmp. The etiect produced by these borers varied with the age of the plant. Young plants withered and sometimes died; older plants survived, but showed the effects of the attack by their stunted growth and withered appearance, and by the failure of the ears to develop properly. When plants bearing ears are attacked, these seem to be preferred to the stem, but the method of attack varies with each insect. The larvae of Sesamia usually feed in the cob, not as a rule touching the kernels of grain. The larvae of Eldana, on the other hand, prefer the kernels, through which they tunnel in all directions, pupating when full-grown in a white silken cocoon, either among the kernels or in the husk. The two common species, Sesamia and Eldana, are parasitized by a Tachinid fly, which in its turn is attacked by a hymenopterous parasite. The larvae of these two species have been found in stalks of corn plants that have been left standing after the ears have been removed, these stalks thus providing good breeding places for the pest. The larvae of Sesamia and Eladana have also been found breeding in the stems of a coarse grass, which is abundant in the Ibadan district. Another caterpillar, a bright pink larva of a Noetuid moth, feeds on the silk of the ear inside the husk. When this attack occurs before the grains are fertilized the ear, of course, does not develop; but when, as often happens, the injury takes place after pollination, no serious harm is done. Toward the end of the maize season another caterpillar pest, the larvae of the Pyralid moth (Mussidia nigrivenella, Rag.), was found in the almost ripe ears. This is important since this insect is one of the chief pests attacking stored grain, the first infection taking place in the field, and subse- quent generations developing in the store. The experiments as to the control of the borers in corn have given results which indicate that the burial of all stalks and other corn refuse immediately after gathering the ears is quite satisfactory. The formation of a compost heap of the refuse is equally ettective. The pests which attack stored grain are of much the same kind as in other parts of the world, and indeed many of the species are the same: Calandra oryzae, Tribolium confusum, Tenebrioides mauritanicus, and another small brown i i i, Wore, exXhy. No: 336. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 91 — — beetle, and the moths, Mussidia niyrivenella and Ephestia cautella occurred in abundance, severely attacking corn soon after it was stored. The larvae of the weevil, Calandra oryzae, were attacked by a hymemopterous — parasite (Meraporus sp.). It was found that these insects infest the grain in the field; that Calandra has not the power to penetrate the husk, but gains admission to the grain either through the tip of the ear or through holes in the husk made by borers; and that Trilobium is able to make its way through the husk to to the grain. A few experiments were made in’ an effort to find a sacking material proof against Calandra and Trilobium. It was found that while the former cannot penetrate a coarse drill, the latter has no difficulty in doing so. Carbon bisulphide, used at the rate of 5 tb. per 1,000 eubic feet of space, appeared to give good results in the fumigation of the stored grain, but reinfestation resulted from imperfect construction of the bins. Carbon dioxide also gave good results as a fumigant for stored maize. MISCELLANEOUS. Kola. The young shoots of kola were attacked by a Delphacid leaf hopper (Pundaluoya simplicia, Dist.). They were treated by brushing with a week kerosene emulsion. The Adoretus beetle which attacked young cacao plants in the nursery attacked kola in the same way, and the grass- hoppers attacked the leaves. They were controlled by the usual stomach poisons. Kola nuts on the tree and in storage were attacked by two weevils: Paremydica insperata, Fst., and Balanogastris kolae, Desbe. These were parasitized by an Ichneumonid. Coffee. Only one leaf eater of importance occurred on coffee. This was the caterpillar of the moth Metadrepana glauca, Hmp. The coreid bug (Riptortus tenuicornis, Vall.), previously recorded as a pest of this crop, was not abundant. Scale insects oceurred but not in great numbers. Rubber. Para rubber was attacked by the grasshopper already mentioned, which ate the leaves, and by the large cricket, Brachytrypes membranaceus, Drury, which attacked the roots. This latter was held in check by a fossorial wasp (Chlorion xanthoceros, Illig., var. instabilis, Sm.). Funtumia elastica was more subject to insect attacks, the leaves being eaten by the larvae of two Lepidopterous insects, Vephele sp., a Sphingid moth, and Glyphodes ocellata, Hmp., a Pyralid leaf roller, and the trees were attacked at the base of the stems by a borer, probably the larva of a beetle. Funtumia pods when open were found to contain a variety of insect pests. Ground Nuts were attacked by a leaf-eating caterpillar, Metisa sierricola, and a scale insect, Ceronema africana. eans grown for green dressings were attacked by three beetles: Lagria villosa, L., L. viridipennis, and Ootheca mutabilis. They were controlled by collecting with light nets in the hands of small boys. Pigeon pea is not of great importance in Nigeria, being used for shade in young plantations of cacao. On account of its possible utility as a food crop, however, it has been kept under observation, and the insect pests attack- ing it have been noted. Several scale insects, several leaf-eating larvae, and a froghopper are recorded as attacking this plant. Oil palins, which had been scorched by fire, were attacked hy the weevil Calandra oryzue. Sweet potatoes were attacked by the larvae of the sweet potato hawk moth (Herse cingulata). The stored potatoes were attacked by weevils: Cy/as /runneus and C, puncticollis. EieA..B: THE FLORA OF THE AZORES. Many West Indians have had oceasion to visit. the Azores. In view of the geographically transitional nature of the plants of those islands compared with the characteristic species of Tropical America and Northern Europe, and msidering the Azores, like most of the West Indies are mountainous islands, the follow- ing summary (taken from the Kew Bulletin of Miscellancous Information, No.9 of 1914) may be found of interest: The author endeavours to describe briefly some of the most conspicuous features of the native vegetation of the Azores as illustrated on the mountain of Pico. In so doing, he directs attention mainly to the vertical distribution of the plants. After pointing out that for purposes of comparison with Madeira and the Canaries the Azores should be regarded as presenting conditions for forest-growth up to levels of 3,000 to 4,000 feet (p. 307), he gives the zones of vegetation (p. 308), (1) the Faya | Myriea Jaya) zone, up to 2,000 or 2,500 feet; (2) the Juniper and Daphne zone, 2,000-4, 500 feet; (3) the Calluna, Menziesia and Thymus zone, 5,000 feet to the summit; (4) the Upland moors, 2,000-4,000 feet. A reference to the climatic conditions (p. 309) is followed by a general acconnt of the native vegetation of the mountain (pp. 309-15). Beginning with that of the summit and of the higher levels (p. 310), he then describes in their order the plants of the upper woods or Juniper and Daphne zone (p. 311), of the lower woods or Faya zone (p. 313), and of the Upland moors (p. 313). After alluding to the relatively small number of indi- genous plants as compared with introduced plants (p. 315), the composition of the forest of evergreens that clothed the islands at the time of their discovery is discussed (p. 316), and the early writers are quoted in support of the view that the trees of the original woods were of far greater size than at present. It is then shown that although in the existing woods the trees are of small size on account of the persistent agency of the woodeutter, they attain respectable dimensions when allowed to grow undisturbed (p. 317). With regard to the general affinities of the Azorean flora it is remarked that, whilst the plants of the upland moors are in the mass European species that do not occur either in Madeira or in the Canaries, most of the characteristic trees and shrubs of the woods are non-European and either exist in the other two groups or are represented there by closely related species (p. 317). It is suggested, in passing, that the European element in the woods was mainly derived by way of the Atlas Mountains (p. 318). The woods of the Azores, as regards their component trees and shrubs, are to be compared with the ‘laurel belt? that forms the middle zone of vegetation on the slopes of Teneriffe. The lower African zone and the higher region of pines as displayed on that mountain are not to be found in the Azores, their absence being due to lack of the requisite climatic conditions in the first case, and to want of suitable soil conditions on the high levels of Pico in the second case (p. 319). Finally, it is shown that the marked endemism of the Canarian and Madeiran floras is but slightly displayed in that of the Azores. The revolutions in plant-life which are suggested by the presence in the other two groups of representatives of genera, now exclusively American, cannot be predicated for the Azores. On the contrary, the Azorean plants supply us with a story of to-day for the upland moor, and of yesterday for the mountain wood. 92 THE GLEANINGS. According to The Board of Trade Journal for January 28, 1915, the attempts made in Tunis during 1913 to produce cotton did not yield any satisfactory results. The year 1914 has been even less encouraging. The limiting factor appears to be drought. The cultivation of tea is in an experimental stage, or is not being actively exploited in the following countries: Uganda and Nigeria, Siam and the Straits Settlements, 3razil and Peru, Mauritius, the Azores, Fiji Isles, South Carolina, and Natal. (The Planter’s Chronicle of Southern India, December 10, 1914.) Sunn hemp fibre (Crotolaria juncea) is dealt with in an article in the Wealth of India for December 1914. It is used in the manufacture of ropes, fishing nets, saddles for pack horses, hose pipes, ete. Sunn hemp has considerable tensile strength, and like European hemp, its tendency to rot under water seems to be very slight. The pruning of trees is diseussed in the Planters’ Chronile of Southern India (November 7, 1914). It is pointed out that bad and useless wocd must be removed before the bushes can benefit fully from intensive treatment of the soil. The article in question contains a considerable amount of practical formation, which should be useful to those interested in this crop. The Castor oil plant, according to the Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society (November 1914), should prove extremely useful asa detective of ethylene in laboratories, green houses, and rooms where coal gas is burnt. A very small amount, ‘00001 per cent. of ethylene produced a definite response, and 1 part per million produced drooping of petioles or folding down of laminas. The St. Vincent Agricultural Department is prepared to distribute disinfected cuttings of the best varieties of sugar-cane at 6d. per 100. The following kinds are included in the list published in the St. Vincent Government Gazette: B. 208, B. 1753, D. 95, B. 6450, Sealy Seedling, B. 4596. It will be noticed that all these are very well known varie- ties, both in Barbados and the Leeward Islands. The summary of results of the soil investigation work in Assam, for the year 1915-14, is given in the Annual Report on the Agricultural Experiments and Demonstrations. Experiments for some time have shown that in order to grow most ordinary crops a preliminary dressing of lime is abso- lutely essential. Itis hoped that in future years more light will be thrown on the problem of the right quantity to apply. AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Marcu 13, I915. The Agricultural Superintendent, St. Lucia, reports as follows on the condition of the staple crops in December 1914. The cacao crop was heavy and early; the reaping of sugar had begun on the large estates; the lime crop was slackening. The rainfall at the Botanic Station during December was 10:87 inches; at Réunion 8:23 inches It is stated in the Jowrnal of Agriculture of New Zealand for November 20, 1914, that the Phormium fibre industry is feeling the effects of the war, probably more seriously than any other branch of production in that country. During the quarter ended September 1914, only 14,899 bales of hemp were milled, as against 28,651 bales in the corres- ponding quarter of last year. However, the hemp has been of a better quality during the past six months. The yield of pigeon peas obtained at Salisbury in Rhodesia was at the rate of 1,350 tb. of seed per acre. The stalks of pigeon peas are largely used as fodder, and it has been suggested that a inixture of peas and Napier’s fodder would provide an excellent green pasture mixture, the Napier’s fodder being cut for ensilage. The admixture of forage crops, so common in English agriculture, is worth more attention in the Tropics, particularly combination between the graminaceous and leguminous crops. Useful bulletins are being issued by the Agricultural Department of the Southern Provinces, Nigeria. A copy has recently been received of Bulletin No. 2—Mycology, Part I, entitled Fungus Diseases of Plants and Their Treatment. The subject-matter is well written, and deals in a general way with the prevention of plant diseases. It is proposed to follow up the present publication with a series of papers on special diseases of different crops. The next of the series will deal with root disease of Para rubber and cacao. Agricultural education in the primary schools of Grenada is reported on in the Government G'azette for January 4, 1915, Five schools offered this subject, but only three of them possessed gardens. It is important to note that four of the five teachers who offered this subject had gone through at least one full course of lectures under the auspices of the Imperial Department of Agriculture. The usual conrse of elementary instruction in plant life, with its application to local conditions was done satisfactorily. An Assistant Inspector of Schools arrived from England last March. In view of the fact that this officer has science qualifications, it is likely that the study and teaching of agriculture will be advanced in the Grenada elementary schools. The Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture has forwarded to this Office a copy of Circular No. 60, dealing with the pre- vention of the re-infection of fumigated citrus trees in that country. It is pointed out that re-infection comes, to a very great extent, from seale insects left on dead leaves, and fruit lying on the ground near by the trees. Two important rules are deduced: (1) orange trees should have all their lower branches pruned off, and should have bared trunks for the first 50 or 60 certimetres above the ground; (2) it is absolutely necessary to keep the ground near by the trees free from dead leaves and fallen fruit. The interlacing of branches should be prevented also by judicious pruning. The above instructions apply to a large extent to West Indian conditions. Vou. XIV. No. 336. THE STUDENTS’ CORNER. REVISED COURSES OF READING. The Cireular issued in February~1910 on Courses of Reading and Examinations in Practical Agriculture under the Imperial Department of Agriculture for the West Indies has now been revised in regard to the references given for the students’ guidance. The syllabus of examinations has not been altered, with the exception that coconuts has been included as an optional crop subject. The following is the revised general list of books recommended for use in connexion - with these courses. It is not expected that any student should procure ad/ the books listed. A careful choice should be made of those books likely to be of greatest value to the individual students. In making this choice, the assistance of the officers of the Local Department of Agriculttre should be sought. GENERAL AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE. ‘Bacteria in Relation to Country Life’, by Lipman, published by Macmillan. ‘Catechism of Agricultural Chemistry’, by Johnson, pub- lished by Blackwood & Sons, 1s. ‘Chemistry of the Garden’, by H. H. Cousins, published by Macmillan, 1s. ‘Elementary Tropical Agriculture’, by Johnson, published by J. Murray. ‘Elements of Agriculture’, by W. Freeman, published by J. Murray, 2s. 6d. ‘Feeding of Crops and Stock’, by~A. D. Hall, published by J. Murray, 5s. q ‘Fertilizers and Manures’, by A\.. D. Hall, published by John Murray, 5s. ‘Nature Teaching’, by Francis Watts, published by the Imperial Department of Agriculture, West Indies, 2s. 6d. ‘Physics of Agriculture’, by King. ‘Principles of Plant Culture’, by Goff, published by the Author, ‘Soils’, by Fletcher. ‘Southern Agriculture,’ by Earle. SuGAR. ‘Sugar and the Sugar-cane’, by Noel Deerr, published by N. Rodger, Altrintham, Manchester, 1s. ‘Introductory Manual for Sugar Watts (out of print). ‘The Cane Sugar Factory’, by F. I. Seard, published by the West India Committee, 1s. ‘Lectures to Sugar Planters’, published by the Imperial Department of Agriculture, West Indies, 1s. ‘Cane Sugar and its Manufacture’, by Prinsen Geerligs, published by Norman Rodger. 7 Growers’, by F. Cacao. ‘Cocoa’, by van Hall, published by Maemillan, 14s. ‘Cacao’, by J. H. Hart, published by Davidson & Todd, Trinidad. ‘Cacao, its Botany, Cultivation, Chemistry and Diseases’, by Herbert Wright, published by Ferguson, Columbo & London, 7s. 6d. ‘The Fermentation of Cacao’, edited by Hamel Smith, BANANAS. ‘The Banana’, by W. Fawcett, published by Duckworth, 7s. 6d. AGRICULTURAL. NEWS 93 Coco-NUTS. ‘The Coco-nuts’, by E. P. Copeland, Maemillan, 10s. published by PAMPHLELS DEALING WITH PHE ABOVE AND OTHER SUBJECTS. (ISSUED BY THE IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.) No. (17) General Treatment of Fungoid Pests. Price 4d. » (43) Cotton Seed ‘and Cotton-cake-meal on West Indian Plantations. Price 2d, No. (54) Fungus Diseases of Cacao and Sanitat’on of Cacao Orchids. Price 4d. No. (58) Insect Pests of Cacao. » (60) Cotton Gins. Price 4d. No. (61) The Gratting of Cacao, Price 47. », (65) Hints on School Gardens. Fourth Edition, 5, (69) Hints to Settlers in St. Lucia. Price 6d. » (70) Coco-nut Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 6d. No. (71) Insect Pests of the Lesser Antilles. Price 1s. 3d. », (72) Lime Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 9d. 5 (73) Root Borers and other Grubs in West Indian Soils. Price 6d. No. (74) Cotton Price 9d. No. (75) Insect. Pests of Sugar-cane in Antigna and St. Kitts. Price 6d. No. (76) Indian Corn. Price 4d. How to erect and work them. Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 4d. West InpIAN BuLLrrixn REFERENCES. The Scarabee of the Sweet Potato, Vol. X, p. 180. Root Disease of the Sugar-cane, Vol. IX, p. 108. AGRICULTURAL NEws. Articles on the Life-history of the Fungi, Vol. VILL, 190, and 192. NOTICE TO FINAL StUDENTS.—In the Agricultural News, Vol. XI, Nos. 271, 273 and 274, Students’ Corner consists of specially prepared notes on the references in the publications of the Imperial Department to estate management, embrac- ing such subjects as agricultural labour, machinery, building construction, surveying, co-operation, law, ete. These notes should be carefully perused and brought up to date by referring to the indexes of the West Indian Bulletin, Vol. XII, and the Argicultural News, Vols. XII and XII, together with the table of contents in the recently published pamphlets and annual reports. Nos. An interesting note on fuel consumption of gasolene engines per horse power appears in the 1913 report of the Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station of the University of Wisconsin. The sizes of the farm engines commonly used range from | to 10 horse power. It is often proved that a much smaller engine is purchased than is necessary for some of the work to be done, with the idea that the smaller engines wi!l be more economical for the usual small load. To determine the economy of engines of various sizes under different loads, a series of tests was made with farm engines of from 3 to 6h.p. It was found that the larger engines were just as economical in the use of fuel, on a small load, as are the smaller engines when carrying the same load,—an exceedingly important fact to bear in mind when selecting an engine. THE AGRICULTURAL . NEWS. Marcu 13, 1915. ee a Ee ee FUNGUS NOTES. ‘INVESTIGATION OF CITRUS DISEASES IN FLORIDA. Mycological investigations in Florida during 1911 were described in the Agricultural News, Vol. XII, p. 398. The present article, based on the Report of the Agricultural Experiment Station, for the year ending June 30, 1913, reviews a continuation of the work previously recorded. Hitherto in Florida, the work of principal interest to the West Indies has been the campaign against the Citrus white fly (Alewrodes citri), by spraying with the spores of entomogenous fungi—parallel with the campaign against the froghopper in Trinidad. This work has been continued in Florida with interesting results, which will be given later in this article. As well as this work just mentioned, the report under review refers to several new lines of investigation. The first one deals with the control of die-back by Bordeaux mixture. Die-back of Citrus trees is a malady supposed to be due to physiological causes. The reason for testing the effect of Bordeaux depended on the circumstance that there is evidence from practice and experiment, that this spray has a stimulating effect on plant tissues. The trees were sprayed thoroughly with Bordeaux of 5:5:50 strength, twice during the spring of 1912. Within ten days after spraying with Bordeaux mixture, the trees were sprayed thoroughly with an insecticide in order to control the seale insects, which experience has taught will greatly increase in numbers after the use of copper sprays on account of the killing of the enromogenous fungi, which hold the scale insects in control. On the whole, the treatment was found to be effective: Bordeaux mixture appears to be a useful spray for the control of die-back; but its benefits were some- what hidden by a decrease of the disease due to natural causes. The effect of the insecticide used after the Bordeaux is marked by the lack of any great inerease of scale over that existing before the experiment was started. Turning to another section of the report, we find an account of an interesting piece of work on the gumming of Citrus produced by chemicals. It is worthy of observation that in the die-back investigation, the stimulating effect of poisons in small doses was the underlying principle; in the case of the effect of chemicals on gumming, it is the morbid effect of poisons that is taken into account. To continue, some twenty-eight different organie and inorganic chemicals were placed beneath the bark, orin holes in the trunk, or were painted on the surface of the bark. The production of gum was coincident with the injury caused by the chemical, The most copious production of gum was caused hy copper sulphate and the other salts of the heavy metals— interesting in view of the beneficial effects of copper in the form of Bordeaux mixture—and the injury extended from the point of insertion in the bud or stock, to the upper branches. The injury caused by the other compounds was confined to the region of insertion. The amount of gum formed in this case was small, and gum production was associated with the place of chemical injury. In all cases the gum was of the same character and appearance. ‘Coming now to the campaign against Citrus white fly (see Ayricultural News, Vol. XII, p. 398) the general results forthe year under review were about the same as those reported in 1912. It has been further estabhshed, however, that moist weather conditions markedly inerease the efficieney of the Microcera fungus. On the other hand, mere wetting of the leaves with water free from spores had no effect on the increase of Microcera. The following summary of the investigation is reproduced from the report in full: — ‘1. Natural mortality of white fly is caused mostly by Mierocera (Fusarium) as shown by: : (a) The bodies of 98 per cent. of such natural mortal- ity victims, or pieces thereof, yielded Microcera when grown in suitable culture media: 28 per cent. being pure colonies of Microcera. ‘(b) No other fungus was obtained even half as. frequently. ‘c) Except in very unfavourable weather, spraying with a suspension of the spores of Microcera caused a marked rise in the natural mortality. Microcera could always be recovered from these dead larvae. ‘(d) Spraying or dipping with a suspension of spores from a pure culture on sweet potato caused fully as marked an effect as similar sprayings or dippings in a suspension of victims of natural mortality. ‘e) The period between spraying or dipping and the appearance of the marked inerease in dead larvae corresponds. closely with the time required for Microcera to develop in artificial media. ‘2. Tt is possible, by spraying with Microcera, to increase natural mortality among white fly, but such increase is only temporary. ‘3. Mierocera grows best during periods of high humid- ity but not too high temperature. ‘4. Tt is not as thorough in its work as the brown fungus or even the red Aschersonia; that is, it is less virulent. . It acts much more quickly than either of the others. | ‘6. It is so universally present in groves that spraying it alone into trees is not. as important for the grower as it is to spray the red, and especially the brown fungi. Neverthe- less, in spraying either the red or the brown fungus, it is an excellent idea to add Mierocera. ‘{. For spraying purposes artificial cultures of Microcera, on sweet potatoes are to be preferred to the victims of natural mortality, because a much larger number of spores get in sus- pension from artificial culture.” The last investigation of interest to the West Indies des- cribed in this report, is that dealing with Melanose, a malady which affects the leaves, stems, and fruits of nearly all varieties of citrus. It is caused by Phomopsts cites, Fawcett, and occurs in the West Indies. The results obtained as to the effect of fungicides in preventing Melanose infection are of some considerable importance. The following fungicides were used: (1) lime-sulphur, (2) Bordeaux mixture, (3) ammo- niacal solution of copper carbonate. The first seemed to prevent infection completely, but caused more or less injury to the foliage by burning or scalding the edges of the leaves, or by producing yellowish blotches or spots on the surface. While Bordeaux mixture did not entirely prevent infeetion, the amount of spotting was so small as to be considered negligible. No injury to the foliage resulted from the use of Bordeaux mixture. In the case of the third fungicide.there was some infection, but not enough to be worth considering from a practical point of view. In one of the experiments with ammoniacal copper carbonate there resulted a slight burning of the foliage. . ’ Tn concluding this review, attention may be called to an announcement in the Report that scab of citrus became increasingly troublesome during the year. The disease here referred to was doubtless the new canker. Wea ; Vor.’ XTV. No. 336; THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 95 B(steees fie PROCEEDINGS OF THE THIRD INTERNA- _ TIONAL CONGRESS OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE. John Bale Sons and Danielsson, Ltd. London 1914. 10s. net. This publication contains abstracts supplied by authors of the papers which were read at the Congress held in London last June. Reports of the discussions are also included. It is unnecessary to describe the contents more fully in this notice, since a large number of the abstracts have already appeared in the Agricultural News. Those interested generally in tropi- -eal agriculture, and particularly those desiring information on international progress concerning any particular crop, are strongly advised to procure a copy of these Proceedings. It is understood that a complete collection of the papers, an extenso, is soon to appear. Price TIMBERS OF BRITISH GUIANA. ‘Stone and W. G. Freeman, B.Se. Government of British Guiana, 1914. This book consists of a technical report upon the collection of British Guiana woods, made by the Hon. A. G. Bell, for sometime Colonial Civil Engmeer. The species from which many of the samples were obtained have not insome cases been identified owing to the difficulty of obtaining flowers. It might be suggested, too, that even when flowers of trees can be obtained, they are generally small and fragile, so as to make preservation, particularly under forest conditions, a matter of difficulty. Each description is divided into first, physical and economic characters including uses, qualities, ete., and second- ly, anatomical characters. It would seem that the authors consider that a large number of the woods possess little econo- mic value outside British Guiana. In putting forward this view, they will no doubt have borne in mind that many of their specimens were obtained from trees which had not attained a state of maturity. The book is essentially one for reference, and perusal of the volume inclines one to the view that the report will be found very useful for the purpose of enabling the student to recognize any one of the woods des- cribed, even though it may not afford him enough information ‘to obtain the botanical name of the tree which produced it. Tt oceurs t> us that similar reports would be useful in regard to Dominica and British Honduras. By Herbert Published by the Price 5s. net. TRANSPIRATION AND THE ASCENT OF SAP IN PLANTS. By Henry H. Dixon, Se.D.,F.R.S., Macnillan -& Co., Ltd., London, 1914. Price 5s. 4 A short account of a notice of this book in Mature appeared in a recent number of the Agricultural News. It is nowg intended to supplement this reference with a short review of the book itself. The volume under consideration is ‘one of Macmillan’s Science Monographs, of which The Cotton Plant in Egypt (veviewed in these pages) is one of the -companion volumes. The subject dealt with in the present treatise involves a problem of old standing. Several theories have been advanced with a view to explaining the ascent of sap in high trees, but none has been, up to the present, sutliciently adequate. This, the author shows, applies especially to the so-called vital theories. The essential chapter in the book under review is Chapter IV, in which is expounded the author’s theory (first published about 1894) of cohesion as a cause—or perhaps more accurately, a condition of the ascent of sap. This chapter criticising, as it does, previous hypotheses, is extremely interesting. The cohesion of water on which the cohesion theory is based is explained by means of a simple experiment, which shows that water in a J-tube from which air has been expelled, will remain suspended in the longer limb against gravity. It is shown in this way that the lower part of the water in the longer limb of the tube transmits a stress through the upper part of the glass, equivalent to its gravitational pull. In this way the author assumes that the water in the ducting tracks of high trees hangs there by virtue of cohesion, just in the same way as the water hangs in the experiment with the J-tube just described. This reminds us of Blackman’s expression that transpiration is ‘the winding up of ropes of water.’ Information in the book, hitherto unpublished in the author’s previous papers, seems principally to be that which explains why empty vessels in the stems do not interfere with cohesion. A large amount of data is given in the book concern- ing the tensile strength of sap, the osmotic pressure of the leaf, and thermo-electric eryoscopy. con- W-:R.D. WEST INDIAN PRODUCTS. DRUGS AND SPICES IN THE LONDON MARKET. My. J. R. Jackson, A.L.S., has forwarded the follow- ing report on the London drug and spice markets for the month of January:— GINGER, In the matter of there is nothing to report, except to say that business has been of a normal charac- ter. Nutmegsand mace were in good supply at the auction on January 20, when 450 packages of the former from the West Indies were offered and sold at the following rates: 58’s, at 1s. 1d.; 63’s to 72’s, 53d. to 9d.; 74’s to 85's, 44d. to 7d.; 86's to 97's, 43d. to 6d.; 110’s to 120’s, 43d. to 4$d.; and 134’s to 144s, 34d. to 43d.: 99 packages of Bastera were also brought forward and partly sold, 65’s fetching 9d.; 88's, 4}d.; and | 16’s to 125’s, ld. to 44d. At the same auction 80 packages of West Indian mace and 11 packages of Eastern were also offered, and sold, the former fetching Is. to 1s. 10d. per ib., and the latter 1s. to 1s. 7d. CITRIC ACID, LIME OIL, LIME JUICE, AND KOLA, At the beginning of the month citric acid was quoted at from 2s. 6d. to 2s. 64d. per tb., but a fortnight later it was slightly firmer, which position it retained to the end of the month. In the early part of the month, West Indian distilled lime oil realized from 2s. 10$d. to 5s. per tb., and for good. bright hand pressed Dominica, 8s. 6d. was asked. At the close of the month fair West Indian distilled was offered at 2s. 6d., and hand pressed, for which there has been but little demand, at 7s. 6d. Lime juice throughout the month has remained at 2s. 9d. for fair pale. Kola nuts have been in good supply, as many as 172 packages being offered at anction on the 13th, but 11 only were sold, 2}d. per tb. being the price asked for medium Jamaica, NUTMEGS, AND MACE, ginger London.—Txe 9 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS MARKET REPORTS. WEsT SaESHS: InprA ComMiIrTrEE CIRCULAR, February 23 Arrowroot—2d. to 43d. Baxata—Sheet, 2/34; block, 1/11 per th. Beeswax—No quotations. Cacao—Trinidad, 80/- to 83/- per ewt.; Grenada, 75/ to 78/6-; Jamaica, no quotations. Corree—Jamaica, no quotations. Corpra—West Indian, £27 to £27 10s. per ton. Corron—Fully Fine no quotations; Floridas, no quota- tions; West Indian Sea Island, 12d. Frvir—No quotations. Frustic—No quotations. Gincer—Quiet. Tsmycrass—No quotations. Honey—No quotations. Lime Jurce—Raw, 2/4 to 2/9; concentrated, £21; Otto of limes (hand-pressed), no quotations. Locwoop—No quotations Mace—87. to 2/11a. Nurmecs—4}d. to 53d. Pinento—(Quiet. Rueseer—Para, fme hard, 2/6; fine soft, 2/5; 1/11. Rum—Jamaica, 2/5 to 2/6 Castilloa, New York.—Messrs. GrutesrreE Bros., & Co., July 24, 1914. Cacao—Caracas, ll4c. to 12c¢.; Grenada, lle. to 11dc.; Trinidad, 11}e. to 11¢e.; Jamaica, 10c. to Ie. Coco-nuts—Jamaica and Trinidad, selects $20°00 to $21:00; culls, no quotations. CorrEE—Jamaica, 9}c. to 134c. per tb. Gincer—7e. to 10c. per tb. Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 46c.; Antigua and Barbados, 43c. to 46e.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 40c. to 48c. per th. Grave Freir—Jamaica, $1°75 to $2°50. Limes.—$3°75 to $4°50. Macre—4be. to 53e. per tb. Nvurmecs—110’s, 11 fe. Orancks—Jamaica, $2°00 to $2°50. Pimento—3Ze. per tb. Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 3°26c.; Muscovados, 89°, 2°88c.; Molasses, 89°, 2°61c., all duty paid. Trinidad.—Messrs. Gorpon, Grant & Co., February 22, 1915, Cacao—Venezuelan, $16°00 to $16°25; Trinidad, $15°25 $15°75. Coco-nut Or—93c. per Imperiai gallon. Corree—Venezuelan, lle. per th. Corra—S$4°10 to $4°30 per 100 Th. Duat—No quotations. Ontons—$4°25 to $4°50 per 100 tb, Peas, Sprit—$9'00 to $9°50 per bag. Porarors—English $1°40 to 31°50 per 100 th. Rice—Yellow, $6:00 to $6°25; White $5°75 per bag. Svear—American crushed, ne qnotations. to to S600 Barbados.— Messrs. T. 1915. Marci Arrowroot—$4'00 to $4°50 per 100 th. Cacao—$15'00 per 100 th. Coco-nuts—$16°80. Hay—S$1°75 per 100 tb. MaANvres it 13; 1915, S. Garraway & Co., March 8, Nitrate of soda, no quotations; Cacao manure, $5000; Sulphate of ammonia $82°00 per ton. Motasses—No quotations. Ox1oxs—S$5°75 to $6°00 per 190 Th. Peas, Sprir—$12°75 to $13°31; Canada, no quotations. Porators—Nova Scotia, $: “25 per 160 Tb. Rice—Ballam, $6°10 to $6°25 per 190 lb.; Patna, no quota. tions; Rangoon, no quotations. Sucar—American granulated, no quotations. British Guiana. Messrs. Wierinc & Ricurer, February 6, 1915; Messrs. SanpsacH, Parker & Co, February 19, 1915. ARTICLES. Arrowroor—sSt. Vincent Barata—Venezuela block Demerara sheet Cacao—Native Cassava— Cassava STARCH— Coco-Nuts— Corrre—Creole Pi Jamaica and Rio Liberian DHat— Green Dhal Eppors— Motasses— Yellow Ontons—Teneritie Madeira Peas—Split Marseilles PLANTAINS— Poratoes—Nova Scotia Lisbon Porators--Sweet, B’bados Rice—Ballam Creole 'TANNIAS— Yams—White Buck _Suear—Dark crystals Yellow White Molasses ToreeER—GREENHEART Wallaba shingles Cordwood Messrs. WIeTING & Ricnrer. $7-00 to $800 per barrel of 200 th. 14c. per th. $108 $10 to $15 per M. Ide. to 1ldc. per tb. 10c. per tb, $1°44 None l6c. to 40e. $2-25 to $2-40 $216) No quotation $5°50 to S575 $2°16 $2-04 $3°40 $400 to $4°10 $5°10 to $525 $2-90 32c. to 5dc. cub. foot $400 to $6°25 per M. $1°80 to $2-00 per ton per Sanp- Bacu, PARKEB & Co. Messrs. 310-00 4c. per tb, $18 per M. l6c. per th. | 16c. per tb. per bag of 168 tb. $11°50 to $12-00 per bag. (210 tb.) $2°25 to $2-40 32c. to 5de. cub. fook EE —- a THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Publications on sale of the Pee Department of Agriculture FOR THE WEST INDIES. The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. A Quarterly Scientific Journal. Volume 1. No. 1. Out of print. Nos. 2, 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price 1s. each. Post free, 1s. 2d.; Volumes IT, TT, IV, V, VI, VI, VIII, IX, X, XI, RIE and NII: —Price 2s. each; Post free 2s. 8d., where comple fel (IIT, 2 en's 3: and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.) Volume XIV, Nos. 1 2,and 3. No. 4 Containing Papers on A Veterinary Survey of the Windward and Leeward Islands, by P. T. Saunders, M.R.C.V.S.; Epizootic Lymphangitis, by P. T. Saunders, M.R.C.V.S.; Agricultural Education and Its Adaptation to the Needs of the Student, by Dr. Francis Watts C.M.G.; The Budding of Cacao, by Joseph Jones; The Analysis of Citrate of Lime and Concentrated Lime Juice; Specifie Gravities of Cane Sugar Solutions at 30°C. (Douglas); Report on the Prevalence of somé Pests and Diseases in the West Indies during 1913. PAMPHLET SERIES. The Pamphlets are written in a simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially adapted to West Indian conditions. They contain, amongst other subjects, summaries of the results of the experiment work on sugar-cane and manures, the full official reports of which have only a limited circulation. The number issued up to the present time is seventy-five. Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are out of print. Sucar Inpustrry. GENERAL. Seedling and other Canes at Barbados (7) and (22) Scale Insects of the Lesser Antilles, Part I, price in 1900, No. 3, price 2d.; in 1901, No. 13; in 1902. 4d.; Part II., price 4d. No. 19; in 1903, No. 26; in 1904. No. 32; price 4d. each. (17) General Treatment of Fungoid Pests. Price 4d. Seedling Canes and Manurial Experiments at Barbados, (43) Cotton Seed and Cotton-cake-meal on West Indian Planta- in 1903-5, No. 40; in 1904-6, No. 44; in 1905-7, No. 49; tions. Price 2d. in 1906-8, No. 59; in 1907-9, No. 62, No. 66, price Gd. each. (54) Fungus Diseases of Cacao and Sanitation of Cacao Seedling and other Canes in the Leeward Islands, Orchards. Price 4d. in 1900-1, No. 12; in 1901-2, No. 20; in 1902-3, No. 27; (58) Insect Pests of Cacao. Price 4d. price 2d. each; in 1903-4, No. 33; in 1904-5, No. 39; in (60) Cotton Gins, How to Erect and Work Them. Price 4d. 1905-6, No. 46; in 1906-7, No. 50; in 1907-8, No. 56; (61) The Grafting of Cacao. Price 4d. price 4¢. each, in 1908-9, No. 63; im 1909-10, No. 67; (65) Hints for School Gardens, Fourth Edition. price 6d. each. (69) Hints to Settlers in St. Lucia. Price 6d. Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the Leeward Islands, (70) Coco-nut Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 67. in 1902-5, No. ve in 1903- 4, No. 36; in 1904-5 5, No. 42; 71) Insect Pests of the Lesser Antilles. Price Is, 3d. in 1905-6, No. 47; in 1906-7, No. 51; in 1907-8, No. 57; (72) Lime Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 9d. in 1908-9, No. 64; in 1909-10, No. 68: price 4d. ache (73) Root Borers and other Grubs in West Indian Soils. _ Sugar-cane Experiments in the Leeward Islands, Price 6d. | in 1910-11; in 1911-12; in 1912-13, price 1s. each. (74) Cotton Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 9d. : (75) Insect Pests of Sugar-cane in Antigua and St. Kitts. Price, 64. (76) Indian Corn. Price 4d. (77) Erysipelas and Hoose. Price 2d. The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of $/. for the pamphlets marked 2d.; 1d. for those _, marked 4d. and for Nos. 73 and 75; 1}d. for Nos. 40, 44, 49, 59, 62, 63, 67,69 and 74. Postage for No. 71, 4d. and for No. 72, 2d. ; The ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’: A Fortnightly . Review. The ‘ Agricultural News’ contains extracts from official correspondence and from progress and other reports; and, in fact, any information indicating what is going on in each colony and the progress made in Agricultural matters throughout the West Indies. The ‘ Agricultural News ’ is printed in time to be distributed, regularly, by each mail, and is on sale by the local agents of the Department at one penny per number, post free, 2d. The subscription price, including postage, is 2s. 2d. per half-year, or 4s. 4d. per annum. Volumes IV to XII complete, with title page and index, as issued—Price 4s. each— Post free, 5s. Some nwnbers of the early volumes are out of print and therefore these volumes can no ionger be supplied complete. The scale of charges for ADVERTISEMENTS may be obtained on application to the Agents. A applications jor opies are to be addressed to the Agents, not to the Department. Agents. The following have been appointed Agents for the sale of the publications of the Department:— London: Messrs. Dutau & Co., 37, Soho Square, W. St. Vincent: Mr. J. D. Bonnie, “Times’ Office. West Inpra Commirrer, 17, Seething Lane. St. Lucia: Mir. R. W. Nives, Botanic Station. Barbados: Anvocare Co, Lirp., Broad Street, Bridgetown. Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. Bripcewarer, Roseau. Jamaica; THe Epucarionan Suppy Company, 16, King -Vontserrat: Mr. W. Rorson, Botanic Station. Street, Kingston. Antigua: My. 8S. D. Martone, St. John’s. British Guiana; THe ‘Datty Crronicie’ Orrrer, Georgetown. St A7tts: Tue Brsty anv Book Suppiry AGENCY, BAssereRRE. Trinidad: Messrs. Murr-MaArsnary & Co., Port-of-Spain. Nevis: Messrs. Howett, Bros., Charlestown. Pobayo: Mr. C. L. PLAGEMANN, Scarborough. Grenada: Messrs. Tuos. Lawror & Co., St. George. Vou. XIV. No. 336. THE AGRICULZURAL NEWS. Marcu 13, 1915. THE BEST MANURES FOR COLONIAL USE My 2) 3) Ohlendorff’s Dissolved Peruvian Guano—£or§ugar-cane and general use Ohlendorff’'s Special Sugar-cane Manure Ohlendorff’'s Special Cocoa Manure Ohlendorff’s Special Cotton Manure Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Superphosphates, (high grades), Potash Salts, Nitrolim and all other high-class Fertilizers. APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS#OR DIRECT TO:— THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) GUANO WORKS. London Ageney: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C. Barbados Agents: James A. Lynch & Co., Ltd., Bridgetown. SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENT. eos Sere Printed at Office of Agricultural Reporter, 4 High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados CV ey 55 ey eZ oN er I Som Gi LS > AY “GEOR sy “cee ps Sas a Lp es a a . A | Ze WL UNAS jj YNZ OW “lg Ss Ry £eS AWAD De \\ “i YI) EZ ey B = a NE sss = >> oy Yow SSIs eS SSS a. Oe EY “a5 ; Bey . Zw lh SN v Saks Wa SS —~/— Ss ESS Sat) = = MS ts i" IN “Vol. XIV. No. 3377.] SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 1915. w [One penny. R.M.S.P. REGULAR SERVICES FROM THE WEST INDIES Panama Canal, Canada & The United Kingdom. PORTS OF CALL FROM BARBADOS, Trinidad (for West India Islands and Demerara), Puerto Colombia, Cartagena, Colon (for Panama Canaland Pacific Ports), St. Vineent, St. Lucia, Dominica, Montserrat, Antigua, St. Kitts, Bermuda to St. John (N.B.). ALSO FROM LIVERPOOL, TO Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina, Via Spain, Portugal, Madeira & St. Vincent. t FROM LONDON TO ;. cap Morocco, Canary Islands, Madeira. = po THE ROYAL MAIL STEAM PACKET COMPANY Head Office: 18, Moorgate Street, London. Branches at BARBADOS, Trinidad, Tobago, Colon, Jamaica, Antilla, New York, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, etc. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. CHristy & Norris, oA LTD. CHELMSFORD, ENGLAND. pyorich & FORELON PUBLISHERS & BOOKSELLERS. ialize in Machiner i Specialize Y Agricultural, Botanical, Zoological, for:— Entomological and Eeonomic Subjects a Speciality. GRINDING & SIFTING: A large stock in alk languages always. on hand. Write! nmr , ODD 1 1D ) yet, |LOL FOaStS *: special cate aues. 08 ree / _COTTON SEED, COPRA, BONES, for monthly li id special catalogue Post free sh AND OTHER MANURE. application. 37 Soho Square, London, W., Write for Catalogue, and _ (339) England. DISINTEGRATOR. send sample of material you ——————————= = (346) wish to grind. THE BARBADOS ee S””«CGOOPERATIVE QO PON FACTORY, damm Cotton Ginners and Oil Refiners. WEST INDIAN BULLETIN. | We make a speciatity in omr “Stax” brands in Vol. XIV, No. 4 COTTON SEED OIL. eae ee Oh eth LINSEED OIL. Containing papers on: The Production of Pork and bacon: COTTON SEED CAKE. A new Industry for the West Indies, by Dr. Francis Watts, COTTON SEED MEAL. C.M.G.; Commerce and Science in Cotton Growing, by John W. McConnel: Bordeaux Mixture; Some Sugar All orders received by us will meet with our careful attention. Factory Calculations, by Dr. Francis Watts, C.AL.G.; Sugar THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE Industry in Cuba, by Noel Deerr; Report on Land Settle- COTTON FACTORY. LIMITED ment Scheme in St. Lucia; Metmorandum en the Geology of | ‘ ¢ the Ground Waters of Antigua, by T. Wayland Vanghan; WHITE PARK ROAD, The Ground Waters of Antigua, by Dr. H. A. Tempany; and BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. — Cotton Leaf Diseases, by W. Nowell, D.1L.C. February 5, 1915. SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENT. ‘A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW OF THE IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. Vor, XIV. No. 337. BARBADOS, MARCH 27, 1915, Price ld. condition of affairs to be witnessed, and to designate CONTENTS. the Lesser Antilles a ‘land of exotics’ would in no sense appear to be an exaggeration. PAGE. PAGE. The information in this article has been selected Banana, Ripening, Changes Indian Corn (Coutd.): 2735 ) ; £ eral é d . 1 a 102. Industrial Uses... ... 101 prineipally to show the exotic origin of some of our most Beans and Peas, Composi- _| Kiln-Dryingin St. Vin- important crops, domestic animals, and pests. A con- tion of ee . 105 cent . 100 5 ; ; : " See Maniiial Experi. : sideration of the sources from, and agencies through ae ". an :y =k a Insect Notes: . . . ~ oe ments, Trinidad 99 which they have been obtained will form the subject Cotton Expert s Tour in the West Indies ... . 104 Cotton Notes:— Cotton Ordinance, Mont- serrat . a . 102 Ww est Indian Cotton . 102 Department News . 102 Funeus Notes:— The Efficiency of Fun- goid Parasites of Scale Insects 5K} Gleanings ... . 108 Ground Nuts, West Indian 103 Tndex tothe ‘Agricultural MENS Y ORS |S; . 104 Mndian Corn:— ) Corn-Meal Bread... » — . 100 | ‘West A Fruit Fly Attacking Papaw Fruits nb Eos Items of Loeal Interest ... Lime Seeds, Feeding and Manurial Value of Market Reports Notes and Comments Origin of West Indian Heonomic Plants and Animals, I ve Potash Deposits in Spain... Potasb, German . Radium and Plant Growth Soils, Recent Work on Physical Analysis of Students’ Corner pee Indian Bulletin’... — 106 107 . 105 . 112 . 104 O7 105 105 10 109 109 104 Origin of West Indian Economic Plants 7 and Animals. istically that nothing is indigenous. the origin of cultivated and even wild plants, of domestic animals, and even man himself with his attendant culture, we readily discover that the great (CYT is difficult to find anything more‘character- West Indian than the circumstance By considering Majority of forms were more or less recently introduced from abroad. = * In no other country is such a pronounced of a later article. Taking first the case of plants, we naturally com- the of the sugar-cane, classically a West Indian culti- unconsciously mence by considering origin This plant is so that as indigenous. India or Southern Asia, that is to sar, vation many persons regard it 3otanically, this plant is a native of it has been found there growing wild. In the middle ages it was intro- duced by the Arabs into Egypt and Spain. Thence to the Canariesand Madeira whence it was introduced into Brazil in the sixteenth century. From Brazil it was brought to the West Indies about the middle time onwards has been the staple cultivation. it was taken of the seventeenth century, and from that The economic plant in the West Indies which ranks next in importance after the sugar-cane is cacao. This plant, though a native of the New World, is not indigenous to the West Indies, though it is said to grew wild in Trinidad. the Amazon and Orinoco. Its original home is in the forests of This refers to the The indigen: mus to various other parts of tropical Common species Theobroma Cacao, other species are America, Considerable romance, to the responsible in the West Indies, attaches name of Captain Bligh. This navigator was for the introduction of the familiar bread- fruit tree. Commissioned at Mauritius (to which the 98 k THE tree was brought from its native home in Java) Captain Bligh’s first attempt failed owing to the mutiny of his -crew, but the second voyage was successful, and in January 1793, he landed 153 plants in St. Vincent, whence the species has spread into most parts of tropical America. An even more familar tree is the coco-nut palm. But this also is an exotic, although it may now be regarded as growing wild in most parts of the West Indies. The original home of the coco-nut was believed by de Candolle to be the Indian Archipelago. There can be no doubt that it tinent of America long before it found its way to the West Indies. In connexion with this, the attention of the reader may be called to the United States’ theory of the Central American origin of the coco-nut. This js supported by Willis, and is probably the correct origin. was established on the con- We might continue to an almost unlimited extent, giving examples of exotic plants in the West Indies. Amongst vegetables, the yam and sweet potato are South American, and several important fruits like the banana and the lime came from Asia. Asa matter of fact if one considers the geological age of the West Indian islands, which corresponds to the Pliocene of other countries —a comparatively recent formation— one realizes how limited has been the time for any evolutionary changes to produce an indigenous flora. To show the extent to which introduced plants may take possession,reference may be made before concluding this section of our subject, to two Barbadian examples. “These are the little yellow-flowered plant Wedelia -bumpthalmoides, and the well-known Australian tree, Casuarina. The former, it is said, was introduced by -a certain lady for her garden; but eventually some - seeds escaped, and now this species forms characteristic ‘carpets, having ousted several older inhabitants in the struggle for existence. Casuarina—the tree— has been equally successful in adapting itself to Barbadian conditions, and ean be found growing in nearly every situation, on the coast as well as inland. In a general way the West Indies may regard with satisfaction, their varied and valuable flora. In India during recent years there has been a tendency to attach less importance to the introduction of species. In the West, we cannot atford to adopt this attitude, first because of the strictly limited number of indigenous forms, and secondly, because we have for so long -dlerived such immense benefit from introduced species. AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Marcu 27, 1915, Turning to the origin of domestic animals we learn that when the Spaniards first came to the Greater Antilles in the fifteenth century, they found no horses, and it is recorded that in subsequent voyages they brought out their own chargers. These were fine horses of Arab blood and may be supposed to be the original stock of Jamaica horses. Since that time up to the present, fresh introductions have been continuous both from America and Europe, and at present, althowgh Jamaica must, of all the Eng- lish islands, be regarded as the local stud, every colony has its strain of ponies well adapted to loeal conditions. The cattle also are of exotic origin. Probably the Spamards or the Portuguese are responsible for the original importations, but for the last century and a half animals belonging to the different English breeds These have principally been pure breeds, specimens of the Hereford, Red Poll, and Jersey breeds. The Zebu breed (Bos indicus) is a native of India. There exist many of these indigenous breeds of India—Mysores, Gir Hissar, etc.—all of which have during recent years been introduced through the enterprise of individual proprietors, and latterly through the enterprise of the Governments for the improvement of draft animals. The Red Poll—Zebu cross makes an excellent dual- purpose animal. have also been brought over in large numbers. From the pomt of view of introduction, the most interestmg animal in the West Indies is perhaps the Barbados woolless sheep. It is supposed to be of East African origin, and was certainly introduced before the middle of the seventeenth century. It has since bee distributed through most of the islands. This animal conditions which European breeds find themsel unsuited for. At the same time British representatives have from time to time been imported, a satisfacto animal. The origin of goats, ike that of poultry, is exotie A recent introduction of interest in connexion with — of Switzerland. Poultry are represented by several of the English breeds, and also by American (e.g. Rhode- Island Red). The breed which seems best adopted naturally for the West Indies is the Leghorn, which originated in the countries of the Mediterranean. When we come to consider the origin of insect | Vous XIV. ,No.:337. THE- AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 99 lative ground. The subject is a very complex one and rather neglected, particularly as regards fungi. It is probable that many of the old established maladies were introduced with the plants and animals commonly attected. naturalized species of msects and fungi may have On the other hand, indigenous, or at least gradually become parasitic after the mtroduction of It may be some particular cultivated plant or animal. mentioned here that our views as to what a_ parasite We realize that any insect which is not highly specialized is, have of late years undergone a change. now pito a saprophytic life, is lable to be a parasite, the governing factors being principally the activity of the natural enemies of the species, and the extent of its available food supply. It is possible, however, to produce several definite examples of introduced pests and diseases. the scale insects at least twenty-five species have been introduced West Indies. Among boring insects there are several notable cases. The moth borer of the sugar-cane (Diatrea saccharalis) is probably .a native of South America, whilst the giant moth borer (Castnia licus) was certainly introduced from that country. The longicorn beetle which was observed two years ago boring in mango and Avocado pear trees in Trinidad and St. Croix was Among from outside the identified as Bartocera rubus, which is a native of Asia and East Africa. As regards natural enemies, an interesting intro- duction is the Mexican predaceous bug (Custolus sp.), which was brought to Trinidad as an enemy of the froghopper. | Turning to fungoid diseases, it is possible to give only two examples with any degree of certainty, because our knowledge of the exact distribution of Species is so imperfect. It is likely that the fungus Colletotrichum faleatum, which causes Red rot of the sugar-cane, was imported from the East to the West Indies in cane cuttings. The principal reason for holding this view is that the disease broke out more or less suddenly long after sugar-cane had been grown in these islands as a principal crop. Another example of a still more definite kind is that of the Panama “disease of banana, which oceurs in Jamaica and Cuba. This is caused by a fungus (Fusarium sp.) which was certainly introduced from Central America. | On the basis of this information it will be evid- ent that we have no reason to think that all our introdue- tions concerning plants and animals have been entirely beneficial. When we come to consider the~ more insidious and fatal diseases of man and the domestic animals —yellow fever, anthrax, pyroplasmosis, etc.— we see that all the causative organisms must have been introduced in the blood of emigrants. Further- more, in the case of yellow fever there appears to be evidence to show that the transmitter, the mosquito (Stegomyia fusciata), is not indigenous to Central, America at all, but was brought over with the slaves from West Africa. CACAO MANURIAL EXPERIMENTS, TRINIDAD. The results of three years’ trials on eight different estates have just been issued in tabular form by the Trinidad Depart- ment of Agriculture in their Bulletin, Vol. XIV, Part I (1915). The results recorded are of considerable interest, especially when considered in connexion with the Dominica experiments (see West Indiim Bulletin, Vol. XIV). The weather condi- * tions were very favourable for last year’s trial, for although the rainfall was less than in the previous year, the precipitations were more evenly distributed, and the dry season preceding the crop'was comparatively mild. Ali the plots showed a large: increase over previous years, and the fundamental importance of a favourable season is seen at a glance at-most of the diagrams facing the tables. This is obvious from the fact that the increase in crop over that of last year was in several’ cases as great in the no-manure or control plots as in those which had been treated with artifical fertilizers. The diagrams indicate the average yield of pods per’ tree on twelve different plots each receiving different treat- ment, at least two being controls. In diagram I, it is seen that basic slag and sulphate of potash: and bone meal, sulphate of potash, sulphate of ammonia, and pen manure, gave the- greatest return for 1913-14. In diagram II, which illustrates. the experiments on Esperanto estate, bone meal, sulphate of potash and sulphate of ammonia produced the greatest effect. According to diagram ITT, the increases were more even in the case of all the treated plots with the exception of that receiving nitrogen only. In diagram IV the greatest return is shown to have been got from the application of bone meal and nitrate of soda. The next plate shows a very high all- round increase from manures. Diagram VI indicates the usefulness of superphosphate, sulphate of potash and nitrate of soda. The results on Santa Isabella estate, plotted in diagram VII, indicate clearly the increased yields produced by the application of mulch in connexion with potash. In the next diagram, No. VIII, sulphate of potash and sulphate: of ammonia produced the greatest return. Summarizing these observations, it would appear evident that the full effect of manurial treatment is never obtained unless the rainfall is favourable. The importance of nitrogenous and phosphatic manuring appears to be indicated, and there is reason to believe that in Trinidad as well as in Dominica the greatest benefit is obtained by the employment of mulch in conjunction with mineral manures. In conclusion we may compliment the department on the clear way in which they have demonstrated by means of diagrams the results of their experiments for the years under review, and there can be no doubt that the report which forms the subject of this brief review will be found of mueit interest and value to cacao growers not only in Trinidad, but also in the West Indies generally. ' 100 THE INDIAN CORN. KILN-DRYING IN ST VINCENT. GOVERNMENT SCHEME. The Administrator of St. Vincent (the Honourable Gideon Murray) has caused the following announce- ment to be published in the Colony concerning the Kiln-drying of Indian corn:— I desire to notify for the information of planters and peasant proprietors that arrangements have been made by the Government Cotton Ginnery in consultation with Dr. Watts, the Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture, to add to its plant the necessary machinery and appliances to shell and kiln-dry corn (maize), and that it is hoped that this machinery will be erected and ready for use by August 1 of this year. The advantage of kiln-dried corn is, that given proper storage conditions, it will keep indefinitely, and therefore finds a readier sale and a better price than corn which has only been sun-dried, and which quickly deteriorates in quality ‘owing to the excessive amount of moisture retained in it. The markets for kiln-dried corn in Barbados and Trinidad together reach a figure of £12,000 per annum, whilst in addition, corn meal is imported into these two Colonies to the annual extent of £30,000. All this corn and corn meal is imported at present from the Argentine, and from the United States of America. In view of the fact that the soil and weather conditions in St. Vincent are pre- eminently suited for the growth of corn, it is right that this Colony should make a bold bid to seeure a share of so Inerative a West Indian market, and one that is so close to its own shores. j Moreover, in St. Vincent itself, there is a market for this product, and with the price of flour constantly rising owing to the exigencies of the war, it is economically wise to foster an industry which ean provide an effective substitute for that necessary article of food. With regard to corn seed, intending growers are advised to consult the Agricultural Super- intendent. I attach some instructive extracts from a report on certain experiments conducted recently in Antigua with the object of ascertaining the keeping qualities of kiln-dried corn as compared with sun-dried corn.* Appended also is a copy of the rules under which corn will be received at the Government Cotton Ginnery as from August 1. RULES CONCERNING THE DRYING AND PURCHASE OF INDIAN CORN, Maize corn of first grade quality will be received at the Government Cotton Ginnery from August 1, 1915, under the following conditions:— 1. Corn will be bought on a profit-sharing basis as follows: — (a) Not exceeding 7,000 Ib. of corn on the cob or 50 bags of 112 tb. of shelled corn from any one person per crop, except with the special permission of the Governor. For sake of convenience, corn on the cob should be put up in bags weighing 100 hb. (4) Lots in lesser quantities than 100 tb. of corn on the eob or 50 Ib. of shelled corn will not be bonght. AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Marcn 27, 1915. (c) Corn will be paid for at the rate of 3s. 4d. for every 100 1b. of first grade corn on the cob or 4d. per bb. for shelled corn. This price is subject to market fluctuations. Corn is high at present. (7) Any profits, after paying all expenses will be divided by way of bonus, { to sellers and } to Ginnery. (e) All corn brought for sale on the profit-sharing system must be clean, sound, and sun-dried. Corn on the cob must have the husk removed. Second Grade corn will not be accepted under any conditions. 2. (a) Corn willalso be received at the Ginnery for shelling and drying ata charge of 44d. for every bushel of — 56 tb. returned to the sender, and (4) Shelled corn received for drying only will be charged for at the rate of 4/. a bushel of 56 tb. Payment must be made by the sender before delivery by the Ginnery. (c) Senders must provide their own bags. (d) A notice of intention to send corn for shelling and drying or for drying only must be given not less than two weeks in advance, and corn will only be accepted by arrange- ment with the Manager within the capacity of the machinery. (e) Corn will not be stored after drying for more than two days. CORN-MEAL BREAD. The following recipes for cooking corn meal in the form of bread are reproduced from Furmers’ Bulletin, No. 565, in continuation of those given in the previous issue of the Agricultural News trom the same source, for corn-meal mush and cous-cons. It should be pointed out that it is difficult, if not impossible, to make a good yeast bread out of corn-— meal alone, as is the case with wheat. This is due to the absence, in corn-meal, of ‘gluten’, which is the chief proteid of wheat. Gluten, it may be explained, is a mixture of substances — which, when combined with water, makes a peculiar sticky and tenacious mass that tends to hold any gas which is introduced into it. It is because of the presence of gluten that it is possible to make a porous loaf out of wheat Hour and water. The protein of corn, on the other hand, is totally lacking in the quality of tenacity, and so the some- what granular particles of meal tend to separate readily, Hence, in making corn-meal bread or cakes, if eggs are not used with the meal, it is necessary that a certain amount of wheat flour be introduced, if the bread is to be light and porous. Ordinary wheat four is very commonly used for this purpose, but in the tests which were made in preparing the Bulletin from which the recipes given below are abstracted, the best results were said to be obtained with gluten flour, which is made from wheat by removing a certain amount of starch, and in which the percentage of gluten is high. Corn-meal breads fall practically into three classes: those raised by air beaten into them, those raised by baking powder or soda, and those raised by yeast. The first are best made from the coarser meals and are usually very simple in character, often containing nothing more than meal, salt, and either water or milk. A small amount of fat or butter, however, is sometimes added. In breads of the second class the gluten deficiency of the corn is made up for by the use of eggs; while in those of the third class, the deficiency is supplied by the addition of some other flour, usually wheat or rye. In the following will be found recipes for breads of each class:— Vor. XIV. No. 337. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Lol CRISP CORN-MEAL CAKE. BOSTON BROWN BREAD WITH CREAM, 1 cup milk, One-half teaspoon salt. 1 cup rye meal. 1 half-cup molasses. One-balf eup white corn meal. 1 cup corn meal. 2 eggs. Mix the ingredients and heat slowly until the boiling 1 teaspoon salt. 1} cups thin cream. point is reached. It is not necessary to stir. Spread on Sift the dry ingredients, Add molasses, yolks of eggs a shallow buttered pan to a depth of about }-inch. Bake in well beaten, and cream: lastly, fold in the whites of eggs a moderate oven until crisp. beaten stiff. Pour mixture into buttered mold, steam three PARCHED CORN-MEAL BISCUITS. hours: then bake one hour in a moderate oven. 1 cup yellow corn meal. 2 cups peanut cream. 7 $ , 2 teaspoons salt. Put the meal into a shallow pan and heat in the oven until it isa delicate brown, stiring frequently. Make the INDUSTRIAL USES OF CORN. nut cream by mixing peanut butter with cold water and The original communications of the Eighth International heating. It should be the consistency of thick cream. Congress of Applied Chemistry, Section VIa, dealing with While the nut cream is hot, stir in the corn meal, which starch, cellulose and paper, contained two articles of interest should also be hot. Beat thoroughly. The mixture should on Indian corn. The first one, by Mr! H. C. Humphrey be of such consistency that it can be dropped froma spoon. deals with the influence of by-products upon the development Bake in small cakes on a greased pan. of the industry of corn products. In this is shown histori- If preferred, these bisenits may be made with cream or cally the steps which have been taken in the utilization of with butter in place of peanut cream, and chopped raisins every portion of the kernel. A diagram is included which may be added, 1 cup being the allowance for the quantities indicates the constitution of the corn kernel, and the nature of given above. the substances which are manufactured from it. From the ‘ BEATEN CORN BREAD. oil, cake and corn oil are produced; the endosperm consist- > y ; ing of starch and gluten is the source of a large number of Three fourths cup white corn meal. One-half teaspoon salt. different commercial carbohydrates. These include numerous Three-fourths cup wheat flour. 1 tablespoon lard. syrups and sugars, dextrins and dry starches for various 1 teaspoon sugar. Water. purposes, such as laundry work, confectionery and brewing. Mix and sift the dry ingredients and rub the lard The gluten mixed with the corn-solubles (the solution remain- thoroughly into the mixture by means ofa fork. Add alittle ing after corn has been steeped in. water) is mixed with the water, enough to moisten the mixture throughout, but not hull to form the well-known gluten feed for cattle. From too much, as it must be crumbly. Spread on a board and __ this it will be seen how important is the position of Indian heat thoroughly with a rolling pin or mallet, as is done with corn 10 several industries, especially in the United States. beaten biscuits, folding it over frequently to introduce air. This means that as these industries develop the demand for Roll out about one-half inch thick, cut into small pieces, and the raw material will be greater, resulting in a higher level _ bake in a moderate oven. In camp this can be baked in of prices. Hence the desirability of the West Indies becom- a hot greased pan propped up before a hot fire. ing less dependent upon North America for its requirements. in connexion with this crop. | CORN-MEAL MUFFINS. One-half cup corn meal. 1 tablespoon melted butter. The next paper to which reference will be made is by . 1 cup flour. 1 teaspoon salt. Professor Louie Smith, and deals with the breeding of maize _ 4 teaspoons baking powder. Three-fourths cup milk. for industrial purposes. This is not a new subject, but it is. | 2 tablespoons sugar. 1 egg. worth re-calling attention to, in view of the fact that corn Mix and sift the dry ingredients; add the milk gradually, selection will probably form a part of the experimental work ) the egg well beaten, and the melted butter; bake ina hot of the agricultural departments of the West Indies in the oven in buttered gem pans twenty-five minutes. near future. The essential feature of the chemical selection of Indian corn is to obtain grain having a composition in pe EAD: accordance with what it is to be used for. Grain with a low | Two-thirds cup rice. 2 or 3 eggs. protein content means, of course, a high starch content, and ; One-half cup white corn-meal. 2 tablespoons butter. in such a corn we should have theoretically a kind well adapt- 3 cups milk or milk and water ed for distilling purposes. A strain with a high oil content mixed. 1 teaspoon salt. is valuable for the glucose and allied industries, in which the- Mix the rice, meal, and salt with the milk in the top of oil output forms such an important product. A low oil a double boiler, and cook until the rice is nearly soft. Add Strain is of advantage in feeding pigs, because it produces the the butter and the eggs well beaten and transfer to a greased finest quality of bacon and lard. This latter point is of ‘granite baking pan. Bake in“ moderate oven for an hour. ‘irect interest in the West Indies. Serve in the dish in which it is baked. ‘ In conclusion, to give some idea of the extent to. which DELICATE SPOON CORN BREAD. the composition of corn can be altered by selection, it may be é stated that breeding has produced in the high oil strain ; ee one cue Goward . tengo salt. a kind of corn which contains almost 141. per bushel more 1 teaspoon butter. ~ (Bae oil than exists in average corn, while, on the other hand, ; | tablespoon sugar. 2 cups milk, breeding for low oil has caused a reduction in this constituent ; Mix the corn meal and water and bring slowly to the amounting to about 11tb. per bushel. It will be seen that boiling point and cook a few minutes. Add the butter, Sugar, salt and yolks of eggs. Lastly, fold in the whites of | eggs beaten stiff. Bake in a hot oven thirty-minutes. Serve in the dish in which it is cooked. the corn grain is very plastic in this respect, and it will no doubt be worth while to decide at an early date what kind of albuminoid ratio should be aimed at in regard to corn grown in the West Indies for human and animal consumption, 102 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Mancn 27, 1915. COTTON. WEST INDIAN COTTON. The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week ended March 6, is as follows:— The sales of the week consisted principally of odd bags and Planters’ crops classing Fine to Fully Fine on a basis of Fine 22c., the buying being on account of the Northern Mills, who were induced to supply a portion of their wants here, finding our market for Islands relatively cheaper than the prices now ruling for Georgias and Floridas. There is some demand for the Planters’ crops classing Extra Fine and above, but at prices several cents below the views of Factors. We quote, viz:— Extra Fine 23c. to 24c.= 14d. to 14}d., Fine to Fully Fine 22c.=133d., 4) 99 ” 3” ” Fine, off in colour 18e. to 20c.=1]4d. to 12hd. cif. and 5 per cent. cif. & 5 per cent. This report shows that the total exports of Sea Island cotton from the United States to Liverpool, and Manchester, up to March 6, 1915, were 103 and 1,287 bales, respectively. Cotton Ordinance, Montserrat.—On May 15, 1914, the acting Governor of the Leeward Islands assented to an Ordinance to regulate the planting of cotton. It was provided that there should be a close season for planting between September 1 and March 51 of each year. It has been found, however. that in certain districts of Montserrat earlier planting is desirable, and the Governor on the repre- sentation of certain planters and the Curator, has sanctioned the planting of cotton from March 20. This amendment was possible by virtue of Section 4 in the Ordinance, which provides that dates may be changed by Proclamation. It seems not unlikely that advantage may have to be taken each year of the facilities given by this section, which has been introduced, for this reason. into most of the West Indian cotton Ordinances. DEPARTMENT NEWS. Mr. C. B. Williams, B.A. (Cantab.), Entomologist to the John Innes Horticultural Institute of London under Professor Bateson, left Barbados on March 24, 1915, for Trinidad, after spending a week with this Department for purposes of study. Mr. Williams had previously made a six months’ tour in the United States seeing the work of the Bureau of Entomology. After his visit to Trinidad, Mr. Williams proceeds to England via New York. WEST INDIAN FRUIT. CHANGES IN THE RIPENING BANANA. A paper of great interest on the changes in composition of peel and pulp of ripening bananas is contributed to the Journal of Agricultural Research, Vol. IH, No. 3. In this it is pointed out that previous analyses of the banana have been expressed in terms of the percentage of the pulp of the fruit. Since during ripening the peel continuously loses weight while that of the pulp steadily increases, such analyses are shown by the present paper to have a constantly shifting basis. Four ripening experiments were made by the author: in two experiments. bunches were ripened in a respiration calorimeter designed for experiments with man. In the third and fourth experiments, uniformity in different bunches and the rate of starch hydrolysis were studied. he final conclusions arrived at were that the usual carbohydrate changes take place: that the most rapid respiration corresponds with the most rapid starch hydrolysis: that ash, protem, and ether extract undergo little alteration: that pentosans decrease rapidly in the pulp but little in the peel; and, what is most important, that analyses of peel and pulp show a steady transfer of water from peel to pulp during ripening. The author (Mr. H.C. Gore) discusses his results as follows:— As the result of the foregoing studies, the author is in a position to state more exactly than has heretofore been possible, the nature and extent of the changes in the ecomposi- tion of bananas during ripening. The most conspicuous change is the long-recognized conversion of starch into sugars. It is most rapid while the fruits are turning from green to yellow. During this period the respiration rate increases many fold, becoming greatest at the time when the rate of starch hydrolysis is most rapid. Starch hydrolysis then gradually slackens, later ceasing altogether. The respiration rate, too, becomes slower, but still remains far more active than in the green fruit. Next to the starch and respiration changes, most conspicuous are those of water. The peel loses, while the pulp gains water steadily. The respective losses and gains in water of the peel and the pulp on ripening, expressed in terms of the original green bananas, are summarized... . In the first, second and fourth experiments it is possible to show how much water is formed or absorbed by the pulp in physiological processes. The water formed in respiration can easily be calculated if formed in consequence of the com- plete combustion of carbohydrates, and if the amount of carbon dioxid evolved in ripening in consequence of this combustion is known. The respiratory quotient and the thermal quotient determined by the Office of Nutrition Investigations for ripening bananas (16) agree in showing that the carbon dioxid evolved on normal ripening is due solely to the complete combustion of carbohydrates. We are therefore justified in calculating the water formed by the equation C,,H,.0,+60,=6CO,+6H.O. From the water so formed is subtracted the water absorbed in the saccharification of starch, . . . In the first two experiments absorption of water amounting to 0-782 and 0-512 per cent. occurred as a net result of respiration and starch hydrolysis, In the fourth experiment, where the bananas became over- \ 7 |e) ete ee Ae ws ee > — eee viscous fluid, of about: the consistency of olive oil. Wor shy. Not'33'. ripe, the water formed in respiration was greater by 07195 per cent. than that absorbed in starch hydrolysis. The increases of water in the pulp during ripening are all derived from the peel, except when bananas become overripe, when the water formed in respiration may more than balance the water absorbed in starch hydrolysis. From the quantity of sugar formed in the pulp it is evident that the osmotic pressure of the pulp must undergo a marked increase, with a corresponding decrease of vapour pressure, during the ripening of the fruit. A possible operating cause of the water transfer from peel to pulp is obvious. From a knowledge of the carbon dioxid formed in respiration and knowing from the calorimeter data that carbon dioxid results from the complete combustion of carbohydrates, it can be determined whether or not the carbohydrates consumed in respiration were accurately made known from the analyses. Carbohydrate losses found by analysis contrasted with the expected losses from the calorimeter data are shown. By analysis somewhat greater losses appear than indicated from the calorimeter data. It is not improbable that the small differences are due to analytical error. FEEDING AND MANURIAL VALUE OF LIME SEEDS. Dr. H. A. Tempany has forwarded from Antigna some interesting notes on the feeding and manurial value of lime seeds, which will be reproduced im ertenso in the West Indian Bulletin. ‘The matters dealt with, however, are of sufficient general interest and importance to make it desirable to publish at once an abstract of the main observations in the Agricultural News. ‘These are included in the present article. In lime-growing districts it is the custom to dispose of skins and pulp containing seed, by placing them in cattle pens, or throwing them on one side as waste material. It appeared interesting to know what the manurial and feeding yalue of these seeds were, and especially the nature and amount of the oil. On analysing samples at the Government Laboratory it was found that dried seeds contained nitr« gen, 1:11 per cent.; phosphoric acid, 0°58 per cent.; potash, 0°353 per cent.; and moisture. 9°30 per cent. From the point of view of manurial constituents, the material is less valuable than the majority of seeds. On the Barbados scale for the valuation of manures it is worth 33°29 per ton. As regards feeding value, the albuminoid ratio on crude protein is 1:15-5. The seed.is therefore deficient in protein but rich in carbohydrates. The most noteworthy feature of the analysis lies in the high content of oil, amounting to 34-44 per cent. The constants of this oil have been determined, and certain of its qualitative characters described. These matters will be dealt with fully in the Vest Zadian Bulletin. It may be stated here, however, that the oil is a rather dark, yellow, When separated, the oil possesses a very pronounced bitter taste. This appears to be due to some bitter alkaloid or glucoside contained in the seed, which is dissolved out in the chloroform. The oil can be freed from it by washing with alcoholic hydrochlorie acid. The oil dves not appear to possess any drying properties; a comparison with other oils seems to indicate that, in general character, it somewhat resembles the oils of the rape oil and cotton seed oil groups, and might find application as a Inbricant, or in soap-making, and if the THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 103 bitter flavour referred to were removed, possibly as a sub- stitute for olive oil. It seems possible that if the oil were expressed by pressure instead of extraction by solvents, the bitter flavour would not be so pronounced. On the other hand, the pressure of such a bitter component in the pressed cake would no doubt impair the value of this for feeding purposes. In order to enable comparison to be made with other press cakes, the manurial value has been recalculated by Dr. Tempany on the assumption that the oil content has been reduced to 6 per cent. From the figures obtained, it appears that such a press cake would on the Barbados scale for the valuation of manures be worth $4°50 per ton. In connexion with these interesting observations, Mr. Joseph Jones, Curator of the Botanie Gardens, Dominica, forwards a note on the extent of the production of lime seeds in that Colony. He says, taking the Dominica lime crop for 1914 at 388,000 barrels of fruit, and allowing for the shipment of 46,000 barrels of fresh and pickled limes, the production of seed at 2} tb. per barrel of limes would amount to 470 metric tons. West Indian Ground Nuts.—The Curator of the Experiment Station, Montserrat, writes to this Office to say that it is intended tosend samples of three varieties of ground nuts in cultivation in Montserrat, namely, Virginia Running, Gambia, and Rufisque, to the Imperial Institute for report and valuation. The Curator calls attention to an article which appeared in the Agricultural News (Vol. XIII, p. 339), in which it was stated that it is necessary for the nuts to be shelled in order that ready sales may be effected in the English and French markets. In accordance with this it is intended to send shelled nuts for examination. In the Morning Post for February 6, 1915, a short article refers to the efforts that are being made by the Imperial Institute to create a market in the United Kingdom for ground nuts grown in India and West Africa (Gambia and Nigeria), since on the outbreak of war the cessation of trade with Germany and the great diminution of the French demand have placed producers in a serious position. The sending of samples from Montserrat is therefore opportune, since it is in alignment with a policy which is being pursued officially in Great Britain. It is not likely, however, that the prices for ground nuts and their products will be high for some time, and it is probable that producers on a large scale in India and Africa will be able to more than supply requirements at a lower price than would pay the West Indian producer. In this connexion it may be of interest to refer to a letter received by the Imperial Commis- sioner of Agriculture for the West Indies from His Excellency the Governor of Gambia, in which it is stated that the price of ground nuts at the time of writing had fallen so low as to cause embarrassment, the price being only a small fraction of what it is in normal years. The Gambian crop, moreover, was large. This does not look encouraging for any develop- ment of the industry in» Montserrat at the moment, unless the Imperial Institute can find a special opening. The Report of the Land Officer, Grenada, for the month of February 1915, states that the cane crop looks promising and that a splendid crop of pigeon peas has been reaped this season on the small holdings. Bush land is being cleared for the next corn-planting season. Road improvement continues, 104 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Marcu -27, 1915. EDITORIAL NOTICES. Heap Orricr BARBADOS. Letters and matter for publication, as well as all specimens for naming, should be addressed to the Commissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture, Barbados. All applications for copies of the ‘Agricultural News and other Departmental publications, should be addressed to the Agents, and not to the Department. The complete list of Agents, and the subscription and advertisement rates, will be found on page 3 of the cover. Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Sc., Hans BCS. STAFF. Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture for the West Indies SCIENTIFIC Scientific Assistant and Assistant Editor W. R. Dunlop. Entomologist H. A. Ballou, M.Sc. Mycologist W. Nowell, D.I.C. CLERICAL STAFF. A. G. Howell. M. B. Connell. W. P. Bovell. P. Tt. Taylor. Miss B. Robinson, { A.B. Price, Fell. Journ. Inst. (L. A. Corbin. Chief Clerk Assistant Clerk Junior Clerk Assistant Junior Clerk Lypist Assistants for Publications Agricultural Hews | Vou. XIV. SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 1915. No. 337. No. 337. NOTES AND COMMENTS. ‘Contents of Present Issue. The editorial in this number discusses the origin of West Indian economic plants and animals. The subject will be continued in the next issue in regard to the sources from, and agencies through which economic forms are obtained. A large amount of information on Indian corn appears on pages 100 and 101. Fruit articles will be found on pages 102 and 103. Insect and Fungus Notes, which appear on pages 106 and 110, deal with a pest of the papaw and the efficiency of fungeid parasites, respectively. A yery interesting article on radinm and plant growth will be found on page 111. Index to the ‘Agricultural News’. With this number of the Agricultural News is published, as a supplement, the index to Volume XITI. This may be bound at once in the usual manner with numbers 305 to 330, of which Volume XIII is com- prised. The index should prove useful for purposes of reference on all matters relating to tropical agriculture, and will be of value as a guide to concise information on insect pests and fungus diseases of tropical eul- tivated plants. A ———— West Indian Bulletin. The recently issued number of the West Indian Butletin (Vol. XIV, No. 4) contains an exceptionally intereresting collection of articles. New movements and developments are represented by a paper by Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G., on the suggested production of pork and bacon in these islands on co-operative lines, and by two useful articles having relation to the developing sugar industry by the same writer and by Noel Deerr. Cotton receives attention by John McConnel in the form of a paper indicating the importance of commerce and science in regard to eul- tivation, and also in another by W. Nowell, Mycologist to the Imperial Department, on some West Indian physiological affections of that crop. This latter paper contains a summary of the work that has been done in connexion with this difficult subject in other parts of the Tropics. : The important question of Antigua’s water-supply is treated scientifically in two papers by Dr. Wayland Vaughan, of the U.S. Geological Survey, and Dr. H. A Tempany, Superintendent of Agriculture and Govern- ment Chemist for the Leeward Islands, respectively; whilst the Land Officer's Report on the Land Settle- ment Scheme in St. Lucia will prove of much interest to those who are acquainted with the Settlement movement in Grenada, St. Vincent and elsewhere The index to Vololume XIV, of which the present issue constitutes the last number, will be sent out with Volume XV, No. 1. Cotton Expert’s Tour in the West Indies. Mention was made inthe Agricultural News for November 21, 1914, of the prospect ofa visit to the West Indies, by Mr. J. L. Fonda, the Cotton Expert representing the Fine Spinners and Doublers $15°00 per 100 th. per 100 tb. Mancres—Nitrate of soda, no quotations; Cacao manure, $5000: Sulphate of ammonia $82-00 per ton. N Morasses— ONIONS—35 Pras, Sprit—$1 o quotations. 5 to $6°00 per 190 th. 2°75 to $13°31; Canada. no quotations. Porarores—N ova Scotia, $3°25 per 160 th. Rice—Ballam, $6°10 to $6°25 per 190 Ib.; Patna, no queta- tions; Rangoon, no quotations. Sveéar—American granulated, no quotations, pe British Guiana.—Messrs. Wirrine & Ricurer, February G, 1915; Messrs. Sanpsacu, Parker & Co, March 19, 191 5. ARTICLES. ArkowrRootT—St. Vincent Barata—Venezuela block) Demerara sheet Cacao—Native Cassava— Cassava STARCH— Coco-xutTs— Corrre—Creole Jamaica and Rio Liberian DHac— Green Dhal Eppors— Monasses—Yellow Ontons—Teneritte Madeira Peas—Split Marseilles PLanvarys— Porators—Nova Scotia Lisbon Porators--Sweet, B’bados Rice—Ballam Creole TANNIAS— Yams—White Buck Sucar—Dark erystals Yellow White Molasses TimtBpeER—GREENHEART Wallaba shingles > Cordwood Messrs. WIerinc & Ricuver. $700 to $8-00 per barrel of 200 tb. $10 to $15 per M. I4e. to 1de. per th. 10c. per th. $1-44 None l6e. to 40e. $2-25 to $2-40 $2716) No quotation $5°50 to $5°75 32-16 $2-04 $3°40 $4:00 to $410 $5°10 to $5-25 52°90 32e. to ddc. per cub. foot $400 to S6°25 per M. $1°80 to $2-00 per ton |Messrs. Sanp- Bacu, PaRKEB & Co. 310-00 l4c. per fb. $18 per M. l6éc. per th. l6c. per tb. 10c. per tb. 6°75 per bag of 168 fb. | | | $13-00 per bag. (210 th.) $2°25 $3°50 $400 | 32c. to 5dc. per cub. foot $400 to $6-00 per M. —————— eens, Se eee SS THE AGRICULTUR AL NEWS. Publications on sale of the ait Department of Agriculture FOR THE The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. Volume 1. No. 1. Out of print. Nos. 2, Volumes IJ, III, IV, V, VI, (IIT, 2. IV, 3; and V; MTV, Nos: 1 2, and @aeNo: Leeward Islands, by P. 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CONTENTS their effects as the ones enumerated in the first part ; of this article, but all just as important as regards their cumulative influence upon local agriculture, PAGE, PAGE. the present policy of which is diversification. gacon Factory for the International Institute of West Indies, Suggested 118 Acriculture and — the The early introductions of great note, like the Bacon Factory in Rhodesia 115 Tropics... -.. 120 eA Wt gn i au | x : roe Bacon, Method of Curing... 119 Lima Bean and Corn, In coming of the sugar-cane, the catao tree, and some Jamboo, Cellulose from... 127 we Concerning... a of the domesticated animals were characterized by their Jarbon Dioxide and Ger- Market Reports 28 : ; Set eee: Mira ec a 121 ates aidgeomients jo9 ~— being: essentially the outcome of individual efforts. Corn, New Method of Oil Content of Seeds 121. There was no organization underlying the introductions. Growing... ... 115 Origin of West Indian 4 ; ix ; shea : Cotton Notes:— HeonomeePlantso cand In many cases they were the accompaniments of pioneer Exports of Sea Island Animals, IL ... . 113° immigrants, who brought them to the islands because Cotton 119 Rubber Cultivation in ners a eee STS Ce yf een elle Be [tec | es 8 West Indian Cotton 9 Malaya - 195 they had proved economically valuable ‘ Isew here. An Dutch Colour Standard ... 121 Students’ Corner . 125 interesting case of this is the origin of pigs in Barbados, Fungus Notes:— Sugar Industry: whiGhewenenbrou[: veriby sw Portuomesesmhe = The Efficiency of Fun- Cane Sugar Manufacture vhich TORDED. ight ove the Por elicit hen they eoid Parasites of Scale in Hawaii... . 116 first discovered the island some three hundred years ago, Insects 126 ‘The Molasses Problem... 116 Oldmixon records in 1708 that Barbados was almost Gleanings ... ... ... ... 124 The Rational Maceration 3 : ; ee ; ; : (reatiorElim:as a Hedee- of Megass ... 146 overrun with wild pigs. That these animals found in Making Plant 117 Veterinary Notes: — . the West Indies a congenial and natural environment Indian Corn 115 LiveStockin St. Vincent 125. 4 ; 3 é : . TapectiNotes: Skin Diteneaon@attloan is a fact worth remembering in connexion with the SoilInhabiting Grubs... 122 Antigua 123 proposed extension of pig raising at the present time, Origin of West Indian Economic Plants and Animals. II. of the T was shown in the last editorial that m ost Important economic forms of life in these islands are of exotic origin, that is, they have all been intr duced more or less by human agencies. It is our object now to consider of the past, but also of the present. that perhaps being fact to bear in mind continuing, none is these the introductions For are so revolutionary agencies, not only essential still in which in itself will necessitate further introductions of special breeds. In many instances early introductions by enter- of tar imagined at prizing individuals turned out to be greater the In fact, in one case the discovery of the economic About the Jamaica economic importance than Was ever time. value of a plant was quite accidental. 1744, the then Chiet some seed of Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) as food for The birds died and the They germinated, and the avidity with which the cattle consumed the resulting year Justice of introduced some extraneous birds. seeds were thrown away. grass suggested the idea of cultivating it. Guinea grass is now found everywhere as the principal fodder for West Indian live stock. li¢ THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Aprm 10, 1915. In the beginning of West Indian colonization the -only travellers to visit the islands were explorers and naval men. A considerable debt is owed to the British Navy in respect of importations. It is recorded that Lord Rodney was the original introducer of the much- soughted No. IT variety of Mango, and Captain Bligh the of the naval man. In fact it isevident generally that navigation as a qualification in the case of early introducers of plants introducer Breadfruit, was also a was a sine qua non. The advent of institutions in the matter of the introduction of economic forms was gradual. As regards plants, the Royal Gardens, Kew, have figured always as the central establishment in this respect, and deserve special consideration. According to Thiselton Dyer’s most interesting historical account,* the Gardens first came into existence about the middle of the sixteenth eentury—over 350 years ago. The Gardens were then simply Royal domains, and had no official status as they have at the present time. It was not until the time of Francis Masson (1772) that Kew’s Imperial work began. Masson was one of the pioneer collectors sent from Kew, and following him, in fairly quick succession were others. Most of these early botanists were attached to exploring or surveying ships, and although their work was principally confined to collection for Kew itself, this work resulted in a distribution of plants from Kew in later years to different parts of the world. Even before 1841, in which year Kew became a Government institution, considerable botanical assistance was given to the Colonies. In answer to Dr. Lindley’s report on the Gardens (1838), in which it was stated, ‘that no ative scarcity in the dry, something may be done. found that while they disappear from view in exposed situations, they continue a visible existence in damp and sheltered places. favourable. by taking material from the earliest plants to become infested, it is probable, and has often been definitely claimed, that the — progress of the fungus may be considerably hastened. Especially is this the case with isolated trees. Various methods are available in making use of such material. Branches from the fungus-infested tree may be tied among the leaves of the tree to be infected. Leaves bearing the fungus may be dipped in water and rubbed on the- leaves bearing the scales, or pinned in contact with them. The material may be stirred up in water to wash off the spores, or ground up and mixed with water in the case of leaves. This mixture may be sprinkled on to the trees with a brush, or the twigs bent down’ and dipped into it, or it may be applied with a syringe or other type of sprayer after being strained through a wire sieve. Cloth strainers keep back the spores. Brass or copper sprayers may be used if they are clean and the material is not allowed to stand very long in the tank. Comparative trials of these methods have not been made in the case of the West Indian species. Drs. Morrill and Back (Natural Control of White Flies in Florida: Bull. 102, Bur. of Entom., 1912) favour the spore-spraying method for distributing the Aschersonias there concerned. The condition of the material used would appear to have more influence on successful introduction than the method of its application. It should be used as fresh as possible, and in the active spore-producing stage, recogniz- able on examination with a pocket lens. In the case of the shield scale fungus, a powdery glistening appearance denotes the presence of the spores. In the red- and white- headed fungi, the loose tufts of ripe spores can be easily made out. The common occurrence of such fungi on potted plants suggests that these might in some cases be used with advantage. When a branch or twig is tied into a tree, the immersion of the cut end in water contained in a narrow- necked bottle is an obvious benefit. in the districts ” Unless there is at some period of the year It will be. The spores of most of our species do not appear to be very resistant, and it is probable that it is from such places that the spread begins when conditions become* By distributing the material thus available, or” Vor. XIV. No. 338. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 1 bo Y The caution must be repeated that all these measures depend entirely for their success on the conditions being . right for the development of the fungus. In dry weather they are useless. Moreover, experiments have shown that once a fungus has been given a general start, attempts to increase its efficiency by further spore-spraying often have little visible effect. The possibility, in some situations, of altering the con- ditions so as to favour fungous control by providing wind. breaks or other forms of shelter should not be lost sight of. Caution should be observed in making use of infested material lest scale insects not already present on the plants should be introduced. Leaves of grape-fruit recently col- lected, on which the scales were well infested with three species of fungi, nevertheless had numbers of the young of the mussel seale crawling over them more than a week after they were picked and dried. ses WIN CELLULOSE FROM THE BAMBOO. In view of the fact that some attention is being given in Trinidad to the utilization of the bamboo as material for paper making, considerable interest attaches to a communi- eation made by Mr. William Raitt, Cellulose Expert, Imperial Forest Research Institute, India, to the Eighth International Congress of Applied Chemistry. In the article under con- sideration it is stated that it has been proved that bamboo cellulose is suitable for the manufacture of paper, especially for the printing and litho grades, provided its isolation has been successfully accomplished. Previous to the investigation with which the article deals, some divergency of opinion existed in regard to the possibility if utilizing nodes and certain operations connected with isolation. The writer refers to Mr. R. S. Pearson’s work in con- nexion with the species of Bambusa suitable for paper-making material in India and Burma. Out of some hundred different ‘species, only five were found to be suitable, namely, 2. Tulda, B. arundinacea, B. polymorpha, B. |Cephalostachyum | perg- eile, and B. {Melocanna] bambusordes. These are the only species which exist in commercial quantities and under economically exploitable conditions. Though few in number, these species are each so dominant in its own area that they probably represent 80 per cent. of the whole growing ‘stand of bamboo in the country. RE er Pe ale Oe ae ee The point next dealt with is the difficulty of distinguish- ing bamboo stems of different ages. The writer then proceeds to consider the digestion of the stems. It is stated that the material has an undesirable tendency to float. Its resistance to penetration and the variation of this in accordance with the size of the chip is indicated. Also there is the variation in this respect in accordance with age, a charge of mixed age being invariably irregularly digested. =» PP gt OAT RPO TIT a . A bamboo column is light and buoyant solely because it _ ishollow. Its component wood is really as heavy as many of our commercial hardwoods. Its actual specific gravity varies somewhat with species, that of the lightest of the tive species we are concerned with being ‘8410 for inter- nodes, and ‘8091 for nodes, while the heaviest is *9555 internodes, and -9170 nodes. Bomboo is therefore of about twice the specific gravity of the common pulp woods, spruce and fir—a fact which when realized in all its bearings, throws considerable doubt as to whether we have been right in treating it on similar lines as wood so far as its preliminary preparation for digestion is concerned. A marked microscopic feature of bamboo is the large vessels which run continuously from top to bottom of the stems. These do not collapse in drying, but retain their full size and shape, and consequently their air-carrying capacity. Dry bamboo is therefore largely impregnated with air in a state of capillarity—a condition which makes it somewhat difficult to expel, and which fully accounts for the tendency to float, which is one of the chief difficulties in its digestion. Digestion difficulties are therefore due to resistance of the capillary air and to a mass or structural resistance to pene- tration of liquor varying with the size of the individual chip. The smaller the particles and the more regular their size, the better will be the results. Some light is thrown upon resistance by a chemical examination of the stem. It was found that lignification begins with the sprouting of the branches which occurs when the cul is three-fourths grown, and is complete at one year old, little or no change in this respect happening afterwards. At the half-grown stage, the plant is wholly pecto-cellulose in character. With the rapid increase in lignin at maturity, there is a corresponding reduc- tion in pectose, but with advancing age a gradual increase in the latter at the expense of the starch group. The plant is distinctly of a pecto-ligno-cellulose character. The investigation into the amount of caustic soda needed for digestion showed that the whole stem, nodes included, when suitably crushed, will digest satisfactorily with a theore- tical 174 to 18 per cent. of NaOH, and it makes no differ- ence whether it is one or three years old, and in the produce there is absolutely no indication whatever of the nodes. It is pointed out that under normal conditions of digestion, pectose gelatinizes, and probably resistance is set up; but crushing counteracts such action in the case of bamboo. One of the remaining difficulties is connected with the starch content of the plant, and its effect upon yield of cellulose and also on the bleaching results. It was found that starch in the bamboo is capable of being oxidized by air and dispersed in the atmosphere, and that such oxidation is an integral part of the process of seasoning. This has led to the conclusion that the maximum yield of cellulose can only be obtained from bamboo which is not merely dry, but is also seasoned. The influence of the starch content upon bleaching is due to the results of the combination between it and NaOH which occurs under the digestion conditions of strong liquor and high temperature. This does no harm if it were not for the fact that the secondary starch contains an insoluble dark-brown precipitate, which is unbleachable within economic limits. This was removed satisfactorily by means of the sulphite process. A 1-per cent. solution applied in simple cold steeping to the unbleached pulp produced by NaOH, dissolved out of it a large quantity of dark-brown colouring matter, leaving it several shades lighter in colour and much more bleachable. In conclusion, the objections that have been made to bamboo as a paper-making material, and the difficulties hitherto met in their treatment as described in the above article can be met in the following ways: (a) seasoned bamboo only to be used; (b) raw material to be crushed; (c) water soluble matter to be extracted previously to digestion; (d) digestion with sulphite liquor. It is pointed out that the foregoing refer only to the five species of India and Burma, and may not prove altogether applicable to the bamboos of other species grown elsewhere. 128 MARKET REPORTS. West InpIA Commirrer CrRcuLAR, 1915: London.—Tuer March 9, Arrowroor—l1 jd. to 43d. Batata—Sheet, 2/4; look, 1/114 per tb. Beeswax—No quot ations. Cacao—Trinidad, 90/- per ewt.; Grenada, 83/6; no quotations. Corrre—Jamaica, no quotations. Corra—West Indian, £28 to £28 5s. per ton. Corron—Fully Fine no quotations; Floridas, no quota- tions; West Indian Sea Island, 12d. to 16d. Fruir—No quotations. Fostic—No quotations. Gincer—Quiet. IsiyGiass—No quotations. Honey—No quotations. Live Jurce—Raw, 2/6 to 2/9; concentrated, £21; Otto of limes (hand-pressed), no quotations. Locwoop—No quotations Mace—91. to 2/11d. Nurmecs—4}d. to 53d. Pirento—Qnuiet. Jamaica, Rueser—Para, fine hard, 2/5; fine soft, 2/2; Castilloa, o/- Rum—Jamaiea, 2 4 New York.—Messrs. Ginirspre Bros., & Co., July 24, 1914. Cacao—Caracas, 114c. to 12c.; Grenada, lle. to 1ldc.; Trinidad, 11jec. to 11f¢.; Jamaica, 10c. to 11e. Coco-xvu ts—Jamaica and Trinidad, selects $20°00 to $21°00; culls, no quotations. CorrrE—Jamaica, 9fc. to 134¢. per Th. Gincer—7be. to 10c. per tb. Goat Sxrys—Jamaica, 46c.; Antigua and Barbados, 43c. to 46c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 40c. to 438c. per tb. Grave Fruit—Jamaica, $1°75 to $250. Limes. —$3°75 to $4:50. Mace—4dce. to 53c. per Ih. Nurmecs—J10’s, 11 fc. Orances—Jamaica, $2°00 to $2°50. Pimento—3{c. per fk. Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 3°26c.; Muscovados, 89°, 2°88c.; Molasses, 89 , 2*61c., all duty paid. Trinidad.—Messrs. Gorpox, Grant & Co., 1915. March 22, Cacao—Venezuelan, $16°75 to $1700; Trinidad, $16°75. Coco-xur Om—)3e. per Imperial gallon. Corree—Venezuelan, lle. per tb. Corpra—$4'50 to $4°75 per LOO Th. Drat—No quotations. Ontons—$3'75 to $4°10 per 100 tb. Peas, Sprir—$9'75 per bag. Porators—English $1°30 to $140 per L100 th. Ricr—Yellow, $6°25 to $6°30; White, $6°75 Sucar-—American crushed, no ‘qnbtations. $16°25 to per bag. THE AGRICULTURAL ‘NEWS: Arriz- 10, 1915. Barbados.—Messrs. T. S. Garraway & Co., 1915. Mareh 8, Arrowroot—S4'00 to $450 per 100 Th. Cacao—$13°00 per 100 th. Coco-Nuts—S16°80, Hay—$1°75 per 100 fh. Manvures—Nitrate of soda, no quero Cacao manure, $50°00; Sulphate of ammonia $82-00 per ton. Motasses— No quotations. Oxtons—$5'75 to $6°00 per 190 Th. Pras, Sprir—$12°75 to $13°31; Canada. Porators—Nova Scotia, $3°25 per 160 tb. Rice—Ballam, $610 to $6°25 per 190 Ib.; Patna, no quota- tions; Rangoon, no quotations. Sucar—American granulated, no quotations. no quotations. British Guiana.—Messrs. Wierive & Ricurer, February 6, 1915; Messrs. Parker & Co,, March 19, 1915. SANDBACH, J) SWesarae a eae TAT. Ee Messrs. WIETING ARTICLES. Re intaescn: Bacu, | Parker & Co. Arrowroor—St. Vincent'$7-00 to $8-00 per $10-00 barrel of 200 th. Batata—Venezuela block ——= aa Demerara sheet — ee Cacao—Native Idec. per th. 14c. per tb. Cassava— $108 aos Cassava STARCH— UA Coco-Nuts— $10 to $15 per M.| $18 per M. Corrre—Creole —— l6c. per th. Jamaica and Rio|14e, to 15e. per th. l6c. per th. Liberian 10c. per th. 10c. per th. DHat— =a $675 per bag of 168 tb. Green Dhal —— Eppors— S144 ay Morasses— Yellow None i233 Ontons—Teneritte ——— ae Madeira —— — Pras—Split —-— $13-00 er bag. (210 Marseilles — 2 mes ay PLANTAINS— ; l6c. to 40c. —— Porators—Nova Scotia $2°25 to $2-40 $2-25 Lisbon eee Porators--Sweet, B’bados $2-16, ee Rice—Ballam No quotation === Creole $5°50 to $5°75 $550 TANNIAS— $2-16 ees Yams— White —. at Buck $S2-04 — Sucar—Dark crystals $340 $3°50 Yellow $4:00 to S4°10 $4-00 White $5°10 to $5-25 a Molasses 32-90 se ' TormeER—GREENHEART 32c. to 5dc. per | 32c. to 5de. per cub. foot cub. foot Wallaba shingles} $4°00 to $6°25 $400 to $6°00 per M. per M. 5s Cordwood| $1-80 to $2:00 per ton THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture FOR THE WEST INDIES. The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. A Quarterly Scientific Journal. Volume 1. No. 1. Out of print. Nos. 2, 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price 1s. each. Post free, 1s. 27.5 Volumes IT, III, IV, V, VI, V¥I, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII and XIII:—Price 2s, each; Post free 2s..8:7., where complete. (IH, 2. IV, 3; and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.) Volume XIV, Nos. 1 2, and 3. No. 4 Containing Papers on A Veterinary Survey of the Windward and Leeward Islands, by P. T. Saunders, M.R.C.V.S.; Epizootie Lymphangitis, by P. T. Saunders, M.R.C.V.S.; Agricultural Education and Its Adaptation to the Needs of the Student, by Dr. Francis Watts C.M.G.; The Budding of Cacao, by Joseph Jones; The Analysis of Citrate of Lime and Concentrated Lime Juice; Specific Gravities of Cane Sngar Solutions at 30°C. (Donglas): Report on the Prevalence of some Pests and Diseases in the West Indies during 1913, PAMPHLET SERIES. The Pamphlets are written ina simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially adapted to West Indian conditions. They contain, amongst other subjects, summaries of the results of the experiment work on sugar-cane and manures, the full official reports of which have only a limited circulation. The number issued up to the present time is seventy-five. 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A new Industry for the West Indies, by Dr. Francis Watts, COTTON SEED MEAL. C.M.G.; Commerce and Science in Cotton Growing, by : i, : : : John W. McConnel; Bordeaux Mixture; Some Sugar All orders received by us ‘will meet with our careful attention, Factory Caleulations, by Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G.; Sugar) THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE Industry im Cuba, by Noel Deerr; Report on Land Settle- COTTON FACTORY, LIMITED, ment Scheme in St. Lucia; Memorandum en the Geology of the Ground Waters of Antigua, by T. Wayland Vaughan; WHITE PARK ROAD, The Ground Waters of Antigua, by Dr. H. A. Tempany; and BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. Rebruary 5, 1915. Cotton Leaf Diseases, by W. Nowell, D.LC. | SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENT. Bb) /) Pe ii Lb [ao tgs SS b> = et SAS D OF A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW > IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. THE Wor, XLV. No. 339. BARBADOS, APRIL 24, 1915. Price 1d. ————————— CONTENTS. PAGE. Agricultural Credit in the Portuguese Colonies ... Antigua, Ground Waters of 143 British Press and West Indian Agriculture Cacao Trees, Individuality in Rec aneey. Vone. Riven, Cassava, Varieties of ... Ll: Cattle Testing for the Tropics mole Coco-nut and Cakes oe eee eee Coffee, Cultivation of Cotton Notes: British Cotton Growing Association ety est Ot Cotton Experiments in SEI LOUE st se ets.) hoe Exports of Sea Island Palm Kernel Cotton B= ESS 135 Wes: Indian Cotton 134 Cowpeas, Colour of... peloo Cuba, Land Development in 155 Department News ... 150 Fungus Notes:— A Bacterial Disease of Lachnosterna Grubs... 142 A Successful Introdue- tion of Resistant Varie- ties of Ground Nut... 142 PAGE. Gleanings ... .. . 140 Indigo, Fermentation of 137 Insect Notes:— The Sweet Potato Weevil 158 Items of Local Interest ... 1° Leguminous Crops as Stock Food wee eee eee tee, LO Market Reports oth: Nature Study in the Ele- mentary Schools, Trini- dad ose .- see 137 Notes and Comments 156 Papaw, Fruiting Capacity of AP orig) Sodo fee ere oo: Publications of the Im- perial Department — of Agriculture 2 36 Rice Souls, Swamp, Gases Of ..ageeeen. Bek I Students’ Corner . 141 Sugar Industry:— The History of Sugar... 151 The Norit Process of Manufacturing White Sugar... Peet nad LOU The Planting of Canes in | Demerara ... 131 !Tea, Manuring... 159 ! West Indian Products ... 143 Individuality in Cacao Trees. natural yield subject which sé consideration. certain plots in that islanc The study 22 Su ee ne . * [QR HE Trinidad observations* concerning the of cacao plots open up a ems deserving of special of the natural yields of Lhas now been carried on for two years, and the object in view is to arrive at some definite idea of the extent to which individual *Bulletin cf the Department of Agriculture Trinidad and Tobago, Vol. XIV, Part I. groups of trees vary naturally asregards productiveness under it ge, the results of manurial experiments are often misleading and the similar conditions of environment. is maintained that without such knowled conclusions unreliable. The figures published by the Trinidad Department of Agriculture already show that the variation between the different plots on each estate may be considerable. For instance, on a plot on one 1912-13, of pods picked per tree was 31:21, whilst in another plot In 1913-14, the first plot yielded 42°26, and the second, 17°38. It will be observed that there was a general increase (due to estate, 1n the average number near by, the number was only 8°52. season), but the relative productiveness in this case was maintained. It is clear that if the high yielding plot were manured and the low yielding used as a control without knowledge of the natural yields, most erroneous conclu- So far as is shown by the limited figures available, the ratio sions as to the effect of manures might result. between the productiveness of any two groups of trees is not altogether constant. In fact the higher yielding plot in one year may be the lower yielding the next. This, however, is more or less exceptional,and as a general rule it may be stated that with trees of the same age and condition the tendency for a group of trees to produce a certain yield is constant, though several years’ trials are required before the average yield can be determined. The principle underlying natural yields in relation to manurial experiments is that plots should be tested before they are manured, This means the study of the trees individually, and as a consequence a doubling of the time required before perfectly reliable manurial results can be forthcoming. There is one feature of manurial experiments with untested trees, however, that to some extent constitutes a safe-guard, and that GARDERy. B 130 } is the continuation of the experiments over a number of years. If, as in the Dominica experiments *a gradual] increase takes place in the treated plots of mature trees, it may be fairly concluded that this increase is the result -of the manurial treatment, since Individuality is a con- stant factor and would not show its effect in the of a steady rise. In manurial experiments where an increase is shown in the first year form and continues to remain at the same level, it is more likely to be the effect of individuality than in the former case. An approximate idea of the value of manurial treatment can frequently be obtained in spite of a very consider- able difference in individuality through its extreme effect. The effect, for instance, of mulching upon cacao is sufficiently great to make itself shown in spite of any individual variation amongst the trees of the various plots. numerical results would be obtained from uatested manurial plots by taking the yields of individual trees, plotting a frequency eurve for each plot, and taking the mode rather than the mean as representing the yield. It would that this method of treating the Trinidad figures would be better than the present one of just striking a common average. It would show the variation; a wide, flat curve demonstrating a general but small variation m almost every tree; a steep curve indicating the presence of merely a few extreme types. Possibly more instructive seem The whole subject of undividuality has many philosophical aspects of much interest, and they apply to other crops as well as cacao. In orchard cultivation the matter is obviously of greater importance than in arable field work, because one has to deal in orchard experiments with a much fewer number of plants, and these are relatively permanent. Coco-nuts constitute a crop in which considerable, individuality has been found to exist. A case has been observed by the writer in Barbados where a number growing apparently under exactly soil climatic conditions show remarkable variation as regards productiveness. It is worth remembering that -such observations are useful in'the matter of seed selee- tion. Statistical observations In connexion with the natural yield of coco-nuts are being carried on in Trini- dad on similar lines to those on cacao. of these trees similar and It has been found for instance that fourteen plots containing trees of presumably the same age show a variation of as much _as 175 to 275 nuts per tree, or a difference of 750 nuts per acre. *See West Indian Bulletin, Vol. XIV, No. 2, THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. extent of Aprin 24, 1915. Ld ©. Here the question may be fairly put forward as to whether in the Trinidad experiments with cacao and coco-nuts, the trees are planted at the same distance apart. It is true that this question has nothing to do with variation in the yield of trees itself, but it does affect & second question as to whether yield of thé trees is a direct measure of the yield per acre. And in spite of the fact that in Trinidad the yield;per 1,000 trees is the common standard, the sounder basis, and the which we are bound to come down to sooner or later is the natural yield per acre. It would be interesting to learn the result of expressing the Trinidad average yields of pods per tree in terms of average yields natural one per acre. A further consideration which must not be over- looked in these experiments is the existence of a period The yield of a cacao tree is not a stationary phenomenon. It is either rising or falling; appreciating or depreciatmg; and it 1s obviously necessary to be certain that all the plots we wish to compare are composed of trees which are metaphor- ically situated on the same point of the curve of productiveness. of maximum yield. From all that has been said it will be seen that the present subject is avery complex one and calls for clear thinking in the matter of planning experiments and in the interpretation of their results. In the Trinidad experiments it is essential to bear in mind that the yield of groups of trees, and not the yield per acre, is considered. On this understanding. and assum- ing that the trees are strictly comparable, the results of the manurial experiments following the testing of the cacao trees in their natural state are likely to be the most conclusive, as regards local application, of Ba that have so far been obtained. DEPARTMENT NEWS. The Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture has been appointed by his Excellency the Governor of British Guiana (Sir Walter Egerton, K.C. M. G.) an honorary member of the Board of Agriculture and of the Permanent Exhibitions Committee of that colony. A copy has been:received of a Draft of an Ordinance to incorporate the Cacao Planters’ Association of Trinidad with the object of regulating and determining the rights and liabilities of the members. It will be interesting to observe the commercial results which follow the passing of the Ordinance. It is worth noting that in this Draft, a bag of cacao is defined as weighing 165 tb. y y x Vor. AIV. No. 339. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 131 SUGAR. THE NORIT PROCESS OF MANUFAC- TURING WHITE SUGAR. The International Sugar Journal contains an account of a lecture by Dr. A. Wijnberg on the Norit Process of Manufacturing White Sugar. In this process it is claimed that the colouring matter of the juice is removed by means of so-called ‘decolourizing carbon’, (manufactured under the name of Norit), in the same manner that this is effected by animal charcoal in the sugar refinery. This substance has already been successfully employed for bleaching purposes in various industries, but hitherto has not been used in sugar works, partly on account of its cost and partly because a method of regenerating was not known. — It is now found that the decolonrizing colour of Norit can be very largely restored by boiling for fifteen minutes with a 3 per cent. solution of caustic soda. Noritis stated to exert its decolourizing action on slightly acid sugar solutions, the colour being only slightly or not at all removed when the solution is alkaline. The author explains this action by reference to the properties of colloids of the nature of pectin which are transformed into larger molecular groupings in feebly acid solutions, but into smaller ones in alkaline. The larger molecular groups are held by the decolourizing carbon, while the smaller ones are not. It is claimed that the decolourizing power of Norit is about twenty-five times greater than granular animal char- coal. Its decolourizing power is relatively greater in dilute sugar solutions as compared with concentrated ones, hence it is recommended to use Norit to bleach the juice rather than syrup. Norit is stated to possess the advantage of removing pectins and gums from sugar solutions, so_ that juice decolourized by this means is more easily filtered. A continuation of the article is promised in which the practical results obtained in certain factories and refineries will be considered. THE PLANTING OF CANES IN DEMERARA. Readers of the Louisiana Planter will have noticed that recent issues have devoted much attention to the establishment of sugar-cane by the planting of tops. A correspondent has recently contributed some interesting observations concerning this and other matters with special regard to British Guiana. In the West Indies for various reasons, only force of cireumstances will compel a planter to re-establish his fields with material other than tops. It is noted, apparently as 4 comment on previous statements made in the Louwistana Planter, that tops from arrowing canes are never cut, much less used. Attention is called to the undesirability of yearly replanting because of labour conditions. Moreover such & system is unnecessary as is exemplified by the statement that a crop of 25 tons per acre of Bourbon cane with juice of Specific gravity of 1°75 was obtained in one instance from nineteenth ratoons. It is maintained further that the necessity for replanting depends largely upon the variety of cane employed. D. 74 and D. 95 have never proved to be good ratooning canes in Demerara. On the other hand, D. 109 and D. 625 are two excellent seedlings from every point of view, The History of Sugar.—Compiled from original information in the Archiefsof the Spanish Government at Seville, Spain, are the series of interesting notes appearing on this subject inthe Louisiana Planter. The information refers particularly to the early history of sngar growing in Porto Rieo. In the Louisiane Planter for February 20, 1915, mention is made of events that happened between 1551 and 1575. These refer principally to matters connected with the slave trade, bad shipping facilities and tariff regulations. In 1564, Porto Rico requested an exolanation from the Spanish Government as to the reason why her sugars were not admitted at Seville on payment of 7} per cent. as were the cargoes from La Espanola, Porto Rico at this time was required to pay 15 per cent. Various other items of much interest are included but space will not permit their being dealt with in the present note. AGRICULTURAL CREDIT IN THE PORTUGUESE COLONIES. This statement has been prepared under the auspices of the special Portuguese Commission appointed to superintend the preparation of reports and papers for the Third Inter- national Congress of Tropical Agriculture. It describes the operations of three of the chief concerns which have been organized in Portugal to facilitate the agricultural develop- ment of the Portuguese Colonies, viz., the Banco Nacional Ultramarino, the Companhia de Mocambique, and the Companhia de Zambezia. The Banco Nacional Ultramarino was founded in May 1864, and as its name implies, its operations are concerned entirely with the overseas posses- sions of Portugal. It makes advances repayable by annual. instalments, to promote irrigation works, the construction of roads, the formation of plantations, and other similar opera- tions necessary toagricultural development, and in addition. offers all the usual, banking facilities to planters and planting companies. Its statutes defining agricultural credit and stating the conditions under which advances are made are quoted in some detail in the paper, and Instances are given of the assistance it has rendered in the development of Angola, St. Thomé, Principe, and the- Cape Verde Islands. A short account of the facilities offered by the Compan- hia de Mocambique to settlers in its territory is also given: these include a labour bureau, a system of hiring out agri- cultural machinery, assistance in boundary surveys, provision of packing materials for agricultural produce, the purchase of farm stock by instalments, and assistance in the sale of pro- duce in Europe. Similarly the Companhia de Zambezia, with a view to developing tobacco cultivation in its territories, has instituted a scheme whereby settlers are provided with land, draught cattle, machines, drying stores, food and pay for native labourers, on condition that they grow tobacco on the land and pay interest at the rate of 7 per cent. per annum on the sum expended by the company for their benefit. The company buys all the saleable tobacco produced, at the rates current for tobacco in Nyasaland, and is prepared to take back the farm animals and machinery, less depreciation at the rate of 20 per cent. on the initial outlay, when the contract expires. (Proceedings of the Third International Congress of Tropicaé Agriculture.) t 132 * THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Aprin 24, 1915, FRUIT AND FRUIT PRODUCTS. THE CULTIVATION OF COFFEE. A useful Bulletin of some fifty pages prepared by Mr. R. D. Anstead, M.A., (formerly «Superintendent of Agriculture, Grenada,) has been published by the Department of Agriculture, Mysore State, Southern India, dealing in a simple but very comprehensive and practical manner with the cultivation of coffee in that part of the world. The first chapter in the bulletin deals principally with the botany of the coffee plant. After describing the fune- tions of the different parts, it is stated, in connexion with pollination and the keeping of bees, that the presence of these insects is not essential for the successful pollination of coffee, but the natural, and therefore most desirable form of pollination is achieved by the aid of flower-visiting insects, of which bees are the most important, The first matter to be considered in the establishment of a coffee estate is the selection of seed and the preparation of nurseries. Emphasis is placed upon the importance of selecting only the best, full, perfectly shaped beans for sowing, and upon the selection of new and fertile ground for the nursery beds, in which care should be taken not to sow the seed tov close together. The land selected for the establishment of the coffee trees shonld be a rich sandy loam containing an abundance of humus with a well-drained gravelly subsoil. If clay soils are used, they must be fre- quently limed. Instructions are given in the bulletin under review for the transplanting of seedlings. Holes are dug about 5 feet by 6 feet apart, and about 3 feet deep. The bottom of the holes should be broken up so that the young tap root of the nursery plant can easily penetrate the soil. When the planting season arrives with the rain, the plants are carefully lifted from the nursery beds, each witha ball of earth round its roots, and planted one in each pit, care being taken to fill the pit with the top soil, and to press the plant firmly into its place without ramming the soil too tightly. Under favourable conditions a coffee plant will live from thirty-five to sixty years, but many trees on every estate are exhausted in ten or twelve years by unskilful treatment or the attacks of borer or leaf disease. Conse- quently arrangements must be made to have a constant succession of young plants coming on in the nursery to replace those which have to be taken ont. Tn the chapter dealing with the cultivation and prepara- tion of the soil, it is observed that coffee is largely a surface rooting and surface feeding plant, so that the utmost care must be taken about cultivation, and fully grown coffee should not be dug deeply at all if it ean possibly be avoided. After describing the methods of clearing lands for coffee, the inter- culture of the crop is considered and the importance of a light surface cultivation amongst established coffee is emphasized. An interesting section in the present chapter is that deal- ing with the renovation of old coffee. Briefly this consists in sawing the trees off at the ground level immediately after they have borne a heavy crop. All the shade trees are felled and the land turned up in big clods. The light branches of the coffee and shade trees and all the litter are then spread over the field and the whole given a quick burn. The soil is again forked and an application of about a ton per acre of good slaked lime is then worked into the top soil. HErythrina and new shade is then planted. The coffee stumps sucker, and each is allowed to grow the two most healthy shoots thrown out. -\iter two years the suckers are reduced to one, and in three or four years a complete new root system has been formed and a new healthy tree produced. The results of the above treatment have been most successful and have repaid the cost, which is considerable. After calling attention to the necessity for drainage, eon- sideration is given to the question of shade. It is stated that in Sonth India it isnecessary to grow coffee under shade. Probably the best all-round shade tree in Southern India is the silver oak (Grevillea robusta), which possesses nearly all the good points requited for a shade tree amongst coffee; namely, growth not too large, big spread of branches, reten- tion of leaves in the hot weather, root system not too near the surface of the soil, and lastly, immunity from the attacks of insect or fungoid pests which attack coffee. In the course of the developments of the estate the shade trees have to be regulated, and detailed instructions are given as regards carrying this into effect, . The next two subjects dealt with are pruning and «weed- ing. If the coffee plant is lett alone, it forms a tall bush with a number of long, upright primary branches on which the berries are chiefly borne. In this form it is easily broken by the wind, and the crop is not easy to gather without break- ing the branches. For this reason the young trees are usually topped by cutting off the leading shoot with a sharp knife when they are about.d feet high. A common system of pruning is to take off the alternate secondary branches to allow for the extension of the tertiary branches on which the berries are chiefly borne. Sometimes this is accompanied by the development of a mass of suckers; these must be removed, and the process is known as ‘handling’ the trees. The worst weed on the South Indian coffee estate is grass. A constant war should be waged against grassand it should be remem- bered that the first principle in destroying this or any other weed is to attack it before it has time to ripen seeds. Whereis vegetation of this kind growing in the soil is exceedingly harmful, a mulch of leaves derived from weeds or shade trees is very beneficial. The reasons for the good action of mulches is now well known to planters, and it may be pointed out that this method of soil improvement and manuring is becoming widely recognized all over the world in regard to nearly every orchard cultivation. us. One of the last chapters, and by far the longest, is that dealing with the manuring of coffee. From the information already presented in this abstract it will have been realized that the previous sections dealing with cultivation contain much sound, practical knowledge bearing directly upon the suecessful production of the crop in question. ‘The chapter on manuring, though interesting and enlightening cannot be commented on in the same way. It explains the general principles of plant nutrition, the general composition of manurial substances, and gives some attention to the valuation of manures, whilst a note on the mixing of fertilizers is appended. But a search through this information for references to coffee is rather disappointing; it is noticed, however, that the general practice in applying manures in Southern India is based upon their application in connexion with the occurrence of the monsoon. It seems that potash should be applied before the monsoon, and phosphoric acid half before and half after the monsoon, the after monsoon application to be in an available form such as superphosphate, The nitrogen should be applied after the monsoon in an available form. Attention is called to the cheap and valuable nature of waste materials on the coffee estate for manurial purposes. It is urged that coffee is benefited by the eulti- vation of suitable leguminous cover crops provided the soil is first got free from weeds. Wot. XIV. No. 339. The last chapter deals with the handling of the crop. This subject, which involves such important points as picking, pulping, fermentation and packing, is most disappointingly short. It would be of interest to have found a full deserip- tion of the method of fermentation adopted in Southern India, and the methods and machinery employed in the drying and handling of the crop. Apart from this criticism and the suggestion that more space might have been devoted to pests and diseases, we may confidently state that the bulletin under review is likely to prove of great service to ‘those who are in possession of estates, and to agriculturists “who intend embarking upon such an enterprise under similar conditions to those obtaining in Southern India. COCO-NUT AND PALM KERNEL CAKES. The value of these two by products of tropical crops as -foodstutts for domestic animals, particularly cattle, is dealt with very fully in two recent publications—the Bulletin of the Imperial Institute, Vol. III, No. 4, and. the Journal of the Board of Agriculture (England), Vol. XXI, No. 11. The former publication treats the subject chietly from the economic aspect as regards the war, advocating the desirability of British merchants utilizing the enormous supplies of copra and palm kernel which are now available owing to the cessation of the trade in them with Germany. The result of doing so would be the production in Great Britain of large quantities of residual cake or meal. Both journals endeavour to demonstrate the value of “this material as foodstuft for cattle. The following figures have been extracted to show the comparative food value of the two classes of cake under consideration:— CRUDE NUTRIENTS. Coco-nut cake. Palm-kernel cake. Moisture 8&5 12-0 Crude protein 24:5 16°75 - Fat 8:3 7:07 _ Carbohydrates 37°8 46° 83 Crude fibre 12°8 5 _ Ash 6-1 Food units: coco-nut cake, 122; palm-kernel cake, 106. Decorticated cotton-seed meal contains 157 food units and undecorticated 107 food units. The value at Liverpool (January 1915) of coconut cake was approximately £6 15s. per ton, while that of palm-kernel cake was just under £6 10s. Summarizing the value of the cakes in practical feeding, the Journal of the Board of Agriculture states:— 1. Palm nut kernel and coconut cakes or meals are valuable foodstuffs, particularly for mileh cows, when they can be obtained of good quality at a price which compares favourably with the prices of such feeding stuffs as linseed _eake and cotton cake. They are also useful for replacing oats for horses, but are probably of less value for fattening bullocks, sheep and pigs. 2. Farmers should buy under guarantee as to analysis, _ paying special attention to the percentage of oil, fibre, albuminoids and carbohydrates. They should insist on fresh, well-made cake, and should not buy more than a three month’s supply. The above is, of course, advice for the British farmer, _ but it will prove of interest to planters and show that every THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 133 endeavour is being made in England to find a market for tropical produce which has been affected adversely through the European war. Fruiting Capacity of the Papaw.—The question of the advantage derived from thinning out the ring of fruits on the papaw tree is discussed in an Indian article reproduced in the 7'ropieut Agriculturist for January 1915. An experiment was conducted at Poona with the fruit of twenty plants, ten of which were thinned and ten unthinned. The number of fruits obtained from the thinned was ten, whilst the unthinned gave twenty-four. Although the increase in weight of the individual fruit in the case of the thinned plants was very considerable, and although there was an accompanying rise in the price, the results showed thaw the increase of weight and value was not sufficient to com- pensate for the loss of fruits. This conclusion refers only to the particular experiment just described. The article goes on to say that with a small number of say six good fruits per plant the experiment may pay ultimately when carried out on a large scale as indicated in the Annual Report of the Government Horticultural Gardens, Lucknow, for 1912, where it is stated that an acre of land carrying 1,000 plants each producing six to ten fruits after thinning may give considerable profit to the grower. The difficulty is 42 hit on exactly the right amount of thinning to get the greatest weight compatible with the greatest number of fruits, This can only be obtained by practice, and in the meantime it is recommended to remove only such fruits as are obviously going to be badly ernushed, The Colour of Cowpeas.—Colouration of the seed- coat of cowpeas and beans is a matter of some interest and. of no little importance from the commercial standpoint. We know that a dark seed-coat reduces the market value of bean or pea-meal because of the unfavourable appearance it produces; and we are aware that in the case of one species of bean, dark colouration is indicative of the presence of poison. The colour of cowpeas as investigated by Albert Mann of the United States Department of Agriculture (see the Journal of Agricultural Research, April 15, 1914) deals more especially with the botanical aspect of the subject. He shows that the testa is composed on the outside of a cuticle, and below this a palisade layer of very elongated cells. Underneath this is the so-called middle or hour-glass layer (so-called from the resemblance of each cell to the shape of an ‘hour-glass’); underneath this finally, is the so-called basal-colour layer. The greatly diversified colour of the different varieties of cowpeas may be reduced to two factors: (1) an extremely uniform basal colour, pale yellow to deep copper-red, deposited in the basal-coloured layer; (2) a superimposition upon this basal colour of variously arranged pigment areas in the palisade layer. It was found that in most parti-coloured cowpeas of strongly contrasted tints, the strongly coloured areas have perfectly regular, symmetrical palisade cells, while the lighter areas are more or less strongly contorted in form and irregular in the cell cavity. In other words, there is traceable in all of these cowpeas a decided correlation between the morphology of the palisade cells and the suppression of the pigment in these cells. COTTON. WEST INDIAN COTTON. Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool, write as follows, under date Mareh 31, 1915, with refer- ence to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton:— Since our last report about 250 bales of West Indian Sea Island cotton have been sold, chiefly Montserrat 15d. to 15$d., with a few St. Vincent 15d. to 18d., St. Kitts at 15d. and Stains at 5d. to 7d. The market remains quite firm, but with only occasional enquiries. Seeing that American Sea Island has advanced in price, we see no reason why these prizes should not be maintained although, owing to the dislocation of the fine trade on account of the war, progress will probably be slow. The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week ended March 27, is as follows:— The sales consisted of several Planters’ crop lots for export to England, at prices ranging from 25}e. to 27c.; otherwise the market was quiet. There is some further demand for erop lots, but at prices le. to 2c. below the views of planters. The limited unsold stock of odd bags classing Fine to Fully Fine is firmly held at quotations. We quote, viz:— Extra Fine 23¢e. to 24ce.= 14d. to l44d., cif. & 5 per cent. Fine to Fully Fine 22c.=134d., At ss lee eae Fine, off in colour 18c. to 20c.=11}d. to 12d. cif. | This report shows that the total exports of Sea Island cotton from the United States to Liverpool, and Manchester, up to March 27, 1915, were 105 and 1.516 bales, respectively. British Cotton Growing Association. —The 133rd Meeting of the Council of the British Cotton Growing Association was held at the Offices, 15, Cross Street, Manchester, on Tuesday, March 2. The President, The Right Hon. the Earl of Derby, K. G., occupied the Chair. WEST AFRICA. Owing to the inadequate supply of steamers from Liverpool there is a large accumulation of produce in the Government Railway Stores at Iddo, and as a consequence some difficulty is being experienced in shipping the Association’s cotton and seed, and it is hoped that arrangements will soon be made for a more adequate steam- ship service between Liverpool and West Africa. The reports from West Africa state that the cropis a late one this year, owing to the drought during the last planting season, but it is too soon yet to form any reliable opinion as to the size of the crop. The purchases of cotton in Lagos to the end of February amounted to 165 bales, as compared with 2,480 bales for the same period of last year. In Northern Nigeria, the purchase to the end of January amounted to 23 bales, as compared with 65 bales last year. UGANDA. With regard to the proposed arrangements for financing the 1915 Uganda cotton erop, a letter has been received from the Colonial Office expressing warm apprecia- tion of the publie spirit which the Association have shown in their desire to take all possible steps to safeguard the THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. ———————— Ee Apri 24, 1915. industry, and regretting that the great pains which were bestowed on the preparation of the scheme should have been wasted. Arrangements have now been made for the buying of the crop in some districts, which will ensure the natives obtaining a fair price for their crop, but in some of the more remote districts no arrangements have yet been made for buying the cotton, and for the future welfare of the industry it is hoped that steps will be taken before long to ensure the natives a ready market for their cotton. COTTON EXPERIMENTS IN ST. CROIX. Through the courtesy of Dr. Longtield Smith, Director of Agriculture, we have received an advanced copy of that portion of his Annual Report for 1913-14, which deals with cotton experiments. Details are given of the results obtained from planting the seed of fifty selected varieties, compared with last year’s: results from the parent plants. The mean result given by the progeny is very closely similar to that from the parents. Twenty-one of these strains have been kept for trial on a larger scale. The plots of Sakellarides and of the Upland variety Southern Cross have given no better yields than can be obtained from Sea Island cotton, hence their cultivation cannot be recommended. Small plots of Caravonica have yielded at the rate of over 1,000 Tb. seed-cotton per acre. A very interesting section of the report deals with the results of hybrids between Sea Island and the St. Croix ‘Native’ cotton. Ratoons from the previous season’s hybrids: were kept, and bore exceedingly well. They were des- troyed, because of harbouring cotton stainers, while still full of bolls, and up to then had yielded from 700 to 900 tb. of lint per acre. Experiments were made with a view to the production of first-generation hybrids on a larger scale, and it was found that by pollinating the flowers of the ‘native’ early in the morning, about 70 per cent. of hybrids were obtained without bagging or emasculation. Since the young plants are easily distinguishable, it is possible by planting several seeds to the hole and singling two or three weeks later, to obtain a good stand of the hybrids. The lint of these first- generation hybrids is werth about 15d. with Sea Island at 17d. Dr. Smith finds that such hybrids are immune to leaf-blister mite. This has not been the case in similar experiments seen’ by the writer, where a proportion at least of the plants have been susceptible. Experiments have also been carried on with hybrids between Sea Island and Sakellarides, some of which are now in the third generation, This cross differs from the previous: one in that the generations subsequent to the first do not split up into a complex medley of inferior types, but remain fairly uniform. Owing to bad germination only a few plants were obtained. They bore much more heavily than Sea Island, and the experiment is being continued. The question as to the adoption of the policy of growing first year hybrids between Sea Island and ‘native’ is one of interest and importance to all the cotton-growing islands. The large yield and greater resistance to pests may well induce planters whose experience has been unfortunate in these matters to face the extra trouble which has to be taken in securing seed. As regards the individual plan- ter, the results may be excellent, but unless his neigh- bours are also prepared to work on the same lines the effects to them may be disastrous. It will be very diffi- cult to maintain for long anything like a pure strain of Sea Island plants within a wide radius of what would be, from EEE EE Vor. XIV. No. 339. that point of view, a plantation of rogues. For a grower whose land is isolated, or for an area, preferably an island, covered by properties whose owners are agreed to adopt it, the policy may stand or fall by the degree of its success; but where it is practised by only one among a number, the rest of whom desire to continue to grow Sea Island, a position will arise similar to that bronght about by the keeping of diseased plants, which in several islands has been the subject of special legislation. Wet EN)? EXPORTS OF SEA ISLAND COTTON. RETURN OF SEA ISLAND COTTON EXPORTED FROM THE VARIOUS WEST INDIAN COLONIES FOR THE QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1914. Colony. Bales. Weight. Estimated value. No. Ib. £ Barbados 6 2,950 197 St. Vincent <— — — Montserrat 40 16,238 827 Antigua 31 7,750 388 St. Kitts ls1 90,500 5,656 Nevis 145 181,967 Nye 76e3 Anguilla — — — Grenada — — = Virgin Islands — — = Jamaica 3 750 18 TOL 300,155 18,479 Land Development in Cuba.—According to an article in Wodern Cuba for March 1915, a Commission has recently examined the south-western lands of that island and found them capable of profitable development if better transportation and good drainage can be provided. It is stated that all kinds of crops may be grown on these lands, -and the writer emphasizes a diversification of crops and rather tends to discourage the cultivation of tobacco. Perhaps because the writer is a horticulturist he strongly advocates the growing of vegetables. It is especially inter- esting that he lays great stress upon the profitable nature of bean cultivation. In this connexion attention is zalled to the necessity for purchasing threshing machines and other labour-saving machinery. It is urged that no very great area under this crop is required to render such investments of -capital economical. It is said that the reason why planters tend to grow tobacco is because they can receive credit on this crop. Naturally the money lenders are not anxious for land owners to grow beans and vegetable green crops since they would then lose the greater part of their business. The Canadian Trade Commissioner forthe West Indies has furnished this Office with a memorandum from the Department of Customs, Ottawa, showing the most recent changes in the tariff, some items of which apply to West Indian products. It appears that the following articles con- nected with West Indian trade are exempted from the provisions of the new war tax: bananas, cotton-seed cake and -cotton seed meal, and coffee. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 13: VARIETIES OF CASSAVA. The following notes on local varieties of cassava are taken from the Journal of the Jamaica Agricul- tural Society tor February 1915:— (1) Bobby Hanson or Gordon is an early variety and matures in nine months. It will give good results in all soils except soils remaining always wet. Grows equally well from sea-level to 2,000 feet elevation. (2) Pum-pum or Bunch of Keys is another early variety and matures between nine and twelve months. The holes for this variety may not be more than | foot in length, but may be 2 feet wide. The tubers are generally short and stout. Hilly or gravelly land suit it better than any other soil. Planted at too great an elevation may result in ‘tree’ and not tuber development. (3) Grey Hound is a variety of considerable growth, many and large tubers. It does not yield as much flour as the two varieties mentioned before. It matures in ten or twelve months. Red soil is not the ideal one for it, but it suits best a conglomerate such as brown. earth and brown gravel mixed. (4) Red Jucket is a variety of many tubers but not necessarily large. It matures in twelve months. It bears best in gravelly land of brownish appearance. (5 & 6) Brown Stic and Smalling are varieties much alike in many ways. They thrive in the same kind of soil; much humus should be in the soil where these are grown and they give very good account of themselves from a little above sea-level to 3,000 above. The #cur and starch yield from these varieties is considered the best. They are later to mature than the other varieties. In dry soils they mature between twelve and fourteen months. In damp soils they mature between fourteen and eighteen months. The Smalling variety is chiefiy planted. Its tubers are the largest, and while the first tubers never fail to continue their develop- ment after they area year old, other tubers go forth from the first. They seldom lose in weight, however long they are kept betore they are lifted. HOLES, CUTTING AND PLANTING. Except in the case of the Pum-pum, the holes should be not less than 2 feet (length) by 1 foot (width). The depth should be abont 9 inches. These remarks apply to the stiffer soils. In fine light soils a foot square is sufficient. All cuttings should be close to a node or eye, and need not be more than 6 inches in length, the plants being shorter where the nodes are not far apart. At this time when there may be much rain abont S-inch of plant may be left uncovered and these plants should be put in slanting, the tuber-producing end not being more than 4 inches deep. It is hoped the people will not place more than one cutting or plant in each hole. There is no necessity for more. Attention has been called in the Veterinary Record (February 13 and 20, 1915) to the value of iodine in sterilization. The preparation especially noted is iodobenzine, which is made by pouring some tincture of iodine into a certain quantity of benzine. Gratifying results are claimed for its use, first for sterilizing the hands, it being sutticient to rub in a small quantity; secondly, as a ready method of preparing dressings by soaking them in the solution which is then allow- ed to evaporate; and thirdly, for sterilizing wounds” by application of tambons medicated in this manner. 136 THE AGRICULTURAL EDITORIAL NOTICES. HEAD OFFICE — BaRrBapos. Letters and matter for publication, as well as all specimens for naming, should’-be addressed to the Commissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture. Barbados. All applications for copies of the ‘Agricultural News’ and other Departmental publications, should be addressed to the Agents, and not to the Department. The complete list of Agents, and the subscription and advertisement rates, will be found on page 3 of the cover. Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Se. EF. 1G, F.C:.S. STAFF. Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture for the West Indies SCIENTIFIC Scientific Assistant and Assistant Editor Entomologist Mrycologist W. R. Dunlop. H. A. Ballou, M.Se. W. Nowell, D.1.C. CLERICAL STAFF. A. G. Howell. M. B. Connell. W. P. Bovell. P.iY. Taylor. Miss B. Robinson. { A. B. Price, Fell. Journ. Inst. \L, A. Corbin. Chief Clerk Assistant Clerk Junior Clerk Assistant Jiniior Clerk Tupist Assistants for Publications — Agricultural News | Vou. xiv. SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 1915. No. 339. NOTES AND COMMENTS. Contents of Present Issue. The editorial in thisissue, dealing with individuality in cacao trees, reviews and criticises the work in this connexion which is being carried on in Trinidad. A useful article describing the cultivation of coffee as practised in Southern India wall be found on page 152. Cotton Notes, which appear on pages 134 and 135, contain a review of experiments in St. Croix, a list of the exports of Sea Island Cotton from the West Indies, together with market and other reports. Insect Notes and Fungus Notes, which will be found on pages 138 and 142, deal with the sweet potato weevil anda bacterial disease of Lachnosterna grubs, respec- tively. Notes on cattle testing, indigo, food crops, will be found on pages 136 and leguminous and 137, f NEWS. a Apri 24, * 1915. Publications of the Imperial Department of Agriculture. An interim report on the Agricultural Department of Grenada for 1913-14 has just been issued. In the exceptional circumstances arising from the recent staff changes in the Agricultural Department of that colony the general administration report has been compiled at the Head Office of the Imperial Department with a view to preserving continuity. The publication contains. the customary reportcon Land Settlement and Forest Reserves. Recently issued also, is the revised circular dealing with the Courses of Reading and Examinations in Prac- tical Agriculture. Apart from its immediate educational function, planters and others who are desirous of read- ing literature pertaining to the various tropical crops will find the general list of books recommended, of much interest and assistance to them. The Report on the Sugar-cane Experiments in the Leeward Islands, 1913-14, has nearly all been passed to press and will be issued shortly. A valuable guide to the Dominica Botanic Gardens, with full index of plant names, will appear about the same time. rr Leguminous Crops as Stock Food. Recognizing the need and importance of introdue= ing leguminous crops into the planting systems of Hawaii, the Experiment Station of that territory published in 1911 a Bulletin (No. 23) based on local trials that had been made with cowpeas, Jack beans, pigeon peas, velvet beans, and so on. The matter has. received similar attention in many other parts of the Tropics, but the publication referred to deals with the. subject in a particularly useful manner, and gives: several items of information that may with advantage be recorded in the present note. ; The most interesting feature of the Bulletin is, perhaps, the attention given to the feeding value of the different crops both as fodder and as grain. The- palatability of cowpéas is referred to, and it 1s remarked that although the Velvet bean is less attractive to. stock it nevertheless constitutes a useful foodstuff, particularly the selected strains, and cattle can be taught to like it by its gradual introduction into a ration containing corn and sorghum. The green fodder of the Jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) is stated to be relished by dairy cows, and especially by swine. The bean meal from this crop is said not to be very digestible and palatable for cattle but this may be due, it is suggested, to a too limited experience Im its use. The ease with which the pigeon pea can be harvested and its value as a soil improver and as a wind-break are referred to. A number of growers, it is said, have fed the plant tops bearing seeds, to horses and cows with good results: likewise the seeds have been found excellent food for poultry. Altogether the Bulletin, which is illustrated with a large number of good photographs, is a very admirable publication, and constitutes a useful reference at the present time when increased attention is being given to leguminous erops in the West Indies. 7" Won. XIV. No. 339. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. F 137 Fermentation of Indigo. In view of the present scarcity of the synthetic product and consequent high prices, attention was given in a recent number of the Agricultural News (Vol. XIU, No. 331) to the cultivation and preparation of natural indigo. In connexion with this subject, an interesting paper appears in the Journal of the Chemical Society (June 1904) entitled The Fermenta- tion of the Indigo Plant, by Cyril Bergtheil. In the summary to this paper it is stated that there are several kinds of bacteria capable of producing indigo fermentation, some of which are always present in an infusion of the plant: but the action is in the main dependent on a specific enzyme or ferment occurring in the plant cells. This enzyme acts on a glucoside also occurring inthe plant cells, pr ducing a substance capable of giving indigotin by oxidation with air, and a reducing sugar. Owing to its peculiar properties and lack of knowledge concerning the glucoside, this enzyme has not yet been named. The action appears to take a similar course and to be characterized by similar variations with temperature and changes in the medium in which it takes place like that of other enzymes. No evidence was obtained of the existence of an oxidase in the indigo plant. Nature Study in the Elementary Schools of Trinidad. Council Paper No. 201 of 1914, comprising the Annual Report of the Inspector of Schools on Elemen- tary Education in Trinidad for the year 1913-14, contains satisfactory information regarding the teaching ef agriculture and the study of nature in the Colony’s schools. It is stated that 230 schools received awards at their annual examinations, as against 227 in the previous year. Of these, eighty-seven were considered Very Good, ninety-three Good, forty-nine Fair, and one Unsatisfactory. A large number of visits was paid during the year by the Agricultural Instructors, and the senior officer delivered weekly lectures in the Training School. It is stated that the students continued to take full advantage of the instruction given, and are making satisfactory progress. Considerable headway has been gained in regard to nature study, especially in the larger schools. In some of the schools the teachers take the children out for nature study excursions. It is urged that this should be universal, but to be of value must be syste- matic, and notes should be taken of what is seen. It is observed that in some of the schools, nature study appears to consist rather in committing to memory dry facts and names than in gaining an intelligent and practical acquaintance with principles and operations. Very creditable museums are to be found in some schools, but except for rare specimens, the writer considers the collections should be from time to time renewed. By this is meant that cach school generation should do its own collecting. Copies of the Agicultura! News, issued by the Imperial Department of Agriculture for the West Indies, as well as the Proceedings of the Local Agri- cultural Society have been, as hitherto, distributed among the principal schools of the Colony. The report on School Shows makes it evident that considerable activity has been displayed in this matter, and no doubt the Trinidad Horticultural Society will give the schools increased assistance in this respect, thereby rendering further useful services to the Colony. oo — Cattle Testing for the Tropics. The regulation of many colonies and foreign coun- tries relating to the importation of live stock has at last made it necessary for the English Board of Agri- culture and Fisheries to establish a cattle-testing station. This institution, which is situated in Surrey has accommodation for 100 head of cattle, and the work carried out at the station at present is confined to the testing of animals for tuberculosis, and to the immuni- zation of cattle against Red Water disease. The action taken in regard to this latter disease is of significance from a tropical aspect. It indicates that hitherto stock breeders in countries like British East Africa and Jamaica have been loath to import susceptible pedigree animals. It is likely that the immunization of English pedigree animals against Red Water will result in an increase in the overseas trade in cattle, especially as regards the Tropics. In time the Board expects to be able to deal with other contagious diseases in the same way. The functions and the accommodation of the Station are dealt with in Leaflet No. 290, recently issued by the Board. British Press and West Indian Agriculture. The agency press cuttings that have come to hand by recent mails contain an exceptionally large amount of matter relating to agricultural activity in the West Indies. The Financier and Bullionist publishes lengthy reviews on the trade of St. Vincent and St. Lucia, based on the Colonial Reports for 1913-14. The same subject is dealt with as well by the Fiman- cial Times. Special reference is made to the work of the Agricultural Departments, and a full account of the efforts to establish minor industries in St. Vincent is given, as well as a comprehensive statement concerning the St. Lucia Government Lime Juice Factory. It is satisfactory tosee that the English press realizes fully the dependence of island prosperity on increased agricultural activity. The Morning Post synchroni- cally discusses labour matters, with special reference to Kast Indian emigration. Since the outbreak of war East Indian emigration has been, of necessity, tempor- arily suspended. Recruiting for Fiji has, however, already been resumed, and the Colonial Office has stated that it is expected that it may shortly be possible to recruit again for the West Indies also. Many references appear im various newspapers to the eifts of sugar, and especially those of citrus fruits, of which the latter are being distributed on behalf of the Army Council by the West India Committee amongst the hospitals in London and elsewhere. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Aprit 24, 1915. INSECT NOTES. THE SWEET POTATO WEEVIL. (CYLAS FORMICARIUS, FAB.) In accounts of the scarabee or Jacobs of the sweet potato (Cryptorhynchus batatae) which have appeared in the publications of the Imperiai Department of Agri- culture, mention has made of the potato weevil (Cylas formicarius), and figures have been given show- ing the difference in appearance between these two insects. They are both weevils, in that they are beetles with the front of the head prolonged to forma beak or proboscis, at the extremity of which the biting mouth parts are situated. Since the West Indian insect, Cryptorhynchus lutatae, 1s already well known and designated by its common names, scarabee and Jacobs, it will be sufficient to retain the name “sweet potato weevil’ as applying to the other species, Cylas jormicarius, which does not as yet occur in the Lesser Antilles, so far as the records of this Department show. been sweet DISTRIBUTION. The sweet potato weevil is distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical parts of the world, and it is probably capabie of living wherever sweet potatoes are grown on a large scale. This insect was originally described from the East Indies in the 18th century, and as a pest of sweet potatoes it was recorded from Ceylon in 1856. It is likely that the species is a native of Africa since the genus Cylas is represented by a large number of species in that Continent, while very few occur elsewhere. Pic. 5. Adult, Pupa and Larva. (From U.S. Dept. Agric.) SWEET POTATO WEEVIL. At the present time Cylas formicarius occurs as a sweet potato pest in India and the Far East, in Africa, the United States, Jamaica, Cuba, British Guiana, and the Bahamas. It is stated to have been recorded from Barbados, but it does not appear to be known in that island at the present time, nor indeed has it been known there for many years past. This insect has been known and recorded as existing in Cuba, Jamaica, British Guiana, and the United States, but the present record of its occurrence in the Bahamas is quite new. This record is based on the identification of specimens received from the Secretary of the Board of Agriculture, Nassau, Bahamas, by the Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture for the West Indies. The sweet potato weevil would seem to be fully as destructive as the scarabee, and the injuries cansed by it are very much like those eaused by the scarabee. Instances are recorded in which entire crops of sweet potatoes have been destroyed by the sweet potato weevil. A, METHOD OF ATTACK, The sweet potato weevil deposits its eggs in the thickest vines near their base, and in the roots of the potato where these are exposed at the surface of the soil, Once an attack has begun, that is, when the first infestation has taken place in a potato field, the development of the weevil and its increase in numbers is merely a matter of time. The life-cycle occupies’about thirty days: the adults developing from the first infestation continue and spread the attack throughout the field and carry it to the roots: each sueceeding generation greatly increases the amount of injury, and it will be seen that prevention of the beginning of the attack for as long as possible after planting, and harvesting as soon as the potatoes are ready, will do a great dealin reducing the amount of injury. METHOD OF VONTROL. The sweet potato weevil attacks potatoes in the same manner, and the damage caused by it is of the same kind and extent as in the case of the scarabee, so that the remedial measures to be adopted would be the same in both cases. Tn the first place potatoes ought not to be planted on the same land for two successive crops, and next, all planting material should be quite free from infestation. This ean be assured by planting with slips grown in a nursery, from uninfested small roots or tubers The nwsery should be established where there is the least likelihood of the weevil bemg present, and should not be maintained long enough for it to become infested. Slips for planting should ‘never be taken froma field in which either the sweet potato weevil or the scarabee is known to be present. If material for planting is scarce and it becomes necessary to use slips from a field which is suspected of bein infested, none but the smallest tips of the vines should be taken forthe purpose, for the first attacks always occur in the older more woody portions of the stem. THE INSECT. The sweet potato weevil is a slender insect about }-inch in length. The head and wing covers are a bright, steely blug in colour, the thorax and legs being reddish. The head is prolonged into a slender, forwardly- directed snout: the eyes are situated at the base of the snout, and the antennae are attached about midway its length. This is well shown in the accompanying illustration, fig. 5, which shows the adult, pupa and larva all enlarged to about seven times their natural size. The larvae and pupae are whitish, the head of the former being yellowish brown, and the eyes of the pupa reddish. The scarabee is shorter and stouter, being about ! or Linch in length. Its snout is slender and turned under the head in such a way as to render it quite inconspicuons. The attacks of these two insects produce the same appearance in the potato. Planters and others who experi- ence any trouble from insects attacking sweet potatoes would do well to put an infested potato into a tight wooden box covered securely with muslin or fine wire gauze, and rear a few insects in order to determine which species is causing the trouble. The sweet potato weevil is a serious pest, and every precaution should be taken to prevent its introduction into any colony where it does not exist at present, H.A.B, a — Vor, XIV. No. 339, DOWN THE ISLANDS. ITEMS OF LOCAL INTEREST. GRENADA. It is stated by the Superintendent of Agri- culture (Mr. J.C. Moore) that the large number of lime plants and coco-nut plants established in the nurseries are making good progress. As regards cacao, the general condition of the orchards is stated to have been good, high winds not having made themselves felt until later than usual this year. Pickings showed a _ considerable reduction during the month, but there was a fair prospect of the remainder of the crop being obtained — satisfactorily. The visit of the Entomologist and Mycologist of the Imperial Department of Agriculture involved travelling by the Superintendent, and resulted in useful observations being obtained. Collection of information concerning thrips is being conducted. In connexion with land settlements, three meetings of proprietors were held ‘by the Agricultural Instructor. Concerning reading courses, arrangements are being made with the help of the buperial Department, to establish a library for the use of the \gricultural Cadets. pomrica. \ communication from the Agricultural Superintendent (Mr. Joseph Jones) for March contains notes of interest regarding the various lines of departmental activity. In the nurseries usual routine work was being carried on; in the lime experiment stations work principally consisted in “sanitation operations, for example, weeding, tarring and spraying. In the cacao experiment station, the recording of yields and sweating and drying of cacao were the principal occupation. Observations relating to staple crops show that the demand for green limes in New York was depressed, nor was raw lime juice in great demand. Cable quotations showed that concentrated juice remained at £21 per pipe, but it was reported that forward contracts had been made at a much higher price. As regards special efforts on the part of the officers, a considerable portion of the month was spent in travelling, and the estates visited formed the subject of a separate report to the Commissioner of Agriculture. The appointment of a Chemist has been authorized by the Government, and the office takes effect from April 1915. Mr. G. A. Jones, Assistant Curator, has been appointed to the post. During the month the weather was exceptionally dry, only 0°84 inches having been recorded at the Botanic Gardens. MONTSERRAT. Mr. Robson’s report for March contains important references to the cultivation of vegetables in this island. The question of forming an Onion Growers’ Associa- tion is being considered, but an experiment has tended to show that the lands at Harris in the middle of the island are _ not well suited for this crop. A trial shipment of 37 crates of onious was made to Canada on March 23. The date for the commencement of cotton planting was changed to March 20, but as no suitable rains fell, the planting had not yet been started. Attention was given to the distillation of bay leaves during the month, and Mr. Robson paid a visit to Antigua in connexion with the Onion Growers’ Association of that island. antTIGUA. According to a communication from the Agri- cultural Superintendent (Mr. T. Jackson), most of the routine work in the Experiment Station concerned the experimental plots of sugar-cane. On the estates, in spite of the dry weather experienced during the month, the young cane crop was looking remarkably green and healthy. © The fields of Indian corn also looked promising, on the whole. The onion crop has been rapidly harvested. During the month 1,442 crates of THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 139 onions were shipped from the Association’s premises. At the time of writing the report (April 3) there were 700 more ready to go forward. Special work included the erection of new machinery at the Government granary, and the shipment of vegetables to Canada. As in the other islands, the weather during the month was very hot and dry. Mainfall only 0-74 inches (Botanic Gardens). Kitts. During the month of March work in the experiment stations included principally the reaping of Bengal beans, and onions, and the sale of 1,050 tb. of selected cotton seed. Ratoon canes were cut and 600 cane plants distributed. At the time of writing, 3,500 tons of sugar had been made at the Central Factory. The tonnage of cane per acre this season has been very disappointing, and the output of the Factory will be below the amount estimated. Similar disappointment has been felt by the muscovado makers. The young cane crop is healthy but is naturally feeling the want of rain. The precipitation for the month at Basseterre was only 0-48 inch. Appended to the above report (by Mr. F. R. Shepherd), is a summary of the work conducted in the Government laboratory by Mr. Waterland, Assistant Chemist; this included soil and lime analyses, and determinations in connexion with syrup, final molasses and cane juice. ST. Manuring Tea.—The editorial in the Zropical Agri- culturist for January 1915, deals with the results of the experiments with green manures for tea in progress in Ceylon at Peradeniya. The object of the experiments is to determine whether green dressings can be used as a source of soil nitrogen in place of artificial manures on which at the present time there is a local expenditure of £300,000 per annum. Fifteen plots have been under experiment since 1906. The green dressings used are Crotolaria, Erythrina and Albizzia. At the end of the first year it was found that there was an average increase due to Erythrina of 33 per cent., and to Crotolaria of 11 per cent. In the seventh year after treatment, the Erythrina gave 520 tb. more tea per acre, or 74 per cent. more than the control for the same year. The other green manure plots, though not so good as Erythrina, showed substantial increases over the control of the seventh year. The trials have, it will be seen, demonstrated that leguminous plants can be cultivated among tea with most beneficial results. In the Journal of the Royal Society of Arts for February 12, 1915, a statement is made to the effect that coco-nut water has been employed in Ceylon as a rubber coagulant. It is understood that by fermentation the juice is changed into acetic acid, which is the active coagulant. It is said that acetic acid produced in this way gives better results than the ordinary commercial product, especially as far as colour of the rubber goes. Experiments are being carried on to deter- mine how long the liquid will keep and whether it is pratie- able to transport it from the coco-nut plantation to the rubber estate. In spite of hopes to the contrary, the production of cigars in the Jaffna district of Ceylon has not turned out to be a commercial success. The cigars are quite unsuitable for the British market, and probably also for any European market. According to the Tropical Agriculturist of January 1915, the heavy duties on cigars in the United Kingdom make it practically impossible to sell any kind of cigar there at less than 13d. to 2d. each. At this price the consumer has a great variety of cigars made from carefully blended tehaccos of fair quality to choose from. as 140 THE GLEANINGS. Messrs. Ide & Christie’s Monthly Circular dated March 15, 1915, gives the current prices for the principal fibres, and is a useful publication in this respect. Sisal hemp prices (Mexican) were up to 30s. to 3ls. Ceylon coir (coconut fibre) showed an improvement of 30s. to 63s. per ton. Reference to an interesting vegetable fat is made in the Baperiment Station Record, Vol. XXXII, No. 3. A physi- cal examination of this substance which was said to originate in the East Indies, showed it to correspond to Malabar tallow or Chinese tallow, from Stzl/pinia sebifera and various varieties of the Jatrophas. A notice appearing in Z'ropical Life for February 1915, states that the third volume of the Mora of Jamaica by Faweett and Rendall has made its appearance. It deals with the dicotyledons and contains nearly 300 pages, 113. illustra- tions in the text, and five plates. Copies, price 15s., can be obtained from the Natural History Section of the British Museum, London, S.W. The individual variation in the alkaloidal content of Belladonna plant forms the subject of a paper in the Journal of Argicultwral Research, Vol. 1, No. 2. There -appears to be nothing to indicate any correlation between the physical appearance of the plant and the alkaloidal contents of its leaves. Variations in the percentage of alkaloids in the leaves of different plants is exceedingly large. This appears to be an hereditary characteristic. In accordance with the Act, the report of a Public Audit into the financial position of the Agricultural Credit Societies, St. Vincent, has recently been made and published in the St. Vincent Government Gazette for February 4, 1915. The statement of assets and liabilities of six different societies are given. The principal lability in each consists in the loans from the Government, which up to January 1915 ranged between £65 and £120 for each society. It is stated in the Gardeners’ Chronicle for February 13, 1915, that rhubarb has been successfully cultivated in the tropical regions of Queensland. There the plant is treated asan annual, The seed is sown in boxes in February'(the wet season) or in March in the open ground. When snfficiently large the seedlings are transplanted. Four months after sowing, the stalks are ready to be pulled. After November, the plants are killed by the intense heat. AGRICULTURAL NEWS. . i? Arrm 24; 1915. = Immediately after the roots of the sweet potato are harvested there occurs a rapid transformation of starch into cane sugar and redueing sugars. During its growth the sweet potato root is characterized by a very low sugar content, most of the reserved material being starch. If sweet potatoes are kept im cold storage there is a rapid increase im cane sugar. A temperatureof about 15°C. is sufficient to keep the moisture content constant. (Jowrnal of Argicultural Research, January 15, 1915.) The gutta percha tree is more limited in its distribution, than the rubber-produeing plants, owing to its climatic require- ments. According to the Botanical Journal, which gives an interesting account of this tree, it is practically confined to the Straits Settlements. The life of India rubber is strictly limited; gutta percha, on the other hand, will keep its proper- ties unchanged for a large number of years. It is obtained from the leaves by drying and pulverizing them and dissolving out the gutta percha. Attempts are being made at cassava and sweet potatoes by developing strains from seedlings. According to the Philippine Agriculturist and Forester, Vol. 111, No. 7, sixty-three varieties of cassava have been tested during the last three years, of which the best twelve are listed by name. Of these, eight are varieties obtained from Brazil, three are native Japanese, and one is a seedling. The use of seed with sweet potato promises results of surprising value. Buitenzorg to improve According to the Monthly Bulletin of Agricultural Intelligence and Plant Diseases for November 1914, the food value of the Jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) is well recognized in German East Africa, and would be largely consumed in that country and sell readily on the European markets if it were conelusively established that the beans are not under some conditions poisonous. It appears that from experiments conducted in Germany, animals fed with relatively high amounts of crushed beans suffered no ill effects. Experience in the matter in the West Indies is at present uncertain. An interesting note appears in the Journal of the Chemical Society, Vols. 107 and 108, on the occurrence and significance of manganese in the seed coat of various seeds. The amount of manganese present was found to vary considerably in different parts of the sameseed. Experiments are recorded which show that there is a close connexion between the amount of manganese and the presence of oxidases in plant tissues, coat bears an important relation to the vital processes in seed formation and germination. The proceedings of a Second Indian Science Congress is reviewed in Nature for Mareh 11, 1915. In the Agriculture and Applied Science Seetion, Dr. H. H. Mann, of Poona, presided, and his address dealt with the lines of development of Indian agriculture. In this reference was made to the unsatisfactory results obtained in the average Indian cultiva- tion. The yield of wheat in that country was not more than 10 bushels per acre, compared with 30 in other countries; the cotton produced per acre was about 75 Ib. lint against 200 Db. per acre obtained in America; while sugar-cane, even when grown under irrigation, yields under 1 ton of raw sugar per acre as against the world’s average of about 2 tons at leas¢. There is scope, therefore, for the application of science to agriculture in British India. and it is therefore considered probable that the accumulation of manganese in the seed e , : 5 = ’ ‘ 7. XIV. No. 339. STUDENTS CORNER. BEE-KEEPING IN THE WEST INDIES. Of the two or three insects which are reared and kept by man for the economic value of their products, the bee and silkworm are the most important. The agricultural entomologist has usually to deal with this immense division of the animal world as pests, foes to be combated or eradicated if possible. Bees are certainly the most widely cultivated of these economic insects, some species or other being valued throughout the world for their productions, honey and wax. Some fourteen or fifteen years ago, considerable interest seemed to have been aroused in the smaller West Indian islands in bee-keeping, owing to the efforts of the Imperial Department of Agriculture. A. bee expert, Mr. W. K. Morrison, under the auspices of the Department, visited all the islands of the Windward and Leeward Governments, and also Barbados, and gave lectures and instructions in_bee- keeping, the substance of which was afterwards published, as Pamphlet No. 9. This interest has largely diminished of late years except in St. Lucia, perhaps becanse it was soon seen that bee-keeping in the West Indies could hardly be depended upon alone as a means of livelihood. It would seem, however, that bee-keeping is admirably adapted for adding to the income of any one who has a little time to spare to give the necessary attention to it. Tn fact it involves so little labour that in many parts of the world, notably in Jamaica, ladies are largely interested in it, to the benefit not only of their pockets, but also of their health and their mental powers. The value of the export of honey and wax from Jamaica is over £15,000 per annum. To bea successful bee-keeper, whether with one or in hundreds of hives, it is necessary to study and observe their ways, and such study must greatly assist to foster the habit of taking notice of all sorts of other things in the world of life, animal and vegetable. Bee-keeping also ealls for being out-of-doors, though not in the heat of the sun—a most healthy manner of life. Apart from the intrinsic value of the honey and wax produced by them, bees are very valuable assistants to growers of crops the yield of which depends on the fertilization of the flowers for the production of fruit. Hives of bees kept among lime trees or in orange groves help to seeure a large yield, because by the visits ‘of the bees a Jarger number of flowers are fertilized, and set in fruit. The same rule probably applies to all tropical fruit, notably avocado pears and mangoes. Very likely larger bunches of coconuts are induced also by the visits of bees, which can be observed as ‘eonstant visitors to the newly opened flowers of this palm. Tn temperate climates it is well known that the visits of bees to leguminous plants are most beneficial, if not indispensable to secure a large crop. An interesting point for observation, in case of bean crops being tried in the West Indies, would be the effect of keeping bees within reach of them. As to the food supply for the bees from other than cultivated plants, the West Indies afford an inexhaustible supply of nectariferous flowers, from the unrivalled logwood to the otherwise poisonous manchineel. Considering the attention that is being paid at present to encouraging new food-producing industries in these islands, it may be worth while to draw attention to this, if only as a by-production, Althongh not very remunerative, honey and wax do pay the patient, careful, and observant bee-keeper, as is proved in Jamaica, and in St. Lucia to a minor extent, where the industry is growing. There is t Vou. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 141 always likely to be a sale for honey of good quality, if produced in marketable quantities, in larger countries. Quite lately enquiries have been made from Canada as to the possible supply of honey from these islands, and encour agement given as to the ready sale of it there. Anyone who wishes to try bee-keeping for any of the reasons mentioned above, even by beginning with one hive or two—and that is enough for the beginner—ought ae ast all to get some knowledge of the subject, which Pamphlet N No. 9, of the Pamphlet t Series of the Agricultural Department, will give. THE GASES OF SWAMP RICE SOILS. The first paper on this investigation by W. A. Harrison, M.Sc. and P. A. Subramania Aiyer, B.A., of the Madras Department of Agriculture, was dealt. with in the Agricultural News for January 3, 1914. In this 1t was shown that the gases formed in the soils under consideration appeared to have an important connexion with the aeration of the roots of the crop. This was believed to be in some way dependent upon the surface film of micro-organisms. In order to determine the action of the soil film upon soil gases, a series of experiments was subsequently undertaken from the results of which the following important conclusions have been arrived at (see Memoirs of the Department of Agriculture in India, Chemical Series, Vol. IV, No. 1):— 1. The organized film in contact with the surface of swamp rice soils “utilizes the soil g gases in such a manner as to bring about an increased oxygen output from the film leading toa correspondingly increased root aeration. 2. The film contains bacteria which possess (1) the power to oxidise methane and hydrogen, and (2) to assimilate directly methane and carbon-dioxide. These changes either directly or indirectly result in the production of CO. which is in turn assimilated by the green algae with the evolution of oxygen, 3. The film may be ‘ooked upon as fulfilling the duty of an oxygen concentrator at a point which enables the maximum oxygen concentration to be produced in the water entering the soil. 4. The practice of green manuring by increasing the output of the soil gases brings an increased activity on the part of the film resulting in an increased oxygen production and root aeration. An important indirect function then of green manuring is to bring about a greater root aeration and so induce greater root de velopment and cropping power. 5. The oxygen concentration of the water entering the soil appears to be one of the main factors which regulate the growth of the crop. An announcement in the Juwnal of the Royal Society of Arts states that some interesting experiments will be made during the coming spring, in Italy, in connexion with the employment of electric power for ploughing and other agri- cultural operations. The trials will take place on a rice farm in the Province of Novara, and will be open to foreign as well as to Italian makers. Substantial prizes, as well as payment for the land ploughed are offered. Itis stated that in the district under consideration electric energy can be obtained at a low cost by means of the numerous rivers and torrents which flow on the Italian valleys of the Alps. - 142 + => = = THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. : Aprrin 24, 1915, FUNGUS NOTES. A BACTERIAL DISEASE OF LACHNO- STERNA GRUBS. Tt has often been observed in the course of investigations m the Lesser Antilles with regard to the grubs of Lachnosterna spp., and the allied Phytalus smithi (the brown hard backs), that the larvae in the field are subject to an affection which causes shiny black patches to appear on the skin; further, that larvae may often be found showing various stages of an affection of the legs, which commences as a black spot and results in one or more joints being lost; lastly, that a very large proportion of the specimens collected alive for study, unless they are dug up, handled and transported with extreme care, quickly become sluggish, turn dark brown, and die. Phenomena, which from the descriptions given are strictly comparable with these, have been the subject of an investigation in Michigan by Miss Zae Northrup, the insects concerned being Lachnosterna spp., Which are very destrue- tive to crops in that State. The results of the enquiry are published as Vechnical Bulletin No. 18 of the Michigan Experiment Station. A bacterium to which the name Micrococcus nigrofaciens is given was isolated from diseased larvae, and cultures on artificial media were used for infection experiments. Unin- jured Lachnosterna grubs were not infected when placed in inoculated soil, but one specimen in which an incision was made developed a black spot on the site of the wound. Other attempts failed owing to the difficulty of making incisions which were not of themselves fatal. An attempt to transmit the disease to cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) resulted in infection and loss of portions of the legs of two of these insects. The larvae of an Allorhina, belonging to the same family as Lachnosterna, were placed in inoculated soil and developed spots, but since later collections showed the spots when received, infection may very well have been also present from the beginning on the earlier examples. It is to be noted that under ordinary conditions the dis- ease is not claimed to be particularly fatal. Larvae infected with it lived for weeks or months. In the case of a consign- ment of Allorhina a large percentage of the naturally infected larvae developed into beetles, although only 4 per cent. of them were regarded as free from infection when received. Excessive watering of the soil in which infected larvae were kept led to their early death, but in view of the delicate constitution of these grubs, and in the absence of recorded controls, it would not be safe to assume that death was in any way connected with the infection. It is recorded that althongh. the affection had not been observed in Porto Rico yet 100 per cent. of a consignment of larvae from that island were more or less infected. Reference is made to the common occurrence of a gas- producing bacillus associated with the disease, and the author is uncertain as to the part played by the two organisms in the origin and especially the fatality of the disease. In a footnote it is explained that the rapid browning of the diseased larvae, first regarded as a generalization of the affection which causes the black spots, is most probably due to the invasion, secondary or primary, of the above-mentioned gas bacillus, which appears to be similar to Krassilstochik’s bacillus of insect septicaemia B. septecus insectorum. Apparently the rapid decline of many of the larvae brought in from the field, referred to at the outset of this review, is accompanied by the general development of this ora similar bacterium. In the experience of the present writer with. Phytalus smithi, the amount of loss from this cause has been proportional to the care taken in handling the larvae, and not to the previous infection with the black spot disease. Some of the insects bearing the spots are amongst those which survive when many apparently quite free from them are lost. Miss Northrup’s paper, while contributing to our knowledge of bacteria in relation to insects, cannot be regarded as establishing the existence of a fatal bacterial disease of Scaraboeid larvae. j Wiese A SUCCESSFUL INTRODUCTION OF RESIS- TENT VARIETIES OF GROUND NUT. , j We take the following interesting note from the | report of the Imperial Mycologist, India, for 1913-14;— The relation between the incidence of the tikka disease of ground nut and the amount of cultivation and export of that crop was the subject of an inquiry during the year under review. Between 1894 and 1902 the export of ground nuts fell from 78,488 tons to 2,890 and the trade became practi- cally extinct. The fallin the exports was due not to any deterioration in the quality of the produce, but to a marked decrease in the yield per acre, which appeared to be the result of the fungal disease, known locally as tikka [Septogloeum arachidis], Treatment with fungicides ~had no effect in stopping the disease and, in 1902, the Bombay Department of Agriculture commenced the intro- duction of exotic yarieties. These varieties were also attacked by tikka, but some, which ripened early, did not have their yield appreciably affected. Two varieties from Japan were especially useful in forming their nuts before the disease was sufficiently established on them to damage the produce. As a result of this, the exotic varieties, introduced by the Bombay Department of Agriculture, have now replaced the indigenous in all districts except the Poona district. Moreover, by 1912 the tikka disease had decreased to such an extent that, in the whole Bombay Presideney, diseased specimens could only be obtained on the Manjri Farm. Coincident with the introduction of exotic varieties- and the decrease in the amount of tikka disease the exports began to rise. In 1902 they were 2,890 tons, in 1906 they were 6,527 tons, in 1909, 23,934 tons, and in 1912, 48,801 tons. This is probably one of the most marked cases on record where a crop disease has been checked and a trade rejuvenated by the introduction and acclimatization of new varieties. An instructive article on the planting of Manihot rubber in the French Congo appears in the India Rubber World for March 1, 1915. This rubber requires a dry climate and the trees are planted 12 to 15 feet apart. Notwithstanding its poor results, the fish bone method of tapping is still in use ix the Congo, but the employment of this method frequently leads to the illtreatment of the tree. Other methods have been recommended in consequence, one which is gaining favour, being the German Lewa method. Some plantations grow Manihot directly from seed; the larger plantations, how- ever, follow the nursery system, later transplanting the stumps to their proper places : al Worm NIV.» Noswoo9: THE GROUND WATERS OF ANTIGUA. Two papers appear in the West Jndian Bulletin of this Department (Vol. XIV, No. 4), on the water-supply of the island of Antigua. The first concerns the geology of the island’s ground waters and discusses the possibility of obtaining an artesian supply. It is coneluded that no supply of artesian water may be expected in Antigua, and the Aevelopment of an adequate supply must be expected from different sources. These are summarized as (1) shallow wells in the limestone district: (2) shallow wells in the alluvial fillings along stveam-ways and at the foot of talus slopes in the south-west volcanic district; and (3) impounding water, especially in the volcanic district where it appears there are valleys adapted for damming. The second paper, dealing with the ground waters of the island, adopts a chemical rather than a geological treatment. It is concluded in this paper that in the lime- stone districts there are good prospects of obtaining supplies of underground water at suitable points. The various factors that must be taken into consideration in the sinking of wells are given, and it is pointed out that additional care must be exercised when conducting boring operations, to avoid passing through the limestone strata and penetrating the underlying rock which contains saliniferous deposits. In sinking wells in the ‘alluvial fillings of the southern district of the island -care must be taken not to approach too close to the bases of the surrounding hills. In the central plain, the saline deposits appear to render a water-supply impracticable, but to the south of this region the erection of dams should serve a useful purpose. It is stated that the locality in question offers special advantages for the erection of dams, inasmuch as the close-textured character of the soil and subsoil renders it difficult for water to penetrate through it. On this account, reservoirs constructed by erecting dams at ‘suitable points in the south of the central plain will not be subject to loss of water by seepage, and in consequence, the necessity for puddling the interior with clay in order to ensure retention of water, will be removed. The importance of the question of water-supply in _ Antigua and in similar geological areas gives to the two _ papers briefly dealt with in this abstract a particular interest, which no doubt will be appreciated throughout the West Indies. a WEST INDIAN PRODUCTS. DRUGS AND SPICES IN THE LONDON MARKET. Mr. J. R. Jackson, A.L.S., has forwarded the follow- ‘ang report on the London drug and spice markets for the month of January;— Notwithstanding the German threat of a general “blockade’ of the British Coast to date from February 18 Jast, the month passed through without any serious losses either to Shipping or Commerce. The general condition of trade has been satisfactory throughout February, both with ‘regard to the quantities that have changed hands and the prices realized. The general tendency being in an upward direction as far as the means of transit has been concerned, especially by shipping, there has been very little disturbance, and the same may almost be said with regard to railway THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 145 transit, considering the amount of pressure of all kinds of traffic to which the railways have to submit. The following are the chief items of interest during the month. GINGER. This article was well represented at the first spice auction on the 3rd of the month, when 649 packages were offered and all bought in at the following rates: washed rough Cochin at 23s., wormy 21s. to 22s., and brown, rough Calicut at 20s. per ewt. A fortnight later, namely on the 16th, prices had advanced, odd Cochin fetching from 25s. to 25s. 6d., and at the end of the month as much as 26s. was paid, while common to good Jamaica was quoted at 38s. to 45s. and even up to 50s. NUTMEGS, MACE, AND PIMENTO. At auction in the middle of the month West Indian nutmegs were ieposed of at the following rates: 60’s to 70's 5 Ad. to 114d., 71’s to 81’s 54d. to 634., 82’s to 92’s 43d. to 5id., 93’s to 102’s 43d. to 5d., 105’s to 115’s 44d. to 44 id., 127s to 130’s 44d. to 43d. At ‘the same sale West Indian mace sold at 1s. 4d. to. 2s, 2d. per tb., being an advance on previous rates. At the close of the month pimento took a firmer tone, and was quoted at 24d. per bb. At the drug auction on the 11th of the month, there was quite a fair quantity of goods offered but with a moderate number of purchasers. SARSAPARILLA. This article was represented at the above sale by 9 bales of grey Jamaica, 19 of native Jamaica, and 21 of Lima-Jamaica. The whole of the first was disposed of, fair to part rough fetching 1s. lld. per tb.; one bale only of the native Jamaica sold, fetching 10d. per b., and 4+ bales of the Lima-Jamaica realized 1s. 6d. per tb. for ordinary, and Is. 8d. for fair. LIME OIL, LIME JUICE, AND CITRIC ACID. At the beginning of the month West Indian distilled lime oil was to be obtained at 2s. 5d. per tb., but at the close 2s. 6d. was being paid freely. At the drug auction on the 11th, 4 cases of hand-pressed oil from Dominica and Grenada were offered, and bought in at 8s. 6d. per Ib. Lime juice has been getting scarce, and threatens to be more so, in consequence of the increasing demand by the Government for supplying the Navy and Army: 2s. 9d. to 3s. per gallon is the lowest current price, at the time of writing, for good West Indian raw juice. Citric acid has been steady through the month at 2s. 53d. to 2s. 6d. per Tb, Amongst other products brought forward at the auction of the month, but which found no buyers, were Canella alba bark, 4 packages; cashew nuts, 54 packages; tamarinds, 37 packages; and kola nuts, 5 packages. A copy of the circular containing a summary of investi- gations made by the Mauritius Department of Agriculture, July 1 to November 30, 1914, has been received. Informa- tion is given under the three headings of Division of Phytopathology by F. A. Stockdale, Division of Chemistry by G. G. Auchinleck, and Division of Entomology by D. dE. de Charmoy. In Chemistry a large number of cane juices, manures, and milks have been analysed. Entomological work has had relation principally to cane borers and ticks, and other parasites of animals. Phytopathology has con- cerned diseased conditions of the sugar-cane principally. London.—Tue MARKET REPORTS. West Apail 6, 1915. Inpta Committee CrrcuLar Arrowroot—2id. to 2,';¢. Batata—Sheet, 2/2; block, 1/11j per th. Beeswax—No quotations. Cacao-—Trinidad, 98/- per ewt.; Grenada, $9/- to 96/6; Jamaica, no quotations. Corree—Jamaica, no quotations. Copra—West Indian, £26 10s. per ton. Corron—Fully Fine no quotations; Floridas, no quota- tions; West Indian Sea Island, 15d. to 18d. Frvuit—No quotations. Fustic—No quotations. Gincer—Quiet. IstvGLass—No quotations. Honey—No quotations. Line Jurce—Raw, no quotations; concentrated, £21; Otto of limes (hand-pressed), no quotations. Loc woop—No quotations Mace—1/4/. to 2/11d. Nurmecs—4jd. to d}d. Pinento—(Quiet. Rueser—Para, fine hard, 2/54; tine soft, 2/33; Castilloa, 1,7 to 2/-. Rum—Jamaica, 3/ to 4/ New York.—Messis. Ginuespre Bros., & Co., March 26, 1915. Cacao—Caracas, 16jc. to lfc.; Grenada, 16}c. to 17ce.; Trinidad, 163c. to 17 #c.; Jamaica, 154c. to 16je. Coco-Nuts—Jamaica and Trinidad, selects $20-00 to $24:00; culls, $12°00 to $14°00. Correr—Jamaica, 8}c. to 12c. per th. Gincer—8je. to 12c. per th. Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 45c.; Antigua and Barbados, 43c. to 44c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 42c. to 44c. per tb. Grape Fruir—Jamaica, $1°50 to $1°75. Limes. —$6°00 to $6°50. Mace—48c. to 55e. per th. Nurmecs—12hc. to 13e. Orances—Jamaica, $1°25 to $1°50. Pimento—3be. per th. Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 4°95e.; Muscovados, 89°, 4:45c.; Molasses, 89 , 4°18c., all duty paid. Trinidad.—Messrs. Gorpox, Grant & Co., April 19, 1915. Cacao—Venezuelan, $17°50 to $1800; Trinidad, no quota. tions. Coco-nut Om—Sle. per Imperial gallon. Corrre—Venezuelan, Ile. per th. Copra—$4°50 to $4°75 per 100 th. Drat—s7 ‘25. Ontons—$3'50 to $3°75 per 100 th. Peas, Sprir—$9'75 per bag. Potarors—English 32°10 to $2°20 per 100 tb. Rice—Yellow, 36°00 to 36°25; White, $7°25 per bag. Svcar—American crushed, re quotations. 3 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS: - ApRIL 24, 1915, Barbados.—Messrs. T. S. Garraway & Co., April 19, 1915. Axrowroor—S$4'00 to $4°50 per 100 Th. Cacao—$15°00 per 100 th. Coco-nutTs—S$16°00, Hay— Manu $1°75 per 100 tb. es—Nitrate of soda, no quotations; Cacao manure, — $50°00; Sulphate of ammonia $82°00 per ton, Mo rasses—No quotations. Oxtons—S$4°00 to 35°00 per 190 Th. Pras, Sprit—S10‘18; Porarors—N ova Seotia, Canada, 35°85. $2°75 per 160 Th. Rice—Ballam, $6°00 to $6-10 per 190 1b.; Patna, no quota- tions; Rangoon, no quotations. Sucar—American granulated, no quotations. British Guiana.—Messrs. Wrerixe & Kicurer, February 6, 1915; Messrs. Sanpbacu, Parker & (Co, April 16, 1915. ARTICLES. Arrowroor—St. Vincent Batata—Venezuela block Demerara sheet Cacao—Native Cassava— Cassava STARCH— Coco-nuTs— Correr—Creole Jamaica and Rio Liberian DHat— Green Dhal Eppors— Mo tasses—Yellow Ontons—Teneritte Madeira Pras—Split Marseilles PLANTAINS— Porators—Nova Scotia Lisbon Porators--Sweet, B’bados Rice—Ballam Creole TANNIAS— Yams— White Buck Sve ar—Dark crystals Yellow White Molasses TiteeR—GREENHEART Wallaba shingles Cordwood Messrs. W1IETING & Ricurer. $7:00 to $8-00 per barrel of 200 tb. Idec. per th. 31-08 $10 to $15 per M. Ide. to 1dc. per th. 10e. per tb. $1°44 None l6e. to 40c. $2°25 to $2°-40 $2-16 No quotation $5°d0 to S575 $216 $2-04 33°40 $400 to S4-10 $5°10 to $5°25 $2-90 32c. to ddc. cub. foot $400 to $6°25 per M. $1°80 to $2°00 per ton per Bacu, 16c. per tb, $18 per M. l6c. per th. 16c. per t. 10c. per tb. $700 to $7°50 per bag of 168 tb. $13°00 per bag. (210 tb.) — $3-00 33°50 $3°50 $4:00 32c. to 5dc, per cub. foot $400 to $6-00 per M. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture FOR THE WEST INDIES. The es INDIAN BULLETIN’. iN Quarterly Scientific Journal. Volume 1. No. 1. Out of print. Nos. 2, 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price 1s. each. Post free, 1s. 2d.; Volumes IT, ITT, ae V, VI, VIL, VIII, IX, X, XI, NII and NIII:—Price 2s. each; Post free 2s. 8./., where complete. (III, 2. IV, 3; and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.) Volume XIV, Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4. No. 3 Containing Papers on A Veterinary Survey of the Windward and Leeward Islands, by P. T. Saunders, M.R.C.V.S.; Epizootic Lymphangitis, a P. T. Saunders, M.R.C.V.S.; Agricultural Education and Its Adaptation to the Needs of the Student, by Dr. Francis Watts’ C.M.G.; The Buddifig of Cacao, by Joseph Jones; The Analysis of Citrate of as and Concentrated Lime Juice; Specifie Gravities of Cane Sugar Solutions at 30°C. (Douglas); Report on «he Prevalence of some Pests and Diseases in the West Indies during 1913 PAMPHLET SERIES. The Pamphlets are written ina simple and popular’ manner and the information contained in them is especially adapted to West Indian conditions. They contain, amongst other subjects, summaries of the results of the experiment work on sugar-cane and manures, the full ofticial reports of which have only a limited circulation. The number issued wp to the present time is seventy-five. Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are out of print. i i a ee eee “s SuGar Iypusrry. GENERAL. Seedling and other Canes at Barbados (7) and (22) Scale Insects of ‘the Lesser Antilles, Part I, price 1 in 1900, No. '3, price 2d.; in 1901, No. 13; in 1902. 4d.; Part IL., price 4d. 4 No. 19; in 1903, No. 26; in 1904. No. 32; price 4d. each. (17) General Treatment of Fungoid Pests. Price 4d. Seedling Canes and Manurial Experiments at Barbados, 43) Cotton Seed and Cotton-cake-meal on West Indian Planta- g I in 1903-5, ee 40; in 1904-6, No. 44;in 1905-7, No. 49; tions. Price 2d. in 1906-8, No. 59; in 1907-9, No. 62, No. 66, price 6d. each. 54) Fungus Diseases of Cacao and Sanitation of Cacao Seedling and atliee Canes in the Leeward Islands, Orchards. Price 47. in “1900-1, No. 12; in 1901-2, No. 20; in 1902-3, No. 27; (60) Cotton Gins, How to Erect and Work Them. Price 4d. price 2d. each; in 1903-4, No. 33; in 1904-5, No. 39; in (61) The Grafting of Cacao. Price 4d. 1905-6, No. 46; in 1906-7, No. 50; in 1907-8, No. 56; (65) Hints for School Gardens, Fourth Edition. price 4d. each, in 1908-9, No. 63; in 1909-10, No. 67; (69) Hints to Settlers in St. Lucia. Price 6d. price 6d. each. (70) Coconut Cultivation in the West Indies. - Price 6d. Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the Leeward dslands) (71) Insect Pests of the Lesser Antilles. Price 1s. 3d. in 1902-3, No. 30; in 1903-4, No. 36; in 1904-5, No. 42; (72) Lime Cultivation in the West Indies. _ Price 9d. in 1905-6, No. 47; in 1906-7, No. bl; in 1907-8, No. 57; 73) Root Borers and other Grubs in West Indian Soils. in 1908-9, No. 64; in 1909-10, No. 68; price 4d. each. Price 6d Sugar-cane Experiments in the Leeward Islands, (74) Cotton Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 9d. in 1910-11; in 1911-12; in 1912-15, price 1s. each. (75) Insect Pests of Sugar-cane in Antigua and St. Kitts. Price, 67. (76) Indian Corn. Price 4d. ° (77) Erysipelas and Hoose. Price 2d. The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of $/. for the pamphlets marked 2d.; ld. for those marked 4d. and for Nos. 73 and 75; 1}d. for Nos. 40, 44, 49, 59, 62, 63, 67, 69 and 74. Postage for No. 71, 4d. and for No. 72, 2d. The ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’: A Fortnightly Review. The ‘ Agricultural News’ contains extracts from official correspondence and from progress and other reports; and, in fact, any information indicating what is going on in each colony and the progress made in Agricultural matters throughout the West Indies. The ‘ Agricultural News ’ is printed in time to be distributed, regularly, by each mail, and is on sale by the local agents of the Department at one penny per number, post free, 2d. The subscription price, including postage, is 2s. 2d. per half-year, or 4s. 4d. per annum. Volumes IV to XII complete, with title page and index, as issued—Price 4s. each— Post free, 5s. Some numbers of the early volumes are ont of print and therefore these volumes can no longer be supplied complete. The scale of charges for ADVERTISEMENTS may be obtained on application to the Agents. A applications for opies are to be addressed to the Agents, not to the Department. ‘ Agents. The following have been appointed Agents for the sale of the publications of the Department:— London: Messrs. Dutau & Co., 37, Soho Square, W. Grenada: Messrs. Tos. LAawtor & Co., St. George. Wesr Iypra Commirrer, 17, Seething Lane. St. Vincent: Mr. J. D. Bonanpre, ‘Times’ Office. Barbados; Anvoéarr Co. Lrp., Broad Street, Bridgetown. St. Lucia: Mr. R. W. Nixes, Botanic Station. Jamaica: THE Epucationat Suppry Company, 16, King Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. Bropcnwarer, Roseau. Street, Kingston. Montserrat: Mr. W. Rosson, Botanic Station. British Guiana: THe Dairy Curonicie’ Orricr, Georgetown. Antigua: Mr. 8. D. Matonr, St. John’s. | Trinidad: Messrs. Murr-Marswaui & Co., Port-of- Spain. St Kitts: Toe Brie anv Book Suppty AGENCY, BasskTERRB, _ Pobago: Mr. C. L. PLaGEMANN, Scarborough. Nevis: Messrs. Howe, Bros., Charlestown. Canada: Lewis W. Ciemens, 71 King Street, West, Toronto. Vou, XIV. No. 339. . THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. . Appi -O4) 19150 4 : THE BEST MANURES FOR COLONIAL USE © A. IX sie — Dissolved Peruvian Guano—Foz Sugar-cane and general use | Special Sugar-cane Manure Special Cocoa Manure Special Cotton Manure Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Superphosphates, (high grades), Potash Salts, Nitrolim and all other high-class Fertilizers. APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS. OR DIRECT TO:— THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL (LATE OHLENDORFF'’S) GUANO WORKS. London Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C. Barbados Agents: James A. Lyneh®& Co., Ltd., Bridgetown. COTTON CULTIVATION IN THE WEST INDIES. ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE. (PYUIS illustrated booklet, published as No. 74 of the Pamphlet Series of the Imperial Department of Agriculture, gives a simple but comprehensive account of all matters pertaining to the successful production of Sea Island cotton in the West Indian islands. The publication constitutes an entirely new and up to date edition of the A BC of Cotton Cultivation published by the Depsrtment in the early stages of the industry, and embraces all the new developments that have since heen the outcome of practical experience and experiment. NATURE says:—‘This comprehensive account of Sea Island cotton in the West Indies... . forms a very trust- worthy guide to those concerned in the... industry... the pamphlet is very well illustrated; the general informa- tion has been selected with great care, and the compilers are to be congratulated on the preparation of so useful a manual.” THE KEW BULLETIN observes:—‘The information contained in the work has evidently been selected with great care... and should certainly be consulted not alone by West Indian planters but by those imterested in the subject in other cotton-produecing countries.” THE FIELD states:—‘An admirable little booklet which might be widely imitated by other parts of the tropical Kinpire, as regards not only cotton but other products.’ Favourable notices have also appeared in the India Rubber World and The Board of Treie Jounal. COTTON CULTIVATION IN THE WEST INDIES, pp. 118, Figs. 35. Price 9d. Post free, 11d. From all pores for the, Pangan s Publications. ——" Printed at Office of Agricultural Reporter, 4 High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados. SAAS D3 Vi wee m —egae é ae Aap Vol. XIV. No. 340.] SATURDAY, MAY 8, 1915. [One penny. R.M.S.P. REGULAR SERVICES _ FROM THE WEST INDIES TO Panama Canal, Canada & The United Kingdom. PORTS OF CALL FROM BARBADOS, Trinidad (for West India Islands and Demerara), Puerto Colombia, Cartagena, Colon (for Panama Canaland Pacific Ports), St. Vineent, St. Lucia, Dominica, Montserrat, Antigua, St. Kitts, Bermuda to St. John (N.B.). ALSO FROM LIVERPOOL, TO Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina, Via Spain, Portugal, Madeira & St. Vincent. FROM LONDON TO Morocco, Canary Islands, Madeira. — : TRE ROYAL MAIL STEAM PACKET COMPANY Head Office: 18, Moorgate Street, London. Branches at BARBADOS, Trinidad, Tobago, Colon, Jamaica, /ntilla, New York, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, ete. ae - aa THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Curisty & Norris, CHELMSFORD, ENGLAND. Specialize, in Machinery for:— GRINDING & SIFTING: 5 COTTON SEED, COPRA, BONES, AND OTHER MANURE. Write for Catalogue, and DISINTEGRATOR. send sample of material you’ (346) wish to grind. a JU ST ISSUED. WEST INDIAN BULLETIN. Vol. XIV, No. 4. Containing papers on: The Prodnetion of | A new Industry for the West Indies, by Dr. C.M.G.; Commerce and Science in Cotton Growing, by) John W. MeConnel: Bordeaux Mixture; Some Sugar | Factory Caleuiations, by Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G.; Sugar | Industry in Cuba, by Noel Deerr:; Report on Land Settle-| ment Scheine in St. Lucia; Meimoranduin en the Geology of the Ground Waters of Antigna, by T, Wayland Vanghan;| The Ground Waters of Antigua, by Dr. H. A. Tempany; and Cotton Leaf Diseases, by W. Nowell, DIT:C: ork and Bacon; Francis Watts, THE BARBADOS Cotton Ginners ped Oil Refiners. We make a spe COTTON SEED OIL. LINSEED OIL. COTTON SEED CAKE. COTTON SEED MEAL. All orders recei | | | THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE | llity im our “Star” brands in ved by us will meet with our careful attention.| COTTON FACTORY, LIMITED, WHITE PARK ROAD, BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. February 5, 1915. SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENT. SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENT. ; - 2 WA ————— SY EBA So AE FESS SES [LE Nee) \ SSS te mt b NVA fe Bugs SS t ; | > x as el i” - y Pie Le a hig ra) eae § hh ee RAY ite sed } A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. pe Vou. XIV. No. 340. BARBADOS, MAY 8, 1915. Pace 07 CONTENTS ‘The whole of existence, said Mr. Hall, ‘is based upon the fundamental process by which the green leaf eve Puch: utilizes the energy of the light falling upon it to sphit up the carbon dioxide of the atmosphere, and trans- Antigua Agricultural and Increasing the Plant’s Ett- Commercial Society, Re- ciency .2. 0 . 145 port on ... «-- 152} Insect Notes:— Antigua, By-law for the A Method of Fumigating Sale of Milk in Slo Seed 154 Antigua, Yearly Rainfallin 153) Cassava Stem Borer... 154 Bahamas, Revival of Béche- | Peaand Bean Weevils... 154 de-mer Industry in. ... 155) Items of Local Interest ... 159 Beansin America, Interest- Jamaica, Trade and Agri- ing he) oo ect LOO culture of . . 151 Cacao Trees, Thrips on... 157 | Lima Beans, Cultivation of 158 Castor Oil Seed Cultivation | Manurial Experiments with in the West Indies, | Indian Corn in Nevis... 157 Outlook for .. .-. 155|Market Reports ... ... 160 Coco-nuts for Planting, | Notes and Comments 152 . 149) Oranges, Grape-fruit and Pine-apples, Handling of 148 Selection of Cotton Notes:— A Use of Sea Island Poultry on Coco-nut Estates, Cottion melissa) ee OU! §«=Rearinegommees ec.) <2. LOL British Cotton Growing tainfall during Apvil, Association . 150) Abnormal Gopi tay Cotton in Barbados Fumigation of Egyptian . 150) Sugar Industry:— Action of Micro-organ- Cotton Seed .. 50 | isms in Cane Juices West Indian Cotton 150 | andgpsyrups <.-0 -.. L147 Cuba, Timber Resources Sweet Potato Weevil ... 163 of SEG Odd poet Department News... ... Dominica Official Guide... 5 ture:” i Ye May 8) 19lo:00 FRUIT AND FRUIT TREES. THE HANDLING OF ORANGES, GRAPE- FRUIT AND PINE-APPLES. One of the principal difficulties attendant on the pro- ducticn in the West Indies of fruit for export is its successful transportation from the estate to the consumer. This matter has recently received attention in Porto Rico with regard to oranges, grape-fruit and pine-apples, which are supplied in considerable quantities to the market in New York. Last year complaints were put forward to the effect that a consid- erable percentage of the fruit arrived in a decayed condition, which resulted in the United States Department of Agriculture instituting an investigation of which Bulletin No. 7, issued by the Government of Porto Rico, is the outcome. This Bulletin describes the nature of the causes of decay, and provides a full account of the methods adopted in Porto Rico in the picking, cleaning, grading, storing, and_ trans- portation by steamer of the produce in question. The immediate cause of decay in these fruits is the growth of fungi resulting from, in most cases, mechanical injury. In the case of citrus fruits two fungi, at least, are responsible for the damage: a blue mould (Penicilliwm sp.), which is quite saprophytic, and a Diplodia, which is partially parasitic. In the case of pine-apples,a Penicillium is also probably capable of producing harm, though the so-called ‘storage rot’ is due to Vhielaviopsis paradora—a fungus which produces in this fruit the characteristic ethereal odour. The damage caused by these fungi has from time to time received the attention of the Imperial Department of Agriculture, and a useful article on the decay of pine-apples will be found in the Agricultural News on page 222 in Vol. XIII. The decay of citrus fruits was given consider- ation by this Department at the time when the so-called ‘new worm’ on oranges was reported to be prevalent in a district in Dominica. Although the points to be observed in the prevention of decay were given in connexion with these references, it will prove instructive to put forward a short account of the recommendations made by the Porto Rican authorities, since in this island the different fruits in question are handled on quite a large and apparently well-organized scale. Mention has been made above of the fungi which are capable of inducing decay; but it cannot be over emphasized that the secret of prevention lies in a careful avoidance of even the smallest mechanical injury during handling, the avoidance of all unnecessary delay in shipment, and the provision of thorough yentilation. Turning more particularly to what the Bulletin says concerning the handling of citrus frnit, it may first be noted that in picking this fruit it should first be severed from the tree with a stem }-inch long, and this should be trimmed off closely and carefully when held in plain sight. There is then no danger of leaving a long or jagged stem. Picking sacks are more satisfactory for careful handling than baskets, because with a sack the mouth can be partly closed so as to make it impossible for the picker to drop fruits into it. The practice of dropping or laying the frnit on the ground should be avoided, and the fruit should be conveyed as quickly as possible in field-boxes to the packing house. In regard to cleaning the fruit— which is done in the case of Porto Rican grape-frnit but usually omitted in the case of oranges—the fruit is washed in wet roll brushes to remove the purple scale, sooty mould or dirt. Itis then polished by means of a machine, and after running along a sorting table passes down steep runs 4 4 into the bins. These steepruns are the principal sources of : | mechanical injury, but to avoid risk of injury in any part of the operation none of the fruit should be washed at all unless absolutely necessary to render it marketable. If the fruit has to be washed, a spray of water containing a trace of copper sulphate is less objectionable than the use of a soaking tank. The last matter given attention to in the Porto Rican Bulletin concerning the handling of citrus fruits is delay in shipment. The practice of curing is undesirable when it causes delay in this respect. When fresh fruit is firmly and properly 4 placed in the box it is no more liable to make a slack pack than is cured fruit. It is maintained that careful handling in all stages of transportation, and prompt shipment are funda mental. An experiment is quoted describing how one lot of fruit was picked seven days and another one day before loading on the steamer, When the fruit was inspected on arrival in New York, the lot held for seven days before shipping showed a decay of 16°5 per cent., whereas the other lot had developed 2-4 per cent. of decay. Thorough ventila- tion in all stages of transportation is essential. The recommendations made in regard to lessening the decay of Porto Rican pineapples include, as in the case of citrus fruits, a reference to the care required in the removing of the fruit from the plant by cutting. Damage resulting from this operation should be avoided. Dropping the pine-apples into picking baskets is objectionable, as is also the rubbing of unwrapped pine-apples in the field crate. This latter is likely to cause spine punctures or other injuries when the firuit is hauled over rough roads, or when the erates are handled carelessly. It is said that in Porto Rico improperly built or faulty sizing machines damage the fruit by allowing it to drop or roll forcibly against the sides of the bins or to strike against other fruits. The packing bin should be padded on all sides and the bottom should be made of canvas or similar material. In packing, the greatest care is necessary to prevent bruising the fruit by allowing it to strike or press against the sharp edges of the slats of the crates. A high bulge on the top layer should be avoided as it may result in serions bruising from — pressure of the lid. The shipping of green or immature pine-apples as a means of preventing serious loss from decay which develops in ripe fruit as a result of rough handling should be discouraged. Green pine-apples cannot be matured artificially, and consequently a place which supplies them will soon gain a bad reputation, not to mention unprofitable prices. Asin the case of citrus fruits, prompt shipment after picking is essential. But it is also essential that the — fruit should be kept ata low temperature on the steamer. It is worth recording here that the British West Indies have an advantage over Porto Rico in that the steamers calling at Porto Rico do not possess cold storage accommodation, Tt is stated in the Bulletin that the development of much of the decay in pine-apples now found on arrival in New York could be checked by the installation on shipboard of proper refrigerating devices. West Indian Awards at the Toronto Ex- hibition, 1914.—Brief information has been received. from Messrs. Pickford & Black, Ltd., to the effect that the following awards have been made for the West Indian Court — Exhibit at Toronto last year: Gold medal, Barbados; Gold medal diploma, Jamaica and the Bahamas: silver medal, British Guiana, Grenada, St. Vincent, Montserrat, Antigna, St. Kitts-Nevis, and the Virgin Islands. Vor. XIV. No. 340. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 14¢ SELECTION OF COCO-NUTS FOR PLANTING. As the result of an enquiry started by this using coco-nuts from young trees for planting purposes, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, has given the matter attention, and an interesting article on the subject has just appeared in the Kew Bulletin GNo: 2jof 1915): The greater part of this information is reproduced herewith:— In connexion with the propagation of coco-nuts, it is a widely held belief that the nuts from young trees should not be used, and that plants should only be raised from fully matured trees. This belief appears to be based on the following pass- age from Simmonds’s Tropical Agriculture. The nuts for sprouting should be chosen from those fully ripe, having full, large eyes, and such as have been gathered from trees past the middle age—not, however, from aged ones—and from clusters containing few fruits... . Those nuts which may be taken from trees of immature age, will, if planted, rot away at the eye; and the plants, if any be successfully reared, on transplanting will grow very rapidly and acquire bulk, but the fruit will drop before the kernel acquires consistency, the root stalks break, and the trees entirely fail before mid-age. Efforts have been made to discover may be in the above statement, for neither direct confir- “mation nor absolute refutation has been obtained. On physiological grounds there would appear to be no justifi- cation for the statement as it stands, though no doubt it would be unwise for more than one reason to plant nuts from young trees in the first year or two of their coming into bearing. what truth there The article here reproduces a paragraph from ‘Copeland’s recent work, in which it is stated that seed nuts should be selected from trees which are neither very young nor very old. Nuts from young trees may not show their true characters. Attention is also given to Prain’s Botany of the Laccadives chiefly in respect of the yields obtained in those islands. Continuing, the writer proceeds to discuss facts that have been furnished in regard to a plantation in the West Indies:— Judging from particulars received of coco-nut plantations in the island of Nevis, West Indies, it would appear that coco-nut palms in their third year of bearing yield perfectly sound and full-sized nuts, which, when used for seed, can be relied upon to germinate freely and in a normal manner. The plantations in Nevis were started by Mr. Crum- Ewing in the autumn of 1907 on old sugar-eane land, which is almost at sea-level. The soil is a nice loam, gradually getting lighter until it becomes pure sand on the sea-shore. _ ‘The average rainfall for the years 1909-13 inclusive was 43°87 inches, but the deficiency is compensated for by the plentiful underground supply of water draining from the high cone-shaped inountain which forms the centre of the small circular island of Nevis. The seed was obtained from Jamaica by Mr. Barclay, Seeretary of the Jamaica Agricultural Society, who took some trouble to obtain nuts from the most healthy plantation in that island. The seed for that plantation in turn came from San Blas, whence come the finest nuts in the Western Department into the question of the desirability of The number of nuts planted up to the end of 1911 amounted to 10,305. The trees are planted 28 feet apart, or fifty-two to the acre. Certain trees commenced to bear in 1911, and Mr. Crum-Ewing saw one early in 1912, four years four months old, bearing forty nuts. Reaping in any quantity, however, did not commence till 1913, when the 1907 plants would be about five years three months old. From January 11, 1913, to June 30, 1914, the number of nuts harvested amounted to 23,807. From January 11 to October 23, a 4-inch gauge was used which resulted in 77-4 per cent. of selects and 22-6 per cent. of culls. Both selects and culls were sent to New York, where the market took both grades as select, paying $42°50 for 1,000, about the highest price which has been paid for any coco-nuts in that city. Since October 23 a 3finch gauge has been used (which is {-inch. larger than the Malay regulation gauge of 3?-inch), and of the 7! 5,116 nuts gathered, 68,419, or 91-08 per cent. have been select, and 6,697 or 8°92 per cent. have been culls. A selection is made in the field of the nuts while in the husk, and it is found that 95 per cent. to 98 per cent. of these nuts when husked are over the 3£ gauge. . Out of 1,000 seed nuts sent to Demerara in ‘uly 191 3, it was reported on February 28, 1913, that 89 per cent. of these had germinated, that the others seemed quite good, and that more were expected to grow. In March 1913, fifty nuts were planted standing up and fifty on their sides by way of experiment in Nevis. On October 24, 1913, it was reported that out of the fifty on their sides forty-six, or 92 per cent. had germinated, and of those standing up only thirty or 60 per cent. had germinated. The high percentage of good-sized nuts on the young plantations at Nevisis of both general and commercial interest, and affords ample justification for the great trouble which was taken in selecting the original seed nuts in Jamaica and elsewhere. As to the selection of the seed Mr. Crum- Ewing writes: ‘I do not understand Simmonds’s advice to take seed nuts from clusters containing few fruits—on a prolific tree there should be no such clusters. I quite agree with you that seed nuts should be taken from trees whose good character is well marked. It appears to me that the pedigree of a coconut tree is of the utmost importance. Even if I had one or two years’ experience of a tree, and it showed the same characteristics, for which its parent, and yet again it grand-parent had been selected, I would rather use the seed from that tree than take Simmonds’s advice to choose one picked from a sparsely furnished cluster grown on a tree passed the middle age, of whose parentage there was no record.’ The nuts which are now being planted on Mr. Crum- Ewing’s land in Nevis and in Demerara are taken from the young trees planted in Nevis in 1907. As already mentioned, the germination percentage of the nuts sent from Nevis to Demerara in July 1913 was 89 per cent., which certainly refutes the statement made by Simmonds that nuts from young trees ‘rot away at the eye.’ Mr. Crum-Ewing informs us that he is planting nothing but his own Nevis seed both in the island and in Demerara, and adds: ‘TI feel justified in so doing, knowing the great care with which the seed is selected, the minute observation to which the individual trees have been subjected, the absence of disease in the grove and in the island, and the good stock from which the parents and grand-parents were derived.’ These experimental plantings should, in the course of a few years, enable a proper estimation to be made of Sim- monds’s statements, but in the light of the practical experience already gained, it seems highly unlikely that his recommen- dations will receive support. 150 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. May 8, 1915, COTTON. WEST INDIAN COTTON. Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool write as follows, under date April 20, with reference to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton:— About 100 bales of West Indian Sea Island cotton have been sold since our last report, chiefly St. Kitts 16d. to 17d., with an exceptional bag at 19d. The demand is necessarily very limited and spinners are only purehasing such small quantities as they want for their immediate requirements. The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week ended April 17, is as follows:— There was a good demand for the odd bags of Fine to Fully Fine, at 22c. to 23c., resulting in sales of about 150 bales, the buying being on account of the Northern Mills, leaving in stock about 200 bales, which are held at le. to 2c. higher. Besides the above there was more inquiry for the Planters’ crops for export, and six crop lots are reported sold at prices ranging from 23c. to 25c¢., aggregating about 150 bales. These sales have reduced very much the unsold stock, which is firmly held on a basis of quotations. We quote, viz:— Extra Fine 23c. to 24c.=14d. tol4dd., c.if. & 5 per cent. Fine to Fully Fine 23c. =14d., rE eC Fine, off in colour 18c. to 20c.=114d. to 123d. c.it. This report shows that the total exports of Sea Island cotton from the United States to Liverpool, and Manchester, up to April 17, 1915, were 103 and 1,651 bales, respectively. ” British Cotton Growing Association.—At a recent meeting of the Association, a letter was received from the Sirdar of the Soudan in which great appreciation was expressed with regard to the Association’s help in financing the cotton crop, and it was also stated that it will be of great benefit to the future of cotton growing that in a year like the present the cultivator should have been provided with an opportunity of selling his cotton on the spot for cash. In regard to the purchases of cotton at Lagos in West Africa up to March 27, the figures are low. They amounted to 701 bales as compared with 7,898 bales for the same period of last year, and 6,586 for 1913. It is impossible at present to ascertain the size of the crop, but the Association’s manager at Lagos reports that the prospects are very fair, and that it is possible the cotton is being held back by the natives in the hope of a higher price, 4s., being offered. Owing to the recent rise in cotton prices, the Council has decided to increase the minimum buying price which had previously been fixed for this season. In Northern Nigeria the purchases to the end of February amounted to 82 bales as compared with 172 bales for the same period last year. Operations in connexion with cotton production in Nyasaland and Uganda are stated to be satisfactory. Fumigation of Egyptian Cotton Seed. The Board of Trade Journal publishes the following note in regard to Egyptian cotton seed:— H.M. High Commissioner for Egypt reports to the Foreign Office that the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture is anxious to call the attention of all purchasers of Egyptian cotton seed to the desirability of insisting on its fumigation at the port of shipment, with the object of destroying the pink boll worm which it may contain. It is almost certain that this parasite first reached Egypt in bales of imperfectly ginned cotton from India, and it is very probable that it will be introduced into other countries where Egyption cotton seed is sown unless the seed is pre- viously fumigated. With a view to eradicating the pink boll wormin Egypt measures are being taken to introduce a law requiring the fumigation of all cotton seed in Egypt. It will be some time before these measures can be univer- sally adopted owing to the absence of adequate machinery, but in the meantime the Ministry of Agriculture is ready to fumigate small amounts of seed, supplying a certificate of fumigation with the consignment. A Use of Sea Island Cotton.—It is a very well- known fact to most people interested in Sea Island cotton that this material finds an important use in the manufacture of motor tyres. It is of interest to record that in The Times for March 13, 1915, a striking advertisement appears notifying the fact that the Goodrich Co., Ltd., entirely uses Sea Island cotton as the fabric for the foundation of their tyres. It is stated: ‘there is as much difference between the value of the best cotton and the worst as there is between cotton and silk. The very finest cotton is the true Sea Island, grown in certain districts of Florida and the West Indies. Its quality in length and fineness of staple is extraordinary.’ The above advertisement is one of the first that has been noticed in regard to the virtues of Sea Island cotton. It might have been rendered more strictly accurate however, if the point had been brought out that the finest cotton is produced in the British West Indies rather than in Florida. Cotton in Barbados.—The Blue Book of this Colony for 1913-14 contains a comparative table showing the cotton exported from Barbados during the calendar year. But the reaping and shipping season for a cotton crop extends from October to the following September, so that the following table giving the comparison by crops and not by calendar years is more significant:— Crop. Crop. Decrease. 1912-13. 1911-12. Acres 3,970 4,669 699 Quantity, Ib. 424,392 455,689 31,297 Value £23,222 £28,112 £4,890 According to Colonial Reports (No. 824) on the Blue Book referred to, the steady reduction of area under cotton is due to the discouragement caused to planters by the suscepti- bility to disease and insect pests. The efforts of the Local Department of Agriculture to obtain, by selection and hybridization, varieties capable of resisting insect pests and: fungoid diseases, and of giving a yield satisfactory in both quantity and quality are being continued. Another reason, it may be added, why the returns have decreased is the insufficient attention given to cultivation, and to the absence of a close season, which if established would make it possible partly to eliminate the pests and diseases referred to — as the principal cause. ; Vou. ' XIV. No. 340. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 151 TRADE AND AGRICULTURE OF JAMAICA. 1913-14; while the pastoral industry has also made some . The Report on the Blue Book of Jamaica for the year progress, the number of acres in Guinea grass having 1913-14 is issued asa supplement to the Jamaica Guzette of January 28, 1915. From this, the following interesting information as regards the trade and agriculture of the Colony during the period reviewed, is abstracted. The total exports for the year amounted in value to £2,430,207. Of this sum, the proportion attributable to island produce was £2,216,211, as against £2,572,275 in 1912, or a decrease of £356,064. This decrease in the value of island produce exported as compared with 1913 is made up Peay of bananas, £252,951; cacao, £25,095; coffee, £16,152; ginger, £11,400; honey, £3, 100; yams, £1,018; logwood extract, £5,2 40, The growth of the’ total export trade of the Colony in the forty years since 1872, given in periods of ten years, is shown to be as follows:— £1,226,011 1873 year ending September 30 1883 ,, 3 5 1,469,446 SIS) 55 » March 31 1,759,806 1903 ” ” ” 2,28 23: 3) melgls ,, - December 31 2,430,207 In this connexion figures also are given showing the trend of trade; the markets accepting the island’s exports in i _ each of the years specified, and the percentages falling to each, being as follows:— 1873. 1883. 1893. 1903. 1913. | hh lo / /o United Kingdom 515 9 54:5 29-1) 19:0 17-5 United States 84 19°83 54:3 68-0 DT-4 — Canada 3) L674 2°6 24 a7 Other Countries 9°83 9-0 140 106 21-4 Tuming to agriculture it is found that the acreage returned in 1912-13, grouped under the four principal headings of the return, and set against an average of four m years, exhibits the following:— : 1913-14. 1912-15. 1911-12. Average of four years. Acres. Acres. Acres. Tilled lands sues 280,286 270,058 Guinea grass ipeRral 143,592 144,144 Commons 521, ce 517,830 507,242 Wood & ruinate 1,730, 120 1! 299 2 "699 1,230,001 1,232,024 Total 2,113,248 2,145,332 2,171,709 2,153,468 As compared with 1911-12 the tilled lands show a decrease of 13,010, acres in 1912-13 and 2,620 in 1913-14, and the commons and Guinea grass net increases of 3,924 and 9,126 acres, respectively. Thus the droughts have resulted in a restriction of cultivation and an increase of grazing. ~ A classification of the tilled lands as far as possible under description of cultivation shows the crops and areas for 1913-14 were as follows: sugar-cane, 31,160 acres; coffee, 20,023 acres; coco-nuts, 19,995; bananas, 85,468; cacao, 10,849; ground provisions, 61,834; mixed culti- vation, 31,238; minor items, 4,129. Compared with those for 1911-12 and with an average of four years (which are given in the report,) the figures show that the cultivation of bananas, coconuts and minor items is increasing at the expense of all other staples, and that the peasantry are rapidly abandoning the production of native foodstufis. The general increase in tilled lands within the past forty years is said to have been very considerable, having risen from 123,428 acres in 1873-74 to 264,656 in increased from 119,642 to 153,718, and in commons from 312,693 to 521,754 in the same period. The result of this excess of industry on the part of the inhabitants is that the exports have increased practically 100 per cent. The work of plant sanitation is stated to have progressed during the year, and the appointment of a special field ofticer to carry out the treatment of diseased bananas and coco-nuts under the Diseases of Plants Law enabled the Department of Agriculture to maintain a close supervision of the areas where disease had been found. The Panama disease of bananas has been controlled by the drastic measures which were carried out by the Department, and only a few sporadic cases are reported to have occurred during the year on the original sites where it was first discovered in January 1912. An out- break of the disease however, occurred in an isolated field in Hanover and was dealt with during the year. Speaking generally, the Colony it is added may be congratulated on the health and promise of its banana fields at the present moment. It is recorded that the work of plant distribution has recently been enlarged by the establishment of local nurseries in Portland, St. Thomas, Clarendon, and St. James, under the direction of the Agricultural Instructors of the Jamaica Agricultural Society. The Rearing of Poultry on Coco-nut Estates.—An interesting article in 7’ropical Life for March 1915 advocates the rearing of poultry on coco-nut estates. The bulk of these being near the sea, are said to offer four distinct advantages as centres for the rearing of poultry, namely, the means they offer to give the birds the class of goods they require: (1) green food; (2) animal food; (3) grain, i.e., maize as well as poonac; (4) grit and shell. The grass around as well as some green-meat planted, tannias, eddoes, ete., yield the first class, whilst insects more numerous than desirous, together with any animals that it is not desirable to eat, give the second; class three speaks for itself, and class four can generally be secured at an insignificant cost from several points around, especially if there is white coral in the soil. Poultry, especially in the Tropics, need shelters to protect them from rain, sun and wind, also as a receptacle in which to lay. These, it is suggested, could easily be provided by the use of wire netting fastened from tree to tree, and could be moved from one plot of ground to another as often as is necessary, to allow the land to be ploughed up as soon as the birds have been removed—firstly to conserve their droppings, and secondly to enable a green cover crop to be planted before the birds are brought back. Emphasis is laid on the undesirability of placing shelters very far afield from the house of the keeper. If lots of 5 acres were utilized at a time, that is supposing a wire fencing is used, this by means of the coco- nut palms could be partitioned off into ten or twenty lots of } or 4-acre each, as desired. The quantity of manure dropped by poultry is quite a valuable item. The Board of Agriculture leafllet (quoted in the article) calculates the total output of moist manure per 100 birds in twelve months and values it at 1s. 1d. per bird per year, whilst the Journal of Agriculture, Victoria, Australia (November 10, 1914) estimates that 190 birds would deposit 1 ton of manure annually. It would be interesting, therefore, to compare the value per bird with the value per tree on a coco-nut estate. MAS PUG polis 152 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. EDITORIAL NOTICES. Heap OFFICE — BarsBapos. Letters and matter for publication, as well as all specimens for naming, should be addressed to the Commissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture. Barbados. All applications for copies of the ‘ Agricultural News’ and other Departmental publications, should be addressed to the Agents, and not to the Department. The complete list of Agents, and the subscription and advertisement rates, will be found on page 3 of the cover. Imperial Commissioner of Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Sc. Agriculture for the West Indies F.1.C., F.C.S. SCIENTIFIC STAFF, Scientific Assistant and Assistant Editor W. R. Dunlop. Entomologist H. A. Ballou, M.Sc. Mycologist W. Nowell, D.I.C. CLERICAL STAFF, A. G. Howell. M. B. Connell. Chief Clerk Assistant Clerk Junior Clerk W. P. Bovell. Assistant Junior Clerk Pp. Wataylor. Typist Miss B. Robinson. { A. B. Price, Fell. Journ. Inst. Assistants for Publications UL. Ba@brbin. SATURDAY, MAY 8, 1915. NOTES AND COMMENTS. Contents of Present Issue. The main idea put forward in the editorial in this issue is the need for greater investigation of the plant above ground in relation to its environment with a yiew to increasing the plant's efficiency as a builder up of food material. Under Fruit and Fruit Trees on pages 148 and 149 ure two articles, one dealing with the handling and transportation of citrus fruit and pine-apples; the second dealing with the selection of coco-nuts for planting. Items of interest concerning cotton will be found on page 150 in this issue. Insect Notes, which appear on page 154, deal with a method of fumigating seed, an account of pea and bean weevils, and a note on the cassava stem borer, A note also appears on the sweet potato weevil on page i533), Abnormal Rainfall during April. After the severe drought experienced in March, the weather in April underwent a sudden change and in most of the islands very heavy rains fell. In St. Kitts 10 inehes were recorded in twenty- four hours, and in one parish in Barbados 12 inches were reported to have fallen in a similar time. The average April rainfall at the Office of the Imperial Departmentrof Agriculture in Barbados for the five-year period 1910-14 is 1-26 inches. The record for April 1915 is 589 or over 4) inches above the average. Considerable diftieulty was experienced in regard to the shipment of cargo, owing to the heavy rain and the rough seas to the ‘leeward’ of the islands occasioned by the southemly winds. The weather, as might be expected, was extremely hot for the time of year and south winds were prevalent for several weeks. In some of the islands the weather has been harmful to the sugar crop, interfering with the harvesting and grinding of the crop. The past month is one of the few if not im many islands the only wet April on record. Tt is possible that this unseasonable weather may be indicative of abnormalities in the coming hurricane months. ee Report onthe Antigua Agricultural and Com- mercial Society, 1914. A Report on the work of the Antigua Agricul- tural and Commercial Society for the year 1914 is published in the Antigua Swn for March 18, 1915. From this the following particulars of interest are gathered. During the year fifteen general meetings and thirteen committee meetings were held, the average attendance at the general meetings numbering 22, and no meeting has been dropped for want of a quorum. At these meetings papers on matters affecting the agricul- tural industries of the Colony were read and discussed, among them being ‘Boll dropping of Cotton’, by Dr. Tempany and Mr. Jackson, ‘Areas under different varieties of Cane in Antigua’, also by Dr. Tempany, and ‘Vegetable growing for Northern Markets’, by Mr. Jackson. The erection of an establishment for the kiln- drying of Indian corn is recorded, and mention made of the efforts of His Excellency the Governor and the Imperial Department of Agriculture to show that this industry can be made a commercial success. Reference is also made to the special efforts of Dr. Tempany and Mr. Jackson in the work of the Antigna Onion Growers’ Association; also to the keen interest which His Excellency takes in the Society, as is evidenced by his attendance at the Society's meetings. The Government and the Agricultural Department find the Society a useful body, and ‘the Society's meetings are common ground where Government, Agricultural Department, and members meet together and discuss matters for the good ofthe community at large always. with freedom—always with good temper.’ ee Le at a? vy’; Vor. XIV. No. 340. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS V. M. Weil; and The report regrets the loss of Mr. the late Secretary, who rendered valuable services carried away with him the Society. Mr. Weil Secretary by Mr. T. This, it mught be added, is the first report of its kind that has been presented to the Society, whose record for past years has been one of good work done for the benefit of Antigua. It is hoped that this work will continue to progress. was succeeded as Honorary Jackson. Yearly Rainfall in Antigua. An interesting list of me steorological sti atistics has been received from Dr. Tempany showing the average raintall between 1874 and 1914. The average rintall was least in 1875 when 28°78 inches were received, and greatest in 1889 when 73°59 inches were recorded. hese figures are not strictly comparable because the number of stations at which the rainfall was measured has gradually increased. The average rainfall for the past forty-one years is 44°25 inches. The rainfall for 1914 (recorded: at seventy-two stations) was 36°86, which is therefore 7°39 inches below the average. In regard to the return of rainfall at the difterent stations for each month during 1914, the interesting fact to be noticed i is that the pr ecipitation at the Berane Station is approximately the av erage for the whole island. By-law for the Sale of Milk in Antigua. This by-law (No. 4 of 1914) marks an important advance in attempts to control the purity of milk supply in the Leeward Islands. Although the pro- visions are open to criticism from a chemical standpoint, it would appear that the regulations will prove suitable for ameliorating the conditions obtaining in St. John’s. Briefly the by-law lays down that every vendor must have a license, that every huckster must wear a metal badge, and that no person shall receive a milk vendor's license unless the Commissioners are satisfied that the milk is obtained under sanitary conditions, and that the cows are free from tuberculosis and other dangerous diseases. Every licensed holder is required to ‘notify the Commissioners of the existence of any disease among his cows, and no person suffering from a communicable disease shall be permitted to handle milk. Any person who shall sell any impure, unwholesome, or adulterated milk shall be guilty of an offence against this by-law. The terms impure, unwholesome or adulterated are used to mean milk containing less than 3 per cent. of fat and 11°5 per cent. of total ‘solids, milk in any state of putrefaction, or having any abnormal colour or smell, milk drawn from cows within tw enty days before or ten days after partuition, or milk from any diseased cow or milk produced under insanitary conditions. It is provided that milk must be delivered in locked cans and must not be kept in sleeping apartments. the best wishes of members of The Sweet Potato Weevil. Since the publication of the recent note in the Agriculturac News for April 1915 (Vol. XIV, No. 339, p. 138), Bulletin No. 192 of the United States Department of Agriculture has been received, and this contains reference to another locality for the occurrence of the sweet potato weevil (Cylas formicurius). The title of the bulletin referred to is Insects Attecting Vegetable Crops in Porto Rico, and in this the rece is given of the occurrence of the sweet potato weevil asa pest of the sweet potato in that island. This brmgs the known habitat of this insect much nearer to the islands of the Lesser Antilles and emphasizes the necessity for every precaution to be taken against the introduction of the sweet potato weevil into the islands where it does not yet occur. x ae Tonka Beans in Trinidad. The Port-of-Spain Gazette for April 17, 1915 contains the information that there is a Tonka bean plantation comprising some thousands of trees at Maracas in Trinidad. The trees which are now in bearing yielded last year 500 th. of beans which were sold locally at S1L-00 per th. It is reported that orders are being sent to this estate for seeds for planting purposes. The Gazette considers that this cultivation should prove a most valuable minor industry. Information concerning the Tonka bean has been given in the Agric ultural News in Vol. XI, p. 149, in Vol. TX,- p. 149, and in Vol. V, p. 212. These references describe the cultivation and collection and preparation of the beans, their uses in commerce, and the extent of their production. The Tonka bean is the dried seed of the fruit of the leguminous tree known as. Dipterix odorata, which is indigenous to the forests of the northern part of South America. The tree attains a height of 80 feet and the seeds are described as pos- sessing the sweet odour of new-mown hay. In fact it is the odoriferous quality of these beans which gives them their commercial value. The Tonka bean is employed not only by makers of perfume and flavours, but also by manufacturers of tobacco and snuff, especial- ly in the United States. Official Guide to the Botanic Gardens, Dominica. This interesting handbook has just been published, by the Government of Dominica and edited at the Imperial Department of Agriculture. It gives am account of the more interesting plants met with in following an itimerary around the Gardens, and the text, which contains notes regarding the economic character- istics of the plants, is illustrated with photographs. A useful feature of the publication is the plan of the grounds on which can be seen the relative areas reserved for different purposes. Another feature of value is the section describing the experiment plots. This will give the visitor an intelligent idea of one of the ways in which this botanical establishment benefits the planter: The handbook is provided with an exhaustive index containing references to the principal plants. 154 INSECT NOTES. A METHOD OF FUMIGATING SEED. What appears to be a new departure in the practice of fumigating seed for the destruction of insects which might be in or on them, is described in Bulletin of the U. S$. Depart- ment of Agriculture, No. 186, issued February 27, 1915. The authors state that a perfectly reliable method of destroying insects present in seeds imported into this country [United States] is much needed. The exclusion of insects by a careful selection of apparently uninfested seeds at the port of export is impracticable, because many injurious insects pass their larval and pupal stages and a portion of the adult stage enclosed within the seed, and on this account might easily escape notice when the seeds were inspected. Furthermore, seeds are frequently received from localities where injurious insects are not well recognized, and also, insects which are only slightly injurious in their native habitats occasionally become destructive pests when established in this country. The ordinary methods of destroying insects in stored seeds, such as subjecting them to heat (with or without mois- ture), carbon bisulphide, and hydrocyanie acid in the presence of air, have been tried and found unsatisfactory for this purpose. The experiments recorded in Bulletin 186 were trials of fumigating with hydrocyanie acid gas in a close chamber from which the air had been exhausted. The fumigation chamber used in these experiments consisted of an iron tubing, 36 inches long and 12 inches in diameter. The air was exhausted by an air pump driven by a motor. Arrangements were made so that after seeds were in place and the air sufti- ciently exhausted, the necessary amount of dilute acid could be introduced to act on the cyanide which had been placed in position before the chamber was closed. By this contrivance the poisonous gas was generated within the tightly closed chamber, and its penetration was much greater than as ordinarily used. It is stated in the summary of these trials that fumigation by the method described in this bulletin was found to kill insects without injury to the seed and with a considerably shorter exposure than is necessary in the usual method of seed fumigation. PEA AND BEAN WEEVILS. Attention has been directed in the West Indies and other parts of the British Empire to the necessity for the cultivation of minor food crops, among which are peas and beans, as one of the consequences of the upset in agricultural conditions resulting from the great European war. : The increase in the areas devoted to the’cultivation of these crops will naturally result in an increase of the pests which attack them, and this latter may be for the first season or two out of proportion to the former. Peas and beans are attacked by leaf-eating caterpillars, by borers in the tips of the shoots, ‘and by the group of weevils which are most conspicuous as a result of the injury they do to stored seeds. Specimens recently received trom the Curator of the Botanic Gardens, Montserrat, with the statement that they were causing serious injury to the seeds of pigeon peas, serve to call attention to these insects in connexion with the development of the pea and bean crops. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. May 8, 1915. The specimens referred to are identified as the cowpea weevil (Bruchus chinensis). This is distinguished from some of the nearly related forms by the two bright, ivory- white oval spots at the base of the thorax, and by the deeply pecinate antennae of the scale. These characters are shown in the accompanying figure. There are several species of Bruchus which attack peas and beans, and although they may have preferences as to the species of bean or pea which they infest, they probably all attack the different kinds of these plants, and they have been even reported as attack- ing seeds of other kinds. - The insects of the genus Bruchus, the pea and bean weevils, are not weevils in the sense of being members Tue Cow- of the Rhynchophora, the snout beetles, in which the front of the head is pro- longed into a definite beak, as for instance the sweet potato weevil and the cassava stem borer. They probably got their name because of the weevily effect they produce in the stored seed. Fic. 6. PEA WEEVIL. EN- LARGED. (rom U. S. Dept. Agriculture.) The usual manner of attack of these insects is this. The eggs are laid in the flower or on the very young pod on the plant. The grub on hatching bores into the young seed, where it develops and changes to pupa and adult. The attacks of these insects render the seeds unfit for food or for planting. The remedy to be adopted against the pea and bean weevils consists of planting only seed which is free from weevils, and in destroying the insects in the stored seed and keeping it free from them. When peas or beans are harvested they should be fumigated with carbon bisulphide and stored with naphtha- lene. [Fumigation with carbon bisulphide is accomplished by placing the seed in a tight receptacle, such as a box, barrel or tin, and placing a small quantity of carbon bisulphide in a shallow dish. After several hours, the receptacle may be opened and the seed aired and further dried if necessary, In storing, naphthalene enclosed in small muslin bags should be placed among the seed. One pound of navhtha- lene in }-lb. lots should be sufficient to give protection to about 40 bushels of grain. Directions for the use of carbon bisulphide will be found in Pamphlet No. 71, -Insect Pests of the Lesser Antilles, p. 158, and on reference to the Agricultural News, Vol, DONE p- 360 (November 7, 1914), an account of the use of naphthalene for the protection of stored grain will be found. The leaf-eating caterpillars, of which the bean leaf-roller (EZudamus proteus) and the Woolly pyrol moth (Thermesia gemmatalis) will probably prove the most abundant, are likely to become troublesome. In the past they have gener ally been controlled by their natural enemies except for local outbreaks, and this condition may be expected to prevail again after possibly one or two seasons in which a fairly uniform area of leguminous crops is cultivated in each locality. Trials have been made recently with Paris green and arsenate of lead in order to observe the eftect of these insecticides on the foliage of bean plants of several kinds, It was found that Paris green, in mixture with lime or flour always seriously injured the leaves, whilst dry arsenate of” lead applied as a dust, either by itself or mixed in various proportions with flour or lime, caused very little injury to the leaves, and, so far as trials have been made, this appears to be the correct insecticide to use against these insects. Vor. XIV. No. 340. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 155 CASSAVA STEM BORER. Specimens of an insect attacking the stem of cassava plants in St. Vincent were recently received at the Oftice of the Imperial Department of Agriculture, Cassava growing at the Experiment Station was rather seriously attacked and a considerable amount of injury result- ed. The insect has been identified as a species of Cryptorhyn- chus, a genus which is credited with an unusual number of species in the West Indies and the \merican tropics. The most common and abundant Cryptorhynchus is probably the Scarabee or Jacobs of the sweet potato, C. datatae. Another form is C. corticalis, which is known as a borer in ornamental crotons in St. Vincent and Grenada, while another species sometimes causes injury by boring in the wood of orange and similar trees. This insect is shown in Fig. 7, which serves to illustrate the general appearance of these insects. Pale Fic. 7. Tot ORANGE Borer. Fic. ‘8. BEE. OF SCARA- Pura ENLARGED. The cassava stem borer is larger than the scarabee, the adult being }-inch, the pupa 2-inch, and the full-grown larva about $-inch in length. The pupa very much resembles that of the scarabee which is shown in the accompanying Fig. The cassava stem borer is so little known that there has been no opportunity of testing methods that may be used for its control. It is suggested, however, that all material for planting should be quite free from infestation, and, in fact, that no plant material should be taken from any field known to be or suspected of being infested by this insect, and all bits of stem in infested fields should be carefully removed from the fields and either burned or deeply buried in order to kill the grubs and beetles in them. EAB: Revival of the Beche-de-Mer Industry in the Bahamas.—Recently a shipment of béche-de-mer, valued at about £8,000, was made to Chinese ports from the Bahamas, which revives an industry that for a period of forty years promised well. The sea slugs in the waters of the Bahamas appear to be of high quality as compared with those of the East Indies and Australian coast and the atolls of Polynesia. In the south-western section of the Pacific the industry is valued at more than £2,500,000 annually, but the supply seems to be getting limited. It is said to be likely that, with proper selection with reference to size, colour, and correct method of curing, and the facility for shipment through the Panama Canal, the Bahamas may in the near future benefit from an increased demand for this article. Even in Paris béche-de-mer is served at many restaurants, although the greatest quantity is required for the people of China. (Journal of the Royal Society of Arts, March 19, 1915.) OUTLOOK FOR CASTOR OIL SEED CULTI- VATION IN THE WEST INDIES. An enquiry concerning the cultivation of the castor plant, recently received at this Office, includes a statement to the effect that an acre under this crop. will yield £14 net. The facts relating to castor cultivation show this estimate to be high, and it may be of interest to consider them. The time which the castor crop takes to come into bearing varies with the variety and the climatic conditions under which it is grown; the fruits may be gathered in four months, but it may be seven months or even longer. With 1,210 plants per acre (planted 6 feet by 6 feet,) the yield may be expected to be under ordinary circumstances about 1,000 Ib. Assuming that two crops could be pro- duced annually, the yield would be approximately 2,000 b. The price of castor seed at Liverpool in May 1912 was £12 per ton, (it apparently varies from £9 to £13,) so that the gross revenue from an acre each year would be £10 15s. Subtracting the cost of cultivation and transportation, which would amount to at least £4, we arrive at an estimate of £6 15s., which is less than half that which has been quoted above. Even £6 15s. is probably too high since, as already intimated, it is not possible to rely upon two crops each year (because of climatic conditions), and certainly unwise to expect the maintenance of the English market price at a normal level like £12 per ton. The castor plant makes an exhausting crop and can only be grown commercially on good soil. The oil is usually expressed abroad, but if done locally the residual cake, being unsuitable as a foodstuff, makes a useful manure. The most likely way of growing castor seed profitably in the West Indies is as a catch crop on well manured land, or as is done in India, growing it around cotton or sugar-cane fields, or with potatoes, cereals or a leguminous crop. It may be added that experiments with castor oil have been conducted at several of the Botanic Stations in the West Indies, especially at Antigua during 1908-10. Here two ;/,-acre plots were planted 5 feet x 4 feet on February 17. ach plot contained two varieties, that is, .\-acre was planted in each variety. The seeds were harvested on November 1. Hence the crop was in the ground nine and a half months. The yields were as follows:— Ricinus No. 3,173, 65 tb. shelled seed or 1,300 Bb. per acre ee 2 O° ” ” 3,172, 61 ” ? 3° ” 1,220 ” » ya : : ” ” 3,176, 48 ” ” ” ” 960 ” » . re ciee ee ‘ », Zunzibariensis, 42 ,, ,, err os: 0) aaa The crop is not grown in Antigua or any one of the Lee- ward Islands except to a limited extend as a green dressing, and an extension under ordinary circumstances is not to be expected. DEPARTMENT NEWS. The Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture left Barbados on May 5, 1915, by the S.S. ‘Guiana’ with the object of paying an official visit to St. Kitts and Dom- inica in connexion with agricultural administration. The Commissioner is expected to return to Barbados by the S.S. ‘Guiana’ arriving on or about June 10, Mr. W. Nowell, D.LC., Mycologist to the Imperial Department of Agriculture, is expected to leave Barba- dos on May 19, by the C.R.MLS. ‘Chaudiere’ with the object of paying a visit te Dominica in connexion with plant diseases. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. May 8, 1915. GLEANINGS. It may be of interest to point out that the well-known tree of Grenada called locally the Tanti cayou (or Dandy cayou) is Piptadena perigrina. This tree is useful as a shade plant, and as a source of firewood. Vaccination of pigs against cholera forms the subject of a useful Cirenlar (No. 54) issued by the Agricultural Experiment Station of the University of Wisconsin. A table at the end, giving a summary of the results, shows that a percentage of recoveries is effected amounting to 91-6 per cent. From an article which appears in the Journal of the Board of Agriculture for February 1915, dealing with the economic side of sugar beet production in Norfolk and ‘Suffolk, it is clearly indicated that farmers whose land is adapted for beet have successfully grown this crop for the Cantley Factory in Norfolk. During 1913-14 the Grenada Land Settlement Scheme continued to make good progress. During this period the blocks of land at Calivigny, Morne Rouge North, and Morne Rouge South were added and offered for settlement. A table shows that satisfactory progress has been made in regard to their sale to the small holders. It is stated in the St. Vincent Government Guzette for February 18, 1915, that by authority of the Agricultural Credit Society’s Ordinance, 19135, a new agricultural credit society has been duly registered as required by the provisions of the Ordinance. This Society is known as the Barrouallie Agricultural Credit Society. Information has been received that Mr. A. H. Ritchie has been appointed to the post of Entomologist, Department of Agriculture, Jamaica. Mr. Ritehie, who has studied at Edinburgh University as well as at the New York State Agricultural College, has spent the last eighteen months travelling on a scholarship from the Imperial Bureau of Entomology at London. Interesting facts regarding the sugar industry of Barba- dos is contained in Colonial Reports, Annual, No. 824 of 1913-14. During the period 1910-13 inclusive, the sugar crop amounted to the following (in tons of sugar): 52,300, 47,610, 44,817, and 31,329. Mention is made of the new variety B.6450, the drought-resisting qualities of which were referred to in the previous year’s report. This cane continues to give good results. A copy has been received of a Handbook containing a list of the herbaceous plants and under shrubs of the Gold Coast, which forms a companion volume to the ‘List of trees, shrubs and climbers’ noticed in the Agricultural News last year. The enumeration represents only a very small proportion of the whole flora, but collectors are constantly bringing to light new material which will form a basis for future systematic work, Asa result of the recent vaccinatory measures under- taken by the Government of British Guiana on the East Coast of that Colony, upwards of 700 animals have been treated against anthrax during the past three weeks, and it is stated in the Demerara Daily Argosy (March 20, 1915) that not a single instance of death has resulted therefrom. Through the courtesy of the Govenments of Trinidad and St. Vincent, a supply of vaccine was obtained pending the arrival of the supply ordered by the Board from England. An estimate of the yield of crops in the United States during 1914 appearsin Zhe Board of Trade Journal for February 11, 1915. In regard to maize, it is stated that this crop was not so extensively cultivated as in the two preceding years, and this is reflected in the decreased production of 2,672,804,000 bushels, which is only a moderate crop. Not- withstanding this, however, the high prices prevailing have made it the most valuable maize crop ever produced in the United States. This information is of interest in connexion with the extending area under Indian corn in the West Indies, In countries like Australia, which possess limited resources as regards iron but large timber resources, the idea of using wood piping as the substitute for metal piping has gained much support. The catalogue of the Australian Wood Pipe Co., Ltd., contains avery complete account of the sub- ject, and is illustrated with a large number of photographs showing the pipes being used for different purposes, the principal one being for water-supply. It is pointed out that wood piping has many advantages over iron piping: the initial cost of the material is less, durability is greater (since wood saturated with water is indestructible), and there is little trouble in regard to the effect of frost. The present shortage in England of synthetic yellow dyes has been temporarily met by the increased use of fustie, a natural yellow dye stuff in the wood of a tree (CiJorochora: tinctoria) which grows freely in Jamaica and also in British Honduras. ‘The increased demand has greatly raised the price of fustie. Only a moderate amount of eut fustie wood was, as it happened, available when the demand first increased after the outbreak of war, but as a result of the action of the Imperial Institute, the Government of Jamaica have offered to purchase from the growers further supplies and carry these at Government cost to Kingston, the port of shipment. Negotations are accordingly now pending for the purchas and shipment of considerable quantities of Jamaica fustie b dyers in England. The Government of British Honduras is also taking action in this matter, and a further supply of the wood may possibly be forthcoming from that Colony. “Vou. XIV. No. 340. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 157 Manurial Experiments with Indian Corn Thrips on Cacao Trees.—A small pamphlet in Nevis.—The report of the Agricultural Instructor, having this title has recently been prepared by Mr. J. O. Nevis, for the quarter ended March 31, 1915, states: The Moore, Superintendent of Agriculture, Grenada, and published . cotton demonstration plot was laid out as manurial experi- by the Board of Agriculture of that Colony. In this publica- mental plots for Indian corn. Each plot was }-acre in size tion it is pointed out that thrips cause injury by feeding on and numbered from 1 to 4, and the experiment carried out in the tender tissues of the leaves and pods. It is stated that the duplicate. The plots were planted late in December and infestation of trees by thrips is frequently correlated with the following manures applied early in January :— unhealthy surroundings, such as unfavourable conditions of soil and climate, or to a natural want of vigour in the trees Plot 1 No manure ; ‘ f Plot 2 Pen manure (5 small cart loads) — themselves .It is therefore recommended that attention should Plot 3 Basic slag (40 tb.) be given to the production of a healthy environment by means 2 of proper drainage, supply of organic matter to the soil, and Sulphate of potash (20 tb. Bi : ES ai ; Pee: povashi ) the provision of shelter. Attention is called to the fact that Sulphate of ammonia (30 tb.) thei 1 1 Iaeaee) h Plot 4 Cotton-seed meal (90 Ib.) young thrips on pods may complete their deve opment on the y empty shells, and when mature may fly away to infest other During the month of January the weather was very pods and leaves. Instead of allowing the shells to remain favourable and the plants made rapid progress in growth, scattered or in heaps about the field, they should be buried, but in February the weather became very dry, and much }urnt, or covered with lime. worse in March. The plants suffered very much and the Several preparations are described for spraying. These crop was somewhat prematured. The crop was reaped on jnelude resin wash, resin compound, kerosene emulsion, resin March 22, and the average returns were as follows:— and whale-oil soap compound, whale-oil soap and Scalo. Plot 1 FIQunuGh corn on thers It may be added that further information in regard to Plot 2 Ripe. , oa thrips on cacao will appear ina succeeding issue of the Agr- Plot 3 Hoes ).,, sae cultural News. under Insect Notes. Plot 4 590 Ib. S300 * 93 Sane The above figures indicate that no net financial gain acerued from the manuring. It has to be remembered however, especially in the case of the pen manure and cotton- The Timber Resources of Cuba.—The forest seed meal, that there is a large residual effect which may show areas of the island are mainly in the Santiago district, and itself in subsequent crops. Furthermore the dry weather although during the last decade immense areas have been prevented, no doubt, the full effect of the artificial manures cleared for cultivation, it is estimated that about one-seventh being shown. of the cultivable area of Camaguey and Oriente Provinces yet remains in primeval forests. While undoubtedly there still exists in the Cuban forests much valuable timber, they have been depleted to a great extent of those valuable woods for The Tohoku College of Agriculture.—Incor- which there is a demand in foreign markets, especially cedar porated with the Tohoku Imperial University of Japanis and mahogany. The Government exercises control over the a college of agriculture of considerable size. The institution forests, whether of public or private ownership, and no timber is described in a publication issued by the college and can be cut for any purpose without a permit being obtained recently received at this Office. It is stated in the historical from the chief of the Bureau of Forestry of the district in summary that the college consists of four departments— which the timber is situated. Notwithstanding the stringent agriculture, agricultural chemistry, forestry, and zootechny, laws and regulations adopted to prevent the cutting of timber and it is interesting to add that the institution has grown on lands by persons who have no right thereto, the forests on out of the old Sappora Agricultural College, established in lands belonging to the State have been robbed and in a great 1876 by General Count Kuroda, the far-sighted colonial measure stripped of their most valuable products. Much of Governor of Hokkaido. Since that time the college has the land classified as forest or timber land has long since been become affiliated to the University and has made great stripped of all timber of marketable value, and at the present improvement in its curriculum and has added many new rate, with no effort at renewal, it will not be long until no buildings. As well many acres of land: have been set aside merchantable timber will be found in the island. (Jowrnal of for scientific investigation and experiment. The farms alone the Royal Society of Arts, March 5, 1915.) cover an area of 14,950 acres, and nearly 200,000 acres are reserved for the study of forestry. From this it will be seen that the institution is a very large one. The course of agriculture covers a period of three years, and in this con- nexion it is of interest to note that the average age of the students in each year, respectively, is twenty-two and a half, The Board of Trade Journal for February 18, 1915, twenty-four and a half, and twenty-six—rather high in com- contains notes of interest in connexion with the demand for parison with those for English colleges. The illustrations in tropical products. A firm nn New Zealand wishes to get the publication under consideration show that the college into touch with manufacturers of soft and hard coco-nut is provided with excellent laboratories, a large museum, and butter suitable for biscuit makers and confectioners; a Nova a special building is devoted to the study of economics, Scotia firm is making a demand for palm kernels; while whilst large buildings are provided for breeding experiments, 4 note concerning the demand for lemons in Ivussia is of some dairy work, and veterinary operations. Altogether it would significance in relation to the supply from Sicily during the seem that this institution is a model one of its kind, and, as war. The commercial campaign conducted by the English publications show from time to time, is gradually achieving Board of Trade is likely to result in an extension of the its ideal of turning out fresh knowledge, not only of local consumption in different parts of the world of the tropical but also of international importance. products of the British Empire. THE FOOD CROPS. THE CULTIVATION OF LIMA BEANS. In connexion with the Cireularrecently issued by this Department urging an extension of the area under Lima beans, the information to be found on pages 22 and 23 of the Botanic Station Report, Antigua, 1909-10, is likely to be of interest. The information referred to deals with trials made with two forms of this bean—the Lima bean and the Barbuda bean —both being varieties of the species Phaseolus liunatus. The first point which received attention was the amount of moisture contained in these two plants, and it was found that the loss after drying in air was for the Barbuda bean, 73°5 per cent., and for the Lima bean 73:5 percent. This will be seen to compare favourably with Woolly pyrol (Phascolus Mungo) which lost as much as 76°3 per cent. In other words, the beans belonging to the species lunatus contain more dry matter than that belonging to the species Mungo. The value of Phaseolus lunatus as a green dressing is therefore greater in this respect. Measurements wre made of the main roots of these plants with a view to finding out from what layer of soil their food supplies are obtained. Sixty-six days after planting, the root of the Barbuda bean measured 16 inches, that of the Lima bean 13 inches, and that of the Wooly pyrol 114 inches. This tends toshow that the first two varieties are more deep rooting than Woolly pyrol. At the time when these experiments were made, the number of acres of estate land cultivated in Barbuda bean (as a green dressing) was 112, while that under Woolly pyrol was 42, and that under Lima bean was nii/. Some interesting figures are given in the report under consideration, of the w-ights of different green dressings grown at Skerretts and other experiment plots. Lima bean planted on August 4 and reaped on October 8 gave 138 Ib. of green bush from ,},- acre, which is equivalent to 5,520 tb. per acre. The Barbuda bean (,',-aere) planted and reaped on the same dates, yielded 206 bb., equivalent to 8,480 tb. per acre. A similar area of Woolly pyrol planted and reaped on the same dates gave 74 lb., equivalent to 2,960 Ib. per acre. These figures show the great value of the Barbuda bean as a green dressing, and help to explain its popularity amongst Antinguan planters. The above information refers entirely to the value of the genus Phaseolus as green dressings. It will be remembered that the present policy involves the cultivation of these plants not merely as soil improvers but as food crops and grown on a field scale. Curiously attention was given to Lima beans from this point of view as early as 1903, and in the Antigua Report for that year there are figures to show the yields obtained under experimental conditions. A plot was established on June 2, 1903, and the beans were planted 18 inches apart in beds 4 feet wide. The growth was good and very little insect attack was experienced. The yield of shelled beans was 100 Ib. As the planting was much too wide, a second crop was put in, two rows at 1 foot apart on each bank: the yield of this planting is not recorded. Bush Lima beans were also sown on October 16, 1903, after Indian corn, on plot 22 at 1 foot apart, two rows’ on a bank. The growth was good, and the beans were harvested on January 7, 1904. The yield obtained was 44 i. of shelled beans, The area of each plot was ;'j-acre. AGRICULTURAL NEWS. May . 8 19150 INTERESTING BEANS IN AMERICA. The Inventory of seeds and plants imported by the Office of Foreign Seed and Plant Introduction of the United States Department of Agriculture during October 1 to December 31, 1912, contains several interesting references to species of Stizolobium (Lion bean), Canavalia (Sword}and Jack bean), Phaseolus (Adzuki), and Vigna (Asparagus bean). The references to these have been collected together from the above publication and brought under their respective generie headings. In regard to Stizolobium, a note is made on the presenta- tion of S. nivewm and S. pachylobvum by the Botanical Survey of India, and it is stated that all the varieties received have been known in India to have been in cultivation for centuries. Another spieces of Stizolobinm, received from the same source, resembled the Florida velvet bean very closely, but it was not suitable for forage owing to the trouble caused by the stinging hairs. Still another species obtained from India, from a differeut source, was described as an annual of climb- ing habit, the immature seed pods being borne in clusters and eaten when about 6 inches in length. When cooked they are said to resemble, and to be almost equal to, the French bean. Stizolobium cenereum is very similar to the one just described. Speaking of the Stizolobiums as an article of food, the Superintendent of the Government Horticultural Gardens, Lucknow, says: ‘regarding the value of the fruits as an article of food, I may say that Ihave eaten them regularly and appreciate them as I have other similar beans. I have not. heard of any bad results from eating the pods. It must be remembered that they are eaten only in the young state, when they are tender and practically free from hair. Before cooking, the outer skin is carefully scraped so as to ensure that no hairs remain. The pod is very succulent and is, so far as I know, wholesome, and may be recommended as an article of diet.’ ; Turning to the genus Canavalia, it is stated that C gladiatum (the Sword bean) may be eaten when the pods are young, and that this is a very useful vegetable because it is obtainable [in India] when other vegetables are scarce. The Jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) also receives attention, and the remarks made by an Hawaiian planter are referred to. It is said that there is no great difficulty in inducing cattle to eat the Jack bean. They certainly seem to prefer the vine to the pods at first, but by judicious mixture with other fodders the cattle ean be taught to appreciate both parts of the plant. An interesting reference is that which has regard to Phaseolus angularis (the Adzuki bean) sent to the United States from Cuba. ‘The presenter states: ‘last year 1 found a few plants of what was tome anew bean. The plant is small, 4 to 10 inches tal], with yellow blossoms, but the pods set on more like a cowpea than like a white soy bean of the North. They roast nicely and make a good cereal coffee; also seem to cook as a soup bean except a little slow to soften.’ Another writer says: ‘these are employed in Japan for human food. The commonest method of eating them is to make a meal from the beans, from which cakes of various kinds are made.’ On another page a note on this bean says that those of the best quality cost about 15c. a quart, smaller beans, of second quality 10c. These prices refer apparently to the Japanese trace. The last bean of interest in the publication is the Asparagus bean (Vigna [dolichos] sesquipedalis). This was sent from Cuba and is indeed known as the Cuba or Asparagus bean. It is an annual of climbing habit grown for its long pod, which when immature is served like the French bean. The pods when fully grown are 9 to 12 inches long. Vor. XIV. No. 340. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 159 DOWN THE ISLANDS. ITEMS OF LOCAL INTEREST. ©RENADA. The Superintendent of Agriculture (Mr. J.C. Moore) in a recent letter informs this Office that the cacao fields throughout the island are in splendid condition for the season, compared with that for the past three years. The crop greatly improved during the month of March and the prospects for a good finish are apparent. Nutmegs were showing a good crop. Routine work in the Botanic Gardens included the clearing up of bush infested with Love Vine on uncultivated land, spraying lime seedlings with ‘Scalo’ against green scale, and mulching lime beds with leaf sweepings, which has proved very effective in helping the plants through the dry season. The Superintendent states further that he has associated himself to a considerable extent with educational work: ‘Notes on the Teaching of Agriculture in the Primary Schools of St. Lucia’ has been prepared for the Board of Education; and the Superintendent has, in response to the Governor's wishes, offered to give a course of lectures to teachers next August. In regard to Land Settlement, applications for lots at St. Cyr were received and considered, and selected allottees were soon to be given occupation. Meetings of peasant proprietors were held during the month at which short addresses were delivered by the Agricultural Instructor. The weather during March was very dry with very high winds during the last ten days. The weather during April in this island, as in others, underwent a sudden change and extremely heavy rains were experienced. The report of the Acting Land Officer, Grenada, for the month of March 1915, states that the improvement of the by-way which passes through the St. Cyr Settlement was earried on during the month. The Land Officer visited a section of the Crown Lands forest and inspected the condition of the boundary lines and the huts. Another visit was paid in company with the Superintendent of Agriculture to the experimental plots of rubber, Ippi-appa, and camphor in -the Grand Etang section. An account of the condition of these plots is not included in the report. sv. VINCENT. The Agricultural Superintendent (Mr. W. N. Sands) reports that the trials with Bermuda onions at the Experiment Station have given useful results. Planting on the flat and on banks showed that far heavier returns can be obtained on the banks. A large order for seed for next season has gone forward. It is stated further that many lots of cotton seed reserved for planting have shown poor germinating power, due no doubt to the bad weather in the picking season. Two lots of seed have been ordered from St. Kitts for a local planter for trial on a large scale. Work in the Experiment Station and Botanic Gardens has included the inspection of several thousand coco-nuts, the reaping of arrowroot and extraction of starch, and the pruning of seeds and shrubs. In the Gardens, a 30-foot basin was being excavated for aquatic plants. This basin when completed will be the largest of its kind in the smaller islands and will add considerably to the attractiveness of the Gardens, besides providing a permanent breeding place for ‘millions’ for distribution. The rainfall during March was very small, in fact the lowest precipitation since the records have been taken by the Department. sr, Lucts. Observations relating to the staple cropt in this Colony, forwarded by the Agricultural Superintenden (Mrs Aa: Brooks), show that the condition of the cacao and lime crops were normal and that sugar was being reaped under favourable conditions. During March, Mr. Brooks prepared and submitted the annual report on the examination of elementary schools in agriculture. He alsospent nine days at the northern end of the island dealing with general agricultural matters relating to the lime juice factory and the Botanic Gardens. It is stated that the last 3 casks of lime juice were to be shipped by first opportunity, making a total crop for the year of 43 casks as against 6 the previous year. Work in the Experiment Stations and Gardens has included mulching, weeding, reaping of canes, preparing land for further planting of cane, and the budding of citrus fruits. The. rainfall during the month was very low; at the Botanic Station, Choiseul, it was nil. NEVIS. Some interesting figures are included in a quarterly report from the Agricultural Instructor (Mr. W. I. Howell) in connexion with the manuring of Indian corn. These results will be found on another page in this or the succeeding issue. As regards cotton, the second growth in many of the fields was damaged by worm; but in other fields chiefly to the windward part of the island, the second picking was very good. Leaf-blister mite was observed toa fairly large extent. At the time of writing the cane crop was almost reaped and the greater part had been sold to the St. Kitts factory. Sugar was made ona few estates and this realized good prices in the local market. The young canes were very promising and the fields had nearly all made a good stand, but in many cases the preparation had been very indifferent. During the month of March the rainfall was very low, and the crops suffered considerably, especially the more advanced fields. During the quarter, provision crops did fairly well and the limes at Maddens estate have considerably improved as the result of a fairly heavy application of pen manure. lLive-stock is stated to be in good condition. The Mysore bull is stated to be in good condition and there are a fair number of young half-bred calves coming on. The Hackney stallion ‘Major’ is stated to bein very fine order, and is open to service to all mares in the island at a very moderate fee. Regular visits to the plantations in the different parts of the island were paid by the Agricultural Instructor and advice given as to the work in progress. Mr. Shepherd, the Agricultural Superintendent, and Mr. Waterland, the Assist- ant Chemist, visited the island towards the latter part of the present quarter. VIRGIN ISLANDS. The drought experienced during the two previous months continued throughout March, and agricultural operations in the Gardens and experiment plots were seriously hampered. The Acting Curator (Mr. C. A. jomes) states that the reaping, drying, grading and packing of onions for shipment formed work of some importance. Some 2,000 fb. of onions were reaped and handled at the Experiment Station. The cotton factory ginned and shipped 60 bales of cotton during the month, and 24 barrels of local sugar were produced for the use of the peasantry. A second picking of cotton was not expected owing to unfavourable weather, and a limited number of limes has been received at the factory owing to the same cause. The young coco-nnt fields are, however, making fair progress. There has been an extensive planting of corn, and interest in the co-operative side of corn production as well as of onion production was stimulated by a visit from Dr. Tempany. ' 160 MARKET REPORTS. London.—Tue West InprA Commirrer CrrcuLar April 6, 1915, Arrowroot—2}d. to 2,yd. Barata—Sheet, 2/2; block, 1/114 per tb. Breswax—No quotations. Cacso-—Trinidad, 98/- per cwt.; Grenada, 89/- to 96/6; Jamaica, no quotations. Corree—Jamaica, no quotations. Corra—West Indian, £26 10s. per ton. Corron—Fully Fine no quotations; Floridas, no quota- tions; West Indian Sea Island, 15¢. to 18d. Freir—No quotations. Fustic—No quotations. Gincer—Quiet. IstnGiass—No quotations. Honey—No quotations. Lime Juice—Raw, no quotations; concentrated, £21; Otto of limes (hand-pressed), no quotations. Locwoop—No quotations Mace—1/4d. to 2/11d. Nurmecs—4jd. to d5}d. Pinento— Quiet. Russer—Para, fine hard, 2/5§; fine soft, 2/37; Castilloa, 1/7 to 2/-. Rum—Jamaica, 3/ to 4/ New York.—Messrs. Grunesrie Bros., & Co., April 17, 1915. Cacao—Caracas, 16$c. to 17}¢.; Grenada, 17}c. to 174c.; Trinidad, 174c. to 18c.; Jamaica, 154c. to 16}c. Coco-Nuts—Jamaica and Trinidad, selects $24°00 to $26-00; culls, $14°00 to $16°00. CorrrE—Jamaica, 8}c. to 12c. per tb. Gincer—9fe. to 12c. per tb. Goar Skins—Jamaica, 43c.; Antigua and Barbados, 41c. to 43c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 40c. to 42c. per tb. Grave Frouit—Jamaica, $1'20 to $1°75. Limes.—$7 °50 to $8-00. Mace—48c. to 5dc. per tb. Nurmecs—12e. to 14}c. Orances—Jamaica, $1°25 to $150. Pimenro—3dje. per tb. Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 4°89c.; Muscovados, 89°, 4°45c.; Molasses, 89 , 4°24c., all duty paid. Trinidad.— Messrs. 1915. Gorpon, Grant & Co., May 3, Cacao—Venezuelan, no quotations; Trinidad, $19°92 to $20°16. Coco-nut O1—75e. per Imperiai gallon. Corree—Venezuelan, lle. per th. Corra—$4°50 to 34°65 per 100 tb. Drat—$7°50. Ontons—$4°00 per 100 bb. Peas, Sprit—$12:00 per bag. Porators—English $2°25 to $2°50 per 100 tb. Rice—Yellow, $6:00 to $6°25; White, $7°25 per bag. Svucar—American crushed, ne quotations. ; -THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS: f ee . May 8, ,1915. = 4 Barbados.—Messrs. T. §. Garraway & Co. May 3, 1915. Anrrowroot—S$4'00 to $450 per 100 th. Cacao—$13'00 to $14°31 per 100 tb. Coco-Nuts—S16°00. Hay—S1°'90 per 100 th. Manvures—Nitrate of soda, no quotations; Cacao manure, $50°00; Sulphate of ammonia $82°00 per ton. Mo tasses—No quotations. Ontons—$5°67 per 190 Tb. Pras, Sprit—No quotations; Canada, 55°85. Porarors—Noyva Scotia, $2°75 per 160 tb. Rice—Ballam, $6°00 to $6°10 per 190 1b.; Patna, no quota- tions; Rangoon, no quotations. Sucar—Awmerican granulated, no quotations. ; | ‘ : 4 British Guiana.—Messrs. Wietrsc & Ricurer, May — 1, 1915; Messrs. Sanpbacw, Parker & (Co, April 30, 1915. Messrs. Sanp- Messrs. WIETING ARTICLES. een res. mens i= Arrowroor—St. Vincent — $10-00 Barata—Venezuela block Demerara sheet Cacao—Native 1de. ‘per th. l6c. per tb. Cassava— %6e. to $1°20 caste Cassava STARCH— — Coco-nuts— $10 to $15 per M.| $18 per M. | Corree—Creole —— 16c, per th. Jamaica and Rio|l4e. to 15c. per th. 16c. per tb. Liberian 10e. per tb. 10c. per tb. Daat— $825 per bag of 168 th, Green Dhal Eppors— Motasses— Yellow Ontons—Tenerifte Madeira Preas—Split $1-44 None $12-00 to $12'50 |$13-00 to $1400 per bag. (210 tb.) Marseilles = PLANTAINS— 16c. to 48c. — Porators—Nova Scotia $2°50 $3-00 Lisbon = Poratoes--Sweet, B’bados S168 —_ Rice—Ballam No quotation — Creole $5°50 to $5°75 $5°50 TANNIAS— $2°88 a Yams— White — ee Buck $2°64 =—- Svcar—Dark crystals $3°50 to $3-60 $3°50 Yellow $4°00 to $4°10 $4:-00 White — a Molasses $3°10 to $3°25 TiIMBER—GREENHEART 32c. to 5dc. per cub. foot Wallaba shingles} $4°00 to 56°25 per M. »» Cordwood| $1°80 to $200 per ton 32c. to 5dc. cub. fork ‘ $4:00 to $6°00 per M. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture FOR THE The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. WEST INDIES. A Quarterly Scientific Journal. Volume 1. No. 1. Out of print. Nos. 2, 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price 1s. each. Post free, 1s. 2d.; Volumes II, IIT, IV, V, VI, VO, VIL, IX, X, XI, XIT and XITI:—Price ; and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.) (IIT, 2, IV, 2s. each; Post free 2s. 87., where complete. Volume XIV, Nos. 13 2,3and 4. No. 3 Containing Papers on A Veterinary Survey of the Windward and Leeward Is lands, by P. T. Saunders, M. R.C.V.S.; Epizootic Lymphangitis, by P. T. Saunders, M.R.C.V.S.; Agricultural Education and Tts Adaptation to the Needs of the Student, by Dr. Francis Watts’ CAL.G: The Lime Taice: : Prevalence of Specific Gravities of Budding’ of Cacao, by Joseph Jones; The Analysis of Citrate of Lime and Concentrated Cane some Pests and Diseases in the West Indies during 1913. Sugar Solutions at 30°C. (Douglas); Report on the PAMPHLET SERIES. The Pamphlets are written in a simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially adapted to West Indian conditions. present time is seventy-five. Sucar Iypusrry. Seedling and other Canes at Barbados in 1900, No. 3, price 2¢.; in 1901, No. 13; in 1902. No. 19; in 1903, No. 26; in 1904. No. B2; price 4d. each. 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Some numbers of the early volumes are out of print and therefore these volumes can no longer be supplied complete. The seale of charges for ADVERTISEMENTS may be obtained on application to the Agents. A opies are to be addressed to the Ayents, not to the Department. applications for Agents. The following have been appointed Agents for the sale of the publications of the Department:— London: Messrs. Dutau & Co., 37, Soho Square, W. West Ixpra Commirrer, 15, Seething Lane. Barbados: Apyocate Co. Lrp., Broad Street, Bridgetown. Jamaica; THe Epucarionan Suppty Company, 16, King Street, Kingston. British Guiana: Tue Dariy CrroNtcie ’ Orrice, Georgetown. Trinidad: Messrs. Murr-Marsuatu & Co,; Port-of- Spain, Pobago: Mr. C. L. PLaGemann, Scarborough. Bandar Lewis W. CLEMENS, 71 King Street, Grenada: Messrs. THos. Lawtor & Co., St. St. Vincent: ae J. D. Bonaprg, ‘Times’ Office. St. Lucia: Mr. W. aa ES, Botanic Station. Dominica: Mr. t R. 3RIDGEWATER, Roseau. Montserrat: Mr. W. none Botanic Station. Antigua: Mr. 8. D. Matone, St. John’s. St Aitts: Toe Brete aNd Book Suppty AGENCY, BASSRTERRE. Nevis: Messrs. Howett, Bros., Charlestown. West, Toronto. George. q ; = < Vou. XIV. No. 340. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. May 8, 1915. THE BEST MANURES FOR COLONIAL USE ARE. Dissolved Peruvian Guano—Foz Sugar-cane and general use ‘Special Sugar-cane Manure Special Cocoa Manure Special Cotton Manure Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Superphosphates, (high grades), Potash Salts, Nitrolim and all other high-class Fertilizers. APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS ORSDIRECT TO:— THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL (LATE OHLENDORFE’S) GUANO WORKS. London Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C. Barbados Agents: James A. Lynch & Co., Ltd., Bridgetown. WEST INDIES. ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE. FPVULIS illustrated booklet, published as No. 74 of the Pamphlet Series of the Imperial Departinent of Agriculture, gives a simple but comprehensive account of all matters pertaining to the successful production of Sea Island cotton in the West Indian islands. The publication constitutes an entirely new and up to date edition of the A B C of Cotton Cultivation published by the Depsrtment in the early stages of the industry, and embraces all the new developments that have sinee heen the outcome of practical experience and experiment. NATURE says:—‘This comprehensive account of Sea Island cotton in the West Indies... . forms a very trust- worthy guide to those concerned in the . . . industry... the pamphlet is very well illustrated; the general informa- tion has been selected with great care, and the compilers are to be congratulated on the preparation of so useful a manual.” ' THE KEW BULLETIN observes:—‘The information contained in the work has evidently been selected with great care. . . and should certainly be consulted not alone by West Indian planters but by those interested in the subject in other [Oe at a countries,’ THE FIELD states:—‘An adinirable little booklet which might be widely imitated by other parts of the tropical Bmpire, as regards not only cotton but other products.’ Favourable notices have also appeared in the India Rubber World and The Boord of Trade Jow nal. COTTON CULTIVATION IN THE WEST INDIES, pp. 118, Figs. 55. Price 9d. Post free, 11d. From all Agents for the Department's Publications. Printed at Office of Agricultural Reporter, 4 High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados. woe I, I EE SATURDAY, MAY 22, 1915. ~ [One penny R.M.S.P. REGULAR SERVICES FROM THE WEST INDIES TO Panama Canal, Canada & The United Kingdom. PORTS OF CALL FROM BARBADOS, AU ue sy, =< 2 Trinidad (for West India islands and Demerara), Puerto Colombia, Cartagena, Colon (for Panama Canaland Pacific Ports), St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Dominica, Montserrat, Antigua, St. Kitts, Bermuda to St. John (N.B.). ALSO FROM LIVERPOOL, TO ‘Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina, Via Spain, Portugal, Madeira & St. Vincent. FROM LONDON TO Morocco, Canary Islands, Madeira. = THE ROYAL MAIL STEAM PACKET COMPANY Head Office: 18, Moorgate Street, London. Branches at BARBADOS, Trinidad, Tobago, Colon, Jamaica, Antilla, New York, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, etc. vu? VE 1 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. THE BARBADOS. CuHristy & Norris, 0-0PERATIVE COTTON FACTORY, LTD. CHELMSFORD, ENGLAND. Cotton Ginners and Oil Refiners. Specialize in Machinery We make a speciality. in our “Star” brands in COTTON SEED OIL. for:— LINSEED OIL. GRINDING & SIFTING: | Conlon Saas. »MAIZE, COTTON SEED, BONES, | All orders received by us willmeet with our careful attention. SPICES, SALT, ETC. THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE : COTTON FACTORY, LIMITED Write for Catalogue, and ’ , DISINTEGRATOR. send sample of material you WHITE PARK ROAD, (346) wish to grind. BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. = —— a? » LOLS. GOST ISSUED. mag B ——_— py WEST INDIAN BULLETIN. Vol. XIV, No. 4 Containing papers on: The Production of Pork and Bacon A new Industry for the West Indies, by Dr. Francis Watts, SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENT: C.M.G.; Commerce and’ Science in Cotton Growing, by | John W. McConnell; Bordeaux Mixture; Some Sugar) Factory Calcniations, by Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G.; Sugar| Industry in Cuba, by Noel Deerr; Report on Land Settle-| ment Scheme in St. Lucia; Memorandum en the Geology of | the Ground Waters of Antigua, by T. Wi oe Vi anghan; |The Ground Waters of Antigua, by Dr. H. A. Tempany; and Cotton Leaf Diseases, by W. Nowell, DIC. FOR SALE. The very valuable, fertile and accessible property “H'D Be At Soufriere, St. Lucia. Containing about 400 aeres, of which about 100 SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENT. acres is plante! in Limes, 100 acres in Cocoa. There are also some canes and cocoa-nuts, a large number of Vanilla vines and Pear Trees, also Banana, Orange, Grape fruit and Pine-apples. } A WATERWHEEL and MILL in perfect order for crushing Limes and Canes, a full supply of carts and animals, two dwelling housés in perfect order. INSPECTION IS INVITED. For all further particulars, apply to FRANK H. JOHNSON, | St. LUCIA, B.W.I. | (346) =F ao Gos eee CS Ry A URAL A Pay AP or — f Sy A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW OF THE IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES, Wor, MOV. No. 341. BARBADOS, MAYa 225 1915: Price ld. CONTENTS. PAGE. PAGE. India Corn: Feeding and Manurial Vialieeeiee ee Sessa oxay 166 Agricultural Banks... ... 169 Antigua Corn Granary . 169 BGOMASNOME 5 occ) cee axe LGD Cacao, Fermentation of ... 164 | Insect Notes:— Canada-West Indies Pre- The Cotton Worm ... 166 ferential Trade Agree- The Difficulties of Plant ment ae Br Ue laren Wet (Quarantine sop ED) Cotton Notes: — Notes and Comments ... 168 Cotton-seed Oil in Butter 166 | Onions, Cultivation of ... 171 West Indian Cotton . 166 | Oranges and Lemons, Great Departmental Reports ... 173 Britain’s Supply of ... 164 Exports from Dominica, Radium, A Cheap Form of 169 1914 . 168 | Seeds for Planting, Treat- Fungus Notes:— mento eam 2: ..5) LOS A Preliminary Note on Self-burning Limestone a Disease of Carica in Syria Set cest tes abaD, Papaya ... ... 174) Students’ Corner 173 Diseases of Cassava in Sugar Industry:— Demerara .. 174 West Indian Canes in Root Diseases in Mi alaya 174 SouthpAttues —... .... 162 Gleanings ... 172, The Role of Caleium Car- Ground Nuts, Extending bonate ... enol the Market for . 164) West Indian Products Lio The Role of Calcium Carbonate. -limestone, coral or m A LCIUM Z—" ehalk—is a mineral to which chemists attach the greatest fertility of the soil. It neutralizes bacterial activity; it acts to some extent as a plant food: it liberates potash from insoluble silicates: and it has carbonate importance as regards the acidity: it hastens a very decided beneficial etfect upon the physical condi- tions of the soil. This substance, when strongly heated, gives off, as most know, carbon dioxide, and pe yple quicklime or calcium oxide remains. The ovxide, which rapidly becomes converted into the hydroxide in marked This effect is its sterilizing the presence of moisture, has an even more effect on the soil than the carbonate. seen principally in regard to action whereby bacterial activity is at first reduced, but later enormously accelerated as the oxide changes into the carbonate. Once in the soil, the hydroxide soon undergoes this change and combines with carbon dioxide and other acid radicles like nitrates and becomes calcium carbonate again, or calcium the Calcium the principal though against acidity and is itself soluble nitrate as case may be. carbonate, calcium salt in the soil, is not readily removed since it serves as a weak base in water contain- ing carbon dioxide, the store of calcium carbonate is slowly depleted: and where a soil is not naturally rich in this mineral, its artificial application is generally advisable particularly on clay and peaty soils. The importance oi calcium carbonate as evidenced by these considerations based on experiments conducted in temperate countries leads one to ask whether the mineral is adequately employed in the Tropics. It is a matter of common knowledge that the majority of soils in the Tropics are remarkably deficient in lime, and yet their standard o! fertility compares favourably with those of temperate countries. Manurial experiments with lime in the Tropics have not given any very strik- ing results, except that in many cases it has been shown | that applications of lime do not pay. Locally this has PL 4 4 been demonstrated in the Leeward Islands and in British Guiana.* ()uite recently in the Federated Malay Statest+ an interesting investigation has been conducted with a view to ascertaining what are the 162 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. May 22, 1915. lime requirements of rubber soils. The American method was adopted whereby a weighed quantity of -soil is allowed to remain for a definite time in contact with a very dilute standard solution of lime. The amount not neutralized is then determined, from which the quantity absorbed from the soil is calculated -and expressed im tons per acre 1 foot depth. The magnitude of some of the figures obtained, especially for the clay soils, indicated that liming treatment as hitherto advocated is totally imadequate. On -estate, quicklime to the amount of 4-ton per acre only was being applied, whereas the acidity when -estimated proved to be equivalent to over 6 tons. To one produce even approximate neutrality in such cases by , -quicklime would be prohibitive on the score of expense, but it would be feasible perhaps if ground limestone were used. Considering that good yields are under the present methods obtained in the Malaya, it would seem that a certain amount of acidity is not harmful, and indeed be beneficial. ‘To arrive at a decision on this point further experi- ments are anticipated. More than once the suggestion has been made that many tropical plants—as well as rice—may take up a part of their nitrogen in the form of ammonia. This would in part obviate the necessity -of lime being present on account of the absence of nitrification. may Whether this explanation is true or not, it is certain that tropical plants as a whole are not as -dependent ona large supply of calcium carbonate as are those plants experimented with countries. in temperate SUGAR — INDUSTRY. WEST INDIAN CANES IN SOUTH AFRICA. by the time this issue has appeared many of our readers will have noted an article im the West India Committee Circular, which was reproduced from the ‘South African Agricultural News, dealing with the results of cane seedling trials in Natal. This article, dealing with West Indian canes, contains information of sufficient technical and local interest to warrant publication in this journal also. The only variety of sugarcane grown to any large extent at the present time in Natal is the Uba, and although it is not altogether a very satisfactory type froma milling point of view, it meets with great favour by the planters, and is the only one that has hitherto stood successfully the ravages of frost and drought, as well as the various fungoid and animal pests met with in the sub-tropical areas of this Province. Still, it is not reasonable to hope that the Uba *See Agricultural News, Vol. XIII, p. 227. tBarroweliff, M., Agricultural Bwletin of the Federated Malay States, Vol. III, No. 2. will indefinitely continue tobe the satisfactory cropper and be as free from disease as it is at the present time. For these reasons the late Natal Government, in co-operation with some of the planters’ associations, from time to time intro- duced from various sources other varieties which would be most likely to flourish under local conditions. Of the fourteen varieties of cane given below, the first ten were introduced some twelve years ago, the majority being from the West Indies and Guiana. Several other varieties were also introduced at the same time, but for various reasons they have been discarded. The three Java varieties, Java Nos. 105 and 147 and Cheribon were obtained in Mareh 1909 from Egypt, as representing the best types of cane grown in that country. The Indian cane (Agaul, from Sultanpur) is only one variety out of nine supplied in 1911 by the Inspector-General of Agriculture in India, the remain- ing eight having made but poor growth. The results obtained in connexion with the plant canes in the variety plots are given in the table on the next page. The following detailed information supplied by the Farm Manager at Winkel Spruit, with regard to the different varieties of cane, will be of interest: — 1. Antigua B. 15.—A healthy-logking cane of rather drooping habit, liable to attack from cane borers, the per- centage loss of crop from this cause being abont 2 per cent. It has given only a moderate crop, stools badly, and is hardly likely to prove of economic value in Natal. 2. Demerara D. 74.—This cane gives a moderately good yield, and is less liable to the attack of the cane borers than some of the other Demerara varieties. It still maintains its superiority over most of the other types, but the per- centage of sucrose in the juice is, however, lower than in any of the other Demerara canes tested. 3. Demerara D. 95.—Gave a very low yield of cane, but probably this was largely due to unfavourable — soil conditions. The canes were short in length and produced rather short internodes. It showed a great tendency to form adventitious roots and incipient shoots. The cane was attacked by the borer, the loss being about 5 per cent. It does not stool well, and on the whole is an unsatisfactory variety. F 4. Demerara D. 109.—This is a satisfactory cane, stools moderately well, and gave a good yield. 5. Demerara D. 145,—Gave only a moderate crop, and does not stool satisfactorily. Very unsatisfactory also in yield and richness of juice. 6. Demerara D. 625.—This cane is exceptionally stout and upright with long internodes, but was unfortunately attacked by borer, the loss amounting approximately to 10 per cent. - It is the heaviest cropper of all varieties tested and yields a good percentage of juice of fairly high density, It is worthy of trial on a more extensive scale. 7. Queensland No. 2.—A stout cane producing rather poor stools and with low percentage of juice. 8. Queensland No. 3.—A thin cane, but with better stools than No. 2. Both the Queensland canes may be classed as moderate in qualities of growth or production. 9. Honolulu Rose Bamboo.—A thin cane of slightly drooping habit, fairly healthy, and possessing long internodes. q ——_—— eS | Fairly satisfactory as regards yield and stooling qualities, but _ suffered slightly from borer attack. 10. Horne.—Gave disappointing results, the yield being very poor. ‘This cane is short, stools badly, is given to the undesirable production of roots from the nodes, and the eyes show a strong tendency to sprout. It was attacked by borer, the loss amounting to roughly 5 per cent. It is evidently not suited to the present environment. * a mevOI; STV, payor 34:1 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 163 RESULTS IN CONNEXION WITH THE SUGAR-CANE FROM THE VARIETY PLOTS, WINKEL SPRUIT, HARVESTED IN NOVEMBER 1915, i E Composition of Normal Juice. ; Weight | Percent- | Quotient | ~~ Tn th. per gallon. > Gallons | Sucrose, Variety of Cane. of cane ageof | of : Th eS |! of juice | {in Ib. per acre juice by | Purity. | Sucrose. | Glucose. |Solids not) Glucose per acre. | per acre. in tons. mill. | Sugar. | Ratio. Antigua B.157 234 63-7 | 94:4 2°19 0:029 0-101 1°33 2.740 6,010 Demerara D.74 gi | 68S | 95-4 199 | 0023 | oo74 | 1:16 | 3620 | 7.200 Pee 195 16— 61-4 95:1 214 0-025 | 0-085 | 1-15 1,810 | 3,880 = D.109 293 Gpet, i (9p:9 2°20 0:022 | 0-073 1:01 | 3,560 7,810 eS D145 234 60:2 |) 92:6 2:02 0 O47 O-ll4 2°33 [| 2,610 5,260 5 D.625 55 64:3 | 93°8 214 0-047 0-095 2°18 BP) 4,130 8,860 Queensland No. 2 233 618 | 92°6 2eD) 0026 | 0152 | 1:16}; 2,680 | 5,960 a No. 3 24 | 65:4 | 935 2-04 0-022 | 0-119 | 1:09 }| 2,980 | 6,080 Honolulu Rose Bamboo 243 64:0 | 94:2 2-00 0-030 0-093 5D 8s) oa 00 6,740 Horne 284 Sosse gene 2:09 0-034 0-116 1-64 1,760 3,680 Java No. 106* 1a 62:2 92-2 1:86 0-031 | 0-123 | 1:65 5, No. 147* | | 60-7 91-6 171 0-038 0-119 2-23 Cheribon* 663 87-4 1-62 0-050 0184 3:07 Agaul (from Sultanpur)* 62:0 | 86-2 161 0-038 0-220 2°39 + Apparently Barbados seedling No, 11, 12 and 13. The Java varieties (from Egypt).— Produced very poor results, judging by the yields from the small areas tested. With the exception of the variety Cheribon, the yield of juice was disappointing and the per- centage of sucrose was also very low. It is, however, necessary t> state that the land in which they were planted Was very unsatisfactry in texture, and as a result of this only about 30 per cent. of the plant cane germinated. All the three varieties are healthy in appearence, stout, and possess long internodes. They ratoon well and are remarkably free from adventitious roots and incipient shoots. 14. Agaul (from Sultanpur).—This is the only variety of the Indian canes that showed any promise at all, but both in yield and milling qualities it has hitherto proved to be much inferior to the Demerara varieties. Manurtan EXxpertMemrs with Usa Cane. | The following abstract has been prepared from the information given in the article on this subject:— These experiments, which have now been in progress for nine years on ratoons, indicate in regard to the relative effect of the different constituents, the disastrous effect of leaving out phosphates without which the yield was little better than The Supplement to the Jamaica Government’ Gazette, February 18, 1915, consists of a report of the Agricultural “Society’s Board concerning Agricultural Credit. In the gen- eral remarks it is said that, as hitherto, one of the weak points j in connexion with the working of the Loan Banks is the book- keeping. Efforts have been made to bring about improvement and uniformity, but much pressure will be necessary before complete success can be attained in this respect. this cane was experimented with either in Antigua or Barbados, variety was not obtained until 1909—apparently some years after the cane was introduced into Natal. A third possibility is that D.115 is referred to—a well-known variety twelve years ago.—Ed. A.N. i * Areas too small to give accurate results as regards yield. 15 obtained through Antigua though no record can be found that It may refer to A.15, though this without manure at all. Without nitrogen there was even a. slightly greater gain than with it. The average yield from a dressing of superphosphate and potash was about 24 tons per acre more than that from superphosphate alone. These- conclusions are drawn from the following table:— GAIN OF CROP PER ACRE FROM MEDIUM DRESSINGS OF COMPLETE AND INCOMPLETE MANURES (AVERAGE OF THE FIVE CUTTINGS). Complete Phosphate Nitrogen Nitrogen Phosphate- manure. & potash & potash & phos- only. only. only. phate. Tons th. Tons ib. Tons tb. Tons hb. Tons b. Series A. 5 1,685 6 315 0 1,354 1 1,423 3 52 Series B. 41,352 5 786 1 569 4 217 3 588 Average 5 518 5 1,550 0 1,961 2 1,820 3 317 The relative ineffectiveness of the nitrogen is. remarkable in the light of West Indian experiments,. and can only be explained on the assumption that the soil was suttciently supphed with this constituent beforehand. In Messrs. Lewis and Peat’s Annual Report on the Indigo market for 1914, it is pointed out that the synthetic- product is entirely a matter of the percentage of indigotin, while vegetable indigo contains important by-products such as indirubin, indigo brown, ete., most valuable assets in the dyeing and wear of cloth. The indigotin test in vegetable indigo is an indication as to the quality, but it is not an all- important feature. Many of the best marks do not always. give a relatively high test, but practical dyers know well what the intrinsic merits of the Indigo are, and are prepared to pay correspondingly high rates for it. 164 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. . May 22, 1915. —_—_—_—__—_—_—_ nk—_ eee FRUIT AND FRUIT PRODUCTS. GREAT BRITAIN’S SUPPLY OF ORANGES AND LEMONS. ‘Home Counties’, the well-known writer on agricultural matters, has some interesting remarks to make in the World’s Work of April 1915, in connexion with oranges and lemons. Speaking of the different kinds of oranges, it is said that the cheapest kind are obtained from Spain, whereas California is noted for the more expensive seedless orange. One of the good things done of recent years has been te get the West Indies to take more trouble in packing. Jamaica in particu- lar has excellent fruit, though its pale appearance is against it in the case of those who have no real knowledge of the fruit. As regards the time when oranges arrive on the English market, it is said that Spain begins sending fruit in November and continues to do so until the end of March, though some fruit may be arriving in May or June, and even August. West Indian fruit arrives from September to December. Jaffa oranges used to arrive between November and March; the Natal and Rhodesian fruits reach England at about the same time as the Naples fruit, that is June onwards to August and September. As regards the best time to consume oranges, February and May is suggested for the Spanish fruit, but ‘the West Indian frnit, because they are not so acid, is good at all times.’ The mark of a good orange is a thin silky skin, firmness and weightiness. The inferior has a coarse thick skin and a puffy interior. The author tersely defines the best orange as ‘the one which is the most difficult to get out of its skin.’ All good oranges, he says, are more or less coloured, but the West Indian fruit, ‘which is excellent, is more like grape-fruits or lemons in tint.’ Turning more particularly to the subject of lemons, it is observed that more than three-quarters come from Sicily. During the season 1913-14 there arrived in England 530,000 boxes of lemons. Some 298,000 were from Palermo, 132,000 from Messina, 50,000 from Naples, 32,000 from Malaga, and 17,000 from Murcia. Most of these boxes contained from 300 to 400 fruits, but some of the Mureia boxes contained only 200. EXTENDING THE MARKET FOR GROUND NUTS. The Director of the Imperial Institute has forwarded from the Technical Information Burean of that establishment a statement dealing with the question of finding a market in the United Kingdom for the large quantities of ground nuts from British possessions which cannot at the present time be fully absorbed by the continental markets to which they have hitherto been exported. Copies of this statement, the principal points in which are reproduced below, have been extensively circulated amongst oil seed crushers and produce merchants in the United Kingdom. It is hoped that as a result of this action a considerable proportion of the supplies will be taken by the United Kingdom, and the ground nuts used there for the production of ground nut oil and ground nut feeding cake as well as for edible purposes. The chief countries of the world from which ground nuts are exported are, in order of importance, India, Senegal, Gambia, China and Nigeria. The value of the exports range from £3,254,246 in the case of India, to £174,716 in the case of Nigeria. The value of the total exports is nearly £4,000,000. In addition, attention~is being given to this crop in other parts of the Empire, including East and South Africa and the West Indies. The chief importing countries for ground nuts in order of importance before the war were France, Germany and Holland, and the most important crushing centres, also in order of importance, were Marseilles, Bordeaux, Dunkirk, Hamburg and Delft. In normal times France imports ground nuts valued at nearly 64 million pounds sterling, but sinee the war this country has been unable to take its normal supply. For this reason, and for the fact that Germany is unable to receive her usual quantity valued at over £1,300,000, the attempt referred to at the beginning of this article of creating a market in the United Kingdom is being made. The principal feature of interest in the statement under review is that which urges an extended employment of ground nuts in the United Kingdom as an article of diet. It is suggested that this material might be more extensively employed in prepared foods as, for example, in the form of peanut butter, and as a vegetable. As regards food for live- stock, the residual cake after the expression of oil is one of the richest feeding stuffs known. As mentioned previously in the Agricultural News, in con- nexion with this subject, it is not to be expected that the area under ground nuts in the West Indies will be increased since this product is not so important a staple, and cannot be grown as satisfactorily as food stuffs like Indian corn and beans. It will, however, be of interest to the readers of the Agricultural News to learn that efforts like the one described in this article are being made in the United Kingdom to find an outlet for those tropical products whose consumption has been seriously affected through the war. THE FERMENTATION OF CACAO. The following account of an interesting experi- ment conducted in Ceylon, is taken from the Tropical Agriculturist (February 1915):— The old method of adding the vinegar from one vat of fermenting cacao to the new vat for fermentation has been tried again, in order to hasten and to obtain a more equal fermentation throughout. But in this case the vinegar was warmed to a temperature of 78 per cent. before being added to the cacao in order not to check the fermentation, when once started. As one vat will not yield sufficient vinegar, the same amount of water is added and mixed with the vinegar. The cacao is not removed from the vat at all during this process, but the vinegar and water well stirred in by being lightly trampledon. Thus an even temperature of 87 per cent. is maintained throughout the sixty-four hours of fermentation. The cacao receives two additions of vinegar and water at a ratio of about 3 gallons of mixed vinegar and water to about 700 Tb. of wet cacao. Samples of cacao treated in this manner and by the ordinary method of adding cold water have been submitted to Messrs. Keell & Waldoek, who reported as follows: ‘Of the two samples of cacao you sent us for our report, in our opinion the sample cured by your usual method is decidedly the better both in break and in general appearance. In the sample cured by cacao vinegar the break is soft and dull in colonr, and the dull appearance of the bean prevents it from passing as No. 1 quality.’ | ; 4 og ve vou, MEV. No: 341. Tie SS LES PLANTES TROPICALES ALIMENTAIRES ET INDUSVRIELLES DE LA FAMILLE DES LEG- UMINEUSES. (Useful Tropical Plants of the Legumin- osae) by P. de Sornay. A. Challamel, Librarie Maritime et Coloninie. Paris, 1913. Though the courtesy of Mr. J. of the International Sugar Journal, we have been furnished with a copy of the original French version of this book pending the arrival of the English translation which is now passing through the press. The book is of special interest to the West Indies at the present time on account of the increased attention that is being given to leguminous crops. In the preface to the volume, the anthor who has had many years’ experience as Assistant Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station in Mauritius, refers to the assistance given him by Mr. Bonime, until lately Director, and it is to be observed in perusing the volume that Bonime’s original work, especially in regard to the chemical aspects of the subject, has been freely drawn upon. The book has been planned with considerable lucidity, and the arrangement displays a broad grasp of the subject under treatment. Discussing in the first two chapters the fixation of nitrogen by the Leguminosae, the author then proceeds in Chapter III to his principal task of describing (with tables of analyses and excellent illustrations) the differ- ent species useful as soil improvers, as fodder crops, and as food for human consumption. Following this are chapters dealing with the comparative value of different species as green dressings, the significance of manganese and of hydrocy- anie acid in regard to the Leguminosae, and the nature of the starch grains typical of different edible seeds of this Order. The nutritive aspects with particular regard to the feeding of animals receive attention in Chapter IX, and this is followed by others in which the gum and _resin- yielding species are described, as well as those yielding useful timber, textile material and medicines. After giving an account of the principal ornamental plants, and useful tables showing the average chemical composition of the different species, the volume concludes with lists of parasitic fungi and insect pests attacking different species, ending with an index to all the species of plants referred to in the text (other than those of a purely ornamental nature). The number of species referred to in this index is 366 out of the 7,000 known to science as belonging to the Order. This brief survey of the contents is sufficient to show that the compilation brings together a large amount of useful information—some of which has not been published before—and indicates above all the highly important position occupied by the Leguminosae in the economy of _ tropical agriculture. would be in‘detail. The work of reference it the contents Being essentially a unnecessarily tedious to review THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. P. Ogilvie, F.C.S., editor 165 statements made appear to be sound and accurate, and judging by the bibliography, most of the leading authorities have been consulted. It should be pointed out, however, that some of the species dealt with are not strictly tropical, for example, the Soy bean and Vicia Fala, Some of the author's conclusions deserve special attention. His favourable opinion of the Canavalias as bean crops is noteworthy in view of the suspicion with which these beans are ftegarded in certain quarters. He thinks this suspicion is simply the result of over-generalizing on the basis of the coloured Lima (Phaseolus lunatus), Mucuna atropurpure:, and Dolichos bulbosus, all of which may certainly exhibit poisonous characteristics. While speaking of poisonous plants it may be noted that a list of dangerous Leguminosae is given, including such species as contain, for instance, saponin; and Leucaena ylauca which, when consumed by horses and mules, causes the hair to fall from their tails. In estimating the value of one species compared with another as a rotation crop, the author takes various matters into consideration, but concludes that it is impossible to say which is superior since almost everything depends upon the climatic conditions under which each is grown. Soil and climatic conditions are more important than relative chemical compositions and recorded yields. Coming to the question of manganese as a factor of fertility, reference is made to Boname’s view that in Mauritius soils the metal acts as a base- for nitric acid in the absence of lime; the author thinks that the chief benefit derived from manganese is its physiologi- cal effect on the plant. These views are of interest in connexion with recent work in Hawaii on the same subject. It seems ungracious to coneludea review of a useful compilation by referring to its minor blemishes, but the mis- placement of pages 473, 474, 471 and 472 in the tables of analyses at the end is unfortunate, and Fig. 66 stated to represent Caesalpinia pulcherrima (the so-called ‘Barbados. Pride’, of the West Indies) does not do so. For these mistakes, however, the author is hardly responsible, and we- may conclude with an expression of thanks in appreciation of the useful service he has rendered to our agriculture, and of the justice he has done to this Natural Order which is sc: wonderfully represented in the Tropics. W. R. OD. During the present year further progress has been made at the Quetta Fruit Experiment Station in designing suitable fruit packages for the five-seer parcels rate. In the origina} Quetta peach crates, chip compartments were used for each peach and laths were employed for the top and bottom of the box. The separate laths were found to be unsuitable in practice on Indian railways on account of the comparative ease with which thefts in transit could be carried out without risk of immediate detection on delivery of the crates. Further, the labour of making the separate chip compart- ments was considerable. Two changes have been made in the Quetta peach crates by which the above disadvantages have been entirely removed. In place of the separate chip compartments, a collapsible card-board fitting has been used This folds flat and is imported ready for use. Two box boards, which leave a ventilation space of about }-inch down the middle of the box, are used instead of the narrow laths. These ‘cannot be removed in transit unless the lead seals are broken. (Agricultural Journal of India.) 166 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 7 “hie a. May 22, 1915. a eee COTTON. WEST INDIAN COTTON. The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week ended May 1, is as follows:— There continues a demand for the Planters’ crop lots remaining in stock, but at prices 1¢. to 2c. below the views of the Factors, who are inclined to be firm in consequence of the recent advance in Savannah for Georgias and Floridas; consequently we have no sales to report. A lot of 118 bales repacked cotton, reclaimed from a recent fire, was sold at about 25c. The supply of Fine to Fully Fine odd bags is very small and firmly held at 24c. to 25c. We quote, viz:— Extra Fine 24e. to 25¢e.=15d. to 153d.,_ c.i.f. & 5 per cent. Fine to Fully Fine 23c. to 24c.=144d. to 15d. ,, ,, Fine, off in colour 20c.= 13d. ef. This report shows that the total exports of Sea Island cotton from the United States to Liverpool, and Manchester, up to May 1, 1915, were 103 and 1,651 bales, respectively. ” The Cotton Worm.—According to a note in the Journal of Economic Entomotoyy, the past season witnessed an outbreak of the cotton worm (Alabama argillacea) which was the most severe experienced in the cotton belt for many years. In parts of Arkansas and Mississippi all the green portions of the cotton plants were destroyed in October. Ordinarily this outbreak would have attracted more attention, but the peculiar conditions which prevailed in regard to the marketing of the crop were such that the insect’s injury was not generally considered important. Cotton-seed Oil in Butter.—An interesting article appears in Nature (April 8, 1915) entitled Modern Substi- tutes for Butter. Many tropical produets are utilized, particu- larly cotton-seed oil, coconut oi! and palm kernel oil, as well as the Shea and Suari nut oils. These form common con- stituents of margarine. In the utilization of edible vegetable oils like the above, as substitutes for animal fats found in milk, everything depends upon skilful refining, and it is certain that as the knowledge of refining processes increases, the development of the industry will be still greater. eer One of the conclusions arrived at in Bulletin No. 168 of the University of Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station, which deals with the study of the development of growing pigs, is that daily rations of ground corn, blood meal, and an ample amount of calcium phosphate, containing respectively 0°70 and 0-94 Ib. of digestible protein, and yielding respective- ly 4:28 and 4°29 therms of metabolizable energy per 100. live weight, are sufficient for the normal nutrition of young, growing pigs. “INDIAN. CORN. —— FEEDING AND MANURIAL VALUE OF MAIZE. The following paper was read by Dr. H. A. ‘Tempany on April 9, 1915, at a general meeting of the Antigua Agricultural Society:— In view of the considerable interest now being aroused in Antigua and other West Indian islands in the cultivation of maize, the following. notes concerning the feeding value and manurial requirements of the crops may be apropos at the present time, and at the same time may also serve a useful purpose by affording clear and definite information on certain points,-which have hitherto been locally the subject of a considerable amount of vague speculation. In the first instance, to deal with the manurial require- ments of the crop. Determinations performed in the Goyern- ment Laboratory here have shown on analysis the following contents of mannrial material for the grain itself:— On water free material, nitrogen 1°96, phosphoric acid 0°89, potash 0°31. In relation to the cob similar determinations showed the following results:— . On water free material, nitrogen 0°43, phosphoric acid (22, potash 0°29. The relationship borne by the weight of corn to the weight of cob has also been studied both in the Laboratory and in the Government Granary; of course this varies considerably with different varieties, but with the average run of corn encountered in Antigua at the present time, the mean value of 80 per cent. can I think be assumed with safety. In South Africa, Mr. Burtt Davy gives 82°13 per cent. as mean value for this figure with a range of from 73°88 per cent. to 86°83 per cent. In order to arrive at the actual amount of manurial material removed in a crop of maize, it is further necessary to know the average amounts of moisture contained in field-dried grain and cob. As the means of a large number of deter- minations we have found that Antigna field-dried corn contains, on the average, 16°6 per cent. of moisture, while the air-dry cobs show 9:5 per cent. From these data we can calculate the amount of manurial material removed in crops of corn of various dimensions, Under West Indian conditions there does not appear to be any reason to doubt that average crops of shelled grain at the rate of 40 bushels per acre at least may be looked for, From the above values it follows that in a crop of these dimensions the following amounts of manurial material are removed:— Grain. Cobs. Total cobs ; : and grain, Nitrogen 36°65 Tb. 2°19 bb. 38°84 tb. Phosphoric acid 16°64 ,, ei bee 17°76 Potash 580%, 1:48 ;, 7-28, This in terms of manures in ordinary use is appiox- imately equivalent to 2 ewt. of sulphate of ammonia, 1 ewt. of basic slag, and 14 Ib. of sulphate of potash, and contains approximately the same amount of manurial material as 2} tons of good pen manure. It must not be forgotten, however, that in addition to — the grain and cobs, the corn stalks or stover are also responsible for the removal of manurial material from fields bearing corn, ¢ Vor. XIV. No. 341. It is true that this part of the crop does not usually go _ off the estate, and is either buried in the field after the crop is taken off, or placed in cattle pens to serve as fodder and ; litter thereby being converted into pen manure subsequently. No actual data are available at present for the propor- tions of stover to ears under West Indian conditions; but the following information has been abstracted from results obtained in other parts of the world. From this it appears that the weight of the maize stalks obtained is slightly larger than the weight of grain, the figure actually quoted is that 1 ton of corn on the cob is equivalent to 2,290 Ib. of stover. From the results of analyses it further appears that in relation to a crop of the dimensions already specified, the following weights of manurial material are removed in the stover: nitrogen 39:0 tb., phosphoric acid 6-01b., potash 11-0 b. Combining these figures with those already quoted, we see that the total amounts of manurial material removed in grain - and stover by a crop of 40 bushels of shelled grain per acre are as follows: nitrogen 78 tb., phosphate 24 Ib., potash 18 Ib. This is equivalent to 4 ewt. of sulphate of ammonia, 1} ewt. of basic slag, 36 tb. of sulphate of potash, or about 5 tons of good pen manure. It is often stated that maize is an exhausting crop, but I think these figures demonstrate that at any rate maize cultivation isno more exhausting than sugar-cane, when due regard is paid to the length of time that each is in the ground. Maize is a three-months’ crop, and at the rate of two crops a year a return of this description involves loss of manurial material at the equivalent rate of 5 tons of pen manure in a year, if care is taken to return the stover to the field. On a previous occasion I have shown that an application of pen manure at the rate of 20 tons per acre provides sufficient manurial material for the needs of a crop of plant canes, first ratoons and possibly second ratoons, provided that care is taken to return the trash to the land. In the case of corn, provided that the corn stover or its equivalent is given back to the land also, 20 tons of pen manure would give manurial material sufficient for eight crops of maize of 40 bushels each, or a total of 320 bushels of grain in all. In concluding this discussion three points require additional attention; the first of these is that maize is essentially a shallow rooting crop, and its root system does not asa rule travel much below the top 4 inches of soil. Consequently thorough and frequent tillage is necessary so that the soil from a somewhat deeper level is brought to the surface and made available to the needs of the plant; other- wise, with continuous cultivation the upper layers of the soil may tend to become permanently exhausted. Indeed this state of affairs confronts grain growers the world over, and is the origin of the normal rotations of grain and roots practised. The second point is that with maize, as with all crops, a factor limiting production is the water-supply available for growth. Ihave sometimes heard it suggested that by increased Imanuring greatly increased returns of crops such as sugar can be produced. While this is true within limits, it must be remembered that these limits are quite definitely fixed by the water-supply; plants require a detinite amount of- water for the formation of unit weight of dry matter; the actual amount varies in the case of different crops and, to some extent, with conditions; but in the case of individual crops and conditions THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 167 ’ the value is roughly constant. With a limited water-supply, therefore, possible production is also limited, and manuring to meet plant requirements in excess of this possible production in the hope of securing very large yields, is merely wasteful, The third point is in relation to organic manuring. I do not wish it to be thought from the foregoing that the sugges- tion is put forward that fertility can be maintained by means of artificial manures alone. I have on many occasions reiterated my opinion that the maintenance of the control of organic tnatter is indissolubly bound up with the maintenance of — fertility of soils in the tropics. In the absence of it, the soil rapidly loses in tilth, which may perhaps be defined as good mechanical condition combin- ed with the maintenance of a favourable equilibrium in relation to the various biological processes which go on in it, Turning now to the feeding value of corn, determina- tions in the laboratory have shown that an average sample of Antigua corn has the following composition:— Range in Con- necticut. Moisture 10°8 Protein 10°82 8-9 to 1°33 Fat ga) 4-4 rie’ Fibre <9). ieQa lie2 Ash gs yore le Se yt Corbohydrates 69-4 From this it follows that the values found for the Antigua corn occupy a good average position over the range quoted. Of course this result only represents one sample; but there is no reason to suppose that this was not repre- sentative. : Questions are often raised in relation to the feeding value of corn cobs, and the following analysis supplies information on that point:— CORN COBs, Moisture Sr Protein 2°4 Fat 1-0 Fibre 29°8 Ash - 1:8 Carbohydrates 56 8 The above results demonstrate that corn cobs have a distinct feeding value and are by no means to be despised as fodder. Incidentally it bears out the soundness of the policy pursued on many estates of grinding the corn and cobs together to form corn and cob meal, and feeding the product to the estates stock. The foregoing notes are put forward in the hope that they may serve to settle a number of points that have been in dispute for many years, and at the same time correct one or two fallacies concerning corn which have from time to time gained currency. In the recent Cassava number of the Sudlletin of the Department of Agriculture, Trinidad and Tobago, mention is made of the cost of cultivation of this crop in the West Indies, In Jamaica it ranges between £3 10s. and £5 per acre, and a well managed estate could be run at £4. In St. Vincent it costs about £4 an acre, and in Trinidad it appears reason- able to estimate that the cost should not exceed £5 to £6. With a return of 8 tons per acre there was hope of a fair profit. 8 ay 168 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. May 22, 31915; Exports from Dominica, 1914. A statement of the imports and exports of Dom- EDITORIAL NOTICES. inica in 1914 discloses that the value of the lime pro- Heap OFFICE — Barpapos. Letters and matter for publication, as well as all specimens for naming, should be addressed to the Commissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture. Barbados. All applications for copies of the ‘Agricultural News’ and other Departmental publications, should be addressed to the Agents, and not to the Department. The complete list of Agents, and the subscription and advertisement rates, will be found on page 3 of the cover. Imperial Commissioner of Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Se. Agriculture for the West Indies F.1.C., F.C.S. SCIENTIFIC STAFR. Scientific Assistant and Assistant Editor W. R. Dunlop. Entomologist H. A. Ballou, M.Sc. Mycologist W. Nowell, D.I.C. CLERICAL STAFF, A. G. Howell. M. B. Connell. W. P. Bovell. Po eelaylor. Miss B. Robinson. { A. B. Price, Fell. Journ. Inst. \L. A. Corbin. Agricultural Sews XIV. Se) NOTES AND COMMENTS. Chief Clerk Assistant Clerk Junior Clerk Assistant Jinior Clerk ‘Typist Assistants for Publicatious ‘Vou. SATURDAY, MAY 22, 1915. No. 341. Contents of Present Issue. The editorial in this number deals with the functions of calcium carbonate in the soil with special reference to the Tropics. A review of an interesting book dealing with usefultropical plants of the NaturalOrder Leguminosae, -appears on page 165. The feeding and manurial value of Indian corn (with special reference to Antigua) receives attention on page 166. Insect Notes, which will be found on page 170, deal with the difticulties of plant quarantine. The fruit articles in this issue deal with the marketing of oranges and ground nuts, and the fermen- tation of cacao, ducts exported was £149,018, compared with £142,431 in 1913, and £96,673 in 1912. An analysis of the first total given, shows it to be composed of the following items: limes, green, £43,237; limes, pickled, £572; lime juice, raw, £25,753: lime juice, concentrated, £68,754; lime juice cordial, £564, lime oil, distilled, £4,176; lime oil, éeuelled, £5,962. Oranges were also shipped valued at £518, and orange oil £135, whilst the cacao exported was worth £20,024—a falling off on the previous year’s figures of £4.735. Coco-nuts were valued at £1,733—an increase of £746 over the previous year’s export, whilst Bay oil was valued at £461. Most of the produce represented by the above returns went to the United Kingdom. Treatment of Seeds for Planting. The following practical suggestions have been issued by the Jamaica Agricultural Society in regard to the treatmert of seeds for planting:-— All corn (maize), and especially Guinea corn (Sorghum) seeds should be treated before planting to prevent them being eaten by mice, rats, ants and birds, — When Guinea corn is planted without any safeguard it is usually the case that ants attack it within a few hours of planting, eat ont the germ, and few of the grains grow; then the seed is blamed. There are two simple ways of treating these grains. For Guinea corn we prefer to take a pudding pan half full of wood-ashes; take enough kerosene to damp this, but not to make a thin paste. Soak the seeds for twe or three hours in water, then put them in the mixture and shake it through. coated and can then be planted: some then shake through a sieve to get rid of the superfluous wood-ashes, but this is not necessary. The corn (maize) can also be treated in this way or by being coated with tar. Take coal tar, thin it with kerosene if necessary, put the corn in a sieve or pudding pan with holes punched in it, then pour the tar on and let it run through; or the corn can be put in a bucket or kerosene tin, the tar poured on, the tin shaken until all the corn is treated, and the superfluous tar can be poured off. The tar method is a messy one but very effective. ; We have found it sufficient to soak the grain in The seeds get | | tar water which is made by keeping water for some — weeks on tar, and stirring occasionally; then draw off enough of the water to soak the seed for three or four hours in it. Altogether the kerosene and wood-ashes method is the cleanest and easiest. Q Z Vou. XIV. No. 341. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 169 Agricultural Bank Legislation. At a meeting of the Legislative Council, St. Vincent, on December 22, 1914, the Administrator moved for leave to introduce a Bill for ‘An Ordinance to amend The Agricultural Credit Societies Ordi- nance 1913, Since the principal Ordinance had been passed in 1913, His Honour informed the Couneil, nine societies had been formed and the £500 set aside for the purpose had been loaned out to them. In addition to this one or two private individuals had lent money to the Societies, and the Colonial Bank, as a result of an interview he had with the Chairman recently when in London, had now also agreed to make loans to them to the extent of £1,000. He had while on leave also taken advantage of the opportunity to,consult with Sir James Douie who was a recognized authority on the subject of Agricultural Credit Societies and was now connected with the movement in England and Ireland. Sir James Douie had very kindly gone through our legislation im regard to these Societies, and had made certain suggestions for its improvement. These suggestions were embodied in the Bill before the Council. — The Colonial Bank had also put forward sugges- tions for the amendment of the Ordinance and Rules, and most of these had been adopted. The main effect of these amendments was to place the private lender in the same position as the Government in regard to safeguards, and to strengthen his position, and the amendments should have the effect of removing any lingering doubts which private lenders might. still harbour regarding the soundness of the investment. ‘Lhe motion was seconded by the Treasurer and leave was granted. A Cheap Form of Radium. In discussing the possibilities before the applica- tion of radium in Agriculture, in a recent article in this journal, attention was called to the importance of the initial cost of the radio-active material. ‘No little interest, therefore, says the Colonial Jowrnal (April 1915) ‘attaches to the discovery of two distinguished French chemists that radium is present in coal, and a substance has been prepared consisting of coal dust in fine powder mixed with a solution of radio-phosforate -of potash. One ounce of the radio-phosforate is dissolved in three or four gallons of water and mixed with 112 th. of coal dust: it is claimed that the radio- phosforate acts on the coal dust and causes it to amalgamate with the soil. The radio-phosforate is sold at 2s 6d. per oz., or ‘lignaite’, the compound of the radio-phosforate and coal dust can be supplied. At a time like this when it is so important to grow vegetables quickly and abundantly, the discovery may be extremely beneficial, though whether it will meet expectations remains to be seen.’ In connexion with the above, an interesting paper on the industrial uses of radium appears in the Journal of the Royal Society of Arts for April 16, 1915. This will be dealt with in the next issue of the Agricultural News. = ~_ - ~~. Antigua Corn Granary. A copy of a circular recently issued by Dr. Tempany, Superintendent of Agriculture for the Leeward Islands, under direction of His Excellency the Governor, has been received at this Office, notifying that the Antigua Government Granary. will be opened for the handling of maize on and after May 3, 1915, from which date corn will be accepted for delivery on the terms specified in His Excellency’s Proclamation of January 16 last (see Agricultural News, Vol. XIV, No. 334, p. 53). The following are the terms on which deliveries will be accepted: (1) The co-operative plan whereby a first payment of 2s. Gd. per bushel of shelled grain is made to growers, to be followed by a distribution of the surplus profits of the undertaking after paying all expenses and deducting 25 per cent. as the profit of the granary. (2) The purchase of corn for cash at the rate of 3s. Gd. per bushel of shelled grain. The quantity which will be purchased in this way is limited to 5,000 bushels, and in the first instance the time during which this offer remains open terminates on June 30 next. (3) The kiln-drying of corn, for which a charge not exceeding 6d, per bushel will be made; the actual price charged for kiln-drying will be decided on the results of working, and may be modified from time to time as circumstances dictate. Further it is insisted that corn for purchase by the granary must be clean, sound and sun-dried, and corn on the cob must have the husk removed; not less than 100 tb. of corn on the cob or 80 tb. of shelled grain will be purchased; corn on the cob for delivery should for convenience be put up in bags weighing 100 th. each—bags to be returnable; corn sent to the granary for drying must be packed in bags, in which the kiln-dried grain will be returned; corn will not be stored after drying for more than two days, ~and intention to deliver corn at the granary should be notified to the Manager two days before delivery is effected, and at the same time information furnished as to the manner in which the corn is to be handled. It is mentioned that arrangements are also being made for the erection of a meal-making machine at the granary, and in additionto the operations of kiln-drying, it is anticipated that facilities will shortly exist for the conversion of corn into corn meal, for persons so desiring. Particulars concerning this are promised shortly. The management of the granary is vested in a Board appointed by the Government, and, it is added, the Government of Antigua reserves to itself the right of selling corn under the title of ‘Antigua Granary, Kiln-dried Corn’. Finally it is pointed ont that kiln-dried corn requires to be stored under proper conditions in order to insure its keeping in good condition. Neglect of this precaution can only result in disappointment and loss. It is hoped that abundant success will attend. this new departure in the Leeward Islands. 170 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. May 22, 1915: INSECT NOTES. THE DIFFICULTIES OF PLANT QUAR- ANTINE. Soon after the establishment of the Imperial Department of Agriculture, some sixteen or more years ago, the subject of preventing as far as possible the introduction of insect pests and plant diseases into these islands was taken up, and its importance was repeatedly impressed upon the Governments of the several islands. For several years now laws have been in force in all the Windward and Leeward Islands and in Barbados having for their object a regular quarantine system for imported plants. In the same period of time great strides have been made in the United States and in most other countries of the world where attempts are being made to prevent the introduction of new pests. These attempts are being made along two lines. One, as in the West Indies, deals especially with pests of staple crops, having only general regard to insects attacking minor crops and ornamental plants: while the other line of attempt has for its object the intercep- tion and destruction of every pest of all crops and plants, potential as well as actual. The total prevention of the entrance of insect pests is a gigantic task. In California, where perhaps the quarantine regulations are more comprehensive than elsewhere, practically every avenue of entrance for insects is guarded, not only in the case of arrivals from points beyond the continent such as China, Japan, the Phillipines and the Hawaiian Islands, but also from the adjoining States, and from Canada and Mexico. Inspectors employed for the purpose not only have the right, but are required by law to search freight and express parcels, and also passengers’ baggage and hand baggage for all plant material, infected material; and all fruits and other plants, seeds and cuttings arriving from any port or place from which the importation of plants is orohibited, are confis- cated and destroyed. This inspection does not, or did not, extend to material forwarded through the post, and here is the weak link which may decide the strength of the chain. In a recent number of the Monthly Bulletin of the State Commission of Horticulture (Vol. III, No. 11, p. 465), Mr. Frederick Maskew, who is in charge of the administration of the plant quarantine law, publishes a short article entitled ‘A Leak in Our Quarantine’. Here it is shown that in spite of great progress and an increased staff, there exists a great danger of serious pests of important crops being introduced through the mails, which are immune from quarantine inspection. It is stated that cotton is a very promising crop for the State of California with a wide area suitable for its requirements, which at present is free from the pests of this crop. It is hoped to keep out such important pests as the boll weevil and the pink boll worm, but the danger of their introduction is shown by the fact that cotton bolls and cotton seed have been sent into the State from a district in the cotton belt, and while the chance of these insects being introduced in that manner is rather a remote one, it is still possible. The instance cited was that of a small parcel containing a cotton boll and cotton seed put up as a souvenir. Instructions for planting the cotton seed were included in the container. This instance is cited merely to show how simply the work of experts andthe expense and organization directed toward prevention might be entirely brought to naught. In the Lesser Antilles, the provision for preventing the introduction of new pests is necessarily adapted to the resources of these small communitics. Is is not possible to employ in each island a staff of trained entomologists, sufficient in number to make possible the careful inspection of all freight, parcels, baggage and hand baggage, and it is not desired to interfere with trade by imposing unnecessary restrictions on the conditions of trade and travel. It is hoped that the means employed will greatly reduce the chances of new pests being introduced, and it is quite possible that they may answer the purpose as well as more elaborate and more expensive methods. Each community will of course be specially interested in excluding the pests of its principal crop. Thus in all the islands where cotton is grown, the importation of cotton seed from any point where the cotton boll weevil is known or believed to oceur is pro- hibited except in small quantities for experimental purposes with government sanction. This precaution would be useful also in the case of the pink bol] worm, which, probably a native of India, is now a pest in Egypt and occurs or is likely to océur in many other places. In Barbados, cotton stainers do not occur, and the desire to prevent the introduction of these insects has resulted in a law which provides that all cotton seed imported for the extraction of oil shall be fumigated. In all these islands a definite attempt is made to destroy scale insects on imported nursery stock and ornamental plants. The froghopper and the giant moth borer of sugar-cane are also pests which have been made the subject of special legislation in certain of the islands. Dr. H. T. Fernald, in his address as President of the American Association of Economic Entomologists, at the annual meeting at Philadelphia in December last, said in the course of his remarks: ‘modern transportation has rendered easy the introduction of the pests of other countries, and in spite of all the laws, supervisory boards and inspection now actively at work, some of these pests at least are sure to slip: in. This statement together with that quoted in the last number of the Agricultural News, from Bulletin No. 186 of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to the effect that a per- fectly reliable method of destroying insects present in imported seeds is much needed, will serve to show that the difficulties: of preventing the introduction of pests on or in imported. plants are well recognized. It is also recognized that the existing methods of fumi- gation are far from perfect. The degree of efticiency attained by fumigation depends on the nature of the material fumigated, and the gas used for the purpose, as well as the conditions under which the process is carried out. Plants which carry scale insects on their leaves and bark may be treated with a fair amount of success by fumigation with hydrocyanic acid gas, but it is too much to hope that this method will always kill 100 per cent. of the scale insects and their eggs, with one fumigation. Mealy-bugs at the roots of plants, soil-inhabiting grubs, and froghopper are all likely to escape the full consequence of the fumigation from the protection they get from the soil. Cotton seed is fumi- gated with difficulty, as is shown by the report of the Superintendent of Agriculture, Barbados, for 1912-13, in which it is stated that certain experiments which were carried out ‘conclusively proved that sulphur dioxide was ineffective beyond a depth of 3 inches on either side of the tubes,’ i.e., that this insecticide has the power of penetration only to a distance of 3 inches in cotton seed: it is further stated that hydroeyanic acid gas proved to be even less satisfactory in this connexion. Carbon bisulphide, on the other hand, proved satisfactory, but this material is costly, and to a con- siderable extent dangerous to use, a EE —eEeEeEeEE—EeEE———— ee ee —.« a Vor. XIV. No. 341, The difticulties of controlling the importation of plant pests is sufficiently illustrated by the foregoing. They may arrive by many avenues, such as freight, parcels, ordinary post, and baggage of all sorts. Inspection by a staff of trained entomologists is desirable, but this involves much expense, which is out of proportion to the means of small communities, and even the best inspection cannot be relied upon to give absolutely perfect results. Fumigation also, while the best treatment available, falls short of perfection in results. It is possible that fumigation in partial vacuum (see Agricultural News for May 8) may inevease the etticiency of this treatment. So far as is known, no new pests have been introduced into these islands since the plant quarantine laws have been in operation, except that leaf-blister mite of cotton made its appearance in Barbados in the early part of 1912. This may be considered as a fairly satisfactory state of affairs, and as an indication that the present system, while not perfect, is worth persisting in so long as it gives a maximum of protection with a minimum of interference with the condi- tions of trade and travel. CANADA-WEST INDIES PREFERENTIAL TRADE AGREEMENT. The Canada-West India Magazine for April 1915 publishes what purports to be a first report by Mr. Watson Griffen on the Canada-West Indies preferential trade agree- ment. One result of the contract made between the Canadian Government and the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company, has been that exporters of Canadian food products and manufactured goods now have easy access to all the colonies that joined the Canada-West Indies preferential trade agreement. As to the value of the trade between Canada and the West Indies, the figures for 1912 are taken as more representative of ordinary conditions in the british West Indies than those of 1913, for the following reasons. The year 1912 was the last complete year before the preference went into effect, and as the preference began in June 1913, only part of that year was under the preference, hence it is not regarded as a suitable year for comparison; and the figures for 1914, the first complete year under the preference, will not be available for some months. Taking then the figures for 1912, it is shown that in that year the total imports of merchandise of the colonies that are now giving Canada a preference amounted to $44,237,839, while the imports for home consumption in these colonies amounted to $30,365,063, whereas the similar figures for the non-preference colonies were $19,858,144 and $16,013,109, respectively. Prominence is given to the importance of Trinidad, in regard to which there is noted a remarkable ditference between the total imports of that Colony and the imports of merchan- dise foc home consumption, the latter being little more than half of the total imports in 1912. An explanation of this is found in a statement made by Mr.-E. H. McCarthy, formerly Collector of Customs of Trinidad, which is quoted in the report, and in which it is pointed out, iter alia, that throughout the year trade is carried on by innumerable small craft propelled by sails or paddles, some of which occupy months on the journey to Boli- var. For the whole of the east coast of Venezuela, Trinidad is inevitably the market where European and American goods are bought, and cacao, coffee, cattle, maize and vegetables are sold. Considerable quantities of goods are also transhipped at Trinidad for other islands of the THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 171 ’ - British West Indies, and for British Guiana and South America, British Guiana tranships and re-exports supplies to Dutch Guiana and French Guiana, while Barbados re-exports considerable quantities of goods to the Windward and Leeward Islands. The fact that Trinidad, British Guiana and British Honduras occupy geographical positions of such strategic importance commercially that they are distributing centres for adjoining foreign countries, is of importance to Canada, because by having first-class steamship communication with these colonies it is quite probable that Canada may secure a considerable share of the trade of those foreign countries. It is interesting to note that the people of the colonies that joined in the Canada-West Indies preferential agreement, spent on imported articles for home consumption the year following the last census, about 27-95 per head of population, while Jamaica and the Bahamas, which have not joined in the preferential agreement, speut about $17°82 per head of population. THE CULTIVATION OF ONIONS. The following are the conclusions drawn from six years’ experiments with onions in Illinois, dealing particularly with the question of thinning and growing from sets. The information is taken from Bulletin No. 175 of the University of Illinois Agricultural Ex- periment Station:— THINNING. The chief objection to thinning onions is the expense. On the other hand, if onions are not thinned, there is likely to be a large percentage of undersized bulbs, and even those that are of marketable size (that is, more than 14 inches in diameter) are likely to be much smaller than those that have been thinned. The tendency of the market at the present time is to give preference to large-sized onions, so that although the accepted minimum standard size for market onions is 1} inches in diameter, unless most of the onions in a given lot are considerably above the minimum it is difficult to sell them on some markets, even at a reduced price. Therefore if onions are to be grown without thinning, great care must be taken in sowing the seed to secure a thin and uniform stand. This involves testing the seed for germinative power, and adjusting the seed drill with extreme precision. GROWING ONIONS FROM SETS. On the whole, it appears that although the cost of growing onions from sets is con- siderably greater than growing the crop from seed, the sets are more certain than the seed to produce a paying crop, especially under unfavourable weather conditions; the crop is likely to be larger; it ripens earlier, and can usually be disposed of promptly at harvest time. The chief objection to the growing of onions from sets is the enormous amount of labour involved in planting them. However, this is usually offset by the saving of expense in weeding, thinning, and tillage. The excess cost of sets over seed, and the increased labour of harvesting the larger crop from the sets are usnally more than balanced by the greater value of the crop; thus, under present conditions, the growing of onions from sets for local market in Illinois towns appears to offer greater opportunity for large profits from small areas than growing onions from seed. The growing of ripe onions from sets may well form part of a general market-gardening business, provided the quantity grown in a given locality “does not exceed the capacity of the available markets. i =—T Iw THE AGRICULTURAL GLEANINGS. According to a recent issue of the Antigua Sw, it has been decided to hold in that Colony a maize show. The exhibition will be opened at the Botanic Station. The first of the Nigerian Entomological Bulletins has been received, dealing with the general control of pests. ‘This pamphlet is a companion to No. | of the Mycological Series already noted in this journal. An interesting note on the strength of rubber appears in the India Rubber Journal for April 3, 1915. It has been shown in America that rubber will stand a greater pressure than the highest grade of steel. Steel pistons with rubber washers were subjected to high pressure and the steel softened, merging into the rubber pores. : A reference to the cultivation of limes in Sierra Leone appears in the African Maal for April 2, 1915. This crop grows very well on both the laterite and alluvial soils of that Colony, and it is hoped that in the future an export trade may be developed in limes, which appear to grow as well in Sierra Leone as in the West Indies. In the Chamber of Commerce Journal for April 1915, reference is made to the Philippine plant known as Blwmea éalsamifera, which produces camphor. This plant is a shurb and is one of the most common weeds in the Philippines. ‘It grows to from 5 to 8 feet high and has, it is said, been used for a long time for medicinal purposes in China. The trade of the Cayman Islands (Dependencies of Jamaica) receives lengthy consideration in the /inancier and Bullionist for April 10, 1915. Special reference is made to the turtle industry, and it is said that contracts have been made by the representative of a company that contemplates establishing a turtle canning factory in Grand Cayman. An article entitled ‘Manuring Experiments on Castleton Estate’ appears inthe Agricultural Bulletin of the Federated Malay States, Vol. 111, No. 3, and although the name of the trees experimented on is not given, it may be assumed that they are Hevea. The results show that none of the various treatments—which included lime—had any noticeable influ- ence on the growth of the trees. A review appears in the Bwlletin of the Imperial Jnstitute (October-December 1914) of a recent work entitled ‘The Oxford Survey of the British Empire’. In this book three chapters are devoted to the West Indies, including British Guiana. Mr. Aspinall describes the topography, population and government, while Sir Daniel Morris con- tributes information dealing with geology, climate, vegeta- tion, fauna, and economic conditions. May 22 195i. NEWS. -_ A note on coco-nuts'in the Journal of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (March 1915) provides the information that the Society has received seed nuts from a plantation on the Pacifie side of Central America which are said to be rapid growers, and it is thought that this is quite likely since, some of them had already started to sprout on the journey. , These nuts are very round, and on opening them the husk is found to be very thin, and the nuts inside them practically spherical. In his article on Trinidad birds in the Bulletin of the Department of Avriculture ef Trinidad and Tobago, May 1914, Mr. P. L. Guppy states that there are 300 species to be found in that Colony. Of land birds alone Trinidad does not possess more than 190 species. Migratory and aquatic birds supply the balance. With a few notable exceptions, birds do not play an important part in keeping down insect pests in Trinidad. The exceptions are given at the beginning of the article. Some of the woodpeckers appear to be especially useful. The resources and agriculture of South Australia are very adequately described in the Handbook issued by the Intelligence and Tourists Bureau at Adelaide. The illus- trations, which are numerous and diverse, give an excellent idea of the country and its possibilities, and although the conditions are not tropical, the publication will be interesting reading to those who have a knowledge of agriculture of any kind. One interesting fact noted is that loans are granted to agriculturists for the purchase of wire netting to be erected as a protection of crops against rabbits, wild dogs, and other vermin. This loan system has proved highly satisfactory. In Nature for Mareh 25, 1915, an article is reviewed dealing with observations made on the relation between soil moisture and plant associations in America. The term ‘growth-water’ is introduced by the author of the article for- the percentage of soil moisture in excess of that found by experiment to be present in the soil when wilting oceurs in plants; and it has been found that the differences in the ratio between evaporation and growth-water in the soft of plant communities investigated are sufficient to be regarded as efficient factors in bringing about the succession of gradual changes from the scanty drought-vegetation of the open sand to the moisture-loving broad-leaved forest, which forms the climax of the series. An interesting study of the inheritance of fertility is noted in Mature for April 8, 1915. At the University of Illinois two distinct species of animals have been crossed, the wild Brazilian cavy (Cavia rufesens) with the sharply distinct common domestic guinea-pig (C. porcellus). In this experiment between (. rufesens males and C. porcellus females gave completely sterile male and fertile female hybrids. By mating the female hybrids with C. porcellus males, quarter-wild hybrids were obtained, again sterile males and fertile females; but by repeated back crosses of female hybrids to ©. porcedlus males, individuals with increasing fertility were obtained. Fertility seemed to act. like a very complex character; for the results obtained where what one would expect if a number of dominant factors for sterility were involved, the elimination of which would get. a recessive fertile type. Wor. XIV. No, 341. STUDENTS CORNER. NOTES ON EDUCATION IN DEMERARA AND ABROAD. The contents of an important Combined Court paper is reviewed in the Demerara Daily Chronicle (March 5, 1915). In this it is notified that the post of Science Lecturer in the Department of Science and Agriculture is to be abolished and that of Assistant Master at Queen’s College substituted. It is understood that this Assistant Master will be in charge of the science teaching at the College, and it has been suggested that the second Assistant Analyst of the Department of Agriculture should be appointed to anew post known as Scientific Assistant. The duties of this office are to include the editing of the Journal of the Board of Agriculture and the demonstration of chemistry at Queen’s College. ' The changes referred to are the result of the necessity to curtail expenditure, but it is wisely advocated by the Director of Science and Agriculture and supported by the Principal of Queen’s College that scientific and agricultural ‘education should not be allowed to suffer. Indeed the proposal is made that the Scholarship in Classics should be dropped and only Science and Mathematics continued. This suggestion is based upon the cireumstance that all three cannot be continued, and the additional fact that Science and Mathematics are the more important from the point of view of the development of the Colony. The above is interesting as an indication of the attitude of public opinion in a large colony towards science. Turning to recent news concerning less advanced agricultural education, the student may be interested to learn’ of the success obtained in North America regard- ing school garden clubs. We have referred from time to time to the corn and pig clubs in the United States, but the Agricultural Gazette of Canada for March 1915 describes a children’s garden club oganized to teach agri- cultural co-operation. This club is organized on the same ‘basis as the Farmers’ Clubs. Very successful work has been done, especially in poultry raising. The children are taught to help one another, and shown the advantages of a well balanced system of ‘borrowing and lending. It isa mistake to con- demn the habit of borrowing, provided the motive is a good one, and provided the borrower is in a position to make an equivalent return for the benefits received. : Much progress has been made with rural education in England of recent years. The Board of Education of that country has just issued a pamphlet in which the teaching of nature study and gardening at the Knaresborough Rural Secondary School is described. A four-years’ course is provided. The first two years’ work consists in the study of elementary botany; in the third year the soil comes under consideration, and a careful examination is made of the soil and subsoil of the school garden. In the third and fourth years economic plants are studied and a certain amount of work done in entomology and mycology. Throughout the course excursions are made at intervals. In addition to the ordinary ‘nature study’ walks, visits are paid to farms and gardens and the senior boys attend ploughing matches and agricultural shows. 4 ; It will serve a useful purpose if the West Indian student eonsiders these matters in relation to his local conditions of study. One of the necessary things is to realize the importance of agricultural edueation, and to keep in touch with what others are doing. Much success has attended educational efforts in the West Indies, the evidence of this being not so much because one can point to individual instances, but THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 173 because there is a better general understanding of agricultural matters. For example, articles dealing with various branches of agricultural science are better understood now than they were ten years ago, REPORT ON THE EXPERIMENT STATION, TORTOLA, FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 1915, Although the gardening work was seriously impeded by the limited rainfall, a considerable amount of nursery work was done during the early part of the period, and consisted principally in the distribution of coconut and onion plants. According to the writer of the Report (Mr..G. A. Gomes, Acting Curator) the laying out, planting and clearing of onion plots received special attention during the quarter, and the early planted onions have given good results, while the late planted succumbed during the dry weather. Efforts have been made during the season to organize an Onion Association and it is satisfactory to be able to state that co-operative business between the peasantry and the Station has already been initiated. During the quarter, 24 crates of onions were shipped some of which were received from the peasantry. The co-operative side of the agricultural work in the Presidency was advanced by a visit from Dr. Tempany, who in the course of his inspection laid stress upon the value of co-operation in the production of onions and Indian corn. Some interesting information is included in the report with regard to cotton. It is satisfactory to learn thatvall the old cotton plants were destroyed during the quarter.’ The selected cotton plots, anly recently established in Tortola, have given excellent returns in spite of bad weather conditions, some of the strains yielding over 1,000 tb. of seed-cotton per acre. The object in view is to produce sufficient selected cotton under government control in order to render unneces- sary the importation of diverse kinds of seed for planting from other islands. The Cotton Factory contiuned to purchase seed-cotton during the quarter, but the growers have suffered to some extent through boll dropping, and felt some anxiety concerning market conditions in England which, however, since the writing of the report, has been dispelled on account of the changed conditions resulting from the Fine Spinners’ guarantee of a minimum price. Much satisfaction is expressed with regard to the ecoco- nut demonstration plots. The plants have withstood the dry months remarkably well, and in plot 1 the trees, which are now only a little over a year old, have in many cases reached a height of over 8 feet. The trees have received attention in regard to the treat- ment of scale insects and have been manured, and catch crops have been planted, Brief reference is made to limes and bay trees: the former. which are receiving manurial treatments, are said to be yielding interesting results; the latter are making slow growth, but more could not be expected in view of the very dry weather conditions that were experienced. 174 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. bar GhF May 22): 1915: FUNGUS NOTES. PRELIMINARY NOTE ON A DISEASE OF CARICA PAPAYA. Opportunities have recently occurred of examining specimens exhibiting what appears to be a_ well-marked disease of the papaw tree. The writer has seen from time to time in Barbados instances of a localised stem rot of the papaw. A widening depression or shrinkage is produced, the wound becomes infested with bacteria and with fly and beetle larvae, and usually leads to the falling over of the top. A young tree which recently became diseased in the garden of the Commissioner of Agriculture afforded an example of a fairly advanced stage of what appeared to be the same affection. In a region of the stem situated at about three-quarters of its total height above the ground, just at the base of its green portion, there occurred a browning of the tissues, accompanied by a very distinct shrinkage in the circum- ference of some 6 or 8&8 inches of its length. The leaves showed. signs of failing, and had extensive dead and browned areas. eR oye Selection of Rubber Seed 185 Citrus Fruits inthe Philip- Sicar Tmduetey: cas 1g9 Sugar tne ustry: x [eats ee . Radio-Active Manures 179 Cotton Notes:— o Sugar Samples in the West Indian Cotton . 182 Naemvork Botanical Departinental Reports... 190 Gardens ... ... ... 185 Development of West In- | Water-Supply in Tropi dian Fisheries meet Are cal Sugar Factories... 178 Gleanings... ... ... ... 188 | Soil Losses by Leaching... 187 Government Aid in the Soils, Tropical, Loss of Kstablishment of Sugar Fertilizers in seg Gh Factories . «. ... 185) Sweet Potato and Cowpea Horse Bean asa Poultry Vines as Food for Stock 181 Food x . 181) The Lime and the Lemon Insect’ Notes: — | Compared eal acs LOO Corn Ear Worms... 186|Timber Trees in Planta- The Guinea Grass Moth 186 tions, Sowing Seeds of 182 The Pink Boll Worm of Tuber Cuttings Versus Cotton Wo pats 3/186 Vines ie 9 181 Items of Local Interest... 183 | Reports 192 Market Development of West Indian Fisheries. BAS OURTEEN years ago, at the Third West cat Indian Agricultural Conference, held at Se Barbados, Dr. J. E. Duerdon, of the Jamaica Institute, brought up the question of developing the marine resources of these islands. In the course of an interesting paper he showed how great are the poten- tialities of the surrounding seas, and indicated that their development should yield results of proportion- ate value to the improvements and successes obtained a marine in regard to agriculture. Dr. Duerdon, as biologist, was able to include in his paper a large amount of technical information and practical sugges- tions. and those readers who are interested in the subject under discussion will find the article instructive.* It is indeed deplorable that with the exceptions of Jamaica and the Bahamas (of which the latter are not strictly speaking West Indian), no systematic effort has been made by the British West Indian Islands in the direction indicated. In the case of agriculture, departments have arisen, societies and boards have been established, outside enterprise has brought capital and men, an extensive literature has grown up—in fact the land has monopolised attention. The development of the marine resources has beer left entirely to the labouring classes who earn from them a scanty livelihood, and to certain individual observers who have conducted very estimable enquiries, but only as amateurs. Before attempting to make suggestions as to the ways and means of development, we may consider briefly what constitute the present marine industries. Around most of the islands line fishing for snapper, bream, and dolphin is carried on to meet as far as possible the daily demand, but Barbados is of course renowned for its flying fish industry. Coming within the category of ‘fish’ in the popular sense are sea-eggs, oysters, lobsters, and crabs. The sea-egg industry is principally, though not necessarily, confined to Barbados; oysters are raised in Jamaica and Trinidad on a considerable scale, and lobsters and crabs are One of the most important industries from the point of view caught on the reefs around most of the islands. of export is turtle fishing, which has its centre at Jamaica. The value of the turtles exported is considerable, and it is one of the few industries that ¥See West Indian Bulletin, Vol. IL (1901). 178 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JunE 5, 1915, the Governments have attempted to encourage. As regards possible marine industries which have not yet become established, we may mention the culti- vation of sponges and pearl oysters. It is probable that many of the lagoons around islands like Barbuda and Antigua, which are at present yielding nothing, could eventually be made important sources of profit and revenue by the introduction of industries. It may be mentioned at this juncture that the Imperial Department of Agriculture is collecting available information of local bearing on this subject, and an article dealing with the matter in detail will appear shortly in the West Indian Bulletin. these new In endeavouring to develop West Indian fisheries there are two main lines of effort which might be up: First the establishment of central organizing bodies to deal with practical matters such as the best methods of capturing and curing tropical fish, marketing, and the encouragement of enterprise in fishing generally: these would correspondent to agricul- tural laboratory, or a Department of Fisheries for the ives- tigation of life-histories, artificial enring, re-stocking followed societies; and secondly, a marine biological of exhausted grounds, surveys—all parallel lines of investigation to those carried on in Agricultural Depart- ments. As the combined result of these two activity, West Indian fishing would be raised from The research a desultory occupation to an organized industry. educational influence of sociéties, and a institute would be important features of the move- ment. In this connexion lectures and demonstra- tions would be of value, and the distribution of printed information might also serve a useful Furthermore, a marine bias might be given to the teaching in the elementary schools in certain districts, for instance, on the Windward where many of the population are dependent on the sea rather than on the land for their livelihood. purpose. side of Barbados, A good example of what marine investigation can do is atforded by the case of Porto Rico. Searcely had this neighbouring island passed under American control before the United States Fishery Commission despatched the steamer ‘Fish Hawk’ to investigate the possibilities of the surrounding waters, and the elaborate memoir which was published contains exact descriptions of the different species, notes on life-histories, and other infor- mation of great importance. The Danish Government has also displayed interest in West Indian fisheries, and an investigation into the habits of turtles is now the Crovernment being conducted at considerable expense. In British islands, other than Jamaica, lines of action has been confined almost entirely to the passing of legislation in regard to close seasons, etc., and notwithstanding the usefulness of this action, it cannot be regarded as sufticiently adequate. In concluding this article it is perhaps well to emphasize the tact that it is our present policy te advocate fishery development more especially in islands which are unsuitable for agricultural pursuits. It is desirable as well, however, to utilize to the full such resources as exist even in places where agriculture flourishes, and there is no doubt that the application of science and co-operative methods would lead to important economic developments. The export of turtle, canned fish,, and sponges might constitute a source of revenue, and the increased production of fresh fish would tend to lessen the large quantity of salt fish annually imported from North America. Ceylon has its pearl oyster beds: this valuable industry which yields millions of dollars of pearls annually has on several occasions been suggested and, in theory, shown to be suitable for certain parts of the West Indies; but a beginning has not been made because there is no central institution which has the requisite information and experience to show how to make a Start. SUGAR — INDUSTRY. WATER-SUPPLY IN TROPICAL SUGA FACTORIES. Many sugar factories have an adequate supply of clean water from rivers and other convenient sources, but a larger number are at times, if not always, short of this necessary element and are driven to expensive expedients in the way of wells and pumping plants to secure it. Many factories have no doubt found the way out on plans similar to the one outlined in the present article, but there is still a large number of ingenios which are needlessly troubled for lack of enough water by failure to realize that each day’s cane brings a copious intake of water, already bought, paid for and delivered. This source of water is generally neglected because it is allowed to trickle to waste from so many places that its actual quantity is not realized: or, if appreciated, it is so often contaminated with eylinder oil and sugar that it is unfit for use; but with reasonable care to keep it clean and to save it systematically, it can be made a highly valuable asset and an important economy. It is impossible to arrive at an accurate estimate of the waste of water in any factory, because the leakages are variable and of very many sorts, and the figures given are to be regarded merely as rough approximations, which will differ widely at even the same factory at different times, but most of them can be reduced to a minimum by prevention of leaky steam joints and water piping, and remedy of the causes leading to the carrying over of sugar in condensation for WorweexL Vn. Nos 342. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 179 heating coils and calandrias, and from vacuum pan and evaporator condensers, as well as securing overflows from water tanks which will take the excess back into the general water-supply. 4 A certain unavoidable loss of water will always exist, due to escape of excess steam from boiler safety valves and blowoffs, and from the relief valve on the exhaust steam recipient, while washing of filter cloths, general cleaning up and water used for boiling out pans and evaporators will remove another portion from the stoek, and in addition to this are the losses due to evaporation from water tanks, flash- ing from steam traps, and evaporation and wind entrainment from the cooling tower. In evaporating juice from 18 degrees to 95 degrees Brix, to take an average case in Cuba, there will be a product of water amounting to 81 per cent. of the weight of original juice. Assuming that the mill is extracting the low yield of 75 per cent. juice on cane weight, this will be a quantity of 60 tb. water 100 Ib. of cane; or per thousand Spanish tons (2,500 Ib.), a volume of about 180,000 gallons daily in a house grinding the tonnage named. The disappearance of water from stock in the factory should not exceed a total of 43 percent. of the amount received from the cane. and will be distributed about as follows:— Steam leaks, boller blowoff and excess exhaust from escape 5 per cent. Accident, overflows, sugar in water, etc. 10 ,, ,, Washing machine, general cleaning OSs hess Evaporation leakage and wind losses at cooling tower USE ye 3 45 per cent. Leaving 57 per cent. of the water received in excess over the consumption and loss in the factory, or an available quantity of about 102,000 gallons. About one-third of this total excess water can be regarded as wasted, as it passes into the circulation water of the cooling tower by way of the condensers, and the circulation supply cannot be safely used for general sugar mill purposes. This one-third disappears as overflow from the ceoling tower basin. There are then left about 68,000 gallons of pure water which, if care is taken in the factory in the ways indicated earlier, will overflow from the boiler feed tanks and can be saved and retained in quantity for all emergencies and uses, among which is the important one of’ holding a supply large enough to change the entire contents of the cooling tower basin and circuit at frequent intervals, to keep it fresh and avert corrosion of piping due to acidity of this water caused by the small trace of sugar which it will always carry under the best of conditions, and which forms various acids under fermentation and other changes. It is the usual practice to add to the condensed water in the boiler feed tanks a small and continuous feed of natural water, in order to prevent the harmful action which pure distilled water has on boiler tubes and plates. This addition of outside water can be omitted if thin lime milk is arranged to drip into the feed-water tanks so that a quantity of dry lime equal to about 1 tb. per 5,000 gallons of water will be maintained. Acidity will not oceur, and the water will acquire a safe degree of hardness without forming too much scale. In a factory handling 1,000 tons cane daily, a fair allowance of water for the cooling tower and the filled circulation would be about 150,000 gallons. With proper precautions taken to keep the condensation free of sugar and oil, and to save all leakage that can be prevented, and bringing to the feed-water tanks all of it that can be saved, the overflow from these tanks can be diverted into a concrete basin, or main reservoir, and held there in ready condition for all of the factory service where water is not wanted actually hot, the latter being taken direet from the feed- water by a special service pump. Such a reservoir should be located near to the cooling tower basin, but not where spray from the latter will be blown into it. It should carry about twice as much as the volume in circulation and in the basin, or, say, 250,000 to 300,000 gallons, with its bottom about the same level as the bottom of the cooling tower basin, and with walls twice the height of those of the basin. This will permit of emptying out the basin once or twice a week, and refilling it from the reservoir by a 10-inch or 12-inch connecting pipe, without stopping the mill or interfering with the work in any way, if the basin outlet is opened and the contents run off to a minimum working level, and the pipe from the reservoir then opened full while the drainage from the basin is closed. The general supply of water for the factory will be drawn from the main reservoir and will be always plentiful and cool enough for all purposes. All condensation lines leading to the boiler feed tanks are to be provided with means for turning out water if it becomes charged with sugar, until the trouble is corrected, and should be brought to some single point where the stream from each of these lines will be in plain sight and easy of access for examination, It is not the intention of this article to go into the question of what sort of cooling tower is best to use. ‘There are several types of cooling apparatus, and any one is good which will expose enough water surface to the air for a long enough time, and which has a catch basin wide enough to prevent excessive wind loss of the cooled water. (Louisiana Planter, April 24, 1915.) Radio-Active Manures.—The Journil of the Borrd of Agriculture (England) for April 1915, gives the following summary of United States Department of Agricul- ture Bulletin No. 149, which deals with radio-active sub- stances as fertilizers :— ‘The properties of radio-elements and the influence of radio-active rays on plants are discussed. The experiments in England by Hedworth Foulkes, on the Continent by Malpeaux, Berthault and Bretigniere (see this Journal, July 1913, p. 324), and in Australia by Ewart, are reviewed and reference is made to the question of catalytic manures. ‘The conclusion is reached that it seems incredible that radium or any of its products ean have any economical application asa fertilizer in general farming; and still less credible that the so-called radio-active manure has any value, as far as its radio-activity is concerned, since the radium already present, on an average, in an acre-foot of soil, is about 100 times greater than is contained in the quantity of radio-active manure commonly recommended for applica- tion to an acre. ‘Tt is thought, however, that radio elements may prove of considerable value, justifying the expense involved in botanical research, and possibly also in greenhouse work. ‘Evidence is given to show that the action of uranium on plants is due to its chemical properties rather than to its property of being radio-active, and that the conflicting results obtained with radio-active manure from different sources is to be explained largely by the presence of uranium, and of such non-radio-active constituents as soluble salts and free acids.’ 180 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, 1915. JUNE 5; CITRUS FRUITS. CITRUS FRUITS IN THE PHILIPPINES. A very interesting article appears in the Philip- pine Agricultural Review, Vol. VIII, No. 1, in which are described the different kinds of citrus fruits cultivat- ed and growing wild in the Philippines. None of the species are indigenous, but several of them are believed to be new to science, while others are so distinctive as to warrant wider appreciation of their characteristics. In discussing the economic value of the new or little-known species, the following observations are made:— Briefly stated, it may be said that the ‘Tizon’ is a dessert or breakfast fruit of high, if not perhaps the highest, order, its main defect being the unsightly basal projection. Then, as stated elsewhere, the best ‘limon real’ is unsurpassed in quality for ‘ade’ making. Perhaps third in importance are the better types of the alsem for the manufacture of citric acid, ete., and it might find a sale in competition with the lemon and _ lime, depending to a great extent upon its keeping qualities. The juicy, thin-skinned, and few-seeded talamisan may find lovers as a breakfast fruit, and is also of the right size for an ade fruit. If cultivation would increase the juiciness of the panuban, this fruit may find favour with many. A good marmalade may be made of the calamondin. The above species or varieties have more or less of a future on account of their pomological merits, and the plant breeder, by crossing them and the cabuyao and canci with old cultivated species, might obtain valuable results. There is also the prospective value of the new species as stocks. ‘To determine the cogeniality of these species and the old cultivated citrus fruits and their value as stocks under various soil conditions would of course require the labour and close observation of many years. The calamondin is quite drought-resistant and would probably dwarf the scion. One-year-old buds of the pomelo, lime, madarin and orange at Lamao have made satisfactory growth, the buds taking without difficulty. The cabnyao is a very vigorous tree and is also drought-resistant. It has recently been budded with the cultivation citrus fruits, the buds ‘taking’ very well. The orange has been budded on the alsem, resulting ina good growth, being now (December 1914) nine months old. During the trip to Bohol in May, the limao, growing in a coraline limestone formation overlaid with a little humus, the exact counterpart of the Bahama Islands or the ‘hammock lands’ in south-east Florida, impressed the writer as one of the best examples of drought resistance among citrus fruits under such conditions. The talamisan also appeared quite drought-resistant, and ~ is furthermore of value as a live fence because of its large spines. The ‘limon real’ is of great vigour and hence may be a desirable stock for certain varieties and under certain conditions CITRUS CULTURE IN NEW SOUTH WALES, A remarkably useful bulletin (No. 90) has been issued by the Department of Agriculture of New South Wales with the object of extending the area under oranges and lemons in a suitable district of the State. In regard to the soil, the bud- ding, planting, manuring, the different varieties are described and illustrated with a series of excellent photographs. That part of the bulletin dealing with lemon cultivation is especial- ly interesting, particularly the section describing the methods of handling lemons in Italy. The methods used in the gardens and packing houses are described, as well as the curing and the treatment of summer crop lemons. The bulletin concludes with notes of the manufacture of candied peel, and the different insect pests associated with oranges and lemons. THE LIME AND THE LEMON COMPARED. The following are the conclusions appended to an article by Mr. W. R. Dunlop on the hme and the lemon as sources of! citric acid and essential oils, in the Bulletin of the Imperial Institute, Vol. XIII, No. 1 (January-March 1915 ):— (1) The output of lime products in the tropies, although comparatively small, is rapidly increasing. The Sicilian production of lemons is, on the other hand, stationary, but according to the demand of the world’s market, this country can increase her output of citrate at the expense of fresh lemons, and vice versa. Lime growers can to a certain extent do the same, but are less able to exert influence in this respect. (2) An examination of figures relating to the composi- tion of the lemon and lime shows that the lime is richer in juice and citrie acid than the lemon. But the lemon gener- ally contains more essential oil. (3) As regards cultivation the two crops differ in many respects. Lemon cultivation seems the more expensive owing to the necessity for irrigation, frost protection, and handling, but lemon products can be placed on the European market at less expense than lime products. (4) For purposes of comparison the lemon may be regarded as yielding 634 tb. of citric acid per acre against 914 Ib. in the case of limes. The figures for essential oils are 88 Ib. and 65 Ib., respectively. (5) In view of the probable increase in the Sicilian output of citrate, lime growers might with advantage increase their shipments of concentrated juice of uniform density (about 100 oz. of citrie acid per gallon). Only raw lime juice of the best quality should be shipped. Since lime oils are used for different purposes from lemon oils, they cannot be said to come into direct competition unless the qualities of one are so inferior as to permit of the substitution of one by the other. Oils take longer to sell than other citrus products. Lime oils are, on the whole, more variable than lemon oils. (6) It is not possible on the basis of available infor- mation to compare the profits trom lemon and lime cultivation, With good prices it is probable that it is greater in’ the case of limes. (7) As regards marketing, the existence of the Sicilian Camera means lack of that competition amongst buyers which is enjoyed by the lime-growing industry. At the same time the Camera ensures a minimum price for lemon growers, (8) The testing of samples is not as satisfactory as it might be. This is said to be largely the result of variation in the composition of juices in individual shipments. (9) A profitable trade in orange oils might be more generally established in the West Indies. Vou. XIV. No. 342. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. SWEET POTATO AND COWPEA VINES AS FOOD FOR STOCK. Some investigations have been made in Japan, and reported on in the /Jowrnal of the Department of Agriculture of Victoria, which seem to show that the dried vine of the sweet potato affords an excellent fodderfor live-stock. In discussing the work it is said that the aggregate weight of stem and leaves per hectare is 15 tong. The green vine is considered rather a watery food resembling in composition the leaves of the sugar beet, containing tannin, however, instead of oxalic acid. Although this green stuff may with caution be fed as such, it is the dried material which has proved more satisfactory. In the experiments, the stems and leaves were exposed to the sun for a few days, but at a tem- perature much lower than oceurs in the tropics, and eventually an air-dried herb was obtained with a fine aroma, which was gladly eaten by stock. The green vines and leaves of the sweet potato were also shown to serve as useful material for the manufacture of ensilage. Animals fed on this material thrived satisfactorily. Although it is observed that there was a loss in nutritive material during its manufacture into ensilage, this amounted only to about 6 per cent. In another publication (7'ropical Life for April 1915) attention is given to the value of cowpea vine asa cattle feed. After referring to the great value of this material as a nitrogenous fertilizer and weed destroyer, it is stated that cows getting cowpea hay averaged 1°3 fh. more milk daily than those which were fed on wheat bran. For pig raising it is said that cowpea vines are invaluable. Experiments made in New Zealand with three 50 hb. pigs in a field pasture of cowpeas, given corn additional, and the second lot of three fed on corn only, in a trial lasting forty-two days, showed that the pigs in the cowpea field gained nearly three times as much as those fed on corn alone. Ina trial made with this fodder on horses, it was proved that cowpea hay combined with corn and cob meal made a very satisfactory work ration. Cowpea hay with a reasonable quantity of corn is regarded as a good substitute for bran and oats. HORSE BEAN AS A POULTRY FOOD. In 1906 an experiment was tried in Dominica to ascertain if the horse bean (Canavalia enszformis) could be used as a poultry food. Twelve chickens, two months old, were individually weighed and placed in two separate runs, six birds being placed in each. The birds in run A were fed on crushed corn and corn mash, and the birds in run B were fed on horse beans crushed, and as boiled mash. It was intended to keep the birds thus for four weeks, each bird being carefully weighed at the end of each week. The first day the horse bean was eaten with relish ; but on the second day there was much evidence that it was unsuit- able food. Two of the birds were quite ill, and the others appeared very shaky. The experiment was therefore con- cluded and the birds were returned to their former quarters. It would be interesting to know if this ill effect upon the birds was due to any poisonous property, or to indigestibility of the horse bean. It was most probably due to the latter cause. There is reason to believe that much of the suspicion with which the Canavalias are regarded as foodstufts is unfounded, but careful experiments are needed with different varieties before horse bean meal can be recommended to planters with confidence. In connexion with this note the reader may be referred to recent information on the same subject in this volume, on pages 156 and 165, TUBER CUTTINGS VERSUS VINES. EXPERIMENT IN SWEET POTATO PLANTING. Towards the beginning of 1914 there appeared in the Agricultural News (Vol. XIII, No. 310) an account of an experiment carried out in Montserrat by Mr. W. Robson, the Curator of the Botanic Station, to test the value as planting material of sweet potato, cuttings taken from sprouted tubers, as compared with cuttings taken from the vines in the ordinary way. This experiment though showing increased yields in the case of the tuber-planted crop did not indicate the phenomenal difference said to have been obtained in Cuba some few years previously and reported in the Agricultural News, Vol. VII, p. 120. With a view to obtaining more conclusive informa- tion, the Montserrat experiments were repeated last year and the results have now been forwarded to this Office by Mr. Robson. In this second experiment the cuttings from tubers and from vines of the same variety were placed in contiguous rows on November 25 and reaped on March 31. With regard to the climatic conditions which prevailed, during the latter half of the period the weather was very dry, the total rainfall from planting to reaping being 12°71 inches, distributed as follows: from November 25°78 inches, December 546, January 3°42, February 2°87, March -18 inch. Considerable trouble was taken to conduct the experiments in the most careful manner, and the tuber cuttings and vines got an equal start. The results, however, were less conclu- sive than in the previous year. In the former experiment the percentage gained from tuber cuttings worked out at about 20 per cent., while in this experiment it was only about 9 per cent., with only four of the varieties showing appreciable gains. The variety Red Bourbon, which showed an average gain of 27 per cent. in the first experiment, showed no gain in the present one, but the increase in crop: from White Gilkes was as much as before. It will be seen that on the basis of these two trials. it is very difficult, if not impossible to decide whether any particular variety will give an increased yield as the result of either method of planting, and the results must be regarded as disproving the general application of the original Cuban trials in which a gain of 350 per cent. was recorded in the case of the tubers. It is interesting to note that the Montserrat results indicate that Blue Belle and North No. 3 are good dry weather varieties. Owing to the small rainfall a large proportion of the Red Bourbon and other varieties that. usually give the largest crops, yielded in this case potatoes: that were small and unshippable. The practical training for meat inspectors is of great importance. West Indian colonies will be interested to learn something of the course which is given by the Royal Sanitary Institute in England. Morbid conditions of meat are studied, and the signs of health and disease of animals destined for food when alive and after slanghter. The practical methods of stalling and slaughtering of animals are studied and the hygiene of sheds and slaughter houses. Attention is given to legislation and its efficiency. Actual demonstration work has to be done at one of the big slaughter houses. A demonstration of fish inspection is also included. Further information of these matters will be found in the Vetertnury' Record for February 6, 1915. THE WEST INDIAN COTTON. Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool, write as follows, under date May 3, 1915, with refer- ence to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton:— Since our last report a very small business has been done in West Indian Sea Island; the sales amount to about 50 bales, including St. Vincent at 17d. and a few small lots of St. Kitts, Montserrat and Nevis 15d. to 1514. Prices remain steady, but in the present state of the war we cannot look for an improved enquiry The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week ended May 8, is as follows:— The sales this week consisted of a small lot of Beaufort cotton, and some odd bags classing Fully Fine, leaving in stock only Planters’ crops, for which there is some demand, but at prices le. to 2c. below the views of Factors. The buying was on account of the Southern Mills. There is further demand on account of the Northern Mills who remain unwilling to pay the advance asked. We quote, viz:— Extra Fine 25c. to 26c.=154d. to 1éd., Fully Fine 24¢. to 25e.=15d. to 153d. There is no stock of the lower grades. ci.t.& 5 per cent. ” ” ” >} This report shows that the total exports of Sea Island cotton from the United States to Liverpool, and Manchester, up to May 8, 1915, were 103 and 1,791 bales, respectively. In connexion with the article we published on the Rhodesian bacon factory, the Rhodesia Agricultural Journal for February 1915 reports, that although many of the pigs received at the Company’s factory are of first class quality, it is stated that the proportion of pigs which are ‘soft’ is still very great. Care and attention to modern methods of feeding are necessary if a bacon industry ina warm conntry is to be a success. nn Timehri, the Journal of the Royal Agricultural and Commercial Society of British Guiana (May 1915) contains a very interesting and well illustrated article by His Excel- lency the Governor (Sir Walter Egerton, K.C.M.G.) on the Railway and Hinterland Development. Another article in this issue deals with the conversion and characteristics of colony timber principally in relation to its utilization in the course of the construction of «a railway. It is considered that the sawmill for this purpose shonld be situated near Georgetown rather than in the interior, and that vertical framed saws driven by a suction gas plant should constitute the plant. AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JuNE 5, 1915. NOTES ON DIRECT SOWING OF SEEDS OF TIMBER TREES IN PLANTATIONS. Timber trees grown from seeds at the spot where they are to remain will as a rule flourish better, and produce finer timber than those that have been transplanted from nurseries or from the forests, and for this reason, it is recommended that seeds of cedar (Cedre/a odorata), cypre (Cordia gerass- canthus ), balsam (Copaifera officinalis), and teak (Zectona grandis) should be sown at stake or picket. It would, however, be better as a general rule to supply vacancies, due to failure of seeds, with young transplants than to wait another year. To ensure a good stand, not less than five seeds should be, sown at a picket; in the case of balsam, two or three are sufficient, the seeds being evenly distributed round the picket and at about 6 inches from it. When more than one plant results, the surplus can be used as transplants to supply vacancies without injury to the plant left. The planting spots should be about 2 feet to 30 inches across, and should be cleared of all weeds, and the soil well broken up and made quite fine. Small seeds, such as cedar and eypre, should be covered with not more than }-inch of fine soil: balsam and teak may be covered with 1 inch. Seeds should be sown in the position in which they would naturally lie if dropped on the ground, Sowing is best done after rain, but seeds will keep fresher even in dry weather, if covered with a thin layer of fine soil than if kept in store. It is of great importance that seeds, with the exception of teak, should be sown when quite fresh. It has been found that 80 per cent. to 95 per cent. of cedar seeds will germin- ate within a fortnight in moist soil when sown within a month of collection, and 76 per cent. after three months. At six months the seeds are worthless. Cypre seeds sown at pickets as soon as collected produced 90 per cent. success, and one month after collection, 16 per cent. germinated. At three months old they would probably be useless. Balsam seeds will keep for two or three months, but give best results when quite fresh. Teak seeds will as a rule germinate better when one year old than when quite fresh, and it has been found that when sown fresh a far larger proportion grow in the second year than in the year they are sown. Three or four weeks after the first sowing, if rain has fallen, a second sowing should be made at the pickets at which no plants have grown, to reduce the proportion of transplants necessary. Even in the case of teak, a second sowing is recommended; any surplus plants not required as supplies may be cut out. In dry weather count the weeks from the first rain. In addition to the re-sowing one or more nurseries should be made in or near the plantation, from which supplies can be obtained as required. These nurseries should be sown at the same time as the plantation. The seeds in the nurseries may be sown two or three together at spots 1 foot apart in rows, the rows being 2 feet apart. A distance of 10 feet by 10 feet is recommended for a timber plantation, for, although the trees cannot grow to full maturity so close together, they will be forced to form straight trunks, and thinnings can be made as necessary, (Bulletin of the Department of Agriculture, Trinidad.) Vor. XIV. No. 342. THE AGRICULTURAL . NEWS 183 DOWN THE ISLANDS. _— ITEMS OF LOCAL INTEREST. GRENADA, The Superintendent of Agriulture (Mr. J. C. Moore) informs this Office that the eaeao fields show a_ fine appearance for this time of the yearand that the nutmeg crops are commencing very satisfactorily. The cacao pickings have been better than last year, In regard to Land Settlement, sixty-nine applications for lots at St. Cyr have been received and sixty-four have been approved. Allotment will take place immediately. During April unusually heavy rainfall occurred in the northern part of the island from the 12th to the 14th inst., causing enormous damage to cultivation, roads and bridges. Two important meetings have been held: one of the Agricultural and Commercial Society at the Botanic Gardens, at which the Superintendent of Agriculture gave a lecture on limes; and the other, a meeting of allotment applicants at St. Cyr. At this meeting there was an attendance of 140, and an address was given by the Agricultural Instructor. st. VINCENT. In a communication received from the Agricultural Superintendent (Mr. W, N. Sands) it is men- tioned that there will be a reduction in the area planted in cotton and arrowroot, and extensions of corn, beans and peas. Meetings of the Arrowroot Growers’ Association and the Agricultural and Commercial Society and Cotton Growers’ Association were held on April 28, to discuss high freight rates on cotton and arrowroot. Resolutions were passed suggesting the raising of the minimum price of arrowroot by }d. and cotton by 13d. per th. It is in contemplation to hold meetings in the country districts to stimulate the extension of the areas planted in Indian corn, peas and beans. st. Lucia. Observations relating to staple crops indicate that in the case of cacao, reaping continues, and that in regard to sugar the yields are not as great as expected in several quarters. During April, writes the Agricultural Superin- tendent (Mr. A. J. Brooks), fourteen days were spent in travelling in the Forestiere coolie settlements and in the Castries and Micoud districts. Account sales received last mail show that the last shipment of lime juice from the Government Factory sold on a £31 basis. This was the lowest price realized during the ‘year. Three casks of concentrated juice were shipped during the month; this closes the crop for 1914-15 and makes a total of 43 casks. In connexion with coming events of interest, it is stated that the Governor (Sir George Haddon-Smith, K.C.M.G.) was expected to pay an official visit to Réunion during the early part of May. His Excellency and Lady Haddon-Smith visited the Botanic Gardens and Lime Juice Factory at Castries during April. The rainfall at the Botanie Gardens for April was 1°83 inches, and at Réunion 7°56, DOMINICA. It is reported trom Dominica that a heavy flowering followed the rains which fell during April, espe- cially on the Leeward coast estates. The local prices for green limes continued at 12s. to 15s. per barrel, and yellow limes at 5s, per barrel; raw lime juice sold at 6d. per gallon locally. The annual application of »manure to the different plots in the Experiment Stations received close supervision and six additional j-acre plots were laid out. During the month several gentlemen called at the Gardens; some visited the lime experiment station and others consulted on agri- cultural matters. At a meeting of the Permanent Exhibitions Committee held on the 22nd, it was resolved that, owing to to the war, Dominica would not send an exhibit to the Canadian National Exhibition to be held during 1915, Between April 24 and 26, 10:5 inches of rain was recorded at the Botanic Station; the total rainfall for the month was 15°25 inches; the average rainfall for the month of April over a period of twenty-two years is 2°67 inches. MONTSERRAT. In his report for April last, Mr. W. Robson, Curator, mentions that a pink-seeded horse bean has been received from the Montserrat Company, which has extra large seeds. Other recent introductions still under trial at the Botanic Gardens are Tephrosia candida, Bambarra ground nut, Sudan and Rhodes grasses, white-seeded velvet and fleshy- pod beans, Rouncival cowpeas, and a white corn. The promise of a minimum price for cotton for next crop is stimulating planting. Some cotton of last crop has sold at Is. 3d. per tb. and this is considered satisfactory. About two-thirds of the crop remains to be shipped. The rainfall has been very general and gradual; there has not been much “vashing’. ANTIGUA., In a communication from Mr. 'T. Jackson, Curator, it is stated that the young cane crop throughout the island has materially improved during the month of April. The harvesting of the onion crop was completed; 3,300 crates were shipped for the season by the Onion Growers’ Association. The Officers of the Department were specially engaged in shipping onions and other vegetables, and in making trial runs of the machinery at the Antigua Govern- ment Granary. Heavy rains fell during the month, 9:01 inches being recorded at the Botanic Station. The rainfall for the year is 16°61 inches. sv. Kirrs. It is reported from this island by the Agricultural Superintendent (Mr. F. R. Shepherd) that during the month of April, 1,800 sweet potato cuttings and 1,072 tb. cotton seed were distributed from the Experiment Station. The reaping of the cane crop has been delayed owing to the very heavy rains during the month. The Factory was compelled to shut down to clear the railway lines of the sand brought down from the hills, and the muscovado estates could not grind for want of fuel, The young cane crop has made good progress and the late supplies will now come forward. Preparation is being made for planting cotton, and on some estates in the northern districts many fields have been planted. Owing to the guaranteed minimum price by the Fine Spinners, a much larger acreage is being put in cotton than was originally intended. Ata meeting of the Agricultural and Commercial Society held on April 13, a circular from the Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture on the subject of Lima beans as a field crop, was read. The rainfall for the month was abnormal, 9°15 inches being recorded in Basseterre, while in the northern districts on one estate 29 inches were registered. Most abnormal weather was experienced, the wind blowing from the south-west with very heavy sea. Nevis. During the month of April over 300 acres of cotton were planted. There has been greater activity shown with regard to this crop since information concerning the minimum price to be paid has been received from the British Cotton Growing Association, and planting preparation is in progress throughout the island. A fairly large acreage was planted in provision crops during the month, consisting chiefly of sweet potato, peas and cassava. It might be mentioned that Lima beans were planted in part of the demonstration plot in the Experiment Station. The rainfall for the month was 5°65 inches. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 1915. JUNE 95, EDITORIAL NOTICES. Heap OPFFice — BARBADOs. Letters and matter for publication, as well as all ‘specimens for naming, should be addressed to the ‘Commissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture, Barbados. All applications for copies of the ‘Agricultural News’ and other Departmental publications, should be addressed to the Agents, and not to the Department. The complete list of Agents, and the subscription and advertisement rates, will be found on page 3 of the cover. Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Se. F.LC., F.C.S. SCTENTIFIC STAFF. Scientific Assistant and Assislant Editu: W. R. Dunlop. Entomologist H. A. Ballou, M.Sc. Miycologist W. Nowell, D.I.C. CLERICAL STAFF. Chief Clerk A. G. Howell. Assistant Clerk M. B. Connell. Junior Clerk: W. P. Bovell. Assistant Junior Clerk P. Wa Laylor. Typist Miss B. Robinson. Assistants for Publications { Mee rel. Journ. Inst. Agricultural slews 1915. Imperial Commissianer of Agriculture fur the West Indies Wor. XIV. SATURDAY, JUNE 5, No. 342. NOTES AND COMMENTS. Contents of Present Issue. The editorial in this number deals with the development of West Indian Fisheries, and imdicates some of the directions in which research might be done in order to utilize more fully the resources of West Indian waters. Under the heading of Citrus Fruits, on page 180, will be found three articles dealing with different aspects of this subject in the Philippmes, New South Wales, and in Sicily. Insect Notes, which will be found on page 186, leal with corn ear worms, the pink boll worm of cotton, and the Guinea grass moth. Departmental Reports, reviewed on pages 190 and 191, contain much useful information concerning horti- cultural work in Hawaii, and the general progress made in the agricultural industries in the Bahamas. Publications of the Imperial Department of Agriculture. The Annual Report on Sugar-cane Experiments in the Leeward Islands for 1913-14 is now being distri- buted. This report, as in the case of those of previous years, comprises Part I dealing with varieties of sugar- cane, and Part II; which gives the results of the manurial experiments. The report will be reviewed in the next issue of the Agricultural News. The first number of Volume XV of the West Indian Bulletin is about to be issued shortly, together with the index to Volume XIV of that journal. The contents of this forthcoming number will be found on page 2 of the cover of the present journal. Passing through the press is a new pamphlet on onion cultivation, prepared in Antigua by Mr. Jackson, Curator of the Botanic Station, who has been closely associated with the recent development of onion grow- ing on co-operative lines. In spite of the fact that most of the West Indian islands will not send exhibits this year to the Canadian National Exhibition, it is intended to publish as usual the handbook entitled “The West Indies in Canada’. Intending advertisers should not fail to take this opportunity of bringing themselves before the Canadian publi. Pearl Oyster Possibilities. In connexion with the editorial in this issue, two interesting references to oyster fisheries appear in the Wealth of India tor February 1915, and the Huwaiian Forester and Agriculturist tor April 1915. The latter publication quotes the dgricultural News as regards the establishment of pearl oyster beds in some of the West Indian islands, and states that in Hawaii this culture was once tried at Pearl Harbour, Oahu, but nothing has been heard ofany revival of the experiment for some years, although the harbour named has upon its shores remains of ancient ovster beds of great extent. The Wealth of Indiu deals in a more general and detailed way with shell fisheries in South India. It is said that the success of a pearl fishery depends upon the yield from the first 1.000 oysters. If there is a large crop, then succeeding batches command a ready sale at high prices. The investi- gation into the way in which a pearl is formed, namely, by the irritation set up by a small parasite or a portion of sand, has revealed the possibility of the artificial inducement of pearl formation. A reference in this article to the ‘marking ink’ which is shot out by cuttle-fish into the water as a means of escape from natural enemies leads one to speculate whether this might not be possible of utilization on commercial lines. The so-called ‘sea cat’, common on the shores of Barbados, contains what is probably a similar seeretion, as any one who has had one of these animals attached to his hand or foot will know. The matter is inter- esting as attording still another possible resource of West Indian waters. Vor. = lV. No: 342: THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 185 ‘Exports from Antigua in 1914. In the Leeward Islands Guzette for March 25, 1914, there is published a return of produee exported from Antigua for the year January 1 to Deeember 31, 1914, with a comparative statement of exports for the year previous. Irom this it is gathered that 11,431 tons of crystals ard 4,011 tons of muscovado sugar were exported in 1914 as against 8,536 and 1,666 tons, respectively, in 1913, while in the case of molasses, the similar figures were 5,962 and 6,243 puncheons, respectively, or a decrease of 381 puncheons in 1914 The exports of cotton in 1914 amounted to 7754 bales as against 766 in 1913. In regard to onions, there is an increase over the 1913 exports of 2,151 crates, the figures being (1913) 4,406 crates, and (1914) 6,557 erates, respectively. There is, howeyer,a decrease in the exports of citrus products in 1914as compared with 1913, 869 barrels of limes, and 287 barrels of raw and 57 of concentrated lime juice having been exported in 1913, as against 707 barrels of limes, and 141 barrels of raw and 28 of concentrated lime juice, in 1914. Of pine-apples, the exports were 1915, 371 barrels: 1914, 259 barrels—a decrease of 112 barrels, Selection of Rubber Seed. That considerable possibilities le before the selection of Hevea brasiliensis was one of the chief impressions of Professor Bateson during his journey through the Tropics from Australia last year, and it is satisfactory to learn from the Zndia Rubber Journal that Dr. Cramer is giving the matter systematic attention in Java. ‘This scientist’s exhibit at the Batavia exhibition contained an interesting series of selected seeds of Para rubber, and the photographs of some of these in the above-mentioned Journal (for March 6, 1915), show clearly the remarkable and apparently constant diftterences that exist. It is hoped by selection to obtain seedlings adapted for growing at high elevations but more especially to increase the yielding capacity of trees growing under ordinary environments. The present tendency to plant wide, and the comparatively low price for rubber make it all- important to obtain from each tree a maximum yield, so that Dr. Cramer's work will be closely followed by all those who are connected with the production of Hevea rubber. ‘Government Aid in the Establishment of Sugar Factories. An interesting eyent for the West Indies is the recent introduction of a Bill in the Phihppines for providing a Sugar-Central Board ‘composed of the ‘Governor-General and members appointed by him, for the purpose of establishing central sugar factories in certain parts of the territory. The Lowisiana Planter States that the Bill provides that the Gevernment shall @uarantce the installers of the centrals 50 per cent. of the value of the sugar crops raised, and if the crops do not materialize, shall pay the difference out of its own funds. It also provides that the owners of sugar lands may constitute a corporation and establish a central, with the further condition that no grower who shall enter into a contract shall sell to any other central within the limit of seventeen years. It is proposed to utilize the gold standard fund to loan money to the corporations desiring to establish the centrals and, as special provisions, that not more than 9 million pesos equal te about 44 million dollars gold, shall be invested. This example of Government aid is parallel to what has been done in Queensland. The Board of Trade Journal for March 18, 1915, calls attention to an Act assented to last December, under the provisions of which owners or occupiers of cane land may make application to the Governor-in-Council for the con- struction and purchase of sugar works in their locality. Applicants must undertake to grow cane and to subscribe conjointly one-third of the capital stock of the Joint Stock Company proposed to be formed for the purpose specified. The Corporation of the Treas- ury of Queensland may advance to approved companies an amount equal to two-thirds of the required capital, the shares represented by that proportion being held by the trustee of the Corporation, the loan bearing interest at the rate of 4 per cent. per annum, and the capital cost being repaid in twenty-one years at the rate of £7 12s. 4d. per cent. per annum. During the time in which the loan is bemg liquidated, interest to ordinary shareholders is limited to 4 per cent. and thereafter to 5 per cent. per annum. The above lines of action point clearly to the fact that the United States and Queensland Governments are alive to the future possibilities of cane cultivation in the Tropics, and it is a matter for regret that this industry in the British Crown Colonies is not similarly fostered. Sugar Samples at the New York Botanical Gardens. A note appears in the Journal of the New York Botanical Garden for March 1915 to the effect that last ‘ye ar the American Sugar Refining Company took steps to replenish and enlarge the exhibit of sugars at this Garden. The specimens have now reached the museum and have been installed in their proper places. The series of crude sugars has been augmented by specimens of ‘Jamaica musco’ and ‘Forto Rico centrifugal’. It is said that the replaced specimens of ‘fine granulated’ and ‘coarse granulated’ and also those of the ‘Cube’ and ‘cut loaf are particularly showy. However, it is stated that the most conspicnous of all are the specimens comprising the ‘crystal domino’ sugars, 186 INSECT NOTES. CORN EAR WORMS. In the West Indies there are two insects which attack Indian corn, injuring the leaves and eating into the ears. These insects cause a large amount of injury, and sometimes seriously affect the value of the crop. The more common, and consequently the more injurious, of these is the corn ear worm (Laphygma frugiperda), and the other is the cotton boll worm (/elothis obsoleta). In the United States both these insects occur, but they ave known by other common names. The former, Laphyyma frugiperda, is called the fall army worm, and the latter, Heliothis obsoleta, is called the corn ear worm: this is because the latter is the most serious of the caterpillars attacking corn ears. These two caterpillars are alike in their habit of eating Jeaves and ears of corn. The moths differ in the habit of egg-laying. The Heliothis female distributes the eggs, depositing them singly on the food plant, while the Laphygma female deposits eggs in clusters which are covered with down from the body. On Indian corn, Heliothis deposits eggs on the silks of the ear, and the newly hatched caterpillar eats its way at once into the tip of the ear. This of course can happen only if the corn is in the right condition at the time when the eggs are being laid. At other times, the eggs are laid in other places and on many different plants, and the young larvae feed on foliage, or fruits other than corn. In consequence of the habit of the moth of laying eggs in the corn silk, experiments in the control of this insect by means of poison carried out at the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station were confined to the application of insecticides to the silks. These experiments were made the subject of a paper read at the meeting of the American Association of Economic Entomologists at Philadelphia, in December last, entitled Recent Results in the Use of Dust Sprays for Controlling the Com Ear Worm, by James W. McColloch.* The results obtained indicate that powdered arsenate of lead was the most suitable poison for this purpose, and in this case a mixture of 63 parts by weight of arsenate of lead and 37 parts of sulphur was used. The sulphur was used to prevent the development of those fungi which follow the injuries caused by the worms. Powdered arsenate of lead was dusted on the corn silks at intervals of three days during the time the silks remained fresh. The poison was applied by means of a bag of cheese cloth. This treatment resulted ina very considerable reduction of the injury. but it was found too expensive. The use of unslaked lime instead of sulphur would probably cheapen the cost, and less frequent appli- cations would be likely to give nearly as good results in the control of the worm, and this also would help to keep down the cost It is likely that with a considerable extension of corn cultivation in the West Indies, the pests of this crop, especially the corn ear worm and the cotton boll worm, will increase in abundance. If powdered arsenate of lead is efficient in killing these insects, and if it can be used in mixture with lime or sulphur, without injury to the corn plant, planters may be ready with a weapon in hand to meet the attack. In dealing with these insects under local conditions the whole plant, especially while it is young, *See Journ. Econ. Entom., Vol. VIII, p. 211, April 1915. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 1915. JUNE 5, will have to be dusted, in order to destroy those caterpillars _ which feed on the leaves, and special effort will need to be made to destroy the larvae in the centre, the throat or curl of the plant. The use of a mixture of Paris green and corn meal has been suggested in Departmental publications, as affording a remedy against caterpillars in the throat of the plant. Arsenate of lead will probably entirely replace Paris green for use on corn, since the latter is liable to injure the plant, while the arsenate of lead does not appear to do so. THE PINK BOLL WORM OF COTTON, The pink boll worm (Gelechia gossypiella, Saunders) is a very serious pest of cotton in practically all the cotton- growing districts of the old world, and it is also established in the Hawaiian Islands. The following quotation from the Annual Report of the Hawaii Agricultural Experiment Station for 1913, indicates how serious a pest this insect is in those islands: ‘The pink boll worm still continues its ravages and there is little hope of a cotton industry in Hawaii until some remedy has been found for this pest. The cotton area in the Islands are growing less instead of greater.’ In the West Indies, every effort should be made to _pre- vent the introduction of the pink boll worm, which should be regarded as being almost, if not quite, as serious a pest as the boll weevil. ; How easily this pest may be introduced is shown by the following sentence quoted from a paper entitled, Important Insect Pests Collected on Imported Nursery Stock in 1914, read before the American Association of Economie Entomolo- gists, by Mr. KE. R. Sasscer, and published in the /ournal of Economie Entomology for April 1915; ‘Larvae of the pink boll worm (Gelechia gossypiella, Saunders) were found in three shipments of Egyptian cotton seed, one of which exhibited a 20-per cent. infestation, and was to be forwarded to Arizona’. Such a shipment of infested cotton seed, if admitted into any cotton-growing region, would almost certainly result in the introduction of a most serious pest. : THE GUINEA GRASS MOTH. MoCIS [REMIGIA] REPANDA, FABR. An account of this insect was given in the West Indian Bulletin, Vol. 3, p. 2388 (1902), in an article which recorded the occurrence in Barbados of the Guinea grass moth in in 1901 and 1902 when both Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) and Para grass (Panicum muticwn) were rather seriously attacked by caterpillars. During 1901, grasses at San Fernando, Trinidad, were injured to an estimated extent of 70 per cent., and at Government House, Grenada, grasses were also attacked by caterpillars. The caterpillars concerned in those attacks were the larvae of the moth (Moeis | Remigia| repanda, Fabr.). During May, June and July 1902, the Guinea grass caterpillar was abundant in Barbados and caused a consider- able amount of injury to grasses grown for stock food. The article in the West Indian Bulletin referred to above contained a complete record of the life-cycle of this insect, by the Rev. N. B. Watson, B.A., F.E.S. The Guinea grass moth has been scarce in Barbados since 1902 until the present season, when it has appeared in large numbers in certain localities. It is noticeable that while this insect is called the Guinea grass moth or Guinea grass worm, the feeding caterpillar appears to have a strong Vort.. XIV. No. 342. THE preference for the leaves of the Para grass, and to be ready also to eat other grasses after the Para and Guinea grass are eaten down. - In one infested grass field which has been examined small patches of Para grass were growing amongst Guinea grass, which in turn was bordered by sour grass (Paspalum conjugatum). When first examined the Para grass was entirely without leaves, the Guinea grass was somewhat eaten, while the sour grass merely showed small bits eaten out of a few leaves. le Mr. Watson summarized the life-history of this insect in the following tabular form, showing the length of time occupied in each stage of development,and how and where this time is spent:— Egg 5 days Attached to under side of leaf near mid-rib Larva 20 ,, Feeding on leaf. #5 2 ~,, Building cocoon and pupating. Pupa 6 ,, In cocoon which is partly enclosed by leaf. Imago 5 ,,_ ~+‘Pairing and flying about to deposit eggs. 39 days The eggs are deposited in masses of forty to sixty close to the mid-rib: these masses are easily to be seen. The larva is a slender caterpillar about 1} inches in length when full-grown. It is one of the loopers or measur- ing worms. There are three pairs of thoracic legs, and only three pairs of prolegs. The larva walks by taking a grip with its thoracic legs, bringing its abdominal or prolegs up, by arching its body, taking a grip with them and _ straightening its body out, getting a new hold with the thoracic feet. The head is rather large in proportion to the body. The colour of the larva is gray and brown in longitudinal bands; there is a broad dark dorsal stripe which is nearly black for part of its length, broken only by very fine, delicate, light lines. The lighter, broad, lateral bands are seen to be made up of very fine stripes; the head markings are very fine, wavy stripes. The pupa is about 2-inch in length, of a light amber colour at first, growing darker as it gets more mature. Many of the pupae are covered with a delicate bloom such as is seen on certain fruits. This is easily noticeable when, on account of lack of suitable leaf material for the purpose, no cocoon is made. The moth isa delicately marked brown insect with a spread of wings of about 1} inches. In this species there isa great range of varieties even in the same batch reared from larvae which appear to be all alike. This insect (Wocts repanda) is widely distributed, rang- ing throughout the American hemisphere and being found in other parts of the world. In the West Indies it appears to be well controlled by natural enemies, which keep it in check for long periods at a time. The remedy which suggests itself is that of cutting the grass as soon as the attack 1s seen to be serious enough to necessitate action being taken. If the grass can be cut as the first brood of caterpillars is nearly mature, that is, when most of the cocoons are being formed and no eggs are being laid, the attack would be completely checked; if, however, a few moths escape, and caterpillars are seen on the young leaves as they spring after the cutting, an application of Paris green might be made. The leaves which receive the poison would not persist and be harvested with the main crops of grass, and consequently there would be no danger of poisoning the stock to which the grass was fed. Black birds, turkeys, Guinea birds, and the common fowl are all very useful enemies of such insects as this. AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 187 SOIL LOSSES BY LEACHING. The following conclusions are drawn by Messrs. Crawley and Cady in regard to fertilizer losses in Porto Rican soils. The complete paper will be found in Bulletin No. 8, of the Beard of Commissioners of Agriculture, Porto Rico: — From a consideration of the data as a whole, it is indi- cated that phosphoric acid is very quickly and very firmly fixed by all classes of soils, but that there is an appreciable loss from the light sandy soils, when the application is followed by repeated applications of water. There is the greatest loss of nitrogen, but this is not of material consequence, except in the sandy soils. The clay soils fix the nitrogen quiekly and hold it firmly. Potash is lost from all soils, but in small quantities, except in the case of the sandy soils. Heavy rainfalls or irrigations may wash this substance out before it is fixed, especially from sandy soils, but after becoming fixed it is washed out only in small quantities, The application of the data has a very practical bearing on plantation practices. In the case of clay soils there is very little loss of fertilizers even from very heavy rains or very heavy irrigations. The only way that losses can occur is by the water washing off the fertilizers from the surface and carrying them off in the running waters, or by washing off the soil and carrying the fertilizers with it. There is a practical stiggestion in this also as to the method of application or fertilizers. Inasmuch as they become fixed so quickly, it is suggested that they do not get thoroughly mixed with the soil, nor filter down readily when applied on the surface, and that they should be mixed as well with the soil as can conveniently be done. While the loss of phosphates from sandy soils is small, nitrogen and potash are lost in appreciable quantities in the underdrainage. It is suggested that there is not the same reason for thoroughly mixing the fertilizers with these soils as in the case of clay soils, for there is a tendency for the moisture to diffuse the ingredients. It is suggested also that fertilizers should be applied in small and frequent doses to sandy soil rather than in large doses at long intervals, for in this way there would be a more constant supply in the soils for the use of the plants. Reference is made in Vropical Life for April 1915 to the ideas put forward in the Agricultural News early this year regarding the work done by various committees and local departments of agriculture to make the islands, and espe- cially the crops produced by them, better known at purchasing and consuming centres. Mention is made also of the views put forward in regard to West Indian exhibits at the Imperial Institute. In this connexion 7'ropical Life suggests that it would be of greater advantage if the exhibits were installed in the city near to the big business houses and markets rather than where they are in South Kensington. There is a great deal to support this suggestion. While discussing the matter, it may be mentioned that the Daz/y Argosy (Demerara) reports that many of the samples at the Imperial Institute galleries are going to be supplemented and in some cases renewed, but the British Guiana Government is not prepared to imerease the amount of $720 at present expended at the Imperial Institute for exhibition purposes. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JUNE 5, 1915. We understand that considerable development is to be anticipated in the Dutch Island of St. Eustatius, which lies afew miles to the north of St. Kitts. A large amount of capital is being invested in machinery for the production of cotton, and it is said that the lint will be exported to the Dutch market. During the first seven months of 1914, aloe fibre valued at about £1,362 was exported from Mauritius to Germany. The export having now ceased, a new market is sought for this product. Mauritius aloe fibre is stated to be too fine to be substitu | for sisal, but is said to be used for making a certain grade of mats and bags. The Demerara Daily Argosy invites attention to the large amount of enterprise that has been shown in regard to coconuts in British Guiana. Remarkable progress has also been made in regard to rice, but we understand that for some time there has been a difficulty in maintaining a uniform grade owing to variation in the milling arrangements in different places. The question of ensilage is dealt with in the Rhodesia Agricultural Journal for February 1915. It is said that maize, the velvet bean and some oil crop such as sunflowers mixed together make excellent ensilage, well balanced from a nutritive standpoint. It is stated further that 1 acre of maize, or maize and velvet beans weighs about 8 tons at the time of cutting, and will produce about 7 tons of ensilage. The Colonial Journal for April 1915 makes mention of the use of Phosphogelose in the manufacture of sugar in Brazil. This process consists in the addition of a mixture of bicalcic phosphate and kieselghur to the juice previously treated with lime, the object being to help clarification, and to obtain a scum of manurial value. The process is at present in use in a few sugar factories in Bahia. The employment of essential oils as antisepties for the treatment of wounds is discussed in an article in the Perfumery and Essential Oil Record for March 1915. Reference is made to the employment for this purpose in France of ean-de-cologne. It is stated further that good results have accrued from the use of oriangum oil and cinnamon oi!. Eucalyptus oil appears to have very little effect uj on the growth of germs. The movement in Barbados towards the introduction of farine (cassava flour) into the dietary of some of the public institutions, and the progress which is being made in regard to cassava in Trinidad render interesting the parallel efforts that are being made in Jamaica. The Journal of the Jamaica Agricultural Society for April 1915 yepublishes notes on the subject, and suggests that cassava flour should he substituted for part of the imported corn meal and wheat. Much attention is given in the Journal of Heredity (May 1915) to the value of Zebu cattle. In regard to- Brazil, which is the country principally considered in two of the articles, it is suggested that from a live-stock point of view the country should be divided into three zones: the first two containing dairy cattle, and the third zone, situated in the interior, the Zebu. Tle articles are illustrated with interesting pictures of pure and cross-bred zebu cattle, In the Philippine Agriculturist and Forester (February- March 1915) an account is given of a collection of living Dioscoreas (yams) -from the Philippine Islands. Six or seven species are described, and it is observed that early maturity may be somewhat characteristic of the prickly stem of plants, and may be more prevalent in plants with short tubers than in plants with elongated tubers. It is remarked that at least another year’s work is advisable before attempt- ing to make any positive statements in this respect. Rubber from Dominica is reported on in the Bulletin of the Imperval Institute (Janvary to March 1915). Three samples of Para rubber recently examined at the Imperial Insti- tute were very satisfactory in chemical composition, contain- ing from 93-4 to 94-2. per cent. of caoutchouc. In physical properties, however, the rubber was not so good, being rather soft and weak, and in this respect the specimens were a little inferior to previous samples of Para rubber from Dominica examined at the Imperial Institute two years ago. One of the most important contributions to the eane versus English beet controversy, is a paper read by Mr. R. N. Darling before the Farmers’ Club in London, which included the results of his studies on the Continent under the auspices of the National Sugar Beet Association. The paper appears to establish the fact that beets can be grown with profit in Great Britain, and the writer brings out the interesting point that the net profit from an acre of beets is much greater than that from an acre of the closely allied crops like mangels, turnips, or swedes. Two notices in the Gardeners’ Chronicle for March 6, 1915, refer to the Royal Agricultural Society’s Show and the Daily Mail Horticultural Exhibition to be held in England this year. In spite of the war, the first-mentioned society will meet as usual and the show will be opened at Notting- ham on June 29. The Council has decided to include a horticultural section, but it is not mentioned whether the Tropics will be represented as they were last year. The Daily Mail Horticultural Exhibition is being undertaken by that newspaper to stimulate the cultivation of vegetables in England. Prizes will be offered amounting to £1,000. It is clearly proved in the Journal of the Board of Agricuiture for April 1915, that tubercular fowls may be a serious source of infection as regards pigs. On examining the organs of a total of 118 tubercular pigs, it appeared that eighty-six of them contained bacteria identical in every detail with tubercular bacteria, twenty-eight contained bovine bacteria, and in the remaining four cases the bacteria deviated in form from both types, but in two cases closely resembled the avian type. On the whole, the results of the investigation show that the overwhelming majority of the cases of mesenteric tuberculosis are of a local character, and almost exclusively due to avian tubercular bacteria, Vor. XIV. No. 342. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 189 AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS. In a Report on the science. teaching at the Antigua Grammar School for the year 1914-15, which has been forwarded to this Office, reference is made to the some- what disappointing results obtained during the year under review. This is attributed firstly, to the constant change of Science Masters, which seriously affects the continuous course of teaching that necessary; and secondly, to the want of a laboratory and of a regular supply of chemicals and apparatus. In the absence of these, it is not only impossible for the boys themselves to do any experiments, but it is very difficult for the master to be able to make demonstrations in his teaching, the work consequently being purely theoretical book work, without pratical applications. Despite these drawbacks, however, it is satisfactory to note that at a special examination conducted by the Cambridge Syndicate for the first Leeward Islands University Scholarship, two candidates presented themselves, one of whom, E. A. G. Branch, won the scholarship. Amongst other subjects taken by the candidates was Agricultural Science, and in regard to this the Examiner, Mr. F. W. Fore- man, B.A., wrote: ‘Branch showed a good grasp of the is so subject. Both candidates showed a good knowledge of the local agriculture, the sugar-cane and green manuring questions being well answered.’ It might be mentioned that at this Grammar School, the course of study is based. on the syllabus of the Cambridge Local Examinations; there are four Agricultural scholarships given by the Government of the annual value of £10 each. The boys who hold these do some _ practical gardening in the school garden for half an hour on each school day. Whilst on the subject of secondary education reference might be made to Circular No. 883, recently issued by the English Board of Education. This is a Memorandum on the Curricula of Ruralised Secondary Schools, and therein the difficulties experienced in the West Indies in regard to the successful teaching of Agriculture in the secondary schools are strongly reflected. It is shown that despite the encouragement given by certain Local Authorities, the number of secondary schools which provide rural or agricultural courses, over and above the gardening which is not infrequently found even in urban schools as an adjunct to the teaching of Botany, is by no means large. School authorities have been reluctant to embark on what they are inclined to regard as very much of an experiment, and their reluctance has been enhanced by the doubts often expressed by farmers as to the value of instrue- tion in ‘agriculture’, which it is assumed that a ruralised secondary school will attempt to provide. Discussing the place of ‘agriculture’ in a rural course, it is pointed out that even in the interests of the future farmer, too much stress should not be laid on the purely vocational aspect of the work, and emphasis is placed on the fact that a ruralised school should not attempt to give formal instruction in ‘agriculture’ asa separate subject. Technical matters of purely profes- sional interest to the farmer should as a rule be omitted from the course. No hard and fast line, however, can be drawn between science and its applications; and a teacher of rural science should be as free to deal with matters of agricul- tural interest as the teacher of physics should be to deal with matters which interest the engineer. As to the importance of outdoor work and the use of land the following is abstracted as being of special interest to those concerned in the teaching of Agriculture in the Secondary Schools in the West Indies: — ‘It would perhaps not be impossible to give a more or less satisfactory ruralised course without land for outdoor work and demonstration, provided frequent nature study walks were taken, and full use were made of such specimens as the teacher might obtain from his garden or could encourage his pupils to bring; but the provision of a small plot is highly desirable in order to give as practical a turn as possible to the instruction. ‘A large amount of land is not required and is in fact undesirable, as it necessitates too much repetition of oper- ations by the pupils and leads to difticulties of management during holidays or when pupils are otherwise absent. ‘The land should be in close proximity to the school; and it is essential to good teaching that the master should be as free (subject to conditions of weather) to take his class out of doors or indoors in any science period as the ordinary science teacher should be to take them in the lecture room or in the laboratory. ‘The main aim in the use of the land ought not to be the teaching of agriculture or horticulture, but rather the practical teaching of biology, chemistry, and physics through the cultivation of the soil and the growth of farm and garden plants.’ Then suggestions are made for the arrangement of the land into various plots—a nature study plot, to provide material in the way of plants for nature study lessons in the lower Forms; a plot for demonstrations and experiments; a fruit plot; separate plots of about 30 square yards for each boy of at least one of the Forms. As regards the teaching staff, so far as the teacher's academic qualifications are concerned, it is desirable that these should include attendance ata University course ending in an Honours Degree in Chemistry and Biology—followed, if possible, by further training in agricultural subjects. So far as technical knowledge of agriculture and_ specifically rural subjects is concerned, the training which it is desirable that the teacher should receive need not include formal instruction in the theory and practice of agriculture such as is given in Agricultural Colleges; but it should include some practical acquaintance with the ordinary operations of a garden and a farm. A new dipping fluid called the bone oil dip is described in the Queensland Agricultural Journal for April 1915. Bone oil is a by-product in the manufacture of bone-charcoal and procurable in sufficient quantities from the sugar refineries operating in Australia. Experiments showed it to be fairly easily emulsified by boiling with alkali, and the resulting solution possessed a marked detergent property and retained this, in common with Stockholm tar, when compounded with hard water. From this property it was expected that arsenical solutions of standard strength containing bone oil as an adjunct would prove fully effective in tick destruction, and this supposition was amply borne out in spraying and dipping experiments. The proportions of constituents recommended are: arsenic, 8 to 8} tb. according to quality; bone oil, 1 gallon (from 9 to 94lb.); caustic soda, 4 tb.—to make 400 gallons of dipping fluid. It would seem that this dip is worth the consideration of West Indian veterinary surgeons, THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JuNE 5, 1915, HAWAII: ANNUAL REPORTS ON THE AGRI CULTURAL AND EXPERIMENT STATIONS FOR 1918 AND 1914. These two publications, which have been received simultaneously, contain much useful information of interest to the West Indies. It will be convenient in reviewing them to confine attention to the summaries of investigations written by the special Agent-in-charge of the Station (Mr. E. V. Wilcox). In the 1913 report, the chief matters of interest come under the headings of horticultural and chemical investiga- tions, respectively. The studies that have been made on the papaw were continued, and one of the most interesting results of this work is the apparent certainty that within one or two more generations of papaw breeding, the dioecious condition in which this tree ordinarily occurs will be eliminated, with great practical advantage to the papaw grower. A strain has already been originated in which over 92 per cent. of the trees are self-fertile fruit-bearing trees. This has been accomplished by close fertilization of her- maphroditic flowers, with the result that the occurrence of male trees has already been largely eliminated, and the variation due to cross-fertilization thus avoided. It has been found also to be a very easy matter to graft papaws. A union takes place even between the pith of the scion and the stock. In further work with pine-apples it has been found that the shape of the fruit is subject to hereditary transmission as well as other characters. Suckers from plants which bear cylindrical fruits are far more likely to produce cylindrical fruits than are plants which bear conical fruits. Since the cylindrical fruit is of considerable importance in canning, for the reason that a large number of slices of uniform size can be obtained, it is desirable to select suckers with refer- ence to the shape of fruits which they will produce. Turning to the section dealing with chemical investiga- tions, it is learnt that analyses have been made of various samples of larva taken from historical flows of known date. It has therefore been possible to study the formation of Hawaiian soils from the standpoint of their history, and to learn the changes which have taken place in the disintegration of larva into agricultural soil. It is stated in the report that the opportunity for such is one rarely presented except in Hawaii; it might be suggested, however, that similar work might be done, providing equipment were available, in West Indian islands like Martinique and St. Vincent where larva flows of known date occur. In the study of the nitrogen content of Hawaiian soils it has been found that fallow or virgin soils contain no nitrate, or merely a trace, while the amount of ammonia may be rather large. Upon thorough cultivation, however, nitrification takes place quite rapidly, with the result that the form of soil nitrogen is quite different in cultivated and uncultivated soils. Some experiments have been made in an attempt to develop methods of economically utilizing the large quantities of pine-apple juice wasted in the canning process. While pine-apple juice may perhaps be most economically used by condensing into a syrup to replace a part of the sugar in canning. it may also be used in the production of a good quality of vinegar., By the quick process, a vinegar con- taining from 3} to 45 percent. of acetic acid may be produced. in twenty-four hours, and the percentage of acid will increase by subsequent standing. No difficulty is experienced in securing the acetic fermentation after the proper alcoholic fermentation has been brought about, but the main difficulty is encountered in “handling the juice so as to prevent an improper fermentation at the start, thus destroying the flavour of the vinegar or preventing the formation of sufficient aleohol. The report for the year 1914 begins with a reference to the trouble which has been caused in the fields of Hawaii by the sedge commonly known as the Japanese nut grass (Cyperus rotundus). This pernicious weed has spread rapidly and no really efficient method has been evolved whereby it can be eradicated or even kept down. With reference to the papaw experiments mentioned in the previous year's report it is stated that the results obtained in 1914 give promise of complete success within two or three more generations of papaws. The examination of 454 trees of the second generation of breeding showed that 954 per cent. of these trees are fruit-bearing with perfect flowers. Two male trees were cut off 3 feet from the ground, and when the new branches came out it was found that the sex had been changed and that regular perfect flowers each bearing fruit were developed. Further work on the papaw has been that dealing with the production of papain. It has been found that dried papain can be produced at a profit for about $2°50 per Ib. Interesting experiments at the station have shown that if in the early morning a dozen shallow lengthwise incisions } to j-inch apart are made in a papaw tree of good size, enough juice will be obtained to make 4-oz. of dried papain. Fruits may be tapped on alternate days five to seven times in all. As soon as the fruit begins to turn yellow the milky juice flows less freely. The tapping wounds heal quickly, and the fruit is not injured by tapping; in fact, the flavour appears to be somewhat improved, since a slight bitterness which characterizes the juice is thereby removed. Chemical investigations have concerned principally the effects of heat upon the soil. One of the striking effects was the unusually rapid formation of ammonia after the soil had been heated. Heating soils seems to bring about rapidly the effects which are otherwise obtained more slowly by aeration. It has been noted in the case of all plants that growth is much more rapid on heated than on unheated soils. Attention has been devoted also to a study of the physical properties of soils with interesting results, which may be summed up by saying that in heavy clay soils all fertilizers used alone, or in mixture at the ordinary rate, have been found to check the movement of soil moisture. Ina study of the function of fertilizers in soils it was found that phosphorie acid was fixed to a greater extent than other fertilizers. The use of dynamite for soil improvement continues to increase. Satisfactory results have been obtained on pine-apple plantations, but it is emphasized that in all cases where dynamite is employed, the soil must be dry. The use of dynamite for the improvement of lawns has been found particularly satisfactory. In concluding we may make reference briefly to one or two miscellaneous matters. Much attention has been given to the cultivation of legumes, particularly beans, for instance the Algaroba bean (Prosopis juniflora), which provides a valu- able meal for horses and mules. Interesting work has been conducted in regard to the cold storage of tropical fruits. It Vor. XIV. No. 342. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 191 has been found that holding fruit infested with the fruit fly for a period of ten days at a temperature of 32° F. destroys the fruit fly in whatever stage it may be present. It is sug- gested that perhaps cold storage will be accepted asa sufficient means of rendering fruit such as avocados safe for importation into the United States. Ie BAHAMAS: ANNUAL REPOR? QF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE, 1914. Owing to the exceptional and steady rainfall throughout the Colony, and the encouragement and assistance given by the Board, the crops are proving themselves unusually good, and the areas cultivated larger than for many years past. cirrus Fruit. The grape-fruit market was depressed and little shipped on account of low prices abroad. Some quantities shipped by various war funds to England. corn. At the outbreak of the war some 77 bushels of seed corn were distributed to planters in the Windward Islands. Reports as to the crop now ripening are unanimously favourable and the crop, both in Indian and Guinea, will undoubtedly be a good and large one. COTTON, SEA ISLAND. An expert cotton planter from St. Kitts having been obtained, two experiments have been undertaken with the assistance and under the supervision of the Board. One at Clarence Town, Long Island (10 acres), and two at Exuma (aggregating 8} acres). Reports of the former and of half of the area at Exuma are good and encouraging to the industry, provided the people can be induced to continue the cultivation in future years. The pests have not been found insuperable. -The crop is now being reaped but actual results are not yet obtainable. ontons. The Board having imported.seed from Teneriffe for the purpose, the cultivation of this staple vegetable has been largely extended, and arrangements are being made to supply growers with crate material and facilities for shipping to the Northern market. PEANUTS, SPANISH. Have last season been imported and are again now being sold and distributed for the same purpose. PEPPERS. A beginning has been made in the growing and shipping of these in the Out Islands that promises to develop considerably now that growers have learnt the cultivation and found the market. PINE-APPLES. The depression of the previous years still held good, and the crop was still smaHer. For the last twelve months, however, experiments in fertilizing have been carried out by various growers in various sections with such success that at all events a beginning in revival has taken place, and it can be confidently anticipated that the year’s crop will be larger and better than the one just passed. The Board has contracted for a quantity of slips (30,000 dozen) to be distributed together with fertilizer and instructions of the new method to reliable cultivators, not otherwise able to extend their fields. POTATOES, IRISH. Of these 95 barrels have been distributed on terms of payment on the reaping of the crop, in order to encourage the industry. The effects are now seen by arrivals in Nassau from the Out Islands, at present selling at fair rates. POTATOES, SWEET. A stock of well recommended Triumph’ sweet potatoes has been imported by the Board and distributed for propagation purposes throughout the Colony. ; sisAt. While exports have more than held their own in quantity, values have greatly fallen off on account of the war and the consequent stringency in the money market in the United States, and the low rate of Mexican exchange. There has been no improvement in the quality of hand- cleaned exported. > roMAvors. This is a growing industry, as is shown by the fact that up to January 31 as many boxes had been shipped as last season, altogethér (20,000 crates). The Board has assisted the cultivation by supplying seed, fertilizer (cave earth), and crate material in which to ship them, and by other- wise fostering the export by attending to the shipments from the Out Islands. A new foreign buyer has entered the market who is doing the packing in Nassau, and shipping partly by 8.8. ‘Miami’, thus breaking down the drawback of only fortnightly communication hitherto existing. VEGETABLES GENERALLY. By the importation and sale of various kinds of seeds, both in New Providence and the Out Islands, aided by the favourable rains, the growing of vegetables has been considerably increased, and is educating the people in their consumption as food. AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION. In conjunction with the Board of Education, elementary Agriculture has been taught in the schools, text-books, seeds and tools have been supplied by this Board and out of a total of sixty-one schools (Public and Grant-in-aid) fifty-one are now so engaged, and are displaying interest on the part both of pupils and teachers. STOCK, SHEEP. From the Southdown rain imported at the end of last year (1913) and thirty ewes purchased here, twenty- four out of a total of thirty-one lambs are now at the Botanic Station. The starting of this venture was not made at the right time of the year to give better results, which how- ever of late months have greatly improved. Some of the young stock are now ready for distribution through the Out Islands. pics. Of those contracted for (seven) four arrived here in April but so small that breeding could not then be under: taken; with the exception of one that died, three are now in a state to breed, and the other three it is hoped to be able to get here in the immediate future, communication this winter having ceased with Jamaica. The boar is offered for service on the open market. PRODUCE EXCHANGE. This was carried on last spring and proved itself useful in the maintaining of prices to growers of such articles as onions, Irish potatoes, corn, ete. Much of the latter the Board was able to distribute at the time of the outbreak of the war. There is only apparently a small field for this undertaking, but the moral effect of keeping prices firmer, by the Out Island farmer not having to make immediate sale in order to return home, is good. The expenditure of the Board to January 31, is £685 16s. 7d., and the receipts (from fruit and sale of seeds etc.) £67 7s. 5d. The Loss of Fertilizers in Tropical Soils.— In Bulletin No 1. (Scientific Series) of the Department of Agriculture, Mauritius, which deals with the absorptive power of soils, the Director summarizes the results obtained by the writer of -the paper (M. P. de Sornay), as follows:— ‘A study of the absorbing powers of Mauritius soils for salts used as fertilizers has been the subject of careful investigation by M. de Sornay. The data given are the result of work carried out mainly during 1912, and are of considerable interest to agrieulturists in the Colony. ‘The results obtained indicate that the loss of fertilizing elements, even after cyclonic downpours, is not considerable, if washing away of soil does not actually take place.’ 192 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS JUNE .5, 19115. London.—TuE MARKET REPORTS. West Inpra ComMitTEE CIRCULAR, April 6, 1915. Arrowkoot—2ld, to 2). Batata—Sheet, 2/2; block, 1/114 per tb. Beeswax—No quotations. Cacao-—Trinidad, 98/- per ewt.; Grenada, 89/- to 96/6; Jamaica, no quotations. Corree—Jamaica, no quotations. Corra—West Indian, £26 10s. per ton. Corron—Fully Fine no quotations; Floridas, no quota- tions; West Indian Sea Island, 15¢. to 18d. Fruir—No quotations. Fustic—No quotations. Gincer—Quiet. IstyGLass—No quotations. Honey—No quotations. Lime Juice—Raw, no quotations; concentrated, £21; Otto of limes (hand-pressed), no quotations. Locwoop—No quotations Mace—1/4d. to 2/11d. Nurmecs—4}d. to 5}d. Pinento—Quiet. Ruseer—Para, fine hard, 2/5§; fine soft, 2/3%; Castilloa, 1/7 to 2/-. Rum—Jamaica, 3/ to 4/ New York.—Messrs. Ginrespre Bros., & Co., May 11, 1915. Cacao—Caracas, 15$c. to l6c.; Grenada, l6c. to 16}c.; Trinidad, 15$c. to 15$c.; Jamaica, 14$c. to 15c. Coco-nuts—Jamaica, selects, $25°00 to $26°00; Trinidad, $2600 to $27-00; culls, $15°00 to $16°00. Corrre—Jamaica, 8}c. to 12c. per tb. Gincer—9fe. to 12c. per th. Goar Sxins—Jamaica, 43c.; Antigua and Barbados, 40c. to 43c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 39%c. to 42c. per tb. Grare Fruir—Jamaica, $1°75 to $2°50. Limes.—$9-00 to $10-00. Mace—48c. to 55c. per th. Nurmecs—1I%c. to 12c. Orances—Jamaica, $1°75 to $2°25. Pimento—3 fe. per th. Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 4-70c.; Muscovados, 89°, 4-05c.; Molasses, 89 , 3°93c., all duty paid. Trinidad.—Messrs. Gorpoy, Granr & Co., May 17, 1915, Cacao—Venezuelan, no quotations; Trinidad, $19-92 to $2016. Coco-nut Om—75e. per Imperial gallon. Corree—Venezuelan, llc. per tb. Copra—$4:00 to $4-25 per 100 th. Duat—$7"50. Ontons—$4°00 per 100 tb. Pras, Sprit—$12:00 per bag. Porators—English $2°25 to $2°50 per 100 tb. Rice—Yellow, $6:00 to $6°25; White, $7°25 per bag. Sucar—American crushed, ne quotations. Barbados.—Messrs. T. S, Garraway & Co, May 3], 1915. ArrowkooT—$4°00 to $4°50 per 100 th. Cacao—$14:00 to $15°00 per 100 th. Coco-nuts—516°00. Hay—$1°90 per 100 fh. Manures—Nitrate of soda, no quotations; Cacao manure, $50°00; Sulphate of ammonia $82°00 per ton. Morasses—No quotations. Ontons—$3-00 per 190 th. Pras, Sprrr—No quotations; Canada, $5°85. Porators—Nova Scotia, $4°00 per 160 th. Rice—Ballam, $6°00 to $6°40 per 190 tb.; Patna, no quota. tions; Rangoon, no quotations. Sucar—American granulated, no quotations. British Guiana.—Messrs. Wierinc & Ricurer, May 1, 1915; Messrs. SanppacH, Parker & (Co, April 30, 1915. - Messrs. SAND- =) eer Messrs. WIETING ARTICLES. Re Rican BACH, : ParkEB & Co. Arrowkoor—St. Vincent — $10:00 Barara—Venezuela block — 228 Demerara sheet —— —— Cacao—Native 15ec. per tb. l6c. per tb. Cassava— 96c. to $120 Cassava STARCH— Coco-nuTs— $10 to $15 per M.| $20 per M. Corrre—Creole —— 14c. per th. Jamaica and Rio/14e. to 15c. per tb. — Liberian 10c. per tb. 13c. per fb. Duat— — $8°25 per bag of 168 Green Dhal — --— Eppors— $1-44 — Motasses—Yellow None — Ontons—Teneritfe 5c. per th Madeira — —— Pras—Split $12-00 to $12°50 $1200 Marseilles —— PLantars— 16ec. to 48c. — Porators—Nova Scotia $2-50 $2-75 Lisbon —— Porators--Sweet, B’bados $168 === Rice—Ballar. No quotation — Creole $5°50 to $5°75 $5°50 TAaNNIAS— $2°88 ae Yasis— White _—— —— Buck $2°64 — Svuear—Dark crystals $3°50 to $3°60 $3°75 Yellow $4°00 to $4°10 $4°25 White —— aes e Molasses $3°10 to $3°25 — 4 TrmpeER—GREENMEART 32c. to 5dc. per | 32c. to 55c. per © cub. foot cub. foot f Wallaba shingles) $4°00 to $6°25 $4-00 to $6-00 per M. per M ;, Cordwood| $1°80 to $2-00 — per ton pas ¥ THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture FOR THE WEST INDIES. The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. A Quarterly Scientific Journal. Volume 1. No. 1. Out of print. Nos. 2, 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price 1s. each. Post free, 1s. 2d.; Volumes II, III, IV, V, VI, VIL, VIII, IX, X, XI, XIT and XIII:—Price 2s. each; Post free 2s. 87., where complete. (IIT, 2. IV, 3; and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.) Volume XIV, Nos. 1, 2,3 and4. ‘No. 4 Containing Papers on: The Production of Pork and Bacon; A new Industry for the West Indies, by Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G.; Commerce and Science in Cotton Growing, by John W. McConnel; Bordeaux Mixture; Some Sugar Factory Calculations, by Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G.; Sugar Industry in Cuba, by Noel Deerr; Report on Land Settlement Scheme in St. Lucia; Memorandum en the Geology of the Ground Waters of Antigua, by T. Wayland Vaughan; The Ground Waters of Antigua, by Dr. H. A. Tempany; and Cotton Leaf Diseases, by W. Nowell, D.I.C. PAMPHLET SERIES. The Pamphlets are written in a simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially adapted to West Indian conditions. They contain, amongst other subjects, summaries of the results of the experiment work on sugar-cane and manures, the full official reports of which have only a limited circulation. The number issued up to the present time is seventy-five, Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are out of print. Sucar Inpustrry. GENERAL. Seedling and other Canes at Barbados in 1900, No. 3, price 2d.; in 1901, No. 13; in 1902. No. 19; in 1903, No. 26; in 1904. No. 32; price 4d. each. Seedling Canes and Manurial Experiments at Barbados, in 1903-5, No. 40; in 1904-6, No. 44;in 1905-7, No. 49; in 1906-8, No. 59; in 1907-9, No. 62, No. 66, price 6d. each. Seedling and other Canes in the Leeward Islands, in 1900-1, No. 12; in 1901-2, No. 20; in 1902-3, No. 27; price 2d. each; in 1903-4, No. 33; in 1904-5, No. 39; in 1905-6, No. 46; in 1906-7, No. 50; in 1907-8, No. 56; price 4d. each, in 1908-9, No. 63; in 1909-10, No. 67; price 6d. each. Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the Leeward Islands, in 1902-3, No. 30; in 1903-4, No. 36; in 1904-5, No. 42; in 1905-6, No. 47; in 1906-7, No. 51; in 1907-8, No. 57; in 1908-9, No. 64; in 1909-10, No. 68; price 4d. each. Sugar-cane Experiments in the Leeward Islands, in 1910-11; in 1911-12; in 1912-13, price 1s. each. (7) and (22) Scale Insects of the Lesser Antilles, Part I, priee 4d.; Part II., price 4d. (17) General Treatment of Fungoid Pests. Price 4d. (43) Cotton Seed and Cotton-cake-meal on West Indian Planta- tions. Price 2d. (54) Fungus Diseases of Cacao and Sanitation of Cacao Orchards. Price 4d. (60) Cotton Gins, How to Erect and Work Them. Price 4d. (61) The Grafting of Cacao. Price 4d. (65) Hints for School. Gardens, Fourth Edition. (69) Hints to Settlers in St. Lucia. Price 6d. (70) Coco-nut Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 6d. (71) Insect Pests of the Lesser Antilles. Price 1s. 3d. (72) Lime Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 9d. (73) Root Borers and other Grubs in West Indian Soils, Price 6d. (74) Cotton Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 9d. (75) Inseet Pests of Sugar-cane in Antigua and St. Kitts. Price, 64. (76) Indian Corn. Price 4d. (77) Erysipelas and Hoose. 7 7 Price 2d. The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of 4/. for the pamphlets marked 2d.; 1d. for those marked 4d. and for Nos. 73 and 75; 14d. for Nos. 40, 44, 49,59, 62, 63, 67,69 and 74. Postage for No. 71, 4d. and for No. 72, 2d. The ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’: A Fortnightly Review. The ‘ Agricultural News’ contains extracts from official correspondence and from progress and other reports; and, in fact, any information indicating what is going on in each colony and the progress made in Agricultural matters throughout the West Indies. The ‘ Agricultural News’ is printed in time to be distributed, regularly, by each mail, and is on sale by the local agents of the Department at one penny per number, post free, 2d. The subscription price, including postage, is 2s. 2d. per half-year, or 4s. 4d. per annum. Volumes IV to XII complete, with title page and index, as issued—Price 4s. each— Post free, 5s. Some numbers of the early volumes are out of print and therefore these volumes can no longer be supplied complete. The scale of charges for ADVERTISEMENTS may be obtained on application to the Agents. A applications for opies are to he addressed to the Agents, not to the Department. Agents. The following have been appointed Agents for the sale of the publications of the Department:— London: Messrs. Dutau & Co., 37, Soho Square, W. Grenada: Messrs. THos. Lawtor & Co., St. George. Wesr Inpra Comrrrer, 15, Seething Lane. St. Vincent: Mr. J. D. Bonavte, ‘Times’ Office. Barbados: Anvocare Co. Lrp., Broad Street, Bridgetown. St. Lucia: Mr. R. W. Nives, Botanic Station. Jamaica: THe Epucarionan Suprty Company, 16, King Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. Brrocewarer, Roseau. Street, Kingston. Montserrat: Mr. W. Rosson, Botanic Station. British Guiana: Tak Datry Curonicie’ Orrice, Georgetown. Antigua: Mr. S. D. Manone, St. John’s. Trinidad: Messrs. Murr-Marsnaut & Co., Port-of-Spain. St. Kitts: Toe Brete anpD Book Suppty AGENCY, BASSBTERRE, Pobago: Mr. C. L. PLAGEMANN, Scarborough. Nevis: Messrs. Howe, Bros., Charlestown. Canada: Lewis W. Curmens, 71 King Street, West, Toronto. Vou. XIV. No. 34: THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, . Juxe 5, 1915, : —— 2 THE BEST MANURES FOR COLONIAL USE. [A hee Dissolved Peruvian Guano—For Sugar-cane and general use Special Sugar-cane Manure Special Cocoa ‘Manure Special Cotton Manure Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Superphosphates, (high grades), Potash Salts, Nitrolim and all other high-class Fertilizers. APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIRECT TO:— THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) GUANO WORKS. Londen Agency: Doek House, Billiter Street, London, E.C. Barbados Agents: James A. Lynch & Co., Ltd., Bridgetown. COTTON CULTIVATION IN THE WEST INDIES. ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE. VHIS illustrated booklet, published as No. 74 of the Pampitet Series of the Imperial Department of Agriculture, gives a simple but comprehensive account of all matters pertaining to the successful production of Sea Island cotton in the West Indian islands. The publication constitutes an entirely new and up to date edition of the A B C of Cotton Cultivation published by the Depsrtment in the early stages of the industry, and embraces all the new developments that have sinee been the outcome of practical experience and experiment. NATURE says:—‘Vhis comprehensive account of Sea Island cotton in the West Indies... . forms a very trust- worthy guide to those concerned im the... industry... the pamphlet is very well illustrated; the general informa- tion has been selected with great care, and the compilers are to be congratulated on the preparation of so useful « manual.’ THE KEW BULLETIN observes:-—‘The information contained in the work has evidently been selected with great care. . . and should certainly be consulted not alone by West Indian planters but by those interested in the subject in other cotton-producing countries.’ THE £IELD states:—‘An admirable little booklet which might be widely intitated by other parts of the tropical Hmpire, as regards not only cotton but other products.’ Favourable notices have also appeared in the India Rubber World and The Bowd of Trade Jow iat. COTTON CULTIVATION IN THE WEST INDIES, pp. 115, Figs. 35. Price 9d. Post free, 11d. From all pects for the Depariatent§ Publications, Printed at Office of Agricultural Reporter, t High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 1915. [One penny. R. M. S. P. [ FROM THE TO | PORTS OF CALL | Azore : ‘THE UNITED KINGDOM SE Wan cents St. Lucia, Dominica, CANADA | Montserrat, Antigua, St. Kitts, DEMERARA and PARAMARIBO | Bermuda, Halifax, N. S., & St. John (N.B.) _ Grenada & Trinidad. PANAMA CANAL and PACIFIC Trinidad, Puerto Colombia, Cartagena, Colon, Panama, /_PORTS Callao, Iquique, Antopagasta | | and Valparaiso. |REGULAK MAIL, PASSENGER AND CARGO SERVICES FROM THE | UNITED KINGDOM TO BRAZIL, URUGUAY & ARGENTINA Via Spein, Portugal, Madeira & St. Vincent. | REGULAR SATLINGS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM TO MOROCCO, CANARY ISLANDS & MADEIRA, STRAITS SETTLEMENTS, HONG-KONG, CHINA & JAPAN. Head Office: 18, Moorgate Street, London. Branches at BARBADOS, Trinidad, Tobago, Colon, Jamaica, Antilla, New York, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, etc. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. ‘THE: BARBADOS > CuHristy & NorkRIS, c0-0PERATIVE COTTON FACTORY, LTD. CHELMSFORD, ENGLAND. Cotton Ginners and Oil Refiners. Specialize in Machinery We make a spe clality in Our “Star” brands in COTTON SEED OIL. for:— LINSEED OIL. } OTTON SEED CAKE. GRINDING & SIFTING: COTTON SEED MEAL. MAIZE, COTTON SEED, BONES, All orders received by us will meet with our careful attention. SPICES, SALT, ETC. THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE ere ITED Write for Catalogue, and COTTON FACTORY, LIM ? DISINTEGRATOR, send sample of material you WHITE PARK ROAD, (346) wish to grind. BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. : SSS February 5, 1915. TO BE ISSUED SHORTLY. a WEST INDIAN BULLETIN. Vol. XV, No. 1. (Index number). Containing papers on: The Development of Agriculture (Mr. A. D. Hall’s Addresses to the British Association for the) GPpACK AVATLABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENT. Advancement of Science); Agricultural Industries — of Montserrat, by Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Se.; Report on the Island of Redonda, by Dr. H. A. Tempany; Note on the} Feeding and Manurial Value of Lime Seeds, by Dr, H. A. Tempany; the Poisonous Forms of Phaseolus (unatus (Lima beans), by W. KR. Dunlop; Skin Diseases of Cattle in) Antigna (compiled from the notes of .P. T. Saunders, M.R.C.V.S., A. V.C.) FOR SALE. | The very valuable, fertile and accessible property “RU BW At -Soutriere, &m ‘Lucia. Containing about 400 aeres, of which about 100 acres is planted in Limes, 100 acres in Cocoa. There are also some canes and cocoa-nuts, a large number of Vanilla vines and Pear Trees, also Banana, Orange, Grape fruit and Pine-apples. | SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENT, A WATERWHEEL and MILL in perfect order for crushing Limes and Canes, a full supply of carts t and animals, two dwelling houses in perfect order. | INSPECTION IS INVITED. For all further particulars, apply to St. LUCIA, B.W.L (246 ‘A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. Vor. XIV. No. 343. BARBADOS, JUNE 19, °1915. Price 1d. ——— CONTENTS. PAGE. PAGE. Agricultural Affairs in St. | Fungus Notes: Kitts soy (ba 0. Oke 206 | The Cause of Citrus Agricultural Engineers, Canker ... 206 The American Society of, 193 | Gleanings ... . 204 Ammonia and Nitrates in | Insect Notes: Hawaiian Soils, Produc- | A Cricket Predaceous TIOWROL <.. oc -.. 199} on Termites 02, Botanical Notes . 198 Locusts ... 202 The Pink Boll Worm... 202 Madagascar, Wild Citrus Pruitsmot ..- ... 196 Market Reports .. 208 Notes and Comments . 200 Soil Analysis, Value of... 205 Soil Chemistry, Recent Ceylon’s Coco-nut Trade.. 201 Coco-nutsin the Windward and Leeward Islands... Corn, Improving Local Varieties of ... ... ... Cotton Notes:— Utilizing Cotton Stalks 198 196 197 West Indian Cotton ... 198) Work in... ... ... 208 Department News ... ... 195 Sorghum, Prussic Acid Departmental Reports ... 194) Content of ... ... ... 201 Dyeing Industries and the Veterinary Notes . 208 Tropics ... ... ... ... 201} West Indian Patois, Na- Fine Cotton Spinners’ CULCIGMEermcgs) | ssa .-+s SU) Dividend, 1914-15 . 200. West Indian Products... 207 The American Society of Agricultural Engineers. > play P to the present agricultural engineering has not been recognized as 4 specific branch Q sof agricultural science in the tropics as if has been in the United States and in some European countries. This is largely due no doubt to the fact that all mechanical devices have to be imported into the tropics which necessitates procuring also from abroad responsible engineers. ‘The economic impor- tance of agricultural engineering is perhaps greater than any other branch of agricultural science, for upon it is dependent agricultural development to a very large extent. In the West Indies the sugar industry is dependent upon engineering in regard to factories, and even in the cacao, cotton and lime-growing indus- tries imported machinery and its proper working is a necessary factor. But besides these phases which imply the investment of considerable capital, agricul- tural engineering underlies the conduct of ordinary operations on the estate, such as ploughing and the carting of produce. As well as these there is the important subject of draimage, irrigation and other aspects of water-supply. The transactions of the American Society of Agri- cultural Engineers for 1914 present an interesting review of recent work in engineering relating to agriculture ia the United States. deal with the place and field of the agricultural Two of the papers engineer, and in these it is held that the engineer should be closely associated with agricultural activ- ity. be able to design and handle a motor plough: it is equally necess- ary to be familiar with the adjustment required in For instance it is not sufficient to fac- with in the An impor- tant side of agricultural engineering which we have regard to soil variation and other fluctuating tors which application of exact science to agriculture. are so constantly met not yet mentioned is that of ventilation. This sub- ject is dealt with in the publication under considera- tion, but from the tropical standpoint, owing to clima- tic conditions, it is probably not as important as under temperate conditions where the protection trom cold is more liable to interfere with a pure atmosphere. In this paper the interesting fact is the maintenence of mentioned that it is not simply an increase in the percentage of carbon dioxide in the air of a stable that 194 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JuNE 19; 1915. iS so injurious as the accompanying rise in tempera- ture. At the same time it is always desirable to keep the carbon dioxide content at a minimum, if only because of the consideration that fresh air rend- ers animals more immune to diseases like tuberculosis. which receives attention is Another subject the of small These machines are now being commonly employed on economy farm gas engines. estates in the tropics, but if may not be gener- that economy not at their maximum load, but at a load ally known engines develop their best fuel approximately 67 per cent. of the maximum load. In America the ‘draft of waggons has also received much investigation. The dynamometer has enabled interesting curves to be obtained showing the variation in the horse-power invention of a new form of -exerted on roads of different surfaces and grades over long distances. This work is being continued, and within the next few years a sufficient number of ot the One question observations will have been made to allow deduction of yery general conelusions. that is being studied is the effect of the width of tyres on draft. In this connexion it may be pointed out that in regard to carriages, a rubber tyre necessitates the expenditure of greater energy in starting and stopping Most planters in the West Indies recognize that there is need for the investigation of draft work locally, particularly im connexion with the relative efficiency for different draft purposes of cattle than does an iron tyre. and mules. The last phase of agricultural engineering which For the agricultural student, most authorities agree that we may consider is the teaching of the subject. a theoretical beginning should consist of a study of mechanics, and that a practical start should consist of On the farms attached to agricultural colleges and experiment work in the forge and in the carpenter's shop. stations there is generally every facility for studying The various appliances employed for the cultivation of the the different aspects of agricultural engineering. soil and for the preparation of crops may be tested the gas engines and various pumping appliances will often or considered from a theoretical aspect, while be available for critical examination. On the average estate in the tropics the machinery is frequently rather specialized, as in the case of the sugar estates. Nevertheless for educational purposes it would be difficult to find a better equipment for studying engineering in its agricultural aspects than in the central factory and on estates connected with it, which are run on labour-saving lines. The considerations in the above paragraph concern the training of the planter rather than the agricultural engineer. In fact they imply his existence. There are few institutions at present capable of training such an expert, though some of the American colleges in which mechanics and agricultural’departments are in The agricultural engineer is essentially an engineer, and of course a specialist de- touch might suffice. pending upon whether branches of irrigation, architee- ture, surveying, implement designing or machinery are But he must also be an agriculturist in the sense that he must understand agricultural economy, and be in a position to look at things from the planter’s taken up. point of view. SUGAR-CANE EXPERIMENTS IN THE LEE- WARD ISLANDS, + 1913-14. The series of experiments here reported on have been continuously in progress for a period of fifteen years, and it has been an essential feature to conduct them in a uniform manner on the fields of sugar estates situated in the different sugar-producing districts. The experiments with varieties of cane constitute the vehicle through which new and promis- ing varieties are introduced into cultivation; while the manurial experiments afford important information as to the most remunerative way of supplying these varieties with plant food. EXPERIMENTS WITH VARIETIES OF SUGAR-CANE. The report under review is divided into two parts as in former years, Part 1 dealing with experiments of sugar-cane, and Part II, dealing with manurial experiments. The past season’s trials in Antigua have indicated, in the case of plant canes, the superiority of 6.4596, B.6450 and Sealy Seedling, amongst others. The first and last of those mentioned have occupied high positions in the list for several years, and their continued satisfactory behaviour enables them to be confidently recommended to planters. B. 6450 is now well known as a valuable cane in Barbados, where it has won for itself a very favourable opinion. It is of interest to record that three other Barbados varieties introduced into the experiments for the first time last year have shown promise as plant canes, namely, B.6204. B.4934 and B.4030. B.4030 is in many respects an interesting cane and its behaviour will be watched with attention. Turning to ratoon canes in Antigua, it will be observed that once more the list is headed by B.4596, The second cane on the list is B.3922. Both these varieties Wor, SIV.” “No: 343: THE AGRICULTU RAL NEWS gave about 3,400 lb. of sucrose per acre as compared with at 990 Ib. of sucrose per acre for 1.4596 as a plant cane. Another satisfactory ratoon cane in Antigua, as shown by last year’s figures, is B.1528. Turning to the experiments in St. Kitts it will be seen that during the season under review the leading cane was D.109; it gave an average yield of 8,680 Ib. of sucrose and 40°7 tons of cane per acre. During suecessive seasons this variety has gradually come to ne front, and appears worthy of careful and extended trial, as well suited to St. Kitts conditions. The second cane on the listis D. 116 which may also be regarded as eminently; suited for St. Kitts, whilst it is of interest to record that the third cane on the list is the locally raised seedling A.2. Other varieties which continue show promise are B.316, and B.254. It is observed that B. 1753 has shown a gradual decline from the high position which it occupied a few years ago. In regard to ratoon canes in St. Mitts, D. 109 again takes the lead, yielding 6,510 tb. of sucrose and 29°3 tons of cane per acre. Second on the list is A. 2, and B. 254, Sealy Seedling and B 376 are third, fourth and fifth, respectively. While considering the subject of cane varieties it will be convenient to make reference here to the section at the end of the report on the area under cultivation in different varieties. An interesting table shows that in Antigua since 1907 there has been a gradual i increase from 21-4to 64°1 in the per- centage of total area under varieties other than White Transparent and Bourbon. Nevertheless White Transparent has not been easily displaced, and as a matter of fact occupies the largest area at'the present time in Antigua. In St. Kitts this variety is also extensively cultivated, but the area under it is slightly exceeded by that planted in Bb. 147. In Antigua, Sealy Seedling comes next to White Transparent, while noteworthy increases in area in this island have occurred in the case of B. 4596, B. 6450 and B. 3412. In St. Kitts considerable increase has occurred in the case of D.109, though the largest increase is put down to ‘Mixed Varieties’. It is unfortunate that such an indefinite form of nomenclature is necessary. Decreases of some magnitude are seen in St. Kitts in the case of B.1753, D. 116, and B. 109. MANURIAL EXPERIMENTS. The manurial experiments during the season under review contain a feature of fresh interest, namely, manurial experiments with plant canes. Readers who have followed sugar-cane experiments in the Leeward Islands during past years will know that the manurial experiments with plant canes were discontinued in 1907, when it was held to have been adequately demonstrated for the Leeward Islands that a proper supply of pen manure is sufficient for the needs of plant canes and that the additional application of artificial fertilizers is not remunerative. The reason for restarting the experiments rests in the circumstance that an adequate supply of pen manure is not always available and it is there- fore desirable to find out what combination of fertilizers is best calenlated to avert the losses in fertility in cases where this happens. The result of the first year’s trials are decid- edly interesting and instructive, but it will require to. be supplemented by the results of subsequent years before permanent conclusions can be arrived at. Subject to this reservation, the results up to the present indicate that in the absence of a dressing of pen manure, applications of artificial Manures are of benefit, and that such applications should contain adequate amounts of nitrogen, potash and phosphates. To show the extent of the benefit to be expected, we may give the result obtained in the experiments Nos. 5,11 and 20- The application of pen manure at the rate of 20 tons per acre eae an increase in yield of 7°3 tons of cane per acre; in Nos. 5, 11 and 20 the application of 601. of nitrogen as sul- phate of ammonia in conjunction with 40lb. of phosphoric acid as basic slag and 60Ib. of potash as sulphate has pro- duced an average increase of yield amounting to 7-5 tons of cane per acre, and profit amounting to 21s. Ohd. when canes are valued at 10s. 10d. per ton, and 58s. 644d. “when canes are valued at 15s. 10d. per ton. This case clea itly shows that it is possible to substitute profitably artificial manures for pen manure; but at the same time it must be remembered that a supply of humus is always necessary, and that if pen manure cannot be obtained in fair quantities, resort must be had to green dressings or other forms of organic matter. Section 2 of Part II in this report deals with the old series of manurial experiments with ratoon canes. A generat survey of the results shows that nitrogenous manures have- in all cases led to increased yields. Although the addition of potash and phosphate induces a greater return, the- increases experienced are not as remunerative as when nitrate of soda or sulphate of ammonia are used alone. On the whole, the results indicate again that, in the case of ratoon canes, the most satisfactory manurial application is in the form of single doses of quick acting nitrogenous manure conveying nitrogen at the rate of 40 Ib. per acre, and applied at an early stage in the growth of the cane. In relation to the recently introduced nitrogenous manures, nitrolim and nitrate of lime, it has been shown that nitrolim is ineffective as a manure when applied to ratoon canes, but that nitrate of lime possesses a value nearly equal to that of sulphate of ammonia. The effect of small dressings of lime has been negative, but when larger dressings of marl have been given, benefit has been derived, especially in the case of heavy non-calcareous soils. DEPARTMENT NEWS. Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G., Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture for the West Indies, returned to Barba- dos by the S.S. ‘Guiana’ on June 9 after having made a lengthy tour occupying nearly five weeks in the Northern Islands. The object of the visits to the different islands was to discuss with the Governments and local planters various agricultural topics, parti- cularly in regard to the central factory question and the cultivation of corn and other food crops. The longest visit was paid to Dominica where the Commis- sioner spent eleven days visiting the Botanic Gardens and various estates. In St. Kitts and in Nevis nine days were spent, while in passing down the islands, a short visit was made to the French island of Guade- loupe. Two visits were made to Antigua occupying altogether five days, and on the fetum to Barbados a short time was spent at St. Lucia. The Commissioner returned with Mr. W. Nowell, Mycologist to the Depart- ment, who has spent several weeks in the interior of Dominica investigating the red root disease of limes, the cause and extent of which have been satisfactorily: determined. 196 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Jone 19, 1915 FRUIT. COCO-NUTS IN THE WINDWARD AND LEEWARD ISLANDS. In St. Vincent, during 1915-14, the planting of coco-nuts was still continued, about 29,000 being imported for the purpose. In St. Lucia an extension is also taking place. Planting has continued, and preparations are in progress on several estates for further extension of the area under this crop. The quality of the nuts in St. Lucia is, on the whole, very good. With careful selection it is possible to get local nuts of excellent quality for propagating purposes. The local demand for selected seed nuts has been very considerable, and the exports in consequence showed but a slight increase in 1913-14: 80,097 nuts valued at £234 Os. 11d., and 69 cwt. of copra valued at £68 18s. 4d. were exported. The coco-nut palm flourishes with great vigour in Dominica, and a very considerable industry has been established, though there is plenty of room for further extensions. Over half a million nuts were exported in 1912, and the continued investment of capital will lead to still greater shipments in the future. In Antigua there were about 46 acres of coco-nuts planted in the island during the year. The interest in this industry is being maintained, for some 5,000 nuts are ordered for planting purposes next year. On the whole, the planta- tions are in a promising condition, but there are instances where drainage is necessary if success is to be secured. This point has been brought forward on previous occasions, but its importance is such as to allow of repetition, for it would seem that if some cases are neglected success cannot be looked for. The coco-nut trees are, on the whole, singularly free from disease. Scale insects are somewhat common but these have caused up to the present little or no apparent damage. The coco-nuts at Pinneys estate in Nevis continue to be satisfactory; the trees are perfectly healthy, and are bearing well. The area now under cultivation is about 220 acres. Arrangements are being made to carry out manurial experiments in the plantation under the supervision of the Department of Agriculture. During the year, 41,400 nuts were collected. A fair number of these were used for planting purposes, and the rest were shipped to the New York market, where good prices were realized. Other small plantations exist in the island. During 1913-14, the planting of coconuts by the Government and proprietors of land in the Virgin Islands received much attention. The interest displayed in the orders for plants this season must in a great measure be attributed to the example shown by the Experiment Station in planting out a 4-acre demonstration plot of this palm. In order to meet the demand for plants in the Virgin Islands, selected nuts were obtained locally from a group of trees growing at Cappoons Bay estate, the property of J. B. Rommey, Esq. ‘Trees on this estate are quite free from any insect or fungoid pests, very prolific, and producing a nut over 4 inches in diameter. In view of these facts, together with the risk that is run in importing disease by the importation of plants, the Depart- ment deemed it wise to propagate from local sources. Up to the time of writing, approximately 35 acres of coco-nuts have been established. Particular attention must be drawn to the establishment of a 20-acre plantation by a recent settler in Tortola. The soil on this plantation is of a sandy loam nature, and should the proper subsequent treatment be given to.the plants, it is reasonable to expect that a remunerative yield will be obtained. Continued interest has been shown in the planting of this crop, and it is estimated that approximately 50 acres will be put into coco-nut cultivation next season. It is hoped that the interest will be kept up, as there is great scope for the development of a coco-nnt industry in the Virgin Islands. THE WILD CITRUS FRUITS OF MADAGASCAR. There has appeared in commerce in London during the last two years a curious bronze-coloured orange, marked with one or two longitudinal orange-yellow stripes, but having the odour of the edible orange and a sweet juice. On enquiry of the fruiterers (who charged 4d. each for them) these oranges are stated to come from only one grower in Spain, whose name is kept a secret by the trade at present, and who is believed to have used a graft of a bronze-coloured Madagascar orange on the ordinary Spanish sweet orange. According to a note in the Juwrnal of the Royal Society of Arts (April 2, p. 467) there are wild species of Citrus, but in the centre and on the east coast of the island oranges and mandarines are grown in small quantities from planted trees. The wild oranges, known as ‘Voasary’, are most common on the east coast, growing either near the shore in sandy soil, or more in the interior in compact, more or less flinty rock, but as a rule on poor and arid soil, and are usually scattered amongst bushy growth. A small lemon about the size of a hen’s egg, called ‘Voa- sary mahirana’, grows on the north-west coast of the island. On the east coast there are two local varieties of the mandarin orange and one variety imported from Zanzibar, and also an imported variety of grape fruit. Dr. Haeckel published a list of the ditferent Citrus fruits of Madagascar, giving their native names, but descriptions of the different native fruits are not yet available, and it is difti- cult to determine to what type they approach, and how many are of the orange and how many of the lemon type, since the Malagasy word ‘Voasary’ seems to be used generally for fruits of both orange and lemon type. These names are as follows: Tsoko, Voahangibe, Voangy, Voantsoa, Voasari-kelinandria maintra, Voasari-mabirona (evi- dently the small lemon above mentioned), Voasari-mamy, and Voasari-mandina. In the Flora of Mauritius, however, Bojer describes a species said to be a native of Madagascar, but cultivated in Mauritius under the name of Cztrus Vangasay, Boj., and ealled ‘Vangasaille’ in Mauritius. In Mauritius also, a small bronze-coloured orange, a native of China (Citrus fusca) appears to be cultivated, but this is not mentioned by Haeckel amongst the Citrus species cultivated in Madagascar. Until we know whether some of the above-named wild Madagascar Citrus fruits have a bronze skin, it is not possible to guess further at the exact botanical source of the curious bronze orange imported into this country. But the long list of wild forms in Madagascar show that there may possibly be species yielding essential oils that might become useful articles of commerce. (The Perfumery and Essential Oil Record, April 20, 1915.) TS — 1" Vou. XIV. No. 343. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 197 IMPROVING LOCAL CORN VARIETIES. The Antigua Sun for May °20, 1915, contains a report of a meeting of the Antigua Agricultural Society, at which, a paper on the above subject was yead by Mr. T. Jackson, Curator of the Botanic Station. The greater part of this paper is reproduced in the following article:— Maize breeding can be roughly divided into two sections; firstly, the raising of new hybrids, and secondly, the improving of existing varieties. The work of raising new varieties necessitates an intimate knowledge of the laws governing plant breeding, without which much time and labour might be wasted without real progress being made. On the other hand, the improvement of existing varieties is a far simpler proposition, and possibly more immediate good would accrue from this than from the other. In consequence, it is proposed to deal with methods which could be adopted if serious attempts were made to improve our local corn. It can be stated without much fear of contradiction, that the corn grown in Antigua is a combination of types or varieties which through being grown for many years in the island has adapted itself to local conditions and become thoroughly acclimatised. It might not be out of place to discuss the selection of eorn as performed by some managers on estates. This, as is well known, consists of picking by inspection from the storeroom the largest ears of corn for planting purposes. This is better than planting from the first cob to hand, and possibly more good has been done by this simple operation than is generally realized. It may also be the foundation for the adoption of better methods in the future. The draw- backs to this may be summarised by saying that it is analagous to the breeding of stock from unknown sires. It is realized that planters on some estates may not have the time at their disposal to devote to an elaborate method of maize selection, but if the above points are considered, it will be seen that a very simple method might be adopted on all corn estates which would eliminate some of the faults of the present system. This would consist of detasselling a cer- tain number of the plants bearing the most promising looking ears, and saving the ears borne by them for seed purposes. A great many faults could be found with this, but it would be better than the present practice, and there will be the possibility of getting the increased yields often obtained from first generation hybrids. We may now consider methods which would be adopted if this work were taken up seriously. In the first place the ears which will form the first plot would have to be found. These. should if possible be obtained from a field which possesses a low proportion of poor ears so as to ensure a good strain on the paternal side. The plants which bear the ears for planting should be selected for the following points:— - General vigour of plant. Size and position of ear. Compactness of husk. Freedom from disease. Sime adie Sa Each plant should be marked and the final selection done in the office. We will presume that sixty ears have been obtained. The seed from each ear is then planted ina separate row. When these arrive at the flowering stage half of them are detasselled and it is from these rows that seed for future future planting is reserved. When ripe the seed from the thirty rows is weighed separately, and the fifteen giving the highest yield are retained. From each of these, four of the best ears are saved, which again give sufficient to bring the progeny plot wp to the original sixty rows. 3efore going any further, several points in the preced- ing paragraph might be explained. It will be seen that by reserving for planting purposes only the seed from emascu- lated plants, there is no danger of self-fertilization. The- reason for the new system is to prevent close pollination or the pollination of silks by pollen from tassels grown on the same ear. One other point might be mentioned and that is, when weighing the ears from the various rows the number of plants growimg in the row must not be forgotten. In other words, the selection of a row must depend on the average weight of corn borne per plant. The new points might be done. by more inspection, but it is more satisfactory if actual measurements and weights are taken. The following are the main points taken into account:— 1. Length and circumference of cob, 2. Shape of ears and distance between rows. 3, Proportion of corn to cob. 4. Shape of kernels. The length of a good ear of Antigua corn is about 10 inches. The circumference should be three-fourths of this taken about one-third of distance from the butt. The shape of the ear should be cylindrical with narrow divisions between the rows. The divisions should not be more than }-inch wide. The proportions of cob to corn should not be less than 85 per cent., and the minimum number of grains should be between 800 and 900. As to the grain itself, the length should be about one and a half times the width, and should be wedge shaped. One other point might be mentioned, and that is the weight of grain in individual ears. It must be remembered’ that selection is performed not merely to obtain large ears, but to obtain ears giving large weights of grain. Therefore it will be necessary to weigh the corn from each ear before’ deciding which to discard. This factor is influenced by the- length of the individual kernels. To sum up, there is :— 1. A selection of ears from a field bearing good ears of corn. 2. The actual planting of the progeny plot, which should if possible be situated in a field in which there is growing only pedigree corn. 3. The detasselling of alternate rows in the progeny plot. 4. The obtaining of the ears from half of the number of rows giving the highest yield. 5. The selection of the best ears from the fifteen rows giving the highest yield. It might be pointed out that there is a limit to seed selection, and that after a certain point is reached)Pand undesirable characters are eliminated, further improvements. can only be made by introductions of new varieties. Sr ne The observations relating to staple crops forwarded from St. Lucia at the beginning of this month show that the cacao crop was finishing while the lime crop was just about to ripen. As might be expected, the sugar crop was nearly over. It is stated that the yield has been good in the valleys but short in the dry districts. : CL. Pa wed : al x : es - YQ hs aw WEST INDIAN COTTON. Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool, write as follows, under dates May 17 and 31, 1915, respectively, with reference to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton:— Since our last report (May 3) about 100 to 150 bales of West Indian Sea Island cotton have been sold, chiefly St. Kitts 16d. to 164d., and Barbadosl4}d. There is still very little demand and this industry is much disorganized, owing to the war in Northern France. Since our last report (May 17) about 60 bales of West Indian Sea Island cotton have been sold, chiefly St. Vincent at 17d., with a few Montserrat at 14}d. There is yery little doing, but prices are comparatively steady. The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week ended May 29, is as follows:— Tlie market has remained very quiet. There is some inquiry which resulted in sales ef only 5 bales (portion of a crop) on private terms. The unsold stock consists entirely of Planters’ crops classing Extra Fine and held at 25c. to 30c. There being no odd bags the quotations for graded eotton are omitted. This report shows that the total exports of Sea Island cotton from the United States to Liverpool, and Manchester, up to May 29, 1915, were 103 and 1,819 bales, respectively. UTILIZING COTTON STALKS. At Greenwood, Miss. (U.S.A.), a pulp mill with a seapacity of 50 tons daily is being erected to manufacture pulp for paper-making from cotton stalks, a hitherto unused by-product of the cotton fields. * This industry is of vast economic value to the cotton- growing sections of America, as well as of great value to the paper-making trades at this time of increasing scarcity in pulp-making materials the world over. The cotton- plant is a well-known annual plant, the stalks of which, after producing its crop of cotton, have been destroyed by the farmer in preparing his ground for the succeeding crop. A conservative estimate of the annual supply of cotton stalks in the cotton-growing sections of the United States is about 75,000,000 tons. If but 25 per cent. of this can be utilized, it will aggregate an approximate pro- duction of 6,000,000 tons of paper annually, worth more than £10 per ton. As there appears to be an inexhaustible supply of cotton stalks that are useless for any other purpose, it ensures a ‘raw material cost’ of little variation from year to year. Usually about 10,000 cotton plants are grown on an acre of ground. In the Yazoo Delta section the growth THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JUNE 19) 195: of the cotton plant is large, often attaining a height of 8 feet, 10 feet, and 12 feet; the stalks of which in a dry condition weigh from } Ib. to 3 Ib. each. The best cellulose for durable papers will be obtained from the fibre of the cotton plant. This particular fibre is a thin-walled tube whith collapses in a peculiar twisted manner in the beating pracess, interlaces in the felting process much better than any other fibre, and holds its grasp tena- ciously. It is strong, flexible and durable, of light weight, and with double the tensile strength of stock used in ordinary wrapping paper. Paper made from cotton-plant fibre, when nitrated, becomes an efticient and convenient form of smokeless powder. Chemical works willalso be erected at Greenwood in which to conserve and refine the by-products produced, which will be of much value in arts and manufactures. Large quantities of old cotton stalks are being delivered at the mill site, the cost delivered being about 12s. 6d., or $3 U.S. currency, per ton. The daily consumption of stalks will be 150 short tons, which will produce 50 tons of valuable pulp. The mill located on the Southern Railway at Greenwood, Miss., is the first commercial pulpmill of its kind ever erected, and the industry has promises of surpassing the present importance of the cotton oil industry in America. The process and details for manufacturing pulp and paper from cotton stalks were worked out, and the value of the product demonstrated in an experimental plant at Philadelphia, Penn., with the result that it was decided to construct a commercial and permanent plant at Greenwood, Miss, U.S.A. (Journal ot the Royal Society of Arts, May 7, 1915.) Botanical Notes.—An interesting abstract appears in the Journal of the Rvyal Horticultural Society tor April 1915, dealing with the Botanic Gardens at Rio de Janeiro, It is stated that great improvements have been effected at Rio during the short time that Dr. Willis (formerly of Ceylon) has been in office as Director. Quite apart from artificial improvements, the gardens at Rio are naturally some of the finest in the world. Adjoining is a forest slope which has been taken over by the Brazilian Government for the cultiva- tion of useful trees, but the work of clearing is rendered diftieult owing to the rapidity with which the jungle growth develops. The extraordinary richness of the flora in and around Rio is shown by the fact that no fewer than 11,000 species are known from the Federal area in which the city is situated. Though forest trees predominate in the gardens themselves, there are open spaces where European and tropical flowers flourish bedded side by side as in an English park; but the great features are the palm avenues, the bamboo plantations, fine groups of Aavenalia madagascariensis, very tine collections of Cycads and Conifers, and many others including tropical aquatics. A second note on climbing bamboos, in the same journal, gives some interesting field observations on Arthrostylidium and other climbing bamboos of Porto Rico. A. sarmentosum is described as a very graceful and delicately beautiful species, and is found hanging from the long limbs of the trees. It was observed to be in full flower on December 2, 1913: Another species, A. multispicatum, has the slender, naked, growing ends of the culms beset with short, sharp prickles. These long grappling branches swing in the breeze like a whip lash until they strike ahold. These branches are freely produced and form an entangled mass that is said to draw blood at every step of one’s progress through it. Voi. XIV. No. 343. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 199 a PRODUCTION OF AMMONIA AND NITRATES IN HAWAIIAN SOILS. Bulletin No. 37 of the Hawaii Agricultural Experiment Sti ition contains the following summary of the results obtained from an investigation into “the oecurrence of ammonification and nitrification in the soils of that territory: — (1) The pasture and forest lands of Hawaii, the soils used for aquatic crops, and most other island soils not subjected to frequent tillage contain very small amounts of nitrate but considerably larger ainounts of ammonia. (2) The uncultivated soils are capable of supporting vigorous ammonification of dried blood, but are toxic to nitrification. (3) Nitrification takes place in Hawaiian soils after aerated conditions have been maintained for a period of several months, but not immediately following _ tillage. Ammonification is also stimulated by tillage. (4) The inactive state of nitrification in the unculti- vated soils is not due to the absence of the nitrifying organisms or acidity. (5) Sterilization in the autoclave and burning failed to bring about conditions favourable to nitrification, but burning caused a splitting off of large amounts of ammonia. (6) The beneficial effects to crops produced by burning refuse is probably due in considerable part to the formation of ammonia. (7) The plants growing on the uncultivated soils probably absorb nitrogen largely in the form of ammonium compounds. (8) Partial sterilization of Hawaiian soils stimulates ammonification for a short time, usually about two weeks, followed then by a retardation in ammonification. Nitrifica- tion is inhibited temporarily by partial sterilization, but later on regains its activity, due possibly to reinoculation with air-borne organisms. (9) Reinoculation of the partially sterilized with untreated soil did not overcome the stimulation to ammoni- fication, but stimulated nitrification. (10) A permanent increase in the available nitrogen (nitrate and ammonia) was effected by partial sterilization in certain soils, while in others the effects were very temporary. In the latter instances it is possible that nitrate and ammonia consuming organisms gained the ascendancy toward the close of the experimental periods, and that ammonification was partially inhibited by the too great accumulation of the products of bacterial action. (11) Two-tenths per cent. of toluol bisulphid were equally as effective as-+ per cent. (12) Itis believed that both the aeration and partial sterilization of Hawaiian soils bring about stimulation in bacterial action through effects produced on the colloidal soil films, but continued aeration in the more effective. The protozoan theory appears to be of doubtful application to these soils. (13) Calcium carbonate produced considerable stimula- tion in the aimmonification of dried blood and soy bean cake meal in certain soils; in others, only slight effects. Magnesium carbonate, on the other hand, produced marked stimulation in a number of instances. In two soils only, magnesium carbonate was toxie to ammonification. Dolomitic and and carbon calcareous limestones produced effects similar to those produced by calcium carbonate. (14) In certain soils calcium carbonate stimulated nitrification, while in others no effects were produced. Magnesium carbonate, on the other hand, was toxic to nitrification in a majority of the soils studied. (15) Nitrification was found to be equally as active in the manganiferous and titaniferous soils as in the other studied, but magnesium carbonate was especially toxic in these soils, and was more toxic to the nitrification of soy bean cake meal than of dried blood. (16) Dolomitic and calcareous limestones produced similar effects on nitrification, bringing about stimulation in the soils in which calcium carbonate produced stimulation and no effects in the soils that were unaffected by calcium carbonate. (17) The application of caleareous and dolomitic limestones will probably produce similar effects on the availability of nitrogen in Hawaiian soils, but regarding the effects of the burnt limes, further experiments are necessary before conclusions can be drawn. soils (18) Positive conclusion can not be drawn concerning the effects of the lime-magnesia ratio on ammonification and nitrifi- cation in soils. The evidence to date, however, points to the probability that this ratio exerts very little, if any, influence on bacterial action in the usual soil. The concentration of magnesium salts in the soil moisture, on the other hand, probably has an important influence on bacterial action. (19) The experiments recorded in this bulletin empha- size the importance of maintaining the best aeration possible. This can not be done profitably without the rotatiou of crops, including green manuring. ‘Fhe exceedingly high clay content of much of the cultivated lands causes the soil to‘be very heavy, and to pack after rains, so that aeration becomes poor. By increasing the humus content aeration will be increased, drainage facilitated, and bacterial action stimulated. Thus, the plant food will become more available, deeper rooting of crops be encouraged, and their ability to withstand the effects of drought be greatly increased. No system of soil management in Hawaii can be judicious or permanent without the rotation of crops and the maintenance of humus. The storage and application of pen manure has been studied recently i in Germany with interesting results. The main conclusion drawn is; that to obtain the maximum benefit, the solid and liquid excreta should, on the estate, be utilized separately. The reasons for this are so obvious that one is surprised that they have not been pointed out earlier. Firstly, the two manures are essentially different in their effects: for example, the nitrogen in urine acts as rapidly as that in sulphate of ammonia, whereas the solid exereta’s effect is very much slower. The value of the solid matter depends largely upon. its high bacterial content, and its riehness in humus-forming organic substances. Urine, on the other hand, is relatively poor in bacteria and humus-forming substances, but as already pointed out, rich in quickly available plant nutrients. It is suggested that urine should be more commonly applied to the soil along with absorbents, like. peat moss. Further information on this subject may be obtained from the reference given in the English Journal of the Board of Agriculture, for May 1915. for 200 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JUNE 19; 1915. Fine Cotton Spinners’ Dividend, 1914-15. According to the Munchester Guardian May 12, 1915, the’ dividend statement of the Fine EDITORIAL NOTICES. Cotton Spinners’ and Doublers’ Association tor the Eten Ie 3 ‘ 1914-15, shows that there has been an appreciable Heap OFFICE — BARBADOs. Letters and matter for publication, as well as all specimens for naming, should be addressed to the Commissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture, Barbados. All applications for copies of the ‘Agricultural News’ and other Departmental publications, should be addressed to the Agents, and not to the Department. The complete list of Agents, and the subscription and advertisement rates, will be found on page 3 of the cover. Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Sc. F.LC., F.C.S. - SCIENTIFIC STAFF. Scientific Assistant and Assistant Edito: Entomologist Mycologist Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture fur the West Indies W. R. Dunlop. H. A. Ballou, M.Se. W. Nowell, D.I.C. CLERICAL STAFF. A. G. Howell. M. B. Connell. W. P. Bovell. P. Taylor. Miss B. Robinson. { A. B. Price, Fell. Journ. Inst. (L. A. Corbin. Agricultural Rews Chief Clerk Assistant Clerk Junior Clerk Assistant Junior Clerk Lypist Assistunts for Publications Vou. XIV. SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 1915. No. 343. NOTES AND COMMENTS. Contents of Present Issue. In the editorial in this number the scope of agri- cultural engineering is explained by means of a review of the Transactions of the American Society of Agricul- tural Engineers. On page 194 will be found reviewed the recently issued Report on sugar-cane experiments in the Leeward Islands, 1913-14. a Three articles in this issue deal with various -aspects of soil chemistry. The most important article is that which describes recent work in this subject, on page 205. ———— Insect Notes deal principally with locusts in ‘Trinidad and Venezuela; while Fungus Notes com- prise an account of the cause of citrus canker, decline in the profits. This is said to have been anticipated by everybody. The company, however, has a reserve fund of £1,175,459, and the directors feel justified in the circumstances in repeating the dividend of 8 per cent. which they paid for each of the last six years, although their doing so necessitates the reduction of the balance forward from £256,311 to £154,868. Particulars as to the French mill and the results of the working of the Mississippi cotton estate are likely to be given later, either in the directors’ report or in the Chairman’s speech at the meeting. As to the financial stability of the Association, it might be mentioned that the gross profit in 1911-12 was £637,967, in 1910-11 £641,845, in 1909-10 £673,220, and in 1908-9 £493,317. The Nature of West Indian Patois. The interesting description by Mr. C. F. Condelle of St. Lucia patois referred to in a gleaning on another page of this issue, begins by noting that this language in St. Lucia is uearly identical with that spoken in Martinique, Guadeloupe, Trinidad, Dominica, and the country districts of Grenada and, which is more curious, the far distant island of Mauritius. The writer points out, however, that West Indian patois differs much more from good French than the English of the lower classes in such places as Barbados or Antigua does from good English. In the latter case the difference is not greater than, if as great as, the difference between good English and the various county dialects. The essential point is that a French- man could not understand a patois-speaking St. Lucian, whereas, of course, an Englishman could readily understand a non-patois speaking individual. The article goes on to compare the French and the patois equivalents of different English sentences. The following is an example: Ov allez-vous / (Where are you going’) 1s Coté ou ka alié 7, in patois. Patois, it is pointed out, possesses a peculiar kind of conjugation with kat (futurity or prospective time) and various other words of a similar nature. It is interesting to note that the sound of 2 is generally placed betore a French noun beginning with a vowel, due to the French liasion. For the definite article is commonly substituted an “i (French) after the noun, probably from the French ‘ce-(chien)-lw. Several English words have been adopted into patois, e.g., boy, slate. ‘Little boy come here’ is ‘7% hoy, vien dcite’. The origin of some of the words used is doubtful, but are thought to be of Spanish or more often ot African origin. Vou: XIV. No. 343. THE AGRICULTURAL. NEWS. 201 — — Finally in addition to patois there is a curious usage of ‘Jargon’, as it is called, Jargon speaking can be appled to English as well as to patois. It consists of inserting the sound of p with the assonate vowel sound between the syllables. When spoken fast, jargon is quite incomprehensible to the uninitiated. An example will explain this best: I gave you three shillgs—Ap I gay-pay youpow threepee sheepileepings. This extraordinary, kind of school-boy language appears to date back a long way, probably to the times of slavery. 4 In concluding this note we may briefly but seriously refer to the economic importance of elimi- nating patois as much as possible from the labouring population, for the simple reason that it renders their administration more difficult, and is a serious obstacle to the advancement of education. Ceylon’s Coco-nut Trade. A very complete account of the coco-nut industry in Ceylon appears in the Tropical Agriculturist for March 1915. According to the latest statistics, the extent of the area in Ceylon cultivated with tea amounts to 409,500 acres valued at. £16,000,000; that of rubber to 240,500 acres valued at £12,025,000: whereas the area under coco-nut palm is estimated at 800,000 aeres, which may be valued at £40,000,000. A good feature about the Ceylon coco-nut industry is that it is almost entirely in the hands of the local people. An outstanding feature is also the variety of products of the palm which Ceylon exports. These include, copra from the dried kernels, coco-nut oil from the copra, desiccated nut, poonae or oil cake, and coco-nut fibre and yarn. Copra, however, is the chief product shipped, amounting to nearly 21,000,000 tons in 1914. The article goes on to say that the cost of manufacture of copra is very small and many of the planters are against the use of costly machinery in place of the simple and economical process now obtain- ig in Ceylon. Experience in Ceylon is against the use of elaborate machinery. As regards desiccated coco-nut, it is of interest to point out that Ceylon practically monopolizes the world supply of this food product. Finally in regard to fibre and yarn it is pointed out that hitherto much of this has been sent to Germany and that the Secretary of State for the Colonies has suggested the advisability of setting up brush manufactories in Ceylon with a view to supply- ing the British market, which!’ has hitherto been catered for by the German manufacturer, —sn oe The Dyeing Industry and the Tropics. What should be an encouragement to indigo growers is the statement made in the current issne of Tropical Life that the production of blue serge cloth is likely to be seriously restricted through the scarcity of synthetic dye. Blue serge is an almost indispensable material, and the best quality has always been that which has been dyed with the natural rather than the synthetic colour. It is apparent that in present circumstances indigo planterssan India and Ceylon haye a good opportunity for coming again to the front, especially since an effort is being made to get the British Government to render compulsory the employ- ment of the natural product in the manufacture of serge for the Royal Navy. A good deal has of late appeared in the press concerning natural dye culti- vation in England, and a gleaning dealing with this will be found in this issue. The fact remains that a sufficiently large supply to have any material influence in the present crisis cannot be forthcoming from England itself, owing to the almost complete absence of organization. In the tropics, on the other hand, very considerable orders for some kinds of dyes can anc have been placed, and one of these might certainly be natural indigo. According to Tropical Life, to repeat what has already been said, blue serge must pass away unless a greater quantity of natural blue dye is to be quickly forthcoming. Prussic Acid Content of Sorghum. The influence of the soil on the prussic acid content of plants is a subject of much interest in the West Indies in connexion with cassava, Phaseolus lunatus (coloured Lima beans) and other plants. The following results (especially par. 1,) are in accordance with those obtained by Brunnich and Treub. On the other hand, Scurti and Tommasi in Italy found that the addition of nitrates, in the case of beans, reduced the prussic acid content:— (1) When sorghum is grown on poor, infertile soil, added nitrogen may slightly increase the ‘amount of hydrocyanic acid in the plant. With a fertile soil and abundant nitrogen this effect may not be produced. (2) During the first three or four weeks of the plant’s life the prussic acid is concentrated in the stalks. Then it rapidly decreases and disappears there, but apparently persists in the leaves in decreasing percentages until maturity. (3) Climate and variety may be more impor- tant factors than soil nitrogen in determining the amount of the acid in the plant. (4) Complete hydrolysis of the glucosid is obtained by digesting the macerated tissue for two hours at 40° to 45° Cl The paper on which these conclusions are based will be found in the Journal of Agricultural Reseurch, for May 1915. It may be mentioned that an article is appearing in the forthcoming issue of the West Indian Bulletin which deals with the question of prussic acid formation in different strains of beans; and it is shown that the presence of the poison depends on the variety rather than on the soil. 202 TBE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JunE 19, 1915. INSECT NOTES. LOCUSTS. According to the Trinidad mewspapers the recent out- break of locusts in Venezuela, although not as severe as one which was experienced in 1885, is of considerable propor- tions. The fears that the flying adult locusts might invade Trinidad appear to have been justified, since specimens of this insect were taken at Chacachacare in that island on May 30, when large swarms began to arrive at that place. The insect concerned in this outbreak and invasion is the South American migratory locust (Schistocerca paranensis). A related form, Schistocerca pallens, is the common grass- hopper in these islands, whilst another species, Schistocerca americana, is the abundant and sometimes seriously injurious locust of the Southern United States. Mr. W. G, Freeman, Assistant Director of Agriculture, and Mr. A. E. Collens, Assistant Government Analyst, visited Venezuela to study the conditions under which the attack was occurring in that place, returning to Trinidad on the day following that on which the swarms of locusts were observed arriving in that colony. It was found that in Venezuela the locusts readily attacked leaves of the coco-nut, Palmiste and gru-gru among the palms, and corn, beans and peas appeared to be accept- able foods; banana and the Anauca Immortel were also attacked. Cacao, coffee, Saman, and the Bueare Immortel trees were not eaten; tomato and Guinea grass were likewise left untouched. It is mentioned as a noticeable fact that the locusts avoid the shade, settling and feeding on plants which are in full sunlight. In anticipation of an invasion by this insect, the Board of Agriculture issued Cirenlar No. 13 by Mr. F. W. Urich, Entomologist, giving information in regard to the life-history of these insects and the means which would be likely to be of value in controlling them. The following is extracted from the cireular. The swarm of invading locusts will consist of winged adults of both sexes. These feed voraciously, and the females deposit the eggs in the ground. In about three months the eggs should hatch and the young appear. The young are wingless ‘hoppers’ which feed actively and require another three months or thereabouts to complete their development. The locusts, both young and adult, may be killed by means of arsenical poisons, and for this purpose sprays of arsenate of lead, arsenate of soda and a poison bran mash are recommended, The arsenate of lead is used for this purpose at the rate of 4 fb. to 50 gallons of water, and it is suggested that 4 Ib. of stone lime should be slaked in the water. The arsenate of soda mixture is prepared by boiling together until dissolved 1 Tb. white arsenic, 4 tb. washing soda in 1 gallon of water; water should be added to make up for that lost by evaporation during the boiling. This is a stock solution: for use as spray, slake 2 to 3 b. stone lime in 50 gallons of water and add 1 pint of stock sehition and 1 gallon of molasses. These two spray mixtures are to be sprayed on to the food plants when the adults or the young are feeding. The poison bran mash is made as follows:— Paris green or white arsenic 23 Bran or pollard 50 ~ These are mixed dry. bb. tb. Six lemons, sour oranges or limes chopped up fine, rind and all, 1 gallon of molasses and 5 gallons of water are thoroughly mixed together, and when needed for use, i.e., the same day itis to be applied, stir the bran and arsenic mixture into this. This poison is scattered on the ground where the locusts are feeding. It should be applied early in the morning so that the locusts may have a good opportunity of eating it before the sun dries it up. This poison bait, flavoured with fruit juice, has been very successful (often destroying as many as 90 to 95 per cent. in one application,) in the United States, and should prove useful in Trinidad. In dealing with an outbreak of locusts it is necessary to destroy as many of the adults as possible to prevent the laying of eggs, as far as this may be accomplishcd. The destruction of the eggs by ploughing or forking the ground where this can be done will further reduce the numbers, and when these methods are followed by a determined attack on the newly hatched ‘hoppers’, a very fair degree of control ought to result. : The Pink Boll Worm.—According to Current Notes in the latest issue of the Journal of Economic Entomology, a general conference was held on December 18, at Washington, to consider the danger of the introduction of the pink boll worm into the United States. The concensus of opinion expressed was that the present situation demands a quarantine against all foreign lint, with a provision for the importation of such cotton only in States outside of the cotton belt. It was also proposed that such southern mills as require foreign cottons be allowed to obtain it from stecks which have been in storage in- the northern localities for at least a year’s time. A Cricket Predaceous on Termites. —‘During a flight of termites (Zermes lucifugus, Rossi) at Manhattan, Kansas, on October 6, 1914, a common field cricket (Gryllus pennsylvanius, Burm.) was observed feeding on the termites as they emerged from the ground. The cricket was between two ot the holes from which the termites were emerging and was devouring one termite after another. During the fifteen minutes that the cricket was under observation it caught and devoured eleven termites.’ (Journal of Economic Entomology, April 1915.) The Agricultural Superintendent, St. Lucia, visited Soutriére during May and held a meeting at the Court House in connexion with the Soufriére Agricultural Credit Society, One of the objects of the meeting was to ask the Administra- tor to appoint a Chairman to succeed the late Mr. Kennaway. Great interest was displayed during the course of the meeting, and many of the general public were present in addition to every member of the Society. It is believed that with careful guidance and more capital this society could be rapidly extended. Vor. XIV. No. 343. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 203 VETERINARY NOTES. ANIMAL CARRIBBS OF ANTHRAX. The nature of the disease known anthrax sufficiently well known to render unnecessary its description in the present article. It is the intention in the following paragraphs to outline an interesting piece of investigation work conducted by Dr. W. H. Dalrymple, of the Louisiana State University (American Veterinary Review tor Decem- ber 1914) into the ways in which the disease may be dissem- inated by different mammals, birds and insects. The investigator had long been under the impression that infection is spread through the activities of certain carrion feeders on account of their periodic contact with anthrax carcasses during seasons which afford favourable climatic conditions for the development of the infection on areas where the disease had already existed and where strict sanitary measures were not carried out. New areas and fresh foci of infection, and a wider general occurrence of the disease could not be accounted for in the absence of carriers that could move from place to place and thereby extend the territory of infection. This led to the systematic work now under review. The subjects used in the tests were: the turkey buzzard (Cathartes auro), the carrion crow (Catharista atrata), the dog, pig, cat, opossum (Didelphys virgmiana), and the common fowl. The term ‘buzzard’ is used to include both the turkey buzzard and the carrion crow, as they frequently seavenge in company. The experiments were conducted in a wire-screened room, with concrete floor and walls. Buzzards were confined in roomy cages the bottoms of which were covered with heavy wrapping paper. After feeding the paper was removed from the floors and the cages repapered, and the feces collected from the cages as soon after dropping as possible. Anthrax spores were used in three different ways: namely, (1) fed in meat balls which were thoroughly infected; (2) through infected carcasses of rabbits: (3) injections of suspensions of anthrax spores made directly into the crop. A large number of cultures were prepared from the feces, but not a single anthrax colony could be found. Not succeeding in finding infection in the feces, cul- tures were made from the contents of the digestive tract. Several buzzards were fed spores by the methods just described and the birds destroyed at different periods after feeding (from four to twenty-four hours), with a result that no infection was found beyond the stomach, and but little in that organ. These experiments would seem to show that anthrax bacteria do not pass through the digestive tract of the buzzard, and are therefore not disseminated in the droppings of this bird. In order to test the question of mechanical distribution of the infection through the contaminated feet and beak of the buzzard. anthrax carcasses of rabbits were fed permitting the bird to devour them as it would under natural condi- tions. At different periods scrapings were taken from the feet and beak, and cultured. A\s long a time as forty-eight hours after feeding and cleansing the cages; virulent anthrax was obtained from both feet and beak. In the state of nature, however, it is possible that the infection would not be found after so long a time, as it would most probably have been washed off or otherwise removed. Buzzards are gluttonous feeders and frequently throw up much of what they have swallowed. - Having found infection in the stomach contents, it was thought likely that the as Is vomitus might contain the organisms and become another source from which the disease could spread. Two hours after feeding on the anthrax carease of the rabbit, a buzzard emitted a large amount of the flesh, which was carefully collected and cultured and colonies of anthrax developed on every dilution plate used. These results would seem to indicate that the buzzard is capable of carrying infection for long distances, and of creating fresh foci in pastures new. It may be stated here that a consequence of the above results has been the repeal, in the Southern United States, of existing laws for the protection of the buzzard or the enacting of legislation for the bird’s extermination. Experiments conducted with dogs, swine and cats showed that infection will pass through the body and that, in consequence, the excreta of these animals may be a source of infection. In regard to the common fowl anthrax was found in the posterior part of the tract, and the feces contained anthrax infection for forty-eight hours after the spores were fed. In the case of swine, infection was found in the excreta no less than five days after feeding the infection. The writer of the paper then turned his attention to insects, particularly horse flies (Tabanids) as agents in the distribution of this disease. The writer is of opinion that in Louisiana, the earlier cases of anthrax in a season result from the ingestion of infection; while the later ones, and a greater and more rapid spread of the disease is brought about through the agency of infected flies. Owing to the semi-aquatie life-history of the tabanids, it should not be difficult by means of drainage and other sanitary methods to keep them more fully under control. The writer strongly recommends systematic vaccination against anthrax and regards the single- and double-dose vaccine as being equally effective; though it is stated that three weeks to one month must elapse before immunity is secured, which when obtained shonld last for one season of ten or twelve months. Satisfaction is expressed in connexion with the decision of the United States Government to supervise the preparation of vaccines. Apparently some of these have not been prepared in as pure a manner as they should have been in some of the American commercial laboratories. Lastly, the writer gives attention to the question of the spread of anthrax in infected hides. This is a matter which affects the West Indies commercially, and the quarantine regulations imposed by the United States are in a general way well known. Hides may be disinfected in several ways, but the three accepted by the United States Government are immersion in bichloride of mercury (1 to 1,000 solution); immersion in 5 per cent. solution of carbolic acid; and by exposing to the fumes of sulphur dioxide. Readers who are especially interested in the question of hide disinfection should refer to the Journal of Agricultural Research of the United States Department of Agriculture, which deals with special aspects of this subject. Reference may also be made in regard to the preparation and disinfection of hides, to the Agricultural News, Vol. XU, p. 247, and Vol. XIII, p. 167. A notice appears in Vature (May 13, 1915) in regard to the Reading Courses and Examinations conducted by the Imperial Department of Agriculture for the West Indies. This notice is based on the recent Circular issued by this Department containing a revised book list and a slight altera- tion in the syllabus in regard to crop subjects. It would appear that Mature considers these courses serve a useful purpose, and are worthy of imitation in other parts of the world. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JUNE 19) 195: = 2 = = AatS —— "=a : a SS According to the Journal of the Royul Society of Arts for April 30, the Indian rice harvest for 191415 was estimated at 284,125,551 quintals of husked rice as against 292,522,979 quintals in 1913-14. The yield of cotton was 9,492,752 quintals as against 9,189,733 in 1913-14. From information received from Turks Island we under- stand that the so-called summer season has now begun, and lobster canning, sponging, and sisal hemp factories are in full swing. It is reported that a capitalist wishes to start the béche-de- ner industry. These animals are found plentifully in the waters around the Caicos. Most of the important grasses and forage plants of Hawaii are described in Bulletin No. 56 of the Agricultural Experiment Station in that territory. The forage crops which are poisonous or otherwise undersirable are mentioned in tabular form, and these include Johnson grass (Andropogon halepensis), the guava, the castor bean, and Tephrosia purpurea. In Venezuela increased attention is being given to the collection of chicle gum owing to the falling off of exports to the United States of this product from Mexico. Chicle is stated to offer considerable advantages over balata in the Bolivar province, from the point of view of the collector, as the trees can be found much nearer the centres of distribution. (Bulletin of the Imperial Institute, Vol. XIII, No. 1.) The average yield of maize in various countries during 1910 is shown in tabular form in the Journal of the Depart- ment of Agriculture of Victoria for March 1915. Canada heads the list with 57 bushels per acre, following which there is a big drop to 34 bushels in the case of Egypt. The average yield for the United States is given as 26°58 bushels, while that of Russia is only 19°73 bushels. As a result of the increased demand for dyes, the Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Trades’ Journal, for April 24,1915, and May 1, 1915, publishes two articles which give an account of the leading sources of vegetable colours. Most’of these refer to plants that grow in England; but indigo, logwood and gambier are also mentioned, as well as the cochineel dye. It is noted that the stalks of the common rhubarb were at one time largely used as a source of red dyes for wool. It is reported in The Board of Trade Journal for May 6, 1915, that upto the present no very large quantity of coco-nuts has been exported from Brazil as the supply has only been equal to the home consumption. Coco-nuts to the value of £1,930 were exported in 1912, chiefly to Argentina and Uruguay. It is said that the climate and general conditions of the Brazilian sea-board from Sergipe to Para are quite suited for this cultivation. One of the most formidable problems which faces the Animal Industry Division of the Hawaiian Agricultural Com- missioners is the periodical outbreaks of cerebro-spinal meningitis among equine stock. Considerable losses result also from hog cholera, and the Hawaiian Forester and Agriculturist, for April 1915, says that the control of this disease would not appear to be as effective as possible. The Barbados Standard for June 11 reproduces an article from the St. Vineent Sentry describing the report on Dr. Hovey’s recent visit to the crater under the auspices of the American Museum of Natural History. Dr. Hovey has revised some of the altitude measurements. He also, finds there is no seepage of water from the crater, nor are there any signs of voleanie activity anywhere. The volcano. seems to be absolutely quiet and as safe as it was for ninety years before 1902. A concise account of agricultural education in St. Lucia will be found in that number of the Imperial Education Con- ference Papers, Section III, dealing with the Colony in question. This includes a short history of the agricultural school and a statement of the position of the agricultural department in relation to the primary schools. A very inter- esting appendix (I) is attached to this report, consisting of an article on St. Lucia patois by Mr. C. F. Condelle, late Inspector of Schools. This latter receives further attention on. another page in this issue. There is an increased demand in Great Britain at present. for boxwood, which in former years was supplied from around: the Black and Caspian Seas. Several substitutes for true boxwood have, however, been introduced, and one of these, the Knysma boxwood (Gonioma Kamass?) has been exported in considerable quantities from South Africa, A species of true Boxus is also found in some parts of South Africa. The Imperial Institute has accordingly suggested to the Union of South Africa Government that it would be well to meet the present demand as far as possible. In passing it might be asked whether Dominica and other West Indian islands might not be able todo something in connexion with this present enquiry for hardwoods. Further information on the present subject will be found in the Chamber of Commerce Journal for May 1915. Foot-and-mouth disease, which forms the subject of Farmers’ Bulletin No. 666, United States Department of Agriculture, is not known to occur in the West Indies, being principally a cold country disease. It has been recorded, however, in the Philippihe Islands, and it is believed that there is no considerable part of the Orient free from it. The recognition of the disease is not difficult. The combi- nation of high fever, vesicular inflammation of the mouth, and hot, painful, swollen condition of the feet followed twenty-four to forty-eight hours later by the appearance of numerous blisters varying in size from that of a pea to that of a walnut on the udder and feet and in the mouth should prevent any serious or long-continued error in the diagnosis. Footand-mouth disease is transmissible to man, and is altogether one of the most highly communicable diseases that we have to contend with. Vou. XIV. No. 343. RECENT WORK IN SOIL CHEMISTRY. Three numbers of the Journal of Agricultural Science for September and December (1914) and March (1915), res- pectively, have been received, and the following notes have been abstracted, containing interesting information concern- ing the latest work that has been done in England in regard tothe bigger problems of soil chemistry. In mak- ing this selection it has been endeavoured to bear in mind the possible application of the results in a general way in the West Indies. The soil solution and the mineral constituents of the soil is the subject of an important paper by Mr. A. D. Hall, Dr. Brenchley, and Miss Underwood. ‘The soils of fields at Rothamsted which have been under cultivation in one crop fora large number of years were examined, and the work included the growth of plants in soil water obtained from the samples. It is concluded that the composition of the natural soil solution as regards phosphoric acid and potash is not constant, and varies with the composition of the soil and its past manurial history. The growth of a plant is largely influenced by the concentration of the nutritive solution, irrespective of the total amount of plant food available. On normal cultivated soils the growth of crops like wheat and barley, even when repeated for sixty years in succession does not leave behind in the soil specific toxic substances which have an injurious effect upon the growth of the same or other plants in that soil. Another important piece of investigation in the second number of the journal referred to, deals with the evaporation of water from soil. Mr. B. A. Keen, the author, has found that the evaporation of water from soil fractions like sand and silt, and from China clay as well as from ignited soil, is a relatively simple phenomenon; but the evaporation from soil is more complex, something being present which operates in making the relation between the soil and the soil water of a different and closer nature than in the case of sand. The effect is not due to soluble humus, and it is concluded that the phenomenon is principally due to the colloidal prop- erties of clay. The rate curves for soil evaporation are exam- ined mathematically in this paper, and it is thought that a second factor must be taken into consideration, namely, the effect on evaporation of the decreasing water surface in the soil. One of the chief lines of research conducted at Rotham- sted is the study of soil gases, and Mr. Appleyard in collaboration with Dr. Russell publishes a lengthy and important paper on the subject in the March number of the journal. The free air in the spores of the soil to a depth of 6 inches is very similar in composition to the atmospheric air, but it differs in two respects: it contains more carbon dioxide and correspondingly less oxygen, and it shows greater fluctuation in composition. The dissolved air in the soil consists mainly of carbon dioxide. Fluctuations in composition of the free soil air are mainly due to fluctuations in the rate of biochemical change in the soil; and these fluctuations are seasonal. Grass land. usually contains more carbon dioxide and less oxygen than arable land, but we cannot attribute the difference to the crop owing to the large differ- -ences in soil differences and conditions. There is no evidence to show that the crop increases the percentage of carbon dioxide in the soil, and such weather conditions as barometric pressure, wind velocity, variations in temperature from the mean, small rainfall, ete., seem to have but little influence on the soil atmosphere. One of the most interesting contributions to the same number of this journal is a paper on soil protozoa by THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 205 Mr. Andrew Cunningham. This paper was prepared at Leipsic and was published in Germany last August, but as no copies could be procured in England owing to the war, the paper was republished in the /uurnal of Agricultural Svience. During the last year or two, particularly in America, Russell’s discovery of soil protozoa as a factor of fertility has been subjected to considerable criticism. It is interesting that Cunningham’s paper, based on research in Germany with Professor Léhnis, supports thé conclusions of Russell. It is stated at the end of the paper: ‘the reduction in bacterial numbers in the soils inoculated with protozoa is very marked, and lies well outside the limits of experimental error. The conclusion may safely be drawn, therefore, that the limiting factor or at least one limiting factor (of Russell and Hutchinson) has been inoculated into the sterilized soils and has produced its effects on the numbers of bacteria. . . . Large numbers of protozoa were observed in the solutions used for inoculation and these organisms were cultivated once more on soil extract from the soils which showed low bacterial counts. And as it has been shown that the protozoa are capable of reducing the numbers of bacteria in solutions, it appears justifiable to consider them as the limiting factor in soils.’ The Value of Soil Analysis. —The following is the advice given by Dr. E. J. Russell in the Jowrnal of the Board of Agriculture (May 1915), in regard to the value of soil analysis to the farmer:— ‘The farmer who wishes to derive the maximum assistance from soil analysis must bear the following points in mind;:— ‘1. The simplest problem for the expert is to compare soils, and, therefore, the chances of success are greatest when a soil survey has been made, or when some similar soil has been under proper field experiments. ‘2. The object of the analysis is to furnish information, but no one has the time, even if he had the power, to set out all that he can discover about a particular sample of soil. The farmer must, therefore, arrange to go over the land with the expert and discuss on the spot the various points on which information is desired; the necessary samples can then be drawn with the proper tools, and with all due precautions. ‘3. Finally, it should be remembered that the problem is very difficult indeed when no satisfactory standards exist, and where the expert has not made a_ personal inspection; so much balancing of probabilities has to be done that no— expert can give more than a general opinion or do more than submit two or three alternative schemes for consideration and trial.’ Cable advices trom the Federated Malay States Govern- ment to the Malay States Information Agency state that the export of rubber from the Federated Malay States for the month of March last amounted to 3,418 tons, as compared with 3,411 tons in February, making the total for the three months 10,302 tons, as against 7,324 tons, in the correspond- ing period of 1914. (Chamber of Commerce Journal, May 1915.) An American consular report states that the production of cacao in the Guayaquil Hetrict of Eeuador amounted to 92,213,874 tb., the value, at an average price of 16 centavos ($0078) per fb., being $7,192,682. The 1913 crop was 85,908,495 Ib., valued at $7,452,014. The lower prices in 1914 were due to the European war. Returns for the other parts of the Republic have not been received from the customs office, but they will not materially increase the above figures. (Chamber of Conumerce Journal, May 1915.) 206 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JUNE eo te at Oileys FUNGUS NOTES. THE CAUSE OF CITRUS CANKER. In the current volume of this journal, on pages 14, 46, and 62, information was given on the subject of Citrus canker, a new and extremely virulent disease of Citrus trees, especi lly yrape fruit, which has appeared in the United States. H E. Stevens, in Bulletin 124 of the Florida Experiment Station, attributed the disease to a fungus of the Phoma or Phyllosticta type, on the strength of two infections obtained, amongst a number of negative results, by spraying with a suspension of spores from pure cultures. In the Journal of Ayricultural Research, issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Vol. IV, No. I, dated April 15, 1915, appears a preliminary report on the subject of Citrus canker, by Clara H. Hasse, Scientific Assistant in the Bureau of Plant Industry. The author has isolated a bac- terial organism, which she names Pseudomonas crtri, which is claimed, on what appears to be unimpeachable evidence, to be the originating cause of typical canker. The following paragraphs are quoted from the report in question :— ‘The inoculations were made on young, healthy, vigor- eusly growing grape fruit seedlings, which were kept in the laboratory because the highly infectious nature of the disease made it impossible to carry on the experiments in the Department green-houses. Pure cultures of the organism were mixed with sterile distilled water, and the suspension thus obtained was placed upon the upper and under leaf surfaces by means of a sterile pipette in such a manner that the leaves were, for a short time at least, covered with a film of the inoculating fluid. The main stem and branches were treated in the same way. In some cases the leaves and stems were punctured with a sterile needle, but this is not necessary, as infections may be obtained without this procedure. As soon as the plants were inoculated they were placed under bell jars and kept at a temperature of about 86°F. Under these conditions the organism takes a vigorous hold on its host, and in three or four days evidences of infection can be noted. At the end of a week definite, well defined cankers which penetrate the tissue of the leaf have been formed. Owing to the stimulating influence which the organism has upon the infected leaf tissue, there is a rapid development of cells, and the tension resulting from the abnormal growth quickly ruptures the epidermis and exposes the soft, spongy, underlying canker tissue, which is distinctly visible on both sides of the leaf. The cankers produced by artificial inoculation present a characteristic appearance, and closely resemble natural cankers in macroscopic as well as in microscopic features. They penetrate the tissue of the leaf and are more or less raised on both the upper and lower surfaces. The outline is circular, and there is a sharp, distinct demarkation between the canker and the surrounding normal leaf tissue. Young cankers have a soft spongy structure and at first show a light-green colour, which later turns red-brown. The cells in the canker tissue become suberized and produce acorky growth, which is a symptom of the disease. This open, spongy type of canker is the result of rapid growth due to favourable conditions of temperature and moisture. ‘While the canker is still soft and young, the organism is in a very active condition and can be isolated very readily. Upon teasing out a small piece of canker tissue in a drop of sterile water, motile bacteria in great numbers ooze out and give the water a milky, turbid appearance. The motility of the organism can be most satisfactorily observed by means of a dark-field illumination. The organism was re-isolated from these cankerst by plating out on beef agar, and was found to be identical with the original organism. Inocula- tions on grape fruit plants with the organism obtained from this re-isolation produce characteristic cankers. ‘The open surface of the canker and the spongy character of its structure afford an excellent lodging place for spores of all sorts, and it is not surprising to find fungi, some of which may perhaps play a minor part in the later stages of the disease. A number of fungi have been isolated from old Citrus cankers, anda study of their relation to the canker problem shows that the fungus flora of the Citrus canker perhaps may be an interesting problem in itself.’ AGRICULTURAL AFFAIRS IN ST. KITTS. A large and representative meeting of the St. Kitts Agricultural and Commercial Society was held on Tuesday, May 18, 1915, to meet Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G.; Commissioner of Agriculture for the West Indies. His Honour the Administrator presided at the invitation of the Vice-Chairman of the Society, and introduced Dr. Watts to the meeting, paying a high tribute to the work of the Imperial Department in these islands. r Dr. Watts, on rising, explained the functions of the Imperial Department of Agriculture. By means of the valuable literature and information that passed through their hands they were able to supply information on most agricultural matters. The Commissioner pointed out that agricultural societies were a useful means of disseminating information, and other functions of such societies were also briefly referred to. The subject of Cotton was then dealt with, more especially in connexion with the guarantee from the Fine Spinners of a minimum price for fixed types of cotton during the season 1915-16. Dr. Watts pointed out the interest the British Cotton Growing Association had taken in this matter, and thought that it was entirely due to their action that this minimum price had been guaranteed. Types of cotton had been fixed, and in the telegram received, St. Kitts and St. Vincent had been referred to as a standard at 18d. per b., and other islands at 14d; but it was his opinion that these standards would be according to fixed types of cotton, so that it would be possible for cotton from any island to secure the higher price if it was up to standard. Dr. Watts carefully pointed out the distinction that existed between the British Cotton Growing Association and the Fine Spinners, the latter being the sole purchasers of our cotton, and a large wealthy combine. ‘The British Cotton Growing Association purchased no cotton and, as in this case, protected the interests of the cotton grower. Extracts from. correspondence were read by Dr. Watts illustrating this. St. Kitts standard of cotton was due to soil and climate, but the Commissioner strongly advised attention to selection of seed so as to keep up tie high quality of the lint. The best safeguard in the West Indies was the insular position which formed a barrier to infection from outside sources. He was assured that there would be a great demand in the near future for West Indian cotton. Turning to the Sugar Industry, Dr. Watts remarked on the present flourishing condition, the war having been responsible for a rise in prices. He compared the prices of last year with those of this year, and pointed out there was little need for any depression with sugar at these prices and cotton at a guaranteed price of 18d. per th, i Me ee eee . see signs of falling off in some places. Von. XIV. No. 343. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. He advised planters to deal more liberally with their lands especially in the application of pen manure, as he regretted to In returns of cane per acre the Factory weighbridge was a factor they had to reckon with, and by keeping accurate records they could see their deficiences and remedy them. In regard to food or provision crops, maize was a useful and valuable one, but with the good prices of sugar and cotton in St. Kitts, Dr. Watts thought that it would only be advisable to plant sufticient for local use. Corn was the largest crop grown in the United States and none was exported. At the present time the corn imported into the West Indies was Argentine corn, and he saw no reason why these islands should not grow all the corn that they needed. Dr. Watts then dealt with such crops as Lima beans, and showed what a profitable crop they were. California was instanced as having an area of 85,000 acres in Lima beans, and the wholesale price was 4e. per tb. In Canada where there was a small duty the price was Sc. Onions were also referred to as a paying crop, and it was suggestive that inquiries had lately been made from New York as to why St. Kitts did not export onions as well as Antigua. He was glad to see some extension in the planting of coco-nuts. There were tracts of land in St. Kitts most suit- able for them, and the object-lesson of the coco-nut cultivation at Pinneys estate, Nevis, was a valuable one. Another industry to be considered as a paying one was pig raising. There was a great demand for pork and bacon, and pigs could easily be raised in these islands. It was a matter for future consideration. The subject had been fully dealt with in the West Indian Bulleten, Vol. XIV, No. 4. Dr. Watts was next asked for some expression of opinion on a Scheme for the erection of a Factory for sugar in the northern districts of St. Kitts. He thought that the erection of a factory in the district would be the best scheme, but that would cost about £90,000. An _ alternative scheme was to raise a loan through the Government and lay down a railway line connecting the two ends of the present factory line. That would cost about £30,000. They could then make terms with the factory for the payment for their canes. He advised the formation of a small committee to prepare proposals for raising the money, ete: He was of opinion that after the war was over the attitude of the Government towards sugar would change. The Administrator also was sure that the Government would do all in its power to assist in the erection of such a factory or railway line. ; Some discussion then took place on factories generally, and the results of the Basseterre Factory were discussed. A yote of thanks was then proposed to Dr. Watts for his interesting and valuable address, and after an expression of appreciation was made to His Honour the Administrator who is retiring from office, the proceedings closed. WEST INDIAN PRODUCTS. DRUGS AND SPICES IN THE LONDON MARKET. Mr. J. R. Jackson, A.L.S., has forwarded the follow- ing report on the London drug and spice markets for the month of April:— The occurrence of the Easter holidays in the early part of the month of April has been answerable for a quietness in the tone of the markets during the first week, from which, how- 207 ever, it recovered later, and has been maintained since, both in the number of buyers and in the quantities of goods that have changed hands. One point that has been noticed is the entry amongst buyers of France and Russia, for some chemi- cals and drugs. The following details are those affecting West Indian products. GINGER. A generally firm tone has prevailed for all kinds of ginger throughout the month. At auction on the 22nd it was stated that new crop Jamaica would be small and that higher freights and fewer sailings were to be expected, and would tend to keep up prices. In the early pirt of the month Sierra Leone was quoted at 25s. per ewt., and towards the close at 25s. 6d to 26s. NUTMEGS, MACE AND PIMENTO, At auction on the 14th nutmegs were in good supply, 504 packages of West Indian, and 77 packages of Java being brought forward and sold, the former at the following rates: 58’s Is., 64’s to 74’s 5d. to 84d., 76’s to 86's 5d. to 53d., 87’s to 97’s 44d. to 5}d., 98’s to 108’s 4d. to 43d., 110’s to 120’s 44d. to 4id., 130’s 33d. to 43d., 155’s 44d. to 44d. The prices realized for the Java consignment were as follows: 66's 8d., 96's 43d., 108’s 4d., and 120’s 44d. A fortnight later, namely on the 28th, nutmegs were again in good supply at similar rates. Mace, at auction on the 14th, was represented by 130 packages of West Indian, all of which sold at an advance of from 2d. to 4d. per tb. on previous rates, realizing 1s. 2d. to 2s, Sd. per Ib. for good West Indian, and 10d. to ls. 7d. for broken. Twenty-nine packages of Eastern partly sold at’ ls. 10d. to 2s. ld. per Ib. A fortnight later, namely on the 28th, 49 packages of West Indian were brought forward and sold at the following rates: Fine pale 2s 8d., ordinary 2s. to 2s. 2d., common Is. 11d., and broken ls. to ls. ld. At the first spice auction on the 14th of the month, 200 bags of fair Pimento were offered and all bought in at 2}d. per tbh. A week later the quotation was from 2d. to 2,\,d. _SARSAPARILLA. At auction on the 15th, sarsaparilla was represented by 12 bales of grey Jamaica, 22 of Lima-Jamaica, and 3 of native Jamaica, all of which were disposed of, the grey Jamaica fetching 2s. to 2s. 1d. per bb. for fair fibrous, the Lima-Jamaica from ls. 6d. to 1s. 8d., and for the native Jamaica ls. ld. per Ib. was paid for mixed reddish and yellow, and 10d. for ordinary pale yellow. ARROWROOT, CITRIC ACID, LIME OIL, LIME JUICE, KOLA, CASSIA FISTULA, AND TAMARINDS, Towards the end of the month it was stated that some 1,500 barrels of arrowroot had recently been disposed of, fine manufacturing fetching as much as 4d. per tb., good 2?d., and common to fair 2d. to 24d. per lb. Throughout the month citric acid has been steady at 2s. 6¢. per tb. The market in West Indian distilled lime oil was reported at the beginning of the month to be practically cleared, small quantities only being obtainable up to 3s. 6d. or even 3s. 7d. per tb. At auction on the 28th of the month 4 casks of West Indian lime juice were offered and sold at 2s. 7. per gallon. On the 15th, kola was in good supply, being repre- sented by 4 bags of fair dried West Indian halves, which fetched 34d. to 34d.; 1 bag of good bright realized as much as 5d., while 21 bags of Java consisting of small, part dark to fair bright quarters and halves, sold at 21. to 34d. In the early part of the month Cassia Fistula pods were quoted at 27s. 6d. with the prospect of an early advance. At the same period Kast Indian tamaririds were fetching 19s. 6d. 208 AGRICULTURAL NEWS June 19, 1915. THE Barbados.—Messrs. T. S. Garraway & Co. June 14, 1915. MARKET REPORTS. Arrowroot—S$4'00 to $4°50 per LOO th. Cacao—$16°00 per 100 th. Coco-NutTs—$16'00, London.—Tue Wesr Inpra Com EE CIRCULAR, aca : —— Hay—$1-90 per 100 th. June 1, 1915. Arrowroot—2 $d. to 44d. Batata—Sheet, 2/44; block, 1/114 per th. Breswax—No quotations. Cacao-—Trinidad, 82/- per ewt.; Grenada, 73/- Jamaica, no quotations. Corres—Jamaica, no quotations. Corra—West Indian, £23 15s. per ton. Corron—Fully Fine no quotations; Floridas, no quota- tions; West Indian Sea Island, 1440. to 17d. Frvuit—No quotations. Fustic—No quotations. Gincer—Jamaieca, 55/- to 70/-. Iseyciass—No quotations. Honry—No quotations. Lime Jurce—Raw, 3/- to 3/3; eoncentrated, no quotations; Otto of limes (hand-pressed), no quotations. Loawoop—No quotations Mace—9d. to 2/11d. Nurmecs—4jd. to 53d. Piento—1f4. to 2d. Russer—Para, fine hard, 2/7}; tine soft, 2/2}; Castilloa, 2/-. Rum—Jamaica, 3/- to 3/8. to 79/-; New York.—Messrs. Gintespme Bros., & Co., May 26, 1915. Cacao—Caracas, 14e. to 15¢.; Grenada, 15ce. to 15dc.; Trinidad, 14$c. to 15$c.; Jamaica, 128c. to 13}¢e. ~ Coco-nuts—Jamaica, selects, $25°00 to $26-00; Trinidad, $26-00 to $27 -00; culls, $15:00 to $16°00. Corrrr—Jamaica, 8c. to 12c. per th. Gincer—10ce. to 13c, per th. Goar Sxins—Jamaica, 43c.; Antigua and Barbados, 40c. to 45c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 39c. to 42c. per th. Grare Fruit—Jamaica, $1:75 to $3:00, Limes.—$8°50 to $11-:00. Mace—48c. to 52c. per tb. Nurmecs—lle. to 12e. Orances—Jamaica, $1'75 to $2°50. Pimento—3je. per ft. Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 4°89c.; Muscovados, 89°, 4-24c.; Molasses, 89 , 4°12c., all duty paid. Trinidad.—Messrs. Gorpon, Grant & Co., May 31, 1915. Cacao—Venezuelan, $14°50 to $15-00; Trinidad, $1752 to $18-24. Coco-nut Or—75e. per Imperial gallon. Corree—Venezuelan, llc. per tb. Copra—$4‘00 per 100 th. Duat—$7°50. Ontons—$4'00 to $4°25 pev 100 tb. Pras, Sprrr—$12°00 per bag. Porators—English $2°25 to $2°50 per 100 tb. Rice—Yellow, $6:00 to $625; White, $6°25 to per bag. Sucar—Ameriean erushed, ne quotations. ¥6°50 Manures—Nitrate of soda, no quotations; Cacao manure, $50-00; Sulphate of ammonia $82°00 per ton. Motassrs—No quotations. Ontons—$2°75 per 190 Ib. Pras, Sprir—No quotations; Canada, $540. Porators—Nova Scotia, $4°00 per 160 Tb. Rice—Ballam, $6°00 to $6°40 per 190 Ib.; Patna, no quota- tions; Rangoon, no quotations. Sucar—American granulated, no quotations. British Guiana.—Messrs. Wierisc & Ricurer, May 29, 1915; Messrs. SANDBACH, April 30, 1915. PARKER & Co, . Ee je ee Sit i Messrs. Sanp- ARTICLES. pa. Wieriye BACH, PARKER & Ricuver. & Co. Arrowkoot—St. Vincent a $10-00 Barata— Venezuela block Demerara sheet Cacao—Native Cassava— Cassava STaARCH— DxHAatc— Eppors— 15c. per th. 96c. to $1-20 l6c. per tb. Coco-Nuts— $10 to $15 per M.) $20 per M. Corree—Creole — 14c. per th. Jamaica and Rio|14e. to 15c. per th. Fs Liberian 10c. per th. 1c. per tb. $8 25 $8-25 per bag of 168 th. Green Dhal — = $1°20 = Motasses—Yellow is None Ontons—Teneritfe 5c. per tb. Madeira aot —— Pras—Split $12°00 to $12°50 $12-00 per bag. (210 tb.) Marseilles — PLANTAINS— l6c. to 48c. —— Porators—Nova Scotia $2-70 $2°75 Lisbon -_— p> Porators--Sweet, B’bados $168 aa Rice—Ballam No quotation — Creole $5°50 to $5°75 $550 TANNIAS— a= Yams— White : —— Buck $264 => Sucar—Dark crystals $3°75 to S3-85 $3°75 Yellow $4°25 to $4:35 $425 White —— — Molasses $3-10 to $3°25 TimeeR—GREENHEART Wallaba shingles », Cordwood 32c. to 5dc. cub. foot $4-00 to $6°25 per M. $1°80 to $2:00 per ton per 32c. to 5de. pec cub. foot 34°00 to $6:00 per M. “THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture FOR THE The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price Ls. each. Post free, Volume 1. No. 1. Out of print, Nos. 2, WEST INDIES. ASR, Quarterly Scientific Journal. ls. 2d.; Volumes IT, III, IV, V, VI, VIE, VITI, IX, X, XI, XII and XIII:—Price 2s. each; Post free 2s.-8:/., where complete. (IIT, 2. IV, 3; and V, 2 and 3 are out of print. ) Volume XIV, Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4. No. 4 Containing Papers on: The Production of Pork and Bacon; A new Industry for the West Indies, by Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G.; Commerce and Science in Cotton Growing, by John W. McConnel; Bordeaux Mixture; Some Sugar Factory Calculations, dy Dr. Francis Watts, GM.G.; Sugar Industry in Cuba, by Noel Deerr; Report on Land Settlement Scheme in St. Lucia; Memorandum en the Geology of the Ground Waters of Antigua, by T. Wayland Vaughan; The Grownd Waters of Antigua, by Dr. H. A. Tempany; and Cotton Leaf Diseases, by W. Nowell, D.L.C. PAMPHLET SERIES. The Pamphlets are written in a simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially adapted to West Indian conditions. on sugar-cane and manures, the full official reports of which have only a limited circulation. Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are out of print. resent time is seventy-five, P a SuGar Inpustry. Seedling and other Canes at Barbados > in 1900, No. 3, price 2d.; in 1901, No. 13; in 1902. No. 19; in 1903, No. 26; in 1904. No. 82; price 4d. each. Seedling Canes and Manurial Experiments at Barbados, in 1903-5, No. 40; in 1904-6, No. 44;in 1905-7, No. 49; in 1906-8, No. 59; in 1907-9, No. 62, No. 66, price 6d. each. Seedling and other Canes in ae Leew: ard Islands, in "1900-1, No. 12; in 1901-2, No. 20; in 1902-3, No. 27; price 2d. each; in 1903-4, No. 33; in 1904-5, No. 39; in 1905-6, No. 46; in 1906-7, No. 50;in 1907-8, No. 56; price 4¢. each, in 1908-9, No. 63; in 1909-10, No. 67; price 6d. each. Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the Leeward Islands, in 1902-3, No. 30; in 1903-4, No. 36; in 1904-5, No. 42; in 1905-6, No. 47; in 1906-7, No. 51; in 1907-8, No. 57; in 1908-9, No. 64; in 1909-10, No. 68; price 4. each. Sugar-cane Experiments in the Leeward Islands, They contain, amongst other subjects, summaries of the results of the experiment work The number issued up to the GENERAL, (7) and (22) Seale Insects of the Lesser 4d.; Part II., price 4. (17) General Treatment of Fungoid Pests. Price 47. (43) Cotton Seed and Cotton-cake-ineal on West Indian Planta- tions. Price 2d. (54) Fungus Diseases of Orchards. Price 4/. (GO) Cotton Gins, How to Erect and Work Them. (61) The Grafting of Cacao. Price 4d. (65) Hints for School Gardens, Fourth Edition. (69) Hints to Settlers in St. Lucia. Price 6d. (70) Coco-nut Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 6 ?. 71) Insect Pests of the Lesser Antilles. Price 1s. 3d. (72) Lime Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 9d. (73) Root Borers and other Grubs in West Indian Soils, Price 6d (74) Cotton Cultivation in the West Indies. Antilles, Part I, price Caeao and Sanitation of ‘Cacao Price 4d. Price 9d. in 1910-11; in 1911-12; in 1912-13, price 1s. each. (75) Insect Pests of Sugar-cane in Antigua and St. Kitts, Price, 67. (76) Indian Corn. Price 4d. (77) Evysipelas and Hoose. Price 2d. The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of }/. for the pamphlets marked 2d.; ld. for those marked 4d.and for Nos. 73 and 75; 14d. for Nos. 40, 44, 49, 59, 62,.63, 67,69 and 74. Pestage for No. 71, 4d. and for No. 72, 2:/. The ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’: A Fortnightly Review. The ‘ Agricultural News’ contains extracts from official correspondence and from progress and other reports; and, Agricultural matters throughout the West Indies. The ‘ Agricultural News’ local agents of the Department at one penny per number, 2s, 2d. per half-year, or 4s, 4d. per annum. Post free, complete. The scale of charges for in fact, any information indicating what is going on in each colony and is printed in time to be distributed, regularly, by each mail, the progress made in and is on sale by the 2d. The subscription price, including postage, is post free, Volumes IV to XII complete, with title page and index, as issued—Price 4s. each— 5s. Some numbers of the ‘early volumes are out of print and therefore these volumes can no ionger be supplied ADVERTISEMENTS nay be obtained on application to the opies are to be addressed to the Agents, not to the sea ne Agents. A applications for Agents. The following have been appointed Agents for the sale of the publications of the Department:— London: Messrs. Dutau & Co., 37, Soho Square, W. Wesr InpiaA Commirrer, 15, Seething Lane. Barbados: Apvocare Co. Lrp., Broad Street, Bridgetown. Jamaica: THe Epucarionan Suppry ComPAny, 16, King Street, Kingston. British Guiana: THe ‘DaAtty Curonicie’ Orrice, Georgetown. Trinidad: eats Muir-MarsnHari & Co., Port- of-Spain, Fobago: Mr. C. L. PLAGEMANN, Se arborough, Canadas LEWIS W. CLYMENs, Grenada: Messrs. THos. LAwtor & Co., St. George. St. Vincent: Mr. J. D. Bonapre, ‘Times’ Office. St. Lucia: Mr. R. W. NIves, Botanic Station. Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. BRIDGEW ATER, Roseau. Montserrat: Mr. W. Rogrson, Botanic Station. Antigua: Mr. 8S. D. Martone, St. John’s. St Aitts: Toe BrsLe AND Book Suppty AGENCY, BasskYERRE, Nevis: Messrs. Howse, Bros., Charlestown. 71 King Street, West, Toronto. THE BEST MANURES FOR COLONIAL USE Ahn > For Sugar-cane and general use Dissolved Peruvian Guano Special Sugar-cane Manure Special Cocoa Manure Special Cotton Manure Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Superphosphates, (high grades), Potash Salts, Nitrolim and all other high-class Fertilizers. APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS§OR DIRECT TO:— THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) GUANO WORKS. London Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C, Barbados Agents: James A. Lynch & Co., Ltd., Bridgetown. | COTTON CULTIVATION IN THE WEST INDIES. ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE. NHIS illustrated booklet, published as No. 74 of the Pamputet Series of the Imperial Department of Agriculture, gives a simple but comprehensive account of all matters pertaining to the successful production of Sea Island cotton in the West Indian islands. ‘Phe publication constitutes an entirely new and up to date edition of the A B C of Cotton Cultivation published by the Depsrtment in the early stages of the industry, and embraces all the new developments that have since} been the outcome of practical experience and experiment. NATURE says:—“Vhis comprehgnsive account of Sea Island cotton in the West Indies. . . . forms a very trust- worthy guide to those concerned in the... industry... the pamphlet is very well illustrated; the general informa- | tion has been selected with great care, and the compilers are to be congratulated on the preparation of so useful a manual.’ | THE KEW BULLETIN observes:—*The information contained in the work has evidently been selected with great care. . . and should certainly be consulted not alone by West Indian planters but by those interested in the subject in other cotton-producing countries.’ THE FIELD states:—‘An admirable little booklet which might be widely imitated by other parts of the tropical Kimpivre, as regards not only cotton but other products.’ Favourable notices have also appeared in the India Rubber World and The Bomd of Trade Jomnal. COTTON CULTIVATION IN THE WEST INDIES, pp. 118, Figs..35. Price 9d. Post free, 11d. | From all Agents for the Department's Publications. Printed at Office of Agricultural Reporter, 4 High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados. — A NAA geen Fe > - a TR AA GR ER > fy, iA .'s GAS Vy hi fh QE \h \ RS cll MA Vol. XIV. No. 344.] SATURDAY, JULY 3, 1915. [One penny. _ : R. M. S. P. REGULAR MAIL, PASSENGER & CARGO SERVICES FROM THE TO PORTS OF CALL | Azores, ae UNITED KINGDOM St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Dominica, ‘CANADA Montserrat, Antigua, St. Kitts, [OEMERARA and PABAMARIBO || G:ccne esos Ne®, & St. Jom (N.B.) PANAMA CANAL and PACIFIC Trinidad, Puerto Colombia, 1 | Cartagena, Colon, Panama, PORTS | Callao, Iquique, Antopagasta and Valparaiso. [REGULAR MAIL, PASSENGER AND CARGO SERVICES FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM TO BRAZIL, URUGUAY & ARGENTINA Via Spain, Portugal, Madeira & St. Vincent. | REGULAR SAILINGS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM TO MOROCCO, CANARY ISLANDS & MADEIRA, & JAPAN. Head Office: 18, Moorgate Street, London. Branches at BARBADOS, Trinidad, Tobago, Colon, Jamaica, Antilla, New York, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, etc. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. CuHristy & Norris, CHELMSFORD, ENGLAND. Specialize in Machinery We nak for:— GRINDING & SIFTING: > MATZE, COTTON SEED, BONES, SPICES, SALT, ETC. Write for Catalogue, and DISINTEGRATOR. send sample of material you (346) wish to gue. we ST ISSUED. WEST INDIAN BULLETIN. Vol. XV, No. 1. (Index number). Containing papers» on: The Development of Agriculture (Mr. A. D. Hall’s Addresses to the British Association for the Advancement of Science); Agricultural Industries — of | SPAC Montserrat, by Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Se.; Report on the Island of Redonda, by Dr. H. A. Tempany; Note a. the | Feeding and Manurial Value of Lime Seeds, by Dr. A. | Tempany; the Poisonous Forms of Phaseolus lunatus ai ima beans), by W. R. Dunlop; Skin Diseases of Cattle in| Antigua (compiled from the notes. of P. T. Saunders, A.V.C.) M.R.C.V.S., February THE BARBADOS | CO-OPERATIVE COTTON FACTORY, LTD, Cotton Ginners and Oil Refiners. a speciality in‘our “Star” brands in COTTON SEED OIL. LINSEED OIL. COTTON SEED CAKE. COTTON SEED MEAL. All orders received by us will meet with our careful attention. ‘THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE COTTON FACTORY, LIMITED, WHITE PARK ROAD, BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. 5, 1915. /E AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENT. FOR SALE. | The very valuable, fertile and accessible property “RU Be’ At Soufriere;, Si Lucia, Containing about 400 aeres, of which about 100 acres is planted in Limes, 100 acres in Cocoa. There are also some canes and cocoa-nuts, a large number of Vanilla vines and Pear Trees, also Banana, Orange, Grape fruit and Pine-apples. A WATERWHEEL and MILL in perfect order for crushing Limes and Canes, a full supply of carts and animals, two dwelling houses in perfect order. INSPECTION IS INVITED. For «all further particulars, apply to FRANK H. JOHNSON, St. LUCIA, B.W.I. (346) SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENT, VME Le te A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW OF THE é IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. ~~~ Vou. XIV. No. 344. BARBADOS, JULY 3, 1915, Price ld. CONTENTS. In this journal (No. 310 of March 14, 1914,) the whole question of alcohol production in the tropics was Bee pe reviewed, and authorities were quoted to the effect ee a > : that the supply of petrol is diminishing, and that even Acid Soils... .. 217 | Gleanings ... . 220 Agricultural Affairs in British Guiana 508 Agricultural Pupils, Train- l€nsect Notes:— | Pests of Peasand Beans 218 , Italian Tomato Trade . 222 211 2 : at 291 | Pea ‘at ae the } | Items of Local Interest... 223 Tropics ; 209 | Maize in Rhodesiz... . 212 PICS... nee ae oes LOM TE eee "994 America, and Agricultural | Tarket Re porus 216 momnearinie in he | Notes and Comments... 216 seed © 916 | Papaw and Papain.... ... 212 BERG WICSivce | feos os-' Corn Grades, Federal Cotton Notes:— West Indian Cotton . 215) Report on the Depart- ment of Agriculture, Trinidad and Tobago... 216 . 214 | Mutation in Egyptian | Students’ Corner ... 2aL Cotton : .. 214) Sugar-cane Varieties in Department News ... ... 221} Different Countries... 210 Departmental Reports... 214) Vick Eradication in Foodstuffs, Tropical, and Antigquaeeses-+ <<. «-. 219 their Valuation . 219 Transpiration of a Partial Fungus Notes :— Parasite, and of Shaded “The Internal Disease of TobaccOaemics: <.- «2. cl? Cotton Bolls . 222 | ‘West Indian Bulletin’... 217 Alcohol as Fuel in the Tropics. ~> ik ERSISTENT agitation, during the past ED) no 2two years, in favour of alcohol as a source ge power in the tropics, does not appear to have resulted so far in the achievement of anything definite. Several manufacture have advocated the utilization of molasses well-known authorities on sugar in this direction, and have shown that the proposition is a practical one; other writers have called attention to the value of the by-products on banana, cacao and coco-nut estates: while in sub-tropical countries. the cultivation of corn and starch-producing crops has been mentioned as another source from which alcohol might be produced. with concern the neglect on the part of the agriculturist to begin producing a substitute. This journal further- more published information to show that with very little modification, the ordinary oil engine can be satisfactorily run on alcohol, and it was concluded that engineers and oil specialists were viewing sugar-producing countries, at least, should manufacture enough alcohol as a source of power for local consump- tiou.. In making this suggestion it was pointed out that there is nothing essentially new or novel in the employ- As 1s well known, the whole of the Prussian State Railways are lighted by alcohol, and as long ago as 1901 a not inconsiderable business had developed in Mauritius in public lighting, and domestic lighting with alcohol. It is only going one step farther to use this menu of alcohol. connexion with and cooking spirit in place of petrol for transport. NGel Deerr’s views on the economic side of the subject were reproduced in this journal last April (Vol. XIV, No. 338). from the This authority calculates that Cuban 100,000,000 gallons of molasses are) produced, from which under present sugar crop, fermentation and distillation 40,000,000 gallons of alcohol might be obtained, worth modern methods of 23 cents per gallon. Peck, in Hawaii, has strongly advo- cated alcohol production in that territory, and he has calculated that 100 tons of cane will yield 1,058 i. of absolute alcohol. The cost of production is mentioned as being negligible since, according to Peck, the value of the fertilizer the alcohol as a by-product free of cost. Referring to a recent report by the Committee on the Utilization of Megasse and residue as a leaves 210 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JULY Lone. this journal for September 26, 1914, we find it estimated that allowing 10tb. of alcohol a day for each one of the 1,500 anto- mobiles in Hawaii, an annual consumption of 1,800 tons is indicated. the West Indies. Molasses (Hawaii), reproduced in A similar consideration applies to One of the latest contributions to the alcohol-as- fuel question is by Mr. T. H. P. Heriot, in the Journal of the Society of Chemical Industry, Vol. XXXIV, April 15, 1915. ‘data concerning the quantity of alcohol yielded from molasses (both cane and beet), and the cost of produc- tion. molasses as regards the quantity of alcohol obtained therefrom. An interesting table given in this paper is the Distillery Balance Sheet, prepared by Antoni, of Hawaii. A 5,000-acre estate is taken as an example, producing 12,500 tons of sugar and 350,000 gallons of The distillery has to treat 2,000 gallons of molasses a day. Fuel is the chief expense, but a profit is shown of $22,500 at the end of the crop. . This writer gives a large amount of Beet molasses has about the same value as cane molasses, during a crop season of 175 days. An important source of revenue is the so-called fertilizer syrup, valued at 9 cents per gallon. This contains considerable amounts of potash and nitrogen. Niel Deerr in the paper previously referred to, values the mineral constituents in the Cuban molasses output at $1,980,000 for potash, and $1,200,000 in the case of The much-discussed question of molasses as The sugar in the molasses has little if any beneficial ettect upon the soil: the residue, on the other hand, because nitrogen. a manure seems to find here a satisfactory answer. of its mineral content, is likely to prove very useful as a manure, though it would probably be desirable to improve its consistency by means of the addition of an absorbent like superphosphate, if it were tended for export. following statement of the cost of producing 95 per In concluding his paper, Mr. Heriot gives the eent. alcohol, without recovering the potash and nitrogen, and excluding the cost of molasses itself: ‘In the United States 8 cents per gallon, in Demerara 5 cents (exclusive of fuel), in Hawaii 10-2 cents, and in (Cuba, LO cents. fore approximate to 5d.per gallon.’ The actual working expenses there- On this basis alcohol should be well able to com- pete with petrol at 28 or 30 cents per gallon, and yield Why then, it may be There are several pre- a good profit to the producer, asked, has it not been tried 7 liminary difficulties in the way. There is the excise part of the question; the necessity for producing only uniform spirit, as regards water content; the readjust- ment of engines to take alcohol; and the conflicting oil interests. Denaturizing should settle the first, and the second and third are merely mechanical diffi- culties easily overcome by the sugar manufacturer and the engineer. The fourth is only local in its application, It would seem, in reconsidering the various references quoted in this article, that enough has been written concerning the cost of producing alcohol, particularly from molasses, and that it is time for the carrying out of demonstrations. It might be sug- gested that Government enterprise would be useful in this direction. If only an experiment on com- mercial lines were tried successful results there could be an awakening amongst the three classes of the community involved in the matter: the sugar manufacturer would produce alcohol, the engineer would turn out specially designed engines of maximum of efficiency, and the consumer would buy both. Before this can happen, carefully planned demon- strations must be made in different places. Under ordinary conditions alcohol is not likely to be pro- duced for fuel until its successful employment has been indicated on’a practical basis. As already sug- gested, this might be a matter for Government considera- tion. The value of commercial demonstrations by the Government is well seen in the West Indies, for example, in connexior with cotton factories, lime juice fae- tories, and corn-drying establishments. It is hoped that this group may soon be extended to include a demonstration of the value of alcohol as a source of power. with SUGAR-CANE VARIETIES IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES. A consideration of the distinguishing characters of sugar-cane cultivated at Sabour, in India, constitutes the contents of Vol. VII, No. 2, of the Memoirs of the Depart- ment of Agriculture in India (Botanical Series). The chief interest in this paper lies in the fact that it records the results of the first attempts made in India to propagate sugar-cane by the method of pure line cultures. From the information given in the Introduction it is clear that any attempts to obtain reliable results from experiments on the agricultural, botanical, or chemical characters of cane varieties must prove abortive unless pure cultures are used for the experiments. A pure culture is one derived from a single plant. When once the local varieties had been established in pure culture and the various types isolated, it was pessible to undertake accurate work on the study of their distinguishin characters, regarding which very little exact data had previously been collected. There are a large number of Vor. XIV. No. 344. 211 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. simple field characters by which cane varieties can be distinguished. Field characters:—(1) number of stems ona stool, (2) average height of canes in field, (3) general appearance of zane, uprightness or otherwise of plant in young or older stages. Leaf :—(4) appearance such as straight, upright, bent over, etc., (5) proportion of withered leaves to green ones, (6) breadth of leaves at middle, (7) leaf edge, (8) length of leaves, (9) colour of leaves, (10) colour of leaf sheath, (11) colour of band at base of leaf, (12) presence of hairs at leat base. Stripped Canes:—(13) general colour of cane, (14) thickness of cane at internodes and nodes, (15) length of internodes, (16) colour above node, (17) colour of internodes, (18) presence of wax and colour of wax, (19) appearance of buds—eyes well developed or not, (20), appearance of canal above buds, (21) have eyes sprouted! In addition to their obvious use in distinguishing cane varieties, it is hoped that the detailed observations made in regard to the several varieties will prove useful in studying the behaviour of these canes under different climatic and soil conditions, and it will thereby be possible to obtain an idea of the suitability of the various groups of canes for the various cane tracts of India. The results of these observations should also in future provide useful information regarding the subject of deterioration. Another interesting publication dealing with varieties of sugar-cane is Bulletin No. 2, of the Bureau of the Sugar Experiment Stations, Queensland. This publication contains a complete list of the different varieties which have been introduced, principally from New Guinea, but also from Mauritius, Demerara, Trinidad and Barbados.. That part of the bulletin which deals with varieties that have been or are now being grown commercially in Queensland makes reference to the well-known Bourbon, Trinidad seedling No. 60, D.1135, B.208, B.147, and D.116, All these canes have proved satisfactory, though D.11385 has shown _ the greatest promise and has proved its fitness for Southern Queensland’s conditions in a marked manner. Fully four- fifths of the cane from Bundaberg south is of this variety. It is stated that in Queensland B.208 is subject to disease. It would seem that some of the New Guinea canes are worthy of attention in the West Indies. N.G.15 is described as a cane with white flesh, highly saccharine, and a remarkably heavy cane weighing 1b. per foot. It is greatly appreciated Dy labourers as it is so easily cut, trashed and loaded. While considering the subject of varieties of cane it may not be out of place to refer to the report of work of the Experiment Station of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters’ Associ- ation for 1905. In spite of being published ten years ago, this report contains very interesting considerations and figures in regard to the varieties at that time under trial in Hawaii. The following paragraph is quoted to show how the character- istics of the same variety may change after it has been subjected to the soil and climatic influences of various countries:— ‘If we endeavour to trace back to their original ances- tors our Lahaina, introduced into these islands from the Marquesas Group by Captain Pardon Edwards, and the Otaheite, received from Louisiana some years ago, it appears that they came from the same stock. From the coast of Malabar, India, this variety (for they are the same,) was shipped to Réunion, Mauritins, and Madagascar, and from these points it was received by the West Indies and the islands of the Pacific. From the West Indies ‘“Otaheite” was introduced into Louisiana and from Louisiana into Hawaii, while the “Lahaina” came from the other direetiom and reached Hawaii by way of Marquesas. When brought together at the Experiment Station and grown side by side- under the same conditions of soil, climate, irrigation and cultivation, they resembled each other closely, and only differed in their value as to sugar production, and in the diameter of the stick.’ A comparison of the chemical characteristics of these- two canes showed that the Lahaina was by far the richer, having a sucrose content of 17°8 against 12:4 in the case of Otaheite. At the time when the report from which the above: paragraph has been taken was published, D. 117 held the- lead among the recently introduced varieties, and was regarded. as a promising cane worthy of trial under the diversified conditions of the island. B. 147 had also made a reputation for itself, having apparently been obtained in Hawaii by way of Queensland. AGRICULTURAL AFFAIRS IN BRITISH GUIANA. On another page of this issue there will be found a review of the 1913-14 Report of the Department of Agricul ture of British Guiana, and the information in the present article will serve the purpose of bringing the review more into line with current events. The information given is based upon the Demerara Daily Argosy’s report on a recent meeting of the Board of Agriculture, at which Professor Harrison made some very interesting statements in regard to current topics and develop— ments. In the first place the rubber industry was dealt with, and following the statement by Professor Harrison that the- price of planting material was to be reduced, His Excellency the Governor urged that more enterprise should be shown. in planting the large areas of land suitable for Para rubber. Experiments yielding satisfactory results have been conducted: at Issororo, which have shown that rubber can be collected. quite cheaply in the Colony, but, that in order to do so, the- cultivation must be ona large scale, otherwise the cost of superintendence is too great. Interesting evidence was brought forward to show that, so far, the best rubber in the- Colony had been produced at Christianberg. The census of agricultural industries given in this report show several noticeable increases in the area under crops during 1914-15. The area under rice has increased by as much as- 11,454 acres, while maizeand ground provisions showanincrease- of 2,604 acres. Other large increases are to be seen in the case- of coconuts, coffee and live-stock. The principal decrease has occurred in the case of limes, and it is also observed that. there was a large falling off in the number of swine. A table- showing the areas devoted to the principal varieties of sugar- cane indicates the great popularity of D.625, on the one hand, and the steady decline of the Bourbon, on the other. D.118 seems to be receiving more consideration at the hands of planters. In conclusion reference is made to veterinary matters. principally in connexion with the outbreak of anthrax on the East Coast. Although a very active campaign has for the past few months been conducted, there are indications that the epidemic has not yet entirely disappeared, and it was moved at the meeting that the restrictions on the East Coast infected area should be continued until three months after the last suspicious case. Professor Harrison referred in conclusion to the epidemic of swine plague and fever which had occasioned considerable loss, but which had now for the time being: almost entirely disappeared. bo — Lo THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Juny 3, W915: FRUIT. PAPAW AND PAPAIN. A very interesting article appears in Zhe Tropical Agricultw ist for March 1915, dealing with the papaw tree (Carica pupaya), and the production, properties, uses, and commercial value of the drug papain, which is extracted from the fruit. From this the following useful and valuable information is abstracted. The papaw tree is a familiar object in many parts of the tropics, being commonly grown in gardens and around native houses, or occasionally cultivated in small areas near towns for supplying the fruit to local markets. Much has been written regarding the well-known fermentive properties of the tree and its capacity for rendering tough meat tender. The tree is a native of tropical America and the West Indies, and was. introduced into Ceylon probably early in the seventeenth century. It is propagated invariably from seed, but its propagation by cuttings and graftings is possible, though seldom practised. In recent years the papaw has come into prominence on account of the drug papain obtained from the fruit. As to the properties of papain, its peptonising or digestive power is well known, and it is considered a good substitute for animal pepsin; but, unlike the latter, it requires neither the aid of an acid nor an akali to convert the contents of the stomach into a peptone. The celebrated chemist Varequelin compared papain to ‘blood deprived of its colouring matter’. The material has not, however, come into extensive use in medi- cine, its consumption at present being cheifly confined to America, where it is much used in the treatment of chronic dyspepsia, gastritis, diphtheria, etc., and it is also recommended for ecxema. In Ceylon it is said not to be used medicinally, except perhaps in native medicine. It is described, however, in Waring’s Indean Pharmacopeia and Dymock’s Materia Medica of Western India. Papain has the effect of curdling milk, like rennet, and might be used as a substitute for the latter. The demand for papain is, of course, limited, and the present supply appears to come almost entirely from Ceylon and the West Indies, more especially the island of Montserrat. As regards the trade in the drug, it is mentioned that the export of papain from Ceylon is in the hands of a few firms who buy from the villagers in the interior, mostly in the-districts of Kurnnegala and Kegalle, and pay from about Rs.5 to Rs. 7 per th. The »purified commercial papain fetches round about 12s. (Rs.9) per lb. in the European markets. According toa tabularstatement of the exports from Ceylon, it is seen that the following were, in quantities and value, exported to the countries named, in 1913: United Kingdom 12,705 tb., value Rs, 44,185=£2,945 13s.; Belgium 376 t., value Rs. 1,181 =£150 8s.: Germany 2,555 b., value Rs. 12,705 = £847; United States of America 2,912 Ib., value Rs. 13,078 = £871 lis. The United States is said to be the largest consumer, importing annually, it is estimated, to the value of £15,000 to £16,000. The price paid in the States for papain varies from 7s. 6d. to 15s. per tb., according to quality, as tested to determine its digestive properties. According to Vhe Chemist and Druggist, the demand for papain at present exceeds the supply, as the American importers insist on a high-coloured papain, which is difficult to procure. The fact is recalled that some time ago Jamaica main- tained an industry of some importance in collecting and preparing the juice for the market, but it has now shrunk to negligible proportions. Later, from 1889, the business grew up in the Island’ of Montserrat, which became the chief producer in the West Indies. Doubt is expressed, however, whether the trade is likely to increase. Prices have fallen considerably in recent years, but within the past six months, according to The Chemist and Druggist, for January 1915, they have shown a distinct advance. Opinion among large consumers appears to be divided on the present question of supply and demand, some stating that the consumption of the drug is on the increase and the prospects are good for marketing larger quantities, while others attirm that the only means of extending the market would be in the production of a more” carefully prepared product which would replace the cheaper and adulterated grades, of which considerable quantities are sold. Attention is directed to an article on papain in the Journal of the Royal Society of Arts (September 1913), in the course of which the statement was made,that the United States prefer the inferior qualities from the West Indies, and also desire a white or bleached papain, which the Ceylon natives are not always in a position to supply. Importers, however, could, withont much difticulty, procure an almost unlimited supply of the best unadulterated Ceylon papain, if they were willing to pay a slightly better price for it than for the West Indian product, and would accept it in its natural state.’ It should be mentioned here that the Montserrat papain, when rapidly prepared, is of a light colour, without the employment of any bleaching agent. Dr. Huybertsz, of Kandy, who has devoted some atten- tion to the preparation of papain, is quoted as stating that ‘European and American importers object to papain in its natural colour, and insist that it be white, or at least, light.’ This, he says, is a great mistake, as it can only be obtained by bleaching—a process which sacrifices therapeutic efficiency for pharmaceutical appearance. Genuine papain is slightly saltish and somewhat acrid. It has a peculiar, unmistakable smell, and the ‘feel’ of granular papain should be crisp, like biscuit, and easily crushed between the fingers. When it is doughy or sticky, it has been adulterated or badly prepared. It has also slight escharotie action, and collectors of the fresh juice frequently blister their fingers. When mixed with water it has a soapy ‘feel’. Up to a comparatively few years ago the value of papain was little understood, and it was mostly used in making mucilaginous products and chewing gums. Since then, the United States, Germany, and Great Britain have taken considerable quantities, and it enters into many preparations. Recently, it is stated, America has found a new use for the drug, but what this is, has not yet transpired. INDIAN CORN. ‘MAIZE IN RHODESIA. It is estimated that from 350,000 to 400,000 bags of maize will be available for export from Southern Rhodesia this season. In addition, about 50,000 bags will most likely be exported from Northern Rhodesia. The work of grading will be undertaken by the Government of Southern Rhodesia, and this year the bulk of the maize will be graded at the siding to which it is conveyed by the farmer, and not at Salisbury, as was done last year. This will enable farmers to avoid the consigning of moist or weevilly grain, and the Vout. XIV. No. 344. THE -AGRICULTURAL. NEWS. 213 “ consequent expense of the higher railage, charges made on grain unfit for export. Although the price on the European market is exceptionally high at present, it is feared that the accruing benefit will be largely discounted by the high freights now obtaining as a result of the war. We under- stand that representations on the subject of freights are being made to the principal steamship companies, and we can only. hope that they will not be without effect by the time the export of maize is due to commence, The following circular letter has been issued by the Farmers’ Co-operative Society to members:— ‘The business-of exporting maize is one of enormous importance to this country, inasmuch as that export is, as yet, the only means by which the producer ean find an outlet for this surplus crop. Excellent facilities have been pro- _vided by the Beira and Mashonaland and Rhodesia railways, and growers of maize now have the maize markets of the world open to them at export rates which compare favourably with any in the world. ‘Maize is a valuable oversea export, and is a source of profit to farmers that can be relied upon. This country is an ideal one for its production, and has.a harvesting season that cannot be excelled by any maize-growing country in the world. Maize of exceptionally good quality can be produced in large quantities, and, with excellent export facilities and a ready market in Europe at profitable rates, ought soon to become the leading source of revenue to the country. ‘Members are requested to carefully note the following:— ‘It is recommended that every member personally superintends the shelling of his maize, and rejects all damaged cobs. Such superintendence will pay. ,, . ‘Members should see that their maize is perfectly dry before bagging. Drying and rebagging is a. costly job; and further, such maize loses the grade certificate and correspond- ing advantages. : ‘A SIMPLE TEST. No maize is fit for bagging which shows the germ full and plump. It should be hollow and firm. ‘Only 24h. grain bags will be passed by the grader. All bags set be new, ‘The mouths of bags must be double sewn, with lugs, i.e. the corners strongly fastened and left standing out. This facilitates handling, and loaders will not require to use hooks, which tear the bags and cause loss of weight. : ‘The weighing of maize should be carefully carried out, and bags must weigh 200Ib. net at time of shipment. Members are notified to fill to 205tb. gross per bag to allow for drying out. ‘The grade certificate is accepted by the Corn Trade Associations at the various European ports as final as regards quality, but the weight out-turn must be guaranteed by the shipper. Under-weight, therefore, causes unnecessary trouble and expense, ‘Members must mark their bags clearly and distinctly with the stencil plate supplied by the Society. ‘The consignor must see that railway trucks are in a clean condition before loading maize, and should, as far as practicable, load one grade only in a truck. This ‘facilitates handling at the port. Less handling means less damage to bags, and consequently les# short-weight. ‘Care must be exercised in loading so that there is no possibility of any bags falling off. “Brucks must not be loaded over their carrying capacity, whieh is marked on each track. ‘The following grades only are accepted by the Society free on rails:— . F. W. 1. To be somid, plump, dry and well cleaned, ae a maximum of together 1 per cent. of discoloured or defective grain. pe Hee Wis To be sound, dry and well cleaned, and not contain more toa 3 per cent. of defective and 5 per cent, of discoloured grain. FEDERAL CORN "mae U.S. A, that corn in From information received, is understood the following system of clasdidation of Indian United States came into effect last July 1 the The figures (percentages) represent the maximnm. pro- portion of water, damaged corn, ete., allowed in each grade, respectively: — Grade ] 2 3 4 5) 6 Moisture 14-0) 15°5 Hf Damaged corn (exclus- ive of heat damaged) 1 6 8 10 15 (Including heat damaged) 0 0 0 3 1 3 Foreign material 1 1 2 2 3 a) ‘Cracked’ corn 2 3 1 4 D 7 The following constitute the general rules that have ta be observed: — (1) The corn in grades No. 1 to N be sweet. (2) White corn, all grades, shall be at least 98 per cent. white. ig (3) Yellow corn, all grades, cent. yellow. (4) Mixed corn, all grades, shall include corn of various colours not coming within the limits for colour as provided for under white or yellow corn. (5) Inaddition tothe various limits indicated, No, 6 corn may be musty, sour, and may also include corn of inferior quality, such as immature and badly blistered. (6) All corn that does not meet the requirements of either of the six numerical grades by reason of an excessive percentage of moisture, damaged kernels, foreign matter, or ‘cracked’ corn, or: corn that is hot, heat-damaged, fire-burnt, infested with live weevil, or otherwise of distinctly low quality, shall be classed as sample grade. (7) In No. 6 and sample grade, reasons for so grading shall be stated on the Inspector’s certificate. (8) Finely broken «corn shall include all broken particles of corn that pass through a perforated metal sieve with round holes ;*,-inch in diameter. (9) ‘Cracked’ corn shall include all coarsely broken pieces of kernels that will pass through a perforate metal sieve with round holes }-inch in diameter, except that the finely broken corn as provided for under Rule 8 shall not be con- sidered as ‘cracked’ corn. » (10) It is understood that the damaged corn, the foreign material, including pieces of cob, dirt, finely broken corn, other grains, ete., and the coarsely broken or ‘cracked? Yo. 5 inclusive, must shall be at least 95 per corn, as provided for under the various grades, shall be such as occur naturally in corn when handled under good com- mercial conditions. (11) Moisture percetitages, as provided for in thes grade specifications, shall conform to results obtained by the standard method and tester as described in (7 cular 7.2, 72, Burean of Plant Industry, Unite. States Department of Agriculture. 214 COTTON. WEST INDIAN COTTON. The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week ended June 5, is as follows:— The market remains very quiet with limited inquiry for the Planters’ crop lots, which comprise the entire unsold stock, but no sales have been made as the Factors refused to meet the views of buyers. There being no odd bags in stock, the quotations for graded cotton are omitted. The crop lots are held at 25e. to 30c. This report shows that the total exports of Sea Island cotton from the United States to Liverpool, and Manchester, up to May 29, 1915, were 103 and 1,819 bales, respectively. Mutation in Egyptian Cotton.— According to Mr. T. H. Kearney in the Journal of the Agricultural Research (Vol. II, No. 4), the origin of Egyptian cotton is obscure. According to one theory, it is a product of hybridi- zation between a brown-linted tree cotton and American Sea Island, both of these types having been cultivated in Egypt nearly a century ago. Whether or not this be true, there can be no question, says Mr. Kearney, that the varieties now grown are of mixed ancestry, a condition which some investigators regard as favourable to mutation. So far as this scanty evidence goes, most of the Egyptian varieties originated with a mutant, ie., an individual plant which showed an abrupt and definite change in the characters expressed. This conclusion is supported by the more complete data at hand regarding the history of the varieties which have been developed in Arizona. Lastly, Mr. Kearney points out the very interesting circumstance that Egyptian cotton exhibits, although in a minor degree, the tendency to develop new varieties by well-known mutation, which characterizes the Ocenothera Lamarkiana. BRITISH GUIANA; REPORT OF THE DEPART. MENT OF SCIENCE AND AGRICULTURE, 1913 14. The fact that Professor Harrison’s report comes to hand more than a year after that with which it deals, does not lessen the importance of the large amount of useful informa- tion and conclusions which it contains. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. ————_———————————E—— JULY os LOLS: In the opening pages mention is made of otticial changes that have occurred during the year under review. There were two notable events “of this nature, consisting in the arrival of Mr. C. K. Baneroft, M.A., from the Federated Malay States, to take up the post of Assistant Director and Govern- ment Botanist; and the retirement of Mr. J. F. Waby, Head Gardener, after thirty-five years’ service. Professor Harrison’s observations on the general agricul- ture for the year, deal first with sugar. The work in connexion with the raising of new varieties of cane was continued, and in all 9,300 seedlings were obtained. Of these 5,100 were retained at the experimental fields, whilst a large number were distributed to the nurseries of certain sugar plantations. The chief crosses obtained were between D.118 and PD. 145, D. 118 and D. 167, D. 118 and D. 419, D.118, and D.625, A large number of cuttings were distribut- ed to sugar plantati6ns, chiefly from varieties D.118, D.625, D. 721, and D. 167. The average yields and characteristies of the expressed juices from these canes were very’satisfactory. Experiments with nitrogenous manures confirmed the beneficial effects obtained in previous years, and it was again shown that in normal years sulphate of ammonia is preferable to nitrate of soda. Experiments with molasses as a fertilizer showed that no appreciable action on the crops is produced, and the application of this material has resulted in heavy financial loss. Nor has any advantage accrued from attempt- ed partial sterilization of fhe soil with chlorinated lime, though a good influence was found to be exerted by caustic lime on heavy clay land. The prevalence of disease among the different varieties was noted, and again the Bourbon was found to be the most susceptible variety. The sugar-cane crop of the colony suttered from the after- etfects of the 1911-12 dronght. The exports of sugar were therefore low, amounting to 87,414 tons. A reduction was also seen in the case of rum, molasses and cattle food. The campaign against the insect pests of sugarcane was con- tinued with vigow;,. and special mention is made by Professor Harrison of the good work done by the sugar estates’ proprietors, attorneys and managers. The next crop dealt with in the report is rice. The area under this cultivation was 33,889—a decrease of 8,055 acres on the area cultivated in 1912. This decrease inay be considered to be due mainly to the unfavourable planting weather experienced in May and June, and to the depressing effects of the drought of 1912 on the cultivation of this product in the colony. As regards experimental work, by the remoyal from the fields of stools exhibiting variation from the type, and by selection of the grain, the varieties are maintained at the high standard of 99 per cent. purity. The paddy is given free of cost to any bona fide rice growers, in quantity not exceeding 60 b. The work of hybridizing rices has been continued. The hybrids produced in 1911 were thirteen in number; their F. generation with the parentage is given in the appended report on the Botanie Gardens. A fresh series of hybvidiza- tion trials was commenced in 1913; the hybrids will be selfed in the F, and future generations, with the object of ascertaining how far the distinguishing characters of varieties are transmissible. This work is in a preliminary experi- mental stage and no opinion can be expressed as to its probable value. By direction of the Governor, trials have been begun of growing rice under irrigation with artesian water. The crops are to be grown continuously with the object of obtaining five crops in two years, the probable maximum of rice crops in the climate of Demerara. Results. will not be available until several of the crops have beer reaped. Vor. XIV. No. 344. THE The cultivation of coco-nuts still remains one of the most progressive industries in the colony. The acreage returns show a further increase from 13,698 acres in 1912 to 14,177 in 1913. There wasa considerable increase in the exports of both nuts and copra, but the increase would, have been greater still if it had not been for the retarding influences of the 1911-12 drought. Commenting upon the general condition of coco-nut cultivation in Demerara, Professor Harrison says not sufficient attention is being paid.to proper drain- age and cultivation, Overerowding is to be noticed on certain estates and the proportion of select coco-nuts is low, and hence the greater proportion of the crop must be manufactured into oil and copra. On neglected cultivations diseases are prevalent, and for the safety of the coco-nut industry a Bill has been passed which became law in August 1914, under the title of Plant Diseases and Pests Ordinance of 1914. The coming into bearing of the varieties of coco-nuts obtained from Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago have afforded some interesting observations. As regards the first-mentioned class, two of these varieties are of promise and their ripe nuts are being used for planting. The Trinidad strains have yielded heavily, the nuts being medium sized. It would appear, however, that plants raised from the colony’s coco-nuts are better suited to the local heavy soils. An examination of the specific character of the nuts yielded by different varieties leads to the conclusion that cross- fertilization may take place in a-grove, and that plants are by no means likely always to come true to the specific type of their parent palm. Hence in selecting nuts for planting it is advisable not to select from single trees of a desired type, but from trees growing in groups of which all or the major part are of the desired type. Several pages of information are given concerning the experimental work with rubber, of which the principal plant own is the Para rubber (//eveu brasiliensis). Other horti- agricultural industries referred to are cacao and limes. The last-named crop is regarded as a promising industry, which unfortunately received a set-back by the closing down in 1911 of the citrate of lime factory. The recent installation of two citrate of lime factories in the colony, and the contemplated erection of a factory for lime products at Onderneeming School Farm doubtless will supply the much needed stimulus for this otherwise very promising industry. In regard to pastoral pursuits, reference is made to the increasing number of cattle and sheep, and mention is made of the valuable services rendered by the veterinary staff during the year under review, in connexion with the outbreak of malsie-eaderas. Professor Harrison’s report concludes with a review of educational work with which he has been associated for over thirty years. The remainder of the publication under review (i.e. in space the greater part) consists of detailed reports by the Government Analyst, the Government Botanist, and other members of the staff. In the report on the Botanic Gardens and their work, a useful collection of descriptions of mangoes is to be noted, and some interesting facts concerning the West African oil palm, Nipa palms, Areca palms, balata and ginger lily. The oil palm seeds imported from West Africa germinated very satisfactorily, and more have been ordered. Mr. Bancroft points out that there are two distinct varieties of oil palm growing in the Botanic Gardens, which are easily dis- tinguished by the character of their leavésand fruits. Interest attaches to the ginger lily (Hedychvwuy coroniriwm) on faecount of its great value as a source of fibre for paper making. This matter was dealt with two years ago in the Kew Bulletin, and referred to in the Agricultural News. The ginger lily in British Guiana seems to be very particular AGRICULTURAL NEWS 215 as to its environment, and»will only grow vigorously in a damp situation with a loose soil containing a qnantity of organic matter. A reference of considerable interest is made to the Soya bean—a crop which has not proved up tothe present a_satis- factory one for the West Indies. It is said that a Soya bean has now been obtained in British Guiana from Venezuela which is presumably well suited to tropical cultivation. If this actually proves to be a thoroughly acclimatized variety, its economic importance will be considerable, and there will be a general demand in other parts of the tropics for samples of seed, The scientific investigations in this report on the Botanic Gardens and its work principally concern mycology, just as the report of the Economic Biologist which follows, pertains to the investigation of insect pests. The. infor- mation in these sections together with that in the report of the veterinary surgeon will receive notice in a future issue of this journal, on pages especially devoted to these subjects. NORTHERN NIGERIA: REPORT ON THE AGRI CULTURAL DEPARTMENT, 1912. Mr. P. H. Lamb, the Director of Agriculture, has for- warded a copy of this report with an expression of regret that its publication has been so long delayed. The report provides interesting information on several crops which are common to both Nigeria and the West Indies. Mention is made, for instance, of the Bambarra ground nut, and this is considered to be a useful crop for certain districts where the ordinary ground nuts do not flourish. It was first described some three years ago when a small parcel of seed was sent to Kew for distri- bution to various Botanic Stations in different parts of the world. With reference to rubber, the Director is of opinion that Puntwnia elastica is not worthy of attention as a plantation tree. Experiments are being started with Para and Ceara. Turning to cotton, a crop which is more fully dealt with than the others in the report, it would seem that this cultiva- tion can never oceupy in Northern Nigeria anything but a position of quite secondary importance owing to the limited growing season during which the land must be reserved for the production of provisions. It is pointed out, however, that if early maturity be made a principal factor in the process of selection, puospects will b© improved. The kinds of cotton that exist in Northern Nigeria are interesting: there are four distinct species in cultivation, namely, Gossypium peruvianum, G. punctatum, G. obtusifolium, G.arboreum. The first named, is, speaking generally, by far the commonest type, and prob- ably 95 per cent. of the cotton handled by the British Cotton. Growing Associatioyseonsists of this species. Recent developments in. Northern Nigeria of an agricul- tural nature include the opening of a school farm where important selection work has been started and a considerable number of live-stock installed of good pedigree, including ostriches, cattle, sheep, donkeys and goats. It would appear that developments may follow in. regard to developing the forestry resources of Northern Nigeria, for as the Director points out, although Northern Nigeria is not nearly so well timbered as Southern Nigeria, the fact remains that the sylvan products of the Protectorate, namely, wild rubber and gum, represent considerably more than half of the entire exports, with the exception of tin and live-stock. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JULY Bs LOND: EDITORIAL NOTICES. Heap OFFICE — BaARBADOs. Letters and matter for publication, as well as all specimens for naming, should be addressed to the Commissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture’ Barbados. All applications for copies of the ‘ Agricultural News’ and other Departmental publications, should be addressed to the Agents, and not to the Department. The complete list of Agents, and the subscription and advertisement rates, will be found on page 3 of the cover. Imperial Commissioner of Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Se. Agricultwie for the West Indies P.I.C., F.C.S. SCIENTIFIC STAFF. Scientific Assistant and Assistant Editor W. R. Dunlop. Entomoloaist H. A. Ballou, M.Sc. Mycologist W. Nowell, D.1.C. CLERICAL STAFF, A. G. Howell. M. B. Connell. Chief Clerk Assistant Clerk Junior Clerk W, BP. Bovell. Assistant Junior Clerk P. Taylor. Typist Miss B. Robinson. { A.B. Price, Fell. Journ. Inst. UL. A. Corbin. Assistants for Publications Vor. XIV. SATURDAY, JULY 3, 1915. No. 344. = TT NOTES AND COMMENTS. Contents of Present Issue. The editorial in this nutaber contains a review of recent literature on the alcohol-as-fuel question, and suggests the desirability of demonstrations in some of the West Indian colonies, particularly those in which sugar is the staple product. Reproduced on page 215 wall be found the general rules and grade descriptions of the United, States federal corn grades. The important subject of acidity in soils is dealt with as a note and comment on page 217. Insect Notes, on page 218, deal with the pests of peas and beans, and Fungus Notes, on page 222, consist of the first article of a series dealing with the internal disease of cotton bolls. Department Trinidad and Tobago, of Agriculture, 1913-14. The Report on the Department of Agriculture, Trinidad and Tobago, for the year 1915-14, a copy of which has recently been received at this Office, contains several items of interest. As regards the work of the Botanical Department, amongst other matters taken in hand during the year under review was the clearing, burning and planting up of 2 acres of the lands in the Emperor Valley in Hevea rubber and Robusta coffee, and l acre each in Hevea rubber and limes, Hevea rubber, limes and coffee, limes, Sapucaia nuts, and Tonka beans. In connexion with the nursery work at the St. Clair {xperiment Station, it is mentioned that 216 th. of Robusta coffee seed specially imported from the Belgian Congo were readily disposed of. The total amount realized by sale of plants at this station was £450 14s. 114d. as.compared with £197 12s. 2d. for the previous year. In addition, plants, ete, to the value of £36 17s. 74d. were distributed free, or in exchange. : The Government stock farm seems also to have maintained its efficiency and usefulness, especially in regard to the raising of pigs. The breeds kept are Tamworth, Berkshire and Poland China; during the year ninety-one pigs were sold, realizing $291°82. The average rainfall for fifty-two years 1862-1913 is given as follows: January 2°84, February 1°56, March 1:90, April 1°91, May 3°79, June 8:09, July 8°87, August 9°81, September 7°25, October 665, November 6:92, December 471 inches, making a total of 6438 inches. ui America, and Agricultural Engineering in the Tropics. The Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College possesses an engineering department in which a special study is made of sugar machinery. Bulletins have appeared embracing the results of such studfes as the efticiency of heating and evaporating apparatus, boiler tests, fuel economy, and similar matters. During last year the department conducted an investigation in Porto Rico in connexion with heat and evaporation, and, according to the Twenty-seventh Annual Report of the College, the data obtained are of especial value in that they make possible comparisons of the efficiencies obtained in good Louisiana and tropical plants. In the West Indies, valuable data are on record at the larger factories, but there exists no institution where this can be utilized for educational or investigation purposes. Ina recent editorial in this journal it was shown that the subject of agricultural engineering is relatively neglected im the West Indies, and the case of the Louisiana College offers an example of what might be done in these colonies. While speaking of agricultural colleges in relation to Porto Rico, it might be mentioned that Porto Rico. Von. XY. No! 344. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 217 and the Philippines possess the distinetion of being the only strictly tropical countrics where agricultural colleges exist. A letter has recently been received at this Office from the Dean, in which is pointed out the advantages the existence of this college offers to men in the British West Indies who desire a scientific and practical training in tropical agriculture. Engineering is taught as well as the usual biological and chemical subjects, and it is possible to specialize in almost any cultivation owing to the varied nature of the crops grown. Acid Soils. The studies which are being conducted in India and the Federated Malay States with regard to acidity as a factor of soil fertility are amongst the most inter- esting of present soil investigations in the tropics. A recent editorial in this journal made reference to the large quantity of lime required to neutralize certain soilsin Malaya, and now from that country a publication. has been received containing a review of an investiga- tion designed to show the value of limeas an antitoxin. In Assam, according to the publication under consideration (Agricultural Bulletin of the Federated Malay States, Vol. 3, No. 4), it has been fuund that on untreated soil certain crops consistently fail to survive the seedling stage, but that after the application of lime, normal crops are attorded. Laboratory examina- tion of the soil disclosed the presencé of an acid organic compound which is definitely toxic to certain seedling plants. A number of manurial experiments were carried out to see whether the unfavourable factor could be eliminated by different nutrients. It was found that satisfactory crop production was always obtained on those plots to which lime was added. Of all the unlimed plots, the only ones to carry a crop to maturity were those to which basic manures had been added on the one hand, and on the other, four plots in which, superphosphate was the only constant manurial factor. According to the publication referred to, it seems extremely improbable that this favour-. able action of lime and the alkaline carbonates can be credited to any common attribute other than that of providing a base and thus diminishing the soil acidity, and probably rendering harmless the toxic compounds which accompany it. As regards the good effect of superphosphate, the explanation is put forward, that this manure probably stimulates root development which, by increased extra-cellular root oxidation, leads to the destruction of the toxic material. EEE ee Transpiration of a Partial Parasite, and of Shaded Tobacco. The above heading indicates the subject of two in- teresting notes that appear in the Bxperiment Station Record, Vol. XXXI, No. 4. Fron\* these it appears that experiments with a mistletoe (Loranthus pentandrus) on Mangifera indica in Java, have shown that the daily loss of water per unit area or leaf surface of the parasite is about 50 per cent. greater than that of the host, the difference being at a maximum during the hotter part of the day, owing, presumably, to the observed better control of the stomata by the host. The same general relation was observed in the case of another mistletoe growing on guava. The high rate of evaporation is considered to explain the desiccation and death which sometimes occur of that part of the host beyond the location of the parasite. The second note referred to concerns the effect of shading on the transpiration and assimilation of the tobacco plants in Cuba. The transpiration of plants grown in the open was nearly 30 per cent. greater than that of the plants. grown under cheese-cloth shade. Shading of tobacco plants did not seem to result in a diminished production of total plant substance as. compared with other plants not shaded. As the leaves of the shade-grown plants had a greater total area than those of plants in the open, the quantity of plant material elaborated, per unit of leaf area was greater in the plants grown in the open. As regards the influence of shade on the deposition of material, it. was found that in the shade-grown plants, relatively less material was deposited in leaves and more in the stems than in the corresponding organs of the plants grown in full light. It may be added that the question of the effect of shade upon plants was dealt with editorially in the Agricultural News for May 8, 1915. Experiments with tobacco have been conducted in St. Kitts, and it. has been suggested that a similar trial should be made- to'test the effect of shade upon sugar-cane. ee West Indian Bulletin. The contents of the current issue of the Wesé Indian Bulletin (Vol. XV, No. 1) comprise several articles of interest. The first dealing .with the development of agriculture, is based upon and in part. consists of the addresses of Mr. A. D. Hall, F.R.S., delivered before the Agricultural Section of the British: Association—Australian Meeting 1914. These ad- dresses have been published in the Bulletin with Mr. Hall’s special sanction. The second paperzalso deals with agricultural development, but with special reference to the industries of Montserrat. In this article Dr. Watts gives an interesting review of the progress.of events in the Presidency. In this number of the Bulletin also appear-two short articles by Dr. H. A. Tempany dealing with the island of Redonda, and the feeding and. manurial value of lime seeds, respectively. Finally, two articles appear concerning the poisonous ‘forms of Lima beans, by Mr. W, R. Dunlop, and ‘skin diseases of cattle in Antigua—as paper compiled from the notes of Mr. P. T. Saunders, M.R.C.V.S., formerly Veterinary Ofticer to this Department. With this issue of the Bulletin is sent out the title page and index to Volume XIV. Readers are now advised to have Volume XIV bound. 218 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Jituy ase Ob: INSECT NOTES. PESTS OF PEAS AND BEANS. In a recent number of the Agricultural News (see issue for May 8, p. 154) attention was directed to the weevils which attack stored peas and beans, and one of these, the cowpea weevil, was figured. Since the appearance of that article stored pigeon peas have been reported from St. Vincent as being attacked by an insect, which on examination proves to be the species mentioned above, Bruchus chinensis; and a small supply of pigeon peas for planting, sent to the Imperial Commissioner from Antigua, proved to be badly infested with the four-spotted bean weevil (Bruchus quadrimaculatus). It is to be expected that the several species of bean and pea weevils which occur in the West Indies will be found to attack beans and peas generally. At the present time B. chinensis is known to attack pigeon peas and cowpeas, and B. quadrimaculatus to attack pigeon peas. The use of naphthalene instead of car- bon bisulphide as a protection for stored seed against the attacks of these insects is indicated in the Ayricultural News in the article referred to aboye, and it would seem that this substance should prove a most useful insecticide for such insects as the cowpea weevil and the four-spotted bean weevil. These insects are alike in their habit of infesting the Fig. 9. THe Cow- growing grain in the field, and developing pEA WEEVIL. En- successive broods in the stored seeds. larged. (From This development can probably be U.S. Dept. checked at once by the use of naphtha- of Agriculture ) lene, but the point needs to be proved by careful experimental trials. On reference to the article in the Aygoicultural News already referred to, it will be scen that when nsed at the rate of 1 tb. to 40 bushels of grain, naphthalene afforded a very satisfactory protection for stored corn. In this instance the naphthalene was used in cloth bags, each containing }-hb. It seems probable that, used at several times that strength, say, 1 Ib. or more for each bushel of grain confined in tight receptacles for a few days, the insects in peas and beans would be killed, and the injury which oceurs after the grain is stored thus be entirely prevented. Naphthalene is also recommended by its cheapness and its safety. It could be used over and over again, and it is not explosive like carbon bisulphide. Fic. a. adult: (From U. S. Department of Agriculture.) BEAN WEEVIL. All enlarged 10. THe Four-sporred b larva; c. papa. The economy in the use of naphthalene as an insecticide in stored grain results from the method of applying it. This consists in enclosing’ the desired amount of naphthalene in a bag of suitable size. The bag might be made of muslin, in the small sizes, and of ordinary burlap or sacking in the larger sizes. When used as a preventive in stored grain at the rate of 1fb. to 40 bushels grain as mentioned above, the naphthalene was employed in }-Ib. lots: but if it were desired to kill insects alreadyin the grain, the larger dose of 1tb. to | bushel, with the naphthalene in 1b. lots, should be tried. Experiments would soon show how effective this treatment would be, and also the length of time necessary to accom- plish the desired object. At the end of this period the large bags of naphthalene could be taken out and the necessary protection afforded by the smaller doses. In this way very little of the insecticide is used at each application. It must be borne in mind that in all fumigaton operations it is necessary to use tight receptacles, and in storing beans and peas as well as corn, infection and re-infection will occur unless suitable storage containers are used, In connexion with the attacks of these two species it would seem that naphthalene would prove to be a most useful insecticide. Another insect. pest has been recently reported as attacking beans. ‘This report comes from St. Vincent, where imported seed of pole Lima beans had been planted for trial in the plots at the Experiment Station. Specimens forwarded to the Imperial Department of Agriculture prove on examination to» be a Cryptorhynchus similar to that recently reported as attacking cassava (Agricultural News for May 8). The following is quoted from the memorandum of the Assistant Agricultural Superintendent, St. Vincent, in regard to the larvae of a Cryptorhynchus beetle attacking the stems of beans at the Experiment Station:— ‘A small beetle grub tunnels the stem, beginning prob- ably in the root, and’ éauses the plant to break near the ground, and the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. ‘The adult beetle was discovered on the stems of several plants, and on the ground near the base of the stem. In appearance the beetle resembles the cassava stem borer, but is slightly smaller. A stem which has been “attacked can often be recognized by small brownish punctures in the stem, and by the enlarged nodes in which the grub is usually found.’ ; The genus Cryptgrhynchus is a large one, containing some twenty-seven species In the West Indies, according to a recent catalogue.* Of these, several are known to occur in the Lesser Antilles, and the records now indicate the food plants of five of them. One attacks sweet potato, another is a borer in the orange tree, another is a borer inthe woody stems and branches of ornamental crotons, another attacks cassava stems, and the last reported attacks beans. This recently discovered species has not been investi- gated, and consequently nothing is known as to its habits. A careful watch should be kept by everyone interested in bean cultivation for the appearance of this pest, and every effort should be made to learn as much as possible about its life-history, habits, and food plants other than cultivated beans. - ' c H.A.B. * Preliminary list of the Coleoptera of the West Indies as recorded to January b, 1914, by Chas. W. Leng, Hon. Curator of Coleoptera, and Andrew J. Mutchler, Assistant. Published as a Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History. Vor. XIV. No. 344. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 219 LIVE-STOCK NOTES. TICK ERADICATION IN ANTIGUA. Spraying for the control of ticks in Antigua formed the subject of a paper in Vol. XIV, No. 2, of the West Indian Bulletin, in which it was shown that the results obtained from the use of one of Messrs. Cooper i Nephews’ spraying machines were exceedingly satisfactory. The paper referred to contains a full account of the appliance, and gives figures to show the expenditure involved. Since the establishment of this appliance, the value of spraying has been very widely appreciated in all parts of the island, and although no further investments have been made in large sprayers like the one in question, many stock-owners have adopted systematic hand spraying, with the result that the general appearance of Antigua live-stock shows a very marked improvement compared with that to be observed two years ago. In the United States and South Africa, in Argentina, Australia and other great cattle-raising countries, the use of permanent swim dips has been very generally adopted, often as the result of compulsion by the Government authorities. Tn considering the relative values of spraying and dipping, Messrs. Cooper & Nephews are of the opinion that the dip is more efficient, because it ensures every part of the animal, as for instance the folds of the skin, coming into contact with the arsenical liquid. On the other hand, the spray can le equally efficient provided the operation is conducted with thoroughness. It should be pointed out that spraying is not limited to large herds and large machines. Hand ‘spraying, 1f only a small number of animals have to be dealt with, can be very effective, since it is possible to give each animal indi- vidual attention. Even failing a specially made sprayer, it is quite possible to employ effectively an ordinary garden syringe. Hence the small owner can treat his animals as well as the large owner. The comparative value of spraying versus dipping, on a large scale, is soon to be demonstrated in Antigua, where Messrs. Cooper & Nephews have offered 1 bonus equal to half the cost of erecting a swim dip in order to enable planters to test the appliance at a moderate cost. It is understood further that a second offer of a bonus of one- quarter the cost of a second dip has also been accepted. It is a matter for some regret, however, that both the estates on which these dips are to be erected are situated in -the same district of the island. However, the enterprise shown by both the planters and Messrs. Cooper & Nephews is to be highly commended, and there can be no doubt that the forthcoming demonstration will be productive of much good, not only as regards live-stock improvement locally, but also as a stimulus towards similar action in other places. TROPICAL FOODSTUFFS AND THEIR VALUATION. A useful attempt has been made in Mauritius by the Director of Agriculture to collect together figures and other information concerning the nutritive value of local foodstuffs for stock, and the result is a memorandum presented to the Board of Agriculture of that Colony. The foodstuffs available for cattle at Mauritius may be classified as follows: (1) green fodders, e.g. cane, cane leaves and maize; (2) tubers, manioc, sweet potatoes; (3) seeds, e.g. dhall, sword beans, oats, rice and maize; (4) brans and meals, e.g. wheat bran, rice bran, ground nut meal, cotton-seed meal; (5) sugar waste, molascuit and molasses. The paper continues with an explanation concerning the relative values of the different proximate constituents of foods, like protein and carbohydrate, and a table is then given showing the crude composition of Mauritius , foodstuffs. The question of digestibility of food constituents is then taken into account, and the digestible constituents of Mauritius foodstuffs are determined by ‘calculation by means of factors, which are the mean of European and American authors. These factors are likely to be useful to West Indian planters, since in’ many éases only the ordinary composition of foodstuffs is known and not the digestible constituents. The factors in question a oO eve. e.g. are:— Seeds. Meal. Cellulose and non-nitrogenous substances ‘7 “67 Fats or oils 9 62 Crude proteins “9 7 This means that for every gram of cellulose or non- nitrogenous substances shown by analysis in seeds, 0°7 is digestible, while in meals and brans °67 grain only is digestible. The last point dealt with is the important one of rations. The daily rations prescribed for stud animals by the Board of Agriculture are as follows: — le Il. UN Manioc 10 tb. Manioce 4 tb. Manioc 8 b. Bran 3) 93 Maize fee sran 3 5 Dhall At Dhall 4; Acacia fs Molaseuit = 1, 3ran By Molaseuit 2 ,, The food values of these rations are calculated as follows: — Starch. Digestible Starch. Digestible protein. protein. 10 tb. manioe ES 05. 4. tb. manioce = °9 02 3, bran 271 3 4 ,, maize 30 0 5) 4 ,, dhall B44 si 4 ,, dhall 34 Wii 1 ,, molascuit -5 ‘Ol 4,, bran 2:1 ao 83 1-06 94 1:37 Starch. Digestible protein. Manioc 8 ib. 18 ‘Od Bran Bins 2°] 3 Acacia 4 ,, aga 3 1:0 Molaseuit he 0. - 02 “9:2 1°36 These rations would be suited to draught animals at medium work provided they received 30 to 40 tb. of herbage; but if the animals were at very hard work it would be necessary to increase the protein content of the diet by additions of concentrated seeds such as Acacia, pois sabre, pois maseate, ete., or by additions of pistache (ground nut) meal or decorticated cotton-seed meal. The above calenlations will serve to illustrate how any estate manager may calculate out the food values of his rations. ; 220 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JULY, volo: GLEANINGS. An Ordinance has been passed in Dominica to. provide for the administration and disposal of Crown lands. A provision is made to the effect that if the grantee or lessee of any Crown lands neglect to comply with the conditions agreed to, the land shi ull revert to the Crown. By an Order-in-Council, the the Virgin Islands have been removed, according to the Leeward Islands Gazette, from: the protected list in the Wild Birds Protection Ordinance, 1914. The birds referred to are: the pelican, the man-of-war bird, and the booby. names of certain birds in An interesting account of Nigerian leather appears in the Journal of the Royal Society of Arts for April 23, 1915. “The method of treatment of leather in West Africa can be -divided into four operations: depilation, bating, tanning, and dyeing. These operations are described in the article referred to, and the dyes employed are mentioned. In connexion with the article which appears on another page of this issue on the subject of tick eradication, it is interesting to note that the Jamaica Gleaner for May 21, 1915, refers to an experimental dipping vat which is now in course of erection at the Hope Farm School. The results following the use of this appliance will be watched with interest. A formula for the measurement of logs is given in the Agricultural Gazette of New South Wales for April IS = als) bs The superficial contents of any mill log may be determined as follows: take the mean girth of a log in inches, divide by four, and square it; multiply this result by the length of the log in feet, and the result will be the contents of the log in superficial feet. See A statement appears in Vature for May 20 effect that the President of the Board of Edueation in England has announced the. proposed formation of an Advisory Council to be concerned with industrial and scientific research. The suggested Council.will deal with the general question of the relation of science. to the State, and its forination should result in increased application of science to industry. 1915, to the An important matter concerning coffee cultivation in Southern India appears to be the pollination of the flowers by bees (Apis dorsata). In certain districts, considerable numbers have been destroyed by the native tribes, and it has been suggested that estate managers should communicate the boundaries of the adjoining government lands which require protection, Which would assist the forest departme nt to put a stop to all interference with this (The Planters’ Chronicle, February 1915.) spe Cc ies of be sES; 3 An appreciative notice appears in the Kew Bulletin, No. 3 of 1915, concerning the work of Mr. George Massee who has just retired fram the post of Mycologist to the Royal Gardens, Kew. Ever since the formation of the Imperial Department of Agriculture, Mr. Massee has frequently vendered assistance in connexion with the determination of fungi causing diseases of plants in the West Indies. In his address to the Legislative Council of St. Vincent, during Mareh 1915, His Honour the Administrator referred at some length to the importance of maize cultivation as a new industry for the Colony. The fact that a small corn- drying plant to be installed by August next was mentioned. The scheme was warmly supported by several members of the Council. His .Honour’s address will be found in the St. Vincent Guvennment Gazette for April 29, 1915. An interesting article appears in the ZB tanical Journal for April 1915, dealing with ramie thread. The plant from which this is obtained belongs to the same natural order as hemp, and there are two species, one of which is purely’ tropical, while the other grows in semi-tropical or even temperate regions. It is said that ramie is cultivatied im most parts of the tropics, including the West Indies. The most important use of ramie is in the manufacture of gas mantles, but for this purpose fibre from the semi- ironies species is principally employed. ; A new Canadian sugar refinery is described and illus- trated in the Lousiana Planter for April 10, 1915. This large establishment has been erected by the Atlantic Sugar Refinery, Ltd, at St. Johns, New Brunswick. Directly in front of the building is a wharf where steamers can come alongside to be loaded straight from the refinery, and throughout the establishment every effort has been made to secure the highest efficiency in sugar refining at the lowest possible cost, utilizing the very best machineries that can be had for all of these various purposes. An instructive table in 7he Jowrnal of the Board of 7rade, April 29, 1915, shows the difference between the exportation of rubber from Brazil during February 1914 and February 1915. For that month last year Brazil sent to the United States 1,848,136, and to Europe 3,359,322, making a total of 5,207,458 kilogs. During February 1915, Brazil sent’ to the United States 3,531,905, and to Europe 2,837,289, mak- ing a total of 6,369,19kilogs. (1 kilog. = 2-2 th.). These figures seem to show that the embargo placed by Great Britain upon Eastern rubber necessitated bigger purchases from South America by the United States. An attempt made to utilize coconut oil for rifle lubrication in England has not proved altogether satisfactory. A comparison between the oil referred to and the ordinary service rifle oil showed in favour of coco-nut oil after seven days’ keeping, but a large amount of fouling appeared on the barrels treated with ,oco-nut oil after keeping one month. Coco-nut oil is theréfore considered inferior to service rifle oil for the purpose. of preserving gun -barrels. The samples used were Trinidad ‘and Ceylon oils, respee- tively. They yielded salmost.“identical- constants. The Trinidad oil containedjerather-more free acids (4:9 per cent. against 3°4 per cent.). but the oils were considered of- equal value with regard fo their gun barrel preserving properties. (The Month/y Magazine of the Incorporated Chamber of Comn.erce of Liverpool, April 1915.) Vou.. XIV. No. 344. STUDENTS’ CORNER. AGRICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS. Now that the cane crop is practically over, students will be able to devote a greater proportion of their time to systematic study for the forthcoming examinations, to be conducted by the Imperial Department of Agriculture in November. If not already done, copies should be obtained of the revised syllabus of the Reading Courses issued a few months ago from this Office. This contains an up-to-date list of references including a useful collection of references to matter in the Agricultural News for the benefit of final students. Pernsal of the leaflet referred to will show that coco-nuts have been introduced as a crop subject, and in view of the rapid extension of the area under coco-nuts in many of the islands, it is hoped that some of the candidates will select this crop as a subject for examination. As regards text-books, the student will remember that a useful though small library is to be found at most of the Botanic Stations, and it should not be forgotten that many of the public libraries contain works on agricultural science, which may be borrowed in the usual way. In Grenada, a good move is being made to establish a borrowing library for the agricul- tural cadets at the Botanic Gardens. The success of the Reading Courses examinations does not depend entirely upon the enthusiasm of the candidates. It is essential that initiative should be shown by the agricultural officers, and also, it may be added, by the planters, on whom the students are in many cases dependent. The function of the agricultural officers in connexion with these examinations is to arrange meetings and, if possible, to give lectures. In Antigua special facilities exist for this teaching work, but it may be suggested, now that chemical assistants as well as science masters exist in Dominica and St. Kitts, that it may be found possible to increase the amount of assistance given in connexion with these examinations. The object of any lectures that may be given should not be to present information so much as to stimulate and guide. At such meetings candi- dates can discuss the difficulties encountered in their work not only with the lecturer but amongst themselves. This makes the study more interesting and live, and it affords a means of guaging individual progress. A final consideration concerning these examinations is that which has relation to their utilitarian value. Several eases have occurred where the holding of the diploma of this Department has led to personal advancement, and for this reason alone, overseers and others should make every effort to become registered, and to study along the prescribed lines with a view to obtaining a qualification which will stand them in good stead in after-life. : Questions for Candidates. PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 1. Name at least three active agents which aid in the formation of soils. 2. Give the reasons for growing leguminous crops other than for food. INTERMEDIATE QUESTIONS, 1. Give one or two points to be noted in selecting coco- nuts for seed. At about what stage should the seedlings be removed from the nursery! _ 2. What are the most common errors in the cultivation of cacao! THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 221 FINAL QUESTIONS, 1. Explain fully the reasons why the cultivation of Indian corn and beans is being urged in many parts of the West Indies. 2. Name certain operations on the estate which helpful in controlling pests and diseases. Explain why. are Training of Agricultural Pupils in Dom- inica. —A notice appears in the Dominica Official Gazette for June 14, 1915, to-the effect that this month (July) there will be. three vacancies for pupils under the present system of agricultural instruction. The course of training extends over a period of two years, and pupils are required to engage in the various branches of field and nursery work with a view of acquiring a sound knowledge of practical agriculture. The course of instruction will be directed toward the acquirement of a practical knowledge of the methods of plant propagation, nursery work, planting and care of staple crops such as limes, oranges, cacao, rubber, vanilla and fruit. The course will include instruction and practical work in the various forms of drainage, weeding, sowing, transplanting, use and application of manures and mulches; the treatment of insect and fungoid pests, pruning, grafting, packing, trans- porting and planting out young plants; picking, preparing, and packing crops for market. In addition to the practical instruction and carrying out of the above outlined work atthe Botanic and Experiment Stations, the pupils will receive an appropriate amount of class instruction in the fundamentai principles underlying the practical work. They will also be required to undertake a prescribed amount of home reading and study under the direction of the Agricultural Superintendent. Candidates must be at least sixteen years of age, physicatly fit, and have shown aptitude for instruction in agriculture. They must have attained a standard of elementary education corresponding to the sixth standard of the primary schools, or sufficient to satisfy the Agricultural Superintendent that they are capable of taking full advantage of the course of training offered. Subject to good behaviour and satisfactory progress in their work, the pupils will be granted a small monetary allow- ance, increasing each year until the conclusion of their course of study. DEPARTMENT NEWS. Mr. H. A. Ballou, M.Se., Entomologist on the statt of the Imperial Department of Agriculture. and Mr. W. Nowell, D.I.C., Mycologist, left Barbados by the R. M. S. ‘Quillota’ for the purpose of paying an official visit to Montserrat in connexion with the pests and diseases of cultivated plants in that island. The above officers are expected to return by the C. R. M.S. ‘Caraquet’ on July 14. —— aan May proved a wet monthin the Virgin Islands, and revived new hopes in the agricultural community in regard to next year’s prospects. The greatest fall for one day was 2 inches. The total precipitation for the month was 8:37 inches, which was well distributed. The weather was very favourable for the establishment of the young cotton crop. to bo TS) FUNGUS NOTES. THE INTERNAL DISEASE OF COTTON BOLLS. The investigation of this trouble having reached a stage where it seems likely that the course of future research will follow entomological as well «as mycological lines, it seems advisable to summarize the history, and state the present position with regard to it. The essential character of the affection consists in the discoloration, partial or total, of the lint in unopened bolls, without any sign of disease or injury occurring on the exterior of the boll. Recognition of this condition as a distinct affection appears to have been confined to Montserrat and Antigua, and almost entirely to the former of these islands, until recent enquiries led to its recognition in St. Vincent and Tortola. In the first named island the earlier accounts, while evidently including this affection, do not always avoid confusion with shedding, with that type of failure of bolls now attributed to Bacterium malvacearum and known as bacterial boll disease, and with the Montserrat soft rot due to a Peronosporaceeus fungt This seems to haye led to the adoption of the misleading name ‘black boll’ under which the affection has been until recently described, which has doubtless tended to prevent the identification of the same trouble in the other islands*with that occurring in Montserrat. The first reference to ‘black boll’ in the mycological files of the Imperial Department of Agriculture goes back to December 1903, when specimens of bolls which rotted before opening were sent for examination by Mr. C. Watson, of Montserrat. In January 1904, Mr. Watson reported that the disease had spread, and that the whole of the cotton on the Windward side of the island, some 400 acres, was affected. In going through the fields and picking fine-looking bolls fromm the most promising trees, only about. 10 per cent. were found to be sound. _ The specimens were examined by Mr. L. Lewton-Brain, then Mycologist to the Department, who reported the presence of Cercospora blotehing and a small amount of anthracnose, but did not suggest these as the cause of the trouble. He ‘recommended experiments with Bordeaux mixture. In December 1904, two reports as to the disease in Montserrat were made by Mr. A. J. Jordan, and one by Mr. W. H. Patterson, Curators of the Botanic Stations at Montserrat and Antigua, respectively. Jordan’s first report contains no information on the subject; Patterson’s associates a mis-shaping and hardening of the pods with the disease, gives evidence of its rapid development, and shows that rotation of crops and manuring have apparently no effect upon its incidence. Jordan’s second report, made in connex- ion with Patterson’s visit, describes the affected bolls as ‘oval-cuspidate’ in all but one instance, but records the finding of healthy bolls also of this shape. The sprouting of the seeds in some of the rotted bolls is mentioned. In January 1905 Patterson reported the occurrence of what he regarded as the same. Jisease in Antigua. In February 1905, Lewton-Brain made an investigation of the affection in Antigua and Montserrat. His report was printed in the West Indian Bulletin, Vol. VI, pp. 120-25. He records the existence of a distinet disease of the’ bolls, differing entirely from anthracnose and ‘physiological drying up’, though sometimes confused with these. After alluding to thedeformation of the bolls and their hardness (characters which are not evident in the material more recently examined,) he describes the occurrence of discoloured rotting lint in bolls of THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Juty 3, 1915. healthy external appearence, ending in a condition in which the enlarged partially germinated seeds are separated only by a thin film of decayed lint. Such bolls usually drop about the time they should be opening, and fields were seen which had lost every boll in this way. Sometimes the bolls dry up on the plant and open slightly, when they are distinguishable by the appearance of the lint. The disease could not be ascribed to climatic conditions, since it had occurred in very dry and very wet seasons; nor could the condition of the soil be responsible, since it occurred on both lime- stone and clay, and on poor and rich land. He was unable to connect the disease with any insect attack, or with any of the known diseases of cotton. A plant might have one or two bolls affected while the remainder continued healthy, and plants which had lost every boll might afterwards bear sound bolls in the second crop. No corresponding affection of stems or leaves could be found. He reported the presence in affected bolls of a rod- shaped bacillus, which he regarded as the probable primary cause of the disease, suggesting the possibility of flower infection by the agency of wind or insects. He outlined a series of field experiments to ascertain the stage at which infection takes place, but there is no record of their having been ear- ried out. ; From the time of Lewton-Brain’s report the subject does not appear to have been brought to the notice of the Imperial Department until 1911. The narrative of subsequent developments will be continued in the next issue of this- journal. WENE THE ITALIAN TOMATO TRADE. The tomato was given to the .world by America, but Italy is to-day teaching the rest of the world by example how it should be raised and how it should be preserved. Italian canned tomatoes have practically pushed the American product out of the English market, and have gained an enormous market in the United States. The Italians raise a solid meaty tomato of fine colour, and it is so packed in the cans that the consumer is not obliged to pay for a large percentage of water. Canned tomatoes, however, are put up principally for the export trade. "The Italians themselves prefer their tomatoes in the form of sauce or paste, which is nothing more nor less than boiled-down tomato pulp, minus the skins and seeds, as set forth in an interesting manner in a report by Commercial Agent J. Alexis Shriver, entitled ‘Canned-Tomato Industry in Italy’, recently issued by the Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce. This sauce is put up in cans and is used by the Italians in a great variety of dishes, of which spaghetti is, perhaps, the most familiar to Americans. According to fairly accurate statistics the area planted in tomatoes in Italy is about 22,000 acres, producing about 385,000 tons. The exports to the United States amount to about 20,000,000. of canned tomatoes and tomato sauce, and some 8,000,000Ib. of the product go to South America. The total valué of the total exports from Italy is well over $6,000,000. - The skins and seeds that were formerly wasted are now utilized, the former as stock feed and the latter as a source of oil. The crude oil is suitable for soap making and for lamps, and the refined oil is said to be edible. Commercial Agent Shriver’s report ‘Special Agents Series No. 93’, may be obtained from the Superintendent of Documents, Govern- ment Printing Office, Washington, at 5c. a copy. (The Hawaiian Forester and Agriculturist, March 1915.) —— > al Vor. XIV. No. 344. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 223 DOWN THE ISLANDS. ITEMS OF LOCAL INTEREST. GRENADA, The Agricultural Superintendent (Mr. J. C. Moore) states that arrangements have been completed to carry out the experimental and demonstrational cultivation of provisions this year on an acre plot of land at Dumfries, Carriacou, with the kind co-operation of the manager, Mr. C. P. Thomas. Work. in the Botanic Gardens has included the distri- bution of a considerable number of limes and coco-nuts, and trials are being made with sisal, and Lima beans. As regards the general appearance of the estate crops, the eacao fields during May skowed splendid vigour, and in many parts of the island were putting out ‘flowers plentifully. During the month, forty-one settlers were given permission ‘to occupy allotments at the St. Cyr moutain estate under the Grenada Land Settlement Scheme. A special committee of the primary Education Board has been appointed to consider agricultural education in the primary schools. 4 The first two weeks of May were comparatively moist but the latter half was rather dry. The last day of the month showed signs of the weather breaking into the rainy season, st. vincent. The Agricultural Superintendent .in this Colony (Mr. W. N. Sands), in referring to the experimental work at the Botanic Station, states that plots of Indian corn have been sown at different distances, and different varieties of Lima and other beans are under trial. On the estates, extensions in the planting of coco-nuts, Indian corn, beans and peas are tobe noted. Cotton planting has been started. During May the Assistant Agricultural Superintendent restarted agricultural science classes at the Grammar School, and examined several boys to fill vacanciés for the agricul- tural pupils. The rainfall for the month was seasonable. pominica. Mr. Joseph Jones (Agricultural Superin- tendent) reports that a large amount of routine work has been done in the nurseries, while in the lime experiment station the principal operations have been weeding, draining, sowing green dressings among the young limes, and the picking and recording of the crop from older trees. In the cacao experiment station the annual application of manures has been completed. The picking and recording of the crop was being carried on at the time of writing. As regards the condition of tke lime crop, there are indications of a fair average yield, probably heavier on the Leeward coast districts than elsewhere. The cable quotation for concentrated juice was £25 per pipe. Local price for yellow limes was 10s. per barrel, and for good raw juice 1s, 4//. per gallon. Heavy shipments of green limes amounting to 5,600 barrels were made during the mopth. Matters of general interest during the period under review were the official visits of the Imperial Commissioner of AgricuJture and the Mycologist. The rainfall for the month was normal. —- MONTSERRAT. The Curator of the Botanie Station (Mr. W. Robson) forwards several items of agricultural interest from this island. Much satisfaction has followed the successful shipment of crates of onions to-Canada. These were reported to be equal if not superior to the Bermuda stock. This will help to give encouragement to those who are anxious to see an association in Montserrat similar to the one formed in Antigua two years ago. Most of the cotton area has been planted, and there have been no complaints about germination or disease. Planters, however, are finding difficulty in getting the last cotton crop shipped. The rainfall for the month is reported as having been quite heavy enough for the cotton crop at its stage at that time. antigua. During May, the variety sugar-cane crops at Cassada Garden, Diamond, and Friars Hill were reaped, as well as the corn and other plots at Skerretts. The young cane crops continued to improve. There were several meetings held during the month of agricultural interest, namely meetings at the Government Board, Permanent Exhibition Committee, Committee of the Agricultural Society, and general meeting of the Agricultural Society. One lecture was given to students by the Superin- tendent of Agriculture and one by the Curator. During the month of May the rainfall was 1:18 inches. st. Kirrs. According to the Agricultural Superin- tendent (Mr. F R. Shepherd) a considerable part of the work in the Experiment Station consisted in the production of beans, corn, and other provision crops. On the estates the reaping of the old cane crop has been pushed on with the favourable weather, but the quality of the juice had very much gone off owing to the heavy rains. In consequence, the yield of sugar per acre on the muscovado estates has not been so great as was expected. The young cane crop was growing rapidly, but in some districts fields were to be seen which were not so advanced as they should have been, and the growth was very uneven owing to the large numbers of supplies. A fairly large area of cotton has been planted and the germination of the seed has been excellent. The total area of cotton planted for the coming season will be reduced to about one-third owing to greater attention being paid to cane. About 4,000 tb. of selected cotton seed was procured and shipped to the Agricultural Superintendent, St. Vincent, for planting. During the month, the Commissioner of Agriculture visited the island for afew days and delivered an address before the Agricultural Society. This has already been noticed in this journal. Work conducted at the Government Laboratory by the Assistant Chemist has consisted in the comparative estima- tion of fibre in sisal leaf for the purpose of comparing methods of extraction, and the analysis of several samples of milk received from the Inspector of Police. Work connected with the sugar-cane experiments has also been in progress. Nevis. During May, the young canes throughout the island were very promising. Mr. W. Howell (the Agricultural Instructor) states that it is satisfactory to note that pen manure is being more generally used. The young cotton was, on the whole, doing well. As regards provision crops, a fair acreage of sweet potatoes and yams was planted during the month. With reference to coco-nuts, it is stated that the nuts in the nursery at Jones estate have started to germinate and that the lands are being cleared for planting. During the visit of the Commissioner of Agriculture, a meeting of planters was held at the Court House where Dr. Watts gave an address with reference to the present agricultural outlook of the island. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS Ajwaey@ son, AUS Nita) Barbados.—Messrs. T, 8. Garraway & Co., June 30, 1915. MARKET REPORTS. Arrowroot—S4'00 to $4°50 per LOU th. Cacao—$16'00 per 100 tb. Coco-xnuts—S16'00. Hay—S$1°'90 per 100 te. Manures—Nitrate of soda, no quotations; Cacao manure, $50°00; Sulphate of ammonia $82°00 per ton. London.—Tue Wesr Inpra Commitrer CrrcuLar, June J, 1915. Arrowroot—2 fd. to 4d. Bavata—Sheet, 2/44; block, 1/114 per tb. Breswax—No quotations. Cacao-—Trinidad, 82/- per ewt.; Grenada, Jamaica, no quotations. Corree—Jamaica, no quotations. Corra—West Indian, £23 15s. per ton. Corron—Fully Fine no quotations; Floridas,”no quota- tions; West Indian Sea Island, 144d. to 17d. Frouirr—No quotations. Fustic—No quotations. Gincer—Jamaica, 55/- to 70/-. IstnGLass—No quotations. Honey—No quotations. Lime Jurce—Raw, 3/- to 5/3; concentrated, no quotations; Otto of limes (hand-pressed), no quotations. Locwoop—No quotations Mace—9d. to 2/11d. Nurmrcs—4}d. to 5jd. . Pimento—1f/. to 2,4d. Roueser—Para, fine hard, 2/7}; fine soft, 2/2}; Castilloa, 2/-. Rum—Jamaiea, 3/- to 3/8. 73/- to 79/-; New York.—Messrs. Grutespre Bros., & Co., June 9 1915. Cacao—Caracas, 13jc. to 15c.; Grenada, 13%c. to 1dc.; ‘Trinidad, 13}c. to 14}c.; Jamaica, 10fc. to 114c. Coco-Nuts—Jamaica, selects, $25°00 to $26°00; Trinidad, $26°00 to $2700; culls, $16°00 to $1700. Corrre—Jamaica, 7#c. to lle. per Th. GincEr—12e. to 1dc. per th. Goar Sxrxns—Jamaica, 43c.; Antigua and Barbados, 40c. to 43c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 39c. to 42c. per fb. Grave Fruit—Jamaica, $2°25 to $3°50. Limes.—$7-00 to $8-00. Mace—48c. to 52c. per th. Nurmecs—l0je. to le. Orances—Jamaica, $2°50 to $3°25. Pimento—3 je. per tt. Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 4°89c.; Muscovados, 89°, 4:24c.; Molasses, 89 , 4°12c., all duty paid. Trinidad.—Messrs. Gorpox, Grant & Co., June 28, 1915. Cacaso—Venezuelan, $15:00; Trinidad, no quotation. Coco-nur Orm—S0e. per Imperiai gallon. Correr—Venezuelan, no quotation Copra—$3°60 to $3°80 per L100 tb. Drat—No quotations. Ontons—$2°60 to $3°25 per 100 tb. Pras, Sprrr—$12-00 per bag. Porarows—English $1°75 to $2°00 per 16@ th. Rice—Yellow, $6:00 to $6°25; White, $5:75 per bag. Sucar—American aushed, no quotations. to S690 Mo.assrs—No quotations. Ontons—$2°75 per 190 Th. Pras, Sprir—No quotations; Canada, $340. Porators—Nova Scotia, $4°00 per 160 th. Rice tions; Rangoon, no quotations. Sucar—American granulated, no quotations. British Guiana.—Messrs. WIETING Ballam, $6°00 to $6°40 per 190 Ib.; Patna, no quota. & Ricurer, June 26, 1915; Messrs. Sanpsacu, Parker & Co, June 25, 1915. 5 | See sa ce ARTICLES. Messrs, WIETING! 7c. UP & RicwrTer. %& Co | ARRowWROOT—St. Vincent) os $10-00 Bartata—Venezuela block —- — Demerara sheet — —— Cacao—Native Ide. to 1de. per fh. l6c. per fh. Cassava— 96e. to $120 —— Cassava STARCH— ERS Coco-Nuts— $10 to $15 per M.| $18 per M. } Corrrre—Creole oi 14c. per th. Jamaica and Rio|14e. to 15¢e. per th. 14he to lde. Liberian 10c. per th. 10c. per tb. DiaLt— 2 Green Dhal —-— as Eppors— $1°44 tas Moxasses— Yellow None aad Ontons—Teneriffe —— 6c, to Te. per Th, Madeira Pras—Split $12°00 to $12°50 $13°00 to $1400 per bag. (210 fb.) Marseilles — — PLANTAINS— l6c. to 48c. —— Porators—Nova Scotia $4-00 $500 Lisbon — Poratrors--Sweet, B’bados $2-00 —— Rice—Ballam No quotation | — Creole $5°50 to $5°75 $5°50 to $5°75- Tannias— — Yams—White —— — Buck $2°64 —— Sucar—Dark crystals $375 $3°75 Yellow $4°25 to $4°35 $425 White — — Molasses $3°10 ——— TimpER—GREENHEART 82c. to bbc. per | 32c. to 55c. per cub. foot cub. foot Wallaba shingles} $4°00 to $6°25 $4:00 to $6°00 per M. perM. | ;, Cordwood) $1°80 to $2:00 ae per ton ———— —_—$———— THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture FOR THE WEST INDIES. The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. A Quarterly Scientific Journal. Volume 1. No. 1. Out of print. Nos. 2, 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price 1s. each. Post free, 1s. 2d.; Volumes IT, III, IV, V, VI, VU, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII and XTIT:—Price 2s. each; Post free 2s. 87., where complete. (IIT, 2. IV, 3; and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.) Volume XIV, Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4. Industry for the West Indies, by Dr. Growing, by John W. MeConnel; No. 4 Containing Francis Bordeaux The Production of Pork and Bacon; A new Watts, C.M.G.; Commerce and Science in Cotton Mixture; Some Factory Calculations, by Papers on: Sugar Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G.; Sugar Industry in Cuba, by Noel Deerr; Report on Land ‘Settlement Scheme in St. Lucia; Memorandum en the Geology of the Ground Waters of Antigua, by T. Wayland Vaughan; The Ground Waters of Antigua, by Dr. H. A. Tempany; and Cotton Leaf Diseases, by W. Nowell, D.L.C. PAMPHLET SERIES. The Pamphlets are written in a simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially adapted to West Indian conditions. present time is seventy-five. Sucar Ixpusrry. Seedling and other Canes at Barbados in 1900, No. 3, price 2d.; in 1901, No. 19; in 1903, No. 26; in 1904. No. 82; price 4d. each. Seedling Canes and Manurial Experiments at Barbados, in 1903-5, No. 40; in 1904-6, No. 44;in 1905-7, No. 49; in 1906-8, No. 59; in 1907-9, No. 62, No. 66, price 6d. each. Seedling and other Canes in the Leeward Islands, in 1900-1, No. 12; in 1901-2, No. 20; in 1902-3, No. 27; price 2d. each; in 1903-4, No. 33; in 1904-5, No. 39; in 1905-6, No. 46; in 1906-7, No. 50; in 1907-8, No. 56; price 4d. each, in 1908-9, No. 63; in 1909-10, No. 67; price 6d. each. Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the Leeward Islands, in 1902-3, No. 30; in 1903-4, No. 36; in 1904-5, No. 42; in 1905-6, No. 47; in 1906-7, No. 51; in 1907-8, No. 57; No. 13; in 19Q2. They contain, amongst other subjects, summaries of the results of the experiment work on sugar-cane and manures, the full official reports of which have only a limited circulation. Those mentioned in the,following list are still available; the rest are out of print. : The number issued up to the GENERAL, (7) and (22) Seale Insects of the Lesser Antilles, Part I, price 4d.; Payt II., price 4d. (17) General Treatment of Fungoid Pests. Price 4d. (43) Cotton Seed and Cotton-cake-meal on West Indian Planta- tions. Price 2d. (54) Fungus Diseases of Orchards. Price 4/. (60) Cotton Gins, How to Ereet and Work Them. (61) The Grafting of Cacao. Price 4d. (65) Hints for School Gardens, Fourth Edition. (69) Hints to Settlers in St. Lucia. Price 6d. (70) Coco-nut Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 64. 71) Insect Pests of the Lesser Antilles. Price 1s. 3d. (72) Lime Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 9d. (73) Root Borers and other Grubs in West Indian Soils. Cacao and Sanitation of Cacao Price 4d. Price 6d (74) Cotton Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 9d. (75) Insect Pests of Sugar-cane in Antigua and St. Kitts. Price, 62. 6) Indian Corn. Price 4d. 7) Erysipelas and Hoose. in 1908-9, No. 64; in 1909-10, No. 68; price 4d. each. Sugar-cane Experiments in the Leeward Islands, in 1910-11; in 1911-12; in 1912-13, price 1s. each. (7 : (7 Price 2d. ' The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of }/. for the pamphlets marked 2d.; 1d. for those _ marked 4d. and for Nos. 73 and 75; 14d. for Nos. 40, 44, 49, 59, 62, 63, 67,69 and 74. Pestage for No. 71, 4d. and for No. 72, 2d. The ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’: A Fortnightly Review. The ‘ Agricultural News’ contains extracts from official correspondence and from progress and other reports; and, in fact, any information indicating what is going on in each colony and the progress made in Agricultural matters throughout the West Indies. The ‘ Agricultural News’ is printed in time to be distributed, regularly, by each mail, and is on sale by the local agents of the Department at one penny per number, post free, 2d. The subscription price, including postage, is 2s. 2d. per half-year, or 4s, 4d. per annum... Volumes 1V_ to XII complete, with title page and index, as issued—Price 4s. each— Post free, 5s. Some numbers of the early volumes are out of print and therefore these volumes can no longer be supplied complete. The scale of charges for ADVERTISEMENTS may be obtained on application to the Agents. A applications for opies are to be addressed to the Agents, not to the Department. Agents. The following have been appointed Agents for the sale of the publications of the Department:— London: Messrs. Dutau & Co., 37, Soho Square, W. Wesr Inpia Commirrer, 15, Seething Lance. Barbados: Avyocarr Co. Lrp., Broad Street, Bridgetown. Jamaica: Tue EpucarionaL Suppty Company, 16, King Street, Kingston. British Guiana; Tur ‘Datry Curonicie’ Orrick, Georgetown. Trinidad: Messrs. Murr-Marsnau & Co., Port-of-Spain. St. Kitts: Tux Braue AND Book Suppty AGENCY, BasskTERRE, | Pobago: Mr. ©. L. PuaGEmMANN, Scarborough. Nevis: Messrs. Howern, Bros., Charlestown. Canada: Lewis W. Cremens, 71 King Street, West, Toronto. Grenada: Messrs. THos. Lawior & Co., St. George. St. Vincent: Mr. J. D. Bonaptr, “Times’ Office. St. Lucia: Mr. R. W. Nies, Botanic Station. Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. BripGkwarer, Roseau. Montserrat: Mr. W. Rosson, Botanic Station. Antigua: Mr. 8. D. Maton®, St. John’s. Vou. XIV. No. 344 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Jury 3, ~ 1915. ____ Arai Dissolved Peruvian Guano—Fez Sugar-cane and general use Special Sugar-cane Manure Special Cocoa Manure Special Cotton Manure Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Superphosphates, (high grades), Potash Salts, Nitrolim and all other high-class Fertilizers. APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIRECT TO:— THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) GUANO WORKS. London Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C. Barbados Agents: James A. Lynch & Co., Ltd., Bridgetown. COTTON CULTIVATION IN THE WEST INDIES. ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE. (PVUIS illustrated booklet, published as No. 74 of the Pamputet Series of the Tuperial Department of Agriculture, gives a simple but comprehensive account of all matters pertaining to the successful production of Sea Island cotton in the West Indian islands. The publication constitutes an entirely new and up to date edition of the A B C of Cotton Cultivation published by the Depsrtment in the early stages of the industry, and embraces all the new developments that have since been the outcome of practical experience and experiment. NATURE says:—This comprehensive account of Sea Island cotton in the West Indies. . . “forms a very trust- worthy guide to those concerned in the... industry... the pamphlet is very well illustrated; the general informa- tion has been selected with great care, and the compilers are to be congratulated on the preparation of so useful a manual.’ ' | THE KEW BULLETIN observes:—‘The information contained in the work has evidently been selected with great jcare. . . and should certainly be consulted not alone by West Indian planters but by those interested in the subject in other | cotton-producing countries.’ THE FIELD states: —‘An admirable little booklet which might be widely imitated by other parts of the tropical Hmpire, as regards not only cotton but other products.’ Favourable notices have also appeared in the India Rubber World and The Bouid of Trade Jow inal. COTTON CULTIVATION IN THE WEST INDIES, pp. 118, Figs. 35. Price 9d. Post free, 11d, From all Agents for the Department's Publications. Printed at Office of Agricultura! Renorter, 4 High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados, SATURDAY, JULY 17, 1915. [One penny. R. M. S. P. FROM THE WEST INDIES TO PORTS OF CALL THE UNITED KINGDOM Azores, St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Dominica, | Montserrat, Antigua, St. Kitts, ‘DEMERARA and PARAMARIBO Bermuda, Halifax, N. 8., & St. John (N.B.) | Grenada & Trinidad. | PANAMA CANAL and PACIFIC Trinidad, Puerto Colombia, | Cartagena, Colon, Panama, | ‘PORTS | Callao, Iquique, Antopagasta | and Valparaiso. | O > 2 > 2) > REGULAR MAIL, PASSENGER AND CARGO SERVICES FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM TO ; BRAZIL, URUGUAY & ARGENTINA Via Spain, Portugal, Madeira & St. Vincent. }REGULAR SAILINGS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM TO MOROCCO, CANARY ISLANDS & MADEIRA, STRAITS SETTLEMENTS, HONG-KONG, CHINA & JAPAN. Head Office: 18, Moorgate Street, London. Branches at BARBADOS, Trinidad, Tobago, Colon, Jamaica, ANtilla, New York, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, etc. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. THE BARBADOS CuHristy & NOorRIS, c0-0PERATIVE COTTON FACTORY, LTD. CHELMSFORD, ENGLAND. Cotton Ginners and Oil Refiners. Specialize in Machinery We make a speciality inour “Star” brands in COTTON SEED OIL. . for:— LINSEED OIL. : COTTON SEED CAKE. GRINDING & SIFTING: COTTON SEED MEAL. MAIZE, COTTON SEED, BONES, All orders received by us will meet with our careful attention. SPICES, SALT, ETC. THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE Write teminGattlogus, and COTTON FACTORY, LIMITED, DISINTEGRATOR. send sample of material you WHITE PARK ROAD, ee) wish to ened BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. Sa | February 5, 1915. JUST ISSUED. ——_ WEST INDIAN BULLETIN. Vol. XV, No. 1. (Index number). Containing papers on: The Development of Agriculture (Mr. A. D. Hall’s Addresses to the British Association for the | SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENT Advancement of Science); Agricultural Industries of} — 7 7 a Montserrat, by Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Sc.; Report on the| Island of Redonda, by Dr. H. A. Tempany; Note on the} Feeding and Manurial Value of Lime Seeds, by Dr. H. A. Tempany; the Poisonous Forms of Phaseolus lwnatus (Lima | beans), by W. R. Dunlop; Skin Diseases of Cattle in! Antigua (compiled from the notes of P. T. Saunders, M.R.C.V.S., A.V.C. ) FOR SALE. The very valuable, fertile and accessible property “RU BR” | At Soufriere, “St. Lucia. : Containing about 400 aeres, of which about 100 SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVER' ISEMENT, acres is planted in Limes, 100 acres in Cocoa. There are also some canes and cocoa-nuts, a large number of Vanilla vines and Pear Trees, also Banana, Orange, Grape fruit and Pine-apples. A WATERWHEEL and MILL in perfect jorder for crushing Limes and Canes, a full supply of carts and animals, two dwelling houses in perfect order. {NSPECTION IS INVITED. For all further particulars, apply to FRANK H. JOHNSON, St. LUCIA, B.W.I. ee * reason ——— — ) , BRRcerae aim. % . ay, Sor , <> x = => r ’ an 4 4 a — EE Bo NA, ae Ay A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW OF THE IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. Price ld, WOE XV. INo. 345: 3ARBADOS, JULY 17, 1915. CONTENTS. man. The eggs of the parasite pass out in the exere- ments, and as it is not habitual for the labourer to PAGE. PAGE. Agriculture in the United Lectures at the [nperial States, Advance of ... 234 Institute a0 5 Se ae oe Alcohol as Fuel in Cuba... 237) Lima Bean, Observations Ankylostomiasis . ODI on . eee. lass Book Shelf . 226) Maize Show in Antigua... 22 Cotton Notes:— 'Manurial Experiments Cotton Exports from with Bananas in (ueens- the West Indies 230 land Scot Manes beeen BH WestIndian Cotton ... 230) Market Reports ... ... 240 Department News ... ... 237) Montserrat, Development Dipterocarp Forest... So) OL . sae dess) oleae ZOU Fiji, The Progress of ... 230) Natural Mosquito Control 230 Food, Unit Values of . 230) Notes and Comments 232 Fungus Notes :— | ‘Onion Cultivation’... ... 255 The Internal Disease of |Onion Growers’ Associa- Cotton Bolls 238 tion for Montserrat 228 Gleanings... ... ... 236 Research at Rothamsted: Indigo, Improvement 1914, Gees) st) ---) Oo of Son “he 228 | Sugar-cane Varieties, Rais- Insect Notes:— ing: OLE) cc) --. 220 Cotton Stainers and | Tropics, Universitiesin The 2+ Stained Cotton... ... 234 | West Indian Products Ankylostomiasis. West Indian labour. connected with the habits of the people, and for this Its prevalence is intimately its eradication is a matter of considerable difficulty. in Panama, intensive campaigns have been conducted against the disease, and with success; but in some of the smaller islands of the West Indies and in parts of tropical America, practically nothing has been done to stamp out or even to lessen the evil. In many places, notably in Demerara and Ankylostomiasis is a disease produced by a small round worm which is parasitic in the intestines of make use of sanitary conveniences, the soil becomes intected. Here the eggs gos, in the presence of moisture, develop into larvae, some of which eventually penetrate into the feet of other labourers and, finding their way to the attaching themselves by means of hook processes to the intestinal walls. intestines, change into adult forms again, One of the principal symptoms is anwmia resulting from blood degeneration, but it is also characteristic for Affected subjects smk into a state of indifference and apathy approaching, in some cases, almost to insanity. suffering from the malady are therefore not desirous of of the reasons why compulsory measures are so necessary. this disease to affect the nervous system. Persons being treated, which is one It can be readily understood, also, that this bad effect upon the intelligence and physique renders infected labour much inferior to that which is healthy. This applies both to estate conditions and to those the labourer tidding a district of Ankylostomiasis would be the first and most important step towards improving the condition of the agricultural class and of increasing its efficiency. where works his own land. The extent to which hook-worm disease is preval- ent in the West Indies can be gauged by perusal of two recent reports (1) (2). At San Fernando in Trini- dad, during March, 59°56 per cent. of the total persons examined were found to be infected. A marked (1), Ankylostomiasis Operations (Report of the Iv ternationat Health Commission, March 1915) Trinidad and Tobago: Council Paper No. 45 of 1915. (2). Report on Ankylostomiasis in Antigua, by EK. 8. Mar- shall, M.R.C.S., D.T.M., ete. Published by the Government of the Leeward Islands, 1915. LIBR / NEW y SUTAN @ARnDdE 296 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Jory i, 291d: difference was noted in the relative susceptibility of the the infection in the case of the Creoles was 32:71, while that in the case of the East Indians was 85 78. It might Creoles and East Indians: percentage of seem probable at first that this difference was due to difference in habits, but since both races live under the same conditions in-adjoming houses and_ follow similar occupations, it is evidently the result of racial immunity. In comparing the San Fernando figures with those given by Dr. Marshall for Antigua, only the Creole ' figures can be taken in the case of the former as there is no East Indian population in Antigua. According to Dr. Marshall, in some districts, over 50 per cent. of the adult population and 10 to 27 per cent. of the children are infected. These percentages are high, and can be correlated with the lethargic and lazy characters In the Central Plain district of Antigua, the percentage of infection is lower, being only 19-1. It is pointed out, however, that the heavier rain fall and soil of this district render the ot the inhabitants of these districts. disease more likely to thrive than in the calcareous areas where the soil and rainfall are lighter. This condi- tion of extreme prevalence of the disease in the drier district more or less unfavourable for it naturally, seems to point forcibly to the chronic lassitude that must prevail amongst the inhabitants. As regards the eradication of Ankylostomia- that efforts should be made to examine and. treat, where infected, every man, woman and child in the villages until they are pronounced free from infection. tant that latrines of a suitable pattern should be erected in each village, and that the people should be compelled to make use of them. ~should be carefully protected from contamination. Finally, provision should bé’ made to prevent the entry or re-entry of infected persons from abroad. Anyone failing to produce a certificate of health should be quarantined until certitied to be free from anky- sis, It is recommended It is impor- Water sources lostome ova. Interesting information has been given by Dr. W. Thomas (*) concerning Aukylostomiasis in North Brazil. In Manaos, in 1909, 88 per cent. of the population har- boured the parasite, and yet no action was taken by the State to combat the disease. great value of the internal antiseptic thymol in treat- ing the disease, and records the case where a veritable Dr. Thomas refers to the (3). The Sanitary Conditions and Diseases prevailing in Manaos, North Brazil, 1905-9. Annals of Tropical Medi- -cine and T’arasitology, Vol. TV, pp. 40-5. idiot was by this treatment transformed into a bright, active child: a change which impresses parents, and is a valuable aid in pursuading other patients to take treatment. Even in Panama, on the Canal Zone, Ankylos- tomiasis is still very common, or was in 1912, when Dr. D. Thomson visited the zone Expedition of that year (1). on the Malaria Nevertheless the disease is combated by the establishment of a very thorough latrine system along the line of the Canal. The Sanitary Inspectors. look after the latrines in their respective districts. The latrines are fly-proof, and their position is frequently changed. Patients coming into the hospitals and dispensaries are constantly examined for ankylostome ova, and they are given a thorough course of santonine treatment if these are found. All that we have said in the preceding para- graphs puts emphasis on the fact that Ankylostomiasis is a widely prevalent degenerating disease seriously attecting tropical labonr. It is therefore in the interest of the planter to co-operate in enforcing The ways in which this can be done have been outlined above. To the measures suggested may be added a vigorous educational cam- paign. More might be done in the elementary schools to make the children realize the importance of living in accordance with the principles of hygiene: more might be done on the estates to encourage the observance of such teaching in every-day life. measures for 1ts eradication. = SS ‘lee PRACTICAL WHITE SUGAR MANUFACTURE. sy H. C. Prinsen Geerligs, Ph.D. Norman Rodyer, London, 1915. Price 12s. net. Hitherto the conditions under which sugar manufactured in the British West Indies has been marketed, have largely precluded the consideration of the manufacture of sugar other than that intended for the refiner. A certain quantity of sugar of the well-known type of Demerara or Yellow crystals has been saleable in the London market, but the demand for (4), Sanitation on the Panama Canal Zone, Trinidad and British Guiana. Ainals of Tropical Medicine aud Parasitology, Vol. VII, p. 137. VYot. XIV. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS this has been limited, and the excess has had to be made to suit the refiner. Comparatively little raw West Indian sugar for the refiner has of late years been sold in England until condi- tions were profoundly disturbed by the present war. In _ former years the greater part of this sugar went to the New York market, while in recent years it has largely been sold in Canada. In these two markets the interests of the refiners have been protected by the imposition of a higher scale of duty on sugars which are light in colour and which might conceiv- ably go into direct consumption without refining, the fixing of the higher rate of duty being carried out by reference to the Dutch Standard of colour. Now that this charging of relatively higher duties on light-coloured sugars, judged by the Dutch Standard, has been abolished in the United States, and seeing that it is not in force in England, much attention has lately been given to the consideration whether it may not be possible in the tropics generally, and so in the West Indies, to manufacture light-coloured and particularly, white sugars, which may find profitable markets in the United Kingdom and the United States for the purpose of entering into direct _ consumption. In view of this much has heen written lately on the subject of the manufacture of white sugar in cane-sugar factories. The most recent addition to this literature is the work Practical White Sugar Manufacture, by Dr. H. G. Prinsen Geerligs. Dr. Geerligs is so well known as an authority on the subject of the manufacture of cane sugar that anything written by him commands immediate and world-wide atten- tion, and this will be the case with this, his latest work. The book will prove a very useful guide to the numerous sugar planters in the West Indies, as well as elsewhere, who are asking themselves whether they should give consideration to the question of making white sugar. It can safely be recommended to them, and careful study will impress those interested readers with its value. That Dr. Prinsen Geerligs realizes their needs and tries to meet them may be shown by quoting from the book under review:— ‘When asked to choose between the many different processes for the clarification of cane juice intended for manufacture of white sugar, we should be guided in our considerations by different observations. If we are sure to dispose of our whole product as white sugar, it is advisable to arrange the whole sugar-house for the manufacture of that special article and have the best machinery and equipment for that purpose. If, however, we make, say, half our crop in whites in one year without knowing whether in a subse- quent season the market will be favourable for whites or perhaps be better for raw sugar, it is preferable to choose a system in which the main lines of manufacture run parallel, and only some relatively small alterations are snfficient to turn out either raw sugar or plantaton whites.’ The work itself gives detailed consideration to the various points involved in the production of white sugar. The first part deals with the general question of the clarification of cane juice, the first chapter explaining clearly and in language easily understood by the sugar maker who is not a technical chemist, the principles on which the work of clarification is based: these principles should be grasped by all sugar makers, whether concerned with making white Sugar or not. The succeeding chapters describe in detail the methods of clarification, including those dependent on carbonatation in its various modifications embracing single and double ‘ carbonatation, Haan’s modification, Weinrich’s process, and the recently proposed Battelle method, as well as of processes dependent on the us» of phosphoric and sulphurous acids and special methods, such as those in which such decolourizing agents as animal charcoal and certain special decolourizing carbons such as ‘Eponit’, ‘Norit? and ‘Noir épuré’ are used. Consideration is also given to methods for the clarification of the syrup. The statement of the general principles involved in the treatment of molasses before reboiling is very concise, but well deserving of being carefully read and apprehended by~ all sugar makers. Several of the methods described are such as are likely to have consideration in West Indian sugar factories,. and those who are thinking of employing them will be well advised to read what is here said concerning them, not the: least important remarks being found in Chapters V and VI, which deal with the advantages and disadvantages of the different processes, and the costs and yields of the different clarification processes, respectively. The second part of the work treats of the boiling, curing- and finishing of white sugar. In the first chapter of this part clear directions are given for the boiling and graining of white sugar in the vacunm pan much stress is laid on the formation of and building upon a good grain, and of the maintenance of adequate circulation of the massecuite, for if this is not secured local over-heating- may take place, resulting in dark-coloured products, nullifying all the efforts to produce white sugar. The use of stirring devices is advocated; in this connexion valuable direetions are given for working mixed massecuites in which molasses is- worked up. : Chapter IT of this part is devoted to curing and finishing the sugar, and contains much valuable information on this. critical part of the work of white sugar-making: the produc-- tion of various grades of white sugar such as Granulated, Lump, Pilé or ‘Broksuiker’, and Cubes being described. The second part. concludes with a useful chapter giving schemes for the manufacture of white sugar of different. descriptions, and the necessary capacity of the plant required. The third part is devoted to the consideration of the- materials employed in the manufacture of plantation white- sugar, and is of considerable importance to the sugar manu- facturer and chemist. This review may fittingly end with a quotation from the- introduction to the work in question. ‘Instead of being rather an easy task, only requiring a little additional machinery over that used in a common raw sugar factory, the manufacture of Plantation White Sugar demands not only a good knowledge of general sugar~ manufacture but also special skill on the part of the manager, employees and workmen, and above all a large capacity in all departments of the sugar-house, and a proper arrangement of the whole plant. ‘Our greatest enemies are inversion and colouration, and we have to suppress these two to the utmost of our power. Therefore no juice or syrup or masecuite should be allowed to stand any longer than can possibly be helped, and, in the- second place, any probability of over-heating should be- avoided in every way. ‘No massing together of heterogeneous types of machinery should be allowed, but each’ item of the whole plant should be well calculated and be in relation to the rest, so that at no- stage will the regular course of manufacture meet with an obstacle to prevent it from turning out the maximum yield of brilliantly white sugar from the cane juice in the shortest time- possible.’ THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS Juty 7; T9Tb: MINOR GROPS. ONION GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION FOR MONTSERRAT. Principally as a result of two reciprocal visits, one by the Curator, Montserrat, to the Antigua Onion Growers’ premises, the other by the Superintendent of Agriculture for the Leeward Islands to Montserrat where he gave an address on the subject of the co-operative sale of onions in Antigua, it has been practically decided by planters in Montserrat to establish an Onion Growers’ Association in that island. A Committee has already been formed, and has drafted rules based upon experience in Antigua, and the same Committee has approached the Government with a view to obtaining assistance in regard to the provision of suitable premises for carrying on the business operations of the society. The Committee has also applied to the Government for assistance in raising capital required in the first year for making advanced payments to growers at the rate of le. per tb. of onions. As in Antigua, it is intended that subsequent profits shall be distributed pro rata among contributing growers, after deduct- ing necessary working expenses and a small percentage as the profit of the Association. As in Antigua also, the Associa- tion, which is in process of formation, . will be provided with an official brand or stamp, and the affixing of this brand or stamp to any package shall be deemed a guarantee that the contents have been properly cured, graded and packed. It would seem that the present time is a good one for the establishment of the Association referred to, especially since the Montserrat orders for onion seeds this year have been exceptionally large. There is little doubt that if due advantage is taken of the experience in Antigua, and due consideration is given to local conditions in Montserrat, the proposed Association will serve a useful purpose and meet with gratfiying success. OBSERVATIONS ON THE LIMA BEAN. In the West Indian Bulletin (Vol. XV, No. 1) just issued by this Department, there appears a review of our present knowledge concerning the poisonous forms of the Lima bean (Phaseolus (wnatus). There is no evi- dence to show that these forms occur to any large extent in the West Indies, and there are no recorded cases of poisoning. Briefly it would seem that while many of the numerous coloured strains may contain small quantities of the cyanogenetic glucoside, it is ouly the so-called purple Java or Mauritius beans that have produced fatalities. The white Lima, extensively cultivated in America and elsewhere, is harmless, and is a well recognized article of diet. This is the bean which is being increasing grown at present in some of the West Indian islands. As faras one can tell, the white Lima as well as the Barbuda bean and the Sugar bean of the West Indies orginated from a coloured form, the improvement being effected by selection. The responsive character of these beans to selection is indicated by some specimens recently forwarded to this Office by Mr. Jackson, Curator of the Botanic Station, Antigua, The samples consisted of three sorts—small, ordinary, and large Barbudas. The following table shows that by selection .- ' ; q the small has been so improved as to exceed in size the imported Lima as grown in California: — Average length in inches. Small Barbuda O-4 Ordinary 06 Large 1-0 Imported Lima 08 These figures are very striking, and indicate what might be expected if selection work were systematically carried on, ; The Raising of Sugar-cane Varieties.—In reviewing the recent report on seedling canes in Barbados, the West India Committee Circular (June 15) reproduces the following account of the system employed: ‘The majority of seedlings are raised from seed planted early in the year in boxes and afterwards potted. The better specimens (gene- rally some thousands in number,) are planted in May in a field arranged for irrigation, so that during their more tender period they.can be protected from drought, if neces- sary. They ave kept under careful observation during their growth, and when they come to maturity in the March or May of the following year, those varieties whose agricultural qualities are good enough are reaped and analysed. The whole stool is cut, weighed and crushed, and if the chemical analysis shows that the juice is rich and pure, the stools are dug up, cut in half, and planted where they can be irrigated to induce a spring of ratoon canes to provide plants for multiplying the variety the following December, From that time the variety is annually propagated and multiplied in the usual manner, and if the results warrant, it is grown im an inereas- ing number of plots in different districts both as plants and ratoons. Each year these plots are reaped and weighed, samples of the canes are crushed in a small estate mill at the Laboratory, and the juice is analysed, and this goes on until the cane is either ultimately rejected, or plants are supplied to the planters with the recommendation to try them on a small estate scale.’ It might be pointed out that the practice of raising local seedling canes has of recent years rapidly extended; for instance, in Porto Rico, the planters themselves raise annually some 2,000. While Barbados and Demerara are the pioneers, good work in the present connexion is being carried on throughout the tropics. b IMPROVEMENT OF INDIGO. The present shortage of synthetic dyes has created an unusual demand for natural indigo. ‘The Government of India, who are giving special attention to the improvement of indigo at the present time, no doubt appreciate this fact, and it is possible that it is one of the reasons for the work of indi improvement described in the Agricultural Journal of India for April 1915. The paper in question, by Albert Howard, C.I.E., M.A. Imperial Economic Botanist, and Gabrielle L. C. Howard, M.A., Personal Assistant, deals with the progress made in establishing the seed supply, in improving the yield of indigo, and also in findinga more valuable cover crop for the Java plant. The authors state that nothing has been attempted in the direction of studying the manufacturing process with a view to discovering the best way of producing pure indigo direct from the plant. This is not necessary for the Ioeal Vor. XIV. No. 345. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 229 trade, but it will have to be taken wp if natural indigo is to make any progress in the European market. One of the great advantages of the synthetic product is that it is easily manipulated in the vats, whereas natural indigo varies greatly in composition and dyeing power, and therefore requires expert supervision. Under modern conditions of production this is a great disadvantage. In considering the manufacture of indican irom the standpoint of the planter, it is made clear that future progress will depend upon the capacity of the planting community to apply the principles underlying the successful growth of the crop. In the course of several interesting pages on this part of the subject, Mr. and Mrs. Howard strongly emphasize the importance of encouraging the development of the root nodules of this plant. Apparently observations have shown that there is a direct correlation between nodule activity, ie., the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen, and high indican content. Every planter knows, it is stated, that indigo grown on rather poor land gives the best yield of finished indigo, and often the best colour. When indigo is grown on rich land containing a high proportion of organic matter such as seeth (residue after extraction), the number of nodules formed on the root is small, and the bacteria in them do not work at any great pressure. In such soil, nitrates are formed in abundance, and the indigo plant then behaves like tobacco and takes up its nitrogen by way of the root hairs, in the form of nitrates dissolved in the soil water. Under such circumstances the growth is rapid, but little indican is accumulated, and if such plants be steeped, they give a small proportion of indigo and, moreover, of poor quality indigo. The necessary conditions for the activity of the root nodules is an open soil, well aerated. Hence one of the principal features of soil cultivation when growing indigo is the use of the tine harrow, and similar implements for keeping the soil well stirred. The importance of the aeration of the soil is strongly emphasized. The improvement of the yield of indigo with reference to cultivation also depends upon the stirring of the soil and the judicious use of cover crops. A word of warning is given in regard to the over-pruning of indigo at the first cut. As stated in an earlier paragraph, one of the principal objects in the work under review has been to establish a seed supply of Java indigo. It may be mentioned here that the Java indigo is more generally cultivated than the Sumatrana indigo, which is a different and less desirable species. Mr. and Mrs. Howard have come to the decision that in future seed supplies, leaf growing, and seed growing should be regarded as separate things. It is impossible to carry on satisfactorily cultivations with both objects in view. A satisfactory method of producing seed has been arrived at at Pusa, the plants being sown much wider apart than when grown for leaf. It is mentioned incidentally that the flower of the Java indigo is a bee flower, and the visits of these Insects are necessary to bring about pollination. Finally attention is called to the successful cultivation on high lands of wheat and indigo together. The well-known Pusa 4 has proved most satisfactory because this is a rapid grower, does not tiller much, has a very strong straw, and is provided with few leaves. If the cultivation of indigo comes to be taken up again by planters in the West Indies, the question of growing the crop in conjunction with another one will have to be one of the first things to be considered, As regards the manufacture of indigo from the plant, the reader who may desire information on this part of the subject, is referred back to the Agricultural News, Vol. XIV, p. 15. MAIZE SHOW IN ANTIGUA. A notice appeared in a recent issue of the Agricultural News to the effect that a suggestion has been made to hold a small show of maize and maize products with the idea of endeavouring to stimulate interest in the growth of this crop in Antigua. More detinite information has now been received, and it is understood that the exhibition will take place in November. It is proposed to make admission to the show by invitations broadly distributed throughout the community, and to combine with it an afternoon reception given by the members of the Agricultural Society; while at the same time special arrangements will be made for the staging of a Department of Agriculture exhibit combined with a popular address on some of the more important points connected with the industry. The following is the suggested prize list, which has been forwarded to this Office by Dr. H. A. Tempany:— lst prize 7s. 6d, 2nd ¥,,,* ss 6ae and a diploma. (1) 24 ears of corn grown by an estate to be judged on points. lst prize 7s. 6d. and. ,, dss 6d; and a diploma. (2) 12 Ib. of shelled corn grown by an estate to be accompanied by a certificate as to acreage, the plot to be open to inspection and report by the Agricultural De- partment. Ist prize 4s. 2nd ,, 28: (3) 4 Ib. of corn and cob meal ground on an estate. Ist prize 4s. 2nd 7, 2s: (4) 4 tb. of corn meal prepared from locally grown corn. Ist prize 6s. 2nd 4, os and diploma if exhib- its warrant it. (5) 12 ears of corn grown by a cul- tivator of not more than 2 acres of land. : Ist prize 4s. (6) 12 Ib. of shelled corn grown by a 2nd ,, 2s. cultivator of not more than 2 acres of land, to be accompan- ied by a certificate signed by a member of the Committee of the Agricultural and Commercial So- ciety or Minister of Religion, Doctor, Member of Legislative Council, or Head of a Govern- ment Department as to yield per acre. Ist prize 4s. (7) 8 tb. of corn stover ,dried for 2nd ,, 2s. fodder. Ist prize 4s. 2ng © j= 28: 10s. (8) Any other article made from any part of the corn plant. (9) Champion prize for the best single lst prize ear of corn exhibited at the show in any class. The ear to become the property of the Agricultural Department. lst prize 20s. 2nd ,,_~=«210s. presented byj,the Chairman of the Agri- cultural and Com- mercial Society. (10) Collection of dishes illustrating various methods of serving corn and corn meal as food. 230 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 1915. Juny ii, COTTON. WEST INDIAN COTTON. Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool, write as follows, under dates June 16 and 28, 1915, respectively, with reference to the sales of \Vest Indian Sea Island cotton:— Since our last report about 160 bales of West Indian Sea Island cotton have been sold, including St. Vincent 16$d. and St. Kitts 167.; the sales also include about 30 bags of Stains at 6d. Prices are steady. Since our last report [June 16] there has been no busi- ness passing in West Indian Sea Island cotton. COTTON EXPORTS FROM THE WEST INDIES. The following table gives the quantity and estimated value of Sea Island cotton exported from the various West Indian Colonies for the quarter ended March 31, 1915:— Colony. Quantity. Estimated value. tb. a £ St. Kitts 202,984 11,841 Barbados 100,784 6,719 Montserrat 94,784 5,520 St. Vincent 82,089 5,473 Nevis 70,906 4,136 Antigua 41,000 2,074 Anguilla 14,750 860 Virgin Islands 12301 616 Jamaica malls 209 Grenada Nil Total 624,639, ~ 37,448 In addition to the above there was shipped from Grenada 14,448 lb. Marie Galante cotton valued at £442. oo Unit Values of Food.—A note on the relative value of feeding stuffs in the Journal of the Roard of Agriculture of England, for June 1915, contains a useful list in which the different feeding stuffs are arranged in order of average price per food unit. The following have been selected from the list on the assumption that they will prove of interest to the West Indian reader: Soya bean cake, 1s. 34d. per food unit; coco-nut cake, 1s. 54d. per food unit; palm nut kernel cake, 1s. 5d. per food unit; decorticated cotton cake, 1s. 6d. per food unit; rice meal (Burmese), Is. 10}d.; maize (Argentine), 1s 104d; maize (American), Is. 114¢.: beans, 2s, 04d.; oats (Argentine), 2s. 104d.; oats (English), 3s. 1dd. The Progress of Fiji—Some interesting facts, showing the progress and prospects of Fiji, were given in the address of the Governor to the Legislative Council some time ago, in which he stated that the cost of the Agricultural Department had increased from £665 in 1905 to £6,244 (estimated) in 1914. Meferring to a recommendation made in his address in 1912, that planters who have suitable land and sufficient funds at their disposal should experiment in the cultivation of limes, he pointed out that the lime industry of Dominica in the West Indies was vaiued in 1912 at £97,142, and that the area of land under lime cultivation was only 3,500 acres, which gave an approximate return of £30 per acre. Canada, the United States of America, Australia, and New Zealand, he said, afforded ready markets for the’sale of limes both ripe and green, lime juice, citrate of lime, and essential oils, so that the permanent character of the lime industry must commend itself to those agriculturists who desire a safe investment for their capital and could afford to wait four or five years until the first crop could be gathered. (Journal of the Royal Society of darts, April 16, 1915.) Natural Mosquito Control.—The following letter has been taken from the Journal of the Royal Society of Arts for April 16:— With regard to the extermination—or, at all events, the discouragement— of mosquitoes, it may be of interest to state that at Honolulu, some years ago, the experimental growing of a species of Lemna (duckweed) was tried on small surfaces of water, witha view to preventing female mosquitoes from gaining access to the water for purposes. of depositing. I understand that the experiments were successful in demon- strating the eflicacy of the method. The duckweed leaves become so closely matted together on the surface of the water, and the roots beneath it, that it is virtually impossible for any insect to penetrate the skin thus formed. Not many years ago I recollect seeing a mill-dam on the Avon, near Coventry, of large extent. absolutely covered with a species of duckweed. So thick and firm was the shin, that numbers of moor-hens were walking about on the surface. THE DEVELOPMENT OF MONTSERTAT. An instructive article by Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G., will be found in the current issue of the West Indian: Bulletin, in which the writer gives a review of progress in the different agricultural industries of the Presidency during the past ten years. The article in question constitutes a continuation of a previous one in the Bulletin (Vol. VII, pp. 1-15), where agricultural conditions and progress of the Presidency are reviewed in detail upyto the end of 1904, An examination of the average annual value of exports for five-year periods,*‘from 1870 to 1914, brings out the point that the first three periods, namely, 1870-4, 1875-9, and 1880-4 show a fairly uniform value of exports of £52,000 to £33,000. This may be taken as representing the condition of the island at a period when sugar was the principal crop, and conditions were reasonably normal. The next_ period, namely 1885-9, shows a considerable falling off in value, being only £23,542—a fall of 30 per cent. This is accounted for by the difficulty experienced by the sugar industry, which then suffered a serious decline in values, beginning in 1883. Vor. <0V. No. a4. As a consequence of this, several sugar estates went out of cultivation about this time. The following period, namely that from 1890-4, shows some improvement; this may be mainly attributed to the efforts that were made to maintain the sugar industry, and this largely through the attempts to restore the cultivation and to improve the sugar-making machinery on the large group of properties known as the Irish estates. These efforts, however, proved unsuccessful, consequently the period 1895-9 shows a serious decline, followed by a still more serious decline in the period 1900-4. The decline of the first of these two periods was mainly due to the collapse of the sugar industry, and the increased decline of the latter to the effect of the disastrous hurricane of 1899. In the year 1900 the value of the total exports fell to the alarming figure of £8,287 or about one-fourth of the normal value of the period first considered in this review. Consideration may now be given to the last two periods of five years. The average annual value of the exports during the period 1905-9 was £31,649, being more than double that of the preceding period, while in the succeeding period, 1910-14, they rose to £41,068, the highest attained. The writer gives a table ir which are set out the values of the principal items of exports for the ten years 1905-14. Inspection of this table at once shows that the increase in the value of the exports is due to-the development and extension of the cotton industry. The story of the restored prosperity of Montserrat is clearly the story of its cotton industry. In consequence of this, there is good reason for anxious thought as to the future, now that the cotton industry is depressed owing to the disturbed condition of trade as a result of the present European war. Before suggesting other crops that may in the future take the place of cotton to some extent, Dr. Watts gives a table of figures showing the acreage under cotton, the quantity shipped, and the average yield per acre for the last ten years. This table is of considerable interest, and is reproduced as follows:— COTTON IN MONTSERRAT. Acres, Quantity shipped Average yield per in hb. acre in hb. 1902-3 150 1903-4 700 31,666 45 1904-5 600 70,723 LG 1905-6 770 98,262 z 127 1906-7 1,000 160,000 160 1907-8 2,100 360,000 ~~ : 171 1908-9 2,250 224,711 99 1909-10. 1,600 235,021 ~ 30 146 1910-11 2,050 402,666 196 1911-12 2,700 346,568 128 1912-13 2,063 290,390 140 1915-14 2,200 293,627 , 133 The increasing interest taken in the industry is exhibited by the increasing namer of acres devoted to the crop. It is seen that confidence was being shown in the industry in 1903-4, but this rather waned the following year when a somewhat smaller area was planted; but confidence was soon restored and increasing areas were planted from 1905-6 up to 1908-9. The cause of the shaken confidence in 1903-4 was the outbreak of new and imperfectly understood diseases of the cotton plant, particularly leaf-blister mite and certain boll diseases. The restored confidence indicates the manner in which knowledge of the methods of controlling these troubles was acquired and applied, and is eloquent testimony to the good work done in studying the life-bistories THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 231 of the pests and diseases, and in devising methods of contro! which were carried out by the scientific and agricultural officers of the Agricultural Department, and by the planters, all working heartily together to a common end. The year 1909-10 shows a marked falling off in the acreage planted, and the eause is plainly indicated in the small yield per acre recorded for the previous year. This diminished yield was chieHy. occasioned by the occurrence of a severe gale in September, which swept over most districts of the island, uprooting large numbers of cotton plants, and destroying large areas: confidence was again soon restored, however, for it is to be seen that the area planted in 1910-11 showed a large inercase, followed by a still larger increase in the next season, when the area planted reached a maximum. It will be noticed that the fluctuation in the area planted is governed to a large extent by the average yield of cotton per acre; a poor return in one year is followed by diminished planting in the next, and conversely, a good yield per acre induces increased planting. The acreages planted by the larger estates do not vary so considerably; a steady policy of planting is more or less adopted; the variations noticed largely indicate the varying interest of the small grower and the peasants in the crop. Turning now from the subject of cotton to a considera- tion of other industries, it is pointed out that lime cultivation continues to be the one next in importance at the present time to that of cotton growing. The sugar industry has shown no signs of recovery, the amount of sugar exported having but small value. Ib is important to remember that much attention has been directed to the export of live-stock from Montserrat; the values of these exports now exceed the value of sugar, and with improved breeding and organization,. it is likely that the live-stock industry in Montserrat could attain still greater proportions. Lastly, it is mentioned that the production of papain is still being carried on as a minor industry and shows signs of considerable extension in the future. The writer goes on to point out that if the position as- regards cotton were normal, Montserrat might be regarded as. flourishing. But in spite of the gauranteed minimum price- for next year, the cotton market cannot for the present be- safely depended upon, at any rate for second grade cotton. Hence it becomes important to-lodk around for suitable crops and industries which, if necessary at any time, may take the- place of the staple. In many islands of the West Indies increased attention is being given to the cultivation of Indian corn, and it might be possible in the near future for Montserrat to follow the example of Antigua in the matter’ of erecting a kiln-drying establishment so as to enable this- commodity to be stored for considerable periods and even shipped from the island. Another crop the cultivation of which has recently been advocated is the Lima bean, which now forms an important crep in parts of California. The cultivation of this bean seems to offer much attraction to West Indian cultivators, and the prospects are that the- industry could be carried on in Montserrat to very considerable advantage. Attempts are being made to develop the onion industry in the West Indies. The success which has attended co-operative efforts in Antigua has caused may people in Montserrat to give consideration to onion growing on a larger scale in that Presidency. Another industry which is attracting attention is the cultivation of Bay trees for the production of essential oils, and finally the suggestion has been made that Montserrat should play a part in the scheme for the production of pork and bacon in the West Indies, which may materialize with the return of more normal times, EDITORIAL NOTICES. Heap OFFICE — BaArRBapos. Letters and matter for publication, as well as all specimens for naming, should be addressed to the Commissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture’ Barbados. All applications for copies of the ‘Agricultural News’ and other Departmental publications, should be addressed to the Agents, and not to the Department. The complete list of Agents, and the subscription and advertisement. rates, will be found on page 3 of the cover. Imperial Commissioner of Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Sc. Agriculture for the West Indies F.1.C., F.C.S. SCIENTIFIC STAFF. Scientific Assistant and Assistant Editor W. R. Dunlop. Entomologist H. A. Ballou, M.Sc. Mycologist W. Nowell, D.I.C. CLERICAL STAFF, Chief Clerk A. G. Howell. Assistant Clerk M. B. Connell. Junior Clerk W. P. Bovell. Assistant Jimior Clerk P. Taylor. Typist Miss B. Robinson. ( A. B. Price, Fell. Journ. Inst. Assistants for Publications AS Corbin. > . ay a ary ray ae Agricultural slews Vou. XIV. SATURDAY, JULY 17, 1915. No. 345. NOTES AND COMMENTS. Contents of Present Issue. The editorial in this number deals with the subject of ankylostomiasis, more commonly known as_hook- worm disease. Its cause, prevalence, and means ‘of eradication receive attention. On page 226 will be found a review of a recent book by Dr. Prinsen Geerligs entitled Practical White Sugar Manufacture. Some interesting information concerning minor crops appears on pages 228 and 229. Amongst those considered are onions, maize, and indigo. oe Insect Notes deal with the subject of cotton stainers and stained cotton. In Fungus Notes the article on the internal disease of cotton bolls, the first part of which appeared in last issue, is concluded, THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Sony ies LOTS Research at Rothamsted: 1914. In the Annual Report of the Rothamsted Experimental Station for 1914, Dr. E. J. Russell (the Director) furnishes a useful review of the latest principles of soil chemistry. At Rothamsted two general methods of imyestigation are adopted—the operations of the best practical men are studied: and experiments are made to discover precisely the plant’s requirements. ‘The first often furnishes useful ideas, but the second generally gives more precise iforma- tion, and frequently purely academic investigations have been the means of solying practical problems. Water-supply is a factor of the first importance both as regards the supply of mineral nutrients and the activity of micro-organisms. Recent research has furnished important results concerning the evaporation of soil moisture (see Agricultural News, Vol. XIV, p. 205) and work on the soil atmosphere has been equally profitable. In the latter connexion it has been found, for instance, that there is a second atmosphere dissolved in the soil moisture and colloids, and that oxygen is used up in this ‘water-atmosphere’ more rapidly than it is renewed by solution from the free alr. Much has been done in regard to the effects of lime and chalk, but the precise ettects of these sub- stances are still to be determined. New ideas have arisen concerning methods of soil analysis. The usual method of extraction of acids is apparently bemg displaced by a process of absorption. The reaction between dilute acids and soils appears to be essentially a displacement of absorbed material by something which is itself absorbed. Hence, by this view, any agent capable of being absorbed by the soil can be used at any rate for the extraction of bases. In fact it has been found already that ammonium nitrate dissolves as much potassium, calcium, ete., as an acid does. Universities in the Tropics. The interesting sketch of the late Dr. Treub’s energetic work in connexion with the promotion of botanical research in Java, which appears in Tropical Life for April 1915, calls to mind the striking circumstance that educational movements in the tropics haye been almost entirely foreign in origin. In other words, countries ike the United States and Holland have been the pioneers as regards the establishment of public institutions for agricultural research. The Philippines possess a large university in which agriculture holds the status of an important faculty; Porto Rico has an agricultural college, which, though in its infancy, may be expected nevertheless to develop suecessfully;and as Tropical Life points out, Holland made Buitenzorg a centre for the study of tropical botany in the East. The striking feature of Dr. Trenb’s constructive work in the promotion of agricultural research was its international character. Not content with providing facilities for local students, Dr. Treub founded the : ae oes le oo) Vou. XIV. No. 345. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 25: Ge Foreign Laboratory at Buitenzorg, and* since 1885 until the present day 150 foreigners have made use of it. In the British colonies the Governments have achieved a great deal by means of Departments; but official establishments possess disadvantages as well as advantages. Full development, sotially and economi- eally, demands university influence. rT + et ‘Onion Cultivation’. The above is the title of a-new Pamphlet on onion cultivation, prepared by Mr. T. Jackson, Curator, Antigua. and recently issued by this Department. In this a brief history of the cultivation of the Bermuda variety of onion in the West Indies, together with useful information as to the type of soil and rainfall requisite for the successful production of onions possess- ing good marketable qualities is given. Other mat- ters dealt with are seed and varieties, manuring, propagation, seed beds, transplanting and establishing of crop, planting in situ, planting by means of sets, watering, tools, harvesting, yield, insect pests, ete., curing, curing house, grading, stringing and _ plaiting, packing, shipping, crates and markets. Onion cultivation has undergone considerable extension in Antigua during the past two years. This is more or less directly due to the formation, at the end of 1913, of an Onion Growers’ Association, consequent on whose instrumentality there has been an increasad production of this crop for export, as is shown by the fact that 6,557 crates were exported in 1914 as against 4406 in 1913. It might also be mentioned that a movement is now on foot for the formation of a similar Association in Montserrat, where the industry has also been taken up and there have been successful shipments recently of crates of onions to Canada. The information given in this pamphlet should be found especially useful to onion growers in the Leeward Islands. DD Oe Dipterocarp Forests. An important memoir on the Dipterocarp forests of the Philippines, has recently been published as No. 5 of Section A, Vol. IX, of the Philippine Journal of Science. The forest is a tall tropical, lowland forest characteristic of the inter-Malayan regions, usually occupying the localities most favourable to tree growth. It receives its name from the fact that species of the family Dipterocarpaceae are the dominant trees. The forests may be composed almost wholly of one diptero- carp species, as in some of the forests of Shorea robusta of Northern India, and of Dipferocarpus tuberculatus of Burma. In other cases two or more ditferent species may predominate. The importance of the dipterocarp family as a source of timber supply of the Philippine Islands is very great. One hundred and forty-four out of a total of 200 billion feet of standing timber in the Philippines is estimated to be dipterocarp. The large size of the individual trees, the density of the stand, and the readiness with which the market receives the timber for construction and finishing work of all kinds makes the forest an extremely important one, and capital has already been invested in the commercial develop- ment of this forest to a very considerable extent. It is stated that certain grades of dipterocarp timber can be used in place of woods like walnut and mahogany, while other grades furnish excellent constructive timber; these two uses make the exploita- tion of the forests on a large scale almost a certainty. Lectures at the Imperial Institute. Mention was made in an editorial in this Journal some months ago of the fact that arrangements had been made tor lectures to be delivered in the Colonial Galleries at the Imperial Institute. In this connexion the following paragraph, taken from the current issue of the West India Committee Circular, will be of interest. ‘Dr. Gray, the whilom head of Bradford College, who has been recently appointed lecturer at the Imperial Institute, delivered his lecture on the West Indies and British Guiana at that Institution on Wednesday last. The audience, which was limited to fifty and amounted to twenty-eight, was very enthusi- astic in their interest in the matter of the lecture. No doubt the lecturer will follow up his lecture by a_ visit to the West Indies, which should, in the circumstances, be of especial interest to him.’ It may be pomted out that while Dr. Gray may not have yet visited the West Indies, he has travelled extensively, it is understood, in South America. ‘The institution of these lectures is calculated as likely to do much good in the way of enlivening the Galleries, and their great educational value in the matter of teaching commercial geography is certain to be felt. rr Jamaica as a Centre of Botanical Research. A lengthy article in Nature for June 17, 1915, calls attention to the splendid facilities and accessible nature of Jamaica asa centre of botanical research. Special advantages are provided by the circumstance that the Jamaican Government has leased the so-called Cinchona Station to a committee of the British Associ- ation for the advancement of Science. This Station, known also as Hill Gardens, was at one time the head- quarters of the local botanical department, but is now the least important, economically, of the agricultural and botanical stations maintained by the Government. The article in question gives a good general account of the flora around Cinchona, and shows that it is very rich in botanical interest. The committee referred to rents a bungalow at the Station, amd botanists desiring to make use of it should apply (with suitable credentials) to Professor Bower, University, Glasgow. 234 oa INSECT NOTES. COTTON STAINERS AND STAINED COTTON. That cotton stainers injure cotton is generally believed in all the West Indian islands where cotton is grown. These jnsects occur in all these islands, except Barbados, and in that island one of the objects of the quarantine against imported cotton seed is to preven! the introduction of these , insects. Two articles by Mr. Nowell, one of which appears in the present issue of the Agricultural News, deal with the occurrence in Montserrat for several years past, and in Tortola, and more recently St. Vincent, of diseases of cotton bolls. These have been known under different names such as black boll, boll rot, and internal boll disease. Although at first no connexion could be traced between these diseases and cotton stainers, the evidence available at the present time seems to indicate that the diseases, or some forms of them, may be associated with the attacks of stainers. This evidence is now so strong that Mr. Robson, Curator of the Botanic and Experiments Stations, Montserrat, is attempting to start a vigorous campaign against the cotton stainers in that island. It is suggested that the energetic collecting of these insects should be undertaken as soon as the first stainers appear in young cotton fields, in order to check as far as possible, the rapid inerease which often takes place as a resnlt of the breeding of the first and second generations. While it is recognized that opinions may differ as to the method to be employed, Mr. Robson recommends the use of a collecting funnel such as that shown in the accompanying SLEEVE 33>-—> STEING >> /, IS, B 4o Bic. 11. figure. This trap was devised by Messrs. Guppy and Thornton, a figure of it appearing in their paper on the Cotton Stainer Bug, Circular No. 6, Board of Agriculture, Trinidad and Tobago. The insects are jarred or knocked from the cotton plants into these funnels: by opening the sleeve at the bottom, the stainers may be emptied out and killed. CoLLectING FUNNEL. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Juny Wie sol: This plan of an early crusade against cotton stainers should be taken up in every locality where cotton stainers usually become abundant, or where boll diseases are common, or where from any cause considerable loss is experienced from stained cotton. Every stainer killed early helps to keep down numbers, and it certainly should be easier to keep down the numbers than to reduce these numbers when they have become abundant. : 7 : 3 H.A.B. THE ADVANCE OF AGRICULTURE IN THE UNITED STATES. A report by Mr. D. F. Houston, United States Secretary of Agriculture, in the Yearbook of the Department for 1914 provides a most interesting review of the various advances. that are being made in connexion with the rural industries of the republic. As would be expected, the report is entirely economic in nature, and is principally designed to show how the Government is eXpending energy and money to improve the position of the farmer. Dealing first with? aspects of production, the Secre- tary points out that progress reveals itself more par- ticularly in the diversification of agriculture, in the rise of minor crops to larger proportions, than in the increased production of staple products. last generation has risen t9 the position of an exceptionally mportant part of American agriculture to-day. Similar advance has been made itm-regard to vegetable production. In considering the standard of yields obtained, it is realized that the Ameri¢an farmer does notsproduce as much per acre as the farmer in a number of } vilized nations; but production per acre is not the American standard. The standard is the amount of protuce for each person engaged in agriculture, and by this test the American farmer appears. to be from two to six times as efficient as most of his competitors. Continuing, it is “stated: ‘relatively speaking, extensive farming is still economically the sound programme in our agriculture, but now it is becoming’ increasingly apparent that the aim must be, while maintaining supremacy in production for each person, to establish supremacy in production for each acre.’ A number of instances are given’ to indicate the manner in which the experts of the different Bureaus render valuable assistance to the farmer, enabling him to surmount difficulties and to produce greater yields. : The meat supply_of the country on account of its. somewhat critical condifion receives. attention in a speeial section. Problems relating to this question come within the activities of the Bureau of Animal Industry, and although it is appreciated by Mr. Houston that these have been intelligently and zealously attacked, it never- theless remains true that the United States faces a serious situation in the matter of its meat supply. The greatest hope for a considerable increase in the nation’s meat supply lies in five directions: first, in helping the cattlemen to develop further the’ big ranch; second, in a more satisfae- tory handling of the publie grazing lands; third, in systematie attention to the production of beef animals in the settled farming areas of the country,-particularly in the south; fourth, in increased attention to the smaller animals, such as swine and poultry; and fifth, in the control and eradication of the cattle tick, hog cholera, tuberculosis, and other animal diseases and pests. 2 ee For example, dairying in the- EE ee eee Vout. XIV. No. 345. After recording a large number of statistical statements concerning live-stock production, as well as reviewing the work of tick eradication which is progressing satisfactorily, the writer mentions the existence of the Office of Farm Management, the function of which is to show the farmer the right way of examining his business inorder to see what lines are profitable, and what are unprofitable. The constructive agricultural programme arranged by the United States Government must of necessity provide a place for distribution as well as production. The distribution side of agriculture is of quite recent growth, and this growth has been fast in the United States, being five years ago practically unrecognized. The Office of Markets performs the duty of recording the different market associa- tions and co-operative concerns, and in establishing wherever possible the co-operative sale of produce. The conclusion is arrived at that in communities where farmers’ associations -are properly constituted and operated, better results are obtained than under a system of individual handling. Advantages present themselves in the standardizing and packing of products, and in the discovery of the best daily market. A special object of enquiry by this Office has been the possibility of marketing by parcel’post and express, and it has been found that where proper care im packing and handling is exercised, the marketing of certain commodities by parcel post and express can profitably be undertaken. Coming under the heading of distribution is the subject of grain and cotton standards. This work is realized as being most important and has engaged the attention of -experts of the Bureau of Plant Industry for years. It is pointed out that the farmer cannot be expected to improve his methods unless it can be clearly demonstrated that it will” pay him to improve his product and his handling methods. Conerete evidence of the profitableness of this course in the form of larger net returns for his output will do more than anything else to arouse active interest. At the same time, whatever the yield, a satisfactory price for produce can only be secured by the establishment of standards, and much progress has been made in this way by the United States Department. In the grain belt the Government grades for corn have already been adopted, and in connexion with cotton, apart from the continuance of the standard grade system, an investigation of the spinning value of these grades has recently been undertaken. Fur- ‘thermore, in connexion with the same crop, an important Act has just been passed, which also tends to simplify and regulate proper ‘marketing. This Act provides that future -contracts must be based on uniform standards established by the Department of Agriculture, and prohibits the pro _forma deliveries and the tendering ‘of cotton of less than Finch in staple in settlement of future contracts; and makes various other previsions designed to taake the sale of cotton scientific rather than speculative. The Act, as a whole, is ‘constructive and regulatory; not destructive or oppressive. The subject of rural credit in the United States is not ‘one about which we have heard a. great deal, and the section which Mr. Houston provides is therefore of consider- -able interest. Speaking briefly, there are two systems advocated: first the establishment of a proper land mortgage banking system operating through private funds; second, legislation authorizing and encouraging local personal ~co-operative credit associations. Some estates have already taken steps in this direction, and others are contemplating ‘taking them. Mr. Houston points out in reference to such proposed associations, that it is of the utmost importance that attention be centred on the use which may be made of borrowed money It is strongly maintained that. there THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. should be guarantees of the use of funds secured for pro~ ductive purposes on the farms covered by mortgages or other obligations. One of the last matters dealt with in this interesting re- port is the dissemination of information. The publications of the United States Departments are familiar to those engaged in agriculture in most countries, but it may not be realized that a great deal of work has been done to reduce wastage in the distribution of these phoblications amongst the people of the United States. Every cffort has been made to drive home information in a s iitalile form for mental digestion, and co-operation has been eifecte? between the department and ‘the press with a view to popularizing agriculture for the country’s benefit. This work belongs to the Oftice of Information, One of the most progvessive steps that has ever been taken in connexion with agriculture, is the passing in the United States of the Co-operative Extension Act. It has long been realized that bulletins, circulars, and press notices convey- ing information for farmers, no matter how excellent they may be and how numerous, wili not solve the problem of reaching the farmer and of inducing him to adopt the best methods, Personal contact, in this field of education, as in others, is essential. The method of demonstration by competent individuals to farmers on their farms has been tested by the department for many years. It has been justified by its results, and has been formally sanctioned by Congress in the recent Act referred to above. The Act provides for the appropriation of large sums of money for this farm to farm demonstration work, and in 1922-23 theré will be a total annual expenditure of $8,680,000. This sum will have to be expended in direct instruction in the field, as the Act is very specific in prohibiting its use for teaching, or erecting buildings at institutions, and in limiting the proportions that can be expended in printing bulletins. The last matter dealt with in the report is the recent reorganization of this great Department. Part of the work of certain Bureaus has been transferred to others, and in certain cases the names of offices have been changed. For instance, the Office of Experiment Stations has been altered to State Relations Service. A useful transfer seems to be the removal of the Office of Farm*Management from the Bureau of Plant Industry, to the Office of the Secretary, since the work of farm management is more essentially economic than botanical. The general principle under- lying this reorganization, or rather its most important feature, is the definite outline or segregation in each Bureau of three groups of activities—the regulatory, the research, and the extension. In the allocation of work, pains will be taken to assign those who have research talent to the investigation work; those who have administrative ability to the regulatory; and those who have special talent for the direction of extension work, to that entirely. There is good reason for believing that the redirection and relocation of the work as proposed in the report under review will result in a marked increase in the efficiency of the labours of the department. In drawing this review to a close, it may not be inappropriate to call the reader’s attention to the very comparable nature of some of the phases of development in the United States with those in the West Indies, particularly in regard to the rise of minor crops, the distribution of produce, co-operative methods generally, and the dissemination of information, Regarded from a West Indian aspect, the 1914 Report by the Secretary of Agriculture is particularly suggestive, and will doubtless prove stimulating to those engaged in the direction of agriculture, in this and other parts of the tropics. 236 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Jun ieee Oss GLEANINGS. It is stated in the Lousiana Planter for June 5, 1915, that next year Cuba will produce over 3,000,000 bags of sugar made in electrified factories. The same journal referr- ing to sugar in Europe puts the beet crop reduction for next year at about 15 to 20 per cent. Efforts are being made in Cyprus to extend the cultiva- tion of certain spices like Coriander, Carraway, and Fenugrec. Cultivation experiments are soon to be started and the Imperial Intitute has offered to receive samples of the produce for examination and valuation. (The Cyprus Journal, April 1915.) Herbarium specimens of the mistletoe which attacks lime trees in Dominica have recently been determined at Kew as Dendropemon caribaeus, Krug et Urban. Apparently D. cari baeus is asynonym for Loranthus emarginatus, a description of which will be found on page 312 of Griesbach’s Flora of the British West Indies. The Perfumery and Essential Oil Record for May 1915, refers to the rising market for distilled lime oil. It is mentioned that this matter was referred to in the last two issues of that journal, and has been further evidenced since the last issue by the price 4s. 3d. reported, paid; for large quantities of hand pressed 6s. 6d. to 7s. would buy, but 7s. 6d. was wanted for smaller lots. In the issue of Vatwre for June 3, 1915, appears a review of the Flora of Jamaica, Vol. III, Dicotyledons: Families Piperaceae to Connaraceae, by W. Fawcett and Dr. A. B. Ren- dall, of the British Museum. Although the work is essentially systematic, it is mentioned that here and there economic and other untechnical notes are introduced, as in the Anonaceae. The price of the volume is 15s. In the India Rubber Journal tor June 5, 1915, appears an article by Dr. H. P. Stephens on the function of litharge in the vuleanization of rubber. It is shown that the addi- tion of litharge in moderate quantities increases the coefficient of vulcanization, but increasing proportions cause a progres- sive reduction in the coeftictent of vulcanization. Published in the Dominica Official Gazette for June 14, 1915, is the annual report on the vital statistics of the Colony. It is estimated that the population of the Colony on December 31, 1914, was 36,645. The birth rate for 1914 was 37°84 per 1,000 against 34°70 per 1,000 in 1913. The death rate for 1914 was 20°30 per 1,000 against 24:17 in 1913. The effect of the cattle tick upon milk production of dairy cows is the subject of Bulletin No. 147 of the Bureau of Animal Industry, United States Department of Agricul- ture, It was found that at the conclusion of the tests tiek- infested cattle gave only 65-8 per cent. as much milk as the tick-free. The tick-free group gained 6:1 per cent. in body weight; the tick-infested gained 3:6. Spraying temporarily reduces the milk yield. According to the Demerara Daily Agrosy (Mail Edition), for June 26, 1915, great success has attended the sinking of a new artesian well at Onderneeming Industrial School. It was expected that four or five weeks’ drilling would be necessary to reach water, which would mean boring to a depth of over 1,000 feet, but it was found that good water was obtainable at a depth of only 320 feet. The artesian well at Onderneeming is the shallowest in the Colony. In feeding experiments with ten dairy cows, in which hay and wheat bran constituted the basal ration, and gluten feed and coco-nut meal the supplementary feeds, substantially the same results in milk yield and slightly more butter fat were obtained from the coco-nut meal than with the gluten feed ration. In amounts of from 3 ic.-to 41b. daily per head, coco-nut meal is considered to be a desirable dairy feed in Massachussetts. (Hxperiment Station Record, January 1915.) The Act to regulate the registration and inspection of commercial fertilizers, fertilizer materials, and chemicals in Porto Rico will be found reproduced in Bulletin No. 3, of the Board of Commissioners of Agriculture, Porto Rico. In this publication also is given the results of analyses made in connexion with this law. It appears that from eighty- seven fertilizer analyses, twenty-three were found short in one or more constituents. Phosphoric acid was up to the guarantee in all but four samples, and in many samples was above. Information is published in 7ke Board of Trade Journal for May 27, 1915, to the effect that the shortage of the supply of synthetic indigo and the consequent high prices for imported indigo have led to a revival of the native production of indigo in various parts of China. It is impossible to estimate the increase in the production of the dye, but it is well to recognize that indigo production is one of China’s oldest industries. It is unlikely, however, that there will be any of the product ayailable for export, for the time being at any rate. Reference is made in Nature for June 10, 1915, to the recent discovery that X-rays can be defracted into spectra by the natural grating contained in the ordinary structure of crystals, which sets at rest the question as to the nature of these radiations. They are of the same nature as light waves, but of very much higher frequency—from 10,000 to 100,000 times as high. On the living cell X-rays produce remarkable effects. The study of these effects in plants has shown that the rays may retard cell division, and more especially affect the germinating embryo. When present in large amounts, they may kill such cells but, on the other hand, may in very feeble doses have a stimulating effect upon cell division, Vor. XIV. No. 345. ALCOHOL AS FUEL IN CUBA. Possibly as the result of Mr. Néel Deerr’s report on the Cuban sugar industry (reproduced in the West Indian Bulletin, Vol. XIV, No, 4) practical trials have recently been made in Cuba to run engines on aleohol made from exhausted molasses. Readers will remember that we published an editorial on the subject in the last issue but one of this journal, and strongly advocated the carrying out of such demonstrations in the British West Indies. The following information Louisiana Planter for May 29:— is taken from the Expensive experiments are being carried on by Messrs. Levy of Havana and Matanzas, looking toward the utilization of alcohol here in place of gasoline to supply the motive power for automobiles, tractor ploughs and other engines that are now gasoline driven. Thus far these trials have been eminently successful, for not only have they succeeded in operating such internal conbustion engines by means of alcohol, but are doing so at much less cost than with gasoline. Besides the satis- factory experiments they have made with Ford automobiles (which are to a large extent replacing the time-honoured coches that are a feature of every Spanish-American city,) a prominent Ingenio owner between here and Matanzas, since changing from gasoline to alcohol, reports that he is saving more than $10 a day in the cost of operating a big tractor that he uses for ploughing. The United States Department of Agriculture has issued a very useful and instructive Farmers’ Bulletin as No. 638, describing laboratory exercises in farm mechanics. These lessons are intended for agricultural high schools and are very practical and, in many cases, original. In each exercise the equipment needed is stated, and then instructions are given as to how to proceed. Ropework figures as a feature, including the tieing of different knots and the employment of rope in the control of animals. Other exercises concern the naming of parts in various’ farm implements. Surveying, drainage, irrigation, and building construction are also included. Concerning the last named branch of the subject of farm mechanics, useful instructions are given as to the building of a portable hog house, and it is noticed in this and in other exercises that reference is made to previous Farmers’ Bulletins for more detailed information, and advice is often given to communicate with the local State Agricultural College. ; The publication here considered might be used with advantage in some of our West Indian schools. Some of the exercises are sufficiently simple and inexpensive to be used in the higher standards of the elementary schools provided arrangements could be made for giving this kind of instruction. In the West Indies much of the work could be easily done out of doors in the school gardens. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 237 Manurial Experiments with Bananas in Queensland.—The Under Secretary of the Department of Public Instruction of Queensland has authorised the publica- tion in the Queensland Agricultural Journal for May 15, 1915, of the results obtained in the banana manurial experi- ments at one of the State Schools near Buderim Mountain. Briefly, it is shown that asthe supply of food in the soil is used up in the no-manure plot, the returns show a decided falling away, which will bereater each year. From this it is concluded that banana growing even. on fairly good land soon becomes unprofitable if systematic manuring is not resorted to. An examination of the table of figures shows that the monetary gain after paying for manure, per acre, was as follows for 1913-14: No potash, £18 3s. 7d.; complete manure No. 1, £53 3s. 1ld.; Complete Manure No. 2, £16 1s, 5d. DEPARTMENT NEWS. Mr. H. A. Ballou, M.Se., Entomologist on the Statt of the Imperial Department of Agriculture, and Mr. W. Nowell, D.LC., Mycologist, returned to Barbados on July 14 by the C.R.MS. ‘Caraquet’ from Montserrat where the above officers have been conducting investi- gations in regard to plant pests and diseases. The Russian Government, according to the International Sugar Journal for May 1915, is offering prizes for the inven- tion of better denaturants for aleohol. The new denaturant should be a substance possessing a repugnant physiological action on the would-be drinker, while at the same time it should be incapable of spreading any danger whether by fumes or by possessing products of spontaneous combustion, and incapable likewise of being easily separated by simple methods from the spirit in which it is combined. The question of a suitable denaturant for industrial alcohol is of importance in connexion with the proposed manufacture of alcohol from molasses, and it would seem to be a point to which sugar chemists might profitably turn their attention. A special number of the Perfumery and Essential Oul Record for June 11, 1915, contains or rather consists of a valuable epitome of essential oil knowledge completely up to date. It surveys the sources, constituents, separation, chemistry, characters, analyses, and sophistication of the aromatic distillates in the light of the most recent information, and its comprehensive and modern nature will secure it an immediate place among the reference books of those interested in essential oils. A great deal of the matter is based upon lectures delivered to the Pharmaceutical Society by Sir William Tilden, Professor W. H. Perkin, and Mr. J. C. Umney (Editor of the Journal). According to the Journal of Agriculture of New Zealand, for April 20, 1915, a satisfactory machine is now on the market for harvesting maize for silage. Not only does the mechanical harvesting of maize effect great economy in labour and time, but, most important of all, it enables the process of silage on a large scale to be carried out in a shorter space of time, and with the desired efficacy. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. ra Ii, 195s JULY FUNGUS NOTES. THE INTERNAL DISEASE OF COTTON BOLLS. (Concluded.) In March 1911, Mr. W. Robson, Curator from 1905 of the Botanic Station at Montserrat, in the course of corres- pondence concerning the incidence of bacterial blight due to Bacterium mav vearwm in that island, submitted specimens of what appeared to him to be a distinct boll affection. Mr. F. W South, Mycologist to this Department, examined these and noticed in the majority of the bolls the association of ciscoloured lint with proliferations of the inside tissues of the walls, bacteria being present in some of the more decayed specimens. He regarded the existence of the proliferations as suggestive of damage by sucking insects. It may be stated here that the occurrence of such proliferations in cotton bolls attacked by plant bugs appears to have been first described and figured by Dr. A. W. Morrill (United States Department of Agriculture Bureau of Entomology, Bulletins 54, 1905, and 86, 1910). In the same month Robson called actention to the occurrence on two estates of large numbers of internally discoloured bolls. In response to a query by South he expressed the opinion that cotton stainers were not prevalent on these fields at the time of the observations. Further reference was made to the affection in the Report of the Montserrat Botanic Station for 1911-12, and in the same report the cotton stainer was said to be increasing in importance as a cotton pest, so that many planters had found it necessary to adopt means of control. In December 1913, Robson’s attention was again called to the subject by the presence of discoloured lint in the second crop of that season. He recorded the occurrence of cotton stainers, but regarded the apparent disproportion between their observed numbers and the amount of the injury as telling against the suggested connexion. Material collected at this time was examined by the present writer, who found the general appearance of the affected bolls to coincide in all particulars, except that of abnormal shape, with the description given by Lewton-Brain. Proliferations, as described by Morrill and mentioned by South, were found to be general in the aftected bolls, and it seemed clear in some cases that the rot had commenced from these. Bacteria, as described by Lewton-Brain, were not present, but in all cases hyphae were found growing amongst the lint and in the lumina of the fibres. Spores of one type were present to a greater or lesser extent in all the examples, but their connexion with the hyphae could not be made out. They..are one-celled, elongate, straight or more usually slightly crescentic, acuminate at one or both ends, measuring about 20 by 2 microns. They occur in irregular tufts or clumps, and adhere closely together. Attempts to obtain cultures from dried material were unsue- cessful. In January 1914, Robson confirmed the early account of the rapidity with which the affection developed by finding discoloured bolls to be quite general in fields which three weeks previous had been comparatively free. He notes the occurrence of the trouble on plots6f hybrid St. Eustatius and on Sakellarides and other Egyptian types. Later he added to this list the Montserrat wild cotton (a form of the perennial Gissypium barbadense), He attributes to the effects of the disease the poor germination of seed from the second pickings which he had noticed for some years. In May 1914, five experimental plots were started im Montserrat on lines suggested by the present writer to test the assumption that a definite fungous infection was econ- cerned. Three plots of some fifty plants each were planted in close proximity; two of them with seed from stained bolls, treated with corrosive sublimate solution in one and. untreated in the other; and one with seed from Barbados, where the affection is not known to occur. There was no- material difference in the results of these three plots. The first crop, picked in September and October, gave a percent- age of affected bolls which varied irregularly from 10 to: 20 percent. With the beginning of the ‘second picking’ on November 11, the number had fallen to zero on each plot (fifty bolls per plot examined) and it remained very low throughout the month. In Decembera rapid and regular rise took place, reaching the neighbourhood of 70 per cent. towards the end of the month, and maintained in the eighties and nineties inthe two January pickings which concluded the experiment. The fourth plot, remote from the above, was planted with Barbados seed on land not recently in cotton. No staining whatever occurred during September, October, and November, but from early December onward the plot shared in the rapid rise which took place at the same: time on the previousty described plots. During the course of these experiments Robson became convinced that the cotton stainer bug is the cause, or at least a necessary agent of the affection. He gives as his reasons for this view: (a) the absence of” the affection in situations where cotton stainers are not found, (b) the high percentage of affected bolls whenever cotton stainers are plentiful, (c) the constant association of proliferations on the inside of the carpels with the staining, and (d) the occurrence, in bolls in which staining is just_ commencing, of water-soaked spots taken as indicating punctures such as would be caused by the setae of the bug. The history of the fifth of the plots above mentioned is interesting in this connexion. It was planted with Barbados seed on land where cotton grown the previous season had been heavily stained, and the rest of which was now in sugar cane. During September and October staining was recorded in two out of five examinations, namely 5 September 12, 4 per cent. on October 12. Whether stainers were present on these occasions was not recorded. There was no staining during November. On the 27th of that month about 100 stainer bugs were artificially intro- duced. Affected bolls oceurred at each examination during December and January, varying irregularly from 5 to 15 per cent. The bugs did not seem to find the situation congenial ange reported to have all disappeared by the end of December. The significant point is that while-on all the other plots, which remained infested with the insects, the amount of staining reached 50 per cent. by the middle of December and culminated at the last observation in January at 92, 94, 84, and 73 per cent., respectively, the amount on the fifth plot did not go above 15 and ended at 5 pereént. Examples of the affected bolls from these plots were examined by the writer. Ina small proportion of cases bacteria were dominant, in the rest fungous hyphae were abundant in the stained lint. The spores. seen in the previous year were not found, which may or may not have been due to the poor state of preservation of the material. Nothing can be said, therefore, as to the identity of the fungus. When he began to suspect stainers as the cause of the affection Robson tried to imitate their action by pricking about twenty bolls with a needle. Six days later they were put z eS per cent. on « d bacteria, the former being by far the more common. Vou. XIV. No. 345. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. -— — nto spirit and forwarded for examination. It was found that in most cases the appearance was not different from what one would expect from a merely mechanical injury to young seeds. A considerable number of the cells had been killed, and there was a stained spot, apparently free from organisms, on the lint around the wound. Tn certain cases, however, lint on the seeds adjacent to those actually wounded had become stained, and a rot had set in which involved or tended to involve the whole contents of aloculus. In three cases this rot appeared to be purely bacterial, in three others it was wholly or in part fungoid. No spores were seen in connexion with the latter. An experiment carried out by Robson at the beginning of December tends to support the cotton stainer theory, though in the absence of proper controls it does not amount to proof. A plant was enclosed in a muslin-covered cage and 100 bugs introduced. At the time this was done the adjoin- jing plant was examined and only one boll out of seventy- six was found to be damaged. A week later the cage was removed. The enclosed plant had then eighty-one bolls of which sixty-one showed more or less staining. The nearest uncovered plant had*at the same time eighty-eight bolls of which thirteen were stained. Bugs were at this time present jn the plots. The experiment was then repeated, the num- bers obtained being as follows: nearest plant at time of enclosure, eight bolls stained out of sixty-five; enclosed plant at end of one week, forty-six out of eighty-six; neighbouring plant not covered, thirty-one out of seventy-seven. Unless the effect of stainer injury depends on infection with organisms of limited distribution, it is obvious that the same affection should exist in other stainer-infested islands. Enquiries on this point made in- the early part of the present year led to its recognition in Tortola and amongst the complex of boll rots indueed by the wet climate of St. Vincent. From the latter island a number of full-sized green bolls, of sound appearance, were ob- tained near the end of the crop season. All had stained lint in one or more loculi, and in every case the dis- -eoloration appeared to be due to the growth of fungi or In the greater number of cases spores were present, often in large ‘numbers, which were identical in appearance with those found ‘in the Montserrat material of 1915-14. Ina few of the St. Vincent specimens containing hyphae these spores were not found, and in others only bacteria in great abundance were seen. (It is remarkable that in three or four cases mites or their developing eggs were presént in the bolls.) The -discoloration of the lint appeared in every case to be associated with proliferated tissue on the inner surface of the wall of the boll, or on the radial divisions. The -proli- ferations are like those figured by Morrill, and consist of rather loose parenchyma, the cells of which are . dissociated toward the surface of the mass. No hyphae were detected in or between the cells of the proliferated tissue. The general conclusion reached is that while the staining may be initiated by matter issuing from punctures in the young seeds, it depends for its extension on infection with a foreign organism, and that while in the majority of cases this appears to be a specific fungus, such infection is in some - eases due to other fungi, or to bacteria. There, for the present, the matter stands, and while further investigation is obviously necessary, the connexion of the affection with the activities of cotton stainers is so probable that measures for their control assume a greater -importance than they have been hitherto realized to possess. W.N. WEST INDIAN PRODUCTS. DRUGS AND SPICES IN THE LONDON MARKET. Mr. J. R. Jackson, A.L.S., has' forwarded the follow- ing report on the London drug and spice markets for the month of May:— In theearly part of the month business was fairly brisk, accompanied by the exchange of a large amonut of goods; but later, the advent of fine weather anc the ovciurreuce of the Whitsuntide holidays had a lessening effect. The prices realized for most of the products that come unider.our review have also been satisfactory, most of the West Indian products having realized good prices. 2 > GINGER. This spice has maintained a firm position, rough brown Calicut has sold for 28s. per ewt. and washed rough Cochin for 30s. MACE AND PIMENTO. For the former there has been a quiet demand. At auction on the 12th of the month, 30 packages of West Indian were brought forward-and 6 sold, fair palish and reddish fetching 2s. 24. per hb., fair reddish, partly broken, ls. 8d. to 1s. 9d., and broken ls. ld. to 1s. 4d.; 10 cases of reddish Java sold at 2s. 5d. per tb.; 8 cases dull red, partly wormy Penang, were bought in at 2s. 5d. per tb. Later in the month, 53 packages of West Indian were sold, good to fine pale realizing 2s. 2d. to 2s. 4d., fair 2s. to 2s. 2d., and ordinary ls. 10d. to ls. l1d., while red fetched 1s. 8d. to ls. 9d,, and broken 8d. to 1s. 8d. At auction on the 12th, 110 bags of pimento were offered at 24d. per tb., and all bought in. : SARSAPARILLA. At the drug auction on May 13, sarsaparilla was in good supply; 39 bales of grey Jamaica were offered and 25 sold, fair fetching from 2s. to “2s. ld. per b.; native Jamaica was represented by & bales, all of which sold at 114d. to 1s. ld. per tb. for dull pale to fair red; 15 bales of Mexican were also offered, and 3 sold at 91d. per b.; 19 bales of Honduras were also offered, 12 bales of which were disposed of privately. CITRIC ACID, LIME OIL, LIME JUICE, KOLA, CASHEW NUTS, Citric acid has remained very firm throughout the month at 2s. 6d. per tb.,and at the close of the month it advanced to 2s, 64d. Fair West Indian distilled lime oil was sold at the beginning of the month at 4s. per th., but towards the close, in consequence of the small arrivals, the price had advanced to 4s, 9d., and it was further stated that good West Indian distilled was not to be obtained. Lime juice also continues very scarce, 3s. 6d. per gallon being the price at which any quantity would sell. At auction on the 13th, 4 packages of West Indian kola were offered, and 2 sold at 4$¢. per tb. for fair bright dried to darkish halves; on the 19th, 4 barrels of dried West Indian were disposed of at 3d. per ib. At auction on the 15th, 20 packages of cashew nuts were offered but none sold, and again on the 19th, 97 packages were offered and all were bought in at 40s. per ewt. 240 THE MARKET REPORTS. London.—THe West CrrcuLaRr, June 1, 1915, InpIA COMMITTEE Arrowroot—2jd. to 43d. Batata—Sheet, 2/44; block, 1/114 per tb. Brreswax—No quotations. Cacao—Trinidad, 82/- per ewt.; Grenada, 73/- to 79/-; Jamaica, no quotations. Corrre—Jamaica, no quotations. Corra—West Indian, £23 15s. per ton. Corroy—Fully Fine no quotations; Floridas,"no quota- tions; West Indian Sea Island, 144d. to 17d. Frouir—No quotations. Fustic—No quotations. @incer—Jamaica, 55/- to 70/-. IsryGiass—No quotations. Honey—No quotations. Lime Jurce—Raw, 3/- to 3/3; concentrated, no quotations; Otto of limes (hand-pressed), no quotations. Loawoopv—No quotations Mace—9d. to 2/11d. Nurmecs—4}d. to 53d. Pimento—1 fd. to 24d. Rueser—Pazra, fine hard, 2/7}; tine soft, 2/2; Castilloa, 2/-. Rum—Jamaica, 3/- to 3/8. New York.—Messrs. Gmutespre Bros., & Co., July 2, 1915. Cacao—Caracas, 14}c. to 15}j¢.; Grenada, 144c. to 14jc.; Trinidad, 15c. to 18c.; Jamaica, 12c. to 12%¢. Coco-nuts—Jamaica and ‘Trinidad selects, $26°00 to $27-00; culls, $16°00 to $17:00. Corrre—Jamaica, 7jc. to 11c. per tb. Gincrer—12ce. to 16c. per tb. Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 43c.; Antigua and Barbados, 40c. to 45c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 38c. to 40c. per tb. Grare Frurr—Jamaica, $2°507to $3°25. Limes.—$4°50 to $5-00. Mace—48c. to 52c. per th. Nurmecs—11 4c. Orances—Jamaica, $2°00 to $2°50. Pimento—3 jc. per tb. Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 4°95c.; Muscovados, 89°, 4°30c.; Molasses, 89°, 4°17c., all duty paid. Trinidad.—Messrs. Gorpon, Grant & Co., July 12, 1915. Cacao—Venezuelan, $15°50 to $16°25; Trinidad, $16°50 to 17°00. Coco-nut Om—83c. per Imperial gallon. Corree—Venezuelan, 12c. to 18c. per fb. Corpra—$3'75 per 100 th. Dxat—No quotations. Ontons—$1°20 to $2°25 per 100 bb. Peas, Sprir—$12°00 per bag. Porators—English $200 to $2°25 per 100 tb. Rice—Yellow, $6°00 to $6:25; White, $5°60 per bag. Svear—American crushed, no quotations. to $5°75 AGRICULTURAL NEWS. hal Jony Wie 915: Barbados.—Messrs. T. 1915. S. Garraway & Co., July 12, Arrowroot—$4'00 to $4°60 per 100 tb. Cacao—$16-00 per 100 tb. Coco-nuts—$16'00, Hay—$1°90 per 100 th. Manures—Nitrate of soda, no quotations; Cacao manure, $50:00; Sulphate of ammonia $85°00 per ton. Mo tassrs—No quotations. Ontons—$3°00 to $400 per 190 Tb. Peas, Sprrr—S8"50 to $9:00; Canada, 55°40. Porarors—Nova Scotia, $4°00 per 160 tb. Rice—Ballam, $6°00 to $6°10 per 190 Ib.; Patna, no quota. tions; Rangoon, no quotations. Sucar—American granulated, $6°25. British Guiana.—Messrs. Wiermsc & Ricurer, June 26, 1915; Messrs. SanpsacH, ParKER & Co.,, July 9, 1915. Tey , ‘srs. SANDON ARTICLES. Messrs. Wrerrne |Messrs. Saxp- ae ss BACH, PARKER & Ricurer. Ss Gor Arrowroot—St. Vincent —— $10-00 Batata— Venezuela block Demerara sheet Cacao—Native 14c. to 15c. per tb. l6c. per th. Cassava— 96e. to $1:20 pacts Cassava STARCH— —= Coco-nuts— $10 to $15 per M. $18 per M. Corrre—Creole -_— 14c. per fb. Jamaica and Riojl4e. to 15c. per tb. 14he to 15e. Liberian 10c. per tb. 10c. per th. Duat— = Green Dhal _—-— — EppoEs— $144 += Motasses— Yellow None . =s Ontons—Teneritte 4c. per Ib. Madeira Pras—Split $12-00 to $12°50 |$13-00 to $1400 per bag. (210 tb.) Marseilles —. — PLANTAINS— 16c. to 48c. — Porators—Nova Scotia $4-00 $4°50 Lisbon — Porators--Sweet, B’bados $2-00 — Rice—Ballam No quotation Creole $5°50 to $5°75 35°50 to $5°75 TANNIAS— —- Yams—White —-- —— Buck $264 = Svucar—Dark crystals $3°75 $3°75 Yellow $425 to $4°35 $4°25 White 8 Molasses $3°10 35 TrmeER—GREENHEART 3c. to 55c. per | 32c. to 55c. per cub. foot cub. foot Wallaba shingles) $4:00 to $625 $400 to $6-00 per M. per M. s, Cordweed| $1°80 to $2:00 — per ton , a THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture FOR THE WEST INDIES. The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. A Quarterly Scientific Journal. Volume 1. No. 1. Out of print. Nos. 2, 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price 1s. each. Post free, 1s. 2d.; Volumes IT, TIT, IV, V, VI, VII, VITI, IX, X, XI, XII and XITI:—Price 2s. each; Post free 2s. 8d., where complete. : (IH, 2. IV, 3; and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.) Volume XIV, Nos. 1, 2, 3and4. No. 4 Containing Papers on; Industry for the West Indies, by Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G.; Commerce and Science in Cotton Growing, by John W. McConnel; Bordeaux Mixture; Some Sugar Factory Calculations, by Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G.; Sugar Industry in Cuba, by Noel Deerr; Report on Land Settlement Scheme in St. Lucia; Memorandum en the Geology of the Ground Waters of Antigua, by T. Wayland Vaughan; The Ground Waters of Antigua, by Dr. H. A. Tempany; and Cotton Leaf Diseases, by W. Nowell, D.1.C. The Production of Pork and Bacon; A ‘ew PAMPHLET SERIES. The Pamphlets are written ina simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially adapted to West Indian conditions. They contain, amongst other subjects, summaries of the results of the experiment work on sugar-cane and manures, the full official reports of which have only a limited circulation. The number issued up to the present time is seventy-five. Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are out of print. Suear INpustry. Seedling and other Canes at Barbados in 1900, No. 3, price 2d.; in 1901, No. 13; in 1902. No. 19; in 1903, No. 26; in 1904. No. 32; price 4d. each. Seedling Canes and Manurial Experiments at Barbados, in 1903-5, No. 40; in 1904-6, No. 44; in 1905-7, No. 49; in 1906-8, No. 59; in 1907-9, No. 62, No. 66, price 6d. each. Seedling and other Canes in the Leeward Islands, in 1900-1, No. 12; in 1901-2, No. 20; in 1902-3, No. 27; price 2d. each; in 1903-4, No. 33; in 1904-5, No. 39; in 1905-6, No. 46; in 1906-7, No. 50; in 1907-8, No. 56; price 4d. each, in 1908-9, No. 63; in 1909-10, No. 67; price 6d. each. Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the Leeward Islands, in 1902-3, No. 30; in 1903-4, No. 36; in 1904-5, No. 42; in 1905-6, No. 47; in 1906-7, No. 51; in 1907-8, No. 57; in 1908-9, No. 64; in 1909-10, No. 68; price 4d. each. Sugar-cane Experiments in the Leeward Islands, in 1910-11; in 1911-12; in 1912-13, price 1s. each. GENERAL. (7) and (22) Seale Insects of the Lesser Antilles, Part I, price 4d.; Part II., price 4d. (43) Cotton Seed and Cotton-cake-meal on West Indian Planta- tions. Price 2d. (60) Cotton Gins, How to Erect and Work Them. (65) Hints for School Gardens, Fourth Edition. (71) Insect Pests of the Lesser Antilles. Price 1s. 3d. (72) Lime Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 9d. (73) Root Borers and other Grubs in West Indian Soils. Price 6d (74) Cotton Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 9d. (75) Insect Pests of Sugar-cane in Antigua and St. Kitts. Price, 6d. (76) Indian Corn. Price 4d, (77) Erysipelas and Hoose. Price 2d. (78) Onion Cultivation. Price 3d. Price 4d. other reports; and, in fact, any information indicating what is going on in each colony and the progress made in The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of $¢. for the pamphlets marked 2d.; 1d. for those marked 4d. and for Nos 73 and 75; 14d. for Nos. 40, 44, 49, 59, 62, 63, 67 and 74. Pestage for No. 71, 4d. and for No. 72, 2d. The ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’: A Fortnightly Review. The ‘ Agricultural News’ contains extracts from official correspondence and from progress and Agricultural matters throughout the West Indies. The ‘ Agricultural News’ is printed in time to be distributed, regularly, by each mail, and is on sale by the local agents of the Department at one penny per number, post free, 2d. The subscription price, including postage, is 2s. 2d. per half-year, or 4s. 4d. per annum. Volumes IV to XII complete, with title page and index, as issued—Price 4s. each— Post free, 5s. Some numbers of the early volumes are out of print and therefore these volumes can no longer be supplied somplete. The scale of charges for ADVERTISEMENTS may be obtained on application to the Agents. A applications for opies are to be addressed to the Agents, not to the Department. Agents. The following have been appointed Agents for the sale of the publications of the Department:— London: Messrs. Dutau & Co., 37, Soho Square, W. West Iypra Commirrer, 15, Seething Lane. Barbados: Anvocarr Co. Lrp., Broad Street, Bridgetown. Jamaica: Tun Epucarionan Suprty Company, 16, King Street, Kingston. British Guiana: Tae ‘Datty Cxronicie’ Orricr, Georgetown. Trinidad: Messrs. Murr-Marsnaty & Co., Port-of-Spain. St. Kitts: Tue Brere AND Book Surety AGENCY, BASSETERRE, Tobago: Mr. C. L. PLAGEMANN, Scarborough, Nevis: Messrs. Howet, Bros., Charlestown, Canada; Lewis W. Criemens, 71 King Street, West, Toronto. Grenada: Messrs. THos. Lawtor & Co., St. George. St. Vincent: Mr. J. D. Bonapre, ‘Times’ Oftiee. St. Lucia: Mr. R. W. Ntves, Botanic Station. Dominica; Mr. J. R. H. BripGewarer, Roseau. Montserrat: Mr. W. Rosson, Botanic Station. Antigua: Mr. 8. D. Matone, St. John’s. Vor. XIV. No. 345. THE AGRICULTURAL NE ea JULY ue 1915. THE BEST MANURES FOR COLONIAL USE Ae: Dissolved Pe ruvian Guano—Fer Sugar-cane and general use “Special Sugar-cane Manure Special Cocoa Manure Special Cotton Manure Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Superphosphates, (high grades), Potash Salts, Nitrolim and all other high-class Fertilizers. APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIRECT TO:— THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) GUANO WORKS. London Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C. Barbados Agents: James A. Lyneh & Co., Ltd., Bridgetown. COTTON CULTIVATION IN THE WEST INDIES. a ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE. | HIS illustrated booklet, published as No, 74 of the Pamphlet Series of the Imperial Department of Agriculture, gives 7 a sunple but comprehensive account of all matters pertaining to the successful production of Sea Island cotton in the West Indian islands, The publication constitutes an entirely new and up to date edition of the A B C of Cotton Cultivation published by the Depsrtment in the early stages of the industry, and embraces all the new developments that have since been the outcome of practical experience and experiment. NATURE says:—‘This comprehensive account of Sea Island cotton in the West Indies... . forms a very trust- worthy guide to those concerned in the... industry... the pamphlet is very well illustrated; the general informa- tion has been selected with great care, and the compilers are to be congratulated on the preparation of so useful a manual.’ —— THE KEW BULLETIN observes:—‘The information contained in the work has evidently been selected with great care. . . and should certainly he @onsulted not alone by West Indian planters but by those interested in the subject in other cotton-produeing countries.’ THE FIELD states:—‘An admirable little booklet which might be widely imitated by other parts of the tropical | F Empire, as regards not only cotton but other products.’ Favourable notices have also appeared in the Indiv Rubber World and The Board ef Trade Jow nal. COTTON CULTIVATION IN THE WEST INDIES, pp. 118, Figs. 35. Price 9d. Post free, 11d.}, From all ps for the oe Sancars Publications. Printed at Office of Agricultura’ Reporter, 4 High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados, “SATURDAY, JULY 31, 1915. = [One penny. R. M. S. P. . REGULAR MAIL, PASSENGER & CARGO SERVICES FROM THE WEST INDIES PORTS OF CALL fi | he BAY z~ j | ! TO THE UNITED KINGDOM | ae ; ate . Vincent, St. Lucia, Dominica, CANADA Montserrat, Antigua, St. Kitts, DEMERARA and PARAMARIBO | Bermuda, Halifax, N. 8., & St. John (N.B.) Grenada & Trinidad. PANAMA CANAL and PACIFIC Trinidad, Puerto Colombia, Cartagena, Colon, Panama, PORTS Callao, Iquique, Antopagasta and Valparaiso. REGULAR MAIL, PASSENGER AND CARGO SERVICES FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM TO BRAZIL, URUGUAY & ARGENTINA Via Spain, Portugal, Madeira & St. Vincent. REGULAR SAILINGS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM TO MOROCCO, CANARY ISLANDS & MADEIRA, & JAPAN. Head Office: 18, Moorgate Street, London. Branches at BARBADOS, Trinidad, Tobago, Colon, Jamaic& Antilla, New York, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, etc. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. THE BARBADOS CuHristy & Norris, o-0PERATIVE COTTON FACTORY, LTD. CHELMSFORD, ENGLAND. Cotton Ginners and Oil Refiners. Specialize in Machinery We make a speciality injour “Star” brands in COTTON SEED OIL. for:— LINSEED OIL. ‘ TON SEED CAKE. GRINDING & SIFTING: COTTON SEED MEAL. MAIZE, COTTON SEED, BONES, | All orders received by us will meet with our careful attention. aR ee Ere. THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE ee Write for Catalogue, and COTTON FACTORY, LIMITED, DISINTEGRATOR. send sample of material you WHITE PARK ROAD, (346) wish to cue BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. — <= 2= February 5, 1915. CesT ISSUED. WEST INDIAN BULLETIN. Vol. XV, No. 1. (Index number). Containing papers on: The Development of Agriculture (Mr. A. D. Hall's Addresses to the British Association for the) SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENT Advancement of Science); Agricultural Industries of | 5 7 ~ Montserrat, by Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Se.; Report on the | Island of Redonda, by Dr. H. A, Tempany; Note on the Feeding and Manurial Value of Lime Seeds, by Dr. H. A.| Tempany; the Poisonous Forms of Phaseolus lunatus (Lima beans), by W. R. Dunlop; Skin Diseases of Cattle in Antigua (compiled from the notes of P. T. Saunders, M.R.C.V.S., A.V.C.) FOR ‘SALE. The very valuable, fertile and accessible property “RU Bax At Soufriere, ‘St. Lucia. Containing about 400 aeres, of which about 100 acres is planted in Limes, 100 acres in Cocoa. There are also some canes and cocoa-nuts, a large number of Vanilla linia and Pear Trees, also Banana, Orange, Grape fruit and \Pine-apples. A WATERWHEEL and MILL in perfect order for crushing Limes and Canes, a full supply of carts ' land animals, two dwelling honses in perfect order. {NSPECTION IS INVITED. SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENT, For all further particulars, apply to | | FRANK H. JOHNSON, — St. LUCIA, B.W.L | (846) A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW OF THE LABRAR NEW YO! BOTANIC UARDI IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. Vou. XIV. No. 346. BARBADOS, JULY 31, 1915. Price ld. CONTENTS. PAGE. PAGE. 243 | Nitrogen, Atmospheric, Fixatiapyou ss ces coe LO Notes and Comments... 248 Book Shelf ome Bullock Creeping Grip 3 i) (0) 8S Cotton Notes:— Pic Weedaney) sis) ss) =. WestIndian Cotton ... 246 | Rubber, Wild, and Selec- Departmental Reports ... 247 tion sco /weaee fooay (Bene /40 Experiment Station, irtolu:. i. i, ... 244 Funeus Notes :— Sugar Industry: Manurial Value of Filter- : ress Cake... ... 242 A New Form of Black = Tees Cake eee Rectibisease of Cacan | Sweet Potatoes, Classitica- Pete eavhe tion Oe et we. 249 s AMINGS -.. see see ee 5-0 | Teak on Waste Land... 253 edges eee woo les coe SOD TT hace I li; 951 RectUN ofas To acco, ndian see ot Pink Boll Worm 250 | Tomatoes, Directions for ete rtd | Cannmgee. <.< «=. --. 244 Items of Local Interest... 245 Jamaica Agricultural Wattle Bark, Extraction mociety ... ... ... ... 255 | of Tannin from... ... 249 Loquat, The ... ... .. 244 | Weeds, Eradication of ... 248 Market Reports... ... 256 | West Indies in Canada, Nature Teaching, Art of... 241 1915 Beets ss.) <0 240 The Art of Nature Teaching. NS important Paper, referred to as Circular ) gS) ee: APA ay 204: has been received from the English 5% Board of Education, containing suggestions for the consideration of teachers and others concerned in the work of elementary science in primary schools. The suggestions are quite general in application, and they apply to the junior classes of secondary schools in the West Indies as well as to the primary schools of these colonies. In view of the encouragement and financial support many of our local Governments are giving to this side of elementary education, a discussion ef certain aspects of the subject in these pages may not be out of place, and especially as the subject is one which directly concerns many of our Departments of Agriculture. From the commencement, the Paper referred to emphasizes the paramount importance of the skill (rather than the knowledge) of the teacher. ‘He need not, it is stated, ‘have a specialized training in science; but he should be genuinely interested in the subject of his lessons, and, so far as it goes, his It is useless for him to select a subject in which he is knowledge should be first hand and accurate. He should know more than he sets out to teach: but work whose entirely dependent on text-books. good teachers has frequently: been done by knowledge has at first been very limited, but afraid to learn with, and pupils. The then goes on to mention the sources from which the teacher ‘Probably the best of all forms of help is obtained by the teacher who is who have not been sometimes from, their Paper may obtai first hand information. fortunate enough to be in touch with a good local naturalist, and to accompany him on some of his excursions, or to see him at work. He is doubly fortunate 1f the naturalist himself is, or has been, a teacher of children. In the West Indies this kind of assistance can frequently be obtained from one of the local agricultural officers, and by periodical visits to the Botanic Gardens and Experiment Stations. In fact co-operation between the Agricultural Depart- ments and the Schools is a well-recognized condition necessary for satisfactory progress. In framing courses of study it is pointed out that regard should be had to the special circum- Many interest can be profitably studied only in_ special stances of the school. objects of peculiar districts, e.g. in dry localities, or on wet land, or limitations are less than in England, and, on the whole, lack of instructive by the sea. In the West Indies such material or phenomena is the one thing West Indian schools cannot complain of. Some danger exists in many instances where the teacher 242 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JULY ‘ls e195: ‘tries to arrange a too ambitious or too extensive ‘course. A thorough treatment of a few well defined subjects like Our Bird Pond Lite, Plant Association in Pastures, is better than an incomplete ‘Throughout, the pupils should be Visitors. treatment of many. encouraged to observe and reason about the subject of -study for themselves, and full use should be made of their instinctive curiosity: but it is equally essential that ‘they should have some guidance and advice from the the ¢hildren’s observations should have a bearing on one teacher as to what they are to observe. Further another, and should lead up to some definite result. The later lessons of a course, accordingly, should be made to depend upon the earher, and there should be constant opportunity for comparison and contrast. Children should be encouraged to make renewed or continued observation of the same thing in different eircumstances—i.e., a plant in bud, in flower, in fruit. They should also learn to test and apply their conclusions.’ Continuing, the Paper refers to the subject of expression. ‘The child’s expressions are the teacher's only guide to its impressions. Our teaching experience leads us to the belief that the pupil observes things out of all proportion to his capacity for reproducing them intelligently or artistically. The same holds good in after-life. Powers of expression or articulation can be developed in the child by written descriptions: but no words can serye as well as a series of sketches, prefer- ably in colour, due consideration, as well, bemy given to the question of scale. In lessons to older children the practical problems may be introduced. these are the calculation of areas of gardens, the testing of seeds, measurement of root development, recording of observations of temperature and rainfall. need the application of arithmetic and graphic mathe- matics. The employment of graphic methods is to be encouraged. These will As regards the management of the class and the provision of equipment, the Paper under review makes ‘The class should of the appointed, either one or two pertinent suggestions. not always work as a whole. Some advanced pupils often be individually or in small groups, to make independent more can investigations on well defined lines. To this might be added the system which originated, it is believed, with the Jesuits, where one child is set to teach another one. In lessons taken ont of doors, more backward the class should not waste time in vague observations, solution of Examples of but should be set to notice certain definite points, and these classes in order that perfect discipline may be maintained, should not be too large. The bringing to school of specimens by the children is to be encouraged, but unnecessary or wasteful collection should be avoided. Finally a few suggestions may be quoted concern- ing books. ‘In teaching Nature Study to children the literary and imaginative side is no less educational than the scientific, and should not be neglected. Many of Wordsworth’s and Tennyson’s poems, the simpler poems of such writers as Mary Howitt, and passages from Ruskin and Jefferies, combine keen insight into the workings of nature with beauty some of expression, and are at the same time sufticiently simple to be appreciated by children. The romance of plant names, the history and legend associated with our trees and flowers, also make a strong appeal to the The West teacher will find a special source of material for work on this side of his subject in many of the books written about the West Indies, and in the modern juvenile readers like those reviewed on page 243 in this issue of the Agri- cultural News. text-books, if used at all, should be employed only with the greatest caution, and serve the purpose of rather than systematic study. . With young children it is very important to avoid the use of technical terms. imagination. Indian Elementary reference This concludes our review of the main ideas in the Paper, and we think it would be hard to imagine a child of from eight to twelve years of age not pro- gressing under so live a system of instruction. Eduea- tion authorities in each West Indian colony might with great benefit take notice of this Paper, and place it in the hands of the teachers in the principal schools. SUGAR INDUSTRY. MANURIAL VALUE OF FILTER-PRESS CAKE. Dr. W. E. Cross, Chemist at the Tucumdan Agricultural Experiment Station, publishes in the International Sugar Journal (June 1915) some interesting analyses and calculations concerning the manurial value of the above-mentioned by-product of the sugar-cane. Basing calculations on the prices of nitrogen and phosphoric acid in tankage, the writer arrives ata value for filter-press cake of about S739 Von. XLV. “Nox 346. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 243 per ton, United States.. The followingis what Dr. Cross says concerning the composition of the material: Before discussing the results in detail, it should be pointed out that the weathering process of drying the cakes resulted in some loss of organic substances (especially sugars) through bacterial action. The drying process usually practised would thus appear to bring abont a decrease in the volatile organic matter, and a consequent increase in the ash-content of the cakes. Fortunately, as our results, as well as those of Deerr, would indicate, the loss of nitrogen during the weathering process is not of important dimensions. The important constituents of the cake from _the fertilizer point of view are the nitrogen, phosphorus, lime, and organic matter. The nitrogen content (about 2 per cent. of the dried cake) itself makes the press-cake valuable as a fertilizer. The phosphoric acid is present toa large extent in the citrate-soluble, or ‘available’ form, and all the cakes examined, but most especially the numbers 1, 4 and 5 from houses where phosphoric acid is used in clarification, are rich in this constituent. In the lime, too, which is contained in good proportions in all the cakes, we have a valuable fertilizing material for most soils; while the organic matter of which the cakes contain 50 to 70 per cent., is a humus-producing material, whose worth should not be lost sight of, Altogether, we see that the press-cakes should be a valuable fertilizing material, being rich in the elements most needed by the cane—nitrogen and phosphorus, and in the substances which bring about general soil improvement—lime and organic matter. [ZEe SS ln Z=a=— == bj; i ee sig TROPICAL READERS FOR SCHOOLS: (1) The Star of India Readers. Price 4 to 10 (2) The Rambler Travel Books. Price 9d. each. (3) Rambles among our Industries. Price 9d. each. Blackie and Son Limited, London. annas. The popularity of Messrs. Blackie and Sons’ ‘Tropical Reader’ (a new one of which is-now under preparation) has suggested the desirability of bringing the above series to the notice of West Indian educationists as well. All of these little books are attractively written and illustrated, and not only provide useful elementary information but are also stimulating to the imagination. They might well be employed in the junior forms of our secondary schools as well as in the upper standards of the primary schools. (1) This series is composed of four books, the last three following in progressive order the simple lessons contained in Book I. The last two are valuable for nature teaching, lessons in botany and other branches of natural history being presented in a pleasant narrative form. Short tales of Indian adventure and romance are also included (together with coloured plates), so that the juvenile pupil falls, as it were, into a baited trap, but doubtless emerges again without realizing it. (2) For the purpose of this notice we have selected two of these—The British Empire, and Africa, tively—both concerning tropical conditions. Both are more than readers; they are descriptive geographies. Kach section in these little is composed of an extract from a standard work of travel. We are told about Africa by Livingstone, Sir H. M. Stanley, Sir Samuel Baker, Sir Harry Johnson, Mary Kingsley and_ others; concerning India we read Sir John Strachey, Sir Edwin Arnold and Sir Frederick Treves; on North America, the writings of A. G. Bradley, Charles Dickens and Cooper Whitney; and soon. It will be unnecessary to state that from these we get glimpses of scenery vividly and accurately described, and an account of the habits and customs of the inhabitants not to be found in formal text-books. It is. hoped that the Rambler Travel Books may soon include one on the West Indies. There exists abundant literature on which to base the edition. respec- boc ks volumes (3) “There was,’ says the preface in one of this series, ‘a wise custom of the old trade guilds, the ‘‘wander-year”, when the apprentice, having served his time, spent a year in wandering from one master to another before settling to his trade. The aim of the wander-year was to broaden the knowledge of the young tradesman, and teach him the: dignity of his craft.’ A like purpose has led the publishers to issue these- books about different modern industries; for it is well that boys and girls, before passing ont into the busy life of the world, should learn something of the reality and something of the romance of the great industries by which that life is sustained. One of these books which will appeal to the West Indies. is called Cotton and the Spinner. Its pages trace the history of this staple from its growth in the field till it is ready for the loom. A good deal is said about cotton in the field and there are coloured plates giving some idea of the different species, including Sea Island cotton. The greater part of this little book describes the development of the great Lancashire industry, and in our West Indian schools. the perusal of these pages should do much to foster an appre- ciation of what depends upon the production of raw material in the tropics—in other words, the importance and dignity of tropical agriculture. Reference is made in the report of the Government: Botanical Gardens, Saharanpur, for 1914-15, to a School of Horticulture established at the Gardens, the main object of which is to train a body of young men as overseers for other Gardens. A successful attempt has been made to supplement this Indian training with a course at the Royal Horticultural Society's School at Wisley in Surrey. One student who did this took second place out of sixteen students who sat for the- Royal Horticultural Society’s general examination for alk England. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Juny Sole ole FRUIT AND FRUIT TREES. THE LOQUAT. The Loquat (Hriobotrya japonica), Natural Order Rosaceae, is classed as a semi-tropical fruit, its suecess- ful culture being confined to regions in which the temperature does not fall below zero. The fruit is something like a small pear in appearance, to which tree the loquat is closely related. A loquat can be seen in the Botanie Gardens, Dominica. The following is an account of the fruit in regard to its cultivation in California, appearing in Bulletin No. 250 of the University of California Publications: Loquat trees have long been grown in California for fruit and ornament, principally in private grounds and public parks. These trees, being seedlings, usually produced inferior fruit. During the last few years improved varieties have been developed here and introduced from other ‘countries. This has stimulated interest and now many commercial orchards are found in the southern part of the State. Loquats do well wherever the production of lemons is successful. They blossom and set fruit from October to February, and while the blossoms. are fairly resistant to cold, the developing fruit is liable to be injured by temperatures much below 30° F. The loquat tree is not particular as to soil requirements. Although poor soils and a scanty supply of water will produce an abundant crop, and the individual fruits may be of good flavour and quality, they are almost invariably small. Since size is an important factor in a commercial fruit, the fertiliza- tion and irrigation of the soil will have to be regulated sO as to produce fruit equal to the market demand. The loquat tree is very prolific and liable to overbear. A common practice in some sections is to crowd the trees into rows 24 feet apart, with the trees 12 feet apart in the row. This helps to dwarf the tree and to produce more uniform and regular crops. Some of the best varieties have been developed in California. The best variety for an early market is the Early Red, which often ripens in February. The best mid- season varieties are the Chante Thales, Advance, and Victor. More careful methods of grading and packing are advisable. If good markets for the fresh fruit are to be devoloped and good prices received, the grower should ship only uniform fruit of good size and quality. The poorer grades may be utilized for jelly, jam and preserves. The average price received for the fruit during the past few years has been about 5c. per tb. Budded trees are usually precocious and begin to bear profitably at the age of four or five years. Trees ten years old should produce 200 tb. of marketable truit. The loquat tree is remarkably free from serious insect or fungus pests. The pear blight often attacks the tower clusters and twigs in the spring of the year, but is only occasionally fatal to the tree. Birds often destroy quantities of the fruit during the harvesting season. Their depredations may be prevented in small orchards by bagging the clusters of truit before the colour develops. spe cimen of Directions for Canning Tomatoes.— 1915: FUNGUS NOTES. A NEW FORM OF BLACK ROOT DISEASE ON CACAO. The following extract is taken froma report made by Mr. Wm. Nowell, Mycologist to the Imperial Department of Agriculture, on fungus diseases of cacao in Grenada. After a discussion of the familiar type of black root disease, found in wet districts in Grenada, as in St. Lucia and Dominica, the report continues under the heading The Lowland Form, as follows:— The cases of cacao root disease seen during this visit on the lowland estates presented some constant features of difference in their symptoms from the disease already described. This might have been put down to the effects of drier conditions had not the finding in connexion with the disease on two widely separated estates of the perithecia of a distinct species of Rosellinia led to the conclusion that we shall have to recognize the existence of a separate, though close allied, disease. On one of the estates earliest visited I was shown a group of dead and dying trees, which though ascribed by our conductor to beetle injury, had the general appearance of the effects of root disease. I had the collars and surface roots of several trees cleared but found no sign of Rosellinia mycelium. The regular occurrence of new suckers on the failing trees also presented a feature which I had been accustomed to regard as absent from cases of root disease. Time did not permit of the clearing of the lower roots. On the next estate an area to which attention was called as an example of the effects of thrips presented the same symptoms: trees slowly failing, putting out suckers low down on the trunk, and ultimately dying. Again no symptoms were visible on the collar or the upper roots but the general appearance of the group of trees was so typical of a root disease area that I arranged for a tree to be dug out. On the lower roots of this was present a white mycelium closely resembling that of the upland Rosellinia, but more scantily developed. The trouble in this instance appeared to have had its origin in infec- tion from stumps of tendre acarlloux (Piptadenia peregrina) two trees of which had been cut down a few years before. The same type of disease was afterwards met with on several estates; the symptoms were as described above, and the presence of the characteristic mycelium was verified in most cases. The disease works in essentially the same way as the upland form already described, and _ ultimately produces the same sort of group of dead and dying trees. It appears however to be slower in its action, and the failure of the trees is much more lingering. With one exception, which may very well have been an isolated case of the upland disease, the smoky mycelium characteristic of that disease was not seen on the lowland estates. On two dead cacao stumps, one in the midst of a group of dead and dying trees, the other where a tree had been cut out, the perithecia already mentioned were found, associated with white radiating mycelium such as was found on the dying trees, The conidial fructifications found with the perithecia were old, but could be made out to have been of the same type as in other species of Rosellinia. The perithecia form a layer on the surface of the»wood, looking like very fine shot dusted thickly upon it. TREATMENT. The treatment of this disease should follow upon exactly the same lines as that of the upland form: isolation of infected areas and contacts, complete destruction of infested trees. Diagnosis is much more difficult, and the planter may have to- proceed largely upon suspicion. When one or two dead or dying trees have been dug out from a situation and the presence of the fungus verified, other cases occurring in similar circumstances may be recognized with more certainty. The slower rate of attack gives more chance of stopping the spread of the disease. It may even be more feasible to cure infected trees than is the case with the upland disease, and one planter claimed to have effected cures with lime or copperas. No tree which has not been isolated should however be allowed to remain in the hope of a cure, and no treatment should be attempted of trees which are far gone. The diseased roots which can be got at should be removed, lime forked into the soil, and the leaf area of the tree should be reduced to make up for the loss or failure of roots. FIXATION OF ATMOSPHERIC NITROGEN ON A COMMERCIAL SCALE. Besides constituting an important landmark in the devel- opment of agricultural science, the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen artificially is a notable matter at the present time, on account of the faet that those countries which are subjected to a blockade in the present war have largely to depend upon this method for obtaining substitutes for nitrate of soda. The Louisiana Planter for May 29 contains an instructive article _on the subject from the pen of Dr. H. C. Prinsen Geerligs, and in this the different methods utilized are described. The idea of utilizing atmospheric nitrogen originat- ed with the British chemist, Sir William Crookes, and for many years now nitric acid has been made from nitrogen and oxygen of the atmosphere by forcing air through a chamber in which a very powerful electric lamp burns in a magnetic field. It will be unnec- essary to describe in this article the various reactions which take place subsequent to the production of calcium nitrate, a salt which has already obtained considerable popularity as an artificial fertilizer. A second method of fixation of atmospheric nitrogen is the heating of calcium carbide in a current of pure nitrogen gas. This method gives rise to the well-known calcium cyanamide, which so far has not proved very satisfactory as a manure. A third and particularly interesting method consists in conducting a current of nitrogen gas over aluminium carbide, which has previously been prepared in an electric furnace from aluminium oxide and carbon. The reaction which follows, turns the aluminium into aluminium nitride, while a current of carbon monoxide escapes, which may be used as fuel. The aluminium nitride in its turn is transformed into aluminium oxide and ammonia, of which the former may be used as a raw material for the manufacture of metallic aluminium, while the latter is the nitrogenous material desired. Vor. XIV. No. 346. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. A new method, which is based on quite another principle, is the direct combination of nitrogen and hydrogen under pressure at somewhat elevated temperature in the presence of a catalytic agent. Under favourable circumstances a mixture of both gases combine to a very small percentage, while the reaction does not go farther as it is reversible, and will cease as soon as the certain equilibrium is attained. The mixture is sufficiently cooled to enable the ammonia to be tapped off in liquid form, and then the remaining mixture is again treated as before. Some general considerations on the subject of nitrogen fixture are given by Dr. Geerligs in the journal above-quoted. It is pointed out that the source of energy used to bring about the desired combination is principally water power, which is inexhaustible as well as cheap. At the present time, however, only about 10 per cent. of the nitrogenous substances used in the world are obtained synthetically. Pertinent to the subject of this article is the report, already referred to in this journal, that the German Fermentation Industry Institute has found a means of converting the nitrogen of ammonia into albuminoids by means of the growth of yeast in a liquid containing sugar, ammonium sulphate and other salts. By forcing air through the liquid, the yeast is induced to grow very vigorously, and to form a large amount of organic matter. The dry substance formed is equal to the weight of the sugar employed, and about 40 per cent. of the dry substance formed thus, consists of albumen. These remarks indicate that in the near future it will be possible to obtain plant food and plant material itself of a nitrogenous kind on an unlimited seale artificially. The establishment of an industry capable of gaining such achievements would constitute an enormously valuable asset to any country depending on outside sources for its food supply. Jamaica Agricultural Society.—At the monthly meeting of the Board of Management of the Jamaica Agricultural Society held on May 20, 1915, some interesting matters were discussed, and a report has beeu published in the Journal of the Society for June 1915. Concerning the subject of bananas, a table of analyses of banana meal made at the Imperial Institute is reproduced, which shows that while this material should prove useful locally as a supple- mentary food, it will not compare in nutritive value with either wheat flour or maize meal. Another reference to bananas is that which refers to an attempt made by the Society to persuade the authorities at home to utilize banana figs as food for the troops. These overtures appear to have been unsuccessful, though it is understood that a considerable quantity of banana figs has been sent to Great Britain as a war gift. A fairly lengthy discussion took place at this meeting -on the subject of Indian corn. Several of the branch societies have sent in resolutions urging that the Government should give preference to locally grown corn. The Government, though pleased to co-operate in the endeavour to substitute native corn for the imported at present used at the various institutions, point out that in the past it has been difficult, if mot impossible, to get properly dried native corn of good quality that will keep. Corn weighing, say, 64 to 66 Ib. to ‘the bushel, which was often supplied, would not keep; the -grain should be dried and sold at not more than 60 Ib. to the bushel. The Society suggests that a central depdt should be established to which the corn could be sent, dried, and sold in large quantities to the consumer. It appears that the “merchants in Kingston under these conditions are also quite willing to co-operate and support the local industry. LIVE STOCK NOTES. PIG FEEDING. The following note, taken from the Agricultural Guzette of New South Wales, deals with the subject of pig feeding in enclosures, a system deserving of consideration in the West Indies. It will be noticed that the writer refers to certain temperate food crops hike rape and mangel wurzels; for these can be substituted in the West Indies crops like Guinea corn and sweet potatoes. The method of feeding which I think is the best, is to erect pig-proof fences, euclosing about 4 or 5 acres each, plant with maize in the spring, and turn in the pigs of all stages of growth. It will be found that not a grain will go to waste, but care must be taken to allow the pigs access to water. After they have finished the paddock, turn them into another, and plough the finished paddock and sow rape, field peas, vetches or mangel wurzels. Rape is one of the most valuable fodders for running pigs on; it is fit to feed off in about six weeks from sowing, and will last right through the winter if the land is well drained. Pigs of all ages thrive well on rape. Field peas and vetches are also crops on which pigs make rapid growth. All these are good for sows that are rearing litters. After the pigs are large enough to fatten, shut them up and top off with maize, milk, ete. I find that pigs fatten very quickly on maize after running on rape and other succulent crops. Moreover, this method cleans the land and puts it in good order for ploughing next spring. I have pulled very heavy crops of maize off land so treated and attribute the result to the fertilizing qualities of the manure... While on the subject of food, the importance of the mangel wurzel should be mentioned. Pigs are very fond of them, and thrive very quickly on them. The seeds are very shy to germinate, but they sometimes grow to a weight of 30 to 40 tb. each, and they are excellent keepers in the store and the ground. Lucerne is one of the best foods for pigs; in fact, it is almost indispensable on a well- regulated pig farm. It is an excellent diet at all stages of a pig’s growth, and sows with litters, mother them well when fed on lucerne. In fattening with maize greater progress is made when lucerne or alfalfa is added to their diet. Arrowroot and sugar-cane are also excellent food, but take two long to mature. It is desirable to find faster maturing crops, and I think we have them in imphi, rape, vetches, field peas, mangels, and lucerne. The most prized breeds of pigs are the Berkshire and the Poland China, and they cross with satisfactory results with any other breed. The Iarger breeds of pigs, such as the Tamworth and British Black, make too rapid growth without putting on the required amount of fat,and consequently become too weighty for first-class baconers. But when crossed with a fat-producing pig like the Poland China, they cannot be surpassed. The Poland China is looked upon in America as a lard-producing pig, and I find that of all the breeds of pigs (and I have had to do with them all) this breed will fatten when others will only keep in good condition, MARKET REPORTS. London.—Tue Wesr Inpra Commirree CrrcuLar, June 15, 1915. AKkrowRoot—2}d. to 43d. Batara—Sheet, 2/2#; block, 1/11 per th. Breeswax—No quotations. Cacao-—Trinidad, 726 to 77/- per ewt.; Grenada, 70/- to 77/-; Jamaica, no quotations. Corrre—Jamaica, 49s. to 50s. Corra—West Indian, £22 per ton. Corron—Fully Fine no quotations; Floridas, no quota- tions; West Indian Sea Island, 16d. to 163d. Frvit—No quotations. Fustic—No quotations. Gincer—Jamaica, 55/- to 70/-. IstyGiass—No quotations. Honey—No quotations. Live Juice—Raw, 3/3 to 3 9; concentrated, no quotations; Otto of limes (hand-pressed), no quotations. Locwoop—No quotations Mace—9d. to 2/11d. Nurmecs—4}d. to 5¢d. Pimento—1{/. to 2,4. Rusger—Para, fine hard, 2/7; fine soft, 2/2; Castilloa, 1/7. Rom—Jamaica, 3/6. New York.—Messrs. Gituespm Bros., & Co., July 8, 1915. Cacao—Caracas, lic. to 15}c.; Grenada, lic. to 15%c.; Trinidad, 154c. to 18c.; Jamaica, 124c. to 13c. Coco-Nuts—Jamaica and ‘Trinidad selects, $26°00 to $27-00; culls, $16-00 to $17:00. Corrre—Jamaica, 7jc. to 11e. per th. Grncer—12$c. to 6c. per tb. Goat Sxriys—Jamaica, 43c.; Antigua and Barbados, 40c. to 43c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 38c. to 40c. per Ib. Grare Frvuir—Jamaica, $2°00 to $2°50. Limes.—$3-00 to $4-00. Macr—47ec. to 5le. per th. Nurmecs—lle. to 11%e. Orances—Jamaica, $2°00 to $2°25. Pimenro—3be. per th. Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 4:95c.; Muscovados, 89°, 4:30c.; Molasses, 89 , 4°17c., all duty paid. Trinidad.—Messrs. Gorpon, Grant & Co., July 12, 1915. Cacao—Venezuelan, $15°50 to $16°25; Trinidad, $16°50 to 17-00. : Coco-nur Or—S83e. per Imperiai gallon. Corree—Venezuelan, 12c. to 13c. per tb. Corra—$3°75 per 100 th. Dxat—No quotations. Ontons—$1°20 to $2°25 per 100 tb. Peas, Sprit—$12°00 per bag. Porarors—English $2°00 to $2°25 pex 100 te. Rice—Yellow, $6:00 to $6°25; White, $5°60 to S$5°75 per bag. Sucar—American crushed, no quotations. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Jury 31, 1915. Barbados.—Messrs. T. $8. Garraway & Co., July 26, 1915. Arrowroot—S$4°00 to S4-50 per LOO tb. Cacao—$1400 to $14°50 per 100 tb. Coco-nuts—$16°00. Hay—$1°'90 per 100 fh. Manures—Nitrate of soda, no quotations; Cacao manure, 550°00; Sulphate of ammonia $85°00 per ton. Mo rassrs—No quotations. Ontons—$3-00 to $4°25 per 190 ib. Peas, Sptrr—no quotations; Canada, $5°40. Porarors—Nova Scotia, $3°25 per 160 tb. Rice—Ballam, $6°00 to $6°10 per 190 1b.; Patna, no quota. tions; Rangoon, no quotations. Svucar—American granulated, no quotations. British Guiana.—Messrs. Wietinc & Ricurer, June 26, 1915; Messrs. SanpbacH, Parker & Co, July 9, 1915. a a = _,.|Messrs. Sanp- STGIYGRIG | Messrs. WIETING | ARTICLES. Senior | BACH, : PARKER | a Co. Arrowroot—St. Vincent} — $1000 Barata— Venezuela block) —-- ——_ Demerara sheet —— — Gacko— Native 4c. to ldc. per tb.) 16e. per fb. - Cassava— 96e. to $1:20 | == Cassava STARCH— —— | —— Coco-nuts— $10 to $15 per M.| $18 per M. Corrre—Creole —— ld4c. per th. Jamaica and Rio|14e. to Lc. per Ib.) 144c¢ to L5e. Liberian 10c. per th. | 10c. per tb. Drat— | aS Green Dhal | — = Eppors— $144 —* Motasses—Yellow None pee Ontons—Teneritie — | 4c. per fb. Madeira — — PEas—Split $12-00 to $12°50 |$13-00 to $14-00 er bag. (210 tb. Marseilles — } E a @) ) PLANTAINS— | 6c. to 48c. | — Porarors—Nova Scotia $400 } $450 Lisbon — — Porarors--Sweet, B’bados $2-00 — Rice—Ballam No quotation — Creole $5°50 to $5-75 $5°50 to $5°75- TANNIAS— — are Yams— White - — Buck $2°64 Suear—Dark crystals $3°75 $3°75 Yellow $4°25 to $4°35 $4°25 White — — Molasses $3°10 — TimbeER—GREENHEART 82c. to 5dc. per | 32c. to 5dc. per cub. foot cub. foot Wallaba shingles) $4°00 to $6°25 $4:00 to $6°00 per M. per M. 5, Cordwood} $1°80 to $2:00 —_ per ton eee fr, ‘ ‘THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture FOR THE WEST INDIES. The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. A Quarterly Scientific Journal. Volume 1. No. 1. Out of print. Nos. 2, 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price Ls. each. Post free, ls. 2d.; Volumes II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII and XITI:—Price 2s. each; Post free 2s. 8d., where complete. (III, 2. IV, 3; and V,2 and 3 are out of print.) Volume XIV, Nos. 1, 2,3 and 4. No. 4 Containing Papers on: The Production of Pork and Bacon; A new Industry for the West Indies, by Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G.; Commerce and Science in Cotton Growing, by John W. McConnel; Bordeaux Mixture; Some Sugar Factory Calculations, boy Dr. Francis Watts, G.M.G.; Sugar Industry in Cuba, by Niel Deerr; Report on Land Settlement Scheme in St. Lucia: Memorandum en the Geology of the Ground Waters of Antigua, by T. Wayland Vaughan; The Ground Waters of Antigua, by Dr. H. A. Tempany; and Cotton Leaf Diseases, by W. Nowell, D.I.C. PAMPHLET SERIES. The Pamphlets are wriften ina simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially adapted to West Indian conditions. They contain, amongst other subjects, summaries of the results of the experiment work on sugar-cane and manures, the full official reports of which have only a limited circulation. The number issued up to the present time is seventy-five. 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Some numbers of the early volumes are out of print and therefore these volumes can no longer be supplied complete. The scale of charges for ADVERTISEMENTS may be obtained on application to the Agents. A applications for opies are to be addressed to the Agents, not to the Department. Agents. The following have been appointed Agents for the sale of the publications of the Department:— London: Messrs. Dutau & Co., 37, Soho Square, W. West [ypra Commirrer, 15, Seething Lane. Barbados: Apvocate Co. Lrp., Broad Street, Bridgetown. Jamaica: THe EpucationaL Suppry Company, 16, King Street, Kingston. British Guiana: Tae ‘Datry Curonicie’ Orrice, Georgetown. Trinidad: Messrs. Murr-Marsuati & Co., Port-of-Spain. St. Kitts: THe Brste AND Book Suprty AGENCY, BAssETERRE. Fobago: Mr. C. L. Puacemann, Scarborough. Nevis: Messrs. Howett, Bros., Charlestown. Canada: Lewrs W. Ciemens, 71 King Street, West, Toronto, Grenada: Messrs. Tuos. Lawtor & Co., St. George. St. Vincent: Mr. J. D. Bonapre, “Times’ Office. St. Lucia: Mr. R. W. Nixes, Botanic Station. Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. Bripcewater, Roseau. Montserrat: Mr. W. Rosson, Botanic Station. Antigua: Mr. S. D. Manone, St. John’s. yn Vou. XIV. No. 346. THE AGRICULTURAL XEWS? Juty 31, 1915. _ - _ 2. Pl ~ ee ——-- THE BEST MANURES FOR COLONIAL USE - 2 A Rea Dissolved Peruvian Guano—Fer Sugar-cane and general use Special Sugar-cane Manure Special Cocoa Manure i Special Cotton Manure Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Superphosphates, (high grades), Potash Salts, Nitrolim and all other high-class Fertilizers. APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS ‘OR DIRECT TO:— THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) GUANO WORKS. London Ageney: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C. Barbados Agents: James A. Lyneh & Co., Ltd., Bridgetown, COTTON CULTIVATION IN THE WEST INDIES. ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE. HIS illustrated booklet, published as No. 74 of the Pamphlet Series of the Imperial Department of Agriculture, gives a simple but comprehensive account of all matters pertaining to the successful production of Sea Island cotton in the West Indian islands. The publication constitutes an entirely new and up to date edition of the A B C of Cotton Cultivation published by the Department in the early stages of the mdustry, and embraces all the new developments that have since been the outcome of practical experience and experiment. NATURE says:—‘This comprehensive account of Sea Island cotton in the West Indies. . . . forms a very trust- worthy guide to those concerned in the... industry... the pamphlet is very well illustrated; the general imforma- tion has been selected with great care, and the compilers are to be congratulated on the preparation of so useful a manual.’ THK KEW BULLETIN observes:—‘The information contained in the work has evidently been selected with great care. . . and should certainly be consulted not alone by West Indian planters but by those interested in the subject in other cotton-producing countries.’ THE #IELD states:—‘An admirable little booklet which might be widely iniitated by other parts of the tropical} Empire, as regards not only cotten but other products.’ Favourable notices have also appeared in the India Rubber World and The Bowd of Trade Jownal. COTTON CULTIVATION IN THE WEST INDIES, pp. 118, Figs. 35. Price 9d. Post free, 11d, From all Agents for the Department's Publications. Printed at Office of Agricultura] Reporter 4 High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados. ia SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 1915. {One penny. 7.) WEST THE UNITED KINGDOM ‘CANADA /DEMERARA and PARAMARIBO /-PANAMA CANAL and PACIFIC PORTS { R. M. S. P. FROM THE INDIES PORTS OF CALL Azores, St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Dominica, | Montserrat, Antigua, St. Kitts, | Bermuda, Halifax, N.S., & St. John (N.B.) Grenada & Trinidad. Trinidad, Puerto Colombia, Cartagena, Colon, Panama, Callao, Iquique, Antopagasta and Valparaiso. | UNITED KINGDOM TO | I } & JAPAN. BRAZIL, URUGUAY & ARGENTINA Via Spain, Portugal, Madeira & St. Vincent. | REGULAR SAILINGS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM TO REGULAR MAIL, PASSENGER AND CARGO SERVICES FROM THE Head Office: 18, Moorgate Street, London. Branches at BARBADOS, Trinidad, Tobago, Colon, Jamaica, Antilla, New York, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, etc. Containing (Mr. Advancement of Tempany; beans), by W. Antigua M.R.C.V.S., E JOST WEST a papers on: The Science); Montserrat, by Francis Watts, Island of Redonda! by Dr. Hi. AG Feeding and Manurial Value (compiled A.V.C.) THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. | a LSSOL DPS INDIAN BULLETIN. Vol. XV, No. 1. (Index number). Development ot Agricultural C.M.Gs D.Se.: Tempany; of Lime Seeds, by Skin Diseases of notes of P. T. Dunlop; trom the SPACK Agriculture A. D. Hall’s Addresses to the British Association for the Industries Report on the Note on Drgke the Poisonous Forms of Phaseo/us (unatus (Lima Cattle in Saunders, the A, THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE AVAILABLE ——— ‘THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE COTTON FACTORY, LTD. | COTTON GINNERS, OIL REFINERS AND PLANTATION SUPPLIERS. IMPORTERS OF WEST INDIAN ot | Quotations made Cotton See on application for the «lfrom the neighnouring Islands. COTTON FACTORY, LIMITED, WHITE PARK, BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. August 6, 1915. FOR ADVERTISEMENT. COTTON SEED. purchase of SS ———— A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW OF THE LIBRAR NEW YO! BOTANIC, GARUGEN IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. Vou. XIV. No. 347. BARBADOS, AUGUST 14, 1915. Price ld. — —— CONTENTS. PAGE. PAGE. Ankylostomiasis in Funeus Notes (Cont’d.): ITONGOAMS.! ise tecel voc SOU Successful Spraying of Bengal, Scientific Agricul | Palm Trees in India... 270 ture in ey es 209) ||Gleaningameemee- =. cs «ss 200 Birds, Value of 257 | Insect Notes: Butter, Effect of Cane | Top Fodder on the Con- Caterpillars Attacking Sugar-cane... .. . 266 sistency of ... ... ,.. 263] Insect Pests in Barbados Cacao, Manuring of... ... 263 | in TSWS4s.) as 2O6 Cacao and Rabber, Com- Market Reports ... ... 272 mercial Notes on... SOFie Milk, Cleariteets.ce fs. th (262 Citrus Manurial Experi | Notes and Comments... 264 ments in Porto Rico ... 261 Phosphorus, Importance of 259 Coco-nut Estate, Measur | Pine-apple Planting, Some ing the Development | Experiments m ... 260 Oiesiess. ... ... 260! Rainfall and the ‘Degree Coffee Pulp as Manure ... 265] of Wetness’ ... ... 0... 265 Cotton Notes:— } Soil Moisture, Conserva- Annual Report of the |} tionof ... 5 bem) soe PANT! British Cotton Grow- Sugar Industry: ing Association for 1914 262 British Cane Sugar... 208 West Indian Cotton ... 262 West Indian Sugar in Departmental Reports ... 263) London... ... ... ... 269 Dye, A New Vegetable ... 262 | Telephone Troubles in the Bgret and Heron Rearing TropicSieremics.| vss ee. BOL in Madagascar . 2... 269) Vegetable Products, New 264 Foodstuffs, Tropical, Diges- | Weeds, Blow Lamp for tibility of some 961)| Wallitioueeeee e627, Fungus Notes: | Weeds, Eradicating with Lime as a Factor in Re- | Manure... .. nae DOt sistance to Disease ... 270! West Indian Products ... 271 The Value of Birds. WEAWS for the protection of wild birds during ide, NG aan seasons have been passed by most — =z civilized countries in recent years, and many of the West Indian Colonies have not been backward in this respect. Such action has been taken because it has come to be generally accepted that birds are very indispensable alles to man m his struggle for existence, especially to the agriculturist. It becomes necessary therefore to protect these allies from the indiscriminate destruction, which since the introduction of firearms, has been made easy. There are four incentives which lead to the slaughter of wild birds. First, many species are good for food; secondly, many species possess plumage which is prized for ornamental purposes; thirdly, many species have been looked upon, rightly or wrongly, as vermin to be exterminated if possible; and lastly, there is the reckless mischief of the small boy. It has been recorded from many places, that the wholesale destruction of any kind of bird for either of these four reasons, has led to disastrous results to ‘the farmer or planter, on account of the increase of pests which destroy his crops when the number of natural enemies of these pests has been very much dimin- ished. Hence the almost universal approval of laws for the protection of birds. Birds are beneficial to man’s interest not only when wild, as allies against the insect pests of his crops, but also as his servants when domesticated, and as assistants in his pursuit of knowledge, especially with regard to the laws which govern heredity and the transmission of characteristics from parents to offspring. It may be of interest to take some examples of well-known West Indian birds, and to point out how they are of use to the West Indian farmer or planter, and in fact to the whole community. bird’ of Barbados, Quiscalus fortirostris, is not wholly beneficial It has been argued that the ‘black to that island, because it has frequently been observed as a pest in fields of corn, and also destroys a good deal of fruit. When, however, the great number of grubs and other insects which it chiefly feeds on is taken into consideration, it would seem that it would be 258 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Aucust 14, 1915. very bad policy to attempt any.diminntion of its numbers. ’ Another valuable insect-eating bird is found in most of the smaller West Indian islands in 7yrannus sp. It isknown in Barbados as ‘rain-bird’, in Antigua as ‘loggerhead’, and in the Virgin Islands as ‘chicheree’. There is some ground for believing that the species of the Northern Islands is ditferent to the one in Barkados, being a bolder and somewhat stouter bird. This bird lives exclusively on insects, taking them chiefly on the wing all day long, even up to late dusk. A further example of a useful group of birds are the wood- peckers, common in Trinidad and elsewhere. It be noted, however, that in Trinidad birds, as a whole, are not considered to play an important part in keepmg down insect pests. may It is a pity that laws cannot protect some birds from other enemies than men. The the East Indian mongoose into many of the West introduction of Indian islands, in order to destroy the rats which infested the cane-fields, has led in some of the smaller islands to the exte:mination of some of the most useful birds. Tne ‘tick-bird’ of Jamaica, Crofophaga Ani, known in the Leeward and Windward Islands as ‘black witch’, Its chief food con- sists of the ticks which are sucha pest on beasts in these islands. The mongoose has from Antigua, and nearly done the same in St. Croix, and subsequently, if not consequently, the plague of ticks on cattle has immensely increased. is most useful to stock farmers. exterminated it Another case of extermination by the mongoose is that of the quail, Ortya virginianus. This bird, like most of the grallatores, feeds not only on insects, but also on small seeds, and is therefore an example of another way in which birds help man’s agriculture by consuming yreat quantities of seeds of weeds. The numerous flocks of quail formerly met with in Antigua and St. Croix are no longer to be seen. In many of the islands the little ground doye, Chamaepelia passerina, which performs the same useful function of eating the seeds of weeds, has had its numbers much decreased by the mongoose, which is able to get at the eggs of this and the two last mentioned species, on account of their habit of nesting -either on or near to the ground. The domestication of birds is of importance with regard to their relationships with mankind. ‘The darmyard birds, from turkeys to pigeons, are worth attention, as affording a nutritious and dainty supply of flesh food. Eggs, as everyone knows, may be made nutriment for human beings—great advances have been made of recent years in improving the fertility of the egg-laying bird-servants Besides this use, a flock of fowls or turkeys on an estate helps to keep down insect pests. many insects one of the domestic birds will devour, if the basis of of men. It is astonishing how given a free run, in the course of twenty-four hours. Aquatic domesticated birds, like the duck, are also valuable in tropical countries for the manner in which they help to keep down mosquitoes. When a duck is dabbling in water no mosquito larva that comes within the strainers at the edge of its bill escapes. Considering the number of species of birds, it is rather surprising that so few have been domesticated. From time to time there is an attempt made to add to this number. Possibly'the cultivation of the ostrich, for the sake of shearing him of his ornamental plumes, is the most conspicuous success in this direction in modern times. Recently, however, success has attended the rear- ing of the egret, or white heron, in captivity, for the same object. Perhaps there is an opening for enterprise in this direction as to other birds, now wild in the tropics, sought for, and too imdiseriminately killed for the sake of their plumage. Modern ‘scientific men who are, on Mendelian lines, trying to solve the problems of heredity, and the transmission of characteristics from generation to generation, find their most useful assistants in the domestic birds, especially the ordinary farmyard fowl. Their fertility, and the comparatively short interval between generations make them easy subjects for study on these lines. The future will probably show a still greater appreciation of the debt mankind owes to our feathered allies.* SUGAR INDUSTRY. BRITISH CANE SUGAR. In discussing the sugar situation in this Journal at the beginning of the present year, a suggestion was put forward (see Agricultural News for February 13, 1915, p, 50) that each Department of Agriculture in the big undeveloped colonial possessions of the Empire, should forward to a central office a report on the prospects before an extension of cane- growing in each colony, respectively. It is now satisfactory to be able to state, that during the last six months the West India Committee has taken the matter up with considerable energy, *For further information on West Indian birds see West Tndian Bulletin, Vols. II, TV, and V. ee Pte Vout. XIV. No. 347. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 259 and that in the last few issues of the West Zndit Committee Circular there has appeared correspondence relating to the subject under consideration. It will be realized that the objeet has been to make enquiry as to whether it would be possible in the near future for the British tropics to produce a sufficient quantity of sugar to make Great Britain independent of continental supplies. From the information that has been published in the Hest India Committee Crrculur, it would appear that there is more than enough suitable land awaiting cultivation, but before any large areas could be planted it would be necessary to make arrangements in regard to the supply of labour, and, in many places, in regard to irrigation, drainage, and the provision of central factories. Referring to the northern provinces of Nigeria, My. P. H. Lamb, the Director of Agriculture. expresses the view that in the event of preferential treatment being given to colonial cane sugar, the possibilities of Nigeria as a source of supply are well worthy of careful enquiry. In speaking ot the conditions under which cane can be grown in the northern provinces, Mr. Lamb states that irrigation is essential but should offer little difficulty along the river flats of the Niger or Benue. Here, it is said, suitable sites for very large plantations could be found, and in connexion with such situ- ations it should be remembered that water transport is very economical. A plentiful supply of unskilled labour would be forthcoming at about 1s. per day. With reference to the southern provinces of Nigeria, Mr. W. H. Johnson, Director of Agriculture, states that he is of opinion that vast areas of land in the vicinity of the various rivers and creeks in this country are admirably adapted for sugar growing under irrigation. It is admitted, however, that some difficulties might be encountered in regard to labour supply. In this connexion it has to be farther borne in mind that there are difficulties as regards draft animals in Nigeria owing to the fatal nature of the disease known as Trypanosomiasis. Conditions would, however, appear to be favourable for traction which, on a large scale, would probably prove far more economical. Turning to the possibilities of introducing cane culti- vation into East Africa, a letter appearsin the West India Committee Circular for July 13, 1915, from Mr. H. Powell, Chief of the Economie Plant Division, in which it is stated that there are nearly 330,000 acres of land suitable for ‘cane cultivation, in that Protectorate. This area would produce at the lowest estimate 650,000 tons of sugar per annum, or very nearly one-third of the consumption of the United Kingdom. In the reports received from the above mentioned colonies, it may be of interest to record that in each case it is stated that West Indian seedling canes are at present under trial, and are showing evidence of being suited to local conditions. Previous to the above information concerning Africa, the West India Committee had published official reports from British Guiana, Mauritius, Fiji, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Leeward Islands, showing that under favourable conditions these colonies alone could produce more than enough sugar to meet the requirements of the United Kingdom, and displace the German and Austrian sugar, on which consumers in the United Kingdom were mainly dependent before the war. For example, it is estimated that British Guiana could produce 2,500,000 tons, which is as much as is imported into the United Kingdom from Germany in normal years. WEST INDIAN SUGAR IN LONDON. The Produce Murkets’ Review for July 10, 1915, publishes the the following statement in connexion with the prices for West Indian sugar in the London Market:— The supply of West Indian Crystallised continues im excess of the demand, and values are in some instances again rather lower. It is difficult to account for this weakness, as the sugar is the cheapest grocery kind obtainable. It is cheaper than Yellow Crystals and could be sold at the same price in the shops, but of late years the distributor has. regarded Demerara as an article of luxury, which should fetch in consequence a higher price than White Sugar. This is of course absurd, and without discussing the relative merits of White or Brown or Yellow Sugar, the fact remains. that this season it is easier to buy West Indian Sugar in the market than any other kind, that it is purchasable at a lower price, that the profit to the retailer, even when sold at a popular figure, is remunerative, and finally, that the Sugar in question is British grown, and should, therefore, come into greater prominence, now that the United Kingdom has to- look far afield for her supplies of Cane Sugar. The Importance of Phosphorus.—The Ohic- Agricultural Experiment Station has recently issued an important scientific publication consisting of a review of the literature of phosphorus compounds in animal metabolism. Running to nearly 750 pages this lengthy and exhaustive- memoir presents for the benefit of the research student all the important facts that are known concerning the part: played by phosphorus in the animal system. To give the reader an idea of the importance of phosphorus, the following may be quoted from the- introduction to the volume:— ‘Among the several inorganic elements involved in animal life phosphorus is of especial interest. No other one- enters into such a diversity of compounds and plays an important part in so many functions. Structurally, it. is. Important as a constituent of every cell nucleus and so of all cellular structures; it is also prominent in the skeleton, in milk, in sexual elements, glandular tissue, and the nervous- system. Functionally, it is involved in all cell multiplication, in the activation and control of enzyme actions, in the- maintenance of neutrality in the organism, in the conduct of nerve stimuli, and through its relation to osmotic pressure, surface tension and imbibition of water by colloids, it has to do with the movement of liquids, with the maintenance of proper liquid contents of the tissues, with cell movements, and. with absorption and secretion.’ A lengthy bibliography (120 pages), and an exhaustive- index are appended to the book. The age of goats according to their teeth is noted on in the Haperiment Station Record, Vol. XXXII, No. 9. It appears that the termination of the period during which the incisors are replaced is nearly the same in goats as in early maturing sheep. The period between the replacing of the first and second incisors in sheep is about two months shorter than in goats, but the interval between the second and third pairs is shorter in goats. The temporary molars. are replaced earlier in goats than in sheep, in goats shorter before the cutting of the third, in sheep only after the cutting: of the latter or at the same time. 260 FRUIT AND FRUIT TREES. MEASURING THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COCO-NUT ESTATE. In his recent book on the Coco-nut, reviewed in this Volume on page 5, Dr. Copeland deseribes work that has been directed by him with a view to determining, by means of measurements, the rate of development of any coco-nut grove. It will be readily realized that the suecessful application of a scientific method such as this, would be a distinct advance on the present system of reporting, based on personal opinion. The following is Dr. Copeland’s account of what has been done:— During the past four years I have had made by students in the Philippine College of Agriculture a very extensive set of determinations of the rate of growth of coco-nut leaves. The total number of determinations of this kind to date is between ninety and one hundred thousand. The work is intended to give each student thorough first-hand knowledge of the rate at which the leaves of the coco-nuts may be expected to grow, of the influence of treatment, weather conditions, etc., upon the rate of growth, to qualify him to determine, by measurements of the rate of growth, the con- dition of coco-nut trees, or plantations, and their probable future production, and to give him such technical expertness that he car make these determinations rapidly and acen- rately. The trees at the College of Agriculture are on land which is not well adapted to this crop. The soil is shallow and heavy, and there is not at all times a proper supply of ground water. Moreover, the trees were largely infested by beetles when the land was purchased, and such trees never grow as rapidly as healthy ones would grow. Some of the trees were about ready to come into bearing when the land was bought, but others were so young that they have not yet come to maturity. The average of all the determinations which have been made here would therefore not be a fair figure as an indication of what ought to be expected from coco-nuts. In one of the groves which is best situated, and in which the sound trees are now in bearing, there are groups of trees in which the average growth of the youngest visible leaf is more than 4 centimetres a day. I believe that this figure may be taken as what ought to be expected of any coconuts on a tolerably well situated and managed estate. Really good conditions or management will give higher figures than this. Thus, the nine trees observed by one student for the week ending November 25, 1911, showed the following growth in millimetres: 324, 399, 390, 427, 336, 345, 338, 375, 415. Tree No. 4, to choose one at random, showed the following growth at weekly intervals from August 24, 1911, to February 28, 1912: 316, 319, 217, 293, 395,391, 462, 444, 403, 406, 798 (two 422, 437, weeks), 387, 367, 360, 349, 357, 347, 349, 351, 382, 384, 383, 382. Young trees grow considerably more slowly than do adult trees. There is a progressive increase in the rate of growth from the time that young trees are first well established in their permanent places, at least up to the time that they come into full fruit. It is probable that the average rate in a grove continues to increase beyond this time, but on this point there are no observations. There are likewise no deterininations of the rate of growth on the . 352, 365, THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 8 Aveusrt 14, 1915. leaves of very old trees, but there is no doubt that such leaves grow more slowy. On shallow and, therefore, dry soil, the growth is constantly less rapid than where the soil is deeper and moister. We have patches of trees in which the average rate of growth is not more than 25 millimetres a day. Such trees come into*bearing several years later than do trees 23 metres away on lower and deeper ground. There is a natural and very evident relation between the rate of growth of the leaves and the amount of produc-- tion of fruit. The rate of growth can be determined for most purposes within a few days so as to get an average for groves of considerable size. To get positive and reliable information as to the rate of production requires observations extending over many months. The easiest way in which one can secure reliable information as to the condition of a grove is, therefore, by determination of the rate of growth. This can be done in several different ways. The method which has proved most satisfactory is by drawing marks with Indian ink across the bases of the youngest and next youngest leaf, making one mark, half of which is on each leaf. The difference in height of the two halves of this mark, after one day or one week, shows the difference in rate of growth of the two leaves. A similar mark is placed on the base of the mext to the youngest leaf, called No. 2, and the third youngest, called No. 5. The break in this mark after a day or a week shows the difference in growth between these two leaves. Similarly the difference between the growth of leaf No. 3 and leaf No. 4, of leaf No. 4 and leaf No. 5, and of leaf No. 5 and leaf No. 6, is determined. The lowest mark, which remains unbroken, will be on the two youngest leaves which have ceased to grow. The sum of the observed breaks in the marks is the growth of the youngest leaf for the period in question. On active trees at least four leaves ought always to show growth. It is common for five leaves to grow, but rare for six leaves to do so at the same time. ‘The youngest two leaves frequently grow. at the same rate. Successive older ones grow progressively more slowly, so that the oldest one which grows at all grows very slowly indeed. Growth is always more rapid during the night than during the day. The difference between night and day is much more marked in unsuitably dry weather than it is when the trees are well supplied with water. The etfect of drought is likewise greater on young trees than on adult ones, and the difference between night and day is greater in younger trees when they are unduly dry than it is in older trees. Extreme drought brings a practical cessation of the growth of young seedlings. “a 2a Some Experiments in Pine-apple Planting. — Jxperiments have been conducted at the Philippine College of Agriculture with the following objects: (1) to test the varieties known elsewhere in the islands side by side with the varieties formerly grown here; (2) to compare planting in furrows and on ridges; (38) to test the effect of irrigation; (4) to determine the effect of certain manures; (5) to determine rates of growth; (6) to compare ratoons, suckers, slips, and crowns as planting stock. It has been found as a result, that pine-apples planted 1 by | metre have sufficient space for cultivation, and there is no overcrowding in the plants. This distance may be decreased in the rows if desired. The leaves at the butt of the plant should be pulled off before planting. This permits better rooting and ealier growth. The following varieties are recommended as very suitable for being grown on ridges; Vor. XIV. No. 347. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 261 Smooth Cayenne, Sugar Loaf, Hawaiian No. 275, Japanese, Costa, and Baboy. The growing ou ridges is, on the whole, ‘better than that in the furrows, anc in some varieties, as in the Smooth Cayenne, Costa and Baboy, the flowering is earlier. As regards the result of manurial experiments, it is stated that the application of fertilizers cansed-rapid growth, and the production of large plants with large, dark-green fleshy leaves, but did not affect the time of flowering. The weight of the fruit of the Smooth Cayenne averaged more when grown on the ridges than in the furrows. [tis reccommended that Smooth Cayenne and Sugar Loaf should be grown from suck- ers, and the Costa and the Baboy varieties from crowns. Further details in regard to these experiments may be had by reference to the Philippine Agriculturist and Forester for May 1915. : CITRUS MANURIAL EXPERIMENTS IN PORTO RICO. Some important manurial experiments have been earried out in Porto Rico with oranges and grape fruit, and the results are published in Bullefin No. 18 of the Agricultural Experiment Station. The response to manuring was very prompt, -and the eéffect pro- nounced on both trees and quantity of fruit produced. The weight of fruit per tree harvested from the controls was but 27 per cent. of that from the trees given a complete fertilizer. The fruit ripened earher im the control plots than in the manured plots. The following are the general conclusions arrived at:— The theory that fertilizer requirements for a plant may ‘be determined definitely by the chemical analysis of the soil in which it is growing has been abandoned, as the food elements may be present in abundance, but insoluble or too slowly available to the plants for their support. The analyses of the orchard soils where these experiments were are, however, of unusual value, as ‘they show the actual quantity of food elements in the soil which may become available for the trees, and that these elements are present in such small quantities that a thrifty profitable orchard could not be maintained without the addition of fertilizer. It would be impossible to give a formula which would provide for the fertilizer needed ‘in all orchards in Porto Rico, although the results of the experiments under consider- ation point to one which may be recommended for those having like conditions. As the weather conditions in the citrus-growing sections on the north-side of the island are almost uniform, this will include localities where the soil is of a rather compact, red, sandy clay, or red, sandy clay loam. Practically all the land in the citrus-growing sections on the north side of the island except the sandy beach land answers this description. For trees of the age of those in the experiment at the time the -harvests were recorded, a fertilizer formula providing for 3 per cent. nitrogen, 12 percent. phosphoric acid, and 12 per cent. potash is recommended. This formula is suggested for use until the exact needs in ‘individual localities are determined. For older trees which have passed their maximum annual growth, it would probably be economical to decrease the nitrogen content slightly. The quantity of fertilizer required varies with the age and general conditions surrounding the tree, but the experiments indicate that for trees six’ to eight years old, which are producing good crops, 20 Ib. per tree should probably be the minimum. Much larger qiantities have ‘been applied in Porto Rico with good résults. DIGESTIBILITY- OF SOME TROPICAL FOODSTUFFS. The following abstract dealing with digestibility experiments is taken from the Maperiment Station Record:— Molassine meal is described as an English product composed of substantially 70 to 75 per cent. of cane or beet molasses, and from 25 to 30 per cent. of sphagnum moss, and has the following approximate composition: water 18°43, protein 9°32, fat 0-47, nitrogen-free extract 57°51, fibre 6°75, and ash 7°52 per cent. Six cows were fed by the reversal method in periods of three weeks’ duration, a basal ration of lov, wheat bran, and cotton seed meal, to which were added definite amounts of either molassine or corn meal. The totait average datly nutrients were somewhat less for the molassine ration than. for the corn meal ration. The cows produced siistauutially 14 per cent. more milk, and 16 per cent. more solids aul fat on the corn meal ration than they did on the molassine ration. The cost per quart of milk on the corn meal ration, was 3°le. per b., of butter 26c.; on the molassine meal ration 3°8 and 33c., respectively. Successful trials iu feeding this product to horses are also reported. Molasses as a feeding stuff is discussed. Analyses are given of cotton seed meal, cotton seed hulls, cotton seed hull bran, and cotton seed feed meal It was found that low grade cotton seed meal contained about 30 per cent. less digestible organic matter tian the high grade material. It is stated that the addition of hulls to cotton seed meal, even in small amounts, lessens its ‘veeding value by decreasing its protein content and impairing its digestibility. Cotton seed feed meal containing choice cotton seed meal and cotton seed hull bran in equal parts has about one-half the feeding value of choice cotton seed meal. Cacao shells are described as hard, outside coating or bran of the cacao bean. Their use in this country as a feeding stuff has been quite limited, but in Europe they are used as a partial feed for horses and cattle, and as au adulterant for oil cakes. Large quantities are also used by the Swiss as a feed for draft oxen. It is held that they act as a stimulant to the nerves and muscles, and enable the animals to doa greater amount of work. An analysis is reported as follows: water 4:5, protein 13°9, fat 4°91, nitrogen- free extract 55°61, fibre 12°65, and ash 8-43 per cent. In feeding trials with wheat screenings the fibre did not appear to be at all digestible, indicating somewhat of a depress- ing effect upon the fibre digestibility of the hay, and the fibre contained in the weed seeds of the screenings was of decidedly inferior character. In chemical composition and digestibility the screenings did not appear to vary greatly from wheat bran. In experiments with sheep, the following coefficients of digestibility were obtained for the several products:— o a eS ay: i as a By et |. ie + B Sa 35 45 Kind of feed. 2 3 35 5 SEE SE -§& Molassine meal 61°98 11°74 = 71°90 — "(9°48 Coton seed feed meal 58:23 74:96 100°66 61°20 26°10 49°37 Cacao shells 57°52 11:47 100748 73°46 50°66 13°64 Wheat screen- ings 62-94 7179 «88:45 7319 COTTON. WEST INDIAN COTTON. Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool, write as follows, under date July 27, 1915, with refer- ence to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton:— There has been no enquiry for Sea Island cotton since our last report, and we see no prospect of much improvement until Belgium and Northern France are free of the German occupation. This report shows that the total exports of Sea Island cotton from the United States to Liverpool and Manchester, up to July 3, 1915, were 1085 and 1,819 bales, respectively. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BRITISH COTTON GROWING ASSOCIATION FOR 1914. The references to the West Indies which appear in this publication concern matters many of which are by this time familiar to our readers. In regard to the demand for Sea Island cotton it is pointed out that this fell away at the outbreak of the war and resulted in the decision arrived at by many planters in the West Indies to reduce their areas and cultivate inereased quantities of sugar and other produce, which at present command relatively higher prices than cotton. The situation changed however when a few months later the Council arranged for the Fine Spinners’ and Doublers’ Association to guarantee a minimum price for the cotton grown in the different West Indian islands during 1915-16 season. It may not be fully appreciated in the West Indies the large extent to which the British Cotton Growing Association was instrumental in bringing about this guarantee. Turning to more general matters connected with the work of the association, it is recorded that the association took part in the International Congress of Tropical Agricul- ture, and in the International Cotton Fibres and other Tropical Products Exhibition held about the same time. The Association generously offered several silver cups for the best exhibits of different kinds of cotton, and did everything in its power to stimulate increased interest in their crop. During the year the Association had the opportunity of meeting several of the Agricultural Officers from the different colonies and protectorates, including Mr. 8. Simpson, Director of Agriculture for Uganda; Mr. J. 8. J. McCall, Director of Agriculture for Nyasaland; and Mr. W. N. Sands, Agricultural Superintendent of St. Vincent. It is recorded in the report that the exports of cotton from the West Indies for the year ended September 30, 1914, amounted to 1,995,237 Ib. of Sea Island, and 416,125 bb. of Marie Galante cotton, giving a total of 6,000 bales of 400 th. each, and a value of £135,321. 262 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Avucust 14, 1915. Dan NEW _VEGETABLE DYE. The current interest in dyes renders the following note from the Haperiment Station Record worthy of some attention in the West Indies, especially as this orange dye can be wsed as a substitute for fustie:-— As a rule the trunk of an Osage orange tree is small in size, mis-shapen, and generally defective as a saw log, and, although because of the valuable properties of the wood (for wagon felloes especially,) closer utilization will scarcely be found in the use of any other wood, comparatively large amounts of waste are produced annually. Osage orange has long been used in Texas in a small way as adyewood. The roots, bark, and wood are chipped and boiled with water and a more or less permanent yellow is obtained from the extract. Asa result of the investiga- tion it was found that the quality and quantity of the dyestuff present is almost identical with that of fustie. Osage orange may be employed as a dyewood in all cases where fustic wood is used at present. The yellows produced by direct dyeing or by aluminum and tin mordants are too fugitive to be of commercial value. But the orange yellows, old gold, deep tan, olive and chocolate shades obtained with chromium and iron mordants are equal to, if not better than, those obtained with fustiec and are of sufficient fastness to be of commercial value. A domestic source of a yellow dyewood has been found that can advantageously replace a foreign material used at present. The mill waste alone from the present manufac- ture of Osage orange amounts to over 25,000 tons annually; and if this waste could be set down in the East for $10 or $12 per ton, it is believed that it could compete successfully with fustic, both from cost of production and quality of colour produced on dyeing. CLEAN MILK. The National Clean Milk Society (2 Soho Square, London W.), which has been formed to improve the milk supply of Great Britain and Ireland, has published a pamphlet showing how by a system of marks it is possible to conduet the inspection of dairy farms in an efficient and edueational manner. The score-card system which has been developed so largely in the United States for judging stock, agricultural produce, etc., has also been applied to the inspection of dairy farms, town dairies, ete. By making alterations that would bring the score-card more in touch with British condi- tions, it has been possible to arrive at what promises to be a most satisfactory way of judging of the sanitary condition of any farm that is producing milk for human consumption. The score-card is divided into two main sections: one section dealing with equipment, the other with methods, and 60 per cent. of the total marks is allotted to the latter. Most excellent explanatory notes are appended to the score-card, and are presumably intended for the guidance of the inspector. A perusal of them would be of great value to the farmer himself, for frequently lack of cleanliness is due more to failure to appreciate the necessity of being careful in the handling of such an important food as milk thanto any desire to evade regulations. Sanitary inspectors in particular should see this pamphlet, and if every landowner would take the trouble to observe how large a proportion of marks on the score-card depend upon the cowshed, there might be improvements in farm buildings. (Nature, July 1, 1915.) Vou. XIV. No. 347. BARBADOS: REPOR? ON TH LOCAL DEPART- MENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR 1913-14. The important work of the Department of Agriculture, namely, the experiments with sugarcane, is dealt with each year in a separate publication, but in the present report there appear brief references to this work which are of special interest. In regard to the yields of different plant canes ‘under cultivation, the following is stated: B.6450, cultivated on 1,079 acres, gave 25°63 tons of cane per acre; B.376 from 385 acres gave 23°33 tons of cane per acre; B.147 from 203 acres, gave 22:97 tons of canes per acre; and White Transparent from 67°75 acres, 20°57 tons of cane per acre. These figures refer to the black soil districts. In the red soil districts, the yields of the-plant canes were, on the average, as_ follows: B.6450 from 114 acres, 32 85 tons of eanes per acre; B.376 from 229 acres, 28°93 tons of canes per acre:and White Transparent from 10 acres, 24°21 tons of canes per acre. -\s regards ratoons, B.6450 has also behaved satisfactorily in comparison with White Transparent. In referring to the financial gain realized by the island through the introduction of B.6450, it is estimated that the increased yields would be, if 30,000 acres were. of B.6450, about 15,000 tons of sugar. The value of this would be about £160,000. Proceeding to an account of the cotton industry, mention is made of the selection work that is being continued from past years, and in the case of two varieties: phenomenally high yields are recorded, of which the significance cannot be gauged without further information as to the number of plants on which the caleulation is based. As regards the manuring of cotton, it is stated that the best result was obtained where 30 b. of nitrogen as sulphate of ammonia, 60 Ib. of phosphoric acid, and 10 Tb. of potash were applied per acre. In this case, after deducting the cost of the manure from the value of the incremental cotton obtained in excess of that yielded by the no-manure plot, there remained a balance of $4-41 as the gain from the application of manure. Several pages in the report are devoted to provision crops. Trials have been made with different varieties of cassava, including Barbados seedlings, and an effort has been made to instruct the peasantry in the matter of making farine, meal, starch, and cakes. One of the Barbados cassava seedlings, namely B.1012, yielded during the year under review, over 10,000 tb per acre, compared with an average of about 4.000%. It would seem that 10,000 bb. is a maximum limit to the range of yields, and 2,000 Ib. the minimum limit. That is to say, neither the higher nor the lower figure can be depended on. Closely connected with the cassava trials are the experiments with various leguminosae. a Progress in the Cane Sugar Industry. Discussing the progress in the cane sugar industry of the world as evidenced by the marvellous progress of the sugar industry of Cuba through the adoption of the most modern sugar factories, the Louisianu Planter (July 3, 1915) avails of the opportunity to refer to the antiquated system of sugar manufacture which obtained in Barbados more than two hundred years ago, and which is still maintained there at the present time, namely, the utilization of windmill power as the motive power in grinding sugar-cane, and the open kettle system in the boiling house; and endeavours to explain why here in the West Indies, not very far apart, there should stand to-day two methods of manufacture, one involving the highest scientific research and attainment in every directoin, and the other following the old routine of centuries ago. It is pointed out that the conditions incident to the growth and manufacture of sugar-cane in the island of Barbados are such that while the industry carried on elsewhere in a similar manner generally failed and passed away, in Barbados they have withstood all the innovations of modern progress ,because of their favourable climate, and of their large, intelligent, and available negro population. With reasonably fertile soils and a_ favourable climate, the Barbadians have been able to survive up to the present time, although continuing in their old methods of sugar production. Elsewhere those who have held on to the old methods have been driven from the field by actual necessity. That necessity is said to be gradually reaching Barbados, and it is shown that sugar houses that have developed advanced ideas, concentrating the work of several sugar houses and one ownership in the best available sugar house and there utilizing modern machinery and turning out yellow crystals instead of the old-fashioned soft open kettle sugars, have done better than their neighbours who ate following in the tracks of their fathers. Concluding, it is mentioned that there has been a move for the betterment of sugar house work in Barbados, and there is every reason to believe that after 200 years of successful sugar’ manufacture Bar- bados will come to the front with* its modern sugar factories, and perhaps within the next decade one or two large establishments may make the entire sugar crop of Barbados with less human labour and at a far less cost than now, the diminished cost in human labour and in transportation being brought about by the introduction of mechanical devices of the labour-saving order. The History and Functions of Botanic Gardens. At the Twenty-fifth Anniversary Celebration of the Missouri Botanical Garden (October 15, 1914) Mr. A. W. Hill, M.A., F.L.S., read a very interesting” paper having the above title. At the beginning of the paper it is pointed out that travel in search for spices and drugs was the real origin and foundation of botanie gardens, though of course in recent times their functions have become greatly extended. After crediting the Chinese with the distinction of being the real founders of the idea of botanic gardens, the author goes on to give an historical account of the Greek, Roman and later Italian horticultural establish- ments, and then of the earlier gardens in England. Very interesting information is given concerning the far-famed Chelsea Physic Garden and the development of the Royal Gardens, Kew, of which the author 1s. Assistant Director. Turning to the Colonies, Mr. Hill points out that the earliest tropical botanic gardens appears to have been founded in the West Indies, at St. Vincent, in 1764. The Indian and Ceylon gardens are dealt with at some length as well as the less tropical establishments in South Africa and Australia, In America the author pays tribute to the Botanic Garden of Harvard University with its wonderful Arboretum. ‘With the Armold Arboretum situated close at hand, Harvard has become a Mecca for botanists all the world over.’ In considering the functions of Botanic Gardens, it is shown that there has been a gradual change from the purely medicinal garden to one designed to provide a synoptical illustration of the whole vegetable king- dom. In recent times the well-known Botanic Gardens. have developed into centres for the study of botany, particularly systematic botany. Kew occupies a unique position in this respect, its establishment having specialists in many different branches whose systematic and economic work has done a vast amount to develop: the botanical resources of the British Empire. ——— St. Lucia Leaflets. Mention is made on another page, of the fact that the St. Lucia Agricultural Department under Mr. A. J. Brooks has been issuing leaflets on agricultural matters. of local importance. Copies of the first two of these have been received. No.1 is entitled The Donkey as a Transport Animal for St. Lucia, and in the opening paragraph it is stated that not sufficient use is made of this animal in a mountainous island lke St. Lucia, especially for the transport of agricultural produce to and from the coastal villages. The economical nature of the donkey is briefly described, and itis stated that in most of the other West Indian islands this animal finds increasing use asa beast of draft and burden. The capacity of the donkey is dealt with, and it is finally pointed out that the initial cost of these animals is much below that of any other beast of burden and it soon repays the capital outlay. The second leaflet is longer and deals with the cultivation and uses of the ground nut. The subject of cultivation is treated in a practical manner and should serve a useful purpose in stimulating the cultivation of ground nuts amongst the small holders of St, Lucia. 282 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Avecust 28, 1915. INSECT NOTES. NOTES ON PORTO RICO INSECTS. CONTROL OF THE CHANGA OR MOLE CRICKET. The Changa or mole cricket (Scapteriscus didactylus) has been a serious pest in Porto Rico for several years, and this. or other related forms, has been troublesome in other West Indian localities. The Porto Rico Board of Commissioners of Agriculture has recently issued Circular No. G, entitled Control of the Changa, by Messrs. 8. 5. Grossman and G. N. Wolcott. The method of control which has been found satisfactory consists in the use of a poisonous bait prepared by mixing 100 fh. of Jow grade flour and 2} to 3 tb. of Paris green. This is applied in a ring about the plant to be protected or sown broadeast over the surface of the ground. The experiments which have led to the adoption of this poison bait were conducted principally in connexion with the tobacco crop and they have extended over several years The same treatment has been found applicable to sugar-cane and vegetable crops. : The ring method is particularly applicable to tobacco and sngar-cane. About a heaping teaspoonful of the mixture is used per plant and it is applied in a shallow trench about 1 inch deep and about 3 inches. from the plant, that is to say, the ring will be about 6 inches in diameter with the plant in the centre. The poison mixture should not be allowed to come nearer than 3 inches to the plant nor should any of it be dropped on the plant, as it has a burning effect on the roots and leaves of plants. In using this bait in the broadcast method, it is neces- sary to free the soil of plant growth as far as possible by ploughing, forking or hoeing in order to deprive the mole crickets of food. In about a week the application is made, amounting to about 300 Ib. of the mixture. After another four or five days, during which the changas have had an opportunity to eat the poison mixtnre, planting may take place in the ordinary way. In an experiment with this method of application in a vegetable garden: very satisfactory results were obtained. The experiment consisted of twenty lots of 300 plants each; ten lots (3,000 plants) were planted on the land which had received applications of the Paris green and flour mixture and an equal number was planted on land which had not been poisoned. = In the latter case 3,000 plants were planted on land which had not received an application of poison, 1,405 grew and 1,595 were lost, while in that portion where the poison was applied only fifty-six plants were lost and 2,944 plants grew. On the treated land less than 2 per cent. were lost while on the other, the loss was 55 per cent. The cost of this treatment is rather high, amounting to some £8 or $10 peracre, including labour, when the flour costs $45 per ton (2,000 ft.) and Paris green is obtainable for from 12 to lGec. per tb. inthe opinion of the writers of the Circular the expense of this treatment is fully justified since the mole crickets are all killed ont and an almost perfect stand of plants is obtained, as against an imperfect stand in spite of repeated replanting and supplying and eventually a short crop resulting from an irregular and patchy stand, in land where the changas abound and where no treatment is given or where measures other than that mentioned above are tried. INSECTS AFFECTING VEGETABLE CROPS IN PORTO RICO, Bulletin No. 192 of the United States Department of Agriculture, by Thos. H. Jones, gives a brief account of the principal insect pests affecting vegetable crops in Porto Rico. Many of the insects mentioned are known in the Windward and Leeward Islands. In the case of the-inseets which occur also in the other islands, those in Porto Rico are only of general interest, but in the case of asevere pest which does not occur in these islands and which is liable to be or which might be introduced from Porto Rico a very considerable amount of importance should be attached to it. It will be remembered that in a.recent number of the Agricultural News (see issue for April 24, 1915) an aecount was given of the sweet potato weevil (Cylas formicarius). This insect was there recorded as occurring in India and the Far East, in Africa, the United States, Jamaica, Cuba, British Guiana, and the Bahamas. It is now recorded from Porto Rico, and as this insect does not occur at present in the Leeward and Windward Islands and Barbados, great care should be exercised to prevent its introduction. Cylas formicarvus is fully as serious a pest as the Scarabee (Cryptorhynchus batatac), and if it beeame established in any of these islands it would very considerably reduce the crops of potatoes. The Southern beet webworm (Pachyzanchla bipwne- talis), the larva of a small moth, has been found attack- ing garden beans and the sword bean (Canavalia enst- Jormis) in addition to weeds of the genus Amaranthus. On the garden bean and the Amaranthus, the leaves were eaten and these were webbed together forming shelter for the larvae, but in the case of the sword bean the larvae were found inside the green pods. This is of interest in connexion with the pests of beans in other West Indian islands. The Mole cricket (Scapteriscus didactylus) is regarded as the most serious pest of vegetable crops. Of these the tomato, egg plant, turnip and cabbage are stated to be most affected, whilst the water-melon, bean, sweet potato, and yautia are seldom or never attaeked. The method of control for this insect given above will probably enable the attacks of this pest to be better controlled in the future than in the past. H. ASB appearance of Fumigation of Baled Cotton. —In connexion with the article on the Pink Boll worm which appeared in the last number of the Agricultural Vews, the following reference to that insect and the attempt of the Federal Horticultural Board to fumigate baled cotton should be of interest: ‘W. D. Hunter and G. B. Sudworth, of the Federal Horticultural Board, had a conference at Pittsburgh, Pa., on April 14, with the designers of a machine which may be adapted for the fumigation of bales of cotton. On April 20 a conference was held with the Department regarding the proposed action of the Federal Horticultural Hoard, regarding the fumigation of all foreign cotton received in this country to destroy the immature stages of Gelechiu yossypreila. Mepresentatives of cotton mills from all parts of the comutry were present.’ (Journal of Economie Entonology, Vol. s. No. 3, June 1915.) Vot. XIV. No. 348. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 283 VULCANIZATION EXPERIMENTS ON PARA RUBBER. The cause of variability in Para rubber has for many years been the subject of much discussion and some investigation. In the Federated Malay States, during recent years, the work done has been consider- able, but it seems that it is only now that real light is being thrown upon the subject. The following is asummary of recent results obtained by Eaton and Grantham:— (1) Considerable variation occurs in plantation Para rubbers even in the ease of ‘first latex’ rubbers, both from rubbers from the same estates and from different estates. (2) This variation is connected principally with the behaviour of the rubber on vulcanizition, Le. its rate of cure, and not in respect to its strength, elasticity and general properties, especially in the case of properly prepared ‘first latex’ samples. (3) If the rate of cure be known or ascertained under specific conditions, vuleanized rubber having similar mechani- cal properties can be made from all geod samples of ‘first latex’ rubbers. (4) A difference in mechanical properties does exist, even among so-called first quality rubbers, but these differences are greater between high and low grade plantation rubbers; some rubbers never attain the maximum mechanical properties reached by others, whatever period of cure 1s adopted. These differences in the case’of ‘first latex’ rubbers however, are not so important to the manufacturer as the differences in the rate of cure, and are not of the same order. (5) The rate of cure is due to the presence of some noncaoutchoue substance in the latex, possibly the proteins oy some other constituent, or to some degradation product derived from these substances which acts as a catalyst and accelerates the rate of cure. (6) his substance may be already present in the latex, and its amount in the raw rubber determined by the mode of preparation and coagulation, or it may be subsequently formed in the latex by decomposition, and taken up by the rubber in variable quantity according to mode of preparation, or alternatively it may be formed in the coagulum in variable quantity depending on the amount of serum (or moisture) left in the coagulum or the presence of preservatives which hinder or prevent its formation. The alternative theories await investigation. : (7) Smoking, removal of excess of serum (or moisture) in the washing and machining processes and preservative are among the artificial factors which either hinder the formation of this substance or, if it already exists in the prepared rubber, partially destroy it. The natural differences in latex due to natural causes may also have a similar effect. (8) The catalytic substance is probably not affected greatly by heat, since in the process of mixing and vulcani- gation, the rubber is subjected to considerable temperatures, although heat.may prevent its formation in the latex or freshly coagulated rubber. (9) The rate of cure of a rybber under specified conditions, is not indicated in any way by the apparent mechanical or any other apparent properties of the raw material, hence the absurdity of the - present ‘methods’ of valuation of rubber. (10) Caeteris paribus, a manufacturer probably prefers a rapidly curing rubber, as it represents economy in heat, labour and time costs, and secondly, a rubber which cures rapidly is said to have Letter keeping qualities after vuleant zation. Rapidly curing samples should therefore obtain a premium in the market and probably would do so, if valuation were carried out on a scientific basis, provided uniformity in rate of cnré Is maintained at the same time. (11) Uniformity between ‘first latex’ rubbers from different estates will probably be very difficult of attainment with present methods, owing to the number of factors involved, but should not be difficult of solution among such rubbers from the same estate. (12) Two alternatives are suggested: (1) the issue of certificates giving correct rate of cure and mechanical properties at this cure; (2) the attainment of more uniformity by the method suggested in this paper and elsewhere, in which rubber from latex collected during a series of days forms part of one ball or block, which may be described as the method of averages. THE INHERITANCE OF SIZE IN TOMATOES. The Ohio Nuturalist for April 1915 contains an interesting paper on the above subject, a summary of which is reproduced below. Although the paper deals only with the currant-pear tomato cross the results may have a much wider application. A more accurate representation of the size of tomato fruits can be obtained from their weights than from their linear dimensions. The size of fruit of the F 1 generation of the currant- pear cross is the geometrical mean between the parental sizes, From an examination of all available data upon the inheritance of fruit-size in the F 1 generation, it appears that, when two varieties are crossed which differ widely in fruit-size (the size of fruit of one parent being probably about two, three or more times the size of the fruit of the other parent), the F 1 fruit-size will be nearer to the geomet- rical than the arithmetical mean; but when two parents similar in fruit-size are crossed, the size of fruits of the offspring will approach more nearly to the arithmetical than to the geometrical mean. The average fruit-size of the F 2 generation does not exceed and is even slightly less than the average fruit-size of the F 1 generation. The segregation of size factors and the incomplete dominance of the small size factors of the red currant parent may be explained by the assumption of at least four size factors. If no parental sizes cin be ever obtained, there may be more than multiple factors involved. The fruits of the F 2 and F 3 generations agree fairly well with respect to variability and average generation size. The F 4 fruits show diminished variability and size. In connexion with the prevention of cotton reaching any of the enemy countries Professor Dunstan, Director of the Imperial Institute, writes to The Times to the etfect that should any stringeut measures such as the declaration of cotton as contraband be taken, due consideration should be given to the interests of cotton growers within the British Empire. The principal point raised however is in connexion with the idea that the whole of next year’s supply should be bought trom America in advance. This would obviously atfect adversely the British cotton-growing industries in Egypt and Africa. 28 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Aucust 28, 1915. GLEANINGS. The Board of Trade Journal observes that the Jama- aca Gazette for May 13 contains a notice declaring the Panama disease of bananas to bea notifiable plant disease within the meaning of the new Plant Law, No. 3 of 1915. Disease The exports of rubber and cotton from French Indo- China during 1914 are givenin the India Rubber World for August 1. There was an increased shipment of rubber, while in the case of cotton there was a decided decrease amounting to nearly 84 million pounds. A list of trees is published in the Barbados Offczal Gazette for July 19, available for distribution on Arbor Day which was observed on August 2. Large numbers of the following were in stock: Casuarina sp., Fustic, Logwood, Spanish Ash, and Mahogany. Altogether there were fifty-two different species of plants available. The rapid increase in the imports of natural indigo into the United Kingdom is shown by figures published in the London Chamber of Commerce Journal for July 1915. In 1913, 4,174 cwt. was received, valued at £54,739; in 1914, 5,314 ewt., valued at £181,695. By far the greater portion of the supply is derived from India. In 1914 the United States entered into the trade for the first time. It is stated in an article in the Agricultural Bulletin of the Federated Malay States that the cultivation of rice has been perfected in Spain, in certain directions, toa degree unattained in any other country in the world. Rice is grown in rotation with other crops, and special field implements are used for the cultivation of the soil. The subject is dealt with fully by Dr. E. J. Butler, in the Agricultural fournal of India, Vol. 1X, No. 10. According to the Trinidad Mirror for July 23, much interest is being shown in the newly established lime cultivation at Jerningham Junction. On another lime estate the proprietor has just installed a new crushing plant, and apparently intends to manufacture lime products on the most ‘p-to-date lines. In the next few years it is believed that export of lime products will add another important source yealth to Trinidad. Sugar dust and dextrin dust, according to the Jnterna- Sugar Journal, are the most readily inflammable of all srived from ordinary materials, The source of heat for ignition is stated to be comparatively small, such, le, asa lighted match. Sugar ignites when projected iwainst a surface heated to below red heat. and jition has taken place, the flame travels through d with great rapidity. — In an article on cétton growing in Jamaica, the Demerara Daily Chronicle for July 23, gives the following figures in regard to the cost of producing certain minor crops including cotton: Red beans £2 3s. 6d., giving a return of £7 5s. 10d.; corn, 18s. 3d., giving a return of £2 17s. 6d.; and cotton, £7 9s. 6d., giving a return of £11 5s., the total profit being £10 7s. ld. Mention is made of the success which has attended the experimental cultivation of Cauto cotton. In the Cuban American for June 19, 1915, there is an article which advocates the cultivation of henequen in certain distriets of Cuba. It is stated that in Nuavitas, a plantation cleared and planted costs $1,000 and in the third year begins to bring in returns. It is pointed out that not all soils are suited to henequen, but quite as many as are suited in the district mentioned to citrus trees, a large number of which have already been planted in localities quite unsuitable for their successful development. New Sources of Meat Supply Within the Empire is the heading toa note in the Bulletin of the Imperial Institute for April-June 1915. The question of establishing an export trade in meat from South Africa is discussed, and reference is made to the suggestion emanating from the Imperial Department of Agriculture for the West Indies, relating to the production on co-operative lines of pork and bacon. An abstract is given of the information on this subject published in the West Indian Bulletin and the Agricultural News. Judging from an investigation conducted at the Agricul- tural and Horticultural Station of the University of Bristol, beet sugar is better than cane sugar for fermentation purposes connected with the manufacture of cider. The peculiar taste of cane sugar was easily detected in the cider whereas the beet sugar did not give any new flavour to the beverage, but simply acted as a neutral sweetener, which, of course, is preferable. It is stated that this conclusion needs further confirmation by fresh experiments before much importance can be attached to it. It is proposed by the Newfoundland Government that the following articles of West Indian interest shall be removed from the free list and made dutiable at the rate of 10 per cent. ad valorem: molasses, produced in the West Indian islands in the process of the manufacture of sugar from the juice of the sugar-cane, and the package in which it is imported. Also oil cake and meal, cotton seed cake and meal, pease meal, bran and other preparations for cattle and chicken feed. Indian corn, trees and shrubs and seed for agricultural purposes are also included. Notices have appeared in the St. Lucia newspipers and Official Gazettes to the effect that the Agricultural Superin- tendent of that colony who resides at Réunion Experiment Station, will visit Castries where the Botanic Gardens are situated, regularly for one or two days in the second and fourth weeks of every month for the purpose of interviewing any person who may be desirous of consulting him on agricultural matters. Due notice will be given, before each occasion, of the date upon which he will be present, by the - Agricultural Officer in charge of the Botanic Gardens. —_ =— Vou. XIV. No. 348. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS WATER-SUPPLY, HYDRAULIC RAMS. On some estates in the West Indies the installation of a hydraulic ram for raising water for domestic use might be economically applied. Estate houses are often erected at a considerable elevation above their water-supply, and where this occurs it necessitates some form of pumping, otherwise the water has to be carted or carried by hand. The following useful article on the hydraulic rams is reproduced from the Rhodesia Agri- cultural Journal:— Wherever a fall of water is obtainable, either trom a running stream, a dam or other source of supply, a hydrau- lic ram can be operated. The principles of working a hydraulic ram are simple: they depend upon the utilization of the momentum of falling water. Looking at the sketch here reproduced, if contrel valve ‘V’ is opened, the water will fall down the drive pipe ‘S’ and escape at valve ‘W’ until it has attained sufficient momentum when valve ‘W’ will close. The impulse or momentum of the stream thus attained forces the water through valve ‘Hh’ into the air-chamber ‘\’ and up the delivery-pipe ‘D’ until this momentum ceases, when valve ‘W’ opens and valve ‘h’ closes and retains this water in the delivery-pipe ‘D’. Again, when valve ‘W’ opens the water rushes down delivery-pipe ‘S’ until it again attains sufficient momentum, when valve ‘W’ closes and a further quantity of water is forced through valve ‘R’ up the delivery-pipe ‘D’ This cycle continues automatic- ally, and in this manner a certain percentage of the drive water is raised to a greater height than that of the surface of the supply water level. 4 oe ool maleate eorits Recess: F eo iG. 12. Diagrammatie Section of a- Hydraulic Ram. In theory the principle may be explained thus: If 10 gallons of water fall 10 feet high in 1 minute, they would be capable of raising | gallon of water per minute 100 feet high, because 10 gallons x 10 feet equals | gallon x 100 feet in gallon feet. Again, if 100 gallons of water fall 5 feet they would be capable ot raising 5 gallons 100 feet, because 100 x 5 feet equals 5 gallons x 100. But m practice these results are not obtainable, as we have to allow for the friction in the drive and delivery-pipes, the slipping and friction of the valves, and the loss of water which is necessary for the operation of the ram. Many makers claim high efficiencies, but in a number of cases these efficiencies are obtained under ideal test conditions, and it will accordingly be as well not to base our calculations on too high an etticiency. The etticiencies of hydraulic rams vary from 25 percent. to 70 per cent. according to the make, fall, and the ratio of the fall to the lift. This does not include the friction in the drive-pipe, which will vary directly according to its length, and inversely as the square of its diameter. This means that from one-quarter to seven-tenths of the work actually done is usefully performed in the delivery of the water. Generally speaking, a suitable ratio of fall to lift is 1:10, whilst ratios of 1:4 up to 1:20 are quite workable for most types of rams. Outside of these ratios the rams are more expensive, and for higher ratios are less efficient. Taking a ratio of 1:10 as shown on the sketch, viz., a 4-feet fall and a 40-feet lift, and with a supply of driving water of 28 gallons per minute, a ram would in theory be capable of delivering 2 4 gallons per minute. The probable efficiency with this ratio would be about 40 per cent., and that means the actual quantity of water delivered by the ram would be about 1,'5 gallons per minute. Before ordering a ram, it is absolutely necessary to supply the maker or his agents with the following . ‘ particulars: — (1) The vertical fall in feet or inches which is obtainable from the source of supply. This working fall should be measured as shown on the sketch from the top of supply water level to such a level that escape valve ‘W’ would have a free outlet. (2) The vertical height to which the water has to be raised above the level of the ram. (5) The length of the delivery-pipe required. (4) . The approximate quantity of drive water, measured in gallons per minute, which is available. Methods for the measurement of flowing water are described in Bulletin No. 64 of February 1911, issued by the Department of Agriculture, Salisbury. (5) The number of gallons it is desired to raise in a day of twenty-four hours. (6) The length of supply pipe that is necessary. should be kept as short as possible.) (This It will be obvious that only in rare instances will all these conditions be the same in each case; for instance, there may be a large quantity of drive water, low fall, and medium lift, and in another case a small quantity of drive water, high fall and high lift, and all other various combinations. There- fore it is most important when ordering a ram to supply the makers or their agents with full particulars as mentioned above. During the night of August 10 a heavy gale passed over Dominica which caused a good deal of damage in the Botanic Gardens. About 100 trees, some of large size, have been uprooted or damaged, and a number of species of rare trees of which there was only a single specimen have been lost. In the south of the island damage was caused by the wind from the south-east, which commenced to blow about 6 in the evening. Many of the exposed estates lost a number of trees together with a considerable portion of the lime crop. In some cases the loss is covered by insurance. In regard to the Gardens, a special grant of £30 has been obtained to assist in clearing away the refuse, the extent of which is very vividly shown by a series of photographs forwarded by Mr. Jones, the Curator. In connexion with the foregoing information, the editorial in this issue dealing with storm-damaged crops will be read with interest. 286 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 1915. Avcusr 28, FUNGUS NOTES. THE ENTOMOGENOUS FUNGI OF PORTO RICO. In view of the importance attaching to fungous control of insect pests in the West Indies generally, the issue of a bulletin on the entumogenous fungi of Porto Rico is a welcome event. It is published by the Board of Commissioners of Agriculture in that island as No. 10 in their series, and has been prepared by Mr. John R. Johnston, formerly Pathologist to the Sugar Producers’ Association. The following is a brief sammary of the author's annotated list. [he information thus given will probably lead to the recognition of some of the less familiar species in places where their presence has hitherto gone unnoticed. The Aphis Fungus (Acrostalagmus Bivins) forms a woolly white or slightly yellowish covering over the plant lice on sugar-cane, Cucurbitaceous plants, and on okra. Closely resembles the shield scale fungus (Cephalosporium lecaniz). The Brown Fungus of White Fly (Aegerita Webberz), well known from the attention it has received in Florida, occurs very locally in Porto Rico but is abundant where it is found. Forms a brown, usually sterile, rounded cushion enclosing the affected insect. Of the difficult Aschersoniu group the following three species have been recognized:— The Red Fungus of White Fly (A. aleyrodis), is recorded as common on the guava white fly. Characterized by its bright red colour at maturity. The Top-shaped Aschersonia (A. turbinata) is regarded by the author as probably including the various hemis- pherical, cylindrical and top-shaped forms. It may be added that a fungus regarded as this species, assuming in its most developed condition the form of one or more cups or excavated cylinders situated on a circular cushion, is fairly common on scale insects in the wetter islands of the Lesser Antilles. The Lemon-yellow Fungus of White Fly (A. flavo- citrina) is recorded as common on the guava white fly. A fourth Aschersonia, not identified, with an ascigerous stage probably belonging to Hypochrella, is described from specimens on a white fly on Bignonia. The Yellow-green Fungus of Mealy-bug, familiar on Pseudococeus enleeolariae under the leaf-sheaths of sugar-cane in the West Indies, and known also in Louisiana and Hawaii, has been the subject of considerable enquiry on the part of Dr. Charles Thom and the author. Material and descriptions from various zountries have been compared with each other and with material of Aspergillus flavus, Link, from sources other than mealy-bugs, with the result that Thom regards the various races examined as capable of being grouped under that name, including the form described as new by Mr. A. T. Speare in Hawaii under the name of A. parasiticus. The Green Fungus of the Grass-worm (Botrytis riley?) is recorded as forming a blue-green’ covering on caterpillars. The author thinks it possible that its usefulness could be increased by artificial distribution. The Shield-scale Fungus (Cephalosporium lecanti) is common in Porto Rico on the shield scale of mango and the hemispherical scale, and is found occasionally on mealy- bugs. Comparison of Barbados material (F. South) with Porto Rican and Santo Domingan material shows them to belong to the same species. Entomphthora aulicae has been found on hairy cater- pillars infesting /7eliotropium indicum. An Empusa, thouglit to be #. fresenii has been obtained from mealy-bugs which were dead, blackened, covered with a thin whitish coating, and easily crumbled to pieces; FE. sphaerosperma has occurred on caterpillars in breeding cages, and the same or a similar species has been collected in the field. The Spider Fungys (Gibellula arachnophila) is given as not uncommon on the small jumping spiders of guaya trees. The abdomen of the imsect is covered by bright yellow or gray mycelium from which arise conical or cylin- drical projections. A perithecial form found in Cuba is probably its Cordyceps stage. The perithecia are yellowish, erect, numerous, aggregated, cylindrical or upright-ellipsoidal, rounded at the upper end, about 1 mm. high. The Moth Borer Fungus (Cordyceps barberz) occurs. in Porto Rico collections so far only in its Jsaria condition, the form usually found elsewhere in the West Indies. An Isaria occurs on colonies of mealy-bugs, which turn black and show a thin white incrustation. The fructifica- tions are rare, and perithecia have not been found. The well-known Green Musecardine Fungus (Metarrhiz- tum anisopliae) has been found under circumstances which suggest that it occurred in the island previous to its artificial introduction from Hawaii. . The Black Fungus (Myriangium duriaez), White-headed Fungus (Ophionectria coccicola), and Red-headed Fungus (Sphaerostilbe coccophila) are common in Porto Rico as elsewhere in the more humid of the West Indian islands on the scales of citrus trees. The Cinnamon Fungus (Vertecilium heterocladum) has twice been found, on an undetermined host. THE USE OF FUNGOUS PARASITES IN SCALE INSECT CONTROL. From the July number of the Monthly Bulletan, California, it appears that some embarrassment has been caused to agricultural officers by commercial claims to successful treatment of black scale with a ous parasite, a species of Zsaria, This has led to a forma estigation by a committee of experts who report that they find no evidence of the success of artificial inoculation. ~~ The following summary presents the conclusions reached on this matter by Messrs H.J. Quayle and A. R. Taylor:— ‘1. The effect of Isaria fungus growing under suitable conditions in a moist chamber, either in the labo y or the field, was found to killa fair percentage of the k seale. ‘2. The results in attempting to disseminaf e fungus artificially under natural conditions in the fi ‘at least at the season indicated, have been wholly negative. 3. From observations made in the various groves where the fungus has been disseminated commercially, there is absolutely no evidence, thus far, to show that the fungus has been of any importance whatever in checking the scales. ‘4, Where natural conditions are favourable for the development of the fungus, as in the districts contiguous to the coast in Santa Barbara County, the Isaria will kill more or less of the black séale, but the field where it would thrive cannot be greatly enlarged, if at all, by attempts at artificial dissemination. ‘5, From our recent experiments and observations as well as general observations made on this fungus since 1908, the writers feel justified in extending to citrus growers no hope that this fungus will keep their trees free from the black scale.’ Wane . } Vor. XIV. No. 348. SSS ‘Boek ee mee == T IS FLORA OF JAMAICA, by W. Fawcett, B.Sc., F.L.S., and A. B. Rendle, M.A., D.Sc, PRS, F.LS. Vol. 3. Dicotyledons (Piperaceae to Connaraceae) xxiii + 280 pages with 113 text illustrations and 5 plates. London: V'rustees of the British Museum, 1914. This is the second volume to appear of this admirable work. Volume I, Orchidaceae, was published in 1910, Vol II, completing the Monocotyledons, is not yet issued. It is estimated that the Dicotyledons will require three more volumes, making six in all. The order of families followed is that of Engler, and the present volume includes thirty-eight natural orders, with analytical keys to and descriptions of families, genera, and species. An illustration of each genus is given, usually as a line drawing in the text. A list of references and synonyms is given for each species. The larger West Indian families included in this volume are Piperaceace, Moraceae, Urticaceae, Loranthaceae, Polygonaceae, Amarantaceae and Lauraceae. o Tt is sufficient to say that the work is indispensable to botanists working in the West Indies, and apart from its primary purpose it will afford welcome relief to beginners in the study of the West Indian flora by serving as a key to the comparatively uncharted pages and ancient terminology of Grisebach. The Jamaican Government is to be congratulated on the service rendered to botanical science in affording facilities and financial help for the production of the Flora, and further upon its good fortune in having the services of so happy a combination of authors made available for the purpose by the British Museum authorities, WV JAVANESE COFFEE AND THE GOVERNMENT. Ina recent issue of the Agricultural News we reproduced an extract from Dr. Copeland’s Report on a visit to Java published in the Philippine Agricul- turist and Forester for April 1915. The following is another extract dealing with the subject of coffee. Tt shows how the Javanese authorities have in the face of difficulties saved this industry from extinction, and later brought it up to a position of great economic importance. Dr. Copeland’s remarks centre principally around the subject of disease. He says:— The coffee rust attacked Java several years before it reached the Philippines, and absolutely nothing but the THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 987 difference in the two Governments is responsible for the fact that Java has still an exceedingly important and _profit- able coffee industry, while that of the Philippines has been dead for the past twenty-five years. The Javanese Govern- ment met the coffee rust promptly with a fight by means of fungicides, by selection of the most resistant plants to be found locally, and by th. importation of every other kind of coffee which could be found in the world. The result is that the various species of coffee which are now being experimented with at Los Banos, and in almost every other similar institution in the tropics, have all been brought to our attention by the Government of the Dutch Indies. The first of these to show great promise was Liberian coffee. This was widely heralded as a rust-resisting species, and was extensively planted in Java, and toa lesser extent in many other parts of the Old World tropics. It developed after a time that the quality of the marketed Liberian coffee was such that it could only be raised with a profit where labour is exceedingly cheap, and that even here it was at a serious economic disadvantage. The Dutch Government met this difficulty by a careful study of methods of preparation, with the ultimate result rather recently obtained, and for which, although I have myself made a considerable study of the subject, I was absolutely unprepared, that the Liberian coffee produced in Java is now being marketed at a price above that of the Arabian coffee for which Java itself is so famous. A wholly new and unexpected difficulty then presented itself. The Liberian coffee began to be attacked by rust, and these attacks increased in virulence year by year, until the coffee rust of Java now attacks Liberian coffee with approximately the same violence as Arabian. This is at the same time a matter of prodigious practical importance, andl a fact of the utmost scientific interest. Neither the coffee nor the coffee rust is native in Java. It is practically impossible that the rust which now attacks the Liberian coffee should be anything else than a descendant of the rust which was formerly able to attack Arabian coffee but not Liberian. In other words, the pest has in the course of a number of years developed wholly new properties. Uninfected Liberian coffee has been exported from Java and raised elsewhere, and found immune to the rust of the other regions. At the same time, new importations of Liberian coffee, immune to rust in the places of origin, have been brought into Java and promptly attacked. Now the ability to live on a particular host is in very many cases regarded as a good specific character of a fungus. It can accordingly be” regarded as definitely established that there has , been developed in Java during the last twenty-five years a fungus of known parentage, but which now has characters specifically different from those of the parent coffee rust of Ceylon. . This is the most satisfactory case known to me in the whole realm) of science, of the evolution of anew species from a known’ parent within a definitely known length of time, and under conditions which are a matter of satisfactory record. Attention has been given by the United States Department of Agriculture to the botanical characters of the leaves of the date palm for the purpose of distinguishing cultivated varieties. The observations obtained are published in Bulletin No. 223 of the Bureau of Plant Industry. In measuring the angles at which the leaves are set,a special protractor was used, and the whole investigation was almost entirely mechanical as might be expected on account of the very symmetrical arrangement of the leaves of the date palm, The microscopic characters of the leaves is not touched on, 288 London.—THE MARKET REPORTS. Wesr InpiaA Commirrer CIRCULAR, August 10, 1915. Arrowroot—2}d. to 43d. Batata—Sheet 2s. 4$d.; block Is. 10d. Bereswax—No quotations. Cacao—Trinidad, 80/- to 83/- per cwt.; Grenada, 75/- to 80/-; Jamaica, no quotations. CorrEe—Jamaica, no quotations. Copra—£25 10s. per ton. Corron—Fully Fine no quotations; Floridas, no quota- tions; West Indian Sea Island, no quotations. Frvuir—No quotations. Fustic—No quotations. Gincer—Jamaica, 55/- to 75/-. Isrycitass—No quotations. Honey—No quotations. Line Juice—Raw, 3/8 to 3,9; concentrated, £25; Otto of limes (hand-pressed), no quotations. Loewoop—No quotations. Mace—9d. to 2/11a. Nurmecs—4jd. to 5}d. Primento—No quotations. Rusger—Para, fine hard, 2/4; fine soft, B/2k. Rum—Jamaica, 2/5. 2/2}; Castilloa, New York.—Messrs. Giutesrre Bros. & Co., July 28, 1915. Cacao—Caracas, IGe. to 16$c.; Grenada, 16$c. to 16jc.; Trinidad, 16$c. to 17¢.; Jamaica, 4c. to 14ke. Coco-nuts—Jamaica and ‘Trinidad selects, $23-00 $24-00; culls, $1500 to $14°00. Correr—Jamaica, 7#e. to 1c. per th. Gincer—12¢c. to 16c. per th. Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 43c.; Antigua and Barbados, 40c. to 43c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 38c. to 40c. per tb. Grape Fruir—Jamaica, $1°50 to $2°25. Lues.—$2°50 to $3°00. Macre—47e. to 5le. per th. Nurmecs—lle. to 11sec. Orances—Jamaica, $1°75 to $2:00. Pimento—3}c. per fb. Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 4°83e. to 486c.; Muscovados, 89°, 4:18c. to 4°21c,; Molasses, 89, 4‘0dc. to 4:08c., all duty paid. to Trinidad.—Messrs. Gorpon, Grant & Co., August 9, 1915. Oacao—Venezuelan, $16°75 to $17°50; Trinidad, $16°75 to $17°25. Coco-nut Orr—S6e. per Imperial gallon. Corrre—Venezuelan, 1c. to 14e. per tb. Corra—S3'60 to $3°75 per 100 Tb. Daat—S7 ‘00. Ontons—$1°20 to $2°50 per 100 th. Peas, Sprit—$12‘00 per bag. Porators—English $2°25 to $2°50 per LOO Ir. Rice—Yellow, $5°80 to $6°00; White, 35°60 per bag. Sucar—American crushed, ne quotations. to S75 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Auvcust 28, 1915. Barbados.—Messrs. T, S. Garraway & Co., August 9, 1915; Messrs. JAMES A. August 7, 1915, Arrowroor—S4'00 to $4°60 per 100 th. Cacao—$14°50 to $15:00 per 100 tb. Coco-nuts—$16:00. Hay—S1°70 to $1°90 per LOO th. Lynco & Co., Ltd., Manvres—Nitrate of soda, no quotations; Cacao manure, 350-00; Sulphate of ammonia, $85°00 to 590-00 per ton. Morassrs—No quotations. OntoNs—S$300 to $4" Peas, Sprit—S12-00 120 th. 25 per 190 th. per 210 Te.; Canada, $5-40 per Potators—Nova Scotia, $2°50 to $2°75 per 160 th. Rice—Ballam, $6-00 to $6°10 per 190 ib.; Patna, no quota- tions; Rangoon, no quotations. SuGcar—American granulated, 55°77. British Guiana.—Messrs. Wievixc & Ricurer, July 24, 1915; Messrs. SANDBACH, PARKER & Co, August 6, 1915. 1 | _. yw... |Messrs. SANB-; one Messrs. Wierinc or ARTICLES. < Taaea. BACH, PaRKER a ae f- & Co. Arrowroor—sSt. Vincent! = $10-00 Baratra— Venezuela block Demerara sheet Cacao—Native Cassava— Cassava STaRcCH— Coco-NuTs— CorrrE—Creole Jamaica and Rio Liberian DxHat— Green Dhal Hppors— Mo tasses— Yellow Ontons—Teneritte Madeira Pras—Split Marseilles PLANTAINS— Porators—Nova Scotia Lisbon Porators--Sweet, B’ bados Rice—Ballam Creole TANNIAS— Yams— White Buck Sucar—Dark opystals Yellow White Molasses TIMBER—GREENHEART Wallaba shingles 7 Cordwood | $2c. to 5b5c. to 15c. per tb. S144 l4e. | 1$10 to $15 per M., | atee Es | Idec. to 15c. per tb.) 10c. per th. S8°00 — | $1-68 to $3-00 | None Sie. $12-00 to $12°50 a | 20c. to 48e. $400 $1°44 | No quotation $5°50 to $5°75 $2°40 $3°75 to $3°85 $4°25 to $435 $3°10 per cub. foot $4°00 to $6°25 per M. $180 to $2-00 per ton 16c. per th. $18 per M. ld4c. per fb. 14hc to lde. 10c. per tb. 4c. to 5e per fh $1300 to $1400 per bag. (210 fb.) $4-00 $5°50 to $5°75 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. FOR THE Volume 1. No. 1. Out of print. Nos. 2, Gy 2213.3; The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN. 4 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price 1s. each. Post free, Volumes IE, IIT, IV, V, V1, VeVi, EX, X, XI, XIL and XIII:-—Price 2s. each; Post free 2s. 87., where and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.) Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture WES ST INDIES A Quarterly Scientific Journal. 1s. 2d.; € complete. Volume XIV, Nos. 1, 2, 3.and 4. No. 4 Contaming Papers on: The Production of Pork and Bacon; A new Industry for the West Indies, by Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G.; Commerce and Science in Cotton Growing, by John W. MeConnel; Bordeaux Mixture; Some Sugar Factory Caleuiations, by Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G.; Sugar Industry in Cuba, by Niel Deerr; Report on Land Settlement Seheme in St. Lucia: Memorandum en the Geology of the Ground Waters of Antigua, by T. Wayland Vaughan; The Ground Waters of Antigua, by Dr. H. A. Tempany; and Cotton Leaf Diseases, by W. Nowell, D.C. PAMPHLET SERIES. The Pamphlets are written in a simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially adapted to West Indian conditions. present time is seventy-five. SuGcar Lypusrry. Seedling and other Canes at Barbados in 1900, No. 3, price 2d.; in 1901, No. 15; in 1902. No. 19; in 1903, No. 26; in 1904. No, 32; price 4d. each. Seedling Canes and Manurial Experiments at Barbados, in 1903-5, No. 40; in 1904-6, No. 44;in 1905-7, No. 49; in 1906-8, No. 59; in 1907-9, No. 62, No. 66, price 6d. each. Seedling and other Canes in the Leeward Islands, in 1900-1, No. 12; in 1901-2, No. 20; in 1902-3, No. 2 “by price 2d. each; in 1903-4, No. 33; m 1904-5, No. 39; in 1905-6, No. 46; in 1906-7, No. 50; m 1907-8, No. 56; price 4d. each, in 1908-9, No. 63; in 1909-10, No. 67; price 6d. each. Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the Leeward Islands, in 1902-3, No. 30; in 1903-4, No. 36; in 1904-5, No. 42; in 1905-6, No. 47; in 1906-7, No. 51; in 1907-8, No. 57; in 1908-9, No. 64; in 1909-10, No. 68; price 4d. each. Sugar-cane Experiments in the Leeward Islands, in 1910-11; in 1911-12; in 1912-13, price 1s. each. The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of They contain, amongst other subjects, summaries of the results of the experiment work on sugar-cane and manures, the full official reports of which have only a limited circulation. Those mentioned in the following list are still available; The number issued up to the the rest are out of print. GENERAL. (7) and (22) Scale Inseets of the Lesser 4d.; Part IL., price 4d. (43) Cotton Seed and Cotton-cake-meal on West Indian Planta- tions. Price 2d. (60) Cotton Gins, How to Hrect and Work Them. (65) Hints for School Gardens, Fourth Edition. (71) Insect Pests of the Lesser Antilles. Price 1s. 5d. (72) Lime Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 9d. (73) Root Borers and other Grubs in West Indian Soils. Price 6d (74) Cotton Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 9d. (75) Insect Pests of Sugar-cane in Antigua and St. Price, 67. (76) Indian Corn. Price 4d. (77) Evysipelas and Hoose. Price 2d. (78) Onion Cultivation. Price 3d. Antilles, Part I, price Price 4d.. Kitts. 47. for the pamphlets marked 2d.; 1d. for those marked 4d. and for Nos 73 and 75; Id. for Nos. 40, 44, 49, 59, 62,63, 67 and 74. Postage for No. 71, 4d. and for No. 72, 2d. The ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’: A Fortnightly Review. The ‘ Agricultural News’ contains extracts from official correspondence and from progress and other reports; and, Agricultural matters throughout the West Indies. The ‘ Agricultural News’ local agents of the Department at one penny per 2s. 2d. per half-year, or 4s. 4d. per annufn. Post free, 5s. complete. number, in fact, any information indicating what is going onin each colony and the progress made in is printed in time to be distributed, regularly, by each mail, and is on sale by the post free, 2d. The subscription price, including postage, is Volumes IV to XII complete, with title page and index, as issued—Price 4s. each— Some numbers of the early volumes are out of print and therefore these volumes can no ionger be supplied The scale of charges for ADVERTISEMENTS may be obtained on application to the Agents. opies are to be addressed to the Agents, not to the Department. A applications for ‘ Agents. The following have been appointed Agents for the London: Messrs. Dutau & Co., 37, Soha Square, W. West [ypra Commirrer, 15, Seething Lance. Barbados: Anvocarr Co. Lrp., Broad Street, Bridgetown. Jamaica; THe Epucationat Suppty Company, 16, King Street, Kingston. British Guiana: Tae Dariy Curonicie’ Orrice, Georgetown. Trinidad: Messrs. Murm-Marsnaru & Co., Port-of-Spain. Fobago: Mr. C. L. Pracemann, Scarborough. Canada: Lewis W. Clemens, 71 King Street, sale of the publications of the Department:— Grenada: Messrs. Tuos. LAwtor & Co., St. St. Vincent: Mr. J. D. Bonapre, “Times’ Office. St. Lucia: Mr. R. W. Nives, Botanic Station. Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. BripGewarer, Rosean. Montserrat: Mr. W. Rorson, Botanic Station. Antigua: a S. D. MALONE, St. John’s. St. Kitts: Tur Brete AND Book Surpty AGENCY, Nevis: Messrs. Howett, Bros., Charlestown. West, Toronto. George. g JASSETERRE, Vout. XIV. No. 348. — THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. AvuGust aa 1915. THE BEST MANURES FOR COLONIAL USE ARE Dissolved Peruvian Guano—Eox Sugar-cane and general use Special Sugar-cane Manure Special Cocoa Manure Special Cotton. Manure Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Superphosphates, (high grades), Potash Salts, Nitrolim. and all other high-class Fertilizers. APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIRECT To: THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) GUANO WORKS. London Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C. Barbados Agents: James A. Lynch & Co., Ltd., Bridgetown. | J OSi LSS UL 1 THE BARBADOS | 60- OPERATIVE COTTON FACTORY, LTD. WEST INDIAN BULLETIN. COTTON GINNERS, OIL REFINERS AND PLANTATION SUPPLIERS. Vol. XV, No. 1. (Index number). IMPOITERS OF | Containing papers on: The Development of Agrici#lture EST INDIAN (Mr. A. D. Hall's Addresses to the British Association for the| COTTON SEED. Advancement of Science); Agricultural Industries of | Quotations made onapplication for the purchase of Montserrat, by Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Sc.; Report on the! Cotton Seed from the neighbouring Islands. Island of Redo nda, by Dr. H. A. Tempany; Note on the THE BARBADOS CO-OPRRATIVE | Feeding and Manurial Value of Lime Seeds, by Dr. H. A. | Tempany; the Poisonous Forms of Phaseolus /unatus (Lima COTTON FACTORY, LIMITED, |beans); by W. R. Dunlop; Skin Diseases of Cattle in| WHITE PARK, Antigua (compiled from the notes of P. T. Saunders, | BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. | M.R.C.V.S., A.V.C.) | August 6, 1915. ——$$ a Printed at Office of Agricultura’ Reporter 4 High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados. _-@y AY => pas A i HZ X.. \77R ALF >) = 7 AA (LL IX a Cie [ten ee 7] Ah A, 4ey i —F WV 5 WG. — {One penny. R. M. S. P. REGULAR MAIL, PASSENGER & CARGO SERVICES FROM THE WEST INDIES | TO | PORTS OF CALL THE UNITED KINGDOM | Azores. | (St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Dominica, \'CANADA ' , Montserrat, Antigua, St. Kitts, |Bermuda, Halifax, N. S., & St. John (N.B.) ‘DEMERARA and PARAMARIBO Grenada & Trinidad. | Trinidad, Puerto Colombia, PANAMA CANAL and PACIFIC Cartagena, Colon, Panama, | PORTS | Sere Iquique, Antopagasta | land Valparaiso. REGULAR MAIL, PASSENGER AND CARGO SERVICES FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM TO ‘BRAZIL, URUGUAY & ARGENTINA Via Spain, Portugal, Madeira & St. Vincent. /REGULAR SAILINGS FROM THE UNTRRD KINGDOM TO MOROCCO, CANARY ISLANDS & MADEIRA, & JAPAN. Head Office: 18, Moorgate ‘Street, London. Branches at BARBADOS, Trinidad, Tobago, Colon, Jamaica, Antilla, New York, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, etc. : = = THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. THE “CASH VALUE” DIPPING OR SPRAYING CATTLE “ TO FREE THEM FROM TICKS CATTLE Tick FEMALE Important Official Evidence of immense gains secured and enormous fosses avoided by freeing Cattle from Ticks In order to secure some direct evidence from Stock-owners regarding the benefits derived from the Tick Eradication work carried on in the Southern States of North America, a Circular was sent out to a large number of Representative Cattle Owners by the Department of Agriculture, asking for replies to various specific questions concerning the results of the work. The questions are given below, with the summarised answers. These afford most impressive evidence, not only of enormous losses prevented, but also of immense gains obtained by the dipping of animals to free them of Ticks. JUESTION. What were the approximate annual losses of cattle from Tick-borne diseases before the Tick Eradication work was started ? ANSWER. 15.3 Per Cent. VESTION. What has been the annual loss of cattle from Tick-borne Diseases since Tick Fradication started > /TMISWER. 1.3 Per Cent. NOTE. ‘The answer to this question should be compared with that to the first question, when it will be seen that the Tick Eradication work has resulted in the losses being reduced from 15.3% ie. practically to vanishing point. QUESTION. What was the average value of 3-year old steers in your County before the Tick Eradication work was started 3 ANSWER. 16.15 or (£3 7s. 3d.) QUESTION. What is the average value of 3-year old steers now ? ANSWER. $25.28 or (£5 5s. 4d.) NOTE. In comparing the replies to the two preceding questions, allowance has to be made for the recent general advance in the price of cattle. When this is done, the result shows that there still remains an appreciation in value of 40% which can be properly said te bé due to te absence of Ticks. QUESTION. Is there any difference between the average weight of cattle now and the average weight before Cick Eradication was started 2 How much ? ANSWER. Yes. NOTE. Taking the dlue to dippit Average increase 22% Average weight increase 116 lbs. value of the animals at 3) cents (1$d.) per Ib. (the average for 3-vear old steers,) tea: rg, works out at $4 (16s. Sd.) per lead. The above figures prove beyond all doubt that the cost of freeing cattle from ticks is not an “expense,” but an “investment” which brings in most excellent “interest” in the form of a greatly increased value of animals treated. ~ COOPER’S CATTLE TICK DIP Has received the official approval of the following Countries : Union of South Africa, | Northern Rhodesia, Brazil, Nyasaland, Swaziland, Southern Rhodesia, Madagascar, British East Africa, German East Africa, Portuguese West Africa, Egypt, Argentine Republic, United States of America, Northern Territory of Australia. Basutoland, Portuguese East Africa, Queensland, WEST INDIAN AGENTS: ST. KITTS!: S. L. HORSFORD & Co. JAMAICA: D. HENDERSON & CO., Kingston. ANTIGUA: BENNETT, BRYSON & CO. GRENADA : THOMSON, HANKEY & CO. BARBADOS: BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE COTTON Co, Ltd. TRINIDAD: T. GEDDES GRANT, Port of Spain. BRITISH GUIANA: SANDBACH, PARKER & CO. Manufacturers: WILLIAM COOPER & NEPHEWS, Berkhamsted, England. a a G —_ 5 tt 4 Ss gs if wee man 3 VE ESS ZS aes ~ A x \\ ‘I NY i J re ry 7 : i NN SS EE UG Z c OF THE Wor owhv. No. 349: BARBADOS, SEPTEMBER 11, 1915. Price ld. CONTENTS. F i Aa ae driven home by the war that a general mobilization Pies Pace, movement has been set on foot, not only to focus scien- erae tia Southern Pro. is the Remmentation Of tific effort upon the immediate conduct of the war but press, mpeeris es . 299 | “a Neeoty ... 296 also upon the progress of British technical industries hlorophyl, Role of . 295) Mahua or Hlupei Tree of Corn, American yersus India Mee lidise> fees, OOM Local : . 305° Market Reports 304 Cotton Notes:— Notes and Comments 265 British Cotton Growing Pamphlet, A New 2065 Association... ... ... 294 St. Cr Henerinental Large Yields of Cauto ; Ww ee ee Punentie V0) Cotton in Jamaica... 294) oi once. Organization of... 289 West Indian Cotton = Sugar ry: Department News igar Industry Problems in the Chemis- Departmental Reports 291 ae Binous Notes: pay Ongapeats : w 202 A Bacterial Mango Dis- Sugar aes an Lament Bre Sher gn5 || British Guiana... ... 22 Pook sea Tisnie’ voce Saccharimeter, A New gabe: 293 PTI CPT SEnieES 6302 Tapping on the I ara Rub- p z ber Tree, Effect of 295 Diseases of Para Rub- ber Trees in Ceylon... 303 | ERIAATINOS) .2<. | see. om eee Guide to the Dominica Trade Conditions in Brit ish Colonies since the War eRe ses ak (290 Village Clubs and Associa- Gardens 297 : ; e: - eee oe Se oe Coa tions in England ... 295 The Frog as a Pest of West Indian Produets 303 (OG) ae ae ee 299 | West Indies, Motor Plough- West Indian Wasps . 298 ing in Geese. Sere OO eases : The Organization of Science. As7 QAY2OR over twelve months Great Britain has =) ot =Y25 intensity, and this, in certain respects, has had a most revolutionary effect upon practical politics in that country. of the important changes is the new attitude towards science and scientific For the first the history of the country chemists, physicists and biologists Their regarded as outside the sphere = » passed through experiences of unparalleled One most noticeable and workers. time in are in active demand. work is no longer of national affairs: indeed its indespensable character has been so forcibly in time of peace. The Government, so far as the war Invention Ministry of Munitions, both of which include leading scientific is immediately concerned, has appointed Boards at the Admiralty and at the experts. But the most significant move has been made by the Royal influential Society and the Chemical Society. These and representative bodies have presented a memorial, and have sent a deputation composed of the most eminent chemists to the Govern- ment, both procedures having been accorded a highly The both the memorial and interview was an appeal to the Govern- satisfactory reception. substance of ment to assist in giving scientific support to certain industries that have been seriously attected by the war, It was urged that the main causes of the backward state of certain industries are (1) failure to realize that modern industry, to be successful, must be based on scientific research; and (2) want of more intimate association between the manutacturers and the workers i that a central national kind of ‘clearing house’—and that the State should encourage All of In the Board of Edueation: in science. It was urged organization should be created—a science research by providing money for that purpose. these suggestions were favourably received. President of the be hurried, but it must be taken at words of the ‘Action must not once, and though there will not be much money this year, it is hoped that when the war is over substantial sums wil be forthcoming.’ fall matter which will be determined largely by the pressure of to which the manutacturer will The into line with this organization of science is a extent 290 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. SepremBer 11, 1915. circumstances. In the past he has not been anxious The general custom has been to employ the services of an to discuss his problems with external advisors. individual expert. But these experts, in spite of their good work, have not been accorded administrative powers and have often been handicapped as regards contact with The advent of the man of science as an industrial adminis- other investivators on account of trade secrets. trator, which is really what England is calling for, and which characterizes German industry, will necessiate a change of attitude on the part of the manufacturer. Science and the Government realize this to the full and are prepared to fulfil their functions in this and other respects. It only remains for the third party to fall into line, and then we may look to new and great developments. 3efore proceeding to consider organization of science in relation to agriculiure, it will prove instructive to enquire why science has not before now The reasons are to be found priucipally in the British character. One ingrained characteristic is an appreciation of mechan- received in England due recognition. ical invention without any -appreciation of the scienti- fic research underlying itv + It is not realized that the inventor 1s, 1m a sense, parasitic on science: that he obtains his ideas from science, and simply serves them If the ‘basic importance of research were more fully understood up ina concrete form for popular consumption. and recognized by the manufacturer, he would be more prepared to encourage science, and able men would be more prepared to participate in it. Another reason for the lack of recognition is the attitude of the older Universities and the English Public Schools. By them science as a_ profession is looked upon as one lacking in the essentials of refine- ment, and there can be no doubt this social stigma has had much to do with keeping able men of good position from entering it. Law and the Church, on the other hand, have always enjoyed high approval, one reason being no doubt that in these professions the ultimate prizes to be gained in after life are vastly superior. “They are, however, limited in number, and as Sir William Tilden remarked at the deputation to the “Government already referred to, ‘a large proportion of able young men who might otherwise take up chemistry as a pursuit are led into the ranks of other professions, especially the Law, in which there are prizes for the few but disappointment for the vast majority. Although we have seen that science in British industries has lacked recognition and organization, it has manifestly achieved a great deal. Now, if we consider science in relation to agriculture we find that without organization practically nothing can be done. Hence in the application of science to agriculture, we find that organization is, in most countries, much more advanced. It that an indns- trial parallel to a of Agriculture such as that possessed by the United States is what would seem Department is wanted in England as regards her industries. It is because Germany has both her manufactures this that she Here a word of warning may be intreduced in regard to the of relation to British and Colonial agriculture in the general move to help the manufacturer. Although in many respects the organization of science in agriculture is efficient there and agriculture organized in way has been economically so powerful. possible neglect science in is still much room for development, especially in regard Furthermore, in British Colonial agriculture, a centralized body of to the provision of research facilities. technical administrators is much needed to consider policies of develépment which the lay official is not in a position fully to understand. Reference may be made in this connexion to the United States and Holland, countries which have accomplished a great deal in the Phihppines and Java, respectively, by means of such an arrangement. Turnmg now to the West- Indies, it will be realized that the great nation] movemert described as taking place in England affords a lesson that Inay be taken these Considering the natural difficulties of communication, science in relation to heart in islands. to agriculture is in a very creditable condition of organization, vet there are still ways in which improve- ment could be effected. ‘There is need for closer and more intelligent contact between the planter and scientist, and need also for greater intercourse between the The former should arise in the course of time the natural result of educational efforts which have a fundamental influence upon the organization of science in general; the latter is accomplished by the holding of conferences, which in the case of the West Indies at the present time is impracticable on account of the war. investigators themselves. as Finally there is a tendency in the West Indies, like the one in Great Britain, for able young men to neglect science and agriculture as a profession, in preference to Law and Commerce. This war will mean a_renais- sance of science throughout the Empire: and if the prospects before a scientific career have in the past been discouraging, there is a great possibility, if all goes well, that in the future the outlook will be a most attractive one. ¢ Vou. XIV. No. 349. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 291 ST. LUCIA: REPORT ON THE AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT, 1914-15, The St. Lucia Agricultural Department conducts its official and experimental work at two establishments, namely, at Réunion in the Souffriére District, which is the principal establishment, and at the Botanic Gardens in Castries near which the Government Lime Juice Factory is situated. The report under review begins with a descriptive account of the work done in these gardens and certain observations on plants. Recent plant importations have included several species of Eucalyptus, and amongst the more economic plants, seeds of Sesamum from Grenada, seeds of varieties of ground nuts from Montserrat, and 100 suckers of ‘Red Spanish’ and ‘Smooth Cayenne’ pine-apples from Florida. The notes on economic plants which follow, refer to the recent determination of a coniferous tree found growing or the Petit Piton as Juniperus barbadensis. It is of interest to record that a large number of plants of this tree have been planted at the Réunion Experiment Station, as well as specimens of J. bermudiana and J. pachyphloea. As well as these trees, a large number of Casuarina equisetifolia have been introduced and planted to serve as a supply of cordwood. Considerable quantities of mahogany have also been estab- lished at Réunion. 7 The section dealing with the work at Réunion itself shows that the distribution of plants has rapidly increased during the past four years from. 28,000 to nearly 70,000. As well as the raising of seedlings, the experimental plots represent useful work carried on at this station. Fifteen acres of coco-nuts have been established for experimental purposes and two $-acre plots of Sea Island cotton were sown as a catch crop between cane banks. It is concluded that June and July are the best months for sowing cotton in the Choiseul district. Other experiments have included those with cassava and vanilla. Information on progress in the chief industries shows that while the exports of sugar and cacao have somewhat decreased, the shipment of lime products has again this year undergone a marked extension. Beginning with shipments valued at only £127 in 1906, the exports of lime products from St. Lucia have risen to a value of £6,451 in 1914. As a general rule the condition of lime plantations is reported to be good, but some of the, earlier plantations are now showing the ill effects of too close planting. Along with lime cultivation that of ‘coco-nuts has also shown progress. It is stated that the extension under this crop has taken place at such a rate tliat coco-nut planting can no longer be regarded as a minor industry in St. Lucia. The export of coco-nuts for the year under review shows a reduction, but this decrease can be explained by the fact that a large number of locally produced nuts have been used for planting up fresh estates. In future if Is likely that there will bé a steady increase in the shipment of eopra. On page 9 of the report appears a table giving the quantity and value of the various exports from St. Lucia during 1914. Sugar products still head the list with a value of £46,279; cacao comes next valued at.£38,846, then lime products valued at £6,449, and coco-nut products valued at £470. The loewood exported was considerable, being valued at £2,275 The report on instruction in agricultural matters deals principally with the working of the primary schools, the agricultural side of which is examined annually by the Agricultural Department. The examiner's report shows that good work has been done during the year and that the teachers are to be congratulated on the standard attained. Further educational efforts of the department have been connected with the island’s representation at exhibitions, notably at the International Rubber and Allied Products Exhibition held in London in June 1914. The display of St. Lucia produce was favourably reported on by the Secretary of the West India Committee. A special line of investigation started during the year has been the collection and identification of the St. Lucia grasses. The Agricultural Superintendent has received valuable assistance in this work from Mr. A.S. Hitchcock, Systematic Agrostologist of the United States Department of Agriculture, who kindly undertook to identify any species unknown locally. A provisional list of the grasses appears in this report, and general notes are furnished on the economic: importance of the more valuable ones. Thus Paspalum dilatatum (water grass) is deseribed as a coarse grass which is relished by cattle. Grazing stock also relish Asonopus: compressus, Which is frequently found occurring in patches on lawns and pastures. It makes a good springy turf if kept out. Concerning Andropogon pertusus (Barbados sour grass), it is stated that this is most suited for dry regions and is more valuable as a hay grass than as a green fodder. Cenchrus echinatus (burr grass), although troublesome to» pedestrians at its fruiting period is nevertheless a most valuable pasture grass in its young stage. It constitutes one of the hardiest grasses found in pastures along the dry coast lands. It will withstand the severest drought and the- hardest grazing, and thrives in the poorest soils. One of the most important subjects dealt with in the- report is the working of the Government Lime Juice Factory. Notes are given concerning milling, concentration, and distilling. It is shown that a high standard juice with a sediment test not exceeding 5 per cent. can be regularly turned out by any of the steam boiling plants in St. Lucia, as against the usual juice with 20 to 30 per cent. of sediment characteristic of the open-vat method of concentration. Interesting figures are given concerning the cost of manufac- turing concentrated lime juice. It appears that about £2 10s. may be taken as a representative estimate, though under war conditions an increase of some 12s. to 14s. has to be- added. It may be mentioned that in connexion with the Government Lime Juice Factory, planters are provided with facilities for having their concentrated juice tested, a fee of ls. being charged for each examination of raw juice and 1s. 6d. for concentrated juice. The highest recorded rainfall for the year was 120715 inches at Uplyme and the lowest at’ Vieuxfort, which was 27-78 inches. The rainfall at Réunion for the year 1914 was 50°45 and rain fell 197 days out of the 365. Appended to the major portion of this publication. report by the Agricultural Superintendent ~and Land Officer on the working of the Land Settlement Scheme at Réunion. The total area of the settlement is 165 acres. Of these, twenty-nine lots have been sold, comprising 101 acres of a total value of £709 Os. Gd. Several of the remaining lots have been applied for and the sales will probably be completed shortly, Both the agri- cultural and financial conditions of the Settlement appeax to be in every way satisfactory. 1S) a SUGAR — INDUSTRY. SUGAR POSSIBILITIES BRITISH GUIANA. An article on the resources of British Guiana by Professor Harrison and Mr. C. K. Bancroft in the Bulletin of the Imperial Institute (Vol. XIII, No. 2) contains the following references to sugar which will no doubt interest many of our readers:— The sugar industry is by far the most important industry of the colony, and sugar, with its by-products rum, molasses, and molascuit, contributes almost 75 per cent. of the total value of the exports. About 55 per cent. of the wage-earning portion of the population are directly connected with the sugar industry, while if those indirectly connected are included, the proportion is in excess of 50 per cent. of the population. Of the empoldered area of the colony 44°7 per cent. is under sugar cultivation, About 85 per cent. of this is reaped each year. This indicates that in round figures 38 per cent. of the empoldered land contributes to the yearly production of sugar. The average production of sugar over the colony during normal years is about 1°8 tons of sugar per acre. On well-administered, suitably equipped, and satisfactorily financed plantations the average yield in fair years may be taken as 210 to 220 tons of sugar per acre per annum. A conservative estimate of the area of land well suited for sugar cultivation, in the districts from the mouth of the Pomeroon in the north-west to the west bank of the Corentyne river in the east, is 531,000 acres, exclusive of the area already empoldered on sugar estates. Sixty-four thousand acres of this may be already beneficially occupied by products other than sugar, leaving nearly 470,000 acres available for the extension of sugar cultivation. At the present proportion of land yearly cropped with sugar to the total empoldered area, this would give in round figures 178,000 acres to be reaped each year, yielding a mean crop of 320,000 tons of sugar. Given sufficient capital, labour, progressiveness, and enterprise, the colony’s sugar crop on its eastern area could be increased to 570,000 tons of sugar per annum, which by fully applying modern scientific methods in cultivation and manufacture might be raised to 700,000 tons. Inclusive of the vast north-western section on the coastlands and along the lower reaches of the rivers of British Guiana, the total area of easily accessible land presumably well suited for sugar-cane cultivation, and at present not otherwise bene- ficially occupied, amounts in round figures to 1,620,000 acres. The area, if fully planted and reaped under modern conditions of cultivations and manufacture, could yield from 2} to 24 million tons of sugar per annuin. IN PROBLEMS IN THE CHEMISTRY OF SUGAR. In a paper read before the section of agricultural chemistry of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, at San Francisco, on August 5, 1915, Dr. C. A. Browne gave a most interesting review of the various agricul- tural, technical and biological questions that are at the present time receiving very widespread and thorough investi- gation by sugar chemists. The paper is reproduced in the Louisiana Planter for August 7, 1915, from which source the following abstract has been prepared. Tt should be pointed out from the first that the author, owing to ihe wide nature of his subject found it desirable to survey the different phases with’ more or less special reference THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. SepremBer 11, “1915. to the work of chemists in the United States. This does not detract however from the value of the review as an out!ine of the kind ot work which is being done in other parts of the world. The first aspect of the subject dealt with is the study of the eccurrence and distribution of sugar in the vegetable kingdom. It is mentioned that the more recent methods of detecting sucrose, as for example by means of the enzyme invertase, have greatly helped to widen our knowledge of the distribution of sucrose, and scarcely a month passes, without mention of some new plant in which sugar has been discovered. A closely related, but far more difficult problem is the one concerning the function of sucrose in the economy of plant life. In the metabolism of carbohydrates the law of equilibrium is referred to as a governing factor, and it is mentioned that the investigation of this part of our subject would be enormously helped by the discovery of a reliable micro-chemical test, for sucrose. The importance of such a test will be appreciated when we consider that practically everything known about transitory starch has resulted from the well-known micro-chemical test with iodine. The effects of climatic and other conditions upon the sugar content of plants present another class of interesting problems, and in this connexion mention is made of the work of Wiley. For many years the effect of changing conditions upon the sucrose content of cane has been investigated, especially in Hawaii. The problem of improving sugar-producing crops is always before the agricultural scientist. Dr. Browne puts forward the opinion that we have now reached the limit to the chemical improvement of our sugar-producing plants. It is doubtful if the laws of osmotic equilibrium will permit the accumulation of sucrose in the cane or beet to exceed a certain maximum, which,with normal conditions probably does not exceed 25 per cent. Occasional analysis has been reported of canes and beets exceeding 25 per cent. sucrose, but such cases are unusual and nearly always the result of drought, or of other abnormal conditions. Turning from the agricultural to the technical side of sugar production Dr. Brown refers first to the change of opinion as regards the economical working of the factory. At the present day the aim of the successful sugar house chemist is not necessarily, as it was in the past, to secure the highest possible yield of extracted sucrose, but rather to secure that degree of extraction which is most advantageous from the financial and the economic points of view. A sugar factory, says Dr. Browne, operated at the highest degree of chemical efficiency. may be a complete failure financially. Many thousands of dollars were wasted recently in equipping certain sugar-cane mills with diffusion batteries for the purpose of extracting the last traces of residual suerose from the megasse. Whilé the extraction of sucrose from the cane by this means was perfect, the increased cost of the operation and the injury of the megasse for fuel purposes caused the process to be quickly abandoned. Another point bearing upon the same idea is in connexion with the demand for molasses, If a rich grade is required it often pays to reduce extraction, allowing excess of sucrose to remain in the molasses which are then used for feeding. The enforced idleness of beet and cane sugar factories for six to ten months of the year is a most serious economie loss, and to secure some relief from such a situation is one of the most pressing problems to sugar production. -It is suggested that etfortssshould be made to extend the working season by devising better methods for preserving the sugar crop after harvesting, A somewhat promising solution of the problem consists in desiccating the.cane or beet and Vou. XIV. ~ No. 349. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 293. preserving the dried material until it is needed for extraction. The equipment of factories for the direct manufacture of white sugar from the cane is a chemical problem which is being much discussed at present. Recent advances in the study of clarification have now made it possible to mannfac- ture very fine grades of white sugar direttly from the juice of the cane. The production of a white marketable sugar which can be stored for any period of time without loss, offers a most satisfactory solution to the problem of deterior- ation, and thus enables the producer to hold his product for the most favourable time of selling. In connexion with white sugar, the problems of clarification are exceedingly important. Among the new clarifying substances which are being studied should be mentioned various hyposulphite preparations and infusorial earth. New decolourising agents of high carbon content, such as Norit and Eponite are also being investigated both as to their use in refining and in making white sugar upon the plantation. Recent experi- ments show these new charcoals to be vastly superior to bone black in decolourising power. New uses are being discovered each year for the employ- ment of sugar in the arts. The utilization of the waste sucrose in sugar factory residuums presents each year some new unexpected feature. The employment of molasses for the production of industrial alcohol, for the manufacture of mixed cattle foods, and for many other purposes has so increased that the subject of molasses is forming a very specialized branch of sugar chemistry. Mention is made by ‘Dr. Browne of the recent use made of ssucrose in Germany for the growth of yeast which can then be used as cattle food. Reference to this subject has already been made in the Agricultural News in some detail, but it has not been mentioned that a feature of the process is that the urine of cattle can be used as a source of nitrogen for the yeast. In the nitrogen cycle urea-protein in the yeast and protein- urea in the animal is thus an endless one. Turning to efforts that have been made to synthesize cane sugar, Dr. Browne gives an interesting historical account of the work that has recently been accomplished. The goal aimed at has however not yet been gained, yet the synthesization of sucrose is a poblem worthy of the best efforts, and its accomplishment will rank as one of the greatest triumphs of organic chemistry. Lastly, attention is given to the improvement of methods for estimating sucrose. The polarization of sugar products is performed at present very much as in the day of Soleil seventy years ago. Yet this most simple of analytical operations presents a large number of problems which still await solution, as for example the volume of precipitate error in clarification. Finally mention is made of Clerget’s method, which is described as the most beautiful perhaps of the many contributions of French genius to sugar analysis. It is stated that this method in principle is ideally perfect, but from a practical point of view it is still being investigated, and the questions involved are so complicated that the subject may always be expected to come up for discussion, ee The cultivation of seaweed as a source of manurial potash is described in a note in the Bulletin of the Imperial Institute for April-June 1915. This is being carried on in certain parts of Ireland. The price per ton of the weed in 1913 was about 15s to 16s. but at the present time owing to the enforced demand for potash higher prices are being obtained. The cultivation of seaweed has also received considerable attention in the United States, particularly on the Pacific Coast, A NEW SACCHARIMETER. One of the many optical instruments which the English opticians have allowed the Germans to supply almost entirely is the saccharimeter, This- instrument used to be made by Browning, but in late years nearly every instrument purchased in England has come from Berlin from the firm of Schmidt and Haensch, who make several designs of large and small instruments. It is therefore a pleasure to find an English firm—Messrs. Bellingham and Stanley, of London—making a saccharimeter which introduces valuable improvements on the German design. The one to which we refer is of the half-shadow type with quartz compensating wedges, but instead of the usual long wedge of which the movement is read direct by a scale and vernier, this one has a short wedge of larger angle. The wedge is moved by a screw, and the movement is read on a large drum with an open scale and sliding pointer. The whole length of the scale is some 2 feet instead of 1} or 2 inches, and it can thus be read with great ease. In instruments making use of a quartz wedge of the usual length (about 3 cm.), the scale is nearly always uneven, and unless calibrated, introduces errors amounting to several tenths of a degree Ventzke. According to Landolt this is due to the quartz, which he describes as ‘a poor material optically; he says that one seldom finds faultless plates, and that a pure wedge 3 cm. long is rare. Hence the value of the short wedge of Bellingham and Stanley which is less than half the usual length. The advantage of such a wedge, even if the quartz is not of special quality, is greater than would appear at first sight, since the field is due to the average effect of the whole of the light passed through the wedge, and this average will vary evenly through the small change of area of the wedge due to its movement, and thus the scale will be regular in spite of variations in the quartz; also- it is easier to get repeated readings, owing to the greater ease with which the setting can be made with the fine adjustment. given by the series, as compared with the usual rack and pinion motion. In fact, the makers state that they have not detected any calibration errors in their instruments. Another valuable feature is the enclosure of the scale and all working parts, so that they are protected from the salt vapours. The importance of this needs no emphasis to those who have had experience with instruments of this character. The corrosion of the metal work—especially steel work—and of the scale, when as in the higher priced instruments this is engraved on silver or nikelin, under the action of the fumes ina laboratory often renders the instrument almost unusable in a few years. The instrument is mostly constructed of an aluminium alloy, protected by a black-stoved enamel, and no steel is used except for a small spring, which is entirely enclosed. The optical work is of the first quality. The dividing line is sharp and clean, and the field evenly illuminated, so that adjustment for equality can be made without ambiguity, and with corresponding accuracy. The makers calibrate the scale ata number of points by direct reading against a pola- riser rotated on a divided circle. In the instrument examined the divisions were in half degrees ‘Ventzke’ (of which 100: correspond to 34°68° of arc, for sodium light at 17°5°C.), and it was easy to estimate to tenths of a degree, i.e., to less than three minutes of are. The design and workmanship were all that could be desired. The same firm is also making refracto- meters of the Abbé and Pulfrich type and other optical instruments. (Mature, July 29, 1915.) THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. SepremBer 11, 1915. COTTON. WEST INDIAN COTTON. Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool, write as follows, under date August 23, 1915, with refer- ence to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton:— There has been a little business done in West Indian Sea Island cotton since our last report; the sales amount to 100 to 150 bales; they include St. Vincent 18d. to 20d., with a* few bales of superfine at 30d.. and a few Nevis and Montserrat of the best quality at 15d. Prices are steady. BRITISH COTTON GROWING ASSOCIATION. The one hundred and thirty-eighth meeting of the Council of the British Cotton Growing Association was held at the Offices, 15 Cross Street, Manchester, on Tuesday the 3rd ultimo. The President, The Rt. Hon. the Earl of Derby, K.G., oceupied the Chair. Reference was made to the loss which the Association had sustained by the death of Mr. F. Reyner, and it was decided to send a letter of sympathy to his family. West AFRICA, The purchases of cotton in Lagos to July 31, amounted to 5,108 bales as compared with 13,267 bales for the same period of last year, and 13,284 bales for 1913. The rainfall this season in Lagos for the first time for some years has been ample, and as all foodstuffs have now been planted there is a possibility that the 1916 cotton crop will be a large one, more especially so as there has been a considerable reduction in the buying price of most other products as compared with the price of cotton. suDAN. The total crop from the Sudan this season will amount to over 24,000 bales, valued at about £300,000. The Association have givena great deal of assistance in financing and handling the crop. The yields at the Experi- mental Stations on the Gezira Plain during the past season amounted to over 450 Tb. of lint cotton per acre, which is a very satisfactory result. UGANDA, Owing to the necessity of planting large quantities of foodstuffs, it is likely that the production of cotton will be restricted for some time. During the past season the Association have been paying the natives the highest price possible for their cotton, otherwise there would have been a much greater reduction in the acreage under cotton. During the month sales have been made of 3,356 bales of the Association’s cotton, which was considered very satis- factory under the present conditions. It has often been represented that cotton is a new industry in Jamaica, whereas it is older than the sugar industry, the aborigines of Jamaica having been growers and manufacturers of cotton. The history of cotton in this island is not without bearing on the present situation. Older experiences indicate that the industry was alone profitable in Jamaica when perennial tropical cottons of medium staple were cultivated as by the Arawaks. In 1793 Bryan Edwards deseribed cotton as a staple eropof Jamaica, while Macfadyen in his ‘Flora’ described the cotton formerly grown here as a perennial plant that seldom came into bearing until the second year. LARGE YIELDS OF CAUTO COTTON IN JAMAICA. Reference was made in the Agricultural News, for December 5, 1914, to Canto cotton in Jamaica, where it is stated that plots established at Hope in August 1913 gave a crop of cotton in January to March of the next year amounting to about 600 Ip. of seed-cotton per acre. The lint was valued at 8d. per pound in London and at 16e. to 17¢. in New York. The latest issue of the Bulletin of the Depart- ment of Agriculture, Jamaica, goes on to say:— A plot of 50 acres was established on honeycomb rock lands in lower Clarendon and this grew well and gave a return of 700 tb. of seed-cotton for the first crop. Despite the serious drought of the summer of 1914 the plants ratooned successfully and gave 50 bales of cotton in the early part of 1915. The plants at the Experiment Station at Hope were tested in various ways with regard to pruning and it was found that they stood hard pruning in a remarkable manner and rapidly sprang again into new growth. The unpruned plants were a good deal damaged by scale, and most of the old plants were cut back in September on this account. Those that escaped scale attack and were left unpruned gave a return of 900 Ib. of seed-cotton per acre. All the August sown plants of 1914 and the late cut- backs of 1913, however, lost their crop in March owing te ‘boll rot’. Fundamentally. due to climatic influences, the Micro- biologist traced the injury to infection of the bolls through the punctures of cotton stainers functioning as a means of access to the interior of the bolls by the organism causing the ‘rot’. As Sea Island and Egyptian cottons were equally affected by this trouble, under similar conditions, it must be regarded as due to the climatic conditions and not to a_ peculiar susceptibility of cauto cotton. All the plants at Hope were cut back in April and sprayed with lime-sulphur wash as a precaution and are now in fresh and vigorous growth. If ‘Cauto Cotton’ can provide us in Jamaica with a perennial cotton capable of giving returns over a series of seasons without the risk of an annual planting it should prove a valuable economic plant, while its remarkable growth on the arid limestone area in lower Clarendon indicates that it can be grown successfully on these lands which, so far, have been useless for purposes of cultivation. Botanical specimens of the plant in all stages were prepared by Mr. W. Harris, F.L.S., and on submission to Kew were determined to be a new variety of cotton to which the name Gossypium brasiliense, var. apospernum (Sprague) has been assigned. This places it as a clean-seeded form of our common wild ‘Kidney’ cotton. In connexion with the use of certain plants for hedges for protecting fields and gardens in the West Indies, the name of Calliandra tergemana, a native plant of Dominica, known locally as the Bois Ravine, might be added to the list already given in the Agricultural News. This plant does not possess spines, but the growth is rapid and dense and itis highly suitable for ornamental hedges in gardens. It flowers freely several times during the spring, at which time it isa most showy object. Owing chiefly to its ornamental appearance this plant is now being used for hedges in the Dominica Botanic Gardens. Vou. XIV. No. 349. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 295 Se nnn nc ee EIEEEnSEE conn THE EFFECT OF TAPPING ON THE PARA RUBBER TREE. Mr. L. E. Campbell, B.Sc., A.L.C., rubber research chemist to the Ceylon Department of Agriculture, is the author of Bulletin No. 16 of that Department, which describes an investigation on tapping and the storage of plant food in Hevea brasiliensis. From the results described it may be concluded that the effect of careful tapping is localized. Starch is withdrawn from the wood immediately behind the cut, and also partially from narrow zones of bark below and at each side of the tapped area. In the above cases these zones did not exceed 14 inches in breadth, and in most cases the breadth was considerably less than this. The starch content of the bark was, however, normal right down to the top of the tapped area in the majority of cases. Excepting for this slight and absolutely localized with- drawal of starch in the neighbourhood of the tapping cut, the food supply had not disappeared from below the tapped area. It must be understood that all the trees selected for these experiments had been carefully tapped, and on examination of the sections during microscopical work evidence of ‘kiams’ was extremely rare. In hardly any case had the tapper cut down to within 1 millimetre or .J.-inch from the cambium. It is probable that food transport from the leaves takes place largely within this inner layer of the bark, and it is this fact which is so often lost sight of in discussions on the subject. Because a given tree with bark 8 millimetres thick at a given place is tapped so that 7 millimetres of the 8 are removed, to say that it is ‘seven-eighths girdled’ at that place gives a totally wrong impression, the 1 millimetre remaining being the chief part of the system for the conduetion of food down from the leaves. Where careless or heavy tapping has been employed, the tapping out extends down to, or nearly down to, the wood, and there is, of course, a complete severence of the channels of food transport at that place. It is unfortunate, from the planter’s point of view, that the latex vessels occur to the greatest extent near the cambium, but the iniquity of cutting ‘kiams’ is now usually sufficiently strongly impressed on the coolie. The conclusions may be summarized by stating that the effects of tapping on the trees here deseribed were almost purely local, a result which a perusal of most of the litera- ture on the subject would not lead one to expect. Now the premises are that intervals between periods of tapping are of great advantage as regards recovery of the bark. This has however to be reconciled with the not unnatural desire of directors and proprietors to obtain large rubber yields. The fact that the effects of tapping appear to be largely local, especially in a horizontal direction, justifies the surmise that by changing tapping from one part of the tree to another at intervals, the resting period of each area so tapped is nearly as effective as if the whole tree were rested, Tt would seem that the ‘change-over’ system so regulated as to accord with estate practice would be of benefit as regards bark renewal, and probably of rubber yield. Another point of. interest is that the effects of tapping here observed are much more localized than the remarks of Fitting would lead one to believe. It does not follow, of course, that some methods of tapping may not be so drastic in their action as to have a much more widespread effect on the trees than those described here, of, again, that bad tapping might not lead to such effects. Indeed, it is possible that results such as Fitting obtained might have been due to this cause. It has also been suggested that Fitting’s results may have been abnormal owing to the possibility that his trees were examined about the time of the wintering season, though the effects of the wintering season on the food movements of Hevea have not been hitherto investigated. The Role of Chlorophyl.—A series of four maize plants were cultivated in solutions which, for the first two acting as controls, were of ordinary strength, and for the last two ten times as strong, approximately 34 parts of soluble elements per 1,000, The amount of water evaporated by each plant was measured, and on the twentieth day this loss of water was made good by addition of the respective culture solutions, the strength for plants 3 and 4 having reached approximately 6:2 parts per 1,000. From this date, these two plants began to lag behind the controls, and six days later the terminal leaves of plant 4 were chlorotic. Comparing one control and one experimental plant, it was found that on the twenty-fourth day the control evaporated twice as much water as the other, the expenditure of heat being, therefore, 180 and 90 Cal. respectively. This difference could not be attributed to differences either in the chemical work of the plant, to external conditions. or to difference in leaf surface of evaporation. It could only come from calorific energy due to the transformation of luminous radiations by the chlorophyl. A diminution of the activity of a plant must consequently produce a decoloration of its green organs. and this was found to occur in the case of plants 3 and 4, the chlorosis being the means by which the plant protects itself against an exaggerated rise in temperature. In the case of the control plant on the day mentioned, when the expenditure of heat due to the evaporation of the water was 180 Cal., the increase in dry weight was 2 grams. ’ fo) t=} For this gain in weight, about 8 Cal. were absorbed. The author considers that the difference comes from the chlorophy], and that it is rash to attribute to this substance any immediate action on the chemical changes taking place during the assimilation of carbon. The role of the pigments of the higher plants is purely physical. (Journal a7 the Chemical Society, Vols. 107 and 108, July 1915.) Village Clubs and Associations in England.— It is not too much to say that during the last century such corporate life as the villages of England have enjoyed has centred round their various clubs, and it is noteworthy that the birth and development of these institutions have been due to the associative instinct of the labourers, the artisans, and the small middlemen. For a large part of the nineteenth century the farmers were too prosperous to feel the need of collective action, and the economic benefits offered by the usual village associations were not of the kind to attract them, so that they only appeared in connexion with those societies as honorary members or friends. Harder times have once more reminded them of the economy of mutual action for protection and advancement, and such organizations as the National Farmers’ Union, with its county and village branches, and the various farmers’ co-operative societies, are the outcome of it. But for a century or more it was the humble inhabitants of the villages who carried on the traditions of associated life in rural England. (Jow:nal of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, Vol. 75, 1614.) 296 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS SerpTeMBER 1], 1915. EDITORIAL NOTICES. Heap OFFICE — BaRBapos. Letters and matter for publication, as well as all specimens for naming, should be addressed to the Commissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture, -Barbados. All applications for copies of the ‘ Aoricultural News’ and other Departmental publications, should be addressed to the Agents, and not to the Department. The complete list of Agents, and the subscription and adyertisement rates, will be found on page 3 of the cover. imperial Commissi: ner of Agricultwre fur the West Indies Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Sc., E.EC., F.C.S. SCIENTIFIC STAFF. Seientifie Assistant aud Assistant Hoitor Fintomologist Mycologist W. R, Dunlop. H. A. Ballou, M.Sc. W. Nowell, D.£.C. CLERICAL STAFF. “Chief Clerk A. G. Howell. Assistant Clerk M. B. Connell. Junior Clerk W. P. Bovell. Assistant Junior Clerk P. Taylor. Miss B. Robinson. { A.B. Price, Fell. Journ. Inst. (L. A. Corbin. Agricultural slows +A : a Vou. XIV. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1915. No. 349. Typist _Assistants for Publications NOTES AND COMMENTS. ‘Contents of Present Issue. The new movement in the direction of organizing science in Great Britain is dealt with in the editorial to this number. The significance in relation to the -organization of science in agriculture also receives -attention. Considerable space is deygted in this issue to sub- jects pertaining to the prodyetion of sugar. These ‘articles will be found on pages 292 to 293. On page 291 will be found a summary of the con- tents of the recently issued report on the St. Lucia Agricultural Department, 1914-15. Insect Notes, on page 298, give an illustrated account of West Indian wasps, while Fungus Notes, page 302, refer toa disease of mangoes and give an interesting summary of the new pamphlet just issued , y) Y ‘ o Be U1, Uy, Vol. XIV. No. 350.] SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1915. _ [One penny. _ R. M. S. P. REGULAR MAIL, PASSENGER & CARGO SERVICES FROM THE WEST INDIES TO | PORTS OF CALL 'THE UNITED KINGDOM | Azores. H | | St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Dominica, || 2 |\CANADA | + Montserrat, Antigua, St. Kitts, | | Bermuda, Halifax, N.S., & St. John (N.B.) DEMERARA and PARAMARIBO | Grenada & Trinidad. ‘Trinidad, Puerto Colombia, PANAMA CANAL and PACIFIC | Cartagena, Colon, Panama, PORTS [eons Iquique, Antopagasta | land Valparaiso. REGULAR MAIL, PASSENGER AND CARGO SERVICES FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM TO: BRAZIL, URUGUAY & ARGENTINA Via Spain, Bortugal, Madeira & St. Vincent. REGULAR SAILINGS FROM PHE UNITED KINGDOM TO MOROCCO, CANARY ISLANDS & MADEIRA, & JAPAN. Head Office: 18, Moorgate Street, London. Branches at BARBADOS, Trinidad, Tobago, Colon, Jamaica, Antilla, New York, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, etc. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. How Ticks ARE KILLED WHEN CATTLE ARE DIPPED OR SPRAYED ~ CATILE TICK \ ———— + + > +e FaMALe A knowledge of how a dip is absorbed by, Ticks when cattle are dipped or sprayed with an arsenical wash is of great assistance in elucidating the problem of Tick destruction. Although this subject has given rise to much conjecture, very little definite information is obtainable as a result of practical experiment. Work directed by William Cooper and Nephews in South Africa has, however, furnished results from which feasible deductions have been made, and these appear to throw some light on the subject. The theories advanced by different workers are :-— 1. That the Tick absorbs the poison through its own skin during the process of dipping or spraying. 2. That the absorption of the poison through the skin of the Tick takes place after the operation of dipping or spraying is completed. 3 That the poison is absorbed by the skin of the animal, and that the Tick sucks in the poison with the fluids extracted while feeding on the animal. , It follows from No. | theory, and it is asserted by those who favour this theory, that the longer the period of immersion of the animal in the tick-killing fluid, the more certain is the destructive effect on the Ticks. For this reason the supporters of this theory advocate a dipping bath with a long swim. » Asa result of the work carried out under the direction of William Cooper and Nephews, it has been established that a brief, thorough immersion of the animal kills the Ticks as effectively as a long one. That is to say, complete immersion for a comparatively short time, ensured the death of the Ticks. If Ticks are taken off cattle soon after they have been dipped or sprayed with an arsenical wash, and are thoroughly cleaned to remoye any externally adherent arsenic, their bodies are found to contain no traces of the poison, whilst Ticks similarly removed on each of the six days following dipping ere found to contain appreciable quantities of arsenic, thus proving that the arsenic is absorbed after the operation of dipping or spraying is completed. With regard to theory No. 2, it is highly improbable that the arsenic is absorbed through the skin of the Tick, for the fluid dries on the skin in less than an hour after treatment, during which period, as was shown in the previous paragraph, no absorption takes place. There only remains then theory No. 3, viz., that the host animal absorbs the poison into its skin, and later, the Tick imbibes the poison during the process of feeding. A\ll experience with dips in the field goes to support this theory. Given dips which contain equal amounts of the poisonous agent, it has been proved by actual experiment that those which spread oyer and thoroughly wet the whole surface of the skin of the animal possess the greatest killing power. Therefore, an essential feature of a dip is that it should give complete and uniform penetration over the whole skin surface of the animal. ; It is a proven fact that those dips which saturate the skin in patches kill only the Ticks which adhere to those patches. It is found, moreover, that if a solution of arsenic is injected subcutaneously, the Ticks attached around the site of the injection are poisoned, and although they have had no contact with arsenic from the exterior, their remains are found to contain appreciable quantities. This poisonous action is limited to an area of about 6 inches radius from the site of inoculation. Investigations have shown that arsenic applied to the undamaged skin of an animal does not appear in appreciable quantities in the internal organs of the body. This seems to prove that the arsenic which is absorbed by the skin fails to reach the circulating blood which would carry the poison from the surface to the interior. The accumulated facts which have resulted from enquiries into the matter lend the greatest support to the theory that the living cells, which form the deeper layers of the skin, have an actual affinity for arsenic, and the poison is arrested and fixed in them and thus prevented from reaching the circulating blood. If this theory is correct, then after dipping or spraying, the deeper layers of the skin will become strongly impregnated with arsenic, possibly in a state of combination with the organic tissues. It is then easy to suppose that while feeding on a beast which has been recently dipped or sprayed, the tick takes in considerable quantities of the poison with the blood and lymph which have necessarily passed through these deeper layers of the skin, which are more or less saturated with arsenic. oP) COOPER’S CATTLE TICK DIP WEST INDIAN AGENTS: - Ld . . . S J . Has received the official approval of the following Countries: ST. KITTS: ARANCA. ae pt, Coa a beret & Co. Union of South Africa, Northern Rhodesia, Brazil, Basutoland, SAEDADOS. Lites tative Cotton Ca He Nyasaland, Swaziland, Southern Rhodesia, Madagascar, TRINIDAD: T. Geddes Grant, Port of Spain. British East Africa, German East Africa, Portuguese East Africa, , een GUIANA SEED SHESH, see = mae . 5 : *Co., stown. 2VIS: S.D. Malone. Portuguese West Africa, Egypt, Argentine Republic, Queensland, ST DANISH SUES INDIES Carl we La Best. St. Thomas’ @vuuited States of America, Northern Territory of Australia. MONTSERRAT: W. Llewellyn Wall, DOMINICA: Hon. H. A. Frampton Manufacturers : WILLIAM COOPER & NEPHEWS, Berkhamsted, England. BRANCHES: Toronto, Chicago, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Buenos Aires, Monte Video, Punta Arenas, East London, Odessa. Wis: le - a A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW OF THE IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. Von. XIV. No. 350: BARBADOS, SEPTEMBER 25, 1915. Price ld, CONTENTS. PAGE. PAGE. Agriculture in Jamaica... 319) Insect Notes: Ajowan Seeds for Thymol 313 Notes on Internal Dis- Blue Mountain Coffee 508 | ease of Cotton Seed... 314 Cotton Seed, Results of What Cacao Thrips Sig- Planting Smooth... nify im Grenada ... 314 Cotton Stainer Trap Items of Local Interest... 310 Departmental Reports Lake, J. L.B.R. ... ... 312 Double Coco-nut Palm in Market Reports... ... 320 the West Indies . 312] Notes and Comments ... 312 Electricity for the Estate 313} On Understanding a Crop Excess of Lime Method of and Its Requirements... 505 Water Purification ... 313} Sugar Industry:— Flies, Destruction of, by Some Recent Tours for Means of Disease... 309 the Study of Factory Fungus Notes: Conditions... .. 307 Die-back of Lime Trees Technical Control for in Montserrat ... ... 318 Natal . eee. 5. 306 Diseases of Citrus in the Tomato, Acclimatization Islelofebimes: ess fs. OlS)|| of ...qReaesest esas 222 (008 Gleanings ... ... ... ... 316! West Indian Bay Oil On Understanding a Crop and Its Requirements. Sa [SHE tropical planter, unlike his confrére farther north, is primarily interested in only one crop, and this crop is generally of the perennial sort. Thus we speak of the sugar-cane or rubber planter, or of the cacao or citrus grower, signi- fying in doing so that each in his line is more or less a specialist. Such being the case it behoves the planter to concentrate attention to the best of his ability on his understand the inner working of the individual plant. crop’s requirements, and to try to The importance of doing so- is rendered still more apparent when we remember that with most tropical crops the individual plant is of a relatively large size allowing only a comparatively small number to the acre. In the first instance the study of the individual comes within the province of physiologist rather than of the planter, and it will prove instructive to enquire to what extent the physiologist has been at work. With some crops he has been much more active than with others. The outstanding work on the individual plant is that of Balls, whose work on Egyptian cotton is both exemplary and studied the of different conditions, and has brought to light many suggestive. This investigator has cotton plant under a large number new facts concerning its behaviour under a varying environment. Thus he has shown that the plant’s activities are practically arrested during the hotter hours of the day, and that in Egypt, boll shedding is the result of root asphyxiation. Similar in some respects to Ball’s work on the cotton plant is Copeland’s investigation of the coco-nut. This latter scientist has demonstrated the detrimental effect of shade upon the plant, and has opened up quite a novel line of thought in regard to the measurement of the plant's rate On the observation it will be of development by means of the leaf stalks, basis of this last mentioned possible to express in arithmetical terms the development of a whole grove. A third crop which is being studied physiologically is Para rubber. In this connexion mention may be made of Campbell's recent work in Ceylon, which has shown that the ettect of tapping on the rubber tree is quite local: consequently the distribution of tapping is equivalent to resting the tree—a conclusion of considerable importance. In regard to the crops mentioned, we have not referred to strictly mycological or entomological work, nor even to 506 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. SerremBer 25, 1915. manurial experiments, because these do not constitute the purely physiological ifivestigation which we consider is so urgently necessary. As a matter of fact familiarity with the plant’s habits and requirements under normal conditions is necessary before pathology and artificial nutrition can be rationally considered; and it has often been the case that supposed entomolo- been resolved gical or mycological troubles have ultimately to a purely physiological basis. The cotton, coco-nut and rubber plant have been instanced as cases in which the individual is being carefully studied. There are many tropical economic plants which have been, and are, as carefully neglected. The sugar-cane is an example, It is a remarkable fact that whereas a whole army of mvestigators are engaged in the study of sugar manufacture, it is not possible to mention a single name associated with the systematic study of the cane plant’s physiology. There can be no question but that there remains a great deal to be understood concerning this plant. The reasons for its unknown, nor has anyone attempted to show why it is that one variety can produce more sugar than another. The morphological development of the cane plant has not been worked out accurately, in spite of the fact that remarkable synthesizing powers are quite its growth is extremely symmetrical, thereby indicating the existence of very definite correlations. Similar remarks apply to cacao, limes and coffee. Great individuality is known to exist amongst cacao trees, and recently this has been taken into account in the conduct of manurial experiments. A group of trees selected by mere imspection to serve as a control plot may contain a preponderance of low yielding trees, whereas another group similarly selected by sight and at random for manunial treatment may include a preponderance of high yielders. The erron- eous conclusions resulting from such an experiment can well be imagined. We are beginning to realize that in manurial experiments we must start with he individual of known habits just as we must start with the individual of known parentage in the -ease of genetics. While referring to the case of the sugar-cane, mention was made of the large amount of attention that has been given to the manufacture of sugar in the factory, compared with that given to the plant in the field. ‘This state of affairs is very general, and is to be seen both in the case of cacao and of limes. It is very -striking in the case of limes. Great progress has been made in regard to the manufacture of the various pro- ducts, but the lime plant remains where it was. The erux of the matter lies in what those who have to pay for investigations think most useful. Certainly an analysis of a plant’s individuality is not likely to lead to a direct gain such as giving the same plant a dose of pen manure may, but it will be the means of preventing far greater losses through irrational treatment. We indicated in the foregoing that the planter must knéw his plant, and the extent to which he understands it, from the biological stand- point of course, will depend largely upon the work of the physiologist. have This is inadequate in regard to the sugar-cane. especially, and it might be more useful if a part of the large sums of money, now spent on manurial experiments, were expended in the direction of enquiring into the inner working of the organism itself. SUGAR = INDUSTRY. TECHNICAL CONTROL FOR NATAL. An important project for the benefit of the Natal sugar industry was outlined at the annual meeting of the Natal Sugar Assoziation held recently at Durban, It was to the effect that a special branch of instruction should be started at the Durban Technical Institute for teaching the science of sugar cultivation and manufacture, aud that chairs of Entom- ology, Bacteriology, and Chemistry should be founded, towards the cost of which the sugar industry should be asked to contribute two-thirds. A contribution of }d. per cent. per month from both cane growers and mills on their output would, it was estimated, produce an annual income of about £3,750, which sum would not only be sutticient to defray the expenses of the special instruction referred to above, but also the cost of a cane-growing Experimental Station under the control of the industry. This project, if carried out, should prove an inestimable boon to the Natal sugar industry ; the latter, though progres- sive in many ways, isyadmittedly rather backward as regards scientific control and co-operation. Technical assistants have at present to be procured from overseas, involving consider- able delay when a vacancy has to be filled. Any plan which would obviate this and enable the Natalians to acquire the necessary scientific training within their own territory, would obviously result in a larger and more settled supply of trained labour ; for it is obvious that staffs introduced from Europe or from other cane sugar countries are not so prone to settle down and stay ata post in a foreign country as the native settler is likely to be.. And the presence of three men in the midst of the industry, each an expert in his particular line, would offer the sugar interests facilities for investigation on scientific lines which could not but redound to the benefit of the industry as a whole, and might conceivably be the means of preventing, or at all events promptly scotching, some epi- demic or other form of catastrophe which sooner or later visits every sugar-growing country. The cane-breeding station ought to be a particularly opportune addition to the resources of the planters ; for Natal has so far pinned its faith to but one variety, the Uba, and were this one to deteriorate sud- denly through disease Or sterility, the planters might be faced with the prospect of a most serious set-back. So far good fortune had aided them, but it would not be safe to assume that this would continue for ever. So the proposals to find the wherewithal to start a cane experiment station come none too soon. (The International Sugar J urnal, August 1915.) Vor XIV. No. 350: SOME RECENT TOURS FOR THE STUDY OF FACTORY CONDITIONS. This article is based upon three reports concerning tours in different parts of the world for the study of factory conditions in the sugar industry. The first which will receive attention is entitled A Note on Indian Sugar Industry and Modern Methods of Sugar Manufacture. by G. N. Sahasrabuddhe, Sugar Expert to the Department of Agriculture, Bombay. This valuable publication running into 113 pages is largely based upon information obtained by Mr. Sahasrabuddhe in the West Indies, where he spent two years under a Travelling Scholarship awarded by the of study was followed Commissioner of course Imperial Government of India. The under the direction of the Agriculture. The Report seeks to enquire into the causes underlying the backward condition of sugar manufacture in India, and furnishes irrefutable information showing that the adoption of West Indian factory practices in many parts of India would be of vast economic value. With special reference to the Bombay Deccan, it is stated that this area is in a position to compete successfully in the matter of cane growing with the countries which import sugar into India. But as already intimated, in order to compete successfully in the market, sugar must be manufactured on a factory basis by means of modern machinery. The chief difficulty facing the establishment of central factories is the uncertainty of a regular supply of cane for the mill. The various methods by which this difficulty may be eliminated are fully discussed by the author. For complete security it is considered necessary that the factories should own a certain area of land and that they should enter into contracts with neighbouring growers for the supply of further quantities of cane. Space will not allow consideration of the numerous details of interest which are to be found in the course of perusing this bulletin, but attention may be called especially to a table which appears on page 45, showing the efficiency of different milling plants in different sugar- growing countries, including the West Indies. This is reproduced, in part, in the opposite column. The last column of figures are of greatest significance, the efficiency of the milling being highest where the juice lost per 100 fibre in the megass is lowest. The second publication to which reference has been made is entitled The Manufacture of Sugar in Louisiana. This Bulletin, published by the Depart- ment of Agriculture, Mauritius, is by Mr. J. F. Clarence, who was granted a travelling scholarship by the Government of Mauritius after leaving the Audubon Park Sugar School, Louisiana, to visit sugar factories of Louisiana, Cuba, Porto Rico and Java. The present report gives details of the methods of manufacture in the Louisiana sugar factories. In opening his report, Mr. Clarene states that the Louisiana factories of which there are 210, twenty-three of these however, aoe cane syrup only, vary in their capacity from 300 to 2,400 short tons of cane per twenty-four hours. It appears that about 58 per cent. of the sugar-cane is grown on land owned by the factories, the remainder being purchased from planters or cane growers. The cost of trans- portation from the field to the factory is heavy, and operates in limiting the size of the factories. Reference is made to the system of loading and transporting, and to sugar-cane harvesters which are being employed in Louisiana. _. The greater part of the report naturally concerns the equipment and working of the factories themselves. Refer- ence is made to Louisiana boilers and furnaces, to sul- THE AGRICULTU Yet v0] RAL NEWS. phur apparatus and evaporators, double, triple and quadruple effects. The third and last report is by Mr. Peter Abel, Representative of the Harvey Engineering Co., Glasgow, who was asked to visit India in order to ascertain the requirements of the country in regard to sugar machinery, and to advise the Government of India in connexion with sugar matters generally where such advice was desired. Mr. Abel’s report is published as Bulletin No. 47 of the Agricultural Institute, Pusa. The most striking features of the report are its illustrations, which include some fourteen excellent 5 oan | 2,5 | = ae ene —_—_—- _—_____. | __ ———— —- Two 3-roller Mills. Antigua 1905 | 15°3 NGPA 81:7 13°4 92-2 do 1906 14:1 15°2 82-7 91 |103-2 Mauritius 13°9 ILE Sea iateto ys) 14:1 |111°8 Two 3-roller Mills & Crusher. Antigua 1907 | 14:4 | 15:1 | 84-4 | 21:1 | 80-4 | do 1908 14-3 (522) -185:8 |) 20:9 | 716 | Demerara. 12 One | 83:8 50 1103-5 + Three 3-roller Mills. | Mauritius 139. | 11-6 | 87-7 | 12:3 | 96-4 | do 14:0 | 12°4 | 92°5 | 26:4 | 76-4 | do 14:1 | 12°0 | 90:2 | 15-8 | 64:5 Three 3-roller Mills and Cane Cutter. | Mauritius. | 14:4 ) 12-5 | 92:0 | 17:5 | 37-4 Three 3-roller Mills | and Shredder. | Mauritius. 15° 490372) 1790-5) |- 18-1 49°38 Three 3-roller Mills and Crusher. ie Mauritius. 13:5, |(pl2;5) | 9079) | 18:3) || 59:5 F do 13° 12:7 | 89°3 | 12-4 | 67-5 Cuba. 12°2° {11:7 | 93-2 | 17-6 | 49:1 [ do 134°) Ps! | 85:2 | 19:2) | 97-9 | Hawaii 16-2) ula) (90:5) | 11-0) | 70:3. do 164 | 11:4 | 93:2 | 33:9 | 49-7 | Four 3-roller Mills j and Crusher. Antigua 1911 14:1 | 15°8 | 85°7°| 14:4 | 70°3 do 1915 12°70 | 16°9 | 91-4 | 23-5. | 40°5 Hawaii 17°3 | 10°4 | 93°5 |'11-7 159-4 do 17°5 | 10°4 -) 93°6 |°19°5 | 51-2 do 17°7 | 10°4 | 94°8 | 96:4 |'41-7 | St. Kitts (1913) 13:6 | 15-1 | 91:0 |' 28-3‘ | 46-2 photographs relating to sugar factories in different parts of the world. The subject-matter describes processes or methods in other couutries, recommending their adoption in India, From a technical point of view it would have been more interesting if the important subject of milling had received more attention. Nore. Certain of the figures relating to Antigua have been slightly altered in order to bring them into accord with. information recently received from the factory in question, is) So iv) THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 1915. SEPTEMBER 25, WEST INDIAN FRUIT. BLUE MOUNTAIN COFFEE. Mr. A. St. Geo. Spooner, of Jamaica, has recently furn- ished this Office with a useful and interesting account of the famous Blue Mountain coffee industry of that colony. Mr. Spooner gives consideration first to the quality of the soil producing this coffee. The lands on which the plant is grown are generally very steep hillsides, and in many places the soil is now insutticient (owing to denudation), and too poor to produce profitable coffee bushes, except in the little valleys and pockets where there is still depth and suit- able quality of soil. It is stated that an estate having perhaps 1,000 acres at one time or another suitable for coffee might to-day find it difficult to maintain 100 to 150 acres. The soil is the product of the decomposition of shales, and is of no great depth anywhere, the more denuded lands being merely rotten shale, and hardly to be classed as soil at all. However, the coffee which is produced is well known to be of excellent quality. The prospect of obtaining profitable crops is stated to decrease with the elevation. For best all-round purposes 2,000 to 2,500 feet is the best; higher than that, although the quality of the coffee is better, the yield is smaller, and as the rainfall is often too heavy, the trees do not always flower except a period of drought happens to come in between the rainy spells. It appears that the seasonal changes experienced during the last few years have rendered the production of Blue Mountain cottee more precarious than in former years. At high elevations, namely over 2,500 feet, shade, except for very young coffee, is not desirable: at lower elevations it is indispensable. Another effect of elevation upon the plant is seen in the case of pruning. Coffee grown at high elevations is all pruned * short top’, whereas this pruning does not suit coffee im the lowlands. Mr. Spooner is of the opinion that the tendency of coffee at these rainy and colder elevations is to produce leaves and wood, and in order to ensure bearing well, a much more drastic pruning is needed. On the low- lands the rainfall is less, and it is desirable to have a larger tree, with a more extended root range. The pruning of coffee at different elevations is not a difficult matter, but it is too much a question of practical judgment to allow of descrip- tion in this article. Mr. Spooner then proceeds to déscribe the machinery used on some of the estates as long ago as 100 years. ‘The pulper consists of a wooden roller covered with copper (indented) and turned by a mule. The cherries are forced between the roller and a hardwood block, whilst the beans are left on the hardwood block and fall backward on to a shaking riddle through which they pass into a stone cistern. The mucilage ferments from the beans in twenty-four to forty-eight hours assisted by the water which is run into the pulper all the tame and in which the pulped beans lie. After fermentation the beans are carried out and dried. When quite dry—it takes about three or four weeks to reach this condition—they are put into a circular wooden trough in which runs a great heayy wooden wheel pulled*round by a mule. The ‘scrunching’ action splits off the parchment; the beans are then winnowed and put back again under’ the wheel to ‘scrunch’ off the silver-skin. They are then winnowed again, sized in a rotary sizer and then hand picked to reject the inferior beans of each grade. The above represents the old way of preparing coffee. The new way consists in using a much improved pulper, but constructed nevertheless on the same principles as the old. Further, after drying, the beans are hulled in a machine haying a coarse-threaded screw working very loosely in a coarse-threaded nut: the space between the screw and the nut is where the parchment coffee is ‘scrunched’. After winnowing, the coffge passes to many different forms of sizers, which not only separate the beans by virtue of their diameters, but also—which appears more important—sizes them according to their length. In a fancy article like Blue Mountain coffee appearance counts for everything, and a long bean having a good diameter is certainly an attractive looking article. The grades in one of the largest coffee houses of Jamaica are Peaberry, Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, and Priage Nos. 1 and 2. Peaberry is produced by weak and old trees that pro- duce a certain proportion of cherries having only one seed. which then becomes rounded something like cowrie. That this grade ranks so high is further evidence that plant vigour and good quality in coffee do not go together, just as in the case of sugar-cane cultivation, a certain degree of fertility, not too high, produces the best sugar-making juice. According to Mr. Spooner the cultivation of the mountain coffee usually consists merely in weeding two or three times a year and pruning according to the season and soil, and irrigation sometimes every year, or once in two or three years. Agriculturally the coffee land of Jamaica seems to be greatly neglected. The tree is said to be a surface feeder, but it seems that in order to live on some of the lands it is at present found growing on it must have a very wide root range. The bushes are planted 4x4 feet on poor highlands to 6x4 feet on richer land. They begin bearing at about four years old. The young seedling plants are got from self-sown plants at the base of the growing bushes. No nurseries are made. As regards yield to be expected, Mr. Spooner states that 266 tb. per acre per annum is considered very good. A small yield is not more‘than 100 tb. per acre per annum. Since there are 1,515 trees per acre planted at 6 x 4 feet, the yield per tree fora good crop works out at about only 1?-oz. of coffee per tree per annum. The cherries are also measured in a box (1 foot 6 inches x1 foot 6 inchesx1 foot 4 inches=3 cubic feet)and this is supposed to give 1 bushel’ of dry coffee in the parchment or anything between 20 and 25 tb. of dried clean coffee fit for sale. Picking costs 1s. 3d. to 2+. 6d. per box (3 eubie feet) of cherries according to the crop, and a good picker in a good crop picks { to 1 box per day. The finished coffee is put up in 100-ib. canvas bags, twenty-nine of which are a mule load. In Liverpool, the price is anything from 90s. to 120s. or even 130s. per ewt., but it is difficult to sell quickly. It is stated that it is not uncommon to have to wait six or eight months for account sales. Financing therefore becomes difficult. Peasant coffee is bought in the cherry at from 6s. to 12s. per box. The yield of about 200 W. cleaned coffee per acre would be about 12} boxes of cherries. Mr. Spooner states that from this source the native in the coffee district derives what little ready money he needs. His principal requirements are met by the provision crops which he grows on his holding. It appears that the mountain coffee districts of Jamaica‘ are very sparsely populated and perhaps not 5 per cent. of the land is in any cultivationat all. It has to be borne in mind however, that the Blue Mountain coffee of Jamaica has estab- lished a name for itself because of its good flavour, and it seems’ a matter for regret that this cultivation is not given greater attention. - 4 ACCLIMATIZATION OF THE TOMATO. The Tomato Number of the Philippine Agricul- turist and Forester (June 1915) deals, amongst other matters, with the results of acclimatization experiments Vot. XIV. No. 350. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 309 with varieties imported from Messrs. Sutton & Sons, London, and Messrs. Vilmorin-Afidrieux, Paris. The following is a summary of the results in respect of the Philippines. The subject is believed to be of interest in the West Indies especially as a trade in tomatoes is being established with Canada. ‘ 1. ‘Tomatoes, in this region on ordinarily level ground are most profitable only when sown between July and October possibly, the part of November. Tomatoes planted in other seasons need special care and are likely not to bear any fruit. 2. Of the thirty-two imported varieties, only eight could be made to bear fruit in one season. Of these eight, three . are of the commercial type, and five of the small fancy types. The showing for these successful varieties was fair, considering the fact that this is the first time they have been ; tried in this country. Seed selections have been made from . the healthier plants. It is expected that future generations and, earlier will give better results as acclimatization proceeds. 3. The smaller faney types were more successful than the large commercial varieties, apparently because the former approach the wild type more closely, and, therefore, are hard- ier and better equipped to resist adverse conditions than the . more highly specialized commercial forms. 4. It was found that the tomatoes raised from seeds imported from France did better in this region than those from seeds imported from England. The apparent reason for this is that the former is a more southern country. 5. Due to the requirements of the plants in the way of intensive cultivation, it is not advisable to raise tomatoes on | a large scale unless a large amount of labour, properly handled, is available. 6. A period of prolonged drought, and, likewise, a period -of heavy and continuous rainfall will cause failure to set 3 fruit. 7. A long rainless period retards growth on the charac- teristically porous soils of the College farm, in spite of occasional irrigation. 8. > An Important Matter for Owners of Dairy Herds CATTLE TICK FEMALE > > The following information is taken from Farmers’ Bulletin, No. 639, issued officially by the Department of Agriculture of the United States. The actual amount of harm which ticks do to cattle is no longer a matter of mere conjecture. But the need of definite knowledge on this subject ied the Department to conduct some experiments on the effect of the tick on milk production and on the body weights of dairy cattle. RESULTS OF EXPERIMENTS Forty cows were divided into 2 lots of 20, each of which was producing practically the same amount of milk, and was given the same feed and cre for an average of 152 days, during the season most favourable to the development of ticks. One of the lots in each experiment was allowed to become infested with ticks, while another was kept free from them—in one case by spraying aad in another by dipping. The main results of the experiment were as follows : 1. Cows carrying ticks did not hold up so well im milk flow as cows kept free from ticks, and did not increase their flow of milk when the feed was increased, as did the tick-free cows. At the close of the experiment the cows lightly infested with ticks were producing 1839 less milk than the cows kept free from ticks, practically 14 pints less per cow per day. tN 3. At the end of the experiments the cows heavily infested with ticks were producing 42.4% less milk than the tick free cows, or nearly one-half gallon less per head per day. 4. During the experiment period of one of the tests, which included 20 cows, the heavily infested cows lost an average of 9.3 pounds in weight, while the tick free cows gained an average of 44.2 pounds, although both were fed alike. THE COST OF FEEDING TICKS If a pen keeper or dairyman with 20 cows, each producing 8 quarts of milk a day, should let them become lightly infested with ticks, the milk production would be decreased to the extent of 14 quarts a day for each cow. At as low an estimate of 20 cents. a gallon or 5 cents. a quart, this would amount to 7} cents. or $ 1.50 for the entire herd of 20 cows each day. If the tick infestation were heavy the reduction in the milk yield would be 3.5 quarts a day for each cow, equal to 17 cents. in milk values. This would amount to 3 3.40 a day for the herd of 20 cows. The following is an actual experience of a dairyman in a very heavily tick infested territory, which strikingly illustrates how heavy is the cost of feeding ticks. Late in the season when his cows were covered with ticks, the cattle were dipped and the ticks killed. One week after dipping the 42 cows in his herd gave 10 gallons of milk more than before dipping. This was an increase of 16.6% and as the milk was bringing 35 cents. a gallon the extra 10 gallons were worth $3.50. Hence, asa result of being freed from ticks by dipping, the same 42 cows, on the same feed, produced extra milk sufficient to increase the dairyman’s profits by $3.50 per day, or $1277.50 per annum. a IT COSTS MORE TO FEED TICKS THAN TO KILL THEM If pen keepers and estate owners will work together the ticks can be eradicated. Complete eradication, and not merely suppression, should be the aim of every Owner of Cattle. The dipping tank, or spraying machine, makes the work easy, effective and practical. COOPER’S CATTLE TICK DIP WEST INDIAN AGENTS: A * of, : - oS. s Co. NTIGUA: B .B Has received the official approval of the following Countries: ST. KITTS: Se te eae J shag Inbar ryson & Co. Union of South Africa, Northern Rhodesia, Brazil, Basutoland, DARBANCE. CRA MEEnive Cotton ce ae Nyasaland, Swaziland, Southern Rhodesia, Madagascar, TRINIDAD: T. Geddes Grant, Port of Spain. British East Africa, German East Africa, Portuguese East Africa, BRITISH GUIANA: Sandbach, Parker & Co. PF . Vi NT: C & Co., Kingstown. NEVIS: S.D. Malone, Portuguese West Africa, Egypt, Argentine Republic, Queensland, ST Lica SUBST NDI ey WiiLa Bect..S¢. Themad United States of America, Northern Territory of Australia. MONTSERRAT: W. Llewellyn Wall. DOMINICA: Hon. H. A. Frampton Manufacturers: WILLIAM COOPER & NEPHEWS, Berkhamsted, England. BRANCHES: Toronto, Chicago, Sydmey, Melbourne, Auckland, Buenos Aires, Monte Video, Punta Arenas, East London, Odessa. UYUi“n VJ viv aim . > 5) ey! > Se Ze WN le os Wa LIBR , N > OF THE ee ANK GArog IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. Von. XIV. No. 351. BARBADOS, OCTOBER 9, 1915. Price ld. CONTENTS. PAGE. PAGE. Avricultural Banks for Trini- Manjack Deposits in Brit dad... “ete RE ish WestIndies ... ... 33 Agricultural Industries in Market Reports... ... 336 Demerara ... « «-- 328} Notes and Comments ... 328 Agricultural Progress in Notes from Crown Colony Inhsee, "ooc : 335)| Repontseea a. 9---. >-- a0 Agriculture in the Fed- Plant Diseases: erated Malay States... 331 The Effects of Exposure Antigua Onion Growers’ of Lime Trees... ... 334 Association: Report for Porto Rico, A Year's TOU4=155 7.0.0 Sen. case sanined Work I sas) less tects OO. Cotton Notes: Roses Suitable for Cultiva- Cotton Exports from the tion in West Indies... 327 West Indies ... ... 326 Sugar Industry: West Indian Cotton 26 How to Avoid Errors Fortunately Situated ... 521 in Field Trials with Gardens of the Royal Hor Sugar-cane... ... ... 325 ticultural Society... ... 329 Removal of Sugar Duties Gleaninosmeey ean heesk eee OOe'| phat (UA NS Insect Notes: |'Tomatoes and Manure... + The Acrobat Ant... ... 330) West Indian Agriculture, Imperial Bureau of Ento- Co-operative Insurance mology... eesjces eee | IN Meee oe Items of Local Interest... 3261 West Indian Products a EEE eS Fortunately Situated. “Yin ONSIDERABLE anxiety is being felt in S) p> many countries at the present time concern- 2 ing the scarcity of potash manures, the supply of which is a German monopoly. Vigorous ettorts have been made to develop certain potential sources such as may be found in varieties of felspar and in seaweeds, but it appears impossible to make good in this way the present deficiency, at least Ina manner that will prove economical. Rothamsted silently acknowledges this fact, for in it attention is confined to the courses that should be farming land without the usual potash to} adopted in A recent article by Dr. Russell of manures. Two methods, says Dr. Russell, may be adopted : other sources of potash can be used instead of the Stassfurt salts: and secondly, the supplies of ‘Other sources’ consist of the ashes of various plants together potash in the soil can be made available. with animal manures. Great care, it is said, should be taken of liquid manure, a valuable source of potash which is often allowed to run to waste in normal times: The second suggestion of making supplies in the soil available is new and important. It must be remembered that potash is not easily washed out of the soil; 1f1s absorbed by various substances. Consequently if a soil has been well managed, considerable stores are to be found in it though much of it may be in slowly available form. Two agencies may be adopted to set free the mineral: sodium salts, especially salt and sodium sulphate may be added, or else lime or chalk may be applied. Neither lime nor salt actually supplies potash; their action is in the nature of a substitution process in which lime or soda takes the place of potash in the unavailable chemical compound. Possibly, however, in the case of many crops, the soda is directly useful to the plant and will fulfil some of the functions of potassium salts. Lime, however, cannot take the place of potash, and its effect is entirely indirect. The processas a whole 1s essentially one of liquidating capital, and if persisted in for many seasons might have bad effects: but, as Dr. Russell points out, as a war measure no harm need be anticipated. Some crops grown in England and other temperate countries require very large amounts of potash. The potato crop is an example. Unfor- tunately there are firmly rooted objections to the application of lime and salt to potato land, and it looks as if the world’s potato crop of 156 mullion tons annually, is likely to suffer. It is certainly the largest, and perhaps the most important crop in the world. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. OcropErR 9, 1915. We are more fortunately situated in the West Indies with regard to potash and there is little cause for anxiety or alarm. ‘The results of soil investigations ~clearly indicate that we have large reserves and that each year the necessary quantity is naturally rendered available. To convince the readeron this point, some reference may be made to specific experiments. In regard to British Guiana, Professor Harrison* in arecent review of manurial experiments with sugar- cane says: “The addition of potash when applied either as sulphate of potash or as nitrate has exerted little if any effect. The normal weathering of the consti- tuents of the soil sets free for each crop potash in -excess of the quantity necessary for the requirements of the plants. of cultivation where the greater proportion of the potash taken up by the plants is directly returned to the soil: but removed from the land, as in nurseries for the supply ot cane plants, it is probable that partial potash- exhaustion will take place in the course of a few crops.’ This holds good under ordinary conditions where the canes and cane tops are Again, Dr. Tempany* in his study of the manurial experiments with cacao conducted in Dominica during eleven years comes to the following conclusion: ‘On the whole, the results cause one to incline to the view that when adequate dressings of nitrogen are applied combined with considerable amounts of organic matter, the natural reserves of potash and phosphate present in the soil are for the present suft- cient in quantity, and are liberated with suttcient rapidity to meet the demands of the crop in these respects. Further evidence of a like nature is available as the result of investigations conducted over a_ series of years by Dr. Francis Watts} the soils of Montserrat available potash was always found to be present in considerable, and sometimes in large amounts. The same results were obtained from a chemical examination of the soils of Nevis. In fact West Indian voleamic soils are characterized by a high potash content, while the Amount of phosphate present is generally low. As already observed, the West Indies are for- tunately situated in this respect. It have been another matter if it were a question ofa defi- would — — *West Indian Bulletin Vol. XII, p. 174. tIbid, Vol. XIV, p. 98. {West [Indian Bulletin, Vol. VI, pp. 263-84. Ibid, Vol X, pp 60-82. In his study of cient supply of nitrogen. But that, of course, would have had far-reaching effects militating against the successful conduct of the war,and the West Indian aspect, urgent in its way, would no doubt have been lost sight of on account of its comparative unimportance. A correspondent to the West Judia Committee Circular for September 7, which has been received as we go to press, puts forward views on the subject of potash which harmonize with those that are given above. While justly calling attention to the importance of carefully utilizing by-products in the West Indies that may contain, like the ash from burnt megass, considerable potash, the writer anticipates no harm as a result of the present shortage of artificial fertilizer. He con- cludes: ‘The present situation tends to the thought that if our agriculturists are careful to re-utilize every ounce of potash of the crops, which they: can do, with the exception of that which is shipped in the form of the ultimate product, and at the same time compensate for unavoidable waste of available potash in the way of drainage, etc., by the judicious growth of green crops, there would be little need for potash manures. There are very few soils which do not contain enough potash in some form fora very long period of cultivation, and the amount of potash required to be added should be very small. There is too great a tendency in modern agriculture to draw from the outside for plant food rather than to look to the soil to give it. The present potash famine may, therefore, be of very great service to agriculture by compelling the cultivator to bring up his plants on nutriment from the soil, instead of by the feeding-bottle method of modern manuring.’ SUGAR — INDUSTRY. REMOVAL OF SUGAR DUTIES IN U.S.A. The Lowsiana Planter for September 4, 1915, discusses in an interesting manner the aid proposed to be given by the United States Government to the cotton industry in contradistinction to the proposal to remove entirely as from May 1916 the duties on sugars in the United States imported from other countries. It is mentioned that the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States has recently announced that he was prepared to advance 30 millions of dollars in order to ‘take care of cotton’. He proposes to place 30 millions of dollars in gold in the Federal Reserve Banks of Richmond, Atlanta and Dallas for the purpose of rediscounting loans made on cotton, secured by warehouse receipts by member banks, If it should be found more expedient, he will place the funds in certain national banks. He will exact no interest for the deposit in reserve, and practically imposes a 6 per cent. linmit on loans made by member banks to their customers, based on cotton warehouse receipts. It is pointed out that in doing this the Government takes practically no risk whatever, and gives a degree of support to the market far in excess of the limited amount of money that is proposed to be loaned. It is recalled that some few years ago the Brazilian Government, following on the initiative of the chief coffee- producing State, Sao Paulo, endeavoured to ‘take care’ of Vor. XIV. No. 351. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, 323 coffee. It is now found that the Brazilian Congress has voted to again valorize cotfee, and to issue in Brazilian currency an amount equal to 37 millions of dollars as a loan to the State of Sao Paulo for advances to planters, one of the conditions of the law being that the exports to Europe shall not exceed 6 millions of bags altogether. These advances are intended to protect Brazilian coffee against the loss of Germany as a consumer of coffee. The former venture of this kind having been calamitous in the end, there seems to have been considerable opposition in the Brazilian Congress to this present move: but the opposition has weakened and the agreement to advance to the State of Sao Paulo as above mentioned will go into effect. In making the loans, the State of Sao Paulo will exact warehouse receipts for the coffee and thus make itself practically safe in any advances that it may make to the coffee planters. It is thus seen what the ~United States is now endeavouring to do to protect the great cotton interest of that country. It is also seen what the republic of Brazil is endeavouring to do to protect its coffee industry, which is the most conspicuous export industry of that country. Contrasting the action of these two great nations in supporting these two great industries with what the United States determines to do with the sugar industry as indicated above, the Louisiana Planter gives somewhat interesting data in regard to this latter industry. The sugar industry of Louisiana reaches normally about 300,000 long tons of sugar. The beet sugar industry of the United States reaches normally about 500,000 long tons of sugar. The domestic sugar industry of the United States, within the limits of the States reaches thus some 800,000 tons. The island of Porto Rico produces over 300,000 tons of sugar and the Hawaiian Islands over 500,000 tons. The sugars of Porto Rico and Hawaii, as territories of the United States, enter this country free. Within the limits of the United States, Louisiana in cane sugar and the North-western States in beet sugar produce 800,000, thus giving 1,600,000 tons of free sugar produced at home, so to speak. About 300,000 tons are produced in the Philippines, and under the law 350,000 tons of Philippine sugar may be imported into the United States free of duty. It is now proposed, as mentioned already, that on the first day of May 1916, the duties on sugars in the United States imported from other countries shall be entirely removed. The assumption is made that the removal of the duties will not extinguish the sugar industry of Hawaii or of Porto Rico, as the industry may survive in those tropical countries; but within the United States proper the 800,000 tons that are now produced, valued at nearly 100 millions of dollars, represent to-day the last production of sugar of any importance within the iimits of the United States, the policy of the present administration thus leading — to the direct destruction of this great industry. The situation, therefore, may be summarized thusly: that while the United States itself is now endeavouring to ‘care for’ the cotton crop by United States aid, and while the Brazilian government, with ample experience in_ its special way of aiding its coffee industry, has now agreed to repeat the efforts which were so successful some years ago in holding up the coffee market, we find the sugar producers of the United States placed in peril, and with a practical certainty of the extinction of their industry, in order to conform to a political policy that is seemingly at variance with the policy of any nation that desires to protect itself against destructive competition with any of its neighbours. Finally, the question is asked why sugar should be singled out for destruction, and cotton aided when it is in great peril; and the hope is expressed that Congress wher it meets in December next, will consider the whole matter and conclude to ‘take care of? sugar in the United States as well as to ‘take care of’ cotton. What effect this proposed removal of duties will have on sugar production in the British West Indies is problematical. HOW TO AVOID ERRORS IN FIELD TRIALS WITH SUGAR-CANE. When the Leeward Islards sugar-cane experiments were re-organized in 1889 there was considerable discussion as to the best method of planting and sampling, in order to avoid as far as possible the errors incidental to such work. It was decided that for variety trials the single-row method promised many advantages, and accordingly the canes were planted in rows running across the field, and each row was regarded as a separate plot. In the case of manurial experiments, such an arrangement was seen to be impyacticable, since the effects. of the fertilizers applied to one row would be felt by those: on either side. Accordingly in these the rectangular plot was employed. Concerning the number and size of the plots that should be employed in conducting manurial experiments, we have to consider two principal factors: (a) soil irregularities, and (b) seasonal variations. In the West Indies, Professor Har- rison, Director of Science and Agriculture, British Guiana, has given this subject considerable attention. Small plots (;\5 to y'p-acre) are considered most suitable, but these must be duplicated several times, in order that the mean results. may be reliable. In a general way it may be stated that the means of nine plots of small areas in any one year are reliable for the study of the effects of manures. From this it should not be inferred that single plot experiments are valueless. In cases where the effect of the manure is pronounced, as in the case of nitrate of soda on ratoon canes, single plots are quite sufficient to indicate approximately the increase obtained. The question of sampling is perhaps the most difficult of all the matters concerning sugar-cane experiments. It has received very careful attention in India, and the following conclusions arrived at by Mr. H. E. Annett, B.Sc., in Bulletin No. 49 of the Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, will afford a fitting ending to this article. The sugar-canes to which the following conclusions have reference were grown in. duplicate plots ;'5-acre in area:— ‘The results of the experiments confirm those of Mr. Leather in that in sampling a field of sugar-cane the follow-- ing method gives very accurate results. The sample should. consist of about 200 canes taken in groups of three from about seventy places throughout the area. These seventy places should be accurately measured out and the three canes nearest to the measured points be taken, provided such canes are- canes which would normally be taken by the cultivator for juice extraction. ‘No increase in accuracy seems to be obtained by taking half plot samples. ‘In these experiments the “100 canes” samples seem to have given as good results as any other method of sampling, but samples consisting of only fifty canes are much less. reliable. ‘Data have been obtained bearing on the experimental error which must be allowed for in’ field experiments with sugar-cane ina series of plots.. The results naturally only strictly apply to experiments on the laterite soil of which the Dacca Farm soil is a type. This soil shows much more than the usual lack of uniformity.’ THE CO-OPERATION. CO-OPERATIVE INSURANCE IN WEST INDIAN AGRICULTURE. In connexion with our review of the work of the Antigua Onion Growers’ Association which »ppears on this page, attention may be called toa paper on another aspect of co- operation, namely insurance, which was read recently by Dr. Tempany before the Antigua Agricultural and Commercial Society. After sketching in outline the growth and importance of general co-operative methods, not only in Europe but also in the West Indies, Dr. Tempany proceeded to discuss the special subject of insurance. The object to be attained is to provide against losses in respect of any particular risk by means of payment at an annual percentage rate on the value of the article to be insured, which slightly exceeds the average rate of loss in this respect. An example of co-operative insurance is found in the case of the co-operative cattle insurance societies which have grown up very largely throughout European countries. In these it is customary for a number of societies to group themselves together to form a reinsurance association, which provides against any of the contributing societies losing unduly heavily in any one year. The advantage of this form of insurance in relation to stock is that members can observe and supervise the care given to insured animals, and the action taken when anything oceurs. They are also in a position to estimate collectively the value of the animals, both upon insurance and in ease of loss. In some countries cattle insurance is State aided, and in some it is compulsory. In others the State organizes the insurance by establishing insti- tutions or federations formed of the local mutual societies, which adopt the model articles approved by the institution to which they are attached. A proportion of the premium received by the local societies is paid to the central society, which bears the same proportion of the indemnities. Premiums have to be fixed in accordance with the risks involved and experience gained. In some countries the rate of premium is fixed every five years, based on the results obtained. Also, in certain instances, compensation is not paid for animals lost from epidemic disease, and in others certain diseases are excluded. Seldom are very young or very old stock accepted. In order to make certain that the owner will tend a sick animal properly and not let it die so as to obtain the insurance money, societies never pay the whole value, but a proportion varying from 60 to 70 percent. It is usual to fix a maximum value for which an animal may be insured; the owner states the value and this valuation is checked by the committee, whose valuation holds good. Valuations are checked every six months and altered if necessary. In mutual insurance societies, the officials give their service gratuitously, but the secretary may receive a small salary. Every member joins for a year, and after receiving an indemnity he must continue his membership for three years. In all casesa reserve fund is accumulated out of the balance left after paying indemnities. Societies are always limited in liabilities and therefore not responsible beyond their resources. If funds do not suffice a proportionate reduction in the indemnities is made all round. In the West’ Indian islands it would appear that there is a very definite opening for the establishment of such cattle insurance societies provided that equitable arrangement can be entered into between the contracting planters. Another matter that appeals as a fit subject for co-operative action is the insurance of cane fields and estate buildings against the risk of fire. 324 AGRICULTURAL NEWS. OcroprrR 9, 1915. As a basis for discussion Dr. Tempany has drafted a set of rules which may perhaps be regarded as suitable to local conditions. Subsequent efforts in connexion with this idea of co-operative insurance in Antigua will be awaited with interest. ANTIGUA ONION GROWERS’ ASSOCI- ATION: REPORT FOR 1914-15. The Board of Management of the Antigua Onion Growers’ Association have just issued their report on the results of last season’s work. The results are very encour- aging and should pave the way for extended effort in future years. Indirectly the work of such an Association as the one under consideration is valuable by reason of the impetus which it will give to West Indian co-operative efforts in general. V During the year under review a very important advance was shown on previous ones. As the result of the operations of the previous season, a scheme was adopted whereby the onion crops of members should be marketed on a co-operative basis through the Association, a first payment of le. per hb. being made on delivery followed by a distribution of the surplus profit, yro rata, among members according to the amounts delivered by them. In all twenty-five estates united to dispose of their produce in the manner indicated. The total gross weight of onions purchased was 186,198 Ib.; this was graded, cured and packed and shipped by the Association, all necessary expenses ineluding cost of crates being borne by that body. As the result of the season’s work, it has been found possible to pay a bonus of 2s. 1{d. per 100 Ib. of onions delivered in addition to the first payment at the rate of 4s. 2d. per 100 tb. made on delivery. During the season 1913-14, the total weight of onions purchased was 42,799 Ib., so that the operations on the present occasion are more than four times the size of those in the preceding year. To permit of the work being carried on on such an extend- ed scale it was found necessary to provide for increased accom- modation. This was effected by a sanction from the Goy- ernment which allowed. the Association to occupy the remainder of the building formerly utilized by the Antigua Cotton Factory. The Government furthermore assisted the scheme by providing an advance for the purpose of equiping the factory. In relation to the first payment for onions at the agreed rate of le. per tb, it was found necessary in order to finance the Association, to obtain a further advance from a_ firm of merchants locally, while the unexpended portion of the advance made by the Govern- ment to the Association on account of equipment and erection was also expended in this way. ‘The total sam of money expended in the redemption of these advances with the necessary interest was £210 3s. 3d. As regards working expenses, the charge for crates and nails con- stituted the heaviest item, the expenses in this connexion amounting to £147 Os, 6d. The total sum of money, after paying all expenses, available to be distributed as a bonus among members amounted to £200 12s., which amcunt has been distributed at the rate of 2s. 1?d. per 100 tb. as stated above. In accordance with the terms of the original memorandum 3 per cent. of the net proceeds has been placed to the credit of the Association and used to form the nucleus of a reserve fund for subsequent years. To the credit of the reserve fund have also been placed the subscriptions of members and Vor. XLV. No. 351. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 32D the preceeds of the sale of some surplus mesh wire left over after equipment was completed. It is of interest to note that close agreement exists between the actual financial results of last season and those estimated. As regards the shipment of the produce, the total number of erates exported was 3,320. The following are the markets to which shipments were made; Trinidad, Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, New York, Halifax, St. John. It was found that the months of February and March were by far the most remunerative for sale in the New York market. Whereas the New York market was found highly satisfactory, the same is not said concerning the Canadian market, one complaint being that the Association was not forwarded the proceeds of sale for a very long time. On the other hand, it is pointed out that shipments to Canada were made at a later date than those to other points. In regard to the island markets, the results were, on the whole, satisfactory, but marketing the onions, especially in the smaller West Indian islands, entails a great deal more trouble and requires more forethought than does the larger market of New York. The system of fortnightly cables regarding the onion market in Trinidad and Barbados has been maintained and acknowledgement is due to the -Association’s representatives in those two colonies for the assistance they have rendered. Notwithstanding this, however, on more than one oceasion the Association was a loser by onions being shipped to Barbados by producers outside the Association, and to firms other than the Association’s representatives. The results were seen in the two lots of onions being marketed one against the other to the detriment of both the Association and the outside shippers. Tn relation to details of working, the entire season lasted for ten weeks, namely from February 15 to April 24. The average number of hands employed including two overseers was twenty-eight, and the maximum thirty-nine. Each week details of working were laid before and considered by the Executive Committee. The report concludes with a statement of appreciation in regard to the part played by the Agricultural Department during the year’s work. The secretarial duties and the supervision of financial arrangements were performed by Dr. Tempany, Superintendent of Agriculture for the Leeward Islands, while the actual work of the onion house was carried out under the constant supervision and attention of Mr. Jackson, Curator of the Botanic Station. The report states that both Dr. Tempany and Mr. Jackson maintained the closest touch with the whole of the details of the work, and that it is desired to place on record that without their assist- ance it would not have been possible to carry the season’s work through to a successful conclusion. Reference is made also to the useful nature of the pamphlet entitled Onion Culti- vation recently prepared by Mr. Jackson and published by the Imperial Department of Agriculture for the West Indies. At the end of the report asummary is given of the advantages which accrue from participating in the work of the Association: (1) planters are in the first place assured -of receiving on all occasions and without delay a price which will permit of the produce being grown at a reasonable margin of profit; (2) planters are freed from any anxiety -or responsibility in regard to marketing matters; (3) the central packing and exporting establishment secures a much higher level of quality for the produce exported; (4) the -organization facilitates the collection of information relative to market prices, and the standardization of the industry enables contracts and orders to be obtained and filled to _ much greater advantage than heretofore, TOMATOES AND MANURE. A note on acclimatizing the tomato in the tropics. was given in the last issue of this Journal. The follow- ing, taken from the same source as the first (Philippine Agricultwrist and Forester, June 1915), concerns man- uring experiments with this plant:— Nitrogen is required by the tomato for the formation of leaves and stems. [Enough of this element must be present in order that a sufficiently strong stem may be formed to support the large fruits, and that the foliage may develop to such an extent as to enable the plant to carry on its normal function of life without check. Too much nitrogen, however, is note advisable, due to its tendency to encourage excessive growth of vine at the expense of fruit. Phosphorus is necessary mainly for the production of seeds, and is also an important constituent of the cell proto- plasm. Potash is present in all parts of the plant. It has an important réle in plant assimilation, and is the principal component of protoplasm. It is essential to the formation of the acid,in the tomato fruits, and its existence in abundant quantity in the soil is essential to suecess in tomato culture. Carabao dung [equivalent to cattle manure] is the most satisfactory of all fertilizers used, from many standpoints, Tt nearly doubles the total yield of the tomatoes, increases the yield in marketable fruits, and compares favourably with the more expensive forms of commercial fertilizers in hasten- ing the maturity of the fruits. It has the property of holding moisture in the soil. This. may be taken as one of the reasons for the success with carabao dung iu fertilizing the tomato, which is to some extent a plant of the dry season. There is no danger in overdosing the plants by its use; jn fact, the greater the application, the better the result is likely to be. : Carabao dung is commonly allowed to go to waste in this country and therefore can be had for practically nothing. Many forms of commercial salts are unsatisfactory, and even dangerous, for use as fertilizers with the tomato plant. The tomato being a plant for the dry season, overdosing the plants will be disastrous; and it is*hard to determine in an excessively dry season just what quantity willbe safe. The danger may be minimized by making use of a generous supply of irrigation water; but a too abundant supply of water is just as fatal to the tomato plant (see experiment on irrigation). It will, therefore, be advisable to use commercial salts sparingly as fertilizers. The deficiency of plant food in the soil may in the case of the tomato be supplied with organic manures, Liming is beneficial to the tomato; it increases the yield, both total and marketable, being second only to carabao dung in influencing the plants to yield a bigger crop. It also compares quite favourably with other fertilizers in hastening the maturity of the fruits. The only possible objection to its use is that it appears to have a tendency to decrease the size of the fruits. Its use should not be continuous on the same ground. The fertilizers that have a tendency to hasten the maturity of the fruits are; Chloride of potash, alone, or in combination with nitrate of soda; carabao dung, and lime. Chloride of potash, in combination with siugle superphos- phate, increases the growth of the tomato plants more than does any other fertilizer or combination of fertilizers. 326 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Ocroper 9, 1915. ~ COTTON. WEST INDIAN COTTON. Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool, write as follows, under dates September 4 4 and 20, 1915, re spectively, with reference to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton:— Since our last report a better demand has sprung wp for West Indian Sea Island cotton, and between 400 and 500 bales have been sold at firm prices. The sales include Virgin Islands at 13d. Nevis 15d. to 15}d., Anguilla 15d., Antigua 154d., St. Kitts 15d. to 16d., Montserrat, 14}d. to 15d., and Barbados 15d. to 16d. There is an unwillingness to pay more the enquiry for yarn made from the better very limited. Since our last report {September business has been done in West Indian Sea Island cotton at steady prices. The sales include Nevis l4d. to 144d Antigua 14d. to 144d., Montserrat 14d. to 15d., Anguilla 14d., Barbadoes 144¢., St. Martin 14d., and some inferior St. Kitts at 14d.; also stains Tid. to 7T}#d. The Report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week ending September 11, is as follows:— As there has been received so far only 1 bag of new crop, and the: crop will not commence to be marketed until the end of the month or early in October, there is nothing of interest as yet to advise. The stock on hand of 130 bales consists of Planters’ crops brought over from last season and held above the views of buyers. than cotton is 15d., as still 4] an extensive COTTON EXPORTS FROM THE WEST INDIES. The following table gives the quantity and estimated value of Sea Island cotton exported from the West Indies for the quarter ended June 30, 1915:— Colony. Quantity. Estimated value. Barbados 117,654 6,373 St. Vincent. 150, Be 9,612 Antigua 24,250 1,314 Montserrat 32,081 2, 272 St. Kitts 82,000 5.125 Nevis 42,573 2,661 Anguilla 19,000 1,188 Virgin Islands 15,296 76 Jamaica nil. 483,705 29,310 Sesides the above Sea Island cotton, there was exported from Grenada 190,362 fb., from St. Vincent 11,522 Ib., and from the Virgin Islands 2,371 Ib. Marie Galante cotton, of the estimated valne of £3,966, £318, and £79 respectively. DOWN THE ISLANDS. ITEMS OF LOCAL INTEREST. TRINIDAD. We notice in the minutes of a recent meeting of the Board of Agriculture, that Mr. C. Forbes Todd, formerly Manager of Molineux estate in St. Kitts and now Field Superintendent to the St. Madelaine Estates, Trinidad, has been appointed a member ot the Trinidad Board of Agriculture. The Port-of-Spain Gazette, in a recent issue, gives atten- tion to Mr. Glaudon’s pioneering work with silkworms at St. Joseph. Mr. Glaudon started to take an interest in the raising of silkworms many years ago and now possesses the white mulberry silkworm, the yellow mulberry silkworm, from Milan, the pure white eri worm, and the greyish-white eri worms. In 1908 while rearing the native silkworm (Attacus hesperus) the idea came to him to introduce the mulberry silkworm. He succeeded in rearing the mulberry worm as a polyvoltine race instead of the univoltine race as in France. The pure white eri worm was obtained from Mr. Watson, an Entomologist at Manchester, to whom Mr. Glaudon was referred by Professor Maxwell-Lefroy. The above is of interest in connexion with efforts that have been made to establish a silkworm industry in other islands. The Mirror for September 17 calls attention to the fact that the local Government, acting on instructions from the Home Government, has prohibited the exportation of asphalt from this Colony to Holland. About 100 tons of this material which has been awaiting the arrival of the next Dutch steamer to be shipped to Amsterdam has therefore been detained. ‘ GRENADA. Like Dominica and St. Lucia, this colony under the Plant Protection Ordinance, has prohibited the importation of all citrus plants, citrus cuttings and citrus budwood from the United States owing to the prevalence of citrus canker in that country. st. VINCENT. The attention of planters is directed by the St. Vincent Sentry to the Government notice stating that the machinery and appliances for shelling and kiln-drying corn are now ready for use at the factory at Richmond Hill. It is hoped the community will take full advantage of this facility afforded by the Government for promoting another minor industry. The Anderson oil-expeller has satisfactorily dealt with the Government stock of cotton seed and is now taking seed from outside planters. The oil produced was somewhat dark in colour on account of the fact that most of the seed was not in good condition. st. Lucia, “ts e201 COS Cotton Growers and Market Reports ; . Spinners 358 Manograph on the Sanse- ‘ ged Pe ee Rony. E aie " : ; a-o| vieria neem haie's 355 > lan Cot SOOa = _ > West Indian Cotton 2 Notes and Comments 360 Departmental Reports... 365} Rubber, Botanical Sources Dominica, Damage’ to of coo. [ea/) Wpon wesc) Crops by Storm — of Obituary PENN Sess OUIL August 10 ... . d6LISt. Lucia Agricultural (leanings ... . 364] Credit Ordinance BOL its, Cultivation St. LuciaGovernment Lime with . 367| Juice Factory SS Scientific and Vernacular Ground N Experiments Tnsect Notes: Zecpageet rs Oe ye Naming... Insect Pests of Lima Tropical Dwte Beans in St. Vincent 363] >TO?! 5 Starch, Instead of Lime, West Indian the War... with Paris Green... probe ee f. Ttems of Local Interest ... 366! West Indian Products , eee wae wee » Plante: ses 3k Fruit and Scientific and Vernacular Naming. a=—~f SD ste o : ; ; B))) RECISION was first given to the naming of ee plants by Linneus or von Linné, the great Ws Swedish physician and botanist who lived Based on sound principles, in the eighteenth century. his binominal system of nomenclature persists in all essential particulars at the present day, and if employed with care and discretion, these binominal designations constitute perhaps the most scientific feature of biology. The names of plants as conceived by Linneus are of two kinds: those of the class and order, which are understood; and those of the genus and species, which The name of the class and order are expressed. never enters into the denomination of the plant, though at All plants agreeing in genus have the same generic name, and the same time it is always connoted. each generic name must be single; and further, two different genera cannot be designated by the same name. Linneus also laid down the rule that the best generic names are those which éxpress the essential character or habit of a plant. In addition, he formu- lated other maxims concerning the etymological con- stitution of botanical names, limiting their construction to Latin and Greek: although many of these latter canons have been criticised as trivial and unimportant In regard to the second or specific name, which is sup- they are generally respected at the present day. posed to point out the particular species of each genus, we should again remember that those which indicate a decided specific character are the best. A good example of an intelligent specific name is found in Punicum maximum, where the generic name denotes the characteristic inflorescence of the genus, and the specific name the idea of size. To designate a variety, it should be mentioned that a third name preceded by the abreviation ‘var.’ 1s used after the second or specific Name. It is not unusua! to use the name of a person as ‘1 specific name (spelt in the case of botanical, but not of zoological names, with a capital letter) in the possessive the botanical and zoological names, the name (generally case, as Thrinax Morrisii: and in case of all abbreviated) of the authority should be attached to them in order to avoid confusion in connexion with synonyms, thus Saccharum officinarum, L. This question of synonymy is a wide subject of the greatest importance in biology. We cannot in the space of this article presume to discuss it at any length, but one or two aspects may be referred to, LIBRA “NEW Y SOTAN! GARD sot THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. NovempBer 6, 1915, Amongst the flowering plants our present systematy is sufficiently definite as regards genera for there to be little confusion possible knowledge of in that connexion. But in the case of specific names it is otherwise, and it is quite common to find the same plant called by different names in different places by different botanists. For this the critical revision of genera is a very important branch reason of pure botany. The trouble lies principally in two directions. First, opinions differ as to what shall constitute a specific difference. Amongst systematic biologists we find two more or less distinct classes of observers who labour under the jocular but expressive names of ‘lumpers’ and ‘splitters’. A ‘umper’ is a botanist who shows a tendency to group closely allied forms under the same name, while a splitter’ exhibits a tendency in the opposite direction, namely, to separate forms of close resemblance under different specific names. Either extreme is wrong, but in the light of modern biology, the tendency to excessive subdivision is perhaps the worse. The point is that a so-called species is not a fixed entity; species are constantly changing by sight mutations, or by acquired and a specific at best is but a provisional and temporary designation. The second reason for confusion in specific names lies in the circumstance that a deseriber may not be familiar with variations: name the work of others in different countries. This -obstacle is being gradually overcome by increased facilities as regards literature and the exchange of specimens; but there still remains a need for more -central ‘clearing houses’. It should be remembered in the present connexion that the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, perform an important service of international influence in the matter of botanical nomenclature. “The publication of the Index Kewensis has enormously reduced the confusion resulting from the existence of synonyms. ‘he work goes on from year to year, and supplements of this remarkable index are issued at convenient intervals. In its pages the names which stand are printed in Roman type, while the synonyms appear in Italics. It is one of the works of systematic botany. indispensable If we turn to the lower plants, especially the fungi, wefind a much greater want of precision than amongst the flowering plants. The classification of the fungi is unfortunately artificial in many respects; nor can this be wondered at, considering their comparatively simple structure. Morphological differences are often very minute and slender, and we not infrequently hive to depend upon such varying factors as colour and Shape as a means of distinguishing genera and species. In the case of fungi which are not highly parasitic, it is possible to decide upon specific differences by means of comparable cultures. The genus Fusarium, for instance, is being studied after this manner in the United States. Different forms of the genus from all over the world are being grown in culture media under the same conditions, and it is hoped by means of the observations obtained to decide what forms are distinet and what are similar. It will be readily realized how important it 1s to eliminate synonyms amongst the fungi, by considering the case of Die-back disease of The fungus causing this disease has been under at least half a dozen different names in ditferent parts of the world, and it was only after a critical examination of the forms in the Federated Malay States that Bancroft came to the conclusion that they were all one and the same organism, which he named Thyridaria turda. The practical importance of a result like this is considerable. The distribution of the fungus becomes definitely known, and legislation can be introduced accordingly. Further, methods of control formerly recommended as applying only to one form of fungus of supposedly limited distribution becomes afterwards applicable, at any rate theoretically, to half a dozen which were at first thought to be distinct. cacao. known Generally speaking workers on the inclined towards the class of ‘sphtters’ previously referred to. There is a tendency to name new species on slender differences, and what is perhaps worse, to split up unduly established genera. Some evidence goes to show that this has been done for the sake of self-advertisement rather than in the interests of science. It is desirable that when they occur, such tamperings should be ruthlessly exposed. fungi are Having discussed in outline the origin, uses, and some of the dangers attendant on scientific naming, we may profitably consider next the corresponding features of vernacular names. It is a mistake to think that common names of plants and animals are necessarily unscientific. Many conform to the canon of Linneus, which says that names should express the essential character or habit of the plant, and are accordingly highly instructive. Examples of this are very numerous: thus, nut grass (Cyperus votundus) is so called because of the little tubers on the roots of this plant. On the other hand, the name nut grass is unscientific on account of the fact that the swellings are not nuts but tubers, while the plant is common or not botanically a grass but a sedge. Less open to criticism is the name soap-berry (Sapindus saponaria), so called because the fruit of this plant will, when Vout. XIV. No. 353. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. macerated in water, produce a lather like soap; and again love vine (dodder) Cuscutu sp., named after its habit of parasitic embrace; and sea-side grape (Cocco- loba uvifers), so called on account +f its maritime habitat and the superficial resemblance of the ripe fruit to purple grapes. But the common or vernacular name has many serious defects compared with the scientific designation. In the first place a popular name tells us nothing about the class or order to which the species belongs, that is to say, it gives us no clue whatsoever as to its position or status in the classifi- cation of the vegetable kingdom. Further, there is the more serious aspect from a practical point of view, that even in the same place a plant may be known by more than one common name. Thus Bryophyllum calycinum both as Wonder-of-the World and Love Bush; Borrichia arborescens Oxeye, Sea-side tansy, and Samphire: and the common as Old maid or Periwinkle. When we international is known as Sea-side Vinea rosea come to consider the matter from an point of view, it becomes even more obvious that scientific naming is essential ‘Thus in the case of the genus of fruit trees designated Anona, the same species is called by entirely different names in various parts of the world, and it would be hopeless to attempt to use a popular nomenclature in writing of this group. That such should be the case is almost a foregone conclusion on account of foreign languages. In the West Indies, even, we find that the admixture of French and English, and to some extent Spanish, leads to great confusion in regard to vernacular names. ‘The desirability of using Latin and Greek for scientific names is not, as Linneus thought, because these are less barbarous than the modern languages, but because the dead languages are more fixed and international. The subject of scientific and vernacular naming is a wide one, but it is believed that in the foregoing we have referred to most of its principal aspects. It will be realized that if employed at all, it is essential to use scientific names intelligently, and with due regard to synonymy and tke vernacular. Very frequently the common name is a quicker and better means of indicating a species than the scientific, though as a general rule it may be laid down that it is safer and more scientific to use both kinds of names. In this connexion we would call the attention of writers in the East to the fact that the employment of the Indian vernacular without the scientific, or at least the English equivalent, very often makes their literature quite unin- telligible in other countries, which is a pity on account of the high standard and general interest of much of the Indian work. No reference has been made in this article to the pronunciation of scientific names as this is a matter which lics somewhat outside the present subject. If the continental system is unfamiliar to him, the beginner will do well to pronounce Latin in the same way as we should English, in giving the same value to the vowels. Accentuation and some of the con- sonants occasion a certain amount of difficulty, but very slight attention to the marks and directions to be found in many botany books will lead anyone to a correct pronunciation. It is hardly necessary to point out that a knowledge of the classical languages themselves is of great use in connexion with scientific names, and may be regarded as essential to those botanists and zoologists who are engaged in the study of systematy. Monograph on Sansevieria.—A useful key- to the different species of Sansevieria is contained in the Kew Bulletin of Miscellaneous Information, No. 5 of 1915- Many species of this genus are largely cultivated in various parts of the tropics for their valuable fibre, which is of excellent quality in almost all, although varying with the: species. It is understood, however, that there is considerable doubt in regard to the proper names of the plants from which Museum and other specimens of fibres have been obtained. One of the most interesting characteristics of this genus is: the very remarkable change which takes place in the form of the leaves of many of the species as the plant advances from the juvenile to the adult stage. This variability renders it impossible to name specimens that are not of adult age—. a matter which should be remembered by agriculturists- and others who may desire at any time to have determina-— tions made for them. The Sediment Test for Lime Juice.—Concen- trated lime juice is tested for sediment as follows: 100 c.c. of concentrated juice is diluted with water to 1,000 c.c., care being taken to effect thorough mixing. The mixture is- allowed to stand overnight in a graduated 1,000 c.c. cylinder, and the level of the sediment is read off. The reading is. recorded as units of sediment. This has sometimes been incorrectly stated as percentage of sediment. The method is a conventional one, convenient for purposes: of comparison. It now possesses additional interest in view of the efforts that are being made in the West Indies to-~ prepare concentrated lime juice on a commercial scale, as free from sediment as possible. The units of sediment may range from 2 or 3 in samples containing little sediment up to 10Qv in samples prepared with little regard to its removal. An interesting botanical review of the New Hnglisk Dictionary, consequent on the death of its editor Sir James. Murray, appears in the Kew Bulletin of Miscellaneous- Information (No. 7 of 1915). Amongst other matters, the spelling of the fruit of Cocos nucifera is discussed, and it is shown that the incorrectly spelt Cocoa-nut instead of Coco-nut is due to confusion with Cacao. Other botanical words discussed include Cinchona, which according to its derivatione should really be spelt Chinchona. 356 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. November 6, 1915. LIME CULTIVATION will be noticed that the extra charges resulting from the war F are considerable: Be eh Gh ST. LUCIA GOVERNMENT LIME JUICE pies A i m oa 31 FACTORY. Oil for engine ] 5h The followimg report on the business working of the Packages _ 4 9 St. Lucia Factory for the crop June 1, 1914 to March 5, Contingencies 2 Of 1915, has been received from the Agricultural Superintendent fs in St. Lucia (Mr. A. J. Brooks). Potal local expenses 1 5 53 The factory opened on May 29 with prices fixed on Sale of produce 115 0 a £24 basis, viz.: 3s. 9d. per barrel for ripe limes, and 6d, per gallon for raw juice, testing 12oz. £3 ORES Owing to the abnormal conditions created by the War Less extra charges due to war 13 11 it was impossible for some months to gauge what the effect E would be on the lime juice market, and as a protective £2 5 6f measure the prices paid for produce as first payment fluctu- ated from Is. 84d. to 4s. 8d. per barrel for limes, and for raw juice from 34d. to 6d. per gallon. Upon receipt of the account sales for the first few ship- ments of concentrated juice, it was seen that the prices had risen far above the brightest expectations. The whole of the concentrated juice shipped from the factory between June and October sold on the record basis of £52 10s. per standard pipe (108 gallons, testing 640z. to the gallon). The following three shipments sold on a £42, £38, and £37 basis, respectively; the remaining shipments sold at £31. Every effort was made to improve the quality of the juice manufactured, by straining, subsiding, skimming and careful boiling. In this way the average sediment was reduced to 24 to 3 units. “Each strike of juice was carefully tested while boiling, and again after cooling, the average test for the entire crop being 108°3 oz. citric acid per gallon. The produce dealt with was 1,410% barrels of fruit, and 15% gallons of juice, which represents a total crop of 25} barrels, as against 326 of the year previous. The business of the factory was conducted on a co-oper- ative basis. The price paid for produce was based on a scale of prices having relation to the current market value of concentrated juice and insuring a margin of profit to the factory. ‘The following charges were then deducted trom the proceeds: actual working expenses, 10 per cent. interest and sinking fund on capital, 6 per cent. interest on money advanced for purchase of produce, and a sum of £50 for Government supervision. Under these conditions the vendors received a_ total payment of 9s. 11d. per barrel of limes, and 1s. 1{d. per gallon of raw juice, this being 4s 23d. per barrel, and 53d. per gallon in advance of the price paid to vendors the previous year. The amount paid to the Government, as shown by the attached Balance Sheet, was £128 14s. as against £13 2s. 1d. for the year 1913-14. Every effort was made to reduce the working expenses to a minimum, and the actual expenses incurred in the manufacture of a +2-gallon cask of concentrated lime juice, testing 107°3 oz. per gallon, yielding 19W. of distilled oil are given below. These figures are based on a year’s work at the Government Lime Juice Factory, and althongh they are obtained as the result of working ona small scale under somewhat unusual conditions, the total may provisionally be considered representative of the industry in St. Lucia. It 57 21 bw ot This does not include charges for Manager's or Overseer’s supervision. The number of persons having business dealings with the factory increased from 96 to 728 during the year. Of this number eleven were planters whose individual areas in lime cultivation do not at present warrant the erection and maintenance of separate works. The total amount of produce purchased from this source was 4823 barrels of limes, and 5,459} gallons of juice, which represents a sum of £554 17s. 7/d.; the largest total amount received from any one planter being 2,711} gallons of juice, and the smallest 7} barrels of limes. The peasants dealing with the factory numbered 717, The full name and address of each vendor were carefully taken, and in this way a valuable record has been started which, if added to year by year, will enable the agricultural officers to keep in close touch with the extension of the lime industry amongst this class of cultivator. Their properties are being visited with a view to improving the present methods of cultivation and increasing the yields obtained. The following list shows the number of vendors from each district having business dealings with the factory:— Castries District* 342 Ansela-Raye District 27 Gros Islet? —,, 296 Canaries” 7 7 Dennery and Mabouya ,, 36 Soufritre A + Praslin x 4 Choiseul . 2 Micoud 3 2 Laborie 3 B Vieux-fort 3 ” Of the total sum of £1,217 11s. 1d. paid out by the fae- tory, two vendors received over £100, two over £50 and under £100, one over £20 and under £30, seven over £10 and under £20, and eight under £5. The smallest total sum paid to any one peasant was 6d., and the largest £22 Xs. 8d. Sr. Lucra GoverNMeNT Live Jurce Factory. Results for the crop commencing June 22, 1914, and ending February 27, 1915. *Castries District includes: Castries and suburbs; Monkey Hill; Trois Pitons: Mark; GrandMaison; Babonnean; Cabriche; Ti Rocher. tGros Islet includes: Gros Islet; Dauphin; Marquis Heights; Monier; Monchy; Esperance; Deraimeaux; Grand Riviere; La Brolot; Riviere Balata: Paix Bouche; Garonne, ete. Wolter NVapeNo:, aac. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 35 a ———— RECEIPTS, Foo an dt Net proceeds from sale of 44 casks concen- trated lime juice PLO Net proceeds from sale of 9 carboys distilled lime oil Neos 15 Total Receipts 11 2)) ig) EXPENDITURE, Paid for produce 298 18 6 Deferred payment bringing produce to rate of 4s. 8d. per barrel limes and 6d. gallon of juice 174 18 6 Factory working expenses including labour, coal, oil, packages, repairs, etc. Total Expenses 528 15 9 GOVERNMENT REFUND, Ten per cent. Interest and Sinking Fund SaeSe 1d: on Capital Account of £550 for 10 years from April 1, 1914 55 0 O Six per cent. on Purchase of Produce Advances £300 18 0 0 Supervision 50 0 O Value of Lime Oil on hand and paid to Vendors in last crop 312 0 Value of Concentrated Juice on hand, ete. 2 2 0 Total Government Refund 128 14 0 Total receipts £1,217 11 1 Total working expenses 528 15 9 Government Refund 128 14 0 Total expenditure £ 657 9 9 Profits for distribution > 560, 1 4 Profits now due to Vendors at the rate of: 5s. 3d. per barrel limes, bringing the total price to 9s. 11d. per barrel. : Tid. per gallon juice, bringing the total price to Is. 1{d. per gallon. THE BUDDING OF LIMES. Had the budding of limes, writes Mr. Joseph Jones, in his recent annual report, been mooted in Dominica a few years back as a reasonable measure for the improve- ment of lime cultivation, it is probable that the sug- gestion would have received scant consideration. It would have been pointed out that the lime was probably the hardiest of the citrus family grown in the tropics; that the use of other species of citrus as stocks for limes was unlikely to lead to improvement, while the cost of producing plants would be raised froma few shillings per acre for seedlings to £4 or £5 for budded plants, the latter being a very serious addition to the initial expense of planting new areas. This aspect of the situation, once so strongly held, has been modified during recent years. With the extension of the area under limes there has been the usual increase of pests and diseases. However hardy the lime may be when grown individually, or in small areas, it is highly susceptible to root diseases when massed in cultivation, both in dry and wet districts. Toa considerable extent these diseases may be kept under control by a strict outlook, and an efficient system of drainage, but their presence renders it important that trials should be made to test the valne of certain stocks for limes, with a view of securing iinmunity from root diseases under sound conditions of cultivation. To this end, the budding of limes on Sour Orange stocks was tried some time ago. The Department has now }-acre of budded limes in the Experi- ment Stations, whilst a number of plants have been distri- buted to estates for trial. The selection of the sour orange for a stock was largely due to the fact that in one district in Dominica in which lime root diseases are prevalent, there exists a plantation of several thousands of orange trees budded on this stock, not one of which has been attacked. Whether the sour orange will prove a suitable stock for limes in all respects remains to be seen. The lime is somewhat difficult to bud on to_ it. On lifting the plants from the nursery beds for trans- planting in the field, a small percentage of the scions will die, which tends to show that the uniun is not altogether a congenial one. Also on this stock there is a considerable tendency on the part of the scion after only a little growth has been made, to flower and fruit. If fruiting is permitted at an early stage, the plants would remain in a stunted condition. From observations to date it would appear necessary to pick off the flowers or small fruits from budded trees, and to manure the stock with a view of getting sufficient growth\to forma fair-sized tree before bearing is permitted. In the progress report for 1913-14, reference was made to the arrival of six small plants from Kew, of a stock used in Morocco for oranges, and said to be resistant to foot disease. In that country the plant is propagated by cuttings for use as stocks. It is known by the name of ‘ ALgerged’, and is evidently a variety of the citron (Citrus medica). The plants received in Dominica have grown well. Con- siderable progress has been made in striking cuttings, and it is hoped to have at least }-acre planted with limes on Mgergeb stocks shortly, as well as to distribute a number for trial in the out-districts. It is also intended to bud a number of limes on the common citron for trial. The habit of the citron in spreading by means of throwing suckers from the roots will need to be controlled when used as a stock. This, however, should not be ditticult. Unlike the sour orange, the two last named plants are closely related to the lime. Consequently, it is expected that the budding process will be easily accomplished in both instances. Those who have had citron plants under observation cannot fail to have noticed the powerful system of surface roots which these plants possess. The question arises as to whether such plants are better able to obtain the supply of plant food from the soil, and to make a fuller use of manures applied in the course of cultivation than plants less favourably furnished with roots. If so, the dense surface root system of the citron should be an important factor in estimating its value as a stock for limes. The experiments outlined are necessary and important in the interests of the lime industry. Should it be shown as a result of these trials that the use of certain stocks secure immunity from root disease; and that the capital invested in lime cultivation is proved to be safer from the constant menace of uprooting during gales to which the lime on its own roots is subject, then valuable information will have been gleaned. The higher ‘cost of budded plants over seedlings, now regarded as practically prohibitive, would under such conditions be amply justified, THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. November 6, 1915. COTTON. —— WEST INDIAN COTTON. Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool, write as follows, under date October 4, with reference to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton:— A good business has been done in West Indian Sea Island cotton since our last report. The sales of white cotton amount to about 400 bales; these include St. Vincent 16d. to 19d., Montserrat 15d. to 15}d., Antigua 144$d., Anguilla 14}d. to 15d., Barbados 143d. to 16d., also about 300 bales of Stains chiefly at 7d. The market is firm, but consumers are chiefly purchasing to stock, hoping that if hostilities are not too far prolonged, there will be more business in the market for fine yarn. The Report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week ending October 9, is as follows:— Islands.—The receipts this week were 83 bales, of which 24 bales were a crop lot of last year sold on private terms. The total receipts of new crop to date are about 110 bales, which factors are not yet offering, waiting for some further accumulation of stock before doing so. Conse: quently the market has not as yet opened, but with freer receipts from now on there will probably be some offerings on the market this coming week, enabling us to give quotations. Floridas and Georgias.—The demand in Savannah has continued very general and active throughout the week, taking all offerings of all grades at advancing prices, and all the interior markets have been excited, where even higher prices are being paid. The buying is very general and the offerings do not satisfy the demand, as a large proportion of the receipts are being held in expectation of still higher prices. There are orders in the market on account of the Northern Mills, which, together with a demand to cover contracts previously made, and a good deal of buying on speculation renders the market strong witha tendency to advance. The sales reported consist very largely of cotton received from the interior, as the offerings.on the Savannah market continue to be very small. BRITISH COTTON GROWING ASSOCIATION. The one hundred and fortieth meeting of the Council of the British Cotton Growing Association was held at the Offices, 15, Cross Street, Manchester, on Tuesday, October 5. In the absence of the President (The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Derby, K.G.) Mr. J. Arthur Hutton occupied the Chair. West AFRICA. The cotton which is being grown on the Government Experimental Plot at the Moor plantation is doing well this season, and it is expected that there will be sufticient seed either from the Georgia or Uplands varieties for distribution next season to plant about 500 acres. It was agreed that it would be advisable for the Association to offer a higher price for the cotton produced froin this seed, even if it left the Association with a loss, as it is important that the efforts of the Agricultural Department to improve the quality of Lagos cotton should be supported. It has been decided to close down the Association’s operations in the Gold Codst, and at Illushi in the Southern Province of Nigeria. At the same time it is considered advisable to keep open the Ginnery at Labolabo for the benefit of those natives who are already committed to the cultivation of cotton, and it is not anticipated that there will be any difficulty in making arrangements to this effect. The West Africa Committee have had a meeting with Major Armitage, the Chief Commissioner of the Northern Territories, who reported that cotton cultivation in the Northern Territories was a failure last year owing to the unfavourable climatic conditions, and he expressed the opinion that under better conditions the results would be more favourable. Ontside of cotton-growing the only other industry in the Northern Territories of any note, is cattle breeding, and as quantities of cotton seed have been distributed to the local farmers for planting for the new crop, Major Armitage hopes that arrangements may yet be made for the operations to be continued, at any rate for another year, in order to give the farmers an opportunity of market- ing their crop. The purchases of cotton in Lagos to the end of September amounted to 5,974 bales, as compared with 13,486 bales for the same period of last year, and 13,645 bales for 1913. The purchases of cotton in Northern Nigeria to the end of August amounted to 497 bales, as compared with 518 bales for the same period of last year. NYASALAND. A report has been received from the Director of Agriculture stating that the crop grown by white planters in the Shire Highlands is above the average, and that some planters have particularly fine crops, which are now being harvested. The River crops are very late, and suffered from drought in February and early March, but late rains have improved conditions considerably. The cotton exported from Nyasaland for the year ended March 31 last amounted to 6,620 bales, valued locally at £72,068, showing an increased value over the preceding year of £6,581. As regards the native crop, the Mlanje and Upper Shire crops are being harvested, and it is expected that these two districts will produce 350 tons. The native crop is of superior quality, and a sample has recently been received, and valued at ld. ‘on’ the price of Middling American. CO-OPERATION BETWEEN COTTON GROWERS AND SPINNERS. At the recent meetings of the British Association, Mr. W..- Lawrence Balls, for some years botanist to the Agricultural Department in Egypt, read a paper on the application of science to the cotton industry. He emphasized the interdependence of cotton growing, spinning, and manufacturing, the great need for co-operation between spinners and growers, and the provision of a language common to both by the scientist. To-day, he said, there was Mou. XV, No; 3)D3. a big gap fixed between the grower and the spinner. The grower had little idea as to why be could sell some cotton at better prices than he could obtain for other kinds, and the spinner could not explain to anyone but a spinner why he paid more for some kinds than for others. In the past, judgement of quality had been founded upon inspection, but the only real test was the cumbrous one of actual spinning. On the other hand, the scientific study of cotton-growing was wasted labour until enough was known about cotton spinning to understand exactly what was being worked for. It had therefore been suggested that the Manchester University should form a cotton department for the purpose of linking together the scientist and growers and spinners. Cotton-growing could become an accurate science once it was given an objective by the spinners. For generations past there had been just as much waste as usual in the cotton used by Lancashire, and just as much impurity leading to dirty yarn. There had been no general knowledge of how to alter cotton in any desired direction, and no common agreement as to the connexion between length, productivity, earliness, fineness, and so forth. The distine- tions between the kind of seed and the environment in which it was grown had been confused. In spinning mills there had seemed to be no room for further advances in technique, in principle as opposed to detail. We had only to look at a piece of fine cambric or muslin with a small hand lens to realize that this delicate fabric was nothing to be proud of, and was, in fact, a mass of defects with only a fraction of the strength and durability which it might possess if properly made. There was a perfect mine of information waiting to be worked by anyone who would trouble to apply a little thoroughgoing statistical enquiry to such simple points as hair strength and hair length. He himself could see the possibility of two new machines, each marking as big an advance as the comber, and not restricted, like the comber, to the fine spinning trade. There was a primary need that the spinner should be able to express the properties of his cotton in scientific terms —practically in numerical form—which the grower should understand; and there was ample room fora body which would take upon itself the function of connecting the grower with the spinner, whilst being devoted itself primarily to scientific research. Besides providing a common language for the industry this body could collate the scattered literature and ‘lliterature’ of cotton, advise and co-ordimate the vague experimental work done disconnectedly in various parts of the world, be a sort of court of appeal as to the significance of results obtained, and keep a register of all the pure kinds of cotton grown, with statistical records of their performance under various conditions in field and mill. He suggested that the University could better fulfil such functions than either a Government department or a business concern. In the discussion which followed, Sir Daniel Morris said there should be no difficulty in getting growers and spinners to join hands in such a work ; Mr. MeConnel gave illustra- tions from his own experiences of how excellent strains of cotton were being lost for want of such work ; and the Vice- Chancellor said he had no doubt Manchester University would do everything it could to help forward such a move- ment if the growers and others in the industry would find the necessary finances. The amount necessary, he added, would be quite negligible as compared with the enormous sums invested in the growing and spinning of cotton, and should be easily raised. (West India Committee Circular, October 5, 1915.) THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 359 BOTANICAL SOURCES OF RUBBER. The predominance of Hevea brasiliensis as a source of rubber supply is apt to cause some individuals? to take an incorrect view of other plants which yield rubber in many parts of the world. The botanical sources of rubber are very numerous and wide-spread, Furthermore, some plants yield considerable quantities of rubber from parts other than the stem. In order to give a concise view of the various sources we have formulated the following: — 1. Classification according to habit. (a) Rubber trees—Hevea, Manihot, Ficus, Castilloa. Funtumia. (b) Rubber climbers “andolphia, Forsteronio, Parameria. (c) Rubber shrub—Parthenium (Guayule). 2. Classification according to yielding parts. (a) Stem rubbers—Tree forms—Hevea and Manihot. Climbers——Landolphia and Parameria. (b) Root rubbers—Clitandra. and Carpondinus. (c) Stem and leaf—Palaquium (Gutta-Percha). () Whole plant—Guayule. The above synopsis is given in tabulated form in order to demonstrate the variation in type of plant and different portions of each plant which yield rubber at the present time. Economic developments wiil probably lead to a diminution in yield from all except the tree-stem rubbers, thongh we doubt whether any particular insignificant source will ever be entirely obliterated. (The India Rubber Journal.) Tropical Drug Plants.—An account of the drug plants under cultivation in the United States is given in Farmers’ Bulletin, No. 663, of the Department of Agriculture of that country. Most of the species referred to are adapted only for cultivation in temperate regions, but those referred to as occurring in the Southern States may be worth considering from the point of view of their possible cultivation in the West Indies and the tropics generally. It might be pointed out here that the interruption of trade in synthetic drugs, dyes and other chemicals by the war, has increased the importance and value of natural products. One of the first groups of plants referred to are the insect flowers from which pyrethyrum or insect powder is prepared. Several species of plants of the aster family are used for this purpose, the best known of which is Chrysanthemum (Pyrethyrum) ctneraliaefolium, which has been cultivated commercially in California for the produc- tion of insect powder. Another plant of interest in the present connexion is liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), which is described as an Old World plant, the culture of which has not succeeded commercially in the United States, although the plant grows well in the arid South West and in California, where in some localities it threatens to become a weed. Liquorice is used to some extent in medicines, and is said to be much in demand by manufacturers of tobacco. The last two plants to which reference may be made are Stramonium, and cuseus grass (Veteverta zizaniordes) The former, which belongs to the genus Datura, is used medicinally, while the latter is collected for its aromatic roots which are often used to impart a fragrance to clothing. In some countries an oil is distilled from the roots and used in the manufacture of perfumes. Yields at the rate of 600 to 1,000 fb. of dried roots per acre have been obtained from cuscus grass. The prices in the market of New Orleans are said to range from 75e. to $100 per bb. 360 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, November 6, 1915. ‘ EDITORIAL 3 Y NOTICES. EI. oe SS . — BARBADOS. Sad Letters and matter for publication, as well as all specimens for naming, should be addressed to the Commissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture, Barbados. HEAD OFFICE All applications for copies of _the ‘Acricultural News’ and other Departmental publications, should be addressed to the Agents’ and not to the Department. The complete list of Agents, and the subseription and advertisement rates, will be found on page 3 of the cover. Imperial Commissioner of Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Se., Agriculture for the West Indies F.1.C., F.C.S. SCIENTIFIC STAFF. Scientific Assistant aid Assistant Bditor W. R. Dunlop EButomologist Higas Ballou, M.Sc. Mycologist W. Nowell, D.I C. CLERICAL S'BAFF. A. G. Howell. M. B. Connell. WP. Bovell, P. Taylor. Miss B. Robinson. ( A. B. Price, Fell. Journ. Inst. i L. A. Corbin. Agricultural stews Vou. XIV. Chief Clerk Assistant Clerk Junior Clerk Assistant Junior Clerk Typist Assistants for Publications SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1915. No. 353, NOTES AND COMMENTS. Contents of Present Issue. The editorial in this number deals with the uses and some of the dangers attendant on scientific naming, and the correspondent features of common or vernacular names. On page 356, will be found a report on the business working of the St. ‘Lucia Government lime juice factory for the crop season June 1, 1914 to March 5, 1915. Insect Notes, on page 362, deal with the use of starch, instead of lime, with arsenical poisons in regard to pests in St. Vincent. An article is also continued from the last issue of this Journal. Agricultural investigations in Ceylon during 1914 are deseribed in a review on page 365. Land for Ex-Soldiers. The following notice appears in the St. Lucia Official Gazette for October 9, 1915:— ‘The Government has approved of free grants of land being made to members of the St. Lucia Detachment of the West India Overseas Contingent who return with good discharge sheets upon the following conditions:— (a) Each grant to be as nearly as possible 5 acres, (b) No ex-member who has not a good discharge sheet to receive a grant of land. (c) Every member receiving such a grant must satisfy the Government that he will make good use of the land. (d) No land so granted to be alienable or mortgageable under a period of twelve years except with special permission of the Governor-in-Council. (e) Where possible the land so granted shall be in the district in which the ex-members reside. (f) The lands granted in each district if possible to be in one whole. (g) Economic plants will be provided free of charge by the Agricultural Department.’ In connexion with the foregoing it will be remembered that the question of land settlement by ex-soldiers was discussed by the Economic Section at the recent meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science at Manchester. The idea has many features to support it, and no doubt will be given consideration throughout the Empire. It may be mentioned that in regard to St. Lucia, the Imperial Department of Agriculture is about to issue a new and revised edition of the pamphlet, Hints to Settlers in St. Lucia, which will no doubt meet with a new and ready demand —. > West Indian Fruit and the War. ‘ The English papers indicate very definitely that the gifts of West Indian oranges and limes are greatly appreciated in the military hospitals. To show how much the gifts of fruit from Trinidad, Jamaica and Dominica are welcomed, says the West India Commit- tee Circular, the Attendant to the Provision Depart- ment at the Red Cross depot at Reading writes : ‘I only wish the West Indian planters could see how very much the fruit is appreciated. We are constantly being rung up and appealed to for limes by the different matrons, and the men will leave anything for an orange.’ A cutting from the Western Daily Press, just received, states : ‘On behalf of the Army Council the West India Committee have now distributed over 6,500 cases of fruit from the Dominica and Jamaica Agricul- tural Societies, and the Trinidad Orange and Lime Committee. Among recent gifts from overseas have been 40 Imperial gallons of coco-nut oil from Trinidad for'our Sikhs’ hair, and 1,500 walking-sticks cut from native woods in Jamaica for wounded soldiers.’ The same subject receives attention also in The World for September 21, which, in the course of an article on the West Indian Battalions, remarks on the Vou. XIV. No. 353. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 361 gifts of sugar, tobacco and fruit ; ‘ the despatch of fruit,’ it concludes, ‘indeed, never stops.’ From the West India Committee Circular it is also learned that limes aud oranges are being sent from Trinidad to France. : Ideas of commercial gain are out of place in con- nexion with these supplies for the wounded, but the fact remains that the present action may ultimately lead to the popularization of the West Indian lime in Great Britain, if not in Europe, and provide us, after the war, with a new market. A Obituary. We regret having to record the recent death at the age of 42, of Mr. E. A. Agar, owner of the La Haut and Antrim Valley estates, Dominica. Mr. Agar took a keen interest in the agricultural development of Dominica, and occupied several honorary positions inclnding that of Secretary of the Planters’ Association, Member of the Permanent Exhibition Committee, and Correspondent of the West India Committee. Mr. Agar died on October 22. His funeral was attended by His Excellency the Governor of the Leeward Islands, and His Honour the Administrator of Dominica. We also have to announce the death of Mr. F. R. Capello, of St. Kitts, who died on October 19, after an operation. Mr. Capello was closely associated with the cotton industry of St. Kitts, and will also be remem- bered as an energetic member of the local turf club. nna Coloured Cotton. Mr. R. Forster Parkinson, of Barbados, has furn- ished us with a cutting from the New York: Times containing an American article on coloured cotton. This states that a planter in South Carolina has succeeded in producing cotton which ranges in colour from snow white to a deep olive green. It is asserted that black cotton, sought for ages by spinners and manufacturers, is about to become a reality. The planter’s statements are borne out by the receipt in Savannah of samples of his coloured cottons. The exhibit has been framed and hung on the walls of the Cotton Exchange, where it has occasioned a great amount of interest and comment. The seed used in the experiments were those of Egyptian staple. Seed selection has been practised extensively, and in four years this grower has obtained in regular order from the Egyptian seed a cream, tan, yellow green, light brown, olive green, and bronze. It is believed that the attainments which have thus far been achieved, warrant the assertion that black cotton is coming in the near future. It is believed that the spinners and manufacturers will eventually be enabled to obtain cotton in the raw or unmanufactured state in any desired shade or colour. We would advise our readers to refrain from giving credence to the above until such time as the matter may receive the official attention of the United States Department of Agriculture. Damage to Crops in Dominica by Storm of August 10. Reference to the damage caused in the Botanic Gardens, Dominica, was made in the Agricultural News for September 25, and to the nature of the storm in the last issue (October 23). This note concerns the extent of such losses as have been experienced on the estates referred to tentatively under ‘Down the Islands’ for September 25. It appears from a report on a tour made by the Assistant Curator (Mr. G. A Jones), that altogether about 10,000 trees, distributed oyer a number of estates, were blown over, but that the majority of these have been put back and propped in an upright position, and may be expected to recover. The policy adopted by the majority of planters in this matter of propping is advocated in the I.D.A. pamphlet on Lime Cultivation and was reproduced in the editorial to this Journal for August 28. In some cases, after the storm referred to, the practice of ‘stumping’ was employed. This consisted in cutting back the trees to within 3 or 4 feet of the ground. Mr. Joseph Jones, the Curator, considers this an unnecessarily drastic measure; but, as Mr. Nowell, the Mycologist to this Department points out, it is always desirable eventually to cut off the old top after the new growth has become active. Naturally the loss occasioned by storm damage depends largely upon the extent to which the roots have been displaced, and the whole question of reparation calls for careful examination and sound judgement. It will be useful to know what success has resulted from the efforts to re-establish the damaged lime trees by the methods referred to by Mr. Jones. The information should bea valuable guide to procedure in future years. St. Lucia Agricultural Credit Ordinance. The St. Lucia Official Gazette for October 1 contains a copy of an Ordinance assented to by the Governor of the Windward Islands, for the registration, encouragement and assistance of agricultural credit societies under the Raiffeisen system. Comparison with the St. Vincent Act of 1913 (see West Indian Bulletin, Vol. XIV, No. 1) will show that the provisions ot the two Acts are virtually the same with the exception that in the St. Lucia Act the Government may make loans provided the loans to the societies in the aggregate do not exceed £3,000. In the St. Vincent Act the limit allowed is £500. Further, the amount of the loan to any one society in proportion to every member is raised in the St. Lucia Act to £6; in the case of St. Vincent it is £5. The introduction of the St. Lucia Act is an indication of the spread of agricultural credit facilities in the West Indies. Reference has recently been made in this. Journal to the new Trinidad Ordinance, which is also.a result of the St. Vincent experiment. The development subsequent to and consequent on the above legislation. will be followed with interest. 362 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. November 6, 1915. INSECT NOTES. STARCH, INSTEAD OF LIME, WITH PARIS GREEN. The attention of planters in St. Vincent has been directed by Mr. W. N. Sands, the Agricultural Superintendent, to the followimg description of new methods devised, and the results of investigations and experiments made, by the Agricultural Department at the Experiment Station and on estates, which have led to the discovery of cheap and efficient means of destroying certain ‘worms’ attacking staple crops in St. Vincent. Mr. S. C. Harland, B.Sc., the Assistant Agricul- tural Superintendent, who has had charge of the work during the past four months, has written the followmg important memorandum, containing results which may have a wide application in tropical agriculture: In May of this year it became important, in view of the proposed extension of Indian corn cultivation in the Colony, to devise methods of controlling the corn worm (Laphygma trugiperda). While working on this subject it was discovered that, if the arsenical poisons, Paris green and lead arsenate, were diluted with low grade arrowroot starch which had been put through a sieve of eighty meshes to the inch, a mix- ture was formed which seemed to have a peculiarly deadly effect upon all kinds of caterpillars. The greater effectiveness of these mixtures, as compared with similar lime mixtures, is thought to be due to the fact that insects usually avoid vegetation where lime is present, and refrain from eating it until actually forced by hunger. A longer period of time thus elapses before the poison is taken in than in the case of starch mixtures, where feeding goes on at the same rate as before. Greater dilution is thus possi- ble with starch mixtures, and the cost of applying poison becomes proportionately less. Additional advantages are— (a) starch adheres better to leaves than lime, (b) Jit is insoluble in water,-(c) it is more pleasant to sift. CONTROL OF THE CORN WORM. The corn worm (Laphygma frugiperda), known in British Guiana as the ‘rice worm’ and in the Southern States of America as the ‘fall army worm,’ as the most important pest of corn in St. Vincent. The life-history has been worked out at the Experiment Station, and this has assisted greatly in the work of devising means of control. The following points in the life-history are important:— (1) The eggs, tifty to 350 in number, are laid usually on the back of the leaf, in a cluster. They are easily seen, and thus one of the best ways of combating the pest is to collect the eggs before they hatch. At present, however, 300 clusters of eggs per day are being collected at the Experiment Station from }-acre of corn, so that the cost of hand collecting over a large area would become a serious item. . (2) The young larvae remain quiescent for a time after hatching and then migrate to the heart cf the young plant, where they immediately begin to eat. Fortunately they have cannibalistic tendencies, and prey upon each other to such an extent that it is rare to find more than two full- grown larvae in a single plant. (3) This habit of remaining in the heart of the plant is made use of, in that it is necessary to ptt poison in this particular place only. Applying the poison with ordinary dusting apparatus is not economical. The practice followed pies / THE AG RICULTURAL NEWS ‘WHAT IT CostTs-A COUNTRY 1O- Keep. Ticks CATTLE Tick THE CASE OF THE UNITED STATES ane Extract from US. Dept. of Agriculture, Bulletin No, 261. “The Cattle Tick in ils Relation to Southern Agriculture,” by AUGUST MAYER :— “What it costs the Southern States to harbor the cattle tick is not easily calculated, but from observation and experience we can estimate this loss with some assurance of approximating the truth. BEEF CATTLE. “Below the quarantine line we have something over 15,000,000 cattle, the total farm value of which is given by the last census as nearly $183,000,000. The dairy cattle are credited with a value of about ,050,000, and the other cattle with over §124,000,000. From »hservation and experience [estimate that a shrinkage in value of 20% in cattle, other than dairy cattic, is due to the effects of the cattle tick. In round numbers this would mean a loss of $25,000,000 for beef cattle.” DAIRY CATTLE. “In the case of dairy cattle, considerable damage s experienced because of the extra feed required, and the shrinkage in the How of milk caused by tick infestation. It is believed that an estimate of 5% of the total value of the dairy cattle is not overcharging the tick, This means an annual loss of nearly $3,000,000 for dairy cattle. The total depreciation then of southern cattle, on account of the tick, would be $28,000,000.” HIGHER DEATH RATE. “The average death rate among cattle in the tick-infested area for the vear 1904-5 was about 8.33%; in the tick-free area it was about 3.12%. The total number of cattle that died in the tick- infested area during the year ended March 31st, 1905, was about 1,250,000. The average farm value of these southern cattle may be put at $12, according to the Bureau of Statistics ; therefore the total annual loss from death in the tick-atfected States amounted to $15,000,000. The average death rate in the quarantined States being nearly three times as great as that in the tick-free States, it is net unfair to assume that two-thirds of this loss by death is directly attributable to the tick, that is $10,000,000.” DECREASED FECUNDITY. “There is a further loss to be recorded against the tick in the reduction of the fecundity of the female cattle, and perhaps also in the greater proneness of tick- infested cattle to diseases or abnormal conditions of the reproductive organs.” EXCEPTIONAL EXPENDITURE. “There is also chargeable to the tick the greater expense of providing pasturage or extra teed for the cattle during heavy infestation, for dips and other preventive measures, and for extra care and extra supervision. It is deemed a conservative estimate to place the annual loss under this and the previous head at $8.500,000.” STUNTING OF GROWTH. “There is another material charge to ne entered against the tick. With tick infestation at babyhood, there is very little c ce to bring cattle to early maturity. The stunting which they usually receive obliges us to carry them until they are three or more years old. That means two vears of extra feed and care, and capital tied up unnecessarily by adverse conditions. It costs easily from $5 to $10 per year to provide and care for a cow ; and to keep our 12,000,000 beet cattle a year or two longer means, accordingly, an extra outlay of at least $60,000,000." “Tt is very easily seen that the annual loss sustained by the Southern States to-day must amount yearly to an enormous sum—$100,000,000 +eing named in the Year Book of the Department of Agriculture for 1904.” Extract from US. Dept. of Agriculture, Bulletin 78, on “Texas Fever,” by Dr. JOHN R. MOHLER, V.M.D., Chief of the Pathological Division, Bureau of Animal Industry :— DECREASED MARKET VALUE. “Animals coming from tick- infected districts bring an average of one-fourth to one-half a cent less per pound than the quoted market price. The handicap that is placed on the southern cattle raiser asa result of this decrease in value of his stock will average at the former figure at least $1.50 per head, allowing an individual weight of 600 pounds for all classes of animals ; so that the loss on the estimated 705,000 southern cattle marketed yearly under these con- ditions will sum up at a loss of $1,057,500 per annum. It will be found that this decreased value reacts and fixes the valuation of all cattle which remain in the infected territory, thereby reducing the assets of the cattle industry of that section by this ratio per head for the four and a half millions of cattle east of the Mississippi River, and the eleven millions of cattle west of the Mississippi River; or, altogether, the enormous shrinkage in value af $23,250,000 directly charg able to the cattle tick.” LOWER MILK YIELD. “The shrinkage of the milk production of cattle harboring many ticks will average 1 qu: art per day, and the loss occasioned thereby at 3 cents per quart for the 875,000 ticky dairy cattle out,of more than 4,000,000 dairy cattle below the “quarantine line, would amount to $236,250 per day, or counting three hundred milking days for each cow to the year, $7,875,000 per annum.” LOSS OF IMPORTED STOCK. “The damage resulting to the southern purchaser of northern pure bred or high-grade cattle is another item of no small moment. About 10% of all such cattle taken South die of Texas Fever, even after they are immunized by blood inoculations, and about 60% of these cattle succumb to Texas Fever when not so treated. Of the approximate 4,000 of such cattle brought South each year, at least 460 die of Texas Fever. The loss entailed would n aturally depend on the value of each animal, and since the prices paid for such well-bred cattle range from $100 to $1,000 or even more, it can readily be conceived that the yearly loss from this item alone varies from $46,000 upward ” Extract from a Paper read by DR. F. BAHNSEN, Chief Veterinarian of the State of Georgia, al the 1915 Annual Meeting of the United States Live Stock Sauitary Association :— LOSS OF MILK. “Tick infestation costs the Southern States each and every year not less than $150,000,000. Every milk cow infested with ticks will give anywhere from a quart to as much as a gallon less milk than one that is not infected with ticks. If they are infested with ticks they will not recover their normal milk flow again until the next period of lactation. That item itself (and let us place it conservatively at a loss not exceeding $15 a head on each and every milk cow) will make an item in excess of $75,000,000.” LOSS OF CONDITION. “When vour cattle get infested with ticks they get poor. hey get thin in flesh and you have to sell them for less money. It isa certainty that the ditference in value between a poor cow, infested with the tick, and the value of the cow if she were not tick- infested is conservatively, even with our scrub cows, $5 a head, and on that basis we lose not less than $45,000,000 or $50,000,000 on that one item.” COOPER'S CATTLE TICK DIP Has received the official approval of the following Countries: Union of South Africa, Northern Rhodesia, Brazil, Basutoland, Nyasaland, Swaziland, Southern Rhodesia, Madagascar, British East Africa, German East Africa, Portuguese East Africa, Portuguese West Africa, Egypt, Argentine Republic, Queensland, United Ke of America, Northern Territory of Australia. WEST INDIAN AGENTS: ST.KITTS: S. L. Horstord & Co. ANTIGUA: Bennett, Bryson & Co. JAMAICA: D, Henderson & Co., Kingston, GRENADA: Thomson, Hankey & Co. BARBADOS: Barbados Co-operative Cotton Co., Ltd. TRINIDAD: T. Geddes Grant, Port of Spain. BRITISH GUIANA: Sandbach, Parker & Co. ST. VINCENT: Corea & Co., Kingstown. NEVIS: S.D. Malone. DANISH WEST INDIES: Carl VY. La Beet, St. Thomas, MONTSERRAT: W. Llewellyn Wall, DOMINICA: Hon. H. A, Frampton Manufacturers : : WILLIAM COOPER & NEPHEWS, Berkhamsted, England. BRANCHES: Toronto, Chicago, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Buenos Aires, Monte Video, Punta Arenas, East London, Odessa. © am ss 2h Rial es eB 3 WZ OF A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW THE IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. VOHME XY. INO) (S54. BARBADOS, NOVEMBER 20, 1915. Price ld. CONTENTS. PAGE. PAGE. Book Shelf yeaa tee . 375 | Market Reports 384 Co-operative Credit Socie- Notes and Comments 76 ties in England, Need WOMe meee Les) ace Noten Odd Colour and Poison in the Lima Bean Orange Trade Difticulty, Our 376 Peanuts and Pigeon Peas for Export .. . 373 | Pepper, Improving the Cotton Notes:— West Indian Cotton Chile = MEE 374 | Pine-apples for Canada... + Departmental Reports 381) Plant Breeding in Mary- Diseases of Plants:— land Regt Skt New Light of the Witch- Press, A Continuous Broom Disease of | Rubber and Coco-nuts in (WRCHOs Ee cen iteay cs OOS: the Straits Settlements 379 Forest Soils and Nitrogen 369} Rubber Trade and War Gleanings ... ... ... ... 380} Conditions 76 Indian Population in Soil Analysis : --. O14 Crown Colonies and Pro- Soil, Temperature of, tectorates 378 Under Different Condi- Insect Notes:— tions oO ee The Control of Ants Sour Grass, Varieties of... 38 which Take Away | Sugar Industry: Onion Seed 78 The 1914 Java Sugar Items of Local Interest ... 38! Lime Cultivation ... ... 372 Manurial Experiments in Boxes Cropietees Wess sec The Transfusion of Sap... 3 Vanilla Supports in St. Vincent... ae Forest Soils and Nitrogen. HE usual practice is to classify soils crudely composition, but we can often get a better idea of their constitution and requirements by consid- ering them in relation to the kind of crops they bear. In the tropics this is particularly so where a wide range of soils occurs between the two extremes of desert and dense forest. Speaking generally, it is not the soil particles so much as the heat and the rainfall as well as the aspect, including physical conformations, that determine the most important features of a soil’s fertility, because these factors decide what plants can grow there. If the rainfall is heavy, the natural cover- ing will be forest, and as a result of vegetable decay the underlying soil will be rich in humus, and will exhibit certain well-marked bacterial characteristics. This soil is the natural medium of growth for such trees as cacao and rubber, and becomes ultimately On the other hand, soils which are more exposed to wind and what we have come to call an orchard soil. sun, and which receive a lighter rainfall, are inhabited naturally by a hardier type of vegetation, and these are the soils which are ultimately brought under the plough. Such soils as these frequently exhibit greater alkalinity and greater extremes of texture between ‘heaviness’ and ‘lightness’, and in the matter of colour, than orchard soils, while the bacterial activity is also different in many respects. It is our present object to consider what takes place in an orchard soil that makes it different from an arable soil, especially in respect of nitrogen supply. The form in which cacao and other orchard crops obtain their nitrogen trom the soil has been the subject the are of speculation for time. of deficient in such soils, it has been suggested’ that some Knowing that supplies free mineral bases, such lime, as ammonia formed in the process of ammonification may function as a base for the neutralization of nitric acid formed during the later stages of nitrification. It is well to bear in mind, however, that nitrification may not be active in all orchard soils: and that, moreover, nitrifying organisms will not tolerate free ammonia.” Where nitric acid is absent it may be supposed that the ammonia would combine with other acid radicles like carbon dioxide or some of the organic acids, the 370 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. NoveMBER 20, 1915. nitrogen in this way finding an entrance into the roots of plants in a less concentrated form than ammonium nitrate. In an examination of cacao soils in Dominica it was found® that at the end of several years’ trials, the amount of nitrogen was greater than at the outset, and this is attributed to nitrification. z. that they are well cooked (boiled or curried) before use. The subject of the poisonous nature of Lima beans: is dealt with in the West Indian Bulletin, Vol. XV, Nor i PLANT BREEDING IN MARYLAND. Plant breeding at the Maryland Agricultural Experi- ment Station is ona large scale, both as regards practical problems, ‘and the theoretical problems which it is attempting to solve. Mendelism is being investigated in cowpeas, in connexion with selection; wheat, oats and barley are being: cross-bred and selected; corn is being bred and studied im. a series of experiments which has now been under way for ten years; mutations are being systematically sought in the cereals. A new variety of pear of good quality and resistant to blight is sought by crossing, particularly Kieffer by Seckel;. apples are being bred in a similar way, to produce a good, early red apple of good cooking quality. Grape hybrids include most of the hardy American species as well as the Malaga type of Southern Europe, Vitis vinifera. Straw- berries, celery, tomatoes, musk melons, Irish potatoes, cabbage, . are also the subjects of projects destined to furnish more- productive or disease-resistant varieties, and also to yield information about the laws of heredity. Finally the station is doing genetic research with one kind of material which has. been very little worked, namely, the castor bean (Ricinus: communis), where the variation and heredity of individuals propagated from different branches and different flowers- are being investigated. The production of ormanental plants, a work usually left to commercial nurserymen, has been undertaken to the extent of breeding improved strains of dahlia and Black Eyed Susan. (Journal of Heredity for- September 1915.) Improving the Chile Pepper.—The chile pepper (Capsicum anuum), so much relished by Mexicans, is the object of attention at the New Mexican Agricultural Experi- ment Station, where for the last five years it has been improved by selection for larger, smoother, fleshier pods, and freedom from blight. Three good strains have been perpetu- ated from the fifteen with which the experiment started. (The Journal of Heredity for September 1915.) 374 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. November 20, 1915. ne 4 743 A BODINE 6S FEF ES a eg : i War eo WEST INDIAN COTTON. Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool, write as follows, under date October 18, with reference to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton:— Since our last report about 400 bales of West Indian Sea Is'and cotton have been sold at firm prices; these include Nevis 14:7. to 14}d., St. Kitts 15d. to 16d., Virgin Islands 147., St. Martin 14d., Montserrat 14d. to 15d., Anguilla (New crop) 14?d., Antigua 14d. to 15d., and Stains 7/. to 9d. Spinners are not purchasing for immediate requirements, but for stock. The supply here is now very much reduced. The Report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week ending October 30, is as follows:— Islunds.—Vhe> sales are reported as 135 bales, but they were chiefly made at the close of last week. The market has been quiet this week, with only a moderate demand for Fully Fine. There has been no inquiry as yet for the other grades, nor for the planters’ crop lots. With the receipts to date of only 600 bales, there is no accumulation of stock, and factors are not pressing their moderate offerings for sale, and are refusing to sell under: Extra Fine 29c.=183d., cif. & 5-per cent. Fully Pine -*2fe:=1730), "=, ae eas 960 =17 Vine Doct ds, | ewes ee Floridas and Georgias.—The market has ruled very steady throughout the week, with sufticient demand to take all the offerings of all grades, which were put on the Savannah market for sale, the buying being on account of the Northern Mills. Towards the close of the week there was a quieter feeling, the demand being principally for Choice and Extra Choice. ‘Throughout the interior there was more disposition to sell, and some sales were made of round lots, including all grades at a concession of about Je. However, the general buying has been at our quotations, and it is still difticult to secure even running lots of good quality. Any lower quotations are based on the expectation of a lower market. We quote, viz.: Fancy 254¢e. to 26c.=26%e. to 2Z74c. landed. Extra Choice 25e. = 26tc. i Choice 2Ac. = 25 ie. _ The exports from Savannah for the week were, to Northern Mills 1,166 bales, Southern 100 bales, and from Jacksonville to Northern Mills 805 bales. The United States Census Bureau reports cotton ginned to October 18, as follows:— South Carolina 669 bales Georgia 26,757 ,, making a total of 40,257 bales. Florida ISBN op Against last year 30,078 bales, total crop 78,857 bales. i 1913 30,880 .,, . Ay syeaye as VODs .1D960). ;; 45 GONG 9 ee i 1910, 20/08 ., samenee a. 122,612... THE PRACTICAL VALUE OF SOIL ANALYSIS. Tuquiries are frequently received, it is said, in a leaflet issued by the English Board of Agriculture, from farmers and gardeners who wish to be informed where they can have soils analysed. In most cases the idea appears to be entertained that having a soil analysed is a ready means of determining its manurial requirements or of obtaining an indication of its fertility. A brief discussion as to how far this view is correct may therefore serve a useful purpose. A complete soil analysis includes chemical, physical and bacteriological investigations, and may be accompanied by general field observations for the purpose of ascertaining the nature of the subsoil, the water-supply, and climatie and other conditions important for the growth of plants. A full investigation of this kind, however, is very laborious, and in practice the analysis is usually less comprehensive, and aims not so much at giving a complete account of the soil as at determining the amounts of certain substances present in the soil, which are known to have an important effect on crop production. Experience has showa that a soil analysis is of little practical value when the interpretation is based on the results obtained from an isolated sample of soil from a district of which the analyst has no intiuate knowledge. In certain special cases, e.g., where it is required to determine whether a soil is in need of Jiming, an analysis may be of great assistance to the farmer, but even where the investigation is a comprehensive one, the analyst can only give a very incomplete idea of the general fertility of a particular field. It is diffieult to place an absolute value on the results, and the element of uncertainty enters too largely into the interpretation. The difficulty will be appreciated if an attempt is made to obtain information as to the best system of manuring. The analyst can determine as accurately as need be the percentages of nitrogen, phosphates and potash in the soil, but it has been found that, even where external factors such as climate, depth of soil, ete., do not enter into the case, there is often little or no connexion between these per- centages and the soil’s fertility or its manurial requirements. Any ordinary soil contains much more total plant food of all forms than a single crop of any kind can possibly require. Most of this plant food, however, is in a condition in which the plant cannot make immediate use of it, and is only gradually made available, the rate varying in different eases. As the plant can only make use of the free or available food, it is clear that it is possible for one soil containing quite small amounts of the manurial substances to preduce better crops than another soil containing large quantities, if for any reason the first soil gives up its material to the plant at a more rapid rate than the second. In fact, some soils contain large quantities of nitrogen and still respond most readily to small dressings of manure containing available nitrogen, because practically all that is already in the soil is unavailable and, as far as the plant is concerned, might almost as well not be there at all. This also holds equally for phosphatic compounds; a soil may contain a good deal of phosphate and yet respond to more. It is true that in the case of phosphates and potash a method has been devised of roughly measuring the amount which may be regarded as of immediate or prospective value to the plant, by ascertaining the quantity which is dissolved out ina given time, by a weak solution of citric acid. This method gives results which in many cases indicate fairly well whether a particular soil will respond to an application of either of the two kinds of manure, and may be used in comparing soils of the same class. At the same time there are many cases where the results obtained are at variance with those obtained Vou. XIV. No. 354. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 375 by actual experiment in the field, and so far no ready method has been discovered by which the availability of the nitrogen im the soil can be estimated, except as regards the small amount present in the form of nitrates or of ammonium salts. It will be seen, therefore, that chemieal analysis of an isolated sample of soil can hardly be expected to supply a very accurate ana reliable means of determining its manurial requirements, and it is probable that a simple field experiment would yield better results. It is not only a question of what the soil contains but also of what the plant needs. A plant is»a living thing, and its needs are not constant but vary with the conditions under which it is grown. Thus a plant needs more phosphates on a clay soil than it would on a sandy soil, and it needs more potash on a sandy or peat soil than on a loam. Again a plant growing in a district receiving 32 or more inches of rain is in greater need of phosphates than in districts with less than 24 inches of rain. Further, under present conditions, an isolated mechanical analysis cannot be considered of 1uch value to the farmer. By means of a mechanical analysis it is possible to measure the proportions of particles of different degrees of coarseness in the soil, and so determine to some extent the ability of the soil to meet the plant’s requirements as regards the supply of water and the proper aeration of the soil. At present, however, it is probable that an experienced farmer would be able to gain more useful and aceurate information by examining the land carefully at different times of the year. DIRECTIONS IN WHICH A SOIL ANALYSIS MAY BE USEFUL, While isolated soil analyses are of little practical value at present, there are one or two directions in which an analysis can afford useful assistance. 1. A farmer may wish to know whether he has any reasonable chance of obtaining results similar to those demonstrated by field experiments on another farm in the locality. Where such experiments have shown the advantage of applying lime, phosphates or potash, the analyst can determine whether similar results are likely to be obtained on the soil which he analyses. The element of uncertainty will always be present, but there is every prospect that the advice will prove to be correct. In this way the farmer may be saved much time and expense in carrying out the experiment for himself. 2, A soil analysis may also prove of assistance where a farmer proposes to introduce a system of cropping or tillage known to give good results elsewhere in the locality, but before doing so wishes to compare his soil with that on which the system is successful. Analysis may reveal differ- ences which although not obvious to casual inspection are of vital importance to the success of the enterprise. Two heavy soils, for instance, may look very similar, but one may owe its heaviness to very fine particles, and the other to silt particles, and methods snecessful in one case may prove failures in the other. 3. A farmer entering a new farm may wish to obtain complete information as to the possibilities of the soil, with a view to taking up some special branch of production, or ascertaining for what special crops the soil is suited. A soil analysis will show whether the soil and general conditions resemble those obtaining where the proposed system of farming is known to be a success. Where important differences are revealed the farmer may be able, with the assistance of the agricultural expert, to modify the scheme so as to adapt it to the possibilities of his soil. It will be gathered from the above notes that the maximum assistance can only be obtained from a soil analysis when data are available for comparison with soils of the same type. Fortunately the country is now provided with organized schemes under which systematic investigations may be made and the results recorded. Soil surveys sup- plying fairly full information with regard to special classes of soil in a limited area, and carefully conducted field experiments, are being carried out in many parts of the country. As time goes on, therefore, the possibility of setting up comparisons will steadily increase and analyses will be of correspondingly greater value. Before deciding to have a soil analysis carried out, the farmer should apply to the Country Agricultural Organiser, who will advise him whether material for a comparison is available, and whether the analysis would be likely to give useful results. ard REVIEWS ep } ; ) = " / =f Oe oe ellie oi ase Dm iE J : TEs : Si Sa or RUBBER MACHINERY. New York. The Jnrdia figs. 428. Price $6. Mr. Henry C. Pearson, editor of the India Rubber World, may be congratulated on the successful completion of so arduous a task as that represented by the present volume, which amounts to nothing less than a standard encyclopedia of machines used in rubber manufacture. Every phase of the industry would appear to have received attention—crude rubber washing,.drying, preparing of ingredients, mixing, preparing of fabrics, calendering, vuleanizing ; calenders, drives and safety stops; presses and moulds; spreaders and tub- ing machines; machines used inthe manufacture of reclaimed rubber and cements; temperature regulating devices; extracting machines for wild rubber, for deresination; laboratory equip- ment, testing machines and devices;—these are the principal matters dealt with. While the body of the book lies outside the range of tropical agriculture, we may infer its general excellenze from the last mentioned section devoted to rubber laboratory equipment, much of which we are in a position to appreciate. Many of the devices shown contain features of special interest and ingenuity, and might be usefully imitated in other branches of agricultural and industrial chemistry. Chapter IT on erude rubber drying, and Chapter XIX on temperature recording and controlling devices are interesting to us trom the circumstance that these matters, and conse- quently the machinery pretaining to them, are important in many different branches of tropical agriculture. The book will no doubt be found an important addition to the library of all those involved in the production or manufacture of rubber, especially fer purposes of reference. There is a good index, and the chapters are subdivided into sections. The printing is excellent, and the illustrations are abundant and remarkably clear in every detail. By Henry C. Pearson Rubber World, 1915. Pp. 413, THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. NovemsBer 20, 1915. EDITORIAL NOTICES. HEAD OFFICE — BARBADOS. Letters and matter for publication, as well as all specimens for naming, should be addressed to the Commissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture, Barbados. All applications for copies of the ‘Agricultural News’ and other Departmental publications, should be addressed to the Agents’ and not to the Department. The complete list of Agents, and the subscription -and advertisement rates, will be found on page 3 of the cover. Imperial Commissioner of Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Se., Agriculture for the West Indies F.I.C., F.C.S. SCIENTIFIC STAFF. Scientific Assistant and Assistant Editor _Extomologist _M ycologist W. R. Dunlop. H. A. Ballou, M.Se. W. Nowell, D.I C. CLERICAL STAFF. A. G. Howell. M. B Connell. WP. Bovell, P. Taylor. Miss B. Robinson. ( A. B. Price, Fell. Journ. Inst. \(L. A. Corbin. Chief Clerk Assistant Clerk _Jimeor Clerk Assistant Junior Cle k Typist Assistants for Publications Agricultural stews “Vou. XIV. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1915. No. 354. NOTES AND COMMENTS. Contents of Present Issue. . The editorial in this number discusses the manner in which trees growing in orchard and forest soils obtain their supply of nitrogen. The question of the possible importance of fungi in this respect is raised. Important experimental work with limes in Dominiea receives attention on page 272. Items of Local Interest will be found on page but one in this issue. the last Insect Notes, on page 378, concern the control of ants which take away onion seed; and Fungus Notes, on page 382, throw new light on the witch-broom dlisease of cacao. Competition in the Orange Trade. According to an article in the Journal of the Royal Society of Arts, it appears that orange interests in Spain were much perturbed on the outbreak of war, and mass meetings were held to urge the finding of new markets in America. With this object a delega- tion of orange men went to the United States to inves- tigate that market, and to see if it were possible to inaugurate direct trade with that country: but it was soon discovered that competition with Califorma and Florida fruit was not feasible. It would seem that if a large and old-established industry like that of orange growing im Spain cannot find an opening in the United States, it must be even amore difficult matter for the West Indian trade to effect such an opening. And we have to remember that it is not merely California and Florida with which competition takes place, but also Cuba, Porto Rico and Central America—in fact all the vast fruit-pro- ducing areas controlled by the United Fruit Company. War Conditions and the Rubber Trade. It is interesting to read in the Colonial Report on the Straits Settlements for 1913 that the inflated dividends of the rubber trade of previous years are ‘gone for ever; and then to turn to such an article as that on Hevea m the Agricultural Bulletin, F.MS., for July 1915, and see that the present condition of the rubber market is in the nature of a small boom in low-priced shares—a result of the present increased demand for the commodity. The war has made heavy demands upon the rubber trade both in England and America. This no doubt was one of the reasons which led to the removal of the embargo on Eastern rubber tor the United States last year. Increased production is likely to be maintained for some time. On the planter’s side however, it is worth refleetin on, that the present phase of activity may be follower by one of greater depression than ever, and in this connexion the present tendency towards reduction in estate expenditure is to be strongly encouraged. It was mentioned in the last issue of the Agricultural News that on some estates in Ceylon, for example, rubber is being produced by means of alternate day tappings and other economies at an all-in cost of 7d. per th. or even less. At this cost’ good profits can be realized if first grade rubber is only selling at ls. per tbh. instead of 2s 6d., which is nearer the usual price. Further saving may, it is expected, follow ultimately from the selection of seed on the lines recently instituted by Dr. Cramer, and advocated for the Federated Malay States by Mr. Coombs, Economic Botanist, in the Agricultural Bulletin, already reterred to-above. Reductions in estate expenditure in every kind of cultivation is the best safeguard against economie depression in the markets, Vor. XIV.: No: 354. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 377 Peanuts and Pigeon Peas for Export. Attempts are being made to establish a peanut trade with Canada, and the proposal appears to have attracted the attention of growers in Montserrat where a start has already been made. In St. Lucia, Mr. A. J. Brooks notifies planters (in the (ficial Gazette) that a supply of four different varieties of seed is available for planting in that island, and these consist of Gambia, Virginia Running, Virginia Bunch, and Refusque. They are being sold in two-penny packets, and cach ineludes a useful leaflet giving instructions as to how they should be planted. , In St. Vincent much interest has been aroused in regard to the possibilities of exporting Pigeon peas to New York, through a letter received by Mr. W. N. Sands, the Agricultural Superintendent, from Mr. W. A. Domingo, Importer of Tropical Produce, 115, West 135th Street, New York. Mr. Domingo writes :— ‘Tam reliably informed that Barbados and some of the other islands depend largely on St. Vincent and some of the Grenadines attached to it for their supply of Pigeon peas. As I am interested in the importation of this product, I am asking you to put me in commu- nication with a firm or someone who can supply me with regular quantities at lowest prices. There is a fairly good market here for these peas, but to sell wholesale they must compare favourably with importa- tions from Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba. and be able to compete with other American peas and beans in price. ‘So as to avoid unnecessary correspondence, I suggest that you advise prospective shippers to quote me, c.i.f. New York, on 10 barrels yia Barbados or the cheapest route. Also, in quoting, send a small sample for inspection. I trust that you will grant my request, and recommend only responsible and reliable parties.’ No opportunity should be lost in the matter of establishing new markets for minor crops, such as referred to in the above communication. Need for Co-operative Credit Societies in England. The Report of the Agricultural Organization Society (England), for the year ended March 31, 1915, has recently been issued. This society, it may be observed, has from the time of its formation some fourteen years’ ago, been devoting itself to the re-organization of the business side of the agricul- tural industry in England and Wales, and more particularly in regard to the application of the principles of co-operation amongst farmers and _ all kinds of agricultural producers. Amongst the many matters of importance dealt with in this Report is the subject of Co-operative Credit Societies. It is mentioned that in England co-operative credit is still a very small movement as far as agriculture is concerned. There seems to be little desire on the part of small holders and farmers to avail themselves of any of the methods which so far have bean devised for enabling them to co-operate in this direction. Yet there 1s reason to believe that in many country districts the small cultivators have to*resort to the moneylender in one way or another, while if must be generally admitted that there are indeed few agricultural districts where the small cultivators would not be greatly benefited by .a more ready access to capital to be utilized for reproductive purposes. But very great difficulty appears to be experienced in England in putting forward any workable scheme which will at the same time meet the requirements of the situation and yet be received favourably by those whom it is designed to help. In connexion with the foregoing, readers of the Agricultural News will recollect the considerable difficulties that had to be encountered in the efforts made years ago to introduce agricultural credit societies in the West Indies under the Raiffeisen system. Those difficulties have however been success- fully overcome, and, as reference to this Journal will show, at the present time there are several societies operating, or \ shortly to start operating, under Ordinances passed in the West Indies, namely in St. Vincent, Trinidad and in St. Lucia: and these will afford agricultural credit facilities to the small cultivators there. o_o Pine-apples for Canada. Correspondence is to hand concerning pine-apples that were shipped from Montserrat and St. Kitts to Canada with the object of obtaining information with a view to establishing a trade in that country inthis West Indian product. It appears that if success is to be secured, much attention must be paid to the grade of fruit exported. It appears that the quality of the pine-apples sent from Montserrat were superior to any pines that had been received from Porto Rico, Cuba or Florida; but from the fact that the Montserrat pine-apples were-so full of juice and will not keep for half the length of time the fruit from Cuba will, it would seem that a satisfactory trade is only possible with an inferior class of pine, which, it is said, should be packed in the same way as the Cuban fruit is. It will therefore probably be found desirable to cultivate the Red Spanish variety. Under these conditions it is probable that any island could dispose in Canada of 300 to 400 crates on each trip of the Royal Mail steamers during the season. The best time to ship would be before Porto Rico and Cuba enter the market, namely about Easter time. It is interesting to record the fact that the question of quality and keeping powers is also diametrically opposed in the case of oranges. This is well illustrated in the case of California and Florida oranges. "The Navels have only about 50 per cent. of the juice of the Florida oranges, but will, on the other hand, keep sound quite three times as long. 378 INSECT NOTES. THE CONTROL OF ANTS WHICH TAKE AWAY ONION SEED. St. Vincent onion growers are faced with the difficulty that so soon as seed is planted, it is carried away by ants. If an onion industry is to be established in the Colony, the control of ants must be undertaken, as they may remove the greater part of the seed before it germinates, and may even destroy those seeds which have germinated, by biting holes in the young shoots. An account has been received of various experiments performed at the Experiment Station in St. Vincent in connexion with the control of these pests. Certain of the experiments have given only negative results; nevertheless, the experiments are instructive and may be described. Two species of ant seem to be concerned in the trouble. One of these is the ordinary black ‘stinging ant’ which is so constantly present on cotton plants where it feeds on the sweet juice exuded by the cotton aphis. The other kind is similar in general appearance, but the legs are rather longer. After the seed-beds have been prepared and_ before planting, it is recommended that they be ‘burnt off. This can be done by spreading a layer of dry grass, bush or trash over the beds and setting fire to it. A large number of ants and other insects as well as weed seeds will be destroyed by this procedure, and the germination of the seed when sown will be facilitated. After burning it is advisable to place a few onion seeds on pieces of paper in various parts of the seed-bed, and keep these under observation. If ants are still present they will be seen to take away the seed, and the control of them must be undertaken. The following experiments have been tried: — (a) Poisoning the ants with acetylene gas.—The entrances to the nests were located by tracking the ants. A piece of calcium carbide was pushed as far as possible into the hole, and water poured down. The hole was then plugged with cotton lint. It was thought that the acetylene so generated would penetrate to all parts of the nest and poison the ants. The results did not justify expectations. A large number of ants were undoubtedly killed, but it seems that the habit of these insects is to live in comparatively small colonies with many outlets. This method of control was therefore judged to be impracticable and uncertain. (4) Treating the seed-bed with Vuporite.—Vaporite sprinkled over the seed-bed exercised a deterrent effect upon the ants for a short time, but the effect soon wore off. (c) Treating the seed with a paste made of kerosene and wood-ashes.—This was unsuccessful. The ants carried away the seed. (d) Treating the seed with a 1-350 solution of corrosive sublimate.—This experiment was also unsuccessful. (e) Attracting the ants to various baits and killing them with hot water.—Success has been met with along this line of work, and onion growers are strongly recommended to follow ont the method of control described below. After some preliminary trials it was discovered that pieces of ripe avocado pear, and small pieces of meat, or of bone with a little meat attached, constituted the best bait, the ants being attracted to them in very large numbers. A number of pieces of avocado pear were placed on the seed-bed at a distance apart of about 18 inches, As soon as a fair num- ber of ants were attracted, the bait and the soil immediately underearth, covered with ants, were immersed in a vessel of hot water. This was repeated, the work going on continuously THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. November 20, 1915. eee hw fora few hours. Next day the ants refused to take any pear, and onion seed scattered in various parts of the seed-bed was quite unmolested. Pieces of meat were put down, and as fast as the ants gathered on these they were destroyed. A large reduction in the number of ants in the vicinity of the seed-bed was thus effected, and the seed germinated without giving much trouble. It may be pointed out that these ants are likely to be most abundant (a) in newly cleared land, (b) in land which has previously been in corn, cotton or canes. The ants make their nests in fields devoted to these crops in order to feed upon the sweet juice exuded by the cotton aphis, and by the sugar-cane mealy-bug. In view of the dipping experiments which are soon to take place in Antigua, attention may be called to Bulletin No. 259 of the United States Department of Agriculture, which deals with studies on oxidation changes in arsenical dipping baths. It appears that arsenites are readily changed into arsenates by the action of bacteria, if the liquid is left exposed and undisturbed too long. This should be avoided as much as possible, because arsenate is not such a powerful tickicide as arsenite. The use of formalin as a preservative is. suggested, but in the ordinary way it does not seem that its employment is worth while from a business point of view, INDIAN POPULATION IN CROWN COLO-. NIES AND PROTECTORATES. The following return, compiled from the 1911 Census reports, is taken from the Wealth of India for July 1915. It is of interest in connexion with West Indian Immigration and the recent report on the same by the Government of India. Adults have been regarded as persons aged sixteen years and wpwards,. The high proportion of males to females will be noticed as a typical feature of the figures given. It is a feature which is not without considerable social and economic significance:— British Guiana:—Total Population, 309,041, Indian, 126,517, Adult (Males 53,083, Females 34,779,)—87,862; Ceylon, Total Population, 4,110,367, Indian, 470,651: East Africa Protectorate, Total Population, 4,000,000, Indian 11,886; Fiji Islands, Total Population, 139,541, Indian 50,286, Adults (Males 20,062, Females 8,785,)—28,847;. Jamaica, Total Population, 831,583, Indian Population, 17,380, Adults (Males 7,127, Females 4,775,)—11,912. Windward Islands:—Grenada, Total Population, 66,750, Indian, 406; St. Lucia, Total Population, 49,877, Indian, 2,064; St. Vincent, 41,877, Indian, 376. Leeward Islands:—Antigua (with Barbuda and Redonda) - Total Population, 32,296, Indian, 3; Dominica, Total Population, 33,865, Indian, 8; Montserrat, Total Population, 12,196, Indian, 2; St. Christopher and Nevis, Total Population, 43,403, Indian, 38; Virgin Islands, Total Popu- lation, 5,562; Malay States (Federated), Total Population, 1,036,999, Indian, 172,465, Adults (Males 116,626, Females 28,368)—144,994; Mauritius, Total Population 377,083, Indian (a) 257,697, Adults (Males 89,996, Females 71,833)—161,829; Seychelles, Total Population, - 22,691, Indian, 420; Straits Settlements, Total Population, 714,069, Indian, 82,055; Trinidad and Tobago, Total Population, 333,552, Indian, 50,585, Adults (Males 31,989, Females 17,159)—49,148; Uganda, Total Population, - 2,843,325, Indian, 1,622. Vor. XIV. No. 354. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 379 THE TEMPERATURE OF THE SOIL UNDER DIFFERENT CONDITIONS. In the Memoirs of the Department of Agriculture im Indi, Chemical Series, Vol. [V, No. 2, appears an account by Dr. Leather of important studies in soil temperatures, and a summary of this account is reproduced below. Its impor- tance lies chiefly in the fact that a correlation has been established between the temperature of the air and the soil, so that it now becomes possible in India to calculate the soil temperature under specified conditions of soil and climate. Several series of observations on soil temperature have been made in the West Indies, amongst which may be men- tioned those made by Mr. W. R. Dunlop in St. Kitts (see Agricultural News, Vol. XI, p. 125, April 27, 1912), and more recently the records of Dr. H. A. Tempany in connexion with the Dominica cacao plots (see West Indian Bulletin, Vol. XIV, No. 2, 1914). In the former investigation, apart from interesting synchronical observations in two different parts of the island, the extent of the diurnal range in exposed soil at shallow depths was shown to be very considerable (20° at 3 inches), and markedly influenced by such conditions as cultivation, colour and aspect. At 2 feet the temperature was found to be practically constant, though even here the cooling effect of rainfall, referred to both by Dr. Tempany and Dr. Leather, was found to be observable. In the Dominica observations, the chief point brought out was the equable nature of the soil temperature under cacao trees, both from month to month and at different depths. The range was only about 2° in the course of many months, including the cool and hot periods, while between depths of 6 inches and 18 inches there was only a difference of a fraction of a degree. The temperature of the soil of a cacao planta- tion under Dominica conditions is about 23°C. at 6 inches, while in an ordinary exposed soil it may be regarded as being, for purposes of comparison, about 30° during the hotter hours of the day. In India, as elsewhere, the temperature of the surface soil naturally varies, both with the hour of the day and with the season. Dr. Leather states that, as regards the seasonal variation, the minima are in January and the maxima in May. In _ bare-fallow soil the diurnal change of temperature extends to between 12 inches and 24 from the surface on most days in the year. At 12 inches it amounts to about 1° G,, but at 24 inches it is doubtful whether it ever exceeds 0-1° GC. in Bihar, and probably does not exceed 0°2° C. in any part of India. ‘There is a fairly close correspondence between the temperature of bare-fallow soil at 1 inch from the surface and that of the air in the shade; approximately the soil minimum at this depth is about 2°0° C. higher than the air minimum, and the soil maximum is about 3:0°C. higher than the air maximum. ‘There is also a similarly close relation between the diurnal change of temperature in the soil (bare-fallow) at linch from the surface and in the air (shade), the diurnal change being about 1°5° C. greater in the soil at this depth than in the air. This diurnal change is least during the monsoon and greatest during the dry season; at the former season (June to September) it is about 10° C. in the soil (bare-fallow) at 1 inch deep, and during the latter (in March and April) it frequently approaches 20°C. ‘The temperature of the soil near the surface (down to 3 inches or 4 inches) is above the mean temperature for only about eight hours daily, whilst it is below it for about sixteen hours. ‘The lag in temperature is about two hours at 3 inches deep and about eight hours at 18 inches from the surface. ‘A change in the specitic heat of the soil, due to change of moisture content, does not seem to effect the maxima or minima; but rainfalls during the dry season, causing a consider- able change in the amount of water evaporating, have a marked effect. ‘It is possible to estimate approximately the temperature to which the soil rises under specified conditions in other parts of India. ‘The effect of a covering crop on the soil-temperature is naturally very marked, for it both prevents the surface soil trom rising to the temperature which fallow land assumes, and also modifies the diurnal change. Thus whilst the temperature of exposed soil at 1 inch deep rises to about 3° C. above that of the air, that of cropped land is about 2° C. below it; and whilst the temperature of exposed soil at the surface rises to probably some 20° C. above that of the air, the corresponding figure for cropped land is only some 2° or 3° C.even in March, whilst in the rains it is actually lower than that of the air. Also in respect of diurnal change at 1 inch deep, whilst exposed soil suffers a change of some 20° C. in March, that of cropped land is only about 13°C. at the same depth; and during the monsoon whilst exposed soil suffers a diurnal change of some 10°C. at 1 inch deep, that of cropped land is onty about 3° to 4° CL RUBBER AND COCO-NUTS IN THE STRAITS SETTLEMENTS. The planting of fresh land in rubber continues in every settlement of the colony, and shows that the planters still retain their confidence. The area under rubber cultivation in Malacea is 117,200 acres. Catch crops under rubber are being abandoned generally. The result is an enormous diminution in the output of tapioca. The area under this crop has dropped from 16,643 acres in 1912 to 7,353 acres in 1913. Along with the decrease of tapioca, there has been a correspondingly large diminution in pig raising. It was, and still is, the custom for squatters to rear pigs under the Chinese-owned coco-nut palms, fattening them on the ampas, or refuse of tapioca manufacture. In past years the pigs so raised met the whole demand of Malacca, and-were sent to the Federated Malay States in large numbers. Now, how- ever, the export has almost ceased, and to fatten the supply for local demand an import of the refuse is required. The rice harvest was fair in Province Wellesley, and bad in Penang and Malacca. In Malacea, not only was the season unfavourable to the growing crops, but there was a smaller area than usual under cultivation, owing to the attractions offered by fairly high pay and moderately easy work upon the rubber estates. Coco-nut estates in Singapore have largely failed to attain their estimates. In some cases this has been due to inflated expectations and a want of knowledge of the nature and yielding power of the trees on the estate, and in others to want of attention to the trees. This has especially been the case where there have been joint interests in rubber and coco-nuts. : Some large estates in the Dindings are, however, said to be doing well. Coco-nut pests were troublesome in Singapore. There was an increase of the palm weevil in the centre of the island, and a serious outbreak of the moth Brachartona catocantha in the east of the island, which will affect the crop of nuts in 1914. (Co’onval Reports—Annual for 1913.) 380 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. NoveMBer 20, 1915. GLEANINGS. According to the Demerara Daily Chronicle (Mail Edition} October 1, a serious leaf disease of rubber trees has broken out in British Guiana. The disease appears to be due to Dothidella Ulex, which has been investigated by Mr. Petch, in Ceylon. A portable rack for feeding animals in the field is illustrated in the Jowrnal of the Department of Agriculture of Victoria for September 1915. These racks are designed to prevent waste which takes place when fodder and other foodstuffs are thrown on the ground for the animal to eat in that way. Observations upon glanders in mules form the subject of an interesting article in the Veterinary Record for October 9, 1915. It appears that the mule, compared with the horse, enjoys, generally speaking, a greater immunity to bacterial invasion. To this one must attribute a more complete and a more active immunizing and _ protective mechanism. 5 ‘ In the Agricultural News, Vol. XIII, No. 311, p. 109, a book on date growing by Mr. Popenoe was reviewed at some length, and in connexion with this, Bulletin No. 871 (Bureau of Plant Industry) United States Department of Agriculture, dealing with the dates of Egypt and the Sudan will be found of interest. The publication is well illustrated, and the different varieties of fruit are well described. Further details as to the damage done in Jamaica by the August hurricane are given in the Journal of the Jamaica Agricultural Society for September 1915. In regard to the Parish of St. Mary and Western it is said that the whole of the standing crop of bananas was destroyed, and that these in falling damaged cacao trees by breaking the limbs. -Beyond this the damage to crops was not extensive. Notices of Judgment under the United States Food and Drugs Act are now published in collected form. The issue for September 24, 1915, shows that the work which is being done must be useful, provided it can be carried on consistently. One interesting case recorded is where a large quantity of cotton seed hulls had been added to unadulterated meal, which was then sold as such. The defendant was fined $100 and costs, The goat as a source of milk is discussed in the Soard of Agriculture (England) for October 1915. It is stated that there are two special qualities possessed by goats’ milk which alone should make it popular: (1) the ease with which it is digested by children, and especially infants; (2) its almost complete immunity from germs of tuberculosis. It is stated that an average goat will give at its flush 3 pints a day. * Much of the work described in the Annual Report on the Distribution of Grants for Agricultural Education and Research in England and Wales during 1914-15 resembles similar efforts in the West Indies, and should receive the perusal of educationai authorities in these islands. A special feature of the publication is the lists which it contains of the staffs at the varions agricultural colleges and research institutes. Ordinance No. 4 of 1913 of Mauritius, provides for the constitution and control of co-operative credit societies with the object of encouraging thrift, self-help and co-operation among agriculturists, artisans, and persons of limited means. At the end of 1913, eleven societies had been registered under the provisions of the Ordinance With a total membership of over 1,000, and a capital of about Rs.20,000. (Colonial Reports—Annual, No. 826.) The Antigua and Montserrat Onion Growers’ Associations have just issued an attractive handbill, which announces the excellent quality of West Indian-grown onions and the’ advantages which are gained by buyers from the co-operative sale and grading of this produce, Enquiries and orders should be addressed to the Secretary, Antigua Onion Growers’ | Association, St. John’s, Antigua, or to the Secretary of the Montserrat Association in that island. i Important definitions of different artificial feeding stuffs, ’ according to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture standards, is given in the Official Bulletin No. 265 of the Bureau of Chemistry of that institution. To show the: character of the definitions, it may be recorded that choice cotton seed meal must be finely ground, not necessarily bolted, perfectly sound and sweet in odour, yellow, free from excess of lint, and must contain at least 41 per cent. of protein. A trap nest for poultry is a laying nest so arranged that after a hen enters it she is confined until released by the attendant. An efficient form of this trap is described in Farmers’ Bulletin No, 682, United States Department of Agriculture. The principle is that when the hen enters the nest her back raises the door which releases a cateh or trigger and allows the door to shut. It is a very simple contrivance and presumably very effective. This form of nest is useful where the egg record of each particular hen has to be recorded. We have received & copy of the Z'wentieth Century Russia and Anglo-Russian Review, which will be issued quarterly until after the war, and then monthly. The Review is not of immediate concern to those living in the tropics except in a general way, and our object in mentioning it lies chiefly in the fact that it is the only English publication which is devoted to the affairs of the Russian Empire. It may be mentioned that the present and first number contains an article on the future of Russia as a trade centre, by Mr. Hamel Smith, the versatile editor of Z’ropical Life. Vor. XIV. No. 354. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 381 ON THE AGRICULTURAL 1914-15. REPORT GRENADA: DEPARTMEN?7, Under cover of this publication appear the general adminstration report of Mr. J. C. Moore, the Superintendent of the Department, a report by the same officer on the Botanic Gardens, and special reports on Land Settlements and Agricultural: Instruction, compiled by the Agricultural Instructor, are also included. Owing to staff changes, the greater part of the infor- mation put forward has been collected from such records as have been filed in the office. The, reports therefore to some extent lack continuity and freshness, which in the following year will no doubt be remedied as a result of the fuller treatment of matters but briefly referred to in the present publication, and by the introduction of information concerning new lines of activity that have been recently introduced. It will be noted with satisfaction that in spite of con- siderable disorganization, the useful work in the nurseries has been maintained. Plant distribution, on the whole, compares favourably with that of previous years, and there are indications that the demand for lime and coco-nut plants is increasing. The report which appeared in last year’s edition of the present publication on chemical work is absent in the present publication. Arrangements are being made however, to appoint an agricultural chemist, and as soon as this has been effected, the useful work started by Mr. Auchinleck will be continued. In connexion with plant pests and diseases, reference is made to the valuable results which accrued from the visit to Grenada by the Entomologist and Mycologist of the Imperial Department in February 1915, A condensed account of the information obtained on fliese visits appeared in the Agricultural News (Vol. XIV, pp. 314 and 330) under Insect Notes, and Plant Diseases, respectively. The report on Land Settlement in the present publica- tion shows that the older settlements are satisfactorily occupied and that the year’s crops were good. Reference is made to the new St. Cyr Mountain settlement, and to impor- tant road improvements that have been effected. For several years considerable energy has been displayed in connexion ‘with the Grenada Prize-Holdings Competition. Such a competition was again held this year, and it appears from the report that many of the holdings, which are owned by the peasants, show very satisfactory signs of improvement. In connexion with progress in the chief industries it is stated that the season of 1914 was nota favourable one in Grenada for cacao, High winds and dry weather during the first six months resulted in a reduction of the 1913-14 crop, which was 65,510 bags, and delayed the flowering for the crop cof 1914-15. It is satisfactory to note the great progress that is being made in coco-nut cultivaticn, for which extensive tracts of land are still available, and it is worthy of note that some increase has occurred in the case of land under sugar-cane. here are indications that in the near future the cultivation of limes may become an industry of importance in Grenada, but this is one of the subjects con- cerning which more wall be written in next year’s report. VARIETIES OF SOUR GRASS. There has been some occasion for suspecting that the forms of sour grass known botanically under the name of Andropogon pertusus, Willd., occurring in Barbados, Antigua and Nevis, may not be identical. For example, the Antigua sour grass is known to be more aromatic and less liked by cattle than is the case with that of Barbados. On account of the economic importance of the matter—apart from its botanical interest—sets of specimens of these three kinds of grass were caused to be collected by the Commissioner of Agriculture, and forwarded by him to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, for the purpose of having it definitely ascertained whether they are specifically identical or not. A letter has now been received from Kew in answer to the enquiry. In this it is stated that the specimens have been examined, and that no morphological differences can be found to distinguish them from each other. It is pointed out that the amount cf aromatic oil is known to vary in other species of Andropogoneae without the variation being accom- panied by morphological differentiation, and this may also be the case in A. pertusus. Whether such variations represent stable physiological races, or are merely fluctuations, due perhaps to conditions of habitat, is not known. °In order to arrive at a decision, it would be necessary to undertake a series of experiments in the field and laboratory. A Continuous Press.—Messrs. Toulouse & Delo- rieux, of San Francisco, Cal., have supplied this Office with information in regard to presses manufactured by them for extracting juice from pine-apples and other fruits. The machines are interesting. The general principle is that well known in the case of the domestic mincing machine, and is to be seen in the oil expeller now working in St. Vincent with cotton seed. It appears, however, from the makers’ catalogue, that the presses they manufacture are larger than anything likely to be required in the West Indies. It may be added that this type of machine is used principally in the wine industry for extracting the juice from grapes. Vanilla Supports in St. Vincent.—In the Agricultural News, Vol. XIV, No. 352, it was suggested that trials with Madura (@lirtcidia maculata) might be under- taken to ascertain if live posts of this plant could be used as supports for vanilla, It appears that this has already been tried, and with success, by Mr. W. N. Sands, Agricultural Superintendent in St. Vincent. Vanilla has grown well on Madura in St. Vincent, and some can be seen at the present time fruiting freely. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 1915. November 20, DISEASES OF PLANTS. NEW LIGHT OF THE WITCH-BROOM DISEASE OF CACAO. Some twenty years ago a disease of the cacao tree, affecting the shoots as they develop from the buds, causing them to grow out swollen and distorted, and quickly killing them, appeared in the plantations of Surinam, and has since become general there with disastrous effects on the industry. The output of cacao fell from an average of 7 million -b, for the previous ten-year period to less than 2 million in 1904, and only averaged 3} millions from that year to 1913. After inconclusive examinations by various mycologists, GC. J. J. van Hall and A. W. Drost, working in the country, made an extensive study of the disease and came to the conclusion, which has been widely accepted, that the cause of the disease, as well as of a hardening of the pods also peculiar to Surinam, is a fungus which they named Col/leto- trichum luxificum. Their paper appeared in 1907. They advocated the drastic measure of cutting back all the branches to within a short distance of the main forks, spraying with Bordeaux mixture, and then removing by hand such of the new shoots as showed signs of infection. This involved the total loss of a year’s crop, and a reduction of the succeeding crops for one or two years, and did not, moreover, get rid of the disease. It has been found that thorough annual spray- ing, with careful removal of the diseased shoots, though less immediately effective in reducing the disease, is economic- ally a sounder policy, and it is the one now followed by a majority of estates. . The appearance of so serious a disease naturally caused some apprehension in other cacao-growing countries. In 1911 Mr. J. B. Rorer, Mycologist to the Trinidad Board of Agriculture, visited Surinam for the purpose of acquainting himself with the appearance of the disease in the field, and was able to report on his return that it was different from any disease occurring in Trinidad. In 1913 he paid a longer visit, as a consequence of which he drew attention to the fact that the mycelium found in the diseased shoots has clamp-connexions which show that it belongs to another division of fungi than that containing van Hall and Drost’s fungus. This objection was strengthened by the fact that the latter fungus occurs in Trinidad, but does not give rise to either witch brooms or hardened pods. As a result of Rorer’s criticisms, the question of the causation of the disease has been re-investigated by Dr. G. Stahel, of the Surinam Department of Agriculture, and the results are published (in Dutch, English and German) in Bulletin No. 35 of that Department, dated September 1915. Stahel obtained mycelium as previous investigators had done, by cutting out a surface-sterilized piece of a diseased shoot and placing it on nutrient agar. This mycelium never produced spores, and when used in inoculation experiments did not give rise to the disease. So far the work was a repet- ition of that of Went and Rorer, with the same results. The infection problem was now approached from another side. Observation showed that upon the dead witch brooms three kinds of fructifications of Basidiomycetous fungi, which might be expected to have mycelium with clamp-connexions, occurred. One of these was a Marasmius, closely resembling the well-known species which causes root disease of sugar- cane. For this reason it was chosen first for experiment. Fruit bodies were fixed so that spores would fall on cacao buds. Of the first series tried, fourteen infections ensued out of forty-six buds; of the second series, seven out of nine; and of the third series nine out of ten. The white myceligm with clamp-connexions was obtained from the shoots so infected.» Four witch brooms were produced by inoculation on a plantation previously entirely free from the disease. The author would seem to be justified in his claim to have absolutely proved that the Marasmius is the cause of the disease. ; : ‘ It has not been proved by inoculation experiments that the induration (hardening) of pods is similarly caused, but the indirect evidence to that effect is very strong. The fungus is deseribed by the author as a new species under the name of Marasmius perniciosus. The fructification + is of the toadstool type, i. e., umbrella-shaped, very small, the cap usually from } to }-inch in diameter,: and the stalk about the same in length. The general colour is white, with — a faint crimson tint on the surface of the cap and a typical dark-red spot in its centre. The fungus has not so far been found in any other situation than diseased shoots, indurated pods, and infected flower cushions of the cacao tree. The bearing which the discovery of the cause of th disease has upon its control is not a very direct one, but it will enable recommendations to be made with greater certainty. Obviously the removal of infective material can be more effectively carried out now that it is known exactly m what forms it occurs. ; The spores of the fungus, when dried, lose the power of germination within an hour, which suggests itself as an: explanation of the author’s observation that shaded trees are much more susceptible than unshaded ones. It would seem) that the danger of infection reaching the West Indian cacao- growing islands is ‘very small so long as living plants and_ pods of cacao are not imported from Surinam. , W.Ns The clove industry of Zanzibar, according to Colonial Reports—Annual No. 823, dates from 1818, and in 1860 an output of about 7,000,000 Tb. in weight had been obtained. In 1872 the plantations in Zanzibar were devastated by a hurricane, and therefore most of the trees in the island at present date from that time. Pemba, however, escaped, and the large plantations there are consequently much older, varying from sixty to ninety years. It is estimated (1913) that there are in both islands about 60,000 acres under clove cultivations, and about 5} million trees in bearing. In connexion with the suggested pork and bacon industry for the West Indies, the attention of those interested” may be called to an article on the Hitchin Bacon Factory, which appears in the Journal of the Board of Agriculture (England) for July 1915. This gives details of treatment of the meat in the factory. In connexion with curing, it is stated that after the sides have been chilled for from thirty- six to forty hours they are dry-salted, which consists in the injection of a pickle of salt and saltpetre. If smoked bacon is required, the sides are washed and dusted over with pea flour, hung in the smoked honses, and smoked and dried with hardwood sawdust for from three to four days, according to, the weather. Vou. XIV. No. 354. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 383 DOWN THE ISLANDS. ITEMS OF LOCAL INTEREST. st, vincent. Mr, W. N. Sands informs us that during October kiln-dried corn was shipped for the first time by the Government granary to Barbados, where 161 bags sold at $2°35 (duty paid) per bag. As regards the condition of the cotton crop, it is stated that this is fair in some places, but poor in others. The picking of cotton and the reaping of arrowroot started during the month. A considerable amount of attention is being given by the Department to finding out methods of control for certain insects, especially the ants which visit onion seed-beds, concerning which some information is given under Insect Notes in this issue of the Agricultural News. The Agricultural Superintendent and the Assistant Super- intendent, when on a visit to Cane Garden estate, in connexion with the control of the green bug (Vezara viridula), which attacks tobacco severely, came by chance on a large number of specimens of an egg parasite. These have since been hatched out in the laboratory, and the parasite has been liberated in the fields in the hope that it may exercise inereased control. st. Lucta. The cacao crop, writes Mr. A. J. Brooks, promises to be heavy, while a good stand of sugar-cane is to be seen everywhere. At the time of writing, at the beginning of November, the lime crop was still coming in and large returns were being obtained. Special work of the officers of the Department has consisted in the checking of accounts at the Government Lime Juice Factory and the paying out of bonuses. The Agricultural Superintendent, during the month of October, visited. Crown Lands in the heights of Vieux Fort in connexion with the proposed planting in that place of cacao and limes. Mr. Brooks states that it is intended to commence laying out a permanent drainage system at Réunion: large concrete pipes will be used for passing the water below the grass roads. An appended list of the plants distributed from the nurseries shows that these totalled 1,749, of which 1,720 were lime plants, twenty-four budded oranges, three nutmegs, and two decorative. MONTSERRAT. The weather in this island has continued to be satisfactory, being sufticiently wet to maintain growth, and at the same time dry enough to allow the picking of the cotton crop. At the time of writing, Mr. Robson, Curator at the Botanic Station, says gimning was in fullswing and that the quality of the cotton seemed to be good. Mr. Robson provides very copious notes on the success and otherwise that has attended the various trials made with beans and peas. At Harris’ Station the black eye pea occupying !acre yielded 136 tb. of dry peas equal to about 9 bushels per acre. The first generation of the six kinds of imported Lima beans has been a failure. Seeds, however, have been saved of each kind. It is reported that two planters have ‘become interested in the cultivation of the cowpea for shipment to Barbados or elsewhere, and that the cultivation of pea and bean crops generally is likely to find favour in this island. In regard to special work with cotton, it may be mentioned that samples of seventeen strains of cotton were sent to the British Cotton Growing Association last mail for report and valuation. Considerable interest attaches to this -event, because some of the samples have lint as long as the St. Kitts long cottons, the increase in length being due apparently to a more favourable season. Affairs in connexion with the Onion Growers’ Association are progressing as_ well as can be expected, and most of the more intelligent of the small growers have become members. The first shipment of ground nuts produced in the island was made to Trinidad by last mail. While the general outlook for this crop is not very bright, the cultivation of the Virginia Running variety for the Canadian market is worth attention. ANTIGUA. The sugar-eane crop in the Windward district of the island requires rain, In this part of the island, writes Mr. Jackson, the crop has received a set-back during the last six weeks. In other districts the crop still continues to improve. Much work continues to be done With maize, onions and ground nuts. The Govern- ment granary was working at the time of writing, and experiments in the matter of erushing corn cobs were being conducted. At a general meeting of the Agricultural Society, Dr. Tempany addressed the meeting on the results of the Leeward Islands sugar-cane experiments for the year 1914-15. According to figures provided, the plants distri- buted from the Botanic Gardens were composed of 26,100 onion plants. As regards rainfall, it is stated that at the Botanic Station 3°89 inches fell during the month. Tor the year, 45°90 inches have been measured. st. kirrs. Mr. F. R. Shepherd, the Agriculturat Superintendent, writes to say that the sugar-cane at the end of October was well advanced and healthy all over the island, With a continuance of the present weather conditions there is prospect of a record crop. next season. On some estates the young crop is being planted, and greater care is being taken with the selection of the cuttings. On one estate particularly, all the cuttings planted have been ‘procured from good plant ‘canes, with excellent results as regards germination. The cotton crop is being reaped rapidly, and on some estates the bushes are being turned under with the object of getting the land ready for planting canes. The returns of lint generally are moderate, except in a few exceptional cases. At a meeting of the Agricultural and Commercial Society, a paper by Mr. Waterland the Chemical Assistant, and Dr. J. L. Shannon the Veterinary Surgeon, was read on the Feeding of Stock. Mr. Shepherd says that work contemplated consists principally at present in the laying out of the experimental plots on estates for cane varieties and their manurial treatment. Nevis. According to Mr. W. I. Howell, the cane crop throughout the island is looking very promising. Sugar is being made on a few estates and fair prices have been obtained in the local markets. The cotton crop, on the whole, is promising, and a good second picking is expected from many of the fields. Provision crops, on the whole, are doing well, and planting is still in progress. Small plots of Indian corn were also established during the month. Regular visits to plantations in different parts of the island have been made, and in this connexion it may be noted that Pinneys estate shipped during October 2,000 coco-nuts to Demerara for planting purposes. The manures for the second year’s trials with coconuts at Pinneys estate were applied during the early part of the month, Rainfall for the month: 5:88 inches. Rainfall for the year to date: 40°84 inches. The infusorial earth of Barbados is well known, and a note on the use of similar material as a soil improver, appearing in the Agricultural Gazette of New South Wales, for September 1915, is of interest. It appears that when added to soil it acts like a manure, the explanation being, it is supposed, that it absorbs moisture even in the form of dew. It is suggested that it might form a possible factor in dry-farming. The specially good effect of infusorial earth on grass land in New South Wales might make its trial worth while on pastures and lawns in the West Indies. 384 THE London.—TuHE MARKET REPORTS. West Inprta CoMMITTEE October 19, 1945. Arrowroot—2}d. to 2,4. Batata—Sheet 2s. 43d.; block 1s. 84d. Besswax—No quotations. Cacao—Trinidad, 84/6 to 86/- per ewt.; Grenada, 79/6 to 80/6-; Jamaica, 70/ to 84/6, Corree—Jamaica, 43/- Copra—£25 15s. to £26 per ton. Corron—Fully Fine no quotations; Floridas, no quota- tions; West Indian Sea Island, 14d. to 16d. Frvuit—No quotations. Fustic—No quotations. Grxcer—Jamaica, 55/- to Gd/-. Ismyctass—No quotations. Honry—No quotafions. Line Juice—Raw, 3/; concentrated, £30; Otto of limes (hand-pressed), no quotations. Loewoop—No quotations. Mace—6d. to 2/4a. Nurmecs—4jd. to Ghd. Prento—2d. to 2,,d. Ruseer—Para, fine hard, 2/52; fine soft, 2/53; Castilloa, no quotations. Rum—Jamaiea, 4/2 to 4/9 New York.—wMessrs. Gintesprz Bros. & Co., October 22, WOLD: Cacao—Caracas, 1sjc. to 194c.; Grenada, 184c. to 15}c.; Trinidad, 193c. to 20c.; Jamaica, 17c. to 17$c. Coco-nuts—Jamaica and Trinidad selects, $30-00 $32-00; culls, $19°00 to $21°00. Corrrr—Jamaica, 74c. to 114c. per tb. Gincer—13hc. to 16c. per th. Goat Sxrvs—Jamaica, 44c.; Antigua and Barbados, 42c. to 44c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 39%. to 41c. per tb. Grare Freir—Jamaica, $2°50 to $3°50. Limes—$4°50 to $5°50. Macre—a4e. to 47c. per Ib. Nutmecs—lle. to 114e. Orances—Jamaica, $1°50 to $5°25. Prnento—dsc. to 3fc. per tb. Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 4°3%c.; Muscovados, 89°, 3-74. ; Molasses, 89°, 3°61ce., all duty paid. to Trinidad.—Messrs. Gorpon, Grant & Co., October 1s, 1915. Cacao—Venezuelan, $18°00 to $18°50; Trinidad, $18°75 to $19°25. Coco-nur Or—8le. per Imperial gallon. Corrre—Venezuelan, 1c. to 12c. per th. Copra—$4°25 to per 100 th. Drat—$6 50 Ontoxns—$3'00. to $3°50 per 100 Ip. Peas, Sprit—S9-00 per bag. Porators—English $1°25 to $1°50 per 100 tb. Ricr—Yellow, $5'80 to $6°25; White, $6°00 per bag. Svear—American crushed, no quotations. AGRICULTURAL CIRCULAR, NEWS: NOVEMBER 20, . 1915. Barbados.—Messrs. James A. Lyncu & Co., Ltd., October 30, 1915. Arrowroot—S4°50 to $460 per 100 th. Cacao—$15°00 to S1€ 100 per LOO tb. Coco-nutTs—$20 ‘00 husked nuts. Hay—S1-70 to $1-% )per LOO te. 1915; T. S. Garraway & Co., November 2, Manures—Nitrate of soda, no quotations; Cacao manure, no quotations; Sulphate of ammonia, $85-00 to $95-00- per ton. Motassrs—No quotations. Onrons—8$7 “00 to $10°00 per 190 ib. Pras, Serit—$10°00 to $12°50 per 210 th.; Canada, $540: per 120 tb. Porators—Nova Scotia, $4°87 to 55°00 per 160 th. Rice—Ballam, $6°00 to $6°L0 per 190 tb.; Patna, no quota- tions; Rangoon, Sucar no quotatiows. Muscovado centrifugals, $3°60 to $4:25, British Guiana.—Messrs. Wierinc & Ricurer, October 16, 1915; Messrs. Sanpsacu, Parker & Co, October 15, 19 15. ARTICLES. Arrowrkoot—St. Vincent Batata—Venezuela block Demerara sheet Cacao—Native Cassava— Cassava STaRCcH— Coco-NuTS— Creole Jamaica and Rio Liberian Corree Drat— Green Dhal Eppors— Motasses— Yellow Ontons—Teneritie Madeira Preas—Split Marseilles PLANTAINS— Porators—Nova Scotia Lisbon Porarors--Sweet, B’bados Ballam Creole TANNIAS— Yams—White Buck Suear—Dark crystals Yellow White Molasses TimBER—GREENHEART Rice Wallaba shingles) a Cord ae, | Messrs. WIETING & RicwrTsr. Messrs. Sanp- BACH, ParKEB & Co. lde. per fh. $1-20 12c. to 13c. $6-00 $12-00 to $12°50 24c. to 40c. $4:°00 to $4°50 S144 No quotation $5°50 to $5°75 $3°36 S3-00 53:12 $3°65 to $3°75 $4°25 to $4°35 $3°10 32c. to 5dc. per cub. foot $4°00 to $6°25 per M. $1°80 to $2-00 per ton $10 to $15 per M. l4c. to 15c. per Te $950 2lc. per tb, $18 per M.. Ge. $1200 . per bag. (210 fb.) $4°00 to $4°50 | $5°50 to $5°7b- | 32c. to 5dc. per cub. foot $4-00 to $6°00 per M. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture FOR THE WEST INDIES. The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. A Quarterly Scientific Journal. Volume 1. No. 1. Out of print. Nos. 2, 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price Ls. each. Post free, 1s. 2d.; Volumes IT, IIT, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XJ, XII, NTT and XIV:—Price 2s.each: Post free 2s. 8d., where complete. Volume XV, No. 1, Containing papers on: (IIT, 2. IV, 3; and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.) The Development of Agriculture (Mr. A. D. Hall’s Addresses to the British Association for the Advancement of Science); Agricultural Industries of Montserrat, by Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Se.; Report on the Island of Redonda, by Dr. H. A. Tempany; Note on the Feeding and Manurial Value of Lime Seeds, by Dr. H. A. Tempany; the Poisonous Forms of Phaseolus lunatus (Lima beans), by W. R. Dunlop; Skin Diseases of Cattle in Antigua (compiled from the notes of P. T. Saunders, M.R.C.V.S., A.V.C.). . PAMPHLET SERIES. The Pamphlets are written in a simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially adapted to West Indian conditions. on sugar-cane and manures, the full official reports of which have only a limited cireulation. es pe ae ar ce as Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are out of print. present time is seventy-five, Sugar Inpusrry. Seedling and other Canes at Barbados in 1900, No. 3, price 2d.; in 1901, No. 13; in 1902. No. 19; in 1903, No. 26; in 1904. No. 32; price 4d. each. Seedling Canes and Manurial Experiments at Barbados, in 1903-5, No. 40; in 1904-6, No. 44; in 1905-7, No. 49; in 1906-8, No. 59; in 1907-9, No. 62, No. 66, price 6d. each. Seedling and other Canes in the Leeward Islands, in 1900-1, No. 12; in 1901-2, No. 20; in 1902-3, No. 27; price 2d. each; in 1903-4, No. 33; in 1904-5, No. 39; in 1905-6, No. 46; in 1906-7, No. 50; in 1907-8, No. 56; price 4d. each, in 1908-9, No. 63; m 1909-10, No. 67; price 6d. each. Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the Leeward Islands, in 1902-3, No. 30; in 1903-4, No. 36; in 1904-5, No. 42; in 1905-6, No. 47; in 1906-7, No. 51; in 1907-8, No. 57; in 1908-9, No. 64; in 1909-10, No. 68; price 4d. each. Sugar-cane Experiments in the Leeward Islands, in 1910-11; in 1911-12; in 1912-13, price 1s. each. They contain, amongst other subjects, summaries of the results of the experiment work The number issued up to the p (GENERAL. (7) and (22) Scale Insects of the Lesser Antilles, Part I, price d4d.; Part II., price 4d. (43) Cotton Seed and Cotton-cake-meal on West Indian Planta- tions. Price 2d. (60) Cotton Gins, How to Erect and Work Them. (65) Hints for School Gardens, Fourth Edition. (71) Insect Pests of the Lesser Antilles. Price 1s. 3d. (72) Lime Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 9d. (73) Root Borers and other Grubs in West Indian Soils, Price 6d (74) Cotton Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 9d. (75) Insect Pests of Sugar-cane in Antigua and St. Kitts. Price, 6d. (76) Indian Corn. Price 4d. (77) Erysipelas and Hoose. Price 2d. (78) Onion Cultivation. Price 3d. (79) Root Diseases of Lime Trees in Forest Districts. Price 3d. Price 4d. The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of }/. for the pamphlets marked 2d.; 1d. for those marked 4d. and for Nos 73 and 75; ldd. for Nos. 40, 44, 49, 59, 62, 63, 67 and 74. Postage for No. 71, 4d. and for No. 72, 2d. The ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’: A Fortnightly Review. The ‘Agricultural News’ contains extracts from official correspondence and from progress and other reports; and, in fact, any information indicating what is going on in each colony and the progress made in Agricultural matters throughout the West Indies. The ‘ Agricultural News’ is printed in time to be distributed, regularly, by each mail, and is on sale by the local agents of the Department at one penny per number, post free, 2d. The subscription price, including postage, is 2s, 2d. per half-year, or 4s. 4d. perannum. Volumes IV to XII complete, with title page and index, as issued—Price 4s, each— Post free, 5s. Some numbers of the early volumes are out of print and therefore these volumes can no longer be supplied complete. The scale of charges for ADVERTISEMENTS may be obtained on application to the Agents, A applications for opies are to be addressed to the Ayents, not to the Department. Agents. The following have been appointed Agents for the sale of the publications of the Department:— Grenada: Messrs. THos. LAwiLor & Co., St. George. St. Vincent: Mr. J. D. Bonsante, ‘Times’ Office. St. Lucia: Mr. R. W. Nives, Botanic Station. Dominica; Mr. J. R. H. Bripekwarer, Roseau. Montserrat: Mr. W. Rosson, Botanic Station. Antigua: Mr. 8. D. Matone, St. John’s. London: Messrs. Dutau & Co., 37, Soho Square, W. West Inpia Commirrer, 15, Seething Lane. Barbados: Anvocarer Co, Lrp., Broad Street, Bridgetown. Jamaica; THe Epucarionan Suprpty Company, 16, King Street, Kingston. British Guiana; THE ‘Datty CHRONICLE’ OFFICE, Georgetown. Trinidad: Messrs. Murr-MarsHai «& Co., Port-of-Spain. St. Kitts: THE Brete AND Book SuppLy AGENCY, BAasskTERRE Tobago: Mr. C. L. PLAGEMANN, Scarborough. Nevis: Messrs. Howk.t, Bros., Charlestown. Canada: Lewis W. Cremens, 71 King Street, West, Toronto, Vou, XIV. No. 354. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Novemeer 20, 1915. THE BEST MANURE FOR COLONIAL USE SS Dissolved (Soluble) Guano FOR SUGAR-CANE AND GHNERAL USE: TRADE MARK APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIRECT TO:— THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL GUANO WORKS, (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) London Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C. Barbados Agents:James A. Lyneh & Co., Ltd., Bridgetown. JUS#. ISSUED. THE BARBADOS ‘CO-OPERATIVE COTTON FACTORY, LTD, WEST INDIAN BULLETIN, cotTron GINNERS, OIL REFINERS AND PLANTATION SUPPLIERS. Vol. XV, No. 2. ‘ IMPORTERS OF ws é .. WEST INDIAN Containing the following papers: Review of Ten Years’ Work | of the Antigua Sugar Factory (( tunthorpes), by Francis Watts, COTTON SEED. C.M.G., D.Se.; The Soils of Antigua, by H. A. Tempany, Quotations made onapplication for the purchase of D.Se.; A Method of Sponge Cultivation and its Prospects in| Cotton Seed from the neighbouring Islands. the Lesser Antilles: with Notes on Other Possible Shallow- THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE water Fisheries, by W. R. Dunlop; A Parasite of the Flying | Fish, by Dr. W. I. Calman, British Museum (Natural History); COTTON FACTORY, LIMITED, Repo rt on the Prevalence of Some Pests and Diseases in the | WHITE PARK, West Indies during 1914, by H. A. Ballou, M.Sc. and | BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. W. Nowell, D.I.C. August 6, 1915. SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENT, Printed at Office of Agricultural Reporter, 4 High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados, Ws Z wy GP PW > Vol. XIV. No. 355.] SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1915. [One penny. _ R. M. S. P. REGULAR MAIL, PASSENGER & CARGO SERVICES — FROM THE | TO PORTS OF CALL ‘THE UNITED KINGDOM | Azores. | St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Dominica, ‘CANADA | , Montserrat, Antigua, St. Kitts, Bermuda, Halifax, N.8., & St. John (N.B.) DEMERARA and PARAMARIBO | Grenada & Trinidad. | (aes Puerto Colombia, PANAMA CANAL and PACIFIC | Cartagena, Colon, Panama, PORTS | (eae, Iquique, Antofagasta | land Valparaiso. }REGULAR MAIL, PASSENGER AND CARGO SERVICES FROM THE UNTTED KINGDOM TO BRAZIL, URUGUAY & ARGENTINA Via Spain, Portugal, Madeira & St. Vincent. REGULAR SAILINGS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM TO MOROCCO, CANARY ISLANDS & MADEIRA, STRAITS SETTLEMENTS, HONG-KONG, CHINA = & JAPAN. = Head Office: 18, Moorgate - Street, London. Branches at BARBADOS, Demerara, Trinidad, Tobago, Colon, Jamaica, Antilla, New York, Halifax N.S, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, etc. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. TicK SUPPRESSION OR Tick ERADIGATION® - — CATTLE TICK How often should Cattle be Sprayed? ae HALF MEASURES. There are innumerable Cattle owners who think that the object of dipping or spraying is to keep ticks from getting on to the cattle : this wrong impression is held almost always by those men who do not set before themselves as their goal the absolute eradication of ticks from their property, but are content simply to keep the number of ticks within bounds, These men aim merely at tick “ suppression,” and are apparently content to regard ticks as a trouble that will always be wih them : they look forward with equanimity to the prospect of having always to keep on spraying their cattle from time to time, and do not even realise that it is perfectly possible, by spraying or dipping regularly and thoroughly, to completely eradicate ticks from a property within a period of two or three years. ERADICATION SHOULD BE THE AIM. It should, therefore, be most strongly emphasised that the determination which should be behind cattle dipping, cr spraying operations, is not merely to “suppress” ticks, but to completely eradicate them. So far from it being desired to keep ticks off cattle, the whole idea is to use the cattle to collect the ticks from the infested pastures, and then to kill all the ticks on the cattle by spraying or dipping them in a tick-destroying fluid. In this way the ticks are being continually “‘ mopped up”’ by the cattle, and the pasture eventually becomes absolutely free from ticks. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PROPER INTERVAL. But it will be clear that, if this desirable result is to be obtained, the cattle must be treated sufficiently often to prevent any ticks which get on afier one dipping from falling off again before the Cattle are again dipped. _If the interval between treatments is too long, many female ticks will fall off without ever having been dipped or sprayed. Each of these female ticks will lay several thousand eggs, which means that the pasture 1- being continually re-infested with young ticks. The importance of not allowing any female tick to escape spraying will be realised if it is borne in mind that the progeny of one single female tick may, within a period of seven months, come to number 6,750,000,000 individuals. INTERVAL DEPENDS ON LIF2 HISTORY. In considering what is the proper interval between sprayings or dippings, the deciding factor must be the perivd which a tick spends on an animal from the time it first gets on, as a seed tick, until the time it falls off as a fully-engorged female, ready to lay eggs. It has been proved beyond all doubt that the ordinary Cattle Tick requires at least three weeks to complete that portion of its life-cycle which it spends on an animal. It follows, therefore, that one dipping or spraying every 21 days, is quite sufficient to catch and destroy all ticks which have got on to the animal since the previous dipping. If the operation is performed every fortnight, so much the better, as ticks will be eradicated more quickly. AN OFFICIAL RECOMMENDATION. The following procedure is recommended by the Jamaica Department of Agriculture, when first commencing tick-eradication measures :— Spray once, handpicking engorged female ticks on the point of dropping. Spray again 10 days later. If ticks still appear, spray again 10 days later. If no ticks are found, spray 3 weeks later. Spray every 3 weeks throughout the year, whether any ticks are seen or not. The next year the three-weekly spraying should be persisted in. The following year the property should be free from ticks, if this procedure is observed and the spraying is always very thoroughly carried out. HOW LONG TO CONTINUE SPRAYING. If ticks apparently disappear from the Cattle after they have been under treatment for some time, the dipping or spraying should not | e discontinued unt | it has been determined by a number of careful hand inspections that the cattle are really free of ticks. If ticks continue on cattle until cold weather and then finaly disappear, it should be borne in mind that in all probability eradication has not really been accomplished, as there may be engorged females, unhatched egys, and inac ive seed ticks on the farm ; consequently, even if the cattle should remain free of ticks during the winter, they may become re-infested the following spring. In any case in which ticks disappear from the cattle and treatment is discontinued, the cattle should be watched with the greatest care for ticks until ample time has elapsed to leave no doubt that the property is free of ticks. HOW TO KEEP A PROPERTY CLEAN. After a property has been freed of ticks, precautions should be observed to prevent ticks from being reintroduced. In case it becomes necessary to bring cattle from a ticky property, they should be completely freed of ticks before being brought on the place; or, if this is not possible, a quarantine lot, or pen, should be set aside to be used exclusively for ticky cattle, where such cattle may be kept and entirely freed of ticks before being placed with other cattle. Such cattle may be freed of ticks by dipping them twice at an interval of 10 days in an arsenical dip. After the second dip ing, the cattle should not be placed in the quarantine pen, which may be “‘ticky,” but placed in a tick-free lot, where they can be observed for a time, to make absolutely certain that they carry no ticks, after which they may be placed with the other cattle. COOPER'S CATTLE TICK DIP WEST INDIAN AGENTS: ST. KITTS: S. L. Horsford & Co. ANTIGUA: Bennett, Bryson & Co. Has received the official approval of the following Countries: VANMAICA : Dian enderscal@iCo.., Kingston: Union of South Africa, Northern Rhodesia, Brazil, Basutoland, GRENADA: Thomson, Hankey & Co. 4 = BARBADOS: Barbados Co-operative Cotton Co., Ltd. Nyasaland, Swaziland, Southern Rhodesia, Madagascar, TRINIDAD: T. Geddes Grant (Port of/Spalits British East Africa, (ierman East Africa, Portuguese East Africa, BRITISH GUIANA: Sandbach, Parker & Co, Portuguese West Africa, Egypt, Argentine Republic, Queensland, ST. VINCENT: Corea & Co., Kingstown. NEVIS: S.D. Malone. z : 4 DANISH WEST INDIES: Carl Y. La Beet, St. Thomas, United States of America, Northern Territory of Australia. MONTSERRAT: W. Llewellyn Wall. DOMINICA: Hon. H. A. Frampton Manufacturers : WILLIAM COOPER & NEPHEWS, Berkhamsted, England. BRANCHES: Toronto, Chicago, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Buenos Aires, Monte Video, Punta Arenas, East London, Odessa. Ps ras i VF, We AN RIC D 2 BS TG SWS 07 tal fF] ) 5 x, ZZ ( RA ot? Si A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW OF THE IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. BARBADOS, DECEMBER 4, 1915. Price ld. Wor. XIV. No. 355. CONTENTS. PAGE. PAGE. Ajowan Seeds for Thymol Lime Cultivation in St. in the West Indies . 392 | LUCiAseiee =, --- . 389 Anthrax, Interesting Cases Logs of Timber, Measure- CLE octwls cod glidede loeniegicr Book Shelf... eee eee 590 Coco-nuts: Manurial Ex- periments at Nevis... 398 Cotton Notes:— Mr. W. Lawrence Balls 390 West Indian Cotton . 390 Department News... ... 391 Departmental Reports... 397 Preventive of and Yellow Ducks as a Malaria Fever ay Fern, A Sporting Gleanings -.. <.. ‘... Gun-tire and Rainfall Insect Notes:— The Root Borer of Sugar- cane and its Effect on Manurial Experiments 394 . ove - 393 596 . d87 ment Offeamiess s+. be Maize, Effect of Detassel- ling on Bis! fo. Kees Market Reports ; Museum in Practice, | Notes and Comments Obituary Notices .. ... ¢ Pig Raising in the Tropics 392 Plant Diseases:— 3urgundy Mixture as a Substitute for Bor- deaux Mixture... St. Lucia, Introducing Jack Spaniards into nee Snails and Black Blight... 395 Sugar Industry: The Antigua Factory eee ese one Trade of South Africa in The ¢ Sugar 1914 The Museum yw . 5 MUSEUM may * or insignificant-| institution or a in Practice. be great or small, imposing ooking, a huge national mere case of collections in a school; but to be of real service it must have definite objects, and those who visit purpose. One is reminded in sideration of some of the larger institutions, We / must do so with a definite relation to the above con- » uses and abuses of the may take the British Museum as an example. Here are to be found mag- nificent collections pertaining to every branch of art, literature and science, and in charge of these, various authorities of high standing. These authorities are in a position to give information to those who may require it (chiefly investigators), and great use is made by investigators of the representative collections in all departments of knowledge, and of the services of tl:eir This is perhaps only fully realized by those engaged in scientific work in which distinguished curators. from time to time it is found necessary to refer to the large museums on questions of the exact identity of specimens. If, however, we turn from this inner use unknown to the wider publie and examine the so-called popular benefits conferred by as the British Museum with academic such institution upon the results. A great number of visitors parade the galleries an nation, we meet less pleasing with mechanical thoroughness but leave too faintly enlightened upon any subject or object of interest other than those which may perhaps attract the eye on account of some unimportant feature of display or mystery. A writer of some repute has said that his early and only impression of the British Museum is being packed off in charge of a nurse to spend the day there as a punishment for some piece of misbehaviour. This is not merely typical of the British Museum. The Zoological Gardens, the Royal Gardens at Kew, and many other public establishments which come within the modern mean- ing of the term a museum are also very often abused in this way. But instead of making these places a nursery or a_ place of temporary con- finement for children, it would surely be wiser to encourage children to visit them for the intellectual interest that everywhere abounds. It is surprising how few adults attempt to explain anything that “LIBRA NEW Y SOTANI GARDI 386 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. DrcemBer 4, 1915 really matters in conducting children, and especially their own children through museums and _ gardens. ‘One can only explain this in terms of want of knowledge and imagination. The pity of it is that it happens at a time when the child’s mind is specially impressionable, at a period when some latent attraction may be aroused which will later on lead toa useful intellectual career. One of the most encouraging aspects of recent years is the popular guide system by means of which parties are conveyed around museums or gardens by a guide who explains. It has already been the means of liquidating the stored-up capital of fact that has lain for years untouched by the general public. Of enormous value is this system in the teaching of geography, and one is reminded in this connexion of the adoption of the method at the Indian and Colonial Galleries at the Imperial Institute where the London County Council school children are being shown for the first time that the tropical colonies can produce sugar as well as Germany, and that the principal source of Para rubber is the British East and no longer Brazil. As already pointed out, the efficacy of the service rendered by a museum is not necessarily determined by its size. In point of fact a municipal museum or specialize to a point where interests museum can institution These town museums often ofter even a school unattainable in naturally broader. features of great local interest, and can do much good in the way of displaying local resources for educational and commercial purposes. We are naturally prompted at this point to consider what museums of this kind exist in the West Indies and whether such as exist are fulfillimg the best aims and ideals. On account of its recent origin and the great interest attaching to the island in which it is situated, we may call attention to the Dominica museum as atype. It is largely economic in nature, and contains very representative collections of the different commer- an are cial products of the island. These include amongst other things a collection of Dominica fruits preserved in formalin, a collection of Dominica grasses, 1 series of samples illustrating the different products prepared from limes, and a corresponding series in relation to cacao. As well as these are to be found such objects of interest as a collection of tubes displaying the physical composition of Dominica soils, and on the entomological side, a good collection of Dominica moths and butterflies. started as a purely departmental The museum was originally concern for the display of agricultural products, but as the above facts indicate, it has now obtained outside support, and is in fact now controlled by a Board of Directors. As would be expected, a museum of great ‘interest is to be foundat Georgetown, British Guiana, This is managed by the Royal Agricultural and Commercial Society. The museum contains specimens of most of the natural products of the colony, including a good collection of animals, a very fine series of Indian curios and stone implements, mineralogical specimens, photos and views. There is also a small collection of foreign animals, and an economic section containing products from all parts of the world. In Trinidad also is to be found an excellent museum containing many will hundreds of interesting specimens in natural history. The school museum differs from the above kinds in at least one essential respect. _ Many of the collec- tions may be only temporary ones. That is to say, they should be renewed by the students themselves. This will limit the scope of the collection to readily obtainable In agricultural centre, the collection will include plants, insects and minerals, as certain locally manufactured products. The teacher will do well to remember that the specimens have been collected to assist him in the teaching of subjects, and should allow the different classes to handle the specimens and to write or draw A school museum should be rather than a formal museum. On the other hand, careful classification and labelling should never be neglected, nor should a series be discarded for a fresh one until it has attained to some fair degree of completeness. Onno account should there be any attempt to do too much. ‘Too ambitious a scheme will show weakness in efficiency. There are so many simple things that are well worth while mastering thoroughly, that it is unwise to run the risk of creating confusion through passing on to new and less important matters periodically material. an well as descriptions of them. a store-room too hurriedly. This conception of a temporary museum which has already been carried into effect in several West Indian secondary schools has in particular one practical advantage, namely, its economy. There is no need to expend money upon elaborate cases or costly mountings, nor to go to the trouble and expense involved where it is desired to preserve material indefinitely. The main object is to have material on hand for teaching purposes, and the question of permanency only comes in occasionally in relation to the rarity of some particular object. a ee Von. XIV.' No. 355. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 387 One thing one desires not to see ina Museum is merely display. In some of the collections exhibited in the public libraries of West Indian towns there is no effort to explain where the interest lies. We are thinking more particularly of archeological specimens, for example, Carib implements. With these it is the deductions that can be drawn from their examination rather than their form and composition that matters most, and whenever possible these should be stated concisely on printed labels. In a group of islands like the West Indies where practical interest is centred so largely upon natural objects, the museum ought to be a popular institution. Whether it is or not depends largely upon the ingenuity of those in charge. The same holds good in the case of botanic gardens, which may be regarded as an out-of- The recently issued guide to welcomed doors museum of plants the Dominica connexion as an effort calculated to arouse intelligent and more extended interest in a fine collection of plants. Gardens may be in this GUN-FIRE AND RAINFALL. Indisputable argument against a popular belief that gun-fire may have a widespread influence on rainfall is embodied in the following article taken from The Times of December 21, 1914. Even in the West Indies we have heard the view expressed that the recent rainy season was a result of the war; and it is a common belief that the moon influences the weather—a matter which is also denied in the course of the following remarks:— An impression has arisen in some quarters that the heavy and persistent rains recently experienced in this country [Great Britain] are attributable to abnormal atmospheric disturbances produced by heavy gun firing at the seat of war. The idea is by no means novel, and, like other meteorological myths (such, for instance, as the belief in thunderbolts and the supposed influence of the moon upon our weather) it seems to possess a bullet-proof hide and takes any amount of killing. About four years ago the First Lord of the Admiralty was asked in the House of Commons whether he would instruct the Fleet to carry out their heavy gun practice at some period of the year other than in the middle of harvest time, ‘when the resultant heavy rain may cause serious loss to the farming community.’ A similar suggestion was made at the instance of a member of the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland who, at a meeting of that body, moved that ‘the Admiralty be petitioned to discontinue heavy gun-fire round the coasts in August and September, when clouds were about’ (sic), the speaker adding that ‘firing was apt to bring down rain, and at that time of the year fine weather was desirable.’ It may be said at once that the idea is absolutely without foundation. Experiments made some years ago in America and on the Continent showed that in droughty weather no amount of concussion in the air artificially produced had the slightest effect in the production of rain. At the present time there is one fact which should (one searcely likes to believe that it will) at once dispose of the cherished theory. In spite of occasional displays of unwonted activity, there are no reasons for thinking that gun firing at the front is more violent than it was in the earlier stages of the war. The spell of unsettled weather should, therefore, have commenced shortly after the outbreak of hostilities. As a matter of fact, nothing of the kind took place. In August and September the rainfall in the south-east of England was, on the contrary, much below the average, and in October there was again a considerable though less marked deficiency. As an instance of the unreliability of the notion respect- ing the effect of detonation upon rainfall, a correspondent of Symons’ Meteorological Magazine drew attention some little time ago to the fact that at Shoeburyness, where at certain seasons of the year big guns are being fired almost daily, the average annual rainfall is smaller than in any other part of the United Kingdom. THE MEASUREMENT OF LOGS OF TIMBER. In the Agricultural News for July 3, 1915 (page 220), a formula was reproduced from the Agricultural Gazette of New South Wales which aims at giving as a rough guide to lumber men the number of superficial feet of board 1 inch thick that may be cut from a log. The accuracy of this formula has been questioned by Mr. Henry Harries, of London, and it has been found on examination at this Oftice: that the formula was not correctly stated in the journal from which it was reproduced. The correct’ expression should be as follows:— (es girth of log in inches ri ) x length of log in feet 12 = number of superficial feet. Apart from this arithmetical error in expression, Mr. Harries objects on mathematical grounds to the principle, or rather the lack of principle, shown in the operation of multiplying square inches by feet and dividing by twelve to- obtain square feet. In place of the formula given above, Mr. Harries has worked out an expression which is free from mathematical objection, simple, and rather more accurate. This formula may be expressed in the following manner:— ‘To obtain the approximate yield of 1 inch boarding in a log, divide the mean girth in inches by 5 for the number of equivalent boards (b), multiply the result by the length. (1) multiplied into the diameter (in feet to the nearest: decimal) (d), for the yield in superficial feet (f).’ An example may be given thus:— Mean girth of log, 80 inches. Length of log, 30 feet, Then, bxlxd=f="! x 30x 2:1 = 1,008 3y the first formula we get:— —_—— = 1,000 superficial feet (=f), THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, DrecEMBER 4, 1915. INDUSTRY. THE ANTIGUA SUGAR FACTORY. In the recently issued number of the West Indian Bulletin (Vol. XV, No. 2), there appears a review by Dr. Francis Watts of ten years’ work of the Antigua Sugar Factory (Gunthorpes). Seeing that some measure of Govern- ment assistance was given to this factory with a view to obtaining information, from actual working, of the manner in which modern factories might be substituted for the musco- vado works existing in the smaller colonies, and whether this substitution would prove both a safe and sound form of advance, results of ten years’ working are of particular significance. The conditions under which the factory was established are stated, and its equipment both at the outset and at the present time detailed. It had its origin in a series of agreements between a group of owners of sugar estates and a Company formed in London. Under these the Company agreed to erect and work a sugar factory capable of making not less than 3,000 tons of sugar in a season of 100 working days, and the estates’ proprietors agreed to supply the canes from stated numbers of acres for a perod of fifteen years. They were to receive as a first payment for their canes the value of 421b. of 96° sugar for every 100tb. of canes, and at the end of each season they were to receive a further payment resulting from the division between the cane suppliers of one-half the profits of the factory after proper charges had been made for working expenses, interest and sinking fund. Should the price of sugar be such that the first payment on the 451). basis failed to reach 10s. per ton of canes, then the first payment was to be made up to that sum at the close of the season before any division of profits. It is shown that the history of the factory has been one of steady growth, as indicated by the output of sugar in each year, which has been as follows:— SUGAR 1905 1,634 tons 1910 5,390 tons 1906 2,349 ,, 1911 DiAroieee 1907 4,231 ,, 1912 6,239 ,, 1908 4,696 ,, 1913 1,337 ,, 1909 GESEH) os 1914 Ss Full information is given with regard to the cost of the factory and its financial standing. The growth in output shown above has been accompanied by a _ corresponding increase inthe equipment of the factory with its concom- mitant increase in capital cost, so that whereas in the first year of working it is stated that the cost of the factory with its railway was £45,359, in 1914 the cost had risen to £102,961. It is shown that during this period of ten years, tke total amount paid in Debenture interest was £13,661, while £6,013 was paid in interest other than Debenture interest, and the Loss on Exchange amounted to £2,559. The total profits paid to the shareholders during this period amounted in the aggregate to £34,113. As this sum is equivalent to half profits, it follows from the terms of the contracts that a similar amount was paid to the Original Contracting Proprietors supplying canes. Details are given showing the quantity of canes dealt with in each year, and the amount of sugar manufactured therefrom. During the whole period 477,668 tons of canes have been dealt with, and these produced 50,474 tons of grey crystal sugar, so that the output of sugar was 10°57 per cent. of the weight of cane, or one ton of sugar was made, on the average, from 9°462 tons of cane. The price paid for canes, including the bonuses representing the cane suppliers’ share of profits, has been as follows:—— ae ge Ace Contracting Drnurietae roprietors, p rs. Year. |Price of sngar.|Price paid) Equal |Price paid] Equal per ton | to Ib. | per ton | to Ib. cane. | sugar cane. | sugar per LOO per 100 tb. cane. Ib. cane. pen isairde gf id. s, di 1905 12ED, eels © |) 5:50 1906 8 4 8 7 5 | 423 1907 SENG “OMe eo | 625 1908 Le hS! SUS) Te 6:75 1909 10% SY) 4 0) 6-75 1910} 1216 8 18 13) 707 | 14 6 | 5:66 1911 1011 5° | 10 104) 514 2) Dale 1912} 13 5 3 | 16 103} 6°37 | 15 103) 5:99 1913 9 8 FETE 3h) 5:99 LON SSa meee 1914 9 1 6 33) 6:22" | 105 Ta toase The cost of manufacturing the sugar is given in detail for each year. From this information the following summary is extracted. The total expenditure in the factory has been £130,000 or £2 11s. 6d. per ton of sugar: that on the railway in hauling canes, sugar; and supplies has been £25,425, or 10s. Ofd. per ton of sugar; while administrative charges amount to £9,057, or 3s. 7d. per ton of sugar. The total cost of manufacturing a ton of sugar, inclusive of haulage of canes, sugar and supplies, was £3 5s. 13d. per ton. Useful details are given with respect to the work of the mills and the manufacture of the sugar. These are of sueh general interest as to warrant the reproduction of the following table:— | a! { 2 ~ ~ n 2 lee Seas a = S se (|s {ool lS alee = | | eo =e g = ls ,\Seeeis= | #5 leah ag : S S/S Slope Sto Sc 5 Sites Meare 4 li. tame |B | BB 2S B:-5| 34 "ts | Sis | asl eS >| 8a (4 ei cee Cis. < temmamnona S o. | = 0 eB | Sao nr? Se ar] 2 |& |3 |S | (ata allel | ee = In R - | - _————— —|— 1905 |89-2|15-1 |15°3 |12-5] 81-7 | 92-2 $26] 67-41 1906 |83:0 |15-2 14-1 11-3) 82-7 |103-2 84:3] 67-51 1907 |87°3|15-1 |144 121] 84-4 | 80-4 85:5) 72:18 1908 |86°5 |15-2/14°3 12°3| 85°8 | 71:6 s9-4] 76°70 1909 |85°8 |15-6 |14-2 |11°5| 84:6 | 71-7 89-1], 75°39 1910 [86-8 {15-9 |14°7 |12°5| 85°5 | 71:1 89:0] 76-10 TOIL [81-2 /15°8/141 121) 85-7 | 70-3 82-2] 70-46 1912 83-9 17:5 |14-2 |12°1 | 84:9 | 59-1 87-0] 73-86 1913 {83-0]17:7 129 11-8] 91-1 36-6 88-7] 80-86 1914 [84-7 |16°6 |13°5 [12:21 90°6 | 42°8 90:3] 81-72 Attention may be called to some of the salient features. It is seen that the amount of fibre contained in the canes is very high, and that in the three last years it rose to unexpected Vou. XIV. No, 355. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 389 proportions. This high fibre content isa matter of very great importance, as it tends to diminish the content of juice Sa of sugar, and interposes peculiar difficulties in the way of adequate mill work. In consequence of this, it is felt that the erection, for work in 1911, and ineluding the crop ot that year, of a train of mills having fourteen rollers coupled with the use of much maceration water is justified. The efficiency of the mill work is measured by the figures given in the column of the last table, showing juice lost in megass per 100 of fibre, where it will. be seen that in 1906 this amounted to 103-2, fyhen the mill consisted of six rollers only, but was reduced to 36°6 in 1913, when the 14-roller mill was employed. The progress of the general efficiency of the factory is _measured by the last column in this table, where there is recorded the quantity of sugar produced for each 100 parts of sugar in the canes. It will be seen that this was 67°41 in the first year, when the mill train consisted of only six rollers, ‘and that it reached 81°72 in 1914, when the mill train con- sisted of fourteen roJlers, and a high degree of efliciency was reached in recovering sugar from the juice in the process of manufacture. It will be seen that the work is now of a high ‘order, comparing favourably with that of factories of estab- lished repute in Java, Hawaii, and other progressive countries. Reference to the original paper is advised for those who wish to obtain all the various details available. It may be stated in conclusion that the factory has admirably fulfilled the purpose for which it was erected: it has substituted for an imperfect, wasteful muscovado industry, a well developed and scientifically conducted one, wherein all the main and ‘important facts are accurately recorded, so that it may be seen what degree of efficiency is obtainable in these colonies, and to what extent it may be expected that such progress as is indicated may prove remunerative. To establish and bring to such a high degree of efficiency a modern sugar factory in a small island like Antigua, where there was little in the way of previous experience to guide those responsible, and where peculiar and unexpected difti- eulties, both in connexion with the factory and arising from ‘the character of the canes to be manipulated, had to be overcome, is « fact of which those responsible may be reas- -onably proud. The College of Agriculture, of the University of the Philippines, the only large agricultural college to be found in the tropics at present, is in its sixth year, and has a student body of nearly 400. It occupies a tract of about 127 hectares “on which every important crop in the Philippines is under cultivation. It is urged that the public should recognize this college of agriculture as the Philippine Central Agricultural ‘Experiment Station, and permit it to develop close rela- “tionships with the various branch stations of the islands. -It may be mentioned in connexion with this, that a parallel combination of official experimental work and _ unofficial educational effort is what is urgently required in the West Indies. Those who are engaged in work pertaining to the meas- urement of the loss of water from growing plants will peruse with much interest an article in the Journal of Agricultural Research (Vol. V, No. 3), entitled An Automatic Transpiration Scale of Large Capacity for Use with Exposed Plants. Some necd has been felt for serviceable apparatus in dealing with transpiration of the sugar-cane and similar tropical plants, and it would appear that this paper with its references to transpiration balances and_ self-recording instruments may eontain the necessary informaticn, or at least suggestions. LIME CULTIVATION IN ST. LUCIA. The Agricultural Department of St. Lucia has just issued a new leaflet (No. 4) dealing with the practical side of lime cultivation, which contains special notes concerning common errors of practice in that Colony. The leaflet is written in a popular style and should serve the purpose for which it is intended. With good reason considerable space is devoted to questions of wind-breaks, and several diagrams are included to show how these mitigate the force of the wind. Tillage and drainage are also. subjects dealt with. At the end of the leaflet Mr. A. J. Brooks, the writer, provides a series of ‘donts’:— (1) Don’t plant limes without wind-breaks. (2) Don’t plant limes: too deeply. (3) Don’t plant limes too close together. (4). Don’t plant a larger area than can be properly cared. for. (5) Don’t carry lime plants about with their roots exposed to the sun and then complain that ‘they did not grow’. (6) Don’t forget where you have planted limes, as they will need after attention. (7) Don’t allow suckers to develop. (8) Don’t neglect to till the soil if you want quick returns. (9) Don’t ruin your cultivation ny neglecting to fork heavy soils. (10) Don’t fork when the trees are bearing. (11) Don’t neglect to drain thoroughly. . (12) Don’t run the drain straight down the slope. (12) Don’t forget that lime plants must be fed with an abundance of manure if large annual crops are desired. Obituary Notices.—The death is recorded in the Tropical Agriculturist of Dr. R. H. Lock, M.A., Se.D., late Assistant Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Ceylon. Dr. Lock had a highly successful career at the University of Cambridge, and in Ceylon, before he became more closely engaged in administrative work, carried out important botan- ical investigations in connexion with Mendelism. Previous to his death Dr. Lock was Inspector under the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, London, in which city he resided after relinquishing his appointment in Ceylon in November 1912. In the Journal of the New York Botanical Gardens an obituary notice appeared on the late John Francis Cowell, who was Director of the Buffalo Botanical Gardens for over twenty years. He made many trips to tropical America, the first of which was to Jamaica. He traversed a considerable part of that island, and made very extensive collections. During the period from August 29 to October 12, 1901, he visited the island of St. Kitts in. company with Dr. N. L. Britton, and on this tour good general knowledge was obtained of the flora of that island. The deceased botanist also visited St. Croix and St. Martin, as well as the Isthmus of Panama. His botanical explorations have also been con- siderable in Cuba and Porto Rico, We learn from the English Jowrnal of the Board of Agriculture for October 1915, that Great Britain, in normal times, exports over three-fourths of her total production of sulphate of ammonia. Such export will now be restricted, as sulphate of ammonia as well as other fertilizers can only be exported under license. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. DrECEMBER 4, i Fg pe Fis ane Fy EN PSE ee COTTON. WEST INDIAN COTTON. The Report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week ending November 20, is as follows:— Islands. We have had a quiet market with some demand for the selection of the odd bag classing Fully Fine, of which the supply is limited, and also for Fine off in preparation. The receipts of odd bags continue to consist principally ef Fine, for which there is little demand, but which the Factors most positively refuse to-sell below the prices ruling for fancy Georgias and Floridas. There is a limited demand for Planters’ Crop lots, but at prices below the views of Factors. We quote, viz.: Extra Fine 28c. = 173d. c.i.f. & 5 per cent. Fully Fine Ae. oh SE A op Fine 250-855). 5g} 5 Floridas and Georgias. There was again a good demand this week taking all the daily offerings on the Savannah market at our quotations. There was also reported a good demand in the interior, paying equivalent prices. The market both in Savannah and in the interior closed very steady, with Factors refusing to sell except in round lots taking all grades, the demand being chiefly for the lower grades, say, Choice and Extra Choice, which are compara- tively scarce. Factors are refusing to sell unless the Fancy is taken along with them. We quote, Viz.: Fancy 254¢,=26hc., landed. Extra Choice 244c.=254¢,, ,, Choice 23ke.=244e., ~,, The exports from Savannah tor the week were, to Northern Mills 949 bales, Southern Mills 280 bales, and from Jacksonville to Northern Mills 3,041 bales. Mr. W. Lawrence Balls.—The Commissioner of Agriculture has received a letter fron: Mr. W. Lawrence Balls, M.A., formerly Botanist to the Government of Egypt and well known on account of his researches connected with the cotton plant, to say that he had recently been appointed on the staff of the Fine Spinners’ and Doublers’ Association as a consulting scientist to conduct investigations, presumably in regard to the physical properties of lint. Mr. Balls will be moving from Cambridge to Manchester at the end of this year. Although his work will lie mainly in mechanical directions, it is not unlikely that Mr. Balls will have occasion to visit the West Indies in connexion with his studies. It will be obvious to cotton growers in the West Indies, and to all those interested in fine staple cotton, that the position of the industry is likely to be greatly strengthened through the Fine Spinners having secured the services of so eminent an investigator. THE DEVELOPMENT AND PROPERTIES OF RAW COTTON. By W. Lawrence Balls, M.A., late Fellow of St. John’s College; Cambridge, formerly Botanist to the Khedivial Agricultural Society of Cairo, and to the Egyptian Government Agricultural Department. A. d C. Black, Ltd., London. Price 5s. net. In a former work entitled, The Cotton Plant in Egypt, Mr. Balls put forward a botanical study of the cotton plant which attracted wide attention, not only on the part of those interested in cotton, but also of botanists and students of agricultural economics generally; the work was felt to be highly suggestive of lines of study which might be found applicable to many important crops. In the present work under review, Mr. Balls has addressed himself to a different audience: he writes for those who may be in any way interested in cotton whether as growers, dealers or spinners, and one of his first objects is to endeavour to find terms and expressions which shall enable those who are interested in cotton in these or other ways to understand each other. To the outside world this would seem an easy task, but something of the difficulty may be realized if it is known that many of the expressions used in connexion with cotton have connotations far different from their commonly accepted meanings. For instance, when a cotton broker or grader speaks of ‘strength’, it is found that the property he refers to has little connexion with the breaking strain of the individual fibres; similarly, the broker’s reference to ‘fineness’ has little or no relation to the diameters of the cotton fibres; and so on for a number of properties. It is evident, therefore, that those connected with cotton in its several and various aspects are talking in different languages, and are very liable to misunderstand each other. Part of the task of the book is to endeavour, in some degree, to find common terms for observed phenomena, which terms may be readily understood. The book, in a succession of six chapters, deals with (1) The development ef pedigree. (IT) The development of the plant. (IIL) The development of the boll (i) Structural. (IV) The development of the boll (ii) Environmental influences. (V) The development of commercial lint; and (VI) The development of cotton growing. The studies under these various and comprehensive heads are put forward in a manner which may be perfectly under- stood by non-botanical readers, though the style is precise, and no attempt is made to give the matter what may be termed a popular aspect ; the book is written for workers and students, and will make forceful appeal to them. In these studies Mr. Balls is admittedly under the influ- ence of the conditions attending the growth of the cotton plant in Egypt, chief amongst which is the uniformity of the environment; the progress of the seasons is uniform as regards temperature; there is practically no rainfall, all the water is derived from irrigation works, so there are no perplexing Von. XIV. No. 355. problems arising from seasonal irregularities and abnormal rainfalls. This is fortunate, for it has enabled the author to unravel many of the phenomena of growth and development, and to put them forward in a manner which will enable other workers, less favourably situated in this respect, to apply his reasonings to the solution of their own problems. In this respect the book is of indispensable value to those interested in cotton growing in other parts of the world, and particularly to us in the West Indies, with our’ new and developing industry. It is impossible in the space of a brief review to allude to all the points to which special attention might well be directed, but as an illustration of the practical interest of the book, attention may be drawn to the excellent studies of the growth and development of the boll and its contents. The information given in the text of the book in this particular is summarized in an interesting and useful table, showing the chronology of boll development, and this table is supple- mented by a most instructive series of drawings, arranged in two sheets, showing in the first the development of the flower bud and the formation of the seed, and in the second series, the structural development of the boll and of the seed. These diagrams contain a wonderful amount of information, much of it the outcome of the author’s own work, and the form of presentment is such that the facts impress themselves upon the mind of the student with remarkable facility and clear- ness, and enable him to understand a wide range of facts connected with the development of essential details in the life of the cotton plant. The statistical method of investigation is followed throughout, the object being to present each feature, as far as possible, in terms of definite measurements, thus replacing opinion by measured fact. In this way the effect of the environment on the developing boll and its contents is studied, and two complete series of observations are given in detail, the results being stated numerically, and in the form of curves. The importance of the remarkable root-system of the cotton plant, and the equal importance of the water supply and its relation to the root are brought out, and it is shown that, under Egyptian conditions, the limiting factors of growth are intimately associated therewith. In all this the development of the lint, the conditions which determine its length, its strength and fineness, are presented to the student in a most illuminating manner. It is evident that this work will have far-reaching effects on the investigations of other observers, who are bound to be stimulated by the observations here presented. Underlying the whole of the work is the theme that uniformity of character is the matter of most concern to the user of cotton. A cotton uniform in its characters is good cotton for some purpose or other, while cotton lacking in uniformity is poor cotton notwithstanding the excellence of some of its features. This being so, the author insists that the improvement of cotton is likely best to be achieved by developing pure strains, and from these pure strains procuring supplies of pure seed for general cultivation. In separating the pure strains it is necessary to have regard to the properties that are measurable, and to make patient statistical record of all these characters. How this is to be done the book plainly indicates. The author's own summary in this particular may be quoted. He says: ‘Roughly summarized, but with most rigid definition of every word, it consists in obtaining seed from single plants by self-fertilization exclusively, until plants are found which give offspring all exactly alike constitutionally in every visible and measurable feature.’ THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 391 Useful remarks are made concerning the methods of conducting field experiments, and the recording and interpreting the results; these are calculated to be of much service to other investigators, enabling them to increase the accuracy of their work, while indicating to them some of the limitations attaching to it, and what degree of credence may reasonably be given to properly conducted experiments. An appendix containing an outline of the methods of investigation employed by the author, constitutes one of the most useful parts of a generally useful book. The methods are characterized by their endeavour to secure a high degree of accuracy, while many devices are suggested whereby the labour of keeping the vast number of records may be minimized, at the same time maintaining the full degree of accuracy. Asa matter of general interest reference may be made to the author’s method of determining lint length for comparative purposes. This is not done by measuring the pulled lint, but by measuring the lint after combing out but still attached to the seed. The lint is combed into a halo chiefly around the basal portion of the seed, and its length is measured as follows. ‘The seed with its flat halo of lint is laid ona dark back-ground, held down by the forefinger of the left hand resting on the seed ; one leg of the dividers is then brought up against the butt of the seed, and the other is swung around and adjusted until it moves along the edge of the halo. Successive measurements made in this way on the same seed vary only 1 millimetre, so that the halo edge is obviously quite definite, even in poor cotton.’ The refinements of method used in the more detailed examination of lint will appeal with full force to those who are making investigations on this subject. There is a fund ot information, much of it associated avith attractive and clever devices, and throughout there is a striking desire to economise labour and time. ; As the outcome of intimate comparison between the results obtained by himself and by professional graders dependent upon finger tests alone, Mr. Balls expresses profound regard for the accuracy attained by the latter. He remarks that ‘while we amateurs are working out the lint length of a sample by ten minutes of effort the grader will satisfy himself in as many seconds. .. . and it should be remembered that any person who has spent less than ten years in the daily grading of cotton, and has not in addition been born with the instinct implanted in him, is an amateur at cotton grading.’ The limits of space available preclude reference to a great number of points of much interest, but everyone interested in cotton, whether as a ginner, an investigator, or a spinner, should obtain the book, which will afford him both pleasure and profit in its persual, while it is likely to be kept at hand for ready access as a text-book to be frequently consulted. DEPARTMENT NEWS. The Imperial Commissioner, of Agriculture left Barbados on December 1 by the C.R.MLS. ‘Chaleur’ for the purpose of paying an official visit to St. Vincent. Mr. H. A. Ballou, M.Se., Entomologist on the Statt of the Imperial Department of Agriculture, returned to Barbados on November 24, by the S.S. ‘Denis’, after three months’ leave of absence spent in the United States of America. 392 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. DrcemBer 4, 1915, Ajowan Seeds for Thymol in the West Indies. Mention has been made in the present volume of this journal of the increased demand forthe antiseptic EDITORIAL NOTICES. thymol obtained from ajowan seeds(of Carum coplicum): HEAD OFFICE — BARBADOS. Letters and matter for publication, as well as all specimens for naming, should be addressed to the Commissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture, Barbados. All applications for copies of the ‘Agricultural News’ and other Departmental publications, should be addressed to the Agents’ and not to the Department. The complete list of Agents, and the subscription and advertisement rates, will +e found on page 3 of the cover. Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Sc., B-LC., F.C.S. STAFF. Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture for the West Indies SCIENTIFIC Scientific Assistant and Assistant Editor Entomologist Mycologist W. R. Dunlop. H. A. Ballou, M.Se. W~ Nowell, D.I C. STAFF. A. G. Howell. M. B. Connell. W_P. Bovell, P. Taylor. Miss B. Robinson. « A.B. Price, Fell. Journ. Inst. L. A. Corbin. CLERICAL Chief Clerk Assistant Clerk Junior Clerk Assistant Junior Clerk Typist Assistants for Publications Agricultural stews Vor. XIV. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1915. No. 355. NOTES AND COMMENTS. Contents of Present Issue. The editorial to this issue discusses the uses of museums in relation to scientific work and agricultural education. A yaluable summary of ten years’ results of the working of the Antigua Central Sugar Factory appears on page 355. A new book on the development and properties of raw cotton is reviewed on page 390. New manurial experiments with Nevis are described on pages 398 and 399. ecoco-nuts at Insect Notes in this issue deal with root borer as a factor in manurial experiments with cane: under Plant Diseases will be found an article on the use of Burgundy mixture asa substitute for Bordeaux, on pages 3153 and 73. It was stated that the Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture had obtained seed of this plant through Kew, and that this had been distributed for trial in all the Windward and Leeward Islands. We are now informed that the seed received in St. Lucia germinated well. The plants grew to an average height of 2 feet, and flowered freely. Mr. Brooks, the Agricultural Superintendent, states. further that, although the rains rather beat them down, sufficient seed has been secured to continue the trials. In forwarding the original seed, Mr. A. W. Hill, the Assistant Director of Kew, pointed out that the ajowan crop in India is a cold-weather crop, which would appear to make it scarcely suitable for cultivation under the strictly tropical conditions of these islands. The St. Lucia trials, however, indicate that the general climatic conditions there may not be unfavourable, Reports from the other islands have not yet been received. Pig Raising in the Tropics. Great success has attended efforts to improve hog breeding in the island of Guam (Philippines), and it is regarded as the most interesting and most encouraging line of animal breeding. The rapid increase in this. class of stock, according to the Report of the Agricul- tural Experiment Station, 1914, renders possible a distribution of half-blood boars to the various localities of the island. The most popular breed for improving local strains is the Berkshire, and it is said that the results of’ disseminating the blood of the Berkshire breed is most encouraging. In connexion with the present subject of improving the local breed of pigs attention may be called to the valuable importations of pedigree animals into British Guiana, and to the satisfaction evinced by the local press as to the benefit of these importations to the public. In a recent issue of the Barbados Advocate attention was called to a report by Mr. E. H. S. Flood, Canadian Trade Commissioner, in which reference was made tothe scarcity of pork in Canada, On the basis of information published by the Imperial Department of Agriculture for the West Indies, Mr. Flood consid- ered that it should be possible to inaugurate a trade in this community, for there are large areas in the West Indies which will support pigs but will not as satis-. factorily produce profitable crops. The whole question of pig raising in the West Indies will be found comprehensively dealt with by Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G., in the West Indian Bulletin, Vol. XIV, No. 4. A shorter account of the proposals appears in the Agricultural News, the present volume, page 118. WoL? XGhV. 9 No. 359. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, 393° Ducks as a Preventive of Malaria and Yellow Fever The usefulness and value of ‘millions’ in the destruc- tion of mosquito larvae, and consequently in checking the spread of yellow fever and malaria in_ tropical countries where outbreaks of these occur, are now generally well known. The Colonial Jowrnual for October 1915 refers to ducks as a preventive of malaria and yellow fever, and gives evidence of their value in this respect. ‘Ducks, which occur in all regions of the Globe, are among the greatest enemies of mosquitoes, and consequently of yellow fever and malaria. Their value in this respect has been determined as follows: By means of dams two pools of equal area were made in a stream. Ducks were placed in one and fish in the other. The former was speedily cleared of mosquitoes, whilst the second continued to maintain the insects in all stages of development. Wild ducks were then introduced and found to prefer the insects to all other foods. At the end of twenty-four hours no pupae were found in the pond, and after two days all the larvae had been destroyed. These experiments confirm the observations of William Lockwood, who found that the duck was particularly adapted to devouring the the larvae on the surface of water, and of McAtee, who found mosquitoes in the gizzard of a wild duck. ‘The mosquito has numerous animal enemies, of which the duck is the most widespread and consequently the most suitable to clean up unhealthy marshy districts which it would be too costly to drain.’ ; En Trade of South Africa in 1914. In hig report on the trade of South Africa during 1914, the Officer in charge for H.M. ‘Frade Commissioner for South Africa states that trade up to the outbreak ‘of war was below normal. The reasons for this, in their order of increasing importance, were: drought, the slump in the ostrich feather industry, and the after effects of the labour troubles in January 1914. In the latter part of the year, the European war and the rebel- lion in South Africa still further affected trade. The total trade of the Union last year amounted to £91,615,144,.as*compared with £109,456,629 in 1915. Of the 1914 total, imports of general merchandize accounted for £31,168,665, as compared with £38,408,598 in the preceding year. In regard to the export trade, it is mentioned that the total exports of South African products declined by about 18 per cent. (Le., from £65,114,654 in 1913 to £53,495,076 in 1914), practically the same propor- tional decrease as in the case of imports. Exports of foodstuffs increased by over £440,000, an increase which would have been greater but for the considerable amount of produce used for the maintenance of troops in the Union. Exports of mineral products have suffered from the effects of the war, although it is safe to say that a decrease would have had to be recorded even had the complications in Europe not arisen. As to the future of South African trade, it is observed that, although there is need for caution on the part of business men, the present depression is mainly artificial. South Africa has a great recuperative capacity and cannot help rising again. Gold is the main product of the Union, providing about 60 per cent. of its exports; next in order of importance comes wool, and fluctuating values cannot greatly affect the possibilities of trade in this product, as there is always nore or less an eager market for the qualities of wool which South Africa can produce. Ostrich feathers are far less stable as a product than any others now being dealt. with. And, it may be added, the possibilities of South Africa as a meat-producing and exporting country have hardly yet been realized. The foregoing information has been abstracted from: The Board of Trade Journal for October 14, 1915, rr A Sporting Fern. A very interesting question in botanical biology is that of bud variations, or ‘sports’ as gardeners call them. For some hitherto unexplained reasons, a plant may produce from one of its leaf buds a shoot which differs considerably from the rest of the present plants in foliage usually, sometimes also in flower and fruit. Such sports are usually carefully observed by a_profes- sional horticulturist; and in many cases they have: become the origin of improved varieties of the present plant, or of varieties valued for their striking individual appearance. On the other hand, many of these bud variations are not stable, that is they are unable to give rise to a series of individuals perpetuating their distinctive characters. In some instances, however, the: original ‘sport’ gives rise to a series in which bud variation seems to run riot, each individual apparently being liable to throw out many different sports, some, of them becoming stable, and others reverting to the form of their original parent. A striking example of this riotous variation is. afforded by ‘sports’ first obtained from Nephrolepis- exaltata, a fern of world-wide tropical distribution.. According to an article by R. L. Benedict in the Journal of the New York Botanical Garden for September 1915, a sport of this fern was first propagated in a Philadelphia garden. It was afterwards specially cultivated by a Boston garden, and still further developed by Pierson in his fern house on the Hudson, The result has been that the original sport has given rise to more than forty well differentiated varieties. One can hardly imagine that some of these wonderfully graceful varieties of ‘Boston Fern’, as they are- commonly called, the long drooping fronds of which present the appearance of the finest filagree leaf work could be the progeny of the somewhat stiff Nephrolepis exaltata, with its simply pinnate, or at most twice-pinnate fronds. The sports have not up to the present in any case borne any fertile sori. Thus the multiplication of individual plants is entirely by division of the rhizome. 394 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. DreceMBER 4, 1915. INSECT NOTES. THE ROOT BORER OF SUGAR-CANE AND ITS EFFECT ON MANURIAL EXPERIMENTS. The report issued by the Barbados Agriculture on the sugar-cane experiments for the season Department of between 1913-1915 has recently been issued. Parts I and II of this report deal with Manurial Experiments with sugar- cane in Barbados 1915-1915, These reports do not ordinarily touch upon the investi- gations of the depredations of insect pests, but the root borer has exercised such a markéd influence on the results of the experiments that a short account of its work is recorded. A similar brief statement was presented in the last previous report of the series, viz. that for 1912-14. The root borer (Diaprepes abbreviatus) has for several years been recognized as a serious pest of sugar-cane in certain localities in Barbados, but it is only recently that it has been found on the lands where the manurial experi- ments of the Local Department are being carried out in sufficient numbers for it to be considered a pest of impor- tance. For the past three years, the period covered by the last two reports, the depredations of this insect have had a serious effect on the results of the experiments. The paragraph reproduced below from the report mentioned above indicates the manner in which the canes were injured, and shows the remedies adopted to reduce the numbers of the insect in the infested fields. As will be seen, the control measures include the digging out of the stumps and killing the grubs. The other important measures which are strongly recommended for the control of this pest are the collection of the eggs, the collection of the adults when they appear and a system of crop rotation. This last course -is not available for these fields since these manurial experiments are carried out on the basis of the same manurial treatment being applied on the same plot, with the same crop, season after season. The manurial experiment plot is stated to be approxi- mately 1} acres in extent and it will be seen from the figures given below of the number of grubs collected that the attack was one of considerable intensity, and they indicate the serious effect of this insect on the yield of canes on the general cultivations of the sugar-cane estates in the island, where the root borer occurs in large numbers, it being stated that the grub of the root borer ‘attacked the canes in the manurial plots this season to such an extent as to render it impossible to draw any definite conclusions from them.’ The root borer has been known as a pest of sugar-cane in Barbados for several years, and recently it has been more and more in evidence in different sections of the island, until at present it occurs in almost all districts. Instances are not wanting of an almost complete control being obtained by collecting the eggs, collecting the adults, digging stumps as soon as the crop is off, and, this is very important, the rotation of crops. The same problem, perhaps in a less degree in intensity, at present confronts sugar-cane growers in St. Kitts and Antigua, the pest being the closely related Hxophthalmus esuriens, Which, so far as known, has the same habits and life-history as Diaprepes abbreviatus, and sugar-cane planters throughout the West Indies should enter into an organized and concerted campaign against the attacks of these insects. The following paragraph is quoted:— ‘The results are given in Tables II to V. As will be seen therefrom the results from most of the plots are so different from those of previous years, with the exception of last year, and so conflicting with those of some of the other plots as to leave no doubt but that this year a very disturbing factor has again been present, and which has masked the true results of the manuring. This disturbing factor was, as in the previous year, the grub of the root borer (Diaprepes abbreviatus, Linn.), which has attacked the canes in the manurial plets this season to such an extent as to render it impossible to draw any definite conclusions from them. Even before the canes were fully matured some were seen to be drying, and on two otcasions clumps amounting altogether to forty-nine and to be reaped or they would have dried up and been lost. From the basal portions of these clumps 1,022 larvae of the root borer were obtained. As soon as the remainder of the canes were mature they were reaped in the usual manner, and as quickly as psssible after this the basal portions of each clump were dug up, cut into pieces, and the larvae extracted and killed. At the same time the old cane holes were dug out two feet square and ten inches deep, and ali the larvae found in the soil killed. In no instance was the basal portion of any clump of canes of the manurial plots free from the pest, and it may be here stated that, including those mentioned above, 8,059 larvae were killed, or over an average of five larvae to the clump. The digging out of the basal portions of the clumps, and enlarging the old cane holes to search for and kill the pest is a somewhat expensive method of dealing with the attack, but owing to the importance of freeing the manurial plots as far as possible from this pest, it was necessary to take the measure most likely to be effectual.’ H.A.B. According to information received at the oftice of H.M. Trade Commissioner in South Africa, from the Com- missioner of Customs and Excise at Pretoria, interesting experiments with cotton growing are about to be undertaken in Natal, with a view to ascertaining the more suitable variety for cultivation there. The planting and cultivation are to be supervised by the Government Ofticer in charge of tobacco and cotton investigations in the Province. The Government has erected a ginning plant at Durban, where seed-cotton from farmers in all parts of Natal and Zululand will be ginned and baled ready for the market at a cost of $d. per bb. on the lint. (The Board of Trade Journal, October 14, 1915.) According to the Dominica Chronicle for November 10, the exports of lime products from Dominica up to October 31 was as follows: raw lime juice, 598,565 gallons; concentrated lime juice, 89,293 gallons; and lime juice cordial, 4,500 gallons. The figures for the corresponding period of 1914 were 304,503, 114,497 and 3,622, respectively. During the same period, 717 ecwt. of citrate of lime was exported as against 4,540 ewt. in 1914. The exports of lime oil, both eenelled and distilled, declined also, and there is also a general reduction in the exports of fruit such as coco-nuts, limes, bananas and oranges. Vor. XIV. No. 355. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 395 SNAILS AND BLACK BLIGHT. Observations recently made in a garden near Bridgetown on the habits of a certain common snail which eats the layer of sooty mould or ‘black blight’ from the leaves of lime and other trees have led to a comparison of the recorded instances of a similar kind. There are several notes on the subject from Florida, where the prevalence of sooty mould on citrus trees has led to careful study and experiment with all the agencies which seemed to promise some measure of natural control. It is said that without artificial protection the snails which possess this habit rarely reduce the sooty mould appreci- ably on more than a few trees at atime. When they are abundant, however, well blackened trees may be entirely cleansed of sooty mould, leaving the fruit rinds and the surface of the leaves bright and glossy. The placing of straw on the ground and the hanging of pieces of burlap in the main branches are suggested as a protection for the eggs of the Florida species. It does not seem, however, that attempts to increase the numbers of the snails have had any notable success. According to information kindly supplied by the Revd. N. B. Watson, the Barbados snail referred to is Orthalicus zebra, a variable species with a range extending from Magatlan to Mexico, Panama and Florida, along the northern parts of South America, and several of the West Indian islands. It is an introduced speciesin Barbados, and confines itself to the neighbourhood of Bridgetown. Attempts on the part of Mr. Watson to establish it in the drier parish of St. Philip have failed. It will be of interest to learn whether this snail or other snails feeding on sooty mould have been observed in other West Indian islands INTRODUCING THE JACK SPANIARD INTO ST. LUCIA. In the Agricultural News for September 11, page 298, an article appears on West Indian wasps, showing their dis- tribution in the different islands, and their value in controlling certain crop pests. In view of the fact that the so-called Jack Spaniard, which is of great value. in St. Vincent in controlling cotton worm, has practically died out in Grenada, and does not appear to exist in St. Lucia, it was requested by the Imperial Department that the St. Vincent agricultural authorities might make arrangements for the introduction of this wasp into the islands reterred to. In both places, it was thought, the insects might prove valuable. Quite recently a letter has been received from Mr. A. J. Brooks, Agricultural Superintendent, St. Lucia, stating that a consignment of the St. Vincent Jack Spaniard has been safely received. The box contains a large quantity of nests, and over fifty insects had hatched out during transit, and were in excellent condition. It may be pointed out that the method adopted in sending the wasps was the same as that employed when this insect was sent some years ago to Mont- serrat, namely, combs were sent with sealed brood carefully tied into light boxes. After its receipt in St. Lucia the box was placed in a shelter previously prepared in a banana plot, with a growing cover crop of horse beans badly attacked with worms. The wasps were liberated. Hatching continues daily, and the wasps have been observed feeding on the worms between 6 and 7 a.m., this apparently being their most active period. Mr. Brooks says that, judging from the energetic way the wasps have started work, it looks as if they may constitute the cheapest and most effective means of control of the worm, which has made it difficult, up to the present, . to grow leguminous green dressing crops at Réunion. INTERESTING CASES OF ANTHRAX. In view of the importance of anthrax in parts of the West Indies, the following interesting cases recorded in the Annual Report of the Chief Veterinary Officer for the year 1914, to the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, England, are abstracted: A number of interesting cases of anthrax have come to our notice during the year, anda short summary of each may not be considered out of place in this article: — In February anthrax bacilli were found ina dressed carease of beef by Veterinary Inspectors in an abattoir. In March anthrax bacilli were also found in the hind- quarters of a year-old bovine in the saane abattoir. Both carcases had been slaughtered and dressed in Ireland, and consigned to Scotland for sale. A bullock suffering from anthrax was bled by the owner, and a dog drank a large quantity of the blood. Nine days later the dog died, and anthrax bacilli were found in specimens of its blood sent to the Laboratory. A cat also ate a portion of the carcase, and died three days later. Unfortunately, its blood was not sent to the Laboratory for examination, but it is exceedingly probable the cat died of anthrax. In another outbreak a cat gained access to the carcase of a heifer which had died of anthrax. The cat died, and anthrax bacilli were found ina specimen of its blood when examined at the Laboratory. The deaths from anthrax of the dog and two cats is worthy of mention in order to impress on stock owners the necessity for guarding such careases from flesh-eating animals. The death of a dog or a cat is perhaps not very serious, but it must not be forgotten that canines and felines are capable of spreading the disease by eca:rying portions of the flesh over large distances. ; In connexion with the editorial in ‘his issue on the Museum in practice, we may call attention 10 an article on the standards and functions of museums which appears in Nature for September 23, 1915. This, in reviewing the report of the American Museum of Natural History, calls attention to the tendency to spectacular display and to the desirability of not confusing purely technical subjects with scientific ones. An excellent feature of some of the American museums is that in addition to lectures to children and teachers, special rooms are set apart in the museums for children’s collections, while this work is supplemented by travelling museums sent round from school to school by means of motar vans. Something of this kind, it is suggested, might well be imitated in England. A peculiarity of the camphor oil produced in the Federated Malay States is the absence of safrole to which constituent the oil produced in Japan largely owes its commercial value. It appears probable that the absence of safrole in samples so far collected is due to the fact that the distillate is obtained from young twigs and leaves in the F.MS., whereas in the ordinary Japanese camphor oil of commerce, the distillate is derived from old wood from matured trees. The Agricultural Bulletin of the Federated Malay States (July 1915) from which this information is taken, adds further that a specimen of camphor oil distilled from leaves and twigs in German East Africa, also contained no safrole. 396 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. DrEcEMBER 4, 1915. GLEANINGS. The results of some rice cultivation experiments in Ceylon are published in Bulletin No. 21, recently issued by the Department of Agriculture in that Colony. It is shown that the yield of paddy is nearly the same for distances of transplanting from 4 to 10 inches. An interesting botanical discussion appears in the Archiet of the Sugar Industry of the Dutch East Indies on the question as to whether a leaf and its internode in the sugar-cane is to be regarded asa physiological unit. The author answers the question in the negative. It is notified by the Department of Agriculture in the Port-of-Spuin Gazette that proprietors of land at Chacachacare and Icacos should be prepared to destroy locusts in the event of their reaching Trinidad from the Venezuelan coast where they are now in large swarms. © Poisoned bran mash can be obtained on application to the Director of Agriculture. The Ceylon Department of Agriculture has issued an important Bulletin (No. 20) dealing with the effect of different intervals between successive tappings of Hevea rubber trees. Within limits, the yield per tapping increases as the time interval between tappings is increased. The whole subject dealt with is of much importance at the present time when strict attention is being given to economy in estate practice. The balata produced in British Guiana during 1914-15 hhas far exceeded the output of any previous year, but the European War, says the Demerara Daly Argosy, retarded the selling of this article materially as large quantities are normally consumed in Germany. ‘Though the price obtained at present is remunerative, nevertheless the fall in consumption has led toa reduction in the number of men employed for collecting. The lessons in elementary agriculture arranged in Bulletin No. 258 of United States Department of Agricul- ture, for Alabama schools, are very suggestive and original. The lessons are outlined by monthly periods: each lesson has a definite subject, like soils or crops, and subsidiary to the subject is a topic such as crop rotation (under soils) and corn judging (under crops). This publication is well worth the attention of those engaged in agricultural education. smaller ones. It is observed in the Colonial Journal that the occurrence of ‘vomiting sickness’ which is common in Jamaica at certain times, corresponds exactly with the main akee season, when other fruits and natural foods are relatively scarce. Last year the akee season continued longer than in previous years, and ‘vomiting sickness’ cases were reported in greater numbers than in the previous year and extended over amore prolonged period. This has been noticed for three or four years past. In a previous issue of the Agricultural News it was not possible on the strength of available information to make any promising statements about tobacco cultivation in Ceylon. It appears from the Zopical Agriculturist for September 1915, however, that a very satisfactory ‘Turkish’ cigarette is being produced locally from Ceylon-grown tobacco. ‘The entire Press are distinctly laudatory over samples exhibited at a recent exhibition, and it is announced that the Governor himself has pronounced the new cigarette as ‘quite a good smoke’. A literary production of some interest has been pub- lished in Cuba under the title of ‘The New Agriculture’, which consists essentially of a prize essay on the subject of a method of controlling or finding a cure for bud rot disease of coco-nuts. The writer maintains that this malady is caused through the inefficient working of the roots, and that this may be remedied by the mechanical introduction of water into the middle of the stem. These ideas do not appear to be in harmony with the best mycological work on the subject. The Queen of Holland has presented the Governor of Surinam with 1,000 guilders to be utilized in assisting the Panama hat industry in that colony. The particular straw, says the /ort-of-Spain Gazette, from which Panama hats are made, can be grown in Surinam, and some time ago a pamphlet was published by the Department of Agriculture in that colony showing how it could be economically used. It is stated further that Professor Harrison, of Demerara, on the occasion of his visit’ to Surinam some time ago, reported favourably on this project. In the Chamber of Commerce Journal for October 1915, will be found conveniently summarized, the results of enquiries made by the West India Committee on the subject of the possibilities of an expansion of sugar-eane cultivation within the Empire. These results were published at length in recent issues of the West India Cominittee Circular. The situation in India and twelve of the leading tropical colonies is dealt with, and it would appear that in some places, par- ticularly British Guiana and British East Africa, there is very considerable scope for large extensions. A remarkable variety of the common papaw is referred to in the Inventory of Seeds and Plants Imported by the Office of Foreign Seed and Plant Introduction of the United States Department of Agriculture for January 1 to March 31, 1913. The variety referred to comes from Merida, in Mexico. The fruits are described as being very large and fine flavoured. The trees produce when small and are very prolific; many trees not over 7 feet in height are bearing from fifteen to twenty enormous fruits and innumerable It is added that Chinese gardeners about Merida are securing most remarkable results with this fruit. Von. XIV. No. 355. THE MONTSERRAT: REPORT ON AGRI- CULTURAL DEPARTMENT, 1914-15. This report has just been issued. Amongst its most important features is the valuable work on the selection of cotton at the Experiment Station which is being continued, and an extension of which has been rendered possible by the action of the Montserrat Company, Limited, in placing one of their fields at the disposal of the Department for the purpose of raising pedigree seed for distribution to estates. The principal line of work in the year under review consisted in testing recognized good types of cotton from both St. Kitts and St. Vincent, alongside the best of the types in cultivation in Montserrat. The usual progeny row method of testing the yield was adopted, on land again loaned from Dagenham estate. ‘The yields of each type grown, all the rows of which were duplicated excepting St. Kitts 205, and the report and valuation of the samples of lint given by the British Cotton Growing Association are recorded in a table contained in this section of the report. From this it appears that Dagenham Stirling No. 4, Douglass, St. Kitts new seed, and Heaton 9, represent the best cottons. In the opinion of the British Cotton Growing Association, these are better than average Nevis, but are not equal to average St. Kitts. In addition to finger tests, seven of the types grown were also submitted to spinning tests, which were carried out under the auspices of the Fine Cotton Spinners’ and Doublers’ Association of Manchester. From the report it would appear that, while the reports on the finger and spinning tests are not in absolute agreement, they permit the generalization to be made, that when the seeds of high priced cotton from St. Vincent and St. Kitts are grown in Mont- serrat, they regress to the mean of the values of the cotton already in cultivation there. In this connexion it might be added that, in view of the war, stability has been given to the cultivation of cotton by the guarantee of a minimum price by the Fine Spinners’ and Doublers’ Asso¢iation of Manchester. The generai situation with regard to lime cultivation receives attention in a section specially devoted to this subject. With regard to minor industries, attention may be directed to the production of bay oil, onions, ground nuts and Indian corn, all of which show signs of great development. In connexion with bay oil it is noteworthy that during the year this product has engaged the attention of experts in England. With the prospect of a Canadian market for part of the onion crop, the development of the cultivation on some of the estates in the centre of the island where subsidary crops are much needed, received attention. It was reported, however, that onions had been tried under these conditions, and that while they had given good returns, they quickly rotted. The experiments conducted at Harris’ Station in the present season substantiated — this conelusion, the results showing that it is inadvisable to attempt onion cultivation under conditions similar to those of the Experiment Station. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 397 In view of the prospect of an extended cultivation with ground nuts in 1915, Mr. Robson suggests one or two points in connexion with the cultivation which deserve attention. Firstly, only a limited number of weedings can be given to the nuts before the haulms cover the ground, hence clean cultivation is necessary; secondly, where the area in cultivation is large, the curing of the nuts will need to be done in the field; after digging, the haulms with the nuts attached should be spread for a couple of days and exposed to the sun, then they should be stacked for another ten days before being picked off either by hand or by means of threshing machines. When the nuts are reaped by means of forks or pulled out by hand, a proportion of them become disengaged from the haulm and remain in the ground. In view of possible development of pine-apple cultivation two shipments of this fruit were sent to Canada in 1914, On both shipments it was reported that the pines shipped green and carried in ordinary hold space arrived in very good condition, while those in the refrigerator did not turn out so well, being spotted and ‘ touched’. The report of the consignee in regard to future trade with Canada was to the effect that these Montserrat pines were not very symmetrical, and not so pleasing to the eye as the pines imported from Florida and California, though the flavour is excellent. It was advised that before shipping in large quantities, it would be as well to make another trial shipment of 20 crates, which should be large pines. Owing to the altered position on the English market on account of the war of Sea Island cotton, which is the staple crop of the island, it appeared necessary for planters to turn their attention to new crops in view of the curtailment of the area in cotton. At a well attended meeting of planters held on September 19, 1914, the Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture summarized the position and mentioned the particular crops, the temporary substitution of which m place of cotton, might prove profitable. Foremost amongst these was corn (maize). This crop, it was pointed out, had several advantages. Amongst pea and bean crops, attention was drawn to the possibilities of the pigeon pea and the Lima bean, or as itis known locally, Jamaica bean (Phaseolus lunatus), both of which would find a market in England or elsewhere. There seems to be an opening also for a trade in Bengal beans, and enquiries have already been made for these at £7 per ton. Perusal of the Report will make it evident that useful work continues to be done to advance agricultural matters in Montserrat, and, considering the unsettled state of affairs externally, the island’s present position and future prospect would seem, on the whole, satisfactory. \ Effect of Detasselling on Maize.—.\t a meeting of the Academy of Science at Paris in September, says Vature, a paper was read on the transmission, by seeds, of the effects of emasculation in maize stems. It has been shown that one ettect of male castration in maize is to increase the amount of sugar in the stems. This has been carried ont for four successive years, and it has now been proved that this increased proportion of sugar in the stems can be transmitted by the seed. It is interesting to speculate whether a similar treatment of the inflorescence might induce a similar change in the stem of the sugar-cane, which change, according to the principle established by the experiments of maize, one would expect to be transmitted. 398 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS: December 4, 1915, PLANT. DISEASES. BURGUNDY MIXTURE AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR BORDEAUX MIXTURE. Considerable difficulty is experienced in several of the West Indian islands in obtaining quicklime for the prepar- ation of Bordeaux mixture, and in keeping it in good condition when it has been procured. This has resulted in the use of slaked, or partially slaked, lime for the purpose, with the result that an inferior mixture has been produced. Instead of resorting in this difficulty to expensive and unsatis- factory commercial preparations, it may be suggested that the use of Burgundy mixture, in which the lime is replaced by sodium carbonate (washing soda) offers an alternative that is likely to give excellent results. According to experience covering a ae iod of five years in the use of B urgundy as compared ‘with Bordeaux mixture against potato blight, the Department of Agriculture for Treland reports that the former gave better results in the yield of the sprayed plots, and possesses moreover, the tollowing advantages even where good lime is available: — 1. The spraying mixture adheres longer to the foliage of the plants, and is not so readily washed off by rain. 2. The mixture is more easily prepared. 3. The nozzles of the machine are not so likely to become stopped up with grit or refuse material. If the mixture is carefully made there should be no sediment. Dr. A. 8. Horne has recently published in the Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society a formula for a Burgundy mixture which is rendered more adhesive by the addition of milk, and records very successful results from its use against leaf-enrl disease of peaches. The proportions are as follows:— Copper sulphate 9302. Washing soda lloz. Milk ?pint. Water 3galls. The quantities do not need to be altered when the milk is omitted. The Irish formula is given as Copper sulphate 8th. Washing soda 10h. Water 40galls. which may be remembered as 8-10-40. It differs slightly from the Wisley formula in the larger amount of soda, and with the quality of materials at the disposal of this Office it has been found slightly alkaline, and therefore presumably safe, while the latter was somewhat acid. The quality of the precipitate was equal in the two cases. For small quantities it can conveniently be approximately reduced to:— Copper sulphate 6hoz Washing soda 8oz. Water 2galls It is greatly improved by the addition of milk as in the Wisley formula, It must be remembered that it is the Imperial gallon of 20 oz. to the pint, and not the American of 16 oz. that is indicated in these formule. The solutions of copper sulphate and of soda are to be prepared separately as in making Bordeaux mixture, but the set of 3 barrels commonly used for the latter is not necessary. The copper sulphate solution must not come in contact with metal, so that the most convenient method is to have one large barrel which isto hold the prepared mixture, run in seven-eighths of the water, and suspend the copper sulphate in a piece of sacking near the surface of this until dissolved. If it is powdered it will of course dissolve more quickly. The soda is dissolved in the remaining one-eighth of the water (a pint from each gallon of the whole), an operation which may be carried out in a pail or kerosene tin. ‘The copper sulphate solution is then to be stirred round and the soda solution steadily poured in. The resulting mixture is light blue in colour, and if well made is full of a flocenlent precipitate which remains suspended in the water without any stirring. The colder the solutions are before mixing, the better the quality of the precipitate will be. The mixture should be used fresh, since the precipitate on standing becomes crystalline and heavy, and loses its adhesive powers. The mixture may be tested with litmus paper, and more strong soda or copper sulphate solution added if necessary, until the mixture is neutral or slightly alkaline. Acidity is indicated by blue litmus turning red, alkalinity by red litmus turning blue, neutrality by neither change occurring. The price of copper sulphate in Barbados is 1de. per lb.; washing soda is 4c. per tb. retail, but can be obtained in 100D. kegs at 24c. At the latter price the mixture would cost just over 34c. per gallon. WeeNe COCO-NUTS. MANURIAL EXPERIMENTS AT NEVIS. The following are the first year’s results of a series of manurial experiments, conducted under the auspices of the Agricultural Department, with coco-nut palms abont seven years old growing at Pinneys’ estate in Nevis. The details of the work have been carried out by Mr. W. I. Howell, the Agricultural Instructor, and although they are only the first year’s records, the results are interesting and suggestive, as is also the method of recording the different yields based on the difference between the number of nuts on the tree at the beginning and the end of the experiment. It is important to remember that the term ‘nut’ is employed to represent a fruit from the matured (dry) stage to the size of a ‘select’: say, 14 inches round the middle and 18 inches over the ends. Smaller nuts are not included in the meaning of the term:— PLor |, Number of nuts on the 28 trees at the beginning of experiment = — a — — 830 Average number of nuts per tree = — -— — 29:6. Received as manure:— Nothing. Number of nuts collected during the year — — 722 Average number per tree =— — — — 257 Number of nuts left on trees at close of experiment 659 Average number per tree = — — — — 23°6° PLOT 2. Number of nuts on 28 trees at beginning of experi- ment _- -- — — — 981 Average number per tree =— — — — 35:0: Vor. XIV. No. 355. THE AGRICULTURAL Received as manure: 8 estate baskets of pen manure per tree. Number of nuts collected during the veg — Sl AO Average number per tree = = — 2 artes of nuts left on trees at clase of experiment 945 2 , Average number per tree = = — Sell PLOT 3, Number of nuts on 28 trees at beginning of experiment — = — — 697 Average number per tree =— - “= — 258 Received as manure:— 8 Ib. tankage per tree (4 ewt. per acre). Number of nuts collected during the year — 709 Average number per tree - — - — — 262 Number of nuts left on trees at éloce of experiment 841 Average number per tree =— -- a —s eel PLOT 4. Number of nuts on trees* at beginning of experiment 603 Average number per tree =— - —— — 241 Received as manure: — 8 Ib. basic slag per tree (4 ewt. per acre). 4 Ib. sulphate of potash per tree (2 ewt. per acre). Number of nuts collected during the year — — 605 Average number per tree = — — — — 24-9 Number of nuts left on trees at close of experiment 614 Average number per tree — -- = — 24:5 +Only 25 bearing trees are in this plot, as 3 are very late supplies. PLOT 5. Number of nuts on trees* at beginning of experiment 570 Average number per tree = — - — 9 2357 Received as manure: — 4 Ib. sulphate of ammonia (2 ewt. per acre). Number of nuts collected during the year — —— '521 ee number per tree 21-7 Number of nuts left on trees at close of experiment 622 ravorage number per tree — = == — 259 *Only 24 bearing trees are in this plot, as 4 are late supplies. PLOT 6. 358 13-7 Number of nuts on trees* at peetantee of experiment Average number per tree Received as manure :— 4 tb. sulphate of ammonia per tree (2 ewt. per acre). 8 Ib. basic slag 37 ee ” ” 9 4 Ib. sulphate of potash 2» ee ” » Number of nuts collected during the year — e651 Average number per tree = — — = ar es Number of nuts left on trees at close of experiment Average number pertree — — == aS +Only 26 bearing trees are in this plot, as 2 are late supplies. NEWS. 399 pLor 7. Number of nuts on trees* at beginning of experi- ment . — a = 641 Average number per tree — — - — 3°7 Received as manure: 8 fb. basic slag per tree (4 cwt. per acre). Number of nuts collected during the year — — 53 Average number per tree — -- — — 9:9 Number of nuts left on tree at close of experiment 6389 Average number per tree — — = — 259 *Only 27 bearing trees are in the plot, as one is alate supply. PLOT 5. Number of nuts on trees* at beginning of experi- ment _= - 741 Average number per tree - 28°5 Received as manure --—— 8 Ib. cotton seed meal per tree (4 ewt. per acre). Number of nuts collected during the year — — 692 Average number per tree =— — - — 266 Number of nuts left on trees at the close of experi- ment 852 Average number per tree =— _ -= — 327 *Only 26 bearing trees are in the plot, as 2 are late supplies. The following table is of interest in obtaining an insight into the progress of the experiment:— Manure. Nuts collected Difference -Nuts produced per tree, between during period number of — of experiment. nuts at end and at be- ginning of experiment. 1. No manure 19°6 — 6:0 23°6 2. Pen manure 29°5 -1:3 28-2 3. Tankage 26°2 +53 315 4. Phosphate and \ 2 ‘ ny ech y 249 +04 25°3 5, Nitrogen JF 2°2 23°9 6. Phosphate, | potash and » 25:0 +190 44-0 nitrogen. | 7. Phosphate 19:9 +18 21-7 8. Cotton seed | 26-6 +49 30-8 meal | While it would be a difficult matter to compare the results of one manure against another, it will be seen that the manures have all had a beneficial effect on the trees so far as number of nuts is concerned, for in none of the manured plots except pen manure, is the average number of nuts per tree, Re the close of the experiment, below what it was when the experiment was started. The case is otherwise with the manure plot. During the past two years it was observed that the individual tree is producing a smaller number of nuts each year, and it would appear that manure would maintain the yield, and that manuring is both desirable and necessary. no- London.—Tur 100 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. MARKET REPORTS. West InprA ComMMITTEE CIRCULAR, October 19, 1915. Arrowroot—2}d. to 2 ,d. Batara—Sheet 2s. 4$d.; block 1s. 8hd. Berswax—No quotations. Cacao—Trinidad, 84/6 to 86/- per ewt.; Grenada, 79/6 to 80/6-; Jamaica, 70/ to 84/6. Corrre—Jamaica, 43/- Copra—£25 15s. to £26 per ton. Corron—Fully Fine no quotations; Floridas, no quota- tions; West Indian Sea Island, 14d. to 16d. Fruit—No quotations. Fustic—No quotations. Gincer—Jamaica, 55/- to 65/-. Isryctass—No quotations. Honey—No quotations. Lime Juice—Raw, 3/; concentrated, £30; Otto of limes (hand-pressed), no quotations. Locwoop—No quotations. Mace—6Gd. to 2/4d. Nurmecs—4jd. to 64d. Pimento—2d. to 2,id. Russer—Para, fine hard, 2/52; fine soft, 2/5}; Castilloa, no quotations. Rum—Jamaica, 4/2 to 4/9 New York.—Messrs. Gintespie Bros. & Co., November 5, 1915. Cacao—Caracas, 203c. to 21c.; Grenada, 194c. to 20c.; Trinidad, 21c. to 21}c.; Jamaica, 18}c. to 18#c. Coco-nuts—Jamaica and ‘Trinidad selects, $3i:00 $33°00; culls, $21-°00 to $22°00. CorrrE—Jamaica, 7c. to 12c. per th. Gincer—13 $c. to 16c. per th. Goat Skins—Jamaica, 44c.; Antigua and Barbados, 42c. to 44c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 40c. to 42c. per tb. GrarPeE Frvuir—Jamaica, $2°25 to $3°50. Limes—$4°50 to $6°00. Mace—s4ec. to 45c. per th. Nurmecs—lle. to 11$c. Orances—Jamaica, $1°50 to $3°25. Pinento—3ic. per th. Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 4°39c.; Muscovados, 89°, 3°77c.; Molasses, 89, 3°61c., all duty paid. to Trinidad.—Messrs. Gorpon, Grant & Co., November 15, 1915. Cacao—Venezuelan, $21°00 to $21°50; Trinidad, $21-00 to $22-00. Coco-nut Orm—8te. per Imperial gallon. Corrre—Venezuelan, Ile. to 13c. per ft. Copra—$5'00 to per 100 tb. Dxrar—$6 25. Ontons—$4°00 to $4°50 per 100 In. Peas, Spriz—S$9-00 per bag. Porators—English $2°00 to $2°25 per 100 th. Rice—Yellow, $5°80 to $6°25; White, $6:25 per bag. Sucar—American crushed, no quotations. December 4, 1915, Barbados.—Messrs. James A. Lyneu & Co., Ltd., October 30, 1915; T. S. Garraway & Co., November 2, 1915. Arrowroor—$4°50 to $4°60 per 100 th. Cacao—$15:00 to $16 Coco-nur ‘00 per 100 tb. $20°00 husked nuts. Hay—$1‘70 to $1°90 per 100 th. Manures—Nitrate of soda, no quotations; Cacao manure, no quotations; Sulphate of ammonia, $85°00 to $95-00 per ton. Motasses—No quotations. Ontons—$7 ‘00 to $10 ‘00 per 190 ib. Peas, Serrr—S10°00 to $12°50 per 210 th.; Canada, $5-40 per 120 th. Porators—Nova Scotia, $4°87 to $5°00 per 160 th. Rice—Ballam, $600 to $6°10 per 190 lb.; Patna, no quota- tions; Rangoon, 1 10 quotations. Sucar—Muscovado centrifugals, $3°60 to $4°25. British Guiana.—Messrs. Wrerinc & Ricurer, Noyem- ber 13, 1915; Messrs. SanpbacH, PARKER & Co., November 12, 1915. ARTICLES. Arrowroor—St. Vincent Batata— Venezuela block Demerara sheet Cacao—Native Cassava— Cassava STaARCH— Coco-nuts— CorrEE—Creole Jamaica and Rio Liberian DxHaLt— Green Dhal Eppors— Motasses— Yellow Ontons—Tenerifte Madeira Preas—Split Marseilles PLANTAINS— Potators—Nova Scotia Lisbon Porators--Sweet, B’bados Rice—Ballam Creole TANNIAS— Yams— White Buck Sucar—Dark crystals Yellow White Molasses TimpeER—GREENHEART Wallaba shingles aS Corawooal Messrs. WIETING & RicuHter. Messrs. Sanp- BACH, PARKER 1dc. per tb. $1-20 $10 to $11 $10 to $15 per M. 12c. to 13¢. 4c. to 15c. per tb. $6-00 $12-00 to $12°50 l6ec. to 40c. $4°00 to $4°25 S168 No quotation $5°25 to $5°50 $2-64 $2°88 $3°12 $3°50 to $3°70 $4°25 to $4°35 33°10 32c. to 5dc. per cub. foot $4-00 to 36°25 per M. $1-80 to $2:00 per ton & Co. $950 23c. per th. 218 pan ee l4c. per fb. 4c, 10c. per tb. 36-00 to $6-25 7c. $12-00 per bag. (210 fb.): THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. a nr Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture FOR THE WEST INDIES. The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. A Quarterly Scientific Journal. Volume 1. No. 1. Out of print. Nos. 2, 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price 1s. each. Post free, 1s. 2d.; , Volumes II, III, IV, V, VI, VIZ, VII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIIJI and XIV:—Price 2s. each: Post free 2s. 8/., where complete. Volume XV, No. 1, Containing papers on: (III, 2. IV, 3; and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.) The Development of Agriculture (Mr. A. D. Hall’s Addresses to the British Association for the Advancement of Science); Agricultural Industries of Montserrat, by Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Se.; Report on the Island of Redonda, by Dr. H. A. Tempany; Note on the Feeding and Manurial Value of Lime Seeds, by Dr. H. A. Tempany; the Poisonous Forms of Phaseolus lunatus (Lima beans), by W. R. Dunlop; Skin Diseases of Cattle in Antigua (compiled from the notes of P. T. Saunders, MR. Ci. 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Price 3, Price 4/, (7 (7 (7 (7 The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of 3. for the pamphlets marked 2d.; 1d. for those marked 4d. and for Nos 73 and 75; 14d. for Nos. 40, 44, 49, 59, 62, 63, 67 and 74. Postage for No. 71, 4d. - complete. _London: Messrs. Dutau & Co., 37, Soho Square, W. . Jamaica: THE Epucationat Suprty Company, 16, King _ British Guiana: Tak Arcosy Co, Lrp., Georgetown. : Tobago: Mr. C. L. PLAGEMANN, Searborongh. -and for No. 72, 2d. The ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’: A Fortnightly Review. The ‘ Agricultural News’ contains extracts from official correspondence and from progress and -other reports; and, in fact, any information indicating what is going on in each colony and the progress made in Agricultural matters throughout the West Indies. The ‘ Agricultural News’ is printed in time to be distributed, regularly, by each mail, and is on sale by the ‘local agents of the Department at one penny per number, post free, 2¢. The subscription price, including postage, is 2s. 2d. per half-year, or 4s. 4d. per annum. Volumes IV _ to XII complete, with title page and index, as issued—Price 4s. each— Post free, 5s. Some numbers of the early volumes are out of print and therefore these volumes can no ionger be supplied The scale of charges for ADVERTISEMENTS may be obtained on application to the Agents. A applications jor opies are to Le addressed to the Agents, not to the Department. ents. The following have been appointed Agents for Me of the publications of the Department:— Grenada: Messrs. Tuos. Lawior & Co., St. George. West Inpia Commitrer, 15, Seething Lane. St. Vincent: Mr. J. D. Bonapir, “Times’ Oftice. Barbados: Apyocarr Co. Lrp., Broad Street, Bridgetown. St. Lucia: Mr. R. W. Nixes, Botanic Station. Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. BripGkwarer, Roseau. Montserrat: Mr. W. Roxson, Botanic Station. Antigua: Mr. 8. D. Martone, St. John’s. St Aitts: Toe Bree AND Book Suprpty AGENCY, BAsSETERRE Nevis: Messrs. Howett, Bros., Charlestown. Canada: Lewis W. Cipmens, 71 King Street, West, Toronto, Street, Kingston. Trinidad: Messrs. Murr-MarsHaii & Co., Port-of-Spain. Vou. XIV. No. 355 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. DrcemBer 4, 1915. THE BEST MANURE FOR COLONIAL USE + SES Dissolved (Soluble) Guano FOR SUGAR-CANE AND GHNERAL USE TRADE APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIRECT TO:— THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL GUANO WORKS, (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) London Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C, Barbados Agents: James A. Lyneh & Co., Ltd., Bridgetown. JUSL ASSUED: THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE COTTON FACTORY, LTD. WEST INDIAN BULLETIN, cCoTTon GINNERS, OIL REFINERS AND PLANTATION SUPPLIERS. Vol. XV, No. 2. IMPORTERS OF Containing the following papers: Review of Ten Years’ Work WEST INDIAN of the Antigua Sugar Factory (Gunthorpes), by Francis Watts, COTTON SEED. C.M.G., D.Sc.; The Soils of Antigua, by H. A. Tempany, | Quotations made onapplication for the purchase of D.Se.; A Method of Sponge Cultivation and its Prospects in| Cotton Seed from the neighbouring Islands. the Lesser Antilles: with Notes on Other Possible Shallow- THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE water Fisheries, by W. R. Dunlop; A Parasite of the Flying Fish, by Dr. W. I. Calman, British Museum (Natural History); COTTON FACTORY, LIMITED, Report on the Prevalence of Some Pests and Diseases in the | WHITE PARK, West Indies during 1914, by H. A. Ballou, M.Sc., and BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. W. Nowell, D.1.C. August 6, 1915. SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENT. Printed at Office of Agricu!twral Reporter, 4 High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados, Any V7 G Af IGF lAfey [rs y m VM. S. P. | REGULAR MAIL, PASSENGER & CARGO SERVICES FROM THE WEST INDIES | TO | PORTS OF CALL 'THE UNITED KINGDOM | Azores. | | |St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Dominica, CANADA | , Montserrat, Antigua, St. Kitts, | |Bermuda, Halifax, N. S., & St. John (N.B.) DEMERARA and PARAMARIBO Grenada & Trinidad. | | | Trinidad, Puerto Colombia, PANAMA CANAL and PACIFIC | lGartacens, Colon, Panama, PORTS | | Callao, Iquique, Antofagasta | and Valparaiso. /REGULAR MALL, PASSENGER AND CARGO SERVICES FROM THE UNETED KINGDOM. TO BRAZIL, URUGUAY & ARGENTINA Via Spain, Portugal, Madeira & St. Vincent. REGULAR SAILINGS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM TO MOROCCO, CANARY ISLANDS & MADEIRA, STRAITS SETTLEMENTS, HONG-KONG, CHINA - & JAPAN. = — | Head Office: 18, Moorgate Street, London. | Branches at BARBADOS, Demerara, Trinidad, Tobago, Colon, Jamaica, Antilla, New York, Halifax N.S., Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, etc. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. THE TREATMENT — 4 OF i TICK INFESTED CATTLE | > Some Notes on Hand-Spraying i aol Tick-destroying preparations may be applied to Cattle in three ways, namely, (1) by Hand; (2) by the use of Spray Pumps; @G) by means of the Dipping Tank. ae THE DIPPING TANK is the best and cheapest meags of applying remedies when large herds are to be treated. The great advantage of dipping over Spraying or Hand-dressing fies in the fact that the process is automatic—the cattle dip themselves; thus the thoroughness of the treatment under all conditions is practically assured, not being dependent to any degree on the: care exercised by those in charge of the work. This point is of the utmost importance in countries where only more or less untrustworthy negro or native labour is available. : : In many cases, however, where the number of Cattle on a property is,small, it is.not economical to construct a dipping tank; in such cases, if there is a sufficient number of cattle within a radius of a few miles to warrant the construction of a tank, it would be advisable for the various owners of cattle to co-operate in constructing a tank where all the cattle in the vicinity may be dipped. In case the joint construction of a tank is impracticable, it will then be necessary to resort to spraying or - hand-dressing. : HAND-DRESSING is practicable only when a few animals are to be treated. Unless very great pains are taken, this method of treatment is not thorough; and, even at the best, some portions of the body where ticks may be located will be missed. HAND-SPRAYING is adapted for small size herds, but to be effective, it must be done with great care and thoroughness. The Pump. A good type of Bucket Pump will be found very satisfactory. When more thana few head have to be sprayed, a pump designed for attachment to a barrel is preferable, as, in a barrel, a larger quantity of dip can be mixed at one time. The Hose. The pump should-bp fitted with not less than 12 feet of good quality $-inch high pressure hose. The Nozzle should be of a type furnishing a cone-shaped spray, of not too wide am angle. A nozzle with a very small aperture should not be used, as the spray produced is too fine to saturate thoroughly the hair and skin of the animals without consuming an unnecessary amount of time. The Proprietors of Cooper’s Cattle Dip make a special nozzle and handle for the purpose of Cattle Spraying. Tethering the Animal. The animal to be sprayed should be securely tied to one of the posts of a fence, or in a fence corner, where it cannot circle about to avoid treatment. Nervous animals should have their hind legs tethered above the hocks; a strap is better than a rope for this purpose. The Spraying Operation. Hold the nozzle some 6 to 12 inches from the animal's body. ’ Always spray against the lay of the hair. Start on one side near the head, and work round to the other, taking care to saturate all parts thoroughly. Keep the pump going continuously, and see that the spray fluid gets into all recesses, most particularly and thoroughly into the hollows of the ears, under the tail,and between the udder and the legs. Other parts requiring special care are the head, dewlap, brisket, inside of elbows, inside of thighs and flanks, and tail. The hair of the tail brush and around the edges of the ears should be trimmed off to admit the spray fluid more readily. Care of Pump. After use, cleanse the pump, hose, and nozzle thoroughly with clean water. Sundry Notes. (1) When preparing the small quantities of wash required for hand-spraying, accuracy in measuring both dip and water is of special importance. If you use a paraffin tin, remember that it holds only 44th Imperial gallons—not 5 gallons—and thus it takes 6 tins (not 5) to make 25 Imperial gallons. ' (2) A large oil can, with a hole cut in the top for the admission of the pump, has been used in place of an ordinary bucket : such a can has the advantage that animals cannot drink from it, should it, as often happens, be left unguarded at any time during spraying operations. (3) A convenient arrangement for handling the nozzle during spraying is to tie it loosely by its base to the end of a stick about 3 feet long. By moving the stick rapidly back and forth, the spray may be caused to vibrate; and by various manipula- tions of the hose in relation to the stick, the spray may be readily directed in any desired direction. (The above notes have been compiled froin various sources, but mainly from U.S.A. Department of Agriculture Bulletin 498). COOPER’S CATTLE TICK DIP WEST INDIAN AGENTS: Has received the official approval of the following Countries: ST. KITTS: en Flovetor’ ts ele : pose Bryson & Co. Union of South Africa, Northern Rhodesia, Brazil, Basutoland, 5. a oe Thomson, Mankey & Co. Nyasaland, Swaziland, Southern Rhodesia, Madagascar, pape padtid ieabieg ioe a British East Africa, German East Africa, Portuguese East Africa, ; BRITISH GUIANA: Sandbach, Parker & Co. Portuguese West Africa, Egypt, Argentine Republic, Queensland, ST. pa en Pre oe ee Ewe ne Siena ial United States of America, Northern Territory of Australia. MONTSERRAT: W. Llewellyn Wall. DOMINICA: Hon. H. A. Frampton Manufacturers : WILLIAM COOPER & NEPHEWS, Berkhamsted, England. BRANCHES: Toronto, Chicago, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Buenos Aires, Monte Video, Punta Arenas, East London, Odessa. Ae owen . She WIININS WSs yea ni SS A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW OF THE IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. Von. XIV. No. 356. BARBADOS, DECEMBER is, 1915, Price ld. a —— . - As a subject of popular interest science labours CONTENTS. under the disadvantage that it is largely impersonal. Itis lacking in humanistic qualities and for that Pies. Peo? amongst other reasons the daily Press is afraid to touch it. In the newspapers everything centres around Agricultural Teaching in Notes and Comments... 4098 individuals, or rather Plant Diseases: Review of Information . 409 American Schools... .. 413 | Antigua, Soils of Cotton Notes:— Concerning Plant West Indian Cotton ... 406 | Diseases and Related Department News ... . 405 | Subjects . 414 ei a Reports’ ... 407 | St. Lucia, Mifect of Excess eanings ... Ye ea ink: Gurne Ground Nuts for ‘Export. . 405 | oe Rainfall on pia 408 Tngedt Notes: a E , | Science mmdtihePress: +. 401 , Pegi. Sarde aaa Sisal Hemp Plant, Dura- Og1Ce oO . o : 6 = Darine: 1915 410 | tion of eo. a . 407 Italian Citrus Pricesin 1914 406 | fepone i : ai eee ne 402 Jamaica’s Trade, Effect of 1 P War on... ; . 409 | Sugar Industry :— Limes v. Lemons... . 408 Muscovado Works and Market Reports . 416 Central Factories Meteorology, Comparative Compared ... . 404 Agricultural and For- Teff—A Fodder Grass... 408 COURVEBRcd-e cox. stcse 402) West Indian Products... 415 ———— SCIENCE AND THE PRESS. WIG EWSPAPERS are supposed to be the NN Sedueators of public opinion, but more often GBothan not they simply cater for the popular tastes and make little effort to mould public opinion in the ways of light and wisdom. Even the best of them have their own axes to grind, and, fettered by political prejudice or overcome by the modern lust for sensation they exert an influence which is not recognized as lecitimate in the realms of science. around personalities, and as ib 1s impossible to give such a setting to scientific subjects that scientific they are severely ignored. It is true from time to time articles involving ideas do appear, these because the essential conditions of presentation are satisfied. but in cases it is only A short time ago an article appeared ina leading London paper under the following headlines:— FERTILIZED PEAT. BorToMLEY A GERMAN. A National Commitlec. PROFESSOR AND Here it will be seen the two conditions of sensation (or novelty) and personality are satisfied; and quite the the recorded information in the light of impartial scientific scrutiny, irrespective of relative worth of the paper proceeded to hold forth at length, involving the new extra personalities as possible, on of the While the special subject under notice is as many revolution of English farming on account discovery. of interest and possibly of some considerable importance, it is not even on a par with hundreds of other discoveries, and it simply shows that the Press is deficient in the matter of possessing members on its staff who are in a position fo gauge the relative worth and importance of scientific work. his is rendered We told that on one occasion a great London newspaper having the Innes’ Horticultural which is. situated at Merton, evident im every case. have been John Research in Surrey, heard of Institute, 402 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. DecemBerR 18, 1915. Having been duly shown some of the Mendelian results obtained with plants and poultry by the Director, Professor Bateson, the reporter, greatly impressed, returned to his office, and the next day submitted a proof with the following headline: : THE WIZARD OF MERTON which, had it been passed, would have produced an impression of quackery which toa man of science would scarcely be short of libel, even though it had been invented with the best of journalistic intention. decided to send down a reporter. At the present time Great Britain is involyed in war—in a struggle which depends as much upon science and machinery as upon men. One would have expected that-the attitude of the Press in relation to science might under these conditions have undergone some change. Apart from a general flutter concerning which was only the desirabi'ity of mobilizing science started by outside initiative, namely, by letters sent to The Times, notably by Mr.H.G. Wells—the Press has -done nothing even to make the public realize the com- pelling earnestness of science. We quite recognize the éifficulty of dealing in a popular style with technical subjects in the absence of any special knowledge on the part of the reporter, but in such a case as Professor Fleming's lecture on Science in the War and After the War recently delivered to a public audience at Univer- -sity College, London, there would seem to be no excuse on that ground for neglecting to report its salient points in the newspapers. This lecture has been printed in full in Nature and also in the Journal of the Royal Society of Arts. While this is an acknowledgment of its value, and will suffice to bring it to the notice of scientific and technical men, it misses the wider public: It is impossible to get the ear of the wider public except through the daily Press, and it may be supposed that the Press will do nothing until the public shows a definite desire to offer it. This brings us to the subject of education, which owing to limitation of space cannot be discussed here at any length. Sutftice it to say that the teaching of science in schools requires re-modelling, that an appreciation of science rather than a knowledge of science,should be taught first, and this we may suppose could be best achieved by devoting greater attention to the historical side of science. In other words, we must descend to the level of those we criticise, but in a legitimate way, and teach cour children science as it centres around the lives and personalities of Nature's greatest exponents. * * * * Since the above was written a copy of Nature for This contains an editorial headed Science and Nescience, containing In this article attention is called to the national characteristic, November 4 has been received. ideas associated with those expressed above. in Great Britain, of indifference to scientific plans of action, whether pertaining to operations during war or of industry in times of peace. This is largely respon- sible for the archaic system still in vogue whereby men are selected for administrative posts in the national service, irrespective of sound technical knowledge. The article then deals with the existing want of sympathy and understanding between science and literature. Writers in the newspapers and periodicals when they do refer to scientific work rarely do so with accuracy and caution. Either terms are wrongly used, or a matter of common knowledge among men of science 1s regarded as a remarkable discovery, or sensational claims sare presented to the publicas if they were established truths, though they await confirmation from the scientific world, and are mostly unworthy of serious consideration. In regard to national education Nature says: ‘It is time to understand that no man can now be considered to have received a liberal education unless he has some acquaintance with the principles and methods of science and that works of Pasteur and Faraday should be as familiar to all as those of Victor Hugo and Tennyson. The training which ends in literary culture without science is just as incomplete as that which promotes scientific the knowledge without power of clear expression.) With special reference to the matter of expression Nature points out that it is less easy to clothe the results of science in pleasing language than ideas of art and of the imagination. This is quite true, and, in our opinion, it points ,to what we have expressed at the end of the first part of this discussion—that education wants re-modelling to make people apprec- iate scientific knowledge because it is knowledge, and knowledge obtained through the highest of human agencies—the grey matter of the brain. THE PROSPECTS OF SPONGE CULTIVATION. In the current issue of the West Indian Sulletin (Vol. XV, No. 2) is a paper by Mr. W. R. Dunlop, on a method of sponge cultivation from cuttings, together with notes on other possible. marine industries that might be developed in the Lesser Antilles. Vor. XIV. No. 356. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 405 The introduction to this paper deals with the circum- stances which appear to justify experiments with sponge cultivation around certain islands like Antigua, Barbuda and the Grenadines, where the conditions are seemingly suitable. attended the rearing of sponges from cuttings in the Caicos Tslands, near Jamaica, together with the results of earlier experiments in Florida. Preliminary to describing the method referred to above, an account is given of the nature of the living sponge, also the requisites of a commercial sponge, andthe different groups at present on the market, with special reference to the West Indies. A note is included on the native sponges of the Lesser Antilles. This indicates that material for planting must be imported. Although sponges are toa remarkable extent creatures of environment and tend, when imported, to approach the native sponges in quality, there is evidence which indicates that this may not occur im selected localities in the Lesser Antilles. The method of propagating sponges from cuttings is briefly described with reference to the following points: seed sponges, cuttings, attachments, planting, rate of growth, harvesting, curing, and marketing. The information 1s based principally on work done in Florida, but certain new economies effected in the Caicos are alluded to. The financial aspects of the industry in Florida and the Caicos are discussed. It is shown that if the correct environment is obtained, the industry is a very remunerative one. uss Following the information relative to sponges are notes on other shallow-water fisheries which might be developed. These include lobster canning, the raising of pearl oysters and turtles, the collection of sea-eggs, edible oysters, conch shells, and sea-cucumbers (for béche-de-mer). Some of these industries have been already established in certain restricted areas, and might be greatly extended. In the creeks around the Caicos Islands some of these industries are profitably combined with the rearing of sponges. In conclusion, it is believed that there are good prospects betore efforts to utilize the shallow-water resources of the Lesser Antilles. The economic importance of such a line of development is obvious. In connexion with the above, a letter received- from Messrs. Knight & Co., of Barbados, is of interest. This states that Mediterranean sponges have for years been getting dearer, and that there are indications of a shortage this season in the Florida and Bahamas supplies. Messrs. Knight conclude: ‘If, therefore, you have in mind the tapping of any other source of supply, or contemplate establishing a fresh sponge fishery, it will be welcome news to traders in sponges and users alike.’ 7 In concluding this article, it may be noted that since the paper referred to above was published, the 1914-15 Report on the Bahamas has been received. This states that a large company has been formed_in Florida (alleged capital of $1,250,000) for the cultivation of sponges from cuttings, and that the Bahamas Marine Products Board view this enterprise with alarm as it threatens their natural sponge industry which is, of course, more speculative than careful cultivation would be. It is expected that a trial of the new method will be made in the Bahamas. In the meantime something might also be done in the Lesser Antilles, for it might be found—it almost certainly, would be found—that sponges could be produced more cheaply off the smaller islands of the Lesser Antilles than in the Keys of Florida. EFFECT OF EXCESSIVE RAINFALL ON CROPS IN ST. LUCIA. The rainfall in St. Lucia, during the last six months, has been excessive throughout the island, so that a few observations concerning the condition of the staple crops may be of interest. The following notes on the subject have been received from Mr. A. J. Brooks, Agricultural Superin- tendent, St. Lucia: At the Botanic Gardens, Castries, 71°05 inches of rain fell during the period, this being 30°76 inches in excess of the fall for the same period the year previous. At Réunion 44°98 inches were recorded, this being 13°53 inches in excess of last year. The effect on the lime crop has been to reduce the- acidity of the fruit. This was at once felt by lime planters, and complaints were received from several sources to the effect that although the recorded number of barrels of fruit exceeded the amount for the same period during the last- crop, yet the actual output of concentrated juice was lower even than last vear. The reduced acidity does not entirely account for the great differences experienced. The fruit, although possessing a lower acid content, is also much coarser than usual Instead of the usual thin-skinned fruit, the rind is much thicker this season, and the fruit not so spherical; it takes more after the lemon, the nipple being in most cases. abnormally developed for the lime. Being larger, a barrel contains fewer fruits. ; At the Government Lime Juice Factory the records show that this season it is taking 51°8 barrels of fruit to produce- a 42-gallon cask of concentrated juice of the usual strength, i.e., LOT oz. per gallon, whereas last year it required but 48°6- barrels. This is a difference of 3-2 barrels and represents at the- present factory prices a net monetary loss of i2s. per cask of 42 gallons concentrated juice on last season’s results. This loss is again increased by the extra labour entailed in. handling, and by the additional fuel required for excessive- evaporation. This crop in the usually dry districts of the island has- greatly benefited by the heavy rainfall, and it speaks welt for the way in which the drainage systems of the heavy soils in the large and more humid valleys have been laid out- that no damage to the crop has been experienced. A fine stand of cane is to be seen throughout the- island, and given a good ripening season a heavy crop should be harvested. The cacao crop although somewhat late, still shows. great promise, and no increase in ‘black pod’ or other fungoid diseases has been reported. The few acres of Sea Island cotton at Réunion have- been entirely ruined by the continuous rains during the ripening period. Cotton is by far foo precarious a crop for- the climate of St. Lucia, and it is fortunate that the few acres at the Experiment Stations should be the only area. under cotton cultivation in the island. The older plantations of coco-nuts show no ill effects of the excessive rainfall, but in some localities the recently planted areas are feeling it, as is shown by the yellowish leaves. 404 SUGAR — INDUSTRY. MUSCOVADO WORKS AND CENTRAL FACTORIES COMPARED. In the review of the work done during ten years at Gunthorpes Sugar Factory, Antigua, to which reference was made in the last issue of the Agricultural News, it was shown that during this period 50,474 tons of 96° sugar were made from 477,668 tons of cane, that is, 1 ton of sugar was equivalent to 9°46 tons of cane. It will be interesting to consider what would have been the experience had these canes been dealt with in the muscovado factories formerly in existence, and what difference the manufacture of the sugar in a modern factory has made to the general output of sugar from the island. The data are available to enable the comparison to be made. It has been shown that the work of the ordinary three roller mills, such as are in use in the muscovado factories of Antigua, is such that the megass coming from a mill doing fairly good work, contains about 180 parts of juice for eth 100 parts of fibre, while, from a_mill doing indifferent work, the amount of juice rises to 200 parts for each 100 of fibre. Information is available, as given in the following table, showing the composition of the canes dealt with in each of the ten years and also the sugar content of the juice from the first mil] of the factory. This juiee*would be very similar to that expressed by the ordinary three-roller mill. Table 1 Year. Fibre in Sucrose in Sucrose in cane cane first mill juice per cent. per cent. per cent. 1905 151 15:3 UME 1906 15:2 14:1 18°3 1907 15-1 144 18°5 1908 152 14:3 188 1909 15°6 14:2 18°6 1910 15°9 14:7 19-1 1911 158 14-1 18°5 1917 17d 142 19-0 1913 177 129 17-7 1914 166 13:5 18-0 The quantity of jnice that three-roller mills, both indifferent and fair, would be capable of extracting from canes of the character here indicated, is given for each year in the next table. It will be noticed that in the first four years under consideration, the quantity of fibre in the canes was slightly over 15 per cent., but that after this it tends to rise, until in the last three years it ranges froin 16°6 to 17-7. It is to be remembered that these figures .r¢ epresent the average of each season’s work; the maximum fibre ‘content in Mae year has, therefore, been considerably in excess of the figures now given. The effect of the fibre content on the work of small mills is well brought out in the table. In the first four years it is shown that the mills would extract from 50} to 531 per cent. of juice, according as the mill might be classed as good or poor: in 1913, however, it is shown that the mills would only be expec ted to give from about 42 per cent. to 45) per cent. of juice. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, DrceMBeR 18, 1915, Table showing the quantity of juice capable of extraction by three-roller mills. Table IT. | GOOD MILL. | POOR MILL, Year. Juice per Lippenial gal- Juice per| Imperial gallons | cent. lons per ton | cent. per ton cane. canes. | cane. canes. | 1905 D3 | 110°4 50-5 104:2 1906 53-1 —110°2 50-1 104-0 1907 535 110°8 50:5 104°6 1908 53: 110-0 501 101-4 1909 D119 107-5 48'S 101-1 | 1910 51:1 |, 105-6 47-9 99:0 UIE | yl 106:3 18-2 99°7 | 1912. £61 95-2 42°6 87-9 1913 | 45-4 | 94-2 41°9 87-0 T914 | 48:9 j 101-5 45:6 | 94°6 If these facts are considered in terms of Imaperial gallons of juice per ton of cane, it follows that in the first four years a poor mill would have given about 104 gallons of juice per ton of cane, and a good one about 110 to 111 gallons. In the year 1913, a poor mill would have given about 87 gallons, and a good one about 94. Those accustomed to the work of muscovado factories will fully appreciate the significance of these figures. We may now consider what quantity of muscovado sugar would be expected as the yield from these canes, and the quantity of cane it would have taken to make a ton of muscovado sugar. In calculating the following results, it has been assumed that 100 Ib. of sugar in the juice will yield 80 Ib. of dry muscovado sugar. Table ITT. | GOOD MILL. POOR MILL, Year. Sugar per Tons cane per Sugar pe Tons cane per | 100 tb. |» ton sugar. 100 tb. | ton sugar. cane. | cane. 1905 | 843 11°86 794 12°56 1906 779 12°85 7°36 13°62 1907 | 7-94 12:62 | afda0 13°31 1908 796 12°55 T-5i- | 13°31 T9O9 sen 12-96 | 719) || - 13°92 1910 | 7:81 wero | F834 13°64 1911 7-60 - lig5 713 14:03 1912 TOL "14°27 6:48 Ls-44 1913 643 | 15°55 5:93 | 16°85 1914 | 4-03 14:22 6-56 | 15:25 From the dbave it isseen that while in the eaitliee years it would have been possible to obtain about 8 per cent. of mus- covado sugarfroma good mill, and about 7 4 from a poor one, in 1913, a good mill would inve given only about 7 per cent., and a poor one about 64. If the facts are considered on the basis of the’ tons of cane taken to make a ton of sugar, we find that a good mill in the earlier years would have taken about 121 Vor. XIV. No. 356. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 405 tons, and a poor one about 134; while in 1913, the good mill would have required some 153, and the poor one over 164 tons of cane perton of sugar. It is highly probable that the experience of those who were making muscovado sugar in Antigua during this period will fully confirm these calculations. The effect of the change in the method of manufacture may next be considered. mean between good mills and poor ones as fairly representing the average conditions in the island. On this basis the following figures are calculated. Table IV. For this purpose, we may take the Average | tons cane|Tons cane| Estimat- Tons 96°\Difference per ton | crushed. | ed tons | sugar tons. Year. |muscova- | muscova- made — by) do sugar.| | do sugar.) factory. | \ ~ | 1905 | 12:21 | 15,681| -1,984.,| 1,634 350 1906 13°23 24,676 1,872 | 2,349 477 1907 | 12:96 | 40,782| 3,147 | 4,231 | 1,084 1908 12°93 13,060) 3,330 4,696 1,366 1909 | 13:44 | 37,284] 2,774 | 3,995 | 1,221 1910 | 13:22 | 48319| 3,655.) 5.390 | 1,735 1911 | 13°59 | 55,117} 4,056 rh.5,472 | 1,416 1912 14°85 | 59,371 | 3,998 6.239 2,241 1913 | 16-20 | 70,348| 4,343 | 7,337 | 2,994 “1914 14-73 83,030) 5,637 9,151 3,494 477,668 | 34,096 | 50,474 | 16,378 The gain in tons of sugar exported in each year is clearly seen, while in the aggregate for the ten years, the gain has been 16,378 tons. It is interesting to note incidentally, that the average tonnage of cane estimated to be taken to make a ton of muscovado sugar during this period works out at 14 tons. This gain in output constitutes a large accretion to the wealth of the island. It must not be assumed, however, that this gain is one which goes entirely to the estates producing the canes; a considerable part of it is absorbed in providing and working the factory. In addition to this there is some off-set in the diminished value of the molasses produced. Still, taking all the circumstances into consideration, it is evident that the wealth of the island is materially inereased by the operation of the factory. DEPARTMENT NEWS. The Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture re- turned to Barbados by the C.R.M.S. ‘Chignecto’, on December 15, from St. Vincent and Grenada, after having paid an official visit to the former Colony extending to eleven days, and three days in the latter. Mr. H. A. Ballou, M.Sc., Entomologist, and Mr. W. Nowell, D. I. C., Mycologist to the Department, are expected to: leave Barbados on official visits to St. Vincent on December 29. GROUND NUTS FOR EXPORT. In April last, samples of three varieties of ground nuts were forwarded in a shelled condition from Montserrat to the Imperiai Institute for report and-valuation. The report has recently been received. In this it is stated that the samples of the varieties sent, namely, Virginia Running, Gambia, and Rufisque, consisted of kernels of fair appearance and good flavour, ‘The average weight of one kernel varied from 0°89 gram, in the case of sample 1, to 0°54 gram, in the case of sample 3. As regards the percentage of oil, this likewise varied from 45°6 per cent. in sample 1 to 47°6 per cent. in sample 2, sample 3 being intermediate in’ respect of oil content. Coming to commercial valuation, the report goes on to say, ‘The samples were submitted for valuation to merchants in London, who reported that sample No. I consisted of bold kernels of good marketable quality, similar in appearance to Chinese kernels and suitable for the English edible trade, whilst No. 2 consisted of smaller kernels than No. 1, but was of good marketable quality and suitable for crushing- The kernels of sample No. 3 were described as of about the same sizeas No.2 but of mixed appearance; they were, however, stated to be of fair quality and suitable for crushing.’ The firm valued the three samples as follows:— No. 1 £15 10s. per ton c.if d/w London and Marseilles SEV Os, 557 Marseilles 3 £14 The Report continues: — ” ” No. No. 3 ” ” ” ” ‘The importation of shelled ground nuts into the United Kingdom for crushing purposes has not been taken up om a large scale hitherto, but there is some evidence that it is likely to increase, and there seems to be no reason why kernels of the quality of the present samples should not. eventually be exported from Montserrat to the United Kingdom, and to France. The latter country has always been the chief market for this product. ; ‘The ground nut market is, however, in a very difficult position at present owing to the war, and the present would not be opportune for largely extending the cultivation of ground nuts in the island!’ Commenting on the above, Mr. Robson, Curator of the Botanic Station, Montserrat, points out that the prices quoted would hardly be remunerative to growers in Montserrat. It appears that there is more hope for developing a ground nut. trade with Canada and with the other West Indian islands like Trinidad than with the United Kingdom. Whatever the conditions as regards the market are at present, there is no- doubt that it is desirable to maintain interest in Montserrat. in the cultivation of ground nuts, for in the future it is likely- that a good export trade may eventually be established. : — Some useful facts concerning Indian corn are given in the Journal of the Jamaica Agricultural Society for October 1915. It isstated that ordinary cultivation gives 25 bushels per acre, whereas on fair land with good cultivation it should not be less than 50 bushels per acre. In the Clarendon competition the best yield (99} bushels per acre) resulted from planting 5 feet by 4 feet, with from 4 to 6 grains in the hole. In regard to depth of planting, it is stated thatasa general rule, if corn grains are covered with 1 inch depth of soil, growth is quicker and stronger than if they are covered deeper. A great deal, of course, depends on the conditions of moisture at the time of planting. 406 THE WEST INDIAN COTTON. Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool, write as follows, under date November 15, with reference to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton:— A good business Las been done in West Indian Sea Island cotton since our last report; about 700 bales have been sold at firm to hardening prices. The sales include St. Vincent, ordinary quality, 15d. to 20d., superfine quality 22d. to 28d., Montserrat 15d. to 153d., Antigua 13d. to 15d. Barbados 154., Nevis 1444. to 15-7., St. Kitts 14d. to 15}¢., Jamaica and St. Lucia 10d. to 11d. The stock is now demand is improving. reduced to about 100 bales and the The Report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week ending November 27, is as follows:— ISLANDS. There was a good demand throughout the week for the old bags grading Fine to Extra Fine, taking all the offerings at our quotations, tlre buyimg being on account of the Northern Mills. There had been little demand for Fine for several weeks ; consequently the stock of this grade had accumulated, which a mitted of the large sales, which consisted principally of this quality. The market closes very steady’ with a continuance of the demand taking the daily offerings. There is some little demand for Planters’ crop lots, but at priccs below the views of Factors. We quote, viz.: Extra Fine 27c. to 28e. = 17d.-1 741. c.i.f. & 5 per cent. ‘7 ully Fine 26e. = 16hd. 33) a5) | issmenay Fine 25c. = 6d: 330 7D FLORIDAS AND GEORGIAS. There has been no change in tle market this week. The offerings were all taken at our last quotations. The demand is chiefly for Choice and Extra Choice, which Factors refuse to sell except in conjunction with Fancy, for which there is but-a limited demand, and of which the offerings chiefly consist. To secure the Jower grades, therefore, Fancy has been taken along with them. The market closed very steady, with no disposition on the part of Factors to lower their prices, but rather to advance them. The demand is for Northern Mills, and the exports from Savannah and Jacksonville this week were again large, 2,978 bales. We quote, viz.: Faney Extra Choice Choice The exports from Savannah, for the weck were to Northern Mills 498 bales, Souihern Mil’s 25 bales, and from Jacksonville to Northern Mills 2,455 bales. The U.S Census Bureau reports. cotton Noveinter 14, as follows:— 2,243 bales 25hc.=26hc., landed. ow) ” ” giniel to South Carolina Georgia 14791" ;, -Making a total of 69,477 bales Florida 99,443 |, | against last year 53,875 bales. Total crop 78,857 bales. , 193 52,679 ,, er Redd a COMO ART ne GE 16S 1984 O08 Re ee AGRICULTURAL NEWS. DrcemBer 18, 1915. ITALIAN CITRUS PRICES IN 1914. The following review of the Catania and Sicilian market for 1914, taken from the Perfumery and Essential Oil Record tor October 1915, will interest lime and orange growers in the West Indies:— It is interesting to note that the prices of essential oils, not only Lecause of the war, Lut from natural causes, had fallen to a point below any in the preceding ten years. During these ten years (from 1905) the prices of essential oils have steadily advanced, reaching the maximum quotations in 19135, The following table indicates the price scale per peund f.o.b. Messina, during the period: Lemon Orange Bergamot Period. oil. oil. oil. Opened 1905 0-548 1-521 2373 Average, 1905 to 1909 07852 1-744 2-859 Average, 1910 to 1914 1724 1-967 4-988 Closed 1914 0-831 1-318 2-514 From 1905 until 1913 the oil obtained was only sufficient to supply the demarfd. his accounts for the inability to accumulate stocks and the steady increase in quotations. With better crops in 1913, quotations began to fall, and not only was the demand supplied but stocks began to accumulate. Lemon oil was sold in Sicily at $2°312 per tb. at the beginning of 1914, The accumulated stock from the preceding year began immediately to depress the market, so that even during January, quotations fell to $2:008, and in February to $1°825. Local speculation at the end _ of February forced a rise to $2°3!2 but this was only temporary, as quotations in March again fell- to $2-068. At the beginning of April it was known that the Californian crops were good, so that little profit was to be expected from the export of, fresh fruit to the United States. Great quantities of lemons, which would otherwise have been experted, were therefore used in the manufacture of essential oil and citrate of lime. The manufacturers of the latter obtained good prices, as the Camera Agrumaria of Sicily continued to advance the price of citrate of lime. These combined circumstances caused a large production of lemon oil, which not only met the demand but permitted the accumulation of considerable stocks. This latter fact alone would have occasioned a depreciation in prices, but the outbreak of the European War created a further depression. The price of this oil fluctuated between $2 068 and $1-582. The effect of the war was immediately shown in the months of August and September, when the price fell to S0-973: and when it became certain that the new lemon crop would be good, the price dropped still Jower, closing the year at S0°831. The year 1914 opened with quotations of sweet oranve oil at $2°677, but prices gradually declined, until at the end of May sweet orange oii was quoted at $2433 per Ih. From June to September a marked drop was noticed, quotations having reached =1°703. With the beginning of the manufacture of the new crop oil buyers were only offering $1217, which low figure coytinned until the end of the year (October to December). As profits were insufticient to the manufacturers, only a small quantity of orange oil has been produced from the new crop of 1914. Another important factor in the depression of the market is the increasing production of sweet orange oil in Jamaica, Vor XUV. No; THE 356, AGRICULTURAL NEWS 407 the amount produced at present being nearly sufficient to meet the American and British demands. The production of the citrate of lime during 1914 was about 6,707 tons, this being somewhat larger than was at first anticipated, because, as has been previously stated, the export of the summer lemons was considerably restricted by the war, and the unexported fruit was converted into by- products. DURATION OF LIFE OF THE SISAL HEMP PLANT. ° A useful article on the cultivation of sisal hemp has been published in the Bulletin of the Imperiul Institute (Vol. XIII, No. 3). One of the most interesting features of this article are the observations on the duration of the life of the plant, which we reproduce below. It will be remembered by our readers that this is largely bound up in the question of v»oling, and in the course of referring to this point in the following note, it is difficult to understand why no attention is given to the relationship between lime. im the soil and poling established by Mr. Cousins in Jamaica:— As has been already stated, the duration of life is determined by the production of the pole or inflorescence. In Mexico the plants are said to live for fifteen, or sometimes even twenty-five years before poling, whilst in more tropical countries they live a much shorter period, the average length of life in East Africa being only about six years. In general, the duration of the plant appears to be largely dependent on condition of soil and climate. It has been asserted that the life may be prolonged by cutting out the pole as soon as it appears above the leaves, the plant being thus rendered available for fibre for nearly a year longer than it would be otherwise; but experiments which have been con- ducted in German East Africa do not support this view. The early poling of sisal plants in East Africa has been much discussed, and has been regarded by some planters as a great disadvantage. It appears, however, that the comparatively short life is due to the fact that there are two growing seasons in that country, and growth is checked twice a year, whereas in less tropical countries there is only one growing season per annum. Thus it is evident that the plant in East Africa lives through approximately the same number of growing seasons as it does in other countries, but only about half as many years. Moreover, the number of leaves produced per plant (on the average about 200) is roughly the same in each case, and hence the comparatively brief duration of life is rather an advantage than otherwise, as the total crop of the plant is produced in a relatively shorter time. Since the plants in a sisal plantation do not all pole at the same time, the work can be carried on continuously by the intercalary method sometimes adopted in German East Africa. As the plant lives for only about six years, cutting can only be carried on for two or three years before it dies. New plants are therefore continually inserted between the old ones, so that when one plant dies another is ready for eutting, and the work of the plantation can proceed without interruption. Some planters, however, do not approve of this method, but prefer to let all the plants in a plantation pole and die, and then allow the land to lie fallow for a year or more before replanting. REPORT ON THE SUGAR-CANE BARBADOS : EXPERIMENUS FOR THE SEASON 1913-15. eB Professor d’Albuquerque and Mr. J. R. Bovell have recently published their results on experimental work with sugar-cane in Barbados for the period 1913-15. As in former years, the report is divided into three sections. In regard to Part 2, it is stated that the results cbtained from the general series of manurial trials, which are repeated each year, were seriously interfered with during the season under review by a new factor, namely, the grub of the root borer. As this subject has been dealt with under Insect Notes in the last issue of the Agricultural News, it is unne- cessary here to do more than repeat, that the damage was of such an extent as to render it impossible to draw any definite conclusions as to the respective influence of the different fertilizers. In an additional series, planned to show the relative values of nitrate of soda, sulphate of ammonia, nitrate of ammonia, calvium cyanamide, and nitrate of lime, the disturbing factor referred to above was apparently absent, and the conclusions are drawn that, under the conditions of this particular season, nitrate of lime and nitrolim give the best results. These trials, it should be mentioned, were conducted in duplicate, and the above inference is based upon the means. An examination of the figures, however, shows us that one of the nitrate of soda plots gave 50 per cent. more sucrose than the other, and the highest yield but one of the whole series. The ‘ probable error’ must therefore be high, and the conclusions correspondingly doubtful. Turning to Part 3 of the report, which deals with the work of raising new varieties, we learn that in 1913 a total of 5,865 seedlings were obtained. Of these there were 1,073 selfed seedlings. and 384 natural hybrids. Of the 5,865, a dirst selection of 2,102 were planted at Waterford estate, and during the reaping season of 1915, 341 were cut and analysed, and of these 101 were considered worthy of attention. his, it will be realized, is work of very high value and importance, and work which is of great benefit to other cane-growing colonies as well as Barbados itself. Tables are given in the Report to show in detail the composition and yields of the more important varieties. It is not the custom to recommend seedlings for trial until the average results of five years have been obtained, but at the present time there are three varieties which planters may try tentatively on their estates; these are Ba. 6032, Ba 7924, and B.H. 10 (12). The first mentioned variety give this season, as the average of fifteen plots on nine estates, 1,354 tb, of saccharose per acre more than B.6450, and 3,061 Ib. of sucrose more than White Transparent. ja 7924 vave 2,602 lb. more than B.6450, and 3,202 Ib. more than White Transparent, while B.H. 10 (12) has given 3,015 tb and 4,120 Ib., respectively, more than the two standards men- tioned. These would appear to be varieties of great promise, and the supremacy of B.6450, if for no other reason, seems threatened in the light of these new discoveries. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. DrEcEMBER 18, 1915. EDITORIAL NOTICES. HeEAD OFFICE — BARBADOS. Letters and matter for publication, as well as all Specimens for naming, should be addressed to the Commissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture, Barbados. All applications for copies of the ‘Agricultural News’ and other Departmental publications, should be addressed to the Agents’ and not to the Department. The complete list of Agents, and the subscription and advertisement rates, will be found on page 3 of the cover. Imperial Commissioner of Francis Watts, Agriculture for the West Indies ¥.1.C., F.C.S. SCIENTIFIC STAFF. C.M.G., D.Sc., Scientific Assistant and Assistant Editor Entomologist H. A. Ballou, M.Sc. M ycologist W. Nowell, D.I C. CLERICAL STAFF. Chief Clerk A. G. Howell. Assistant Clerk M. B Connell. -Jwiior Clerk W_ P. Bovell, Assistant Junior Clerk P. Taylor. Typist Miss B. Robinson. Assistants for Publications {fe Wee Journ. Inst. ‘Anricultural Hews “Vor. XIV. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1915. No. 356. NOTES AND COMMENTS. ‘Contents of Present Issue. W. R. Dunlop. The editorial in this number deals with neglect of science by the daily Press. A yaluable article appears on page 404. ene shows what would have been the experience had the canes dealt with in the Antigua Central Factory been dealt with under the old Hmuscovado system. A review of the Barbados Sugar-cane Report will be found on page 407. experiment The information under the headings Insect Notes, and Plants Diseases, consists of reviews of the subject- matter published in those sections of this Jonmal during the past year, Teff—A Fodder Grass. In this Journal for March 14, 1914 (page 85), a useful article appears on the subject of fodder grasses. Amongst those referred to is Teff (Hragrostis abys- sinica). It is stated that Teff was introduced into the Transvaal in 1903 and has since proved itself a complete success, its qualities being good palatability, high nutritive value, heavy yielding, rapidly growing, drought Resisving, and ability to smother weeds. The Coninnisettriek of Agriculture for the West Indies has recently obtained through the Department of Agriculture, Union of South ‘Agnes, a supply of seed of this grass, and small quantities have been distributed to the different islands, meluding Trinidad where, it is learnt from Professor Carmody, the plant has already been tried. It seems rather difficult to establish in Trinidad. This is probably due to inferior germination capacity, in which respect the present supply is also said to be poor. It 1s hoped however that enough plants may be raised to produce seed for future distribution. There is every reason to believe that if this. new fodder can be successfully grown, it will be a great boon to stock owners in the Lesser Antilles. Limes v. Lemons. The editor of Tropical Life in the October issue of that journal calls attention to the excellent qualities of the fresh lime, and suggests that it might be more widely substituted in Europe for the lemon. Mention is made of an article by the Scientific Assistant on the Staff of the Imperial Department, which appeared in a recent issue of the Bulletin of the Imperial Institute, where it is stated that the lime, although smaller than the lemon, yields, weight for weight, a good deal more juice: and the article in Tropical Life continues: ‘we are quite certain that since the cost of freight is an important item to be considered, a cubie foot of limes would give infinitely more home-made lemonade or limeade than a cubie foot of lemons would, while the cost per gallon would surely work out ata lower cost than when made from lemons with their thicker skins and often indifferent pulp or fleshy contents.’ It then goes on to suggest that if lime producers in the West Indies could bulk their output and employ one or two real live travellers who are experts in the Peninsula fruit trade, they would, after two or three years’ canvassing permanently place limes in a domestic place of importance in Great Britain. Though the above suggestion is a good one, it cannot be gainsaid that the keeping qualities of the lime is inferior to that of the lemon; this, however, would not necessarily be a disadvantage if the market arrangements were such as to ensure a moderately rapid sale. The lime is essentially a summer fruit, and if supplied during that period it would no donbt sell quickly enough, Von. — XIV. No. 356. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 409 By. way of commenting on the suggestions of Tropical Life, a note inthe West India Committee Circular points out that the absence of freight facilities and the heavy war rates are insuperable obstacles for the present; while in normal times the unwillingness of planters to damage their trees by gathering fruit in the Winter militates against the efforts to replace the lemon by the lime. In conclusion we may repeat what we have already pointed in anothor issue that the recent gifts of West Indian limes to the hospitals in England and France will make the fruit much better known and may eventually lead to its adoption for many purposes in place of the lemon as soon as the shipping trade is normal again. Effect of the War on Jamaica’s Trade. Colonial Reports—Annual, No. 860, constitutes the report on the Colony of Jamaica for the year 1914-15. From this it is seen that the abnormal conditions consequent upon the European war have very seriously affected the Colony. Shortage of shipping facilities have been the foremost factor m this connexion, affecting both the export of produce and the import trade. The one industry in the Colony which the war has materially benefited is the sugar industry, which has reaped the advantage due to the diminished output of beet sugar, The demand for cacao has been of benefit to growers of this product im enhancing prices. Dye-woods also have, to a limited extent, profited by the increased demand. The drought in the early part of 1914 resulted in a serious diminution both in the quality and quantity of the fruit produced in the banana industry. Seasonable weather, however, in the latter part of the year 1914 and early in 1915, gives promise of a much improved condition of affairs in this respect. Upon the outbreak of war the small settlers were urged to plant increased quantities of foodstutts in view of the expected rise in the cost of imported foods, and due to this precaution, and helped by good rains, there has been an ample supply of provisions, counteracting to some considerable extent the diminution of pur- chasing power brought about by the effects of the war. The steps taken upon the outbreak of the war and later by legislation, to prevent an unwarrantable increase in the price of imported food, has kept prices within reasonable limits, and have satisfactorily achieved the purpose. The tourists trattic to the island suffered seriously, and the falling off in the number of tourists was very marked. Notwithstanding these drawbacks, the opinion is expressed that (the circumstances mevitable to the conditions arising from the war having been realized and dealt with), there is no need for serious anxiety as to the prospects for the future, except as to the provision of adequate shipping facilities for the island produce. It must be mentioned, however, in regard to the fore- going, that since this opinion was expressed, in August last, Jamaica was visited bya severe hurricane which did considerable damage to growing crops. Agricultural Teaching in American Schools. A new book entitled The Essentials of Agriculture, of which the author is President H.J. Walters, is reviewed in arecent issue of Vatwre by Dr. E.J. Russel. It is stated that the book is in favour of making agricultural teaching as local as possible, taking the whole neighbourhood as the laboratory, and. drawing abundantly on local estates, gardens and forest land, and on recognized local experts for the apparatus and materials required. Attention is given especially to the subject of plant improvement, and to conservative policy in relation to soil management. Mention is made of enormous losses that occur in the course of utilizing artificial manures, and this seems to be general all over the world. Dr. Russell concludes his review by stating ‘the book brings home vividly to the reader the enormous part played by the experiment stations in the development of American agriculture. The advances made during the last forty years would appear incredible if they were not accomplished facts, and the book is so well written and so well illustrated that the student must see at once that the hope for the future les in the close co-operation of farmers and experiment station investi- gators. Both in matter and in spirit it is entirely commendable. EE ___ Comparative Agricultural and Forestry Meteorology. The Experiment Station Record (Vol. XXXI, No. 5), referring to recent investigations undertaken in regard to (1) influence of forest cover on the temperature of the soil at different depths, (2) influence of the degree of forestation on the amount of rainfall, and (3) the influence of leafy and coniferous forest growth on the temperature and humidity of the air, says, the more important conclusions are that forest growth exerts a decided influence on diurnal variations in temperature of the air, the maximum being much lower and the minimum much higher than in the air of unforested areas. ‘The influence on the temperature of the soil, however, is comparatively small and dis- appears entirely at a depth of 0:2 metre. Forest growth appears to have considerable influence on the frequency of rainfall, although little upon the amount. It appears to increase the number of rainy days, and to reduce the number of torrential rains. The absolute humidity is higher and the relative humidity is lower in the forest than in the open country on account of the lower temperature prevailing in the former. This is true to a greater extent in coniferous forests than im those of leafy growth, and is most pronounced during the period from April to October, (——_— The Late Mr. E. T. Racker. We have to announce with regret the death of Mr. E. T. Racker of Barbados. Mr. Racker has been associated with this Department in connexion with the printing of this Journal since its foundation in April 1902. Mr. Racker was well known in Barbados as proprietor and editor of the daily paper, the Agricultural Reporter. 410 INSECT NOTES. SUMMARY OF ENTOMOLOGICAL INFOR- MATION DURING 1915. In continuation of the custom which has prevailed for several years past, the information which has appeared in the Agricultural News during 1915 relating to insect and mite pests of crops and animals is briefly summarized in the following notes. General entomological reports, which have been reviewed and summarized during the year, are those from Barbados, Porto Rico, Nigeria and Mauritius. The pests of peas and beans have been considered in five numbers of this journal, and the pink boll worm of cotton has been the subject of three articles. PESTS IN BARBADOS. This information consisted of a review of the entomo- logical portion of the Annual Report on the Barbados Depart- ment of Agriculture for the year ended March 31, 1914. The points of chief interest are the attacks of termites on sugar- cane, the old or ripening canes being attacked by what is supposed to be a species of Eutermes. The fumigation of the nests, and burning infested trash, stumps and other refuse, checked the attack. ‘Trial was made of an ant-destroying machine, by means of which fumes of sulphur and arsenic were forced into the nests. ‘Trials are also mentioned of the use of a lime-sulphur paint for killing scale insects on the trunks of trees. Directions for preparing the paint were given. Under the head of sugarcane insects mention was made of the brown hard back Phytalus smithi and its parasite (Liphia parallela), the root borer (Diuprepes abbreviatus) and of the Leeward Islands root borer (Hxophthalmus esuriens) on page 286.. PORTO RICO. These notes on page 282, deal with Circular No. 6, ‘Control of the Changa’, issued by the Porto Rico Board of Commissioners of Agriculture aid Bulletin No. 192 of the United States Department of Agriculture on the Insects affecting vegetable crops in Porto Rico. In the former of these a satisfactory control of the mole cricket is described: it consists in’ the use of a poison bait, applied in a ring around the plant to be protected or scattered hroadeast over the surface of the ground. The bait is made of low grade flour, 100 tb., Paris green 2} to 3 tbh. thoroughly mixed together. Several insects affecting vegetable crops are mentioned, chief of which are the sweet potato weevil (Cy/as formicariu:), the Southern beet webworm (Pachyzanchla bipunctalis) which attacks the garden beans and sword bean, while the mole cricket is also mentioned as a serious pest. INSECTS OF PESTS OF MAURITIUS. On page 10, the Insect Notes included a brief review of the insect pests in Mauritius in 1913 and notes on West Indian insects. In the former of these it is stated that the sugar-cane grub Phytalus swuthi was not spreading, that the number collected in 1913 was 34 million against 15 million in 1912, that the increased captures were due to the higher price paid for the insects and to a more thorough knowledge of the habits of the beetle. The lawn eutworm, for several years a serious pest, was successfully controlled by a kerosene mixture composed of 1 part by weight of common soap dissolved in 20 parts of water with 40 ports of kerosene thoroughly stirred in: to 24 parts of this is added 16 parts Phenyl or 12 parts THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. DecemMBER 18, 1915. Creoline. Applied in a 2 per cent. solution in water this mixture does not injure grass and may be used at the rate of 11 gallons per 80 square feet for the destruction of subterranean caterpillars and the larvae of the Oryetes beetle. On the same page, the notes on West Indian Pests, are taken from the monthly circulars containing Items of Departmental Interest which are sent in to the Imperial Commissioner each month from the several islands. NIGERIAN PES The report on agricultural pests in Nigeria, by W. A. Lamborn was reviewed in two numbers of the Agricultural News at pages 74 and 90. This report contained interesting accounts of the insect and mite pests of cotton, cacao and maize, With brief notes on the pests of certain miscellaneous plants. PESTS OF PEAS AND BEANS. On page 154, am article on pea and bean weevils gives an account of the weevils species of the genus Bruchus which attack the stored grain and refers to the leaf eating cater- pillars and to those which bore into the growing tips of the plants. The article which appeared on page 218, referred to the Bruchus weevils and to a stem borer which had appeared in St. Vincent, a species of Cryptorhynchus. This borer was further dealt with by Mr. 8S. C. Harland of St. Vincent in a paper which was published in two parts, at pages 346 and 362. The bean leaf caterpillar in Florida was the subject of a note on page 26. The bean weevils (Bruchus chinensis and others) infest the beans and peas in the field and develop in the stored grain. The ripened seeds should be fumigated with carbon bisulphide when they are stored and naphthalene used freely with the stored grain (page 154). he leaf-eating caterpillars (Anticarsia [Thermesia] gemmatalis) and Laphygma frugi- perda, which is better known as a pest of maize, may be controlled fairly well by the use of arsenate of lead. The leaf roller (Hudumus proteus) may also be controlled by the same means. The pests dealt with under the title Insect Pests of Lima Beans in St. Vincent, pages 346 and 563, are the Cryptor- hynchus borer, the bean leaf roller, a leaf blotch miner and the bean caterpillar. The stem borer was recorded in 1910 as a serious pest of Jerusalem pea at the Experiment Station in St. Vincent. It is now known that the borer attacks the Lima bean, eowpea, rounceval pea, Jerusalem pea, and the haricot or French bean, among the cultivated beans, and that the Phaseolus semi- erectus and Vigna luteolu, two plants growing wild in St. Vincent, are also attacked. The life-history of this serious pest has not keen entirely worked out. Control measures include rotation of erops, the careful destruction of all old bean vines, hand collecting of the adult, and the destruction of its wild food plants. The blotch leaf miner is a small fly probably a species of Agromyza. The larva, a small maggot, tunnels under the upper epidermis. No‘tontrol measures are suggested. The leaf caterpillar is statéd to be a new one, greenish in colour and possessing a leaf rolling habit. Arsenate of lead and starch, 1-30 dusted on the plants is recommended as a control measure. PINK BOLL WORM, Three articles dealing with this pest have appeared at pages 186, 202 and 250. The first two of these were preliminary notes and the information they contained was embodied in the third which gave a fairly complete account of the insect, WOE. .pxliVay NOs D0. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 411 The pink boll worm (Gelechia gossypiella) is a serious pest of cotton which is known to occur in India, Ceylon, Burmabh, Straits Settlements, Egypt, British East Africa, German East Africa, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and the Hawaiian Islands. This insect in its larval form injures the cotton boll, often causing a loss of 50 percent. of the bolls. The life cycle ordinarily occupies about fifty-four days but the larva is capable of living for long periods in the old bolls or inside cotton seed; in one instance this was as much as seven months. Living larvae have been found in cotton seed shipped from Egypt when examined in the United States. Preventive measures against the introduction of this pest include the prohibition of the importation of all old cotton seed from countries in which it is known to occur, the keeping of imported baled cotton for at least a year at some point north of the cotton belt before allowing it to be taken into a cotton growing area, and fumigation. In _ this connexion the notes on the fumigation of baled cotton in vacuum mentioned below will be of interest. PESTS OF MISCELLANEOUS CROPS. coco-Nurs. The insect pests of coco-nuts were referred to ina review of the insect portion of Copeland’s book on coco-nuts, on page 42. This is an interesting account of the pests of this pluit in the Philippines and the islands of the Far East. cacao, An article on the pests of cacao on page 58 was a review of the chapters of van Hall’s hook on Cacao relating to the insect and other animal pests of that crop. On page 314, cacao thrips are discussed in an abstract of a report of the Entomolsyist on a recent visit to Grenada. Here it is suggested that thrips instead of being a pest should be regarded as always indicating something wrong in the matter of soil or drainage or disease. Any considerable increase of thrips_on cacao in Grenada should be taken as a warning that something is wrong with the trees. SWEET poraTo. ‘The insect notes on page 131 dealt with the sweet potato weevil (Cylas formicurvus) which was at that time recorded from the Bahama Islands. It was formerly known to occur in many tropical countries and in this part of the world it was recorded in Jamaiza, Cuba and British Guiana. It may be mentioned that since that article appeared this insect had been recorded in Porto Rico (see Notes on Porto Insects, page 282). This is a serious pest and every effort should be made to prevent its introduetion into the Lesser Antilles. papaw. An article of considerable interest in view of the atteinpts that have been made to interest planters and small holders in the West Indies in. the growth of papaws (Caries Papay) or the production of papain is that on page 106 entitled, A Frnit Fly Attacking Papaw Fruits, by Messrs. Knab and Yothers. The insect is the papaw fruit fly (Zoxitry- pana enrvicauia). The egg is inserted into nearly ripe fruits, by the adult female, the larvae occur at first in the central seed cavity of the fruit and later, when nearly full-grown, are found in the flesh of the fruit. The full-grown larva leaves the frnit, falls to the ground and pupates under a bit of rock or in the soil. This in-ect is known in Florida, Bahamas, Porto Rico and the Danish West Indies, and in Central and South America. It is a serious pest and has inereased rapidly. It has threatened the future development of the pipaw industry in Florida. cassava. A weevil boring in the stems of cassava has oceurred at the Experiment Station, St. Vincent. This appears to be aspecies of the genus Cryptorhynehus which may become very troublesome. It is sugvested that the cuttings for Janting should be free from infection and that all stems from fields where the insect has occurred should be burned as soon as the crop is harvested. This note appeared at page 155. INDIAN CORN. On page 186, a brief account of the corn ear worms was given. These are Laphygma trugiperda and Heliothis obsoleta. The control suggested depends on the use of powdered lead arsenate and Paris green. The use of starch in diluting these poisons for use on Indian corn is mentioned on page 362 in the note which will be summarized below. GUINEA GRASS. An account of an outbreak of the guinea grass moth on guinea grass and Para grass in Barbados was given on page 186. cotten. Two articles dealing with cotton stainer have been published during the year: on page 234 an account of cotton stainers and stained cotton, and on page 314 Notes, on an Internal Boll Disease of Cotton Seed. ‘hese show the relation of cotton stainers to stained cotton, and to a disease of the cotton seed. A note on a cotton stainer trap and one on the cotton worm in the United States appear on pages 309 and 166, respectively. SUGAR-CANE. A note appeared on page 266 giving an account of a caterpillar, probably Laphyyma fugiperda, attacking sugar-cane in St. Lucia, and one on page 394 with regard to the effect of attacks of the root borer ( Diaprepes abbreviatus) on sugar-cane grown for experimental purposes in Barbados. ANTs. Three notes on ants have appeared during the year. One, page 330, sounds a warning as to the possibility of the acrobat ant becoming a pest of cacao in Grenada, another, page 378, gives notes on the control of ants which take away onion seed in St. Vincent, while the third, page 59, is a brief note on ants in the Botanic Gardens, Dominica Locusts. The notes on locusts include a brief account of the outbreak of the South American migratory locust (Schistocerca, puranensis) in Venezuela, and the threatened invasion of Trinidad, page 202, and an account of an outbreak of locusts in British Guiana, page 347. i JACK SPANIARDS. On page 298, an illustrated article entitled West Indian Wasps gave an account of several species of wasps and mentions their value as predators on insect pests, and also refers to a certain disease which attacks one or more species. On page 395, there is a note on Introducing the Jack Spaniard into St. Lucia. SOIL-INHABITING GRUBS. This note on page 122 deals with the grubs of the root borers Diaprepes and Exophthalmus, and of the hard back Phytalus and Lachnosterna in the Lesser Antilles. INSECTICIDES. On page 362 an interesting article entitled, Starch Instead of Lime with Paris Green, gives an account of experiments in St. Vincent which indicate that a low grade arrowroot starch ‘Madingo’ is much more satisfactory as a dilutent of Paris green and arsenate of lead than lime. The note on Cyanide of Potassium in trees shows that in certain trials in Barbados the introduction of cyanide into the body of certain woody plants resulted in the death of large patches of bark and wood. FUMIGATION ‘Two brief notes on Fumigation, one on page 154 and the other on page 282, refer to trials of fumigation with cyanide of plant material in vacuum. This is of special interest in connexion with the attempts to fumigate baled cotton, and has reference particularly to the danger of the introduction of the pink boll worm in baled cotton. QUARANTINE. On page 170 the Insect Notes deal with the difficulties of Plant Quarantine. MISCELLANEOUS NOTES include the following: A Cricket Predaceous on Termities, page 202, Black blight and Snails, page 394, Fly larvae in horse manure, page 22, and the Animal pests of Hevea Rubber, page 23. Notes on ticks are to be found on pages 59, 125 and 212. 412 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS DecEeMBER 18, 1915. GLEANINGS. A letter has been received from Mr. C. Forbes Todd of Trinidad, formerly of St. Kitts, containing the sad news of the death of Major Montgommery, who was killed during October, in France. Major Montgommery was the owner of Molineux estate in St. Kitts, over which Mr, Todd was manager for a number of years. é The Grenada Department of Agriculture has recently issued a pamphlet on the lime and its cultivation, of which the object is to provide local planters with practical knowledge concerning this crop. In certain districts in Grenada where it is rather too dry for cacao, the cultivation of limes may be found a useful substitute. It appears from the Louisiana Planter for October 9, that the reports that the sugarcane crop in the Southern States was badly damaged by the Augnst hurricane had been to a great measure disproved by later advices. Nor has the damage to factories been considerable. It is added that the rain which accompanied the storm was of great benefit to the growing canes. From a communication received from the Virgin Islands, it is learnt that nearly 50. of onion seed has been planted out in the Government nursery beds to provide seedlings for the peasants. The prospects before onion cultivation in the Virgin Islands are very promising. Recently an Onion Growers’ Association was established, similar to the ones in Antigua and Montserrat. Testing Grape Varieties in the Vinifera Regions of the United States, is the title of a bulky bulletin (No. 269) issued from the Bureau of Plant Industry by the United States Department of Agriculture. This shows that the best results are obtained where the scion and stock are congenial and both are suited to the conditions of the environment. The ideal vine is one having a most resistant root which is congenial to a top that produces the best fruit abundantly. In the previous issue of the Agrieultwral News we referred to the duck as a mosquito destroyer. In connexion with this, a note in the Remew of Applied Entomology (Series B: Medical and Veterinary) is of interest. When kept rather closely confined, there may be one disadvantage attaching to _ the value of ducks as mosquito destroyers. Where they are confined in yards of which the ground is rather moist, they often dig holes—sometimes to a depth of from 4 to 6 inches. These holes form admirable breeding places for mosquitoes and are frequently hidden by a partial or complete covering of grass. Some interesting manurial experiments with cotton are described in the Annwal Report of the experimental work on the Surat Agricultural Station, Bombay, for the year 1913-14. The object of one is to find out a suitable substitute for farmyard manure from the available indigenous resources. Six years’ results show that farmyard manure which is getting more and nore costly, can be very well replaced by such substances as rotted cactus, tankmud, town sweepings and pudrette. Another experiment concerns rotation crops with cotton. For this:purpose ground nuts, pigeon peas and Jowir (Andropogon sorghum, var. cernwus) answer suitably. Particulars are given in the Monthly Magazine of the Incorporated Chamber of Commerce of Liverpool for September 1915, as to the cacao exported from the Gold Coast in 1914 and 1915. During the period January to December 1914, there was exported 52,793 tons of cacao valued at £2,193,678. During the period January to June 1915, there was shipped 46,632 tons valued at £1,720,666. It will be observed that the quantity shipped for only six months during the present year was nearly as great as that shipped during the whele of 1914, which points toa big annual figure for 1915. A review appears in the Journal of the Royal Society of Arts of a book called ‘The Spirit of the Soil’, by G. D. Knox, which is based upon Pfofessor W. B. Bottomley’s work on bacterized peat. It appears from this review that experts have now agreed that Professor Bottomley’s methods are to be taken seriously, and it is further added that, although a popular writer, Mr. Knox has had a sound scientific training, and in spite of its somewhat poetical title, the volume- under notice may be relied upon as ‘an accurate exposition of a new development in agriculture and horticulture, which may have an important bearing on the national food supply.’ ' The Board of Trade Journal for October 14, 1915, states that the number of bales of cotton imported into the United Kingdom during the week ended October 7 was 38,034 (including 173 bales British West Indian, and 229 bales British West African), and the number imported during the forty weeks ended October 7, was 4,106,012 (including 4,620 bales British West Indian, 4,369 bales British West African, 17,379 bales British East African, and 979 bales foreign East Africa). The number of bales exported during the week ended October 7 was 4,979, and during the forty weeks 528,566. The development of primary education in Pernambuco is exceedingly slow. The man of the coloured population can neither read nor write’ Free education is certainly provided, and there are about 135 free schools with an average attendance of about fifty pupils, but, as neither clothes nor books are supplied, those who are too_poor to buy them stay away. Secondary education of a high order is obtainable at a very moderate cost, and the children of the more prosperous and enlightened families are often extremely well informed and remarkably intelligent. The State of Pernambuco spends nearly 500,000 milreis per annum on primary education. (Diplomatic and Consular Reports, No, 5,412—Annual Series.) Vor. XIV. No. 356. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 413 “THE SOILS OF ANTIGUA. _ Dr. H. A. Tempany contributes to the current issue of the West Indian Bulletin a paper on the soils of Antigna, which is of particular interest on account of the wide diversity of soil types encountered within so small an area. The value of a general soil survey, such as this work of Dr. Tempany and others constitute, lies in the fact that it indicates on general lines the areas over which certain soil types prevail, thereby affording a rational insight into the problems in soil management confronting local agriculturists, and assisting them better to understand the position in that respect. It addition it affords a means of forming a judgment as to the suitability of the soils of different districts to different crops. Physically the island of Antigua can be divided into three principal regions: (a) the central plain, (b) the north- eastern area, comprising the lime stone formation, (c) the south-western area, which is the most mountainous and the voleanic part of the island. The soils of the central plain vary very considerably in character; near the limestone outcrop they may be markedly caleareous, but in the more central regions they are stiff and heavy, and require considerable artifidial drainage; they are hard during dry weather, and are apt to become water- logged during wet seasons. They require liberal manuring and thorough tillage to maintain their tilth, while applications of lime are frequently of benefit. Departures from the prevalent type are of frequent occurrence owing to the geological outcrops which are verycomplex, consisting of limestone, beds of a flinty character and volcanic intrusion. In regard to the soils of the southern district (c), it is shown that all of them approximate fairly closely to one physical type, in which the larger and the smaller particles are nearly balanced. Characteristically they are, as a whole, of a decidedly desirable type, being easy to work, moderately retentive of water, and yet draining freely. The soils of the southern district are all non-calcareous; in general the majority of the cultivable lands in this area constitute a succession of valley bottoms of considerable extent, flanked by hills of moderate height, and in most eases sloping down very gently to the sea. Of late years there has been a decided tendency to ex ploit this area for the cultivation of cotton, limes and coconuts, with, on the whole, markedly successful results. The conditions are generally well adapted to coco-nut cultivation especially, and there is undoubtly room for considerable -development in these and other directions. Tn connexion with the survey of the soils of the limestone area (b!, it is shown that in physical censtitution they approxt- mate very closely to a single soil type throughout, in which the particles of a fine silt and clay order of magnitude hold the preponderance by a large amount, and, on the average, constitute 65°9 per cent. of the soil. In relation to calcareous ‘soils it is pointed out that their character will in actual practice be subject to profound modification in relation to the ‘content of caleium carbonate. Soils which mechanical analysis show similar characteristics will differ markedly in ‘their behaviour if a large proportion of calcium carbonate is present. his effect is due to the well-known phenomenon of flocculation... It is pointed out that.in regard to the chemical characteristics of the soils of this area, apart from the content of calcium carbonate, no general classification is possible. ‘These suils show a wide range in respect of organic matter and nitrogen content, and in this connexion it is laid down as a tentative generalization, that a content of 1°7 to 20 per cent. of organic carbon and 0:1 per cent. nitrogen serves as a rough indication of a satisfactory degree of fertility. In conclusion it may be stated that Dr. Tempany’s paper, which has been but briefly dealt with here, provides a large” amount of statistical information in the form of tables, which will no doubt be consulted with interest by all those concerned with soils, especially by those living on the estates in the districts referred to. On account of its general interest we reproduce below a table showing the mean physical composi- tion of the principal soil types encountered in Antigua. TABLE SHOWING THE MEAN PHYSICAL COMPOSITION OF PRINCIPAL SOIL TYPES ENCOUNTERED IN ANTIGUA.* THE Type 1,| Dype '2, Type 3, | Type 4, | 3 mean of mean of mean of jmean of Nos. 1-19, Nos. 20-25. |Nos. 26-34.|Nos. 36, 37, 42; 43) and 44, Per cent. Per cent. | Per cent. )Per cent. Stones ... ; 13 1:4 1:2 4:0 Coarse gravel 26 | 0-9 2-7 7:6 Gravél.. ft 23 omenlo e |e) tb. <1). aay Coarse sand..., 1:8 | 22 | 30 4-2 ‘Medium sand 6-1 81 9°5 9°9 [Fine sand 2:8 i) 3°6 |} 47 Very fine sand 3°5 37 | 4:0 | 4:3 Silt) eee Gt 5-1 53 | S988 Fine silt... 580 | 63-4 46-4 | 384 Clay ie * G2) ay 13-4 46 Combined | water andor- | ganic matter 8:2 | 6°3 19) Fiat | | 101-3 | 1005 99-9 100°5 Calcium carbo-| | | nate 26:2 | 5-6 0-43 0-64 Type. 5, | Type 6, Type 7, || | mean of = No, 41. mean of | Nos: 38-40. | Nos. 45-52 | | | | | Per cent. | Per cent. Per cent. JStones. ... | OD 15 Coarse gravel | 1-0 56 10-1 Gravel. 27 O38 9°5 |Coarse sand 17 20°0 5-1 “Medium sand 3:2 31°8 14:9 |Fine sand... 671 1-0 39 | Very fine sand s4 18 Tt Silt Sat sas 12°2 2:6 9-4 \Fine silt ... an 509 30-4 26-4 ‘Clay se wee] uel89 OD at 5:1 Combined water and | organic matter ...) 69 5-4 5:8 | | 99°9 100-0 99-4 | \Caleium carbonate 0-07 0:03 0:23 * Limestone Area includes Types Nos. 1-19; Central Plain includes Types Nos. 20-44; Southern District includes Types Nos. 45-52. 414 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. DECEMBER 18, 1915. PLANT DISEASES. REVIEW OF INFORMATION CONCERN- ING PLANT DISEASES AND RELATED SUBJECTS. In accordance with past custom there is given below a classified résumé of the articles and reviews which have appeared in this Journal under the headings Fungus Notes and Plant Diseases during the year 1915. CITRUS TREES. The outbreak of a citrus disease of nnexampled severity in Florida and some other sections of the United States has been the subject of several notes as information has from time to time come through It is believed to have been introduced on stocks imported from Japan. It affects principally the leaves and twigs, and has received the name of Citrus Canker. It is specially severe on grape fruit, but attacks other citrus species and varieties to some extent. Exactly how serious it promises, to be in its effects on oranges and limes does not appear in the information so far received. The first announcement as to the causative organism came from the Florida Experiment Station and was to the effect that the disease is due to a fungus of the genus Phyllosticta. Later work in the laboratory of the Bureau of Plant Industry produced convincing evidence that a bacterium, Pseudomonas citri, is the actual parasite. Special precautions against the introduction of this disease have been taken by the governments of the various West Indian Islands in which citrus industries exist,and the importance of the case calls for the willing co-operation of the general public with the officers charged with the duties of inspection of imported plants. The notes referring to this subject appeared on pages 14, 46, 62, and 206. Two reports dealing with the investigation of citrus diseases have been reviewed, one from Florida (p. 94), and the other from the Isle of Pines (p. 318), The former includes notes on the effect of Bordeaux mixture on die-back (of the type supposed to be due to physiological causes), on the artificial production of gummosis by means of various chemicals, and on the successful use of fungicides in preventing meilanose. The principal matters of interest in the Isle of Pines report concern wither-tip and die-back troubles. The former is attributed to a fungus which does not appear to be present in the Lesser Antilles, and is said to cause serious damage to the ‘native lime’. The die-back is believed to be due to a species of Diplodia which is regarded as the most serious citrus enemy in the island. Besides die-back’ of large branches, it causes the only destructive rot of the mature frnit. This tends to confirm observations made by the present writer in Montserrat, a note as to which is given on the same page as the review. On page 334 the important question of the effects of exposure on lime trees is discussed, views on the subject being contributed by the principal agricultural officers of Dominica and St. Lucia. Instructed opinion is unanimous that efficient shelter is of the greatest importance in lime cultivation. Pamphlet No. 79 of the Imperial Department of Agriculture, dealing with the diseases of linie trees in forest districts in the West Indies (black root disease, red root disease, and pink disease) is re- viewed on page 302, COTTON. The internal disease of cotton bolls is discussed in two articles on pages 222 and 238. This is an affection which has received most attention in Montserrat, but which occurs in Antigua, St. Vincent, the Virgin Islands, and probably in the other cotton-growing islands with the exception of Barbados. Bolls with-an unblemished exterior are found while stili unripe ‘to contain rotted lint and swollen germinating seeds. A specific fungus is usually present, but its place in some instances is taken by a rod-shaped bacterium. Investigations in Montserrat, though not yet fully reported on, leave little room for doubt that the first cause of the injury is the puncturing of the wall of the boll by cotton stainer bugs. The method of infection which leads to the subsequent rot is not known. MISCELLANEOUS CROPS. An outline is givenon page 30 of the information on diseases contained in two recent monographs on tropical cultivated plants: Professor Copeland’s book on the coconut and Dr. van Hall’s on e¢acao. On page 46 appears a summary of a Michigan bulletin on two diseases of beans (Phaseolus spp.): anthracnose and bacterial blight. A disease of the latter type is common in the West Indies. No fully effective means of control is known. The increased attention now being given to Indian corn in certain West Indian Islands prompted an article on the rust and smut diseases affecting the maize plant (p. 78). The occurrence of Brown Rist due to Puccinia maydis, Ber., in ~ Montserrat is dealt with; it is not known to have been previously recorded from these islands. The corn smut due to Ustilago Zeae, Ung., is widely distributed in the West Indies, but appéars never to assume epidemic form. Puccinia purpurer, Cke., is very common on sorghum, but does not appear to have been recorded locally as occurring on maize. A preliminary note on a disease of the papaw tree, which does not seem to have been previously described, appears on page 174. It has been found occasionally in Barbados, and specimens have been received from Montserrat. It occurs on leaves and fruits, but is most serious in its effects on the stem, where it produces a localised rot which results in the death of the tree. It is apparently due to a species of Colletotrichum. On the same page as the above is a note on cassava diseases in the West Indies, and a brief review of articles which deal with two root diseases of Hevea in Malaya. A very serious bacterial disease of mangoes which has arisen and assumed epidemic form in South Africa is the subject of a note on page 302. It attacks the fruit and has proved capable of destroying the whole crop of an orchard. No remedial measures as yet tried have proved effective in controlling the disease. A review of a report on a visit to Java (page 287)contains a reference to an exceedingly interesting piece of evidence regarding specific resistance to plant disease. Arabian coffee has been replaced in Java and elsewhere by the Liberian species, owing to the immunity of the latter to the notorious coffee rust. But although*this quality was quite definite for some years, and is still retained against the rust as it exists in other countries, the fungus in Java appears to have adapted itself to the newer host, and now affects it with approximately equal virulence. No other interpretation of the facts seems to be possible. It is a now familiar fact that in the case of certain rusts the fungus which attacks a species A of the host. genus and cannot be directly transferred to another species C, Vor. XIV. No. 356. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 415 may be indirectly transferred to it after a sojourn on an inter- mediate species B. Possibly the Java occurrence may be explicable on similar lines. FUNGICIDES AND SPRAYING, An interesting instance of the effect of lime in increasing resistance to disease in certain plants is given on page 270. On the same page is recorded the spraying of diseased palm trees in India, successful in spitejof the great height of the trees and the torrential rains. Use was made of Bordeaux mixture containing resin soap, applied by means of light compressed-air sprayers. | A further report on experiments in the use of Bordeaux mixture against leaf rust of ground nuts in Montserrat appears on page 350. Good results were again obtained. The use of Burgundy mixture in substitution for Bordeaux mixture, especially where good quicklime is difficult to obtain, is advocated on page 398, where also instructions are given for its preparation. FUNGOUS CONTROL OF INSECT PESTS. Information on this subject has been given in several notes and reviews. An article on the subject of the efficiency of fungus parasites of scale insects in the Lesser Antilles appears on pages 110 and 126, It is-pointed out that their distribution and etticiency depends on the degree of humidity, and that attempts at artificial dissimination can only be successful if this is taken tully into account. There is some scope for artificial methods in affording the fungi a good start at the beginning of the wet season, and in the provision of shelter to conserve the humidity of theair. The conclusions reached in the West Indies are borne.out by experience in Florida and California, concerning which notes appear on pages 94 and 286. A list of the numerous entomogenous fungi of Porto Rico and notes as to their hosts are given on page 286 in a review of a useful bulletin from that island.. The discovery of the perithecial fructifications of Aschersonia in Grenada and Trinidad by Dr. Thaxter is noted on page 14. _ An account of an investigation of a bacterial disease of Lachnosterna grubs is reviewed on page 142. The results were not conclusive as to the existence of a fatal disease of this nature. Wie N WEST INDIAN PRODUCTS. DRUGS AND SPICES IN THE LONDON MARKET. Mr. J. R. Jackson, A.L.S., has forwarded the follow- ing report on the London drug and spice markets for the month of October:— Throughout the month of October there has been a fair amount of business transacted at the drug and spice auctions, with very slight fluctuations in supply and demand. With regard to values of individual products, citrie acid, kola, mace, sarsaparilla, and lime juice have all had a tendency to decline, while Cassia Fistula has advanced. GINGER, MACE AND NUTMEGS. For ginger there has been very small supplies with a very limited demand. At auction on the 27th, the offerings amounted only to 180 bags of wormy washed rough Cochin, all of which were brought in at per cwt. Mace was represented at the first auction on the 13th, by 27 packages of West Indian, 14 of which sold, good bold pale fetching 1s. 10d. to 2s. per lb., pale broken 1. 8¢., and common broken 7d. to 84d. On the 20th, 93 packages of West Indian were offered, and about half sold at the following rates: Is. 9d. to 1s. 10d. for fair palish, ls. 6d. to 1s. Td. for fair to good reddish, Is. 4d. for red, and Is, 2d. for inferior red, while broken fetched 6}d. to 8d. per Ib. On the 27th, 194 packages of West Indian were brought forward and sold, 1s. 7d. to 7s. 10d. being paid for fair to good pale; ordinary to fair mixed fetched ls. 3d. to Is. 6¢., and common Is. Id. to ls. 2d. 26s. Nutmegs were well represented at auction on the 20th, when as many as 240 packages of West Indian were offered and sold, 65’s fetching Is. 2d., 67’s 11}d., and 90’s to 99’s 44d. to 5id. Again on the 27th, a large consignment was brought forward, numbering 634 packages of West Indian, all of which sold at steady rates, 65’s ‘to 80's being 1d. dearer. SARSAPARILLA,. The month opened with very large supplies of this drug. At anction on the 7th, the offerings were as follows: Grey Jamaica 52 bales, native Jamaica 19, Honduras 49. Of these, 46 bales of the grey Jamaica were disposed of at the following rates: ordinary part coarse to good fibrous Is. 7/. to ls. 9d., and 1s. 4d. for coarse and dark. Of the native Jamaica only 1 bale was sold, fetching 11d. per tb. for red, press packed; none of the Honduras was disposed of, being bought in at from ls. 6d. to ls. 10d. Quite at the end of the month it was reported that sales had been effected privately of good fibrous grey Jamaica at ls. 10d., and Lima-Jamaica at ls. 7d. to ls. 8d. per hb. CITRIC ACID, CANELLA ALBA, CASHEW NUTS, CASSIA FISTULA, KOLA, LIME OIL, LIME JUICE, TAMARINDS, AND ARROW ROOT, Citric acid was in very little demand at the beginning of the month, the quotation being from 3s. to 3s. 1d. per hb., a position which it retained with a slightly increased demand towards the end. At the first drug auction on the 7th, 3 packages of Canella alba bark were offered but found no buyers. Sixty-one packages of cashew nuts were also offered with a similar result On the other hand, 12 bags of bold, but partly wormy Cassia Fistula pods from Dominica realized 41s. per ewt. There was a very large supply of Kola nuts brought forward at the auction on October 7, 151 packages being. offered, only 3 of which sold at 43d. per tb. for part mouldy Ceylon, and 7d. for West Indian halves. At the concluding auction on the 28th, 4d. per tb. was paid for 3 packages of green West Indian halves. Lime oil was represented at the first auction by 1 case of West Indian distilled, which was sold at 7s. 6d. per tb. At the close of the month, &s. was asked for prompt delivery of the same quality oil. With regard to lime juice, it was stated towards the end of the month, that in consequence of recent arrivals West Indian could be quoted at from 3s. 2d. upward. At the first auction on the 7th of the month, West Indian tamarinds were in good supply, as many as 72 packages being offered, but no sales were effected. St. Vincent arrowroot was in large supply at auction on the 14th, as many as 300 barrels being brought forward, and sold at 214d. per lb, London.—Tue 416 MARKET REPORTS. West InpriA CoMMITTEE CIRCULAR, November 16, 1915. Arrowroot—2}d. to 4jd. Bavata—Sheet 2s. 4}d.; block 1s. 10d. to 1s. 11d. Brereswax—No quotations. Gacao—Trinidad, 84/6 to 86/- per ewt.; Grenada, 87/6; Jamaica, 85/6 to 93/. Corrre—Jamaica, 51/- to 52/- per ewt. Copra—£29 to £29 10s. per ton. Corron—Fully Fine no quotations; Floridas, no quota- tions; West Indian Sea Island, 14d. to 28d. Fruir—No quotations. : Fustic—£6 to £7. Gincer—Jamaica, 58/- to 80/-. Isryciass—No quotations. Honety—29/- to 39/- per cwt. Lime Jurce—Raw, 2/6; concentrated, £25; Otto of limes (hand-pressed), no quotations. Locwoop—£8 to £9. Mace—6d, to 2/4a. Nurmecs—4}d. to 8d. Pimento—24d. j Rvueser—Para, fine hard, 2/8}; fine soft, 2/65; Castilloa, 2/4. Rum—Jamaica, 4/4 to 5/5 New York.—Messrs. Giuuespre Bros. & Co., November 17, 1915. Cacao—Caracas, 20$c. to 21c.; Grenada, 194c. to 20c.; Trinidad, 20}c. to 204c.; Jamaica, 18c. to 18he. Coco-Nuts—Jamaica and Trinidad selects, $40-00 $42-00; culls, $2500 to $26°00. Corree—Jamaica, 84c. to 12c. per th. Gincer—14$e. to 17c. per th, Goat Sxins—Jainaica, 45c.; Antigua and Barbados, 43c. to 45c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 42c. to 44c. per tb. Grape Freir—Jamaica, $2°75, to $4:00. Limes—$4"50. Mace—3bc. to 44c. per tb. Nurmecs—12c. to 12hc. Orances—Jamaiea, $2°00 to 33°05, Pimento—3Zc. to 4c. per fb. Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 5‘02c.; Muscovados, 89°, 4°40c. ; Molasses, 89°, 4°24c., all duty paid. to Trinidad.—Messrs, Gorpon, Grant & Co., November 29: 1915, Cacao—Venezuelan, $17°50 to $18°00; Trinidad, $17°50 to $19-00. Coco-nur Or—87e. per Imperial gallon. Corrrr—Venezuelan, 14c. per Th. Corra—$5'00 to per 100 Th. Durar—$6 25. Ontons—$4'00 to $4°50 per 100 Ip. Peas, Sprit—$9-00 per bag. Porarors—English $2°00 to $2°25 per 100 tb, Rice—Yellow, $6:10 to $6°25; White, S6*00 per bag. Svear—American crushed, no quotations. to $6*25 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. DrcemMBER’ * 18, 1915. Barbados.—Messrs. James A. Lyncu & Co., Ltd., October 30, 1915. Arrowroor—S$4°50 to $4°60 per 100 th. Cacao—$15:00 to $1600 per 100 th. Coco-nuts—$20 00 husked nuts. Hay—$170 to $1°90 per 100 tr. Manvures—Nitrate of soda, no quotations; Cacao manure, no quotations; Sulphate of ammonia, $85°00 to $95°00: per ton. Morasses—No quotations. Ontons—8$7 ‘00 to $10°00 per 190 ib. Pras, Sprit—$10-00 to $12°50 per 210 th.; Canada, $5°40 per 120 tb. 1915; T. S. Garraway & Co., November 2, Porarors—Nova Scotia, $4°87 to 55-00 per 160 th. Rice—Ballam, $6°00 to $6°10 per 190 lb.; Patna, no quota« tions; Rangoon, no quotations. Sucar—Muscoyado centrifugals, $3°60 to $4°25, British Guiana.—Messrs. WieriInc & Ricurer, Novem- ber 13, 1915; Messrs. SANDBACH, PARKER & Co,, November 26, 1915. ARTICLES. ArRowroot—St. Vincent ‘ Barara—Venezuela block Demerara sheet Cacao—Native Cassava— Cassava STARCH— Coco-nutTs— Corrre—Creole Jamaica and Rio Liberian DxHat— Green Dhal Eppors— Mo tassrs— Yellow Ontons—Teneritie Madeira Pras—Split Marseilles PLANTAINS Potatrors—Nova Scotia Lisbon Porators--Sweet, B’bados Rice—Ballam Creole TANNIAS— Yams—White Buck Suear—Dark crystals Yellow White Molasses TimepeER—GREENHEART Wallaba shingles ,, Cordwood Messrs. Sanp- Messrs. WIETING - a BAGH. Par & Ricwver. 1 Gin 1dc. per th. 21c. per th, $1-20 —— $10 to S11 ~—— $10 to $15 per M.| $18 per M, 12c. to 138ce. 14¢c. to 15c. per tb. $6-00 $12-00 to $12°50 l6c. to 40c. $4:00 to $4°25 $1°68 No quotation $5°25 to $5°50 $2°64 $2°88 $3°12 $3°50 to $3:-70 $4°25 to $4°35 $3°10 32c. to 5dc. per cub. foot $4°00 to $6°25 per M. $1°80 to $2°00 per ton l4c. per th. 14e. ea $12-00 per bag. (210 fb.p 32c. to 55c. per cub. foot $4:00 to $6°00 per M. AY Abais palm (ZHaets guineensis), 277. Acacia tortuosa, 83. Acetic acid made from coco-nut. shells, 365. Acid soils, 217, Adzuki bean (Phaseolus angularis), 158. African agriculture, 351. Agave contala (Java hemp), 77. — rigida, var. elongata (Sisal hemp— Mexican, etc.), 77, 109. —. sisalana (Sisal Florida), 75, 77, 109. Agricultural affairs in 211. sritish Guiana, — Nevis 39. and Anguilla, — St. Kitts, 206. — and Commercial Society, Grenada, meeting of, 278. — bank legislation, 169. — banks for Trinidad, 329. — Credit and Loan Bank, St Vincent, 110. — in Portuguese colonies, 131. — Ordinance, St. Lucia, 361. — societies, 56. education in Grenada, 92. — St. Lucia, 204. — secondary schools, 189. engineering in the tropics, 216. examinations, 13, 221. industries in Demerara, 328. * Agricultural News’, articles initialled in, 88. , index to, 104. Agricultural operations, electric power for, 141. progress in Fiji, 335. Grenada, 581. Montserrat, 397. Porto Rico, 333. pupils, training of in Dominica, 121. teaching in American schools, 409. Agriculture, advance of in United States, 234. —, employment of explosives in, 52. — in Jamaica, 319. —. — the Federated Malay States, 331. — — “Zanzibar, 56. Ajowan seeds for thymol, 313. — in the elif lt el pas 2 West Indies, 392. Alcohol as fuel in Cuba, 237. —, denaturant for, 237. Aleurites cordata, 41. — Fordii, 41. hemp— Bahamas, | 417 EO (38 ade: Se Aleurites montana, +1. — triloba (Candle-nut tree), 41. Aleurodes citri (Citrus white fly), 94. Algaroba bean (Prosopis juliflora), 190. American schools, agricultural teaching in, 409. — source of potash, 76. Ammonia and nitrates, production of in Hawaiian soils, 199. Ananas macrodontes, 265. Andropogon halepensis (Johnson grass), 204. — pertusus, 381. — (Barbados sour grass), 291. — sorghum, var. cernuus, 412. Anguilla, agricultural affairs in, 39. Animal carriers of anthrax, 203. | — foodstuffs, Anjola pea ( Voandzeia subterranea), 105. Ankylostomiasis in Grenada, 267. Annatto on the London Market, 271, , - 303, 335, 367. | Anona cherimolia (Cherimoya), 36. — muricata (Sour sop), 36. _— palustris, glabra, (Mamon, Monkey apple), 56. |— reticulata, (Custard apple), 36. | — squamosa, (Sugar app'e), 36. Anthrax, animal earriers of, 203. _— ino Deierara, 108. —, interesting cases of, 395. Antigua Agricultural and Commercial | Society, Report for 1914, 152. —, by-law for sale of milk in, 153. /— corn granary, 169. International Congress | papers on, 67. | gy Antigua sugar factory (Gunthorpes), tea years’ work of, 588. —, tick eradication in, 219. —, vegetable growing in, 54. —, yearly rainfall in, 153. Anti-strangles serum, 25. Apis dorsata, 220. — indica, 364. | Arbor Day observation in Barbados, 284. | Arrowroot on the London market, 31, 63,. | 207,335, 367, 415. | —, St. Vincent, 85. Arsenite of soda as a spray for weeds, 124. Arthrostylidium multispicatum, 198. _— sarmentosum (climbing bamboo), 198, Asparagus bean (Vigna [Dolichos] sesgue~ pedalis), 158. Atmospheric nitrogen, fixation of on a commercial scale, 254. | Attacus hesperus, 326. Axonopus compressus, 291. Azores, flora of, 91. Azotobacter chroococcum, 370. B. Bacon, curing, 119, 382. — factory for the West Indies, sug~ gested, 118. — in Rhodesia, 118. Bags of cacao, net weight in different countries, 84. Bahamas, agricultural education in, 191, —, citrus fruit in, 191. -—, cotton Sea Island, in, 191. /—, cotton cultivation in, 11. _—, cultivation of Essex rape in, 11. —, experiments with root crops ll. _—, Eucalypts in, 11. |—, export tax on sugar in, 344. —., exports in 1914, 185. |— Government granary, 53. _— Grammar School, report on science | | teaching at, 189. '—, ground waters of, 143. —, improving local varieties of corn in, 197. —, items of local interest, 45, 68, 107, 139, 183, 223, 245, 279, 311, 327, 366, 383. —, kiln-drying of corn at, 53, 75. —, maize show in, 229. — Onion Growers Association, report for 1914-15, 11, 324. |—, skin disease of cattle in, 123. —, soils of, 413. in, —, exports in 1913-14, 60. _—, Indian corn cultivation in, 191. —, onion cultivation in, 191. —, peanuts, Spanish, cultivation in, 191. |—, peppers in, 191. |—, pig-raising in, 191. —, pine-apples in, 191. —, potatoes, Irish, in, 191. A —, sweet, in, 191. —, produce exchange, 191. —, sisal hemp exports from, 191. —, stock-raising in, 191. —, tomato industry in, 191. —, vegetable growing in, 191. Balata industry in British Guiana, 21, — market in 1914, 87. Baled cotton, fumigation of, 282. Balls, W. Lawrence, 314, 390. Balsam (Copatfera officinalis), 182. Jambarra ground nut, cultivation of in Northern Nigeria, 215. Bamboo, cellulose from, 127, —, flowering of, 76. Bambusa arundinacea, — [Cephalostachyum] pergacile, 127. toca bambusoides, 127. — polymorpha, 76, 127. — Tulda, 127 Banana cultivation in Ceylon, 84. —, ripening, changes in the, 103. Bananas, experimental drying’ of, notes on, 68. —, manurial experiments with in Queens- land, 237. Barbados agricultural and ° industrial | exhibition, 8. — blackbird ((Quiscalus fortvrostris), 257. 3 —, cassava. experiments in, 263. — cherry (.Walpighia glabra), 83. — — introduced into Seychelles in 1914, 548. cotton experiments in, 263. — in, 150. infusorial earth, 383: , melons, experimental from, 265. Barbados Pride’ rima), 165. Barbados sour grass (Andropo¢ won per- tusus), 291. i s —, suigar-cane experiments in, 27. — 1913-14; 263. — in India, 89. —, sugar manufacture in, 281. Bay oil industry, West Indian, 72 —, West Indian, 310. Bean, a new, 115. — industry, efforts St. Lucia, 339. Beans, composition of, 105. —, interesting, in America, 158. —, poisonous, 280. —, value per food unit, 230. Béche- de-mer industry in the Bahamas, revival of, 155. Beef kept frozen for eighteen years, 348. Beggar weed (Desmodium sp. ), 11. Pertholletia excelsa (Brazil nut tree), 277. \ Bryophyllum calycinum (Wonder-of-the- World, or Love bush), 355. Black blight and snails, 395. — witch or tick bird (Crotophaga ant), at St. Lucia, 348. Blood, effect of the tropics on, 56. Blue Mountain coffee, 308. — serge, restriction in production of, 201. Blumea balsamifera, 172. Bois Bambarra (Diospyros Hbenasta), 317. — chandelle (Dracwna angustifolia), as supports for vanilla, 343. — Ravine (Calliandra tergemina), 294. Bonavist bean (Dolichos lablab), 124. Bone oil dip, 189. Bones, growing, influence of food poor in lime on, 43. — — exportation (Caesalpinia pulcher- ? — to establish in | Boston brown bread, 101. Books reviewed :— Cocoa, van Hall, Flora of Jamaica, | British West Indies, manjack deposits in, 331. 3udding of limes, 357. 20. | Faweett and Rendle, | 287. 3ullock creeping grip tractor, 249. Les Plantes Tropic ales. Alimentaires Burr grass (Cenchrus echinatus), 2 Industrielles de Ja Famille des | sursera guinmifera (Red gum), a Legumineuses, de Sornay, 165. ' Butter, cotton-seed oil in, 166. Practical White Sugar Manufacture,|—, effect of cane top fodder on consist- Prinsen Geerligs, 226. ency of, 263. Proceedings of the Third International’ By-law for sale of milk in Antigua, 153 Congress of Tropical Agricultnre, 95. Rubber Machinery, Pearson, 375. C. The Coco-nut,‘Copeland, 5. | The Development and Properties of Cacao budding in- estate practice, 52. Raw Cotton, Balls, 390. —, commercial notes on, 271. Timbers of British Guiana, Stone and! —, ‘cundeamor’, 23. Freeman, 95. -— exports from the Gold Coast in 1914 Transpiration and the Ascent of Sap, and 1915, 412. in Plants, Dixon, 95. —, fermentation of, 164. Tropical Readers for Schools : | in the Southern Provinces, (1) The Star of India Readers } 299. (2) The Rambler Travel Books |— industry in the Gold Coast, 23. Nigeria, | Blackie, (3) Rambles among our | 243. |—, Is fermentation necessary ? 296. Industries} |— manurial experiments in Dominica, Borrichia arborescens (Sea-side ox-eye),| 317. 3D5, —, Trinidad, 99. Bos indicus, 98. , Manuring on 263. |—., net weight of bags in different conn- Botanic Gardens, Dominica, Official) tries, 84. Guide to, 153. dc Planters: Association, Trinidad, in- — ,_ history and mnetious of, 281.} corporation of, 130. ; Bopnical notes, 198. — prohibition : effect on a 52. — research, Jamaica as a centre of,!— trees, individuality i in, 129. 233. |Caesalpinia coriaria, 71. — sources of rubber, 359. — pulchersima (‘Barbados Pride’), 165, Boxwood, increased demand in Great Cajanns indicus (pigeon pea), 105. sritain for, 204. Brazil nut tree (Bertholletia‘excelsa), 277. 3read and Cheese (Pethecolobium Unguis- | Calliandra tergemina (Bois ravine), 294, cati), 83. ik tamphor oil in the Federated Malay Breadfrnit trees, dropping of youug fruit, | | States, peculiarity of, 395, prevention of, 28. Canada, Montserrat pine-apples in, 36.” British agriculture and the war, —, sugar duties in, 3. — cane sugar, 258. —, West Indian permanent exhibitions — Cotton Growing Association, 70, 134, in, 41. 150, 294, 342, 358. | Canada-West Indies —_ — Annual) agreement, 171. Report for 1914, /Canadian Customs laws, 25. British East Africa, — sugar refinery, 220. , Calcium compounds, influence on forest vegetation, 268. D6. preferential trade 262, maize cultivation in, | 5D, Canavalia ensiformis (horse bean), 105, — -- —, pig industry in, 55. | «181. —- — —, sisal ‘cultivation in, ) — — (Jack bean), 136, 158. 5D. — — _(sword bean), 158, 282. - a —, hemp industry in, 75. Candle-nut oil, 41 | — tree (Alewrites triloba), 41. epi- Ke ‘ane sugar, British, 258. — — industry, progress in, 281. 11. — top fodder, effeet on consistency of butter, 263. —, trade of, 55 —, treatment zootic lymphangitis in, 55. British Guiana, agricultural affairs in, 2 —, balata industry in, 21. —, lime cultivation in, 344. — trash, the burning of, 35. —, Onderneeming School, 277. — Canella alba on the London market, 415, — scholarship, changes in, 349. Cannabis sativa (Hungarian hemp), 77. —-, Sugar possibilities in, 292, — (Italian hemp), 77. — Press and West Indian agriculture, | — — (Russian hemp), 77. aide | Canning tomatoes, directions for, for 244, — West Indies and Panama Canal, 40. Capsicum annuum, 373. . 419 of Chemical auditing versus chemical control, 89. Cherimoya (Anona cherimolia), 36. Carbon dioxide and the seeds, 121. — gas in incubation, 2 germination 76. Carica Papaya (papaw), 9, 106, 212, Chickens, cotton-seed meal and_ beef 411 scrap as food for, 6. Carrion crow (Catharistu atrata), a Chicle gum in Venezuela, 204. - carrier of anthrax, 203. Chile pepper, improving by selection, 373. Carum copticum, 73, 315, 392. Chironectes marmoratus, 61. Caryocar nuciferum (Souari nut tree), 277. Chlorophora tinctoria (fustic), 156, Cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale) as Chlorophyll, réle of, 295. supports for vanilla, 343, Chorchorus spp. (Indian jute), 77. — nuts onthe London market, 31, 63,) Chrysanthemum [Pyrethrum] cineraliae- | 239, 335, 367, 415: folium, 359. Cassava, cost of cultivation West , Cigars, production of in Ceylon, 139. Indies, 167. Cinchona Ledgeriana, 246. —, developing strains from seedlings, 140, , — officinalis, 246. in —, experiments with varieties in Barba, | Citric acid on the London market, 31, “dos, 263. 63, 95, 143, 175, 207, 239, 271, 303, — flour, suggested use in West Indies, 335, 367, 415. 188. Citrus canker, 46, 62. — industry ‘in Trinidad, 108. — —, United States quarantine — (Manthot utilissima), 41. against, 56, — poisoning, how to prevent, 37. — cultivation in South Africa, 247. —, the poison in, 41. - culture in New South Wales, 180. — fruits in the Philippines, 180. —, oxidases in acid tissues of, —, varieties of, 155. Cassia Fistula on the London market, 175, 207, 271, 335, 415. it 124, Castor bean (Ricinus communis), 373. | —, wild, — oil plant, use in laboratories, ete., 92.|— fusca, 196. — seed, cultivation in the West|—, Italian, prices in 1914, 406. Indies, 155. — manurial experiments in Porto Rico, of Madagascar, 196. — -— seeds, poisonous nature of, 276.) 261. Casuarina equisetifolia, 291. — trees, fumigated, to prevent re-infec- —, potash content of, 348. tion of, 92. — sp., 284. - tripoliata, or Satsuma, 46, 62, 65. Jatharista atrata (carrion crow), a carrier|— Vangasay, 196. : of anthrax, 203. Clerodendron aculeatum (Wild cottee or Cathartes auro (turkey buzzard), aj ‘Coffee bush’), 83. Climbing bamboo (Arthrostylidium sarm- entosum), 198. Clitoria sp., 363. Clove industry of Zanzibar, 382. Coccoloba uvifera (Sea-side grape), 3! Coco-de-mer (Lodoicea sechellar um), 3 : Coco (Colocasia antiquorum), 273. Coconut and palm kernel cakes, 152. '— cake, food value of, 135. —, value per food unit, 230. — cultivation in St. Lucia, 277. — the Straits Settlements, carrier of anthrax, 203. Cattle, a triple purpose breed of, 77. — feeding. 7 — food, use of fish as, 44. —, skin disease in Antigua, 123. — testing for the tropics, 137. — tick, effect of on milk production, _ 236. Cauto cotton in Jamaica, 294. Cavia porcellus (Guinea pig), 172. — rufescens (Brazilian cavy), 172. Cavy (Cavia rufescens), 172. = | 2. | 2 a. Cayman Islands, trade of, 172. 379. Cedar (Cedrela odorata), 182. — — — Tortola, 173. Cellulose from the bamboo, 127 |— estate, measuring development of; Cenchrus echinatus (burr grass), 291. trees, 260. Ceylon, banana cultivation in, 84. — estates, rearing poultry on, 150. manurial | — industry, Javanese, | Colchicum autumnale, | Cold Storage for. tropical fruits, ‘College of Agriculture, Tohoku, 157. — meal and gluten feed, 5. — oil for rifle lubrication, 220. — palm, double, in the West Indies, 312. | — shells, acetic acid made _ from, 365, — trade of Ceylon, 200. , coco-nut cultivation and experiments in, 365, —, coco-nut trade, 200. —, coffee varieties in, 365. —, rice cultivation in, 365. —- rubber industry, increased stability of, 365. —- water as a rubber coagulant, 139. —, the co-operative credit movement in,|Coco-nuts, cultivation and manurial | " 845, experiments in Ceylon, 365. Ghamaepelia passerina (Ground dove),;— in the Windward and Leeward | 258. Islands, 196. | Coco-nuts, manurial experiments at Nevit 398, —, production and Seychelles, 345. — selection for planting, 149. Cod liver oil, a useful remedy for ticks, 332. Cotfea arabica, 365. — canephora, 565, — liberica, 365, — robusta, 246, 365, Coffee, Blue Mountain, 308. — cultivation in East Afriea, of, 132. selection in the 349. ’ 287, |— pulp as manure, 265. —, (robusta) in Ceylon, 84. —, varieties in Ceylon, 365. Cohune nut palm.(Attalea Cohune) intro- duced into Seychelles in 1914, 348. 268. 24. Colocasia antiquorum (coco), 273. Colour and poison in the Lima bean, 373, Coloured cotton, 361. Colts, breaking and training of, 316. /Commercial rubber, shape of, 73. Common domestic fly, a carrier of leprosy, 564. | Competition in the orange trade, 376. Concentrated lime juice, cost of manu. facturing, 291.” Conference of British and Colonial Ento- mologists, proposed, 8 Conservation of soil moisture 267. Co-operative credit movement in Ceylon, 345, — societies, conte of, 380. — in England, need for, constitution and 377. — insurance in West Indian agriculture, 324, Copaifera officinalis (Balsam), 182. Cordia gerascanthus (Cypre), 182. |Corn, American versus local West Indian, 303. — grades, Federal, 213. — granary, Antigua, 169. —, imports into Trinidad, 61. —, industrial uses of, 101. —, kiln-drying experiments at Antigua, faye —, the frog as a pest of, Corn-meal biscuits, LOL. -— bread, 100, 101. — cake, 101. — mutlins, 101. Cotton, baled, fumigation of, 282 — cake, decorticated, value per food unit, 230. —. cauto, in Jamaica, 294, 299, i—, coloured, 361. — cultivation in Antigua, 11. = = — Nyasaland, 342, 358, 420 Gotton cultivation in Tortola, 173. ~- West Africa, 342, 358. —, — of distinct species in Northern Nigeria, 215. —, declaration of as contraband, on British cotton-growing 283. —, Egyptian, mutation in, 214. -— experiments in Barbados, 263. effect industries, 1913-14, — St. Croix, 134. — Sr. Kitts-Nevis, 39. expert, visit of, to West Indies, 8 38. expert’s tour in West Indies, 104. exports from the West Indies, 2 326. — growers and between, 358. — growing competition in Sct. Vincent, 22. oe tet 30, spinners, co-operation = — experiments in Natal, 394. —, imports into United Kingdom, 246, 412. — in Barbados, 150. — Montserrat, 231. industry in Jamaica, 294. South Africa, Sudan, 294. Uganda, 294. West Africa, 294. Ordinance, Montserrat, 102. , Sea Island, a use of, 150. —, exports of, 135. guaranteed — 247. - JEN Fable: minimum ’ prices for, 119. Cotton seed, Egyptian, « 150. fumigation of, — meal and beef scrap as food for chickens, 6. — — as a feed, 6 — oil in butter, 166. —, smooth, results of planting, F319. — stainer trap, 309. — stalks for paper-making, 198. —, testing types in Montserrat, 397. — Traffic Ordinance, St. Kitts-Nevis, amendinent of, 70. —, Upland long staple, spinning. tests, —, West Indian Sea Island, fixed prices for, 342. ‘Couratari exigua, 309. Courses of reading, revised, 93. Cowell, John Francis, 389. Cowpea (Vigna catjang var.) attacked by Cryptorhynehus borer, 346. — vines as food for stock, 181. Cowpeas, colour of, 133. Crops, areas controlled by United Fruit: Company, 84. — in Dominica, damage by storm, 361. effect of excessive rain- | — of St. Lucia, fall on, 403, “Crotalaria juncea (East 77, Indian hemp), Crotalaria juncea (Sunn hemp), 92. Crotophaga Ani (Tick-bird), 258. Crown Colonies and _ Protectorates, Indian population in, 378. — Colony Reports, notes from, 330. Cryptocarya vaccinifolia, 316. Cuba, alcohol as fuel in, 237. —, land development in, 135, —, timber resources of, 157. Cuban sugar factory results, 274. — industry, the molasses prob- nen 116. Cultivation of onions, 171. Cultivations under control of United Fruit Company, 84. Cuscuta sp. (Love vine or dodder), 355, Custard apple (Anona reticulata), 36. Customs laws, Canadian, 25. Cut flowers, how to preserve, 60. Cyclonic disturbance of August 10, 1915, in West Indies, 349. | Cy nodon dactylon (devil’s grass), 267. Cyperus rotundus (Japanese nut grass), | 190, 267, 354. Cypre (Cordia gerascathus), 182. 47, 1D). | Dates of Egypt and the Sudan, : Deer, Noel, 116. 380. |--, anthrax in, 108. —, notes on education in, hye , planting of sugar-canes in, 131, Mendaeenon caribaeus, 236. Department News, 38, 54, 86, 102, 130, 155, 195, 221, 237, 267, 279, 301, 391, 405. of ‘Agriculture, Trinidad and Tobago, Report on, 216. | Deparimental Reports : | British Guiana: Report of Depart- ment of Science and Agriculture, | | 1913-14, 214. St. Vincent: Report on Agricultural | Department, 1913-14, Desmodinm incanum, 363. | = Demerara, ‘agricultural industries in, 328. . | —_—\__—_e Dominica Botanic Gardens, loss of trees by storm, 309. 153, 297, 316. —, cacao manurial experiments in, 317. —, damage sustained by gale, 285. —, — to crops by storm, 361. —, exports in 1914, 168 — of lime products from, 394, 45, 68, 107, 279, 311, 326, —, Official Guide to, ,’ —, items of local interest, 139, 183, 223, 245, 351, 366. —lime cultivation, ments in, 372. —, — industry in, 317. —, plant distribution in, 317. — importation into, 317. —, rainfall in 1914, 72 — rubber, reports on, 38, 188. —, training of agricultural pupils in, 121. —, transport of produce in, 25 — vital statistics, 1914, 236. Donkey, as a transport animal for St. Lucia, 281. ‘Doob’ or devil’s grass, 47. Double coco-nut palms in _ Indies, 312. Drug plants, tropical, 359. Drugs and spices on the London market, new plot experi- the Wset 31, 63, 95, 143, 175; 207, 239, 271, 303, 335. ‘Ducks as a preventive of malaria and yellow fever, 393. mosquito destroyers, 412. Duckweed (Synedrella nodiflora), 267, Dunlop, W. R, 403. ‘Dutch colour standard, 121. Dyeing industry and the tropics, 200, Dye, a new vegetable, 262. Dyes, increased demand for, 204, Dynamite, use in agriculture, 147, E. East Indian hemp (Crotalaria juncea), ,— sp (beggar weed), 11. | Destruction of flies by means of disease, | 509. | Devil’s grass (Cynodon dactylon), 47, Didelphys virginiana (opossum), 203. Digestibility of some tropical foodstutfs, | ) ole Diospyros Ebenasta (Bois Bambarra), olive Dipterocarp forests, 233. | _Dipterocarpus tuberculatus, 233. Dipterix odorata (Tonka bean) in Trini- dad, 153, 277. Divi-divi, a source of valuable dye, 71. Dolichos bulbosus, 165. \— lablab (Lablab bean), 105, 124, 267. 363 aed ii. Economie plants and animals, West Indian, origin of, 97. | Editorials -— Alcohol as fuel in the tropies, 209. Ankylostomiasis, 225, Citrus canker, 65. Development of West Indian fisheries ete Eeonomic changes, 33. Forest soils and nitrogen, 369, Fortunately situated, 321. Increasing the plant’s efficiency, 145, Individuality in cacao trees, 129. Introduction of disease, 65, Molasses as a manure, 210. -_ _ = 421 Editorials (Continued): On understanding requirements, 305, a crop and Origin of West Indian economic plants and animals, 97, 113. Science and the Press, 401. Science and vernacular naming, Soil ventilation, 337. Storm-damaged crops, 275. 353. Sugar-cane varieties in different coun- tries, 210. The American Society of Agricultural Engineers, 195. The art of nature teaching, 241. The Dutch standard, 35 The educational functions of tural Departments, 1. The importance of enclosures, The museum in practice, 385. The organization of science, 289. The role of calcium carbonate, 161. The sugar situation, A The value of birds, * West Indian GEE at the Paper Institute, 17. Education in Demerara, notes on, — Pernambuco, 412. S1. 173. Egret and heron rearing in Madagascar, 269. Egypt and the Soudan, dates of, 380, Egyptian cotton, mutation in, 214. Elaeis guineensis (Abais palm), 277. — (Oil palm), 316. Electric power for agricultural opera- tions, 141. Electricity for the estate, 315. Engineering, agricultural, in the tropics, 216. Ensilage, conservation in warm climates, Giglioli, 67. Enterolobium cyclocarpum, 309. — Timbouva, 309. Epizootic —lymphangitis, against Barbuda, 252. —, treatment East Africa, 55 Eragrostis abyssinica, 408. Eriobotrya japonica, 244. Errata, 339. Essential oils as antiseptics, 188. Essex rape, cultivation in Antigua, 11. Eucalypts in Antigua, 11. Excreta, human, disposal of, 267. Exocoetus roberti (flying: ish), 61. Explosives, employment of, ture, 52 Exports, agricultural, 1912, 300. — from Antigua, 1914, 185. Dominica in 1914, 168. Réunion in 1915, 300, St. Lucia, 277. South Africa, 247. — of Sea Island cotton, 155. for, in _— _ — Extraction of tannin from wattle bark, Fustic (Ch/or ophora tinctoria), use of | 249. its Agricul- | Fonda, J. L., 8 quarantine | Foot: and-mouth disease, British | | Fowls, tubercular, a source of infection in agricul- | from Colombia, | | F. | Farein du boeuf (skin disease of cattle), 123. Farm mechanics, 237. Farming with dynamite, 147 Farmyard manure, substitute for, 412 Faya (Myrica faya) 91. Federal corn grades, US.A, 213. Feeding stuffs, tropical, utilization in United Kingdom, 277. Fermentation of cacao, 164. Fern, a sporting, 393. Fibres, textile, present supply of, 75 Fiji, agricultural progress in, 335, —, progress of, 230. Filter-press cake, manurial value of, 242 Fine Cotton Spinners’ dividend, 1914. 1 200. Fish, use of as cattle food, 44. Fisheries, West Indian, development of, bei. Fixation of nitrogen in Indian soils, 347. Flacourtia Ramontchi (Governor plum), 117, 339. — sepiaria, 117. Flax (Linum vulgare), 41. Flies, destruction of by means of disease, 309. ‘Flora of Jamaica’, 236. — the Azores, 91. Florida velvet bean, 247. Flowers, cut, how to preserve, 60. ) D, | Fly larvae in horse manure, 22. Flying-tish (Hxocoetus roberti), 61. — parasite, 61. , 104 Food, unit values of, 2350. Foodstutts, tropical, and their 19. valuation, _ —, digestibility of some, 261. 204. Forestry in Southern Nigeria, 88. Formula for measurement of logs, 220, of pigs, 188. French West Indies, vanilla in, 84. Frog, as a pest of Indian corn, 299. | Frost, Henry W. & Co., 22, 38, 54, 70, | 86, 102, 119, 134, 150, 166, 182, | 198,214, 246, 278, 326, 342, 358, 390, 406. Fruit pulp, the making of, 340. — trees, stocks for, 23. | Fruits, citrus, in the Philippines, 180. —, tropical, cold storage for, 24. —, —, shield-budding of, 36. Fuel consumption of gasolene engines, | 93. | Fumigation of baled cotton, 282, - - Egyptian cotton seed, 150 | Funtumia elastica, 91, 215. | Fureraea gigantea (Mauritius hemp), 7 | adye, 156. G. |Gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society, 329. Gas mantles, use of ramie fibre in manu- facture of 220. Gases of swamp rice soils, 141. |Gasolene engines, fuel consumption of, |i (93: German potash, 105, German South West Africa, resources of, 975 “ie Ginger lily (//edychium coronarium), 215. |Ginger on the London market, 31, 63, 95, 143, 175, 207, 239, 271, 303, 335, | 367, 415: Glanders in mules, 380 Gliricidia maculata as supports for vans illa, 343, 381. Gloriosa superba, 268. Gluten feed, |Glyeyrrhiza glabra, 359. Goats’ age according to their teeth, 259. —, asa source of milk, 380. Golden apple, hevi (Spondias _ cytherea), 36. Gold Coast, cacao exports from, in 1914 and 1915, 412. Gonioma Kamassi (Knysma boxwood), | 204. Gossypium arboreum, 215. — barbadense, 238. — brasiliense, var. apospermum, 294, — obtusifolium, 215. — peruvianum, 215 — punctatum, 215. |Government aid in establishmeut sugar factories, 185. Governor plum (Flacourtia Hamontchi), as a hedge-making plant, 117 339. pe tropical fruit trees, 300. Grape-truit, handling of, 148. | Grasses, St. Lucia, identification of, 27%. Great Britain’s supply of oranges and | lemons, 164. Grenada Agricultural and Commercial | Society, meeting of, 278 Grenada, agricultural education in, 92. —, — progress in, 381. —, ankylostomiasis in, 267. —, exports during 1913 and 1914, 69. ,|—, items of local interest, 68, 139, 159%, | 183, 223, 245, 278, 310, 326. |-— land settlements, work on, 83. Grevillea robusta (Silver oak), 132. Ground dove (Chamaepelia passerina), 258. — nut, 215. ee —, cultivation in St. Lucia, 281. la — cake in the diet of the horse, i dulcts, of Bambarra, in Northern Nigeria, aueas, 67. —, varieties resistant to Tikka .| disease, 142. '— nuts, cultivation experiments in Rhodesia, 367. ‘Ground nuts, extending the market for, 164. — for export, 405. —, West Indian, 103. waters of Antigua, 143. Growing plants, loss of water from, 389. Guide to Dominica Gardens, 153, 297, 316. : ‘Guinea grass (Panicum mavimum), 113, | 186, 353. “‘Gun- fire and rainfall, 387. ‘Gunthorpes sugar factory, 385. ‘Gutta percha tree, 140. Hy e Haematoxylon campechianum (Logwood), | . 83. Haricot or French bean (Phaseolus vul- garis) attacked by Cryptorhynchus borer, 346. Hedge-making plant, the Governor plum, 117. ; pete plants, 294. _, 3read and Cheese (Patheco- ~ obinm me Unga, -catt), 253. = , Cashaw (Acacia tortwosa), | 253. — -- Dogwaon (Haematorylon cam- pechianum), 253. —, Myrtle lime (Zriphasia tri-| foliata), 253. —, Wild coffee aculeatum), 255. Hedges, 253. Hedychium, a source of paper-making, 76. =- coronarium (Ginger lily), 215. Heliotropium indicum, 286 Hemp, production of, 77 Hevea brasiliensis (Para rubber 125, 185, 215, 246, 295, 359. — Randiana, 246. Hog plum (Spondias lutea), 36. tree), Hookworm, or nodular disease in sheep, 67. Horse bean as a poultry food, 181. — flies (Tabanids), carriers of anthrax, 203. — manure, fly larvae in, 22. Howard, Albert, 337. Human excreta, disposal of in the tropics, 267. Hungarian hemp (Cannabis sativa), Hurricane in Jamaica, damage caused by, 380, Hydrocyanie acid, utilization of by maize and hemp, 117. Hydraulic rams, 285. if Unperata arundinacea (lalang), 125. Imperial Bureau of entomology, 329. | ~— Depastment of Agriculture, public | cations of, 89, 136, 184. (Clerodendron | lo Imperial Department of reading courses and examinations, _— Institute, lectures at the, 233. Index to ‘ Agricultural News’, 104. India. Barbados sugar-canes in, 89. —., sugar-cane in, 2 Indian corn, a method of planting, 51 — and the Lima bean, informa- tion concerning, 120. — batter pudding, 87. —, classification in the United States, 215. —, commercial handling of maize | in Antigua, 53. 203. | | = — cous-cous, 87. —, feeding and manurial value of, 166. —, improving local varieties in Antigua, 197. —, increased yield from hybridi-| zation, 115. —, kiln-drying in Antigua, 53. —, — — St. Vincent, 100. ent forms by swine, 53. —, manurial experiments with | in Nevis, 157. — meal asa food, and ways of | | using it, 86. \— — mush, 87 —, new method of growing, 115, — Polenta, 87. =, —, sauces for: sauce, savoury sauce, 87. —, production of, 23. —, some facts concerning, 405. | — jute (Corchorus spp.), 77. — tomato | Protectorates, 378. |—- tobacco, 251. | Indigo, 15. —, fermentation of, 137. —, improvement of, 228. |—, intrinsic merits of, 163. —, revival of native production in Chima, 236. | Indigofera Anil, 15. — arrecta, 15. — sumatrana, 15 — tinctoria, 15 | Infusorial earth of Barbados, 383. | Inga spectabilis, 63. Inhambane nut (7'elfairia pedata), 79. Inheritance of fertility, 172. = — size in tomatoes, 283. | Insect Notes: — A cricket predaceous on termites, 202. A fruit fly attacking papaw fruits, | 106. A method of fumigating seed, 154. Acridium vicarium, 347. Acrobat ant, 330. Acrocercops _ bifasciata miner), 74. Adoretus hirtellus (Rutelid beetle), 74. (cotton-leaf _—, imports into United Kingdom, 284. | Hogs, how to load in a cart or train, 364, | | | | —— (maize) consumption in differ- | | — population in Crown Colonies and | | | | | | } ' ae ( HF Agriculture, Insect Notes (Continued) : Agricultural Pests, Nigeria, 74, 90. Agromyza phaseoli, 10. Alabama argillacea (cotton 166, 363. Anopheles (Cellia) argyrotarsis, 332 Anticarsia (Thermesia) gemmatalis (leaf-eating caterpillar), 410. — ) — (velvet bean caterpillar, woolly pyrol moth), 26. worm), . Ants, 59. Aphis gossypii (cotton aphis), 74, — sacchari, 10. Arctiid moth (Diacrisia maculosa), 74, Arrowroot worm (Calpodes ethlius), 362. _ Aspidiotus destructor( Bourbon aspidio- tus) 43. Aulacaspis pentagona (white scale), 26. Aztecta charifex, 43. Balanogastris kolae (weevil), 91, Banana borer (Sphenophorus striatus), 10. dark sapper or rind bug (Saklbergella theobroma), 90. Bactocera rubus, 99. Bean caterpillars in Florida, 26. — leaf-roller (Hudamus proteus), 154, 346, 363 — weevil (Bruchus chinensis), 410. 3eet webworm (Pachyzanchla hipune- talvs), 410 Jeetle ae za villsoa), 91. viridipennis), 91, — (Ootheea mutabilis), 91. Birgus latro (robber crab), 45 3lack or rhinoceros beetle (Onyctes rhinoceros), 42. — scale (Sarssetia nigra), 10. Boll worm (JJometa zemiodes), 74. — (Pyroderces simplex) 74, Borer (Cryptorhynchus sp.), 346. 3ourbon aspidiotus( Aspidiotus destruc- tor), 43. Brachartona catoxantha, 43, 379, Brachytrypes membranaceus (cricket), oT. Brassolis isthmia (leaf-eating insect), 43. — sophorae (leaf-eating insect), 43. Brouthispa froggatti _—(Jeaf-eating beetle), 42. Bronze beetle (Colapsis jfastidiosa), 363. Brown hard back (Lachnosterna pate ruelis), 122 — (Phytalus 142, 266. 410. Bruchus chineusis (bean weevil), 410, — (cowpea weevil), 154, 218. — quadrimaculatus (four-spotted bean weevil), 218. Buprestid beetle (Pseudagrilus sopho- rae), 74 smithi), 423 Insect Notes (Coutinued): Busseola fusea (corn ear borer), 90. Cacao borer (Lu/ophonotus myrmelon), | 90. — (Zeuzera coffeae), 58. — moth (Zaratha cramerella), 59. — thrips (Heliothrips {Physopus] rubrocinctus), 59. — io Grenada, 314. what it signifies, — (Steirastoma depressum), 58. Calandra oryzae (weevil), 90, 91. Calpodes ethlius (arrowroot worm), 362. Cassava stem borer, 155. Castnia licus, 99. Castolus sp, 99 Caterpillars attacking sugar-cane 266. Catoxantha beetle(Catoxantha bicolor), 58 Ceratitis capitata, 10 Ceronema africana (scale insect), 91. Chatf scale (Parlatoria peruander), 10, Changa or mole cricket (Scapteriscus didactylus), 282. Chilomenes lunata (lady-bird), 74. Chilomenes vicina (lady-bird), Chionaspis tegalensis, 10 Citrus white fly (Alewrodes citi), 94.) Coceus viridis (scale), 10, 84. Cockroaches (Periplaneta americana), | 142. Colapsis fastidiosa beetle), 71, 363. Common field cricket (GryJlus pennsyl- | vanius), 202. — grass-hopper (Schistocerca pallens), 202. Control of ants onion seed, 378. (small bronze} | which take away 282. Coreid bug (Riptortus tenuicornis), 91. Corn ear borer (#/dana saccharina), 90. 90. — (Sesamia calamistis), — (Busseola fusca), 90. —(Heliothisobsoleta), 41 1| = (Laphygma — frugi-| perda), 26, 186, 266, 362. | Cotton aphis (Aphis gossypit), 74 — boll worm (Lrias biplaga), 74 —- (Heliothis obsoleta), = — in Cyprus, 44. — leafminer (Acrocercops bifasciata), | 74. — stainer bug (Oxycarenus Bene) 314. (Dysdercus melanoderes), 74. ——(( nigro-fasciatus), 74. — ( superstitiosus) 74 = — (Oxycarenus eager) — stainers and stained cotton, 2 186 hyali- 74 234. — the changa or mole cricket, 166, — worm (Alabama argillacea), 363, Insect Notes (Continued): Cow bee (Polistes bellicosus), 298. Cowpea weevil (Bruchus chinensis) 154, 218 Crambus sp. (lawn cut worm), 10. Cremastogaster sp., 330. Cratopus puvetum, 10. Cricket (Brachytrypes membranaceus), Ge Cryptorhynchus batatae (scarabee or Jacobs), 138, 155, 282. — corticalis, 155. Cyanide of potassium in trees, 26. Cylas brunneus (weevil), 91. | — formicarius (sweet potato weevil), | 138, 153, 282, 410, 411. | — puncticollis, (weevil), 91. | Dacus ferrugineus, 10. | Diacrisia maculosa (Arctiid moth), 74. Diaprepes abbreviatus (root borer of sugar-cane), 27, 122, 266, 394, 410, | 411. Diatraea saccharalis, 99. Dicymolomia pegasalis, 298. Dolichoderus bituberenlatus, 58. Dynastid beetle (Oryctes tarandus), 10. Dysdercus melanoderes (cotton eeinet 74. — nigro-fasciatus (cotton stainer), 74, | — superstitiosus (cotton stainer), 74 Earwig (Elaunon erythrocephalus), 90. | Eelworm (Heterodera radicicola), 10. | Eldana saccharina (corn ear borer), 90. | Ephestia cautella (moth), 91. Erias biplaga (cotton boll worm) 74 Eudamus proteus (bean leaf-roller), 154, 346, 363, 410. Eulophonotus myrmelon (cacao borer), | 90 Eumolpid (Syagrus calcaratus), 74. Exophthalmus esuriens(root-borer), 10, 11, 39, 122, 266, 394, 410 Four-spotted bean weevil (Bruchus quadrimaculatus), 218. Gelechia gossy piella (pink boll worm of cotton), 186, 202; 250, 282, 411. Glenea borer (Glenea novemguttiata) 58. Glossina palpalis, 316. Glyphodes ocellata (Pyralid leaf roller), | oN Graettea cocophaga (stick insect), 43.) Grass worm (Jfocis| Remigia]repanda), | 266 | Grenada, what cacao thrips signify in, | 314 Guinea grass moth, (MMoe/s {Remigia] repanda), 186, 187 Gryllus pennsylvanius (common field cricket). 202 Hard back (?hytalus smithi), 122 Heliothis obsoleta (corn ear worm), | 411. — (cotton boll worm), 186. Peuotinips [Physopus] rubrocinctus (cacao thrips), 59, 314, Insect Notes (Continued): Helopeltis antonii, 58. — theivora, 58. Hemichionaspis minor (white stale, cotton), 74. Herse cingulata (sweet potato hawk moth), 91. Heterodera radicicola (eelworms), 10. Hidari irawa, 43. Hyperaspis pumila (lady-bird), 74. Insect pests in Barbados in 1913-14, 266. — of coco-nuts, 42. —- Lima beans Vihcont 346, 363. Insects affecting vegetable crops in Porto Rico, 282 Jack Spaniards (Polvstes crinitus), 298. Lace wing fly (ficromus timidus), 74. Lachnosterna patruelis},(brown hard on 12 10, 12, 142. Lady bird (Chilomenes vicina), 74. — (Hyperaspis pumila), 74, — (Chilomenes lunata). 74. Lagria villosa (beetle), 91, — (Lagrid), 74. — viridipennis (beetle), 91. Laphygma frugiperda (corn ear worm), 26, 186, 266, 362. “— (leat- -eating in St, 410, 411. Lawn cutworm (Crambus sp.), 10. Leaf-eating beetle (Bronthispa frog- gattr), 42, — (Promocotheca autiqua),. oan caterpillar), 42 — — cumingit), 42. — opicicollis), 42. — caterpillar (Anticarsia [Thermesia} gemmatalis), 410. — (Laphygma frugiperda), 410, 411 — (Metisa sierricola), 91. -— (Nephele sp.), 91. — insect (Brassolis isthmia), 43. sophorae), 43, — (Prodenia litura), 90. — hopper (Pundaluoya simplicia), 91. — roller (Hudamus proteus), 410. — (Sylepta derogata), 74 Lecanium viride, 10. Leeward Islands root borer (Hzoph- ihalmus esuriens), 266. Lepidosaphes beckii (purple scale), 10. Lima bean leat-blotch-miner, 363. Limacod moth (Parasa infuscata), 74. Lime sulphur paint, 266, Locusts, 202. — in Demerara, 347. Maribunta ( Polybia occidentalis), 298 Mealy-bug ( Psewdococcus citri), 330, Megacanthopus indeterminabilis, 298. Metadrepana glauca (moth), 91, Metisa sierricola (leaf-eating cater- pillar), 91. 424 | Insect Notes (Continued): Micrococcus nigrofaciens, 142. Micromus timidus \ Lace wing fly) 74. Migratory locust (Schistocerca para- mensis) 202, 411. Massidia nigriventlla (Pyralid moth), | 90; 91: Mocis (Remigia) worm’, 266. (=. i moth), 186, 187. Mole cricket (Scapteriscus didacty lus), | 58. Mometa zemoides (boll worm), 74. Monohammus beetle (Monohammeus Jistulator’) 58. -— borer (Monohammus ruspator), 58. Mogguilla, 59 Mosquito (Stegomyia fasciata), 99 Moth ( Aphestia cautel/a), 91 — (Metadrepana glauca), 91. Nephele sp. (leaf-eating caterpillar), Die Notes on an internal dist ase of cotton seed S14 — ants 59 — Porto Rico insects, 282 — West Indian pests, 10. Oecophyila smaragdanx longinoda (Red tree ant) 74 Omiodes blackb: rni (palm Jeaf ruler), 43 Ootheca mutabilis (beetle), 91 Oryctes rhinoceros (rhinoceros beetle), 10, 42. — tarandus (Dynastid beetle), 10 Oxycarenus cludgeoni (cotton stainer), 74. — hyalipennis (cotton stainer bug), 314. Pachyzanchla bipunctalis (southern beet web-worm). 282, 410. Padraona chrysozona 4% Palm Jeaf roller (Omiodes blackburnz), 45. Papaw fruit tly (Voxittrypana curvicau- da) 106, 411. Paragus borbonicus (syrphid fly) 74. — longiventris (syrphid fly) 74 (grass repanda — (Guinea grass Parasa infuscata (Limacod moth). 74 | Paremydica insperata (weevil), 91 | Parlatoria pergandei (chaff scale), 10. Pea and bean weevils 154. | Pelargoderus beetle Pelargoderus | bipunctatus), 58. Periplaneta americana (cockroaches) 142 Pests of cacao 58. —— peas and beans 218. Phy talns smithi (hard back) 10, 122, 142, 266, 410 Pink boll worms (Gelechia gossypiella), 186 202, 250. 411. | Plant quarantine, difficulties of. 170. | Polistes annularis (wild bee), 298. — bellicosus (cow bee) 298. “Insect Notes (Continue ?): Polistes crinitus (Jack Spaniard), 298 — fuseats-instablis 295 Polybia eceideutalis (Maribunta) 298 Potata weevil (Cy/as formicarins) 410, 411 Prodenia litura (lea’-eating insect), 90. — littoralis, 10. Promocotheca beetle), +2. — cumingii (leaf-vatine bertl) 42. — opicicollis (leaf-eatins beetle), 42. Pseudagrilus sophorae’ (1B «prestid beetle), 74 Psendococeus citri (mealy-big), 330. Pulvinaria jacksont 74 Pundaluoya simplivia (leaf-hopper) 91. | Purple scale (Lepidosaphes beckii), 10 Pyralid leaf roller (Glyphodes ocellata) 91. — moth (Mussidia nigrivenella) 91 Pyroderces simplex (boll Worm), 74. Red beetle or Asia ic paln weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus), 42. — boll worm( Dipuropsis castanew', 74. — spider (Tetranychus telarius), 266. — tree ant (Ovcophylla smaragdana longinoda), 74. antiqua (les f-evting 90 Rhynchophorus fe-rugineus (ed beetle | or Asiatic weev l), 42. — palmarum (West Indian weevil), 42. Rind bug (Sahlberyella singularis), 58. palm tiptortus tennicornis (coreid bug), 91. | Robber crab (Birgus latro), 43. Root borer (Diaprepes abbreviatus), 27. — (Kxophthalinus esuriens), 10, 11, 39 122. 410. — of sugar-cane (| Diaprepes ab- breviatus). 122, 266 394. 410, 411. {utelid beetle (Adoretus hirtellus', 74. Sahlbergella singularis (rind bug). 58. | — theobroma (bark sapper or rind bug), 90 Saissetia nigra (black scale), 10 San José scale, Seale (Coccus viridis), 84 — insect (Ceroneme africana), 91. — (Stictococcus sjdsteadi), 90. Scapteriscns didactylus (mole cricket), 58 282. Scarabee or Jacobs (Cryptorhynchus batatae) 138, 155, 282 Schistocerca americana (United States locust), 202 — pallens (common grasshopper), 202 — paranensis 347 — — (migratory locust), 411. — (South American migratory locust) -202. Seed corn, testing germination of, 7 Sesamia calamistis (corn ear borer), 90. Short-horned grasshopper (Zenocerus variegatus), 74. Insect Notes (Continued): Small bronze beetle (Colapsis fas- tidiosa), 71. Soil-inhabiting grubs 122 South American migratory locust, (Schistocerca paranensts), 202. Southern beet webworm (Pachyzaychla bipunetalis) 282 Sphenophorns striatus (bavana borer) Starch instead of green 362 Stegomyia fasciata (mosq tito), 99, Steirastoma depressum (cacao borer) Stick insect (Graeffea cocophaga) 43, Suictozoceus dimorphus (scale insect), 90. — sjOsteadi (scale insect) 90. Summary of entomolozical informa- tion during 1915. 410. Syrphid tly (Paragus.bcrbonicus), 74. Sweet potato hawk moth (Herse cin- gulata), 91. — — weevil (Cylas formacarius), 138 153; 282 410, 411 Syagrus calcaratus (Eumolpid), 74. Sylepta derogata (leaf-roller), 74. Syrphid fly (Paragus longiventris), 74. — (Syrphus nasutus), 74, Tenebrioides mauritanicus, 90 Termes lucitugus, (termites), 202 lime, with Paris Termites attacking sugar-cane 266. Tetranychus telarius (red spider) 266 Thermesia gemmatalis (woolly pyrol nioth) 154. Thosea cinereomarginata, 43. Thrips on cacao trees, 157. Ticks in relation to diseases of stock, 59: Tiphia parallela, 10 Toxitrypana curvicanda (papaw fruit fly) 106 411. Tribolium confusum, 90 Udamostigma tessmanni, 74 United States locust (Schistocerea americana) 202 Urena lobata 74 Velvet bean caterpillar, woolly pyrol moth (Anticarsia [Thermesia] gem- matalis), 26 Vinsonia stellifera, 14. Weevil (Balanogastris kolae) 91 — (calandrva oryzae) 90, YL. — (Cylas brunneus), 91. — (Cylas puncticollis), 91 — (laremydica insperata), 91, West Indian palm weevil (Rhyn- chophorus palmarum), 42. — — wasps, 298. White scale (Aulacaspis pentagona) 26. , cotton (Hemichionaspis minor) 74 Wild bee (Polistes annularis), 298. Woolly pyrol moth (Thermesia gem- matalis), 154. Zaratha cramerella (cacao moth), ! Zeuzera cotteae (cacao borer), 58. Zonocerus variegatus (short-horned grasshopper), 74. Insect Parasites :— Chaleis olethrius, 74 Chlorion xanthoceros (fossorial wasp), 91. Meraporus sp, 91. Spalgis lemolea, 90. aaphia parallela, 266. — on brown hard back 410. Urogaster Jencostigma, 363. Zanthopimpla purctata, 74. Insect pests fungous control of, 415. 59. | var. instabilis 266, Inspectors of meat practical training for, | 181. International Congress abstracts of :-— Animal pests of the Hevea rubber : tree. Green, 23. Castilloa rubber Russan, 25 papers, 1914, trees in Mexico, Ceara rubber cultivation and manufac- | ture in Southern India, Anstead, 23. Principles of Heyea tapping. Petch 25. Production of maize, Burtt-Davy. 23. The Gold Coast Cacao Industry, 23. Variability in plantation rubber, 23 International Institute of Agriculture, relation to the Tropics, 120. — Products Exhibition, 1914, St. Vin- cent report on. 83. Todobenzine, value of in sterilization, 135. Tpecacuanha, medicinal properties of, 252. Tpomoea Batatas 4. Italian citrus prices in 1914, 406. — hemp (Cannabis sativa) 77 — tomato trade 222. Items of local interest, 45, 68, 107, 159, 183, 223, 245, 278, 310, 350, 366, 383. : Txora macrothyrsa, 139, 326, 245, J. Jack bean (Cunavalia ensiformis), 158. 136, food value of, 140. Jack Spaniard, introduced into St. Lucia, 395. Jaffa tobacco, 365. Jamaica Agricultural Society, Jamaic:, Cauto cotton in, 294. —, a centre of botanical research, 233. —, agriculture in, 319. cotton industry in, 294. damage caused by hurricane in, 380, items of local interest, 327 tick eradication in, 220. trade and agriculture of, 150. —, effect of the war on, 409. “vomiting sickness’ in, 396. 255, — by — | Japanese nut grass (Cyperus pointes), Lime industry in Dominica, 317. | 190. }—— juice, concentrated, cost of manufae- Java hemp (Agave Cantala), 77. turing, 291. |—, mill work in, 3. —, deterioration of 75. — sugar crop, 1914, 371. — factory, St. Lucia Government, |— Javanese coffee industry and the Govern- 356, ment, 287. — — on the London niarket, 31, 63, Jerusalem pea (Phaseolus trinervis), 5, 143, 175, 207, 239, 271, 303, 367, attacked by Cryptorhynchus borer, 415, 546. —_— —, sediment, test for, 355. Johnson grass (Andropogon halepensis), — —, testing in St. Lucia, 84. | 204. - , Vitamines in, 345, Juniperus barbadensis, 291. — oil on the Londen mii ket, 31, 63, 95, — bermudiana, 291. 143, 175, 207, °239, 271, 303, 335) — pachyphloea, 291. 367, 415. | Jute, a substitute for, 25. — products, exports from Dominica, —, production of, 77. |} 394. |— seeds, feeding and manutial value of, K. 103. ¢ — trees, diseases of, 296. Kainit, use of for eradicating weeds, 248. Limestone, self-burning, in Syri: Kapok, buoyancy of, 316. Limes ve7s7s lemons, 408. King of flowers (Layerstrenia indica), Linum vulgare (flax), 41. ay Lit. 26. Lily bulbs, “cultivation of in Bermuda, 12. Knysma boxwood (Gonioma Kamassi), Lion bean (Stizolobium nivewm), 158. 204. | Live-stock in Northern Nigeria, 215. | Kola on the L»ndon market, 31, 63, 95, — — St. Vincent, 123. 175, 207, 239, 271, 303, 335, 367, — — South Africa, 247. 415, —, sweet potato and cowpea vines as food for, 181. L. Lodoicea sechellarum (Coco-de-mer), 312. | Loggerhead (7Z'yrannus sp.), 258. Lablab bean (Dolichos lablab), 105. | Logs of timber, measurement of, 387, Lagerstreemia indica (King of flowers), 26.) Logwood (Haematoxylon ca~ipec hianum), : a gomme’ (Ocsophagostonmm venulo- 83 sum), 67. Loquat, the, 244. Lake, J. L. E. R., 312. Loranthus emarginatus, Lalang (Imperata arundinacea), 125. — pentandrus, 217. Land development in Cuba, 135. Lotus arabicus (Lotus), 41. 236. — for ex-soldiers, 360. Love vine or dodder (Cuscuta sp.), 355. — settlements in Grenada, work on, 83. Lectures at the Imperial Institute, 233. M. Leeward Islands, sugar-cane experiments in, 194. Macadamia ternifolia (Queensland nut), Leaching, soil losses by, 187. oii Leguminous crops as stock food, 156, | Mace on the London market, 63, 95, Lucaena glauca, 84, 165, 253. 143, 175,207, 239, 303, abe 367, 415. = —, potash content of, 348. “Magnetic compass, deviation from true Lemons, Great Britain’s supply of, 164.) North, 366. Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus), 41,| Mahoe or Anodyne (Thespesia populnea), 120, 124, 158. 165, 201, 228, 280,; 250. 363, 397. Mahua or Illupei tree of India, 301, — —, attacked by Cryptorhynchus Maize cultivation in British East Africa borer, 346, 5D. —, colour and poison in, 373. —, coloured, 201. —, cultivation of, 153. —, observations on, 228. ‘Lime and lemon compared, 180. —, budding of, 357, — cultivation in British Guiana, 344. — St. Lucia, 277, 389. — St. Vincent, 68. —, new plot experiments in Domi- nica, 372. hee —, progress of in Trinidad, = — St. Vincent, 220, —, effect of detasselling on, 397, — in Rhodesia, 212. —, mechanical harvesting for silage, 237 — show in Antigua, 2: 29. —, value per food unit, 230. Malaria; ducks as a preventive of, 393. —, prevention of, 110. Malpighia glabra (Barbados cherry), 83, 124. |Mamon, Monkey apple (Arnona palustris, glabra), 36. |— 284. “Manganese content of soils, 124: — in seed-coat of seeds, 140. Mangifera indica, 217. Mango, practice of smoking the, 34 Mangosteen, 316, Manihot rubber, planting of, 142. — utilissima (cassava), 41. Manila hemp (Jfusa textalis), ite Manioc flour, use of in the feeding milch cows, Lucas, 47. Manjack deposits in the Indies, 331. Manures, complete and results of dressings of, 163. —, radio-active, 179. Manurial experiments in boxes, 371. Market Reports, 16, 32, 48, 64, 80, 96, 112, 128, 144, 160, 176, 192, 208, 224, 240, 256, 272, 288, 304, - 320, 336, 352, 368, 384, 400, 416. | Maryland, plant breeding in, 373. Massee, George, retirement from Kew, 220, Mauritius hemp (/urecraea gigantea), 77. Measurement of logs, formula for, 220, | 387. Meat inspectors, practical training for, 181. | — supply, new sources of, 254. Megass, maceration of, 116. Melons, experimental exportation from Barbados, 263. Mendelian segregation, 316. | Messchaert grooved roller for sugar mills, | 51. Meteorology, comparative agricultural, | and forestry, 409. | M’gergeb, variety of Citrus medica, 357. | Milch cows, manioc flour for use in feed- ing, 67. Milk, clean, 262. —, goats asa source of, 380. —, destruction of tubercle baccilli in, 76. — pail, a new, 9. — production, effect of cattle tick on, | 236. —, sale of in Antigua, by-law for, 153. | Molasses as a substitute for oats, 345. | Montserrat, Agricultural progress in, 397. | , cotton in, 231. , — Ordinance, 102. —, development of, 270. —. items of local interest, 45, 68, 107, | 139, 183, 223, 245, 279, 311, 366,| 383. , minor industries in, 397. —, Onion Growers Association for, 228. | — = pine-apples for Canada, 36, 377. —, testing types of cotton in, 397. | More, TAGs 157. Morus alba (Mulberry), 26. Mosquito control, natural, 250. Mosquitoes, the duck as destroyer of, 412. 2 of British West) | incomplete, | | Nut grass ( 426 Mucuna atropurpurea, 165. Mulberry (Morus alba), 26. ‘Mumps’ (See nodular disease). Musa textilis (Manila hemp), 77. Museums, standards and functions 39D, Mutation in Egyptian cotton, 214. Myrcia acris, 510. Myrtle lime (Zriphasia aurantiola), 83. N. of, Natal sugar industry, technical control for, 306. of Trinidad, 137. Nephrolepis exaltata, 393. Nevis, agricultural affairs in, 39. —, items of local interest, 45, 68, 159, 183, 223, 245, 279, 311, 327, 366, 383. —, manurial nuts at, 598, experiments with coco- — Indian a : ae corn in, 157. ‘New York Botanical Gardens, sugar samples at, 185. New Zealand hemp (Phormium tenaxr), 77. | Nitrite-forming organism, a new, 332. Nitrogen, atmospheric, fixation on a commercial scale, 254. Nodular disease, *‘ mumps’ (Oesophagosto- mum columbianum), 67. Norit process of manufacturing white sugar, 131. Northern Nigeria, | in, 215. ——, cotton cultivation in, 215. —, ground nut cultivation in, Jambarra ground nut 215. == —, live-stock in, 215. —, rubber cultivation in, 215. , school farm in, 215, Cyperus rotundus), 267, 354. Nutmegs on the London market, 31, 63, 95, 143, 175, 207, 303, 335, 367, 415 O. Oats, value per food unit, 230. Obituary :— Agar, E. A., 361. Lock, Dr. H.-L., 389. Racker, E. T., 409, Oenothera Lamarckiana, 214. Oesophagostomum columbianum (nodu- lar disease, *mumps’), 67, venulosum (‘La gomme’ ), 67. Official Guide to Botanie Gardens, Dominica, 153, 297, 316. Oil content of seeds, 121. — palm (Zlaeis guineensis), 316. Oils, fixed, the outlook for, 79. pONEEoMEcnnis School, British Guiaiia, Zbl. ‘Onion Cultivation’, 233. Onion Growers Association for Mont- serrat, 228. — — — Tortola, 173, 345. , Islands, 412. ee — growing in Tortola, 173. — industry in Tortola, progress of; 2525 Onions, cultivation of, 171. —, cultural experiments with, 300, —, growing from sets, 171. | Nature Study in the Elementary Schools Opossum (Didelphys virginiana), 203 Opuntia sp., as a spray-adhesive, 124, Orange, curious bronze-coloured, 196, —— trade, competition in, 376. : — trees, prolific, in South Africa, 44, * Oranges and lemons, Great Britain’s supply of, i64. —, grape-fruit and pin of, 148. —, growth on different stocks, 125, Orthalicus zebra, 395. Ortyx virginianus (Quail), 258, Osage orange, 262. eeapples, handling 13s | Palm-kernel cake, 264. —, food value of, 133. —, value per food unit, 230. Panama Canal and British West Indies 40. ‘ of, 28. — hat industry in Surinam, 396, Pandanus utilis, 44. Panicum maximum (G 186, 353. — muticum (Para grass), 186, Papain, dried, production of, 190, —, preparation and digestive properties of, 340. _—, production of in Hawaii, 190, Papaw and papain, 212. — (Carica Papaya) 9, 106. —, experiments with in Hawaii, 190, —, fruiting capacity of, 133. Paper-making from cotton stalks, 198, Para grass (Panicum muticum), 186. _— rubber tree, effect of tapping on, 295, |\—. —__ — (Hevea brasiliensis), 125 185, 215, 246, 295, 359. ‘ —, vulcanization experiments, 283, Paspalum dilatatum (water grass), 291, | Peanuts and pigeon peas for export, 377. Pearl oyster possibilities, 184. Peas, composition of, 105, | Peltophorum ferruginenm, 309. P. re, Storage < icati Tan torage and application of, —, trade prospects on opening Uinea grass), 113, Motor ploughing in the West Indies, 301. Old maid or Periwinkle (J%nca rosea), | Pennella exocoeti, 61. Minor industries in Montserrat, 397. BDD. —- sagitta, 61. a OO OO < | Permanent exhibitions, West Indian, Canada, 41. ‘Peroderma cylindricum, 61. Personal notes, 24. Peterkin, E. M., 24. Phaseolus acutifolius (Tepary, a new bean), 115. 5 — angularis (Adzuki bean), 15s. — communis, 276. — lunatus (Lima bean), 41, 120, 124, 158, 165, 201, 228, 280, 363, 397. — (Rangoon bean), 373. — Mungo (woolly pyrol), 158, 263. — semierectus, 410. — attacked by Cryptorhynchus, borer, 346. — spp., 414. — vulgaris, 280. Philippines, sugar extension in, 339. Phormium fibre industry in New Zealand, | 92. — tenax (New Zealand hemp), 77. Phosphogelose, use of in manufacture of sugar, 188. Phosphorus and manganese content of soils, 124. _, importance of, 259. Pig feeding, 255. | —_ industry i in British East Africa, 55. — raising in the tropics, 392. Pigeon pea (Cajanus indicus), 105. eas and peanuts for export, 377. | Pignon d’Inde (Jatropha curcas) as sup- | ports for vanilla, 343. | Pigs, tubercular fowls a source of infec-) tion of, 188. Pimenta Acris: 310. — or Myrcia acris, 72. Pimento on the London market, 31, 143, 207, 239, 303, 367. Pine-apple juice, vinegar made from, 190. —, some experiments in, 261. Pine-apples, experiments with in Hawaii, 190. —, handling of, 148. | —, Montserrat, in Canada, 36. | —, shipments from Montserrat to ( Janada, | ant Piptadenia peregrina (Tendre acailloux), 156, 254. Pita floja fibre (Ananas macrodontes), 265. Pithecolobium Saman, 364. = — and pine-apples at Forte) Rico, 333. — Unguis-cati (Bread-and-Cheese), oa) | | 63, Plant breeding in Maryland, 373. , prepotence in, 43. Plant Dione and related subjects :-— Acrostalagmus albus (aphis fungus), 286. Aegerita aleyrodis white fly), 286. — Webberi (brown fungus of white (red fungus of | fly), 286. Aphis fungus (Acrostalaymus albus), 286. in Plant Diseases (Continued): Aschersonia cubensis, 14. — flavocitrina (lemon-yellow fungus of | white fly), 286. — turbinata, 14. = —— (top-shaped Aschersonia), 286. Ascosporic condition of the genus Aschersonia, 14. Aspergillus flavus, 286. , —- parasiticus (sugar-cane mealy-bug fungus), 110, 286. | Bacillus mangiferae, 303. | — manihotus, 174. — septicus insectorum, 142. Bacterial disease of Lachnosterna grubs, 142. | — mango lisease, 302. Bacterium malvacearum, 222, 238. | Bean anthracnose, due to Golletorr-| chum lindemuthianum, 46. | — blight, caused by Bacterium | phaseoli, 46. — diseases, £6. Black fungus (Mgriangium Duraez), 110, 286. -— root disease of cacao, a new form, 254, — — (Rosellinia sp.), 30. Bauryodiplodia Theobromae (die-back), 303. Botrytis rileyi (green fungus of the grass-worm), 287. Brown fungus of white fly (Aegercta Webberc), 286. — rust of maize (Puccunia Maydis), 69, 414. Burgundy mixture as a substitute for Bordeaux mixture, 398. Canker (Phytophthora faberr), 303. Carica Papaya, preliminary note on disease of, 174. Cassava, diseases of in Trinidad, 174. Cephalosporium lecanii (shield-scale fungus), 110, 286. Cercospora spp., 174. | Cinnamon fungus ( Vertzedllium hetero- cladum), 286. Citrus canker, cause of, 206. —, eradication of, 62. —, history of, 62. diseases in Florida, 14. — the Isle of Pines, 318. Coco-nut and cacao diseases, 30. — leaf disease (Pestalozza marum), 30 Coftee leaf fungus (Hemeleta vastatrix), 55, 84. Colletotrichum taleatum, 99. — gloeosporioides, 318, 319. — luxificum (witch broom disease), 30, 382. Cordy ceps Barberi (moth borer fungus), | 286. | pal- Corn smut (Ustilago Maydis), 7 — ( — Mays-zeae), 78. ; Plant Diseases (Continued): Corn smut (Ustilago Zeae), 78, 414. Corticium salmonicolor (pink disease of rubber), 303. Die-back ( Botryodiplodia Theobromae), 303. —- of citrus trees, 94 — — lime trees in Montserrat, 318. Diplodia cacaoicola( Vhyridariatarda), 30. Dothidella Ulei, 380. Effects of exposure on lime trees, 334. Efficiency of fung%id parasites of scale insects, 110. Empusa fresenii, 286, — museae, 309. — sphaerosperma, 286. Entomogenous fungi of 286. Entomophthora aulicae, 286. Fomes - semitostus (root. disease of rubber), 303. Frogspawn( Leuconostoc mesenteriotdes), 147. Fungicides and spraying, £15. Fungoid parasites of scale insects, 126, Fungous control of insect pests, 415. Fungous diseases of plants and their treatment, 92. Fusarium sp., 99. Gibellula arachnophila (spider fungus), 286. Gloeosporiun manihotii, 174. Grain smut (Sphacelotheca | Ustilago] Sorghi), 79. Green fungus of the grass-worm (Botrytis rileyt), 286. — muscardine fungus (Metarrhizium anisopliae), 280. Ground nut, resistant varieties of, 142. Gumming of citrus, 94. Head smut (Sphacelotheca reilianum), 79. Hemeleia vastatrix (leaf fungus), 55, S4. Heterosporium gracile (leaf blotch of Tris), 270. Internal disease — of 222, 238. Investigation of Florida, 94. Lasiodiplodia Theobromae, 318. Leaf blotch of Iris (Heterosporium gracile), 270. Lemon-yellow fungus of white fly (Aschersonia flavocttrina), 286. Leuconostoc inesenterioides — (‘ frog- spawn’), 147, Lime as a factor in resistance to dis- ease, 270. — trees in forest districts, diseases of _ 302, Maize rust (Puccinia Maydis), 78, Marasmius perniciosus, 382. — sacchari (root fungus), 35]. Porto Rico, cotton bolls, citrus diseases in $$$ $$ _____ —____. 428 Plant Diseases (Concluded): Sphaerostilbe repens, 174. Spider fungus (Gibellula arachnophila), Plant Diseases (Continued): Melanose, due to Phomopsis citri, 94. Metarrhizium anisopliae (green muscar- dine fungus), 286. 286. , Moth borer fungus(Cordyceps Barberi), Spraying of ground nuts for leaf rust, 286. 370. Mucor hiemalis, 309. — racemosus, 309. Myriangiam Duraei (black fungus), 270: due — palm trees in India, Stem-bleeding disease of coco-nut, to Thielaviopsis, 30. 110, 286. Sugar-cane mealy-bug fungus (Asper- New light on the witch broom disease | gillus parasiticus), 110. of cacao, 382. Thielaviopsis paradoxa, ethaceticus, 30, 148. Thyridaria tarda, 30, 354. — (Diplodia cacaotcola), 30. Tikka (Septogloewm Arachidis), 142. Top-shaped Aschersonia (Aschersonia turbinata), 286. Oidium te rricula, 147. | Ophionectria coccicola (white-headed | fungus), 110, 286. Passalora Heveae, 328. Penicillium sp., 148. Pestalozzia palmarum (leaf disease), oie Uredo Arachidis (rust fungus), 350. Phytophthora Faberi (canker), 303. — Sorghi (rust fungus), 78. — omnivora, 270. Use of fungous parasites in scale Pink disease of rubber (Corticiwm insect control, 286. salmonicolor), 303. Ustilago Maydis (corn smut), 78. - Mays-zeae (corn smut), 78. — reiliana, 79. — “Zeae (corn smut). Ustulina zonata, 174. Verticillium heterocladum (cinnamon fungus), 286 White-headed fungus coccicola), 110, 286 Witch broom disease, 30, 382. Pseudococeus calceolariaec, fungus on, 286. Pseudomonas citri, 414. | 78, 414. —, origin of citrus canker, 206. Puccinia Maydis (brown rust of maize), | 69, 78, 414. — purpurea (rust fungus), 78, 414. — Sorghi (red rust of maize), 78. Red fungus of white fly (Aegerita Yellow-green fungus of mealy-bug aleyrodis), 286. (Aspergillus parasiticus), 286. Red-headed fungus (Sphaerostilbe cocco- Plant distribution in Dominica, 317. phila), 110, 286. — St. Lucia, 277. Red rust of maize (Puceinia Sorghi), | — importations into Dominica, 317. — §$t. Lucia, 277 (Ophionectria 78. = = Review of information concerning — pests and diseases in St. Kitts- plant diseases and related subjects, Nevis, 39. : i: 414. Plants, economic, experiments in St. Root disease of cacao (Rosellinia Pepo), Kitts-Nevis, 39. 392. —, fungous diseases of, and their treat- = ment, 92. —, growing, loss of water from, ——, medicinal, shortage of, 9. —, tropical drug, 359. Plumeria alba found by Columbus in — rubber (Fomes semitos- tus), 303. 389. — diseases in Malaya, 174 — fungus (Vurasmius sacchari), 351 Rosellinia bunodes, 502 — Pepo (root disease cf cacao), Antigua, 348. — spp (black root disease), 30. Poinsettia rosea, pink, 44. Rubber trees, Para, in Ceylon, diseases Poisonous beans, 280. of, 303. Polygonatum commutatum, 77. Rust fungus (Puceinia purpurea), 78. Porto Rico, agricultural progress in, 333. — (Uredo Arachidis), 350, —, citrus manurial experiments in, 302. | — — (Uredo Sorghi), 78 261. Rusts and smuts of Indian corn, 78. | Portuguese colonies, agricultural credit Scab of citrus, 94. in, 131. Septogloeum Arachidis (tikka), 142. | Potash, American source of, 76, Shield-scale fungus (Cephalosporium — deposits in Spain, 105. lecanii), 110, 286. /—, German, 105. Sorosporium reilianum, 79. |— manufacture for commercial purposes, Sphacelotheca reilianum (head smut),) 12. (is) _— manures, scarcity of, 321. — | Ustilago] sorghi (grain smut), 79. —, notes on present situation, 108. Sphaerostilbe coccophila (red-headed Poultry, horse bean as food for, 181, fungus), 110, 286. |—, rearing on coco-nut estates, 150, Poultry, trap nest for, 380. Practical value of soil analysis, 374. Prepotence in plant breeding, 43. Press, a continuous, 381. Prioria copaifera, 309. Produce, transport of, in Dominica, 25. Prosopis juliflora (Algaroba bean), 190, Prospects of sponge cultivation, 402. Publications of the Imperial Department of Agriculture, 89, 136. Q. Quail (Ortyx virginianus), 258. Queensland nut (Macadamia ternifolia), 317. Quiscalus fortirostris bird), 257 (Barbados black R. | Radio-active manures, 179, Radium, a cheap form of, 169. — and plant growth, 111, 119. Rain-bird (Tyrannus sp.), 258. Rainfall, abnormal, in April 1915, 152, — and gun-fire, 387. —- the degree of wetness, 265, —, excessive effect of, on crops in St Lucia, 403. — in Dominica, 1914, 72. — — U.S. cotton belt, 299 —, yearly, in Antigua, 153 Ramie, use of in manufacture of gas mantles, 220. Rangoon bean (Phaseolus lunatus), 373. Ravenalia madagascariensis (Traveller’s palin), 198. Rearing poultry on coco-nut estates, 150, Red gun (Bursera gummifera), 26. Research at Rothamsted, 1914, 232. Resources of German South West Africa, 275. Rhodesia, ground nut cultivation experi- ments in, 367. Rhodesian bacon factory, 182. Rhubarb, cultivation in Queensland, 140; Rice cultivation in Ceylon, 365, — Spain, 284. — meal, value per food unit, Ricin, characteristics of, 276. Ricinus communis, 276, 373. Read sweepings, manurial value of, 47,. Robusta coffee in Ceylon, 84. 230. _Rothamsted, research at, 1914, 232. Root crops, experiments in Antigua, 11,. Rounceval pea (Vigna unguiculata) attacked by Cryptorhynchus borer, 346, Roses suitable for West Indies, 327. Royal Horticultural Society, gardens of, 329. Rubber, botanical sources of, 359. —, Ceara, cultivation and manufacture in Southern India, 23. cultivation in the —, coco-nut water asa coagulant of, 139. —, commercial notes on, 271. —, shape of, 73. — cultivation in Malaya, 125. — Northern Nigeria, 215. — the Straits Settle ments, 379. —, Dominica, reports on, 38, 188. — experiments in Dominica, 317. — export from Brazil, 220. —, exportation to foreign ports for- bidden, 12. —~, Hevea, animal pests of, 25. —, -—, principles of tapping, 23. — industry in Ceylon, increased stability of, 365. — of the Amazon, 252. —, local effects of tapping on the tree, 365. —, Manihot, planting of, 142. —, Para, vulcanization experiments on, 283. —, plantation, variability in, 23. —, planting of Manihot, 142. — seed, selection of, 185. —, Strength of, 172. — tapper, influence of skill of, 73. — trade and war conditions, 376. — trees, Castilloa, in Mexico, 23. —, variability in rate of cure of, 363. —, wild, and selection, 246. Russian hemp (Cannabis sativa), 77. 8. Saccharimeter, a new, 293. Saccharum officinarum, L, 353. Sahasrabuddhe, G. N., 307. St. Croix, cotton experiments in, 134. —, experimental work in, 299. St. Kitts, agricultural affairs in, 206. —, items of local interest, 45, 68, 107, 139, 183, 223, 245, 279, 311, 351, 383. St. Kitts-Nevis, cotton experiments in, 39. —, Cotton Trattic Ordinance, amend- ment of, 70. —, experiments, with economic plants in, 39. —, plant pests and diseases in, 39, —, progress in chief industries in, 39, 429 St. Lucia, items of local interest, 107, 169, 183, 245, 278, 326, 383. — leaflets, 281. —, lime cultivation in, 277, 389. -—, plant distribution in, 277 68, 77. , importation into, 277, —, prospects of sugar industry in, 19. —, testing lime juice in, 84. St Vincent Agricultural Credit and Loan Bank, Limited, 110, — arrowroot, 85. —, cotton-growing competition in, 22. —, cultivation of limes in, 68. —, items of local interest, 45, 68, 107, 159, 183 223, 245, 278, 310, 326, 351, 366, 383. —, kiln-drying Indian corn in, 100, '—, live-stock in, 123. —, maize cultivation in, 220. — report on International Exhibition, 1914, 83. '—-, vanilla supports in, 381. Sansevieria, monograph on, 355, Sap, transfusion of, 373. Sapindus saponaria (soap-berry), 354, “Sarsaparilla on the London market, 31, 63, 143, 175, 207, 239, 271, 303,! . 335, 367, 415. ‘Satsumo, or Citrus trifoliata, 46, School farm in Northern Nigeria, 215, Schools, American, agricultural teaching in, +09. | Scientific agriculture in Bengal, 269. Products ‘Score-cards, value of in agricultural edu-_ | cation, 268 Sea Island cotton, a use of, 150. —, exports of, 135, Sea-side grape (Coccoloba wvifera), 355. — Oxeye (Borrichia arhorescens), 355, Seaweed as a source of manurial potash, 293 Secondary schools, agricultural education in, 189. —, ruralised, curricula of, 189, Seed, change of, 25, Seedling cane B.6450, 27, Seeds, action of carbon dioxide on germi- nation of, 121. — for planting, treatment of, 168, —, manganese in coat of, 140, —, oil interest of, 121. Self-burning limestone in Syria, 175, Senna, ee Sisal cultivation in British East Africa, — hemp —Bahamas, sisalana), 77. Florida (Agave A (sisal henp— sritish ast African), 77 -, - (sisal hemp— German East African), 77. — industry in British Africa, 75, — —Mexican, etc. (Agave rigida, var, elongata, 77. — plant, duration of life of, £07, Size in tomatoes, inheritance of, 283. Skin disease of cattle in Antigua, 123. Smoking of mangoes, 342 Snails and black blight, 395, Soap-berry (Sapindus saponaria), 354. Soil analysis, practical value of, 205, 374. — chemistry, recent work in, 205, gases, study of, 205. investigation work in Assam, 92, losses by leaching, 187, moisture, conservation of, 267, protozoa, 205. —, temperature of under different condi- tions, 379 Soils, acid, 217, -—, advantage of heating, 190. —, function of fertilizers in, 190. —, Hawaiian, chemical investigation of, 190. ; —, production of ammonia and nitrates in, 199, —, Indian, fixation of nitrogen in, 347. — of Antigua, 413, —, partial sterilization of, 7. —, phosphorus and manganese content of, 124. —, physical analysis of, 109. —, swamp rice, gases of, 141. —, tropical, loss of fertilizers in, 191, Sorghum or imphee (Sorghum vulgare), 41. —, prussic acid content of, 201. Souari nut tree (Caryocur nuciferum), Sour grass, varieties of, 381. — sop (Anona muricata), 36, Sources of rubber, botanical, 359. South Africa, citrus cultivation in, 247. —, cotton industry in, 247. —, exports from, 247, export from Egypt prohibited, — | 124. | ‘St. Lucia Agricultural Credit Ordinance, —, live-stock in, 247. e 361 | Serum, anti-strangles, 25, [= —, tobacco industry in, 247. —, —, education in, 204. Sesame, yield of products from, 332, |— —, trade of, 393. —, coco-nut cultivation in, 277, Sesamum indicum, 250. = —, West Indian canes in, 162. —, effect of excessive rainfall on crops Seychelles, production and selection of | Southern: Nigeria, forestry in, 88. of, 403. coco-nuts in, 343 Soya bean cake, value per food unit, 230. —, efforts to establish bean industry in, | —, vanilla growing in, 343, | Spachea perforata, 309. 339. Shannon, J. Lionel, 24. Spain, potash deposits in, 105. —, exports from, 272. Sheep, hookworm, or nodular disease in, Spondias dulcis, cytherece (Golden apple, — Government Lime Juice Factory, 356, 67. hevi), 36. — grasses, identification of, 277. Shield-budding of tropical fruits, 36, — lutea (Hog plum), 36. —, introduction of the Jack Spaniard Shorea robusta, 233. Sponge cultivation, prospects of, 402. into, 395. Silver Oak (Grevillea robusta), 132, Spooner, A. St. Geo., 308. — ‘Spray-adhesive’, a novel, 124. Spraying versus dipping, 219. Stillpinia sebifera, 140. Stizolobium aterrimum, 3638. cienereum,: 158. niveum (Lion bean), 153. pachylobium, 158. sp., 333. Stock-poisoning due to scarcity of food, 40. Stocks for fruit trees, 23. Stomata and drought resistance, 89. Storage and application of pen manure, 199. Storm-damaged erops in Dominica, 285. Straits Settlements, rubber and coco-nut cultivation in, 379. Students’ Corner, 13, 29, 45, 61, 109, 125, 141, 173, 221. Sugar and the war, 85. — Commission, Royal, 37. —, concrete manufacture of, 66. — crop in Java, 1914, 371. — cultivation, extension in Portuguese West Africa, 348. —, possible extension in Trinidad, PAIS: —, Dutch colour standard for, 121. — duties in Canada, 3. 77, 98, _— —, proposed removal of in U.S.A., 322 —, export tax in Antigua, 344. — extension in the Philippines, 339. — factories, Government aid in estab- lishment of, 185. _ —, tropical, water-supply in, We fitfe — factory, Gunthorpes, 388. — — resul s, Cuban 274. —, history of, 131 —, increase of duties in England, 339 — industry, Natal, technical control for, 306. — in St Lucia, prospects of, 19 study of factory conditions ’ in, 307. — manufacture in Barbados, 281 —, Messchaert juice grooves, 51. —, muscovado works and central factories compared 405 — mills the Messchac.t for, 51. —, phosphogelose used in manufacture of, 188 — possibilities in, British Guiana, 292 —, price of in Australia, 51. —, problems in the chemistry of, 292. — production in the Argentine, 252 — North-West Frontier Province, India 3 — refinery, a new Canadian, 220. — samples at New York Botanical Gardens, 185. —, the Dutch Standard of, 35 —., West Indian, in London, 259. —, history of, 131. grooved roller _—, the molasses problem in Cuba, 430 Sugar, white, Norit process of manufac turing, 151. Sugar apple (Anona squamosa), 36. Sugar-cane, a new cane-cutting machine, 28. —, classification of, 2 —, colonial or home-grown beet, 50. — cultivation, expansion of within the Empire, 396. — in the Philippines, a wasteful practice in, 28. —, errors in field trials with, how to avoid, 323. — experiments at Barbados, 1913-15, 407. — — Winkel Spruit, South Nea results of, 163 — in RE Sh A Mey 263 — the Teenie 1913-14, 194. —, filter-press cake, by-product of, 24 — in India, 2. -—, La Cuite or pan sugar, 29. —, maceration of megass, 116. —, manufacture in Hawaii, 116. —, manurial experiments with Uba cane, 163. —, micro-organisms in juices and syrups, | action of, 147. —, mill work in Java 3. —, proposed extension of cultivation in British colonial possessions, 258. —, raising of varieties, 228. —, results of dressings of complete and incomplete manures, 163. 116. —, trash, burning of, 35. — varieties, raising of, re — wax, extraction of, 2 Sugar-eanes, Barbados, in Todia, 89. —, planting in Demerara, 131. —, West Indian, in South Africa, 162. Sun power, utilization of, 56. Suno hemp (Crotalaria juncea), 92. Swamprice soils, gases of, 141 Sweet potato, experiment in planting, 181 — — planting, tuber cuttings versus vires, 181. — vines as food for stock, 181. potatoes, 4. —, classification of, 249. —, developing strain from seed- lings, 140. —, storage of, 140. Sword bean (Canavalia ensiformis), 282, gladiatum), 158. Synedrella nodiflora (duck-weed), 267, ae Tabanids (horse flies), carriers of authrax, 203, Leeward Tamarinds on the London market, 207, 303, 415. Tannin, extraction from Wattle 249. Tapping, effect on Para rubber tree, 295. Tea, experimental cultivation in Brazil and Peru, 92 bark, ae == = — Fiji, 92. — = — — Mauri- tius,-92. —, — —- — Siamand the Straits Settlements, 92 — — _ — South Carolina, 92. —_ — -- _ the Azores, 92. — os — Uganda z = and Nigeria, 92 —, green dressings for manuring, 139, Teak (Tectona grandis), cultivation on waste land, 182, 253. 2.) Tecoma suberosa, 309 Tectona grandis (Teak), 182. Teff, a fodder grasss, 408. Telephone troubles in the tropics, 264. Telfairia pedata (Iuhambane nut), 79. Temperature of the soil under different conditions, 379. Tendre acailloux (Piptadenia peregrina), 156, 354, Tepary (Phaseolus acutifolius), a new _ bean, 115. Tephrosia candida, i83. — purpurea, 204 —, potash content of, 348 Textile fibres, present supply of, 73. ‘ The Spirit of the Soil’, ae ‘The World’s Cotton Crops’, Theobroma Cacao, 97. —— speciosum, 30 Thespesia populnea (Mahoe or Anodyne), 250. Thrinax Morrisii, 353. Thymol, increased demand for, 313. —, production of, 73. Tick-bird (Crotophaga Ani), 258. — eradication, in Antigua, 219. — Jamaica, 220. Ticks, cod liver oil, a useful remedy for,. 332 —, control of, 297. Timber for estate purposes, preservative treatment of, 9. — resources of Cuba, 157. — trees, direct sowing of seeds plantations, 182. Tobacco growing in Madeira, prospects of, 12 —, Indian, 251. — industry in South Africa, 247. — Tobago, development of, in 252, —, Jaffa, 365. shaded, transpiration of, 217. Tobago, tobacco industry in, 252. ‘Tohoku College of Agriculture, 157. 431 Tomato, acclimatization of, 308. — trade, Italian, 222. Tomatoes, canuing, directions for, 244 —., inheritance of size in, 283. —, manuring experimets with, 3: Tonka bean (Dipteryx odorata), 277. Toronto Exhibition, West Indian awards at. 148 Tortola, coco-nut cultivation in, 173. —, cotton cultivation iv, 173, — Experiment Station, 83, 244. — Onion Growers’ Association, 345. —, onion growing in, 175 — progress of o: ion industry in, 252. Trade and agriculture of Jamaica, 150. — conditions in British Colonies since th ewar, 297. -— India, 297. West Africa, 297. — of British East Africa, 55. — — Jamaica, effect of the war on, 409. — — South africa in 1914, 393. — — the Cayman Islands, 172 Transfusion of sap, 373. Transpiration of a partial parasite, 21 — of shaded tobacco, 217. Trap nest for poultry, 380. — Traveller's palm (Ravenalia madagas- cartensis), 198. ‘Treatment of seeds for planting, 168. Treculia africana, 309 Trinidad, agricultural banks for, 329, - — and Tobago, Report on Department of Agriculture, 1913-14, 216. — Wild Birds and Wild Animals Protection Ordinance, 280. —, cacao manurial experiments in, 99, — Planters’ Association, incor- poration of, 130 —, cassava industry in, 108, —, imports of corn into, 61. —, items of local interest, 326. —, Nature Study in Elementary Schools of, 137. —, possible extension of sugar cultivation in, 275. : —, Tonka beans in, 153, Triphasia aurantiola (Myrtle lime), 83. Tropical drug plants, 359. — foodstutfs and their valuation, 219, — products, demand for, 157. Tropics, agricultural engineering in, 216. —, pig raising in, 392. —, relation of International Institute of Agriculture to the, 120. —, universities in the, 232. Tubercle bacilli in milk, destruction of by electricity, 76. Tuberculosis, transmissibility of, 301. Turf, 47. Turkey buzzard (Cathartes auro), carrier of anthrax, 203. Tyrannus sp., 258, 153, 173, —_— — = i, — a w. Uba cane, manurial experiments with, 163 United Kingdom, imports of cotton into, 412. United States quarantine against citrus canker, 56. Universities in the tropics, 252. Upland long staple cotton, test, 86. spinning V. Valuation of tropical foodstutts, 219, Vanilla cuttings, 41. growing in the Seychelles, 343, in the French West Indies, 84. planifolia, 84, 333 pompona, 84 —, supports for, 343, — in St. Vincent, 381, Varieties of sour grass, 381, Vegetable dye, a new, 262. — growing in Antigua, 54. — products, new, 264. Velvet bean, Florida, -247. Vetiveria zizanioides, 359. Vicia aba, 165 Vigna catjang, 105, 363. — (dolichos) sesquipedalis (Asparagus bean), 158. — luteola, 410 — attacked by Cryptorhyrchus borer, 346. Village clubs and associations in England 295. Vinca rosea (Old Maid or Periwinkle), 355. Vinegar made from pine-apple juice, 190 Virgin Islands, items of local interest in, 45, 159, 279, 327, 366 — Onion Growers Associations 412. Vitamines in lime juice, 345. Vitis vinifera, 373. Voandzeia subterranea (Anjola pea), 105, ‘Vomiting sickness’ in Jamaica, 396. Vulcanization experiments on Para rubber, 283. W. Walton, J. H., 338. War conditions and the rubber trade, 376. Washingtonia filifera, 327, Water grass (Paspalum dilatatum), 291. —., loss of from growing plants, 389. — purification, excess of lime method of, 313. — supply in tropical 177. Wattle bark, extraction of tannin from, 249, sugar factories, Wedelia bupthalmoides, 98 | Weeds, control of, 300 —, eradicating with phate 267. —, eradication by use of kaiuit, 248. | —, blow lamp for killing,-267. —, suppression of by arsenite of soda spray, 124 Weights and measures of the Kingdom and United States, 44 West Indian Agriculture, co-operative insurance in, 324 — awards at the bition, 148. — Bay oil, 310. —_ — — industry, 72. ‘West Indian Bulletin’, 104, 217. West Indian canes in South Africa, 162, — cotton on the Liverpool market, ammonium sul- United Toronto Exhi- 22, 38, 54, 70, 86 102, 119, 134, 150. 166, 182, 198, 214 230, 246, 962, 278, 294, 326, 342 358 374, 390, 406. — Court at Canadian National Exhibition 348. — crops, exhibiting, 187. — economic plants and animals, origin of 97. fisheries development of, 177. fruit and the war. 360. ground nuts, 103. patois, nature of 200. — Permanent Exhibitions Canada, 41. — Sea Island cotton, fixed prices for, 342. — sugar in London, 259. West Indies, ajowan seeds for thymol in, 392. —, bacon factory suggested for, in 118 — —-, cassava cultivation in, cost of, 167. — —, estton expert’s tour in, 104. — — — exports from, 230, 326. — —, cultivation of castor oil seed in, 155 — — double coco-nut palm in, 312. — — in Canada, 1915, 248. — —, motor ploughing io, 301. — -—, roses suitable for cultivation in, 327 Wheat rations versus corn rations, 347. White sugar. manufacture of, 226. —, Norit process of manufactur- ing, 131. Wild birds of Trinidad, 280 — citrus fruits of Madagascar, 197 — coffee or ‘ Coffee bush’ (Clerodendron aculeatum) 83. — rubber ard selection, 246 Wolstenholme and Holland, Messrs, 22, 38, 54 70. 86, 119, 134, 150, 182, 198, 230 262, 278, 294, 326, 358, 374, 406. Wonder-of-the World or Love bush NG A: (Bryophyllum calycinum), 355. Wood piping as a substitute for metal piping, 156. Yellow fever, ducks as a preventive of, | Zanzibar, agriculture in, 56. i Woolly pyrol (Phaseolus Mungo), 158. 393. : ‘Zebu cattle, value of, 188. ambit. 2 oe bet ala yt 1 a ) & rs aa a 7,5 as oy \ THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture FOR THE WEST INDIES. The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. A Quarterly Scientific Journal. Volume 1. No. 1. Out of print. Nos. 2, 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price 1s, each. 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Manone, St. John’s. Trinidad: Messrs. Murr-Marsuaru & Co., Port-of-Spain. St Aitts: THE Brete AND Book Suppty AGENCY, BASSETERRE Tobago: Mr. C. L. PuaceMann, Scarborough. Ves: Messrs. Howetr, Bros., Charlestown. Canada: Lewis W. Ciemens, 71 King Street, West, Toronto. Vou. XTV. No. 356. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS) DrecemBer 18, 915. THE BEST MANURE FOR COLONIAL USE is Dissolved (Soluble) Guano FOR SUGAR-CANE AND GENERAL USER + TRADE MARK. APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIRECT TO:— THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL GUANO WORKS, (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) London Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C. Barbados Agents: James A. Lyneh & Co., Ltd., Bridgetown. JUST ISSUER THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE COTTON FACTORY, LTD. WEST INDIAN BULLETIN, | COTTON GINNERS, OIL REFINERS AND PLANTATION SUPPLIERS. Vol. XV, No. 2. IMPORTERS OF Containing the following papers: Review of Tén Years’ Work WEST INDIAN of the Antigua Sugar Factory (Gunthorpes), by Francis Watts, COTTON SEED. C.M.G., D.Sc.; The Soils of Antigua, by H. A. Tempany, Quotations made on application for the purchase of D.Se.; A Method of Sponge Cultivation and its Prospeets in}Cotton Seed from the neighbouring Islands. the Lesser Antilles: with Notes on Other Possible Shallow- } THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE water Fisheries, by W. R. Dunlop; A Parasite of the Flying Fish, by Dr. W. I. Calman, British Musenm (Natural History); COTTON FACTORY, LIMITED, Report on the Prevalence of Some Pests and Diseases in the WHITE PARK, ‘West Indies during 1914, by H. A. Ballou, M.Se:, and BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. W. Nowell, D.C. August 6, 1915. SPACH AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENT, Printed at Office of Agricultura? Reporter, 4 High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados. New York Botanical den a hire 'f Syoesrrenes ealt ee peewee eee sees Sede SaE ES Thee ERESEE ETT IESE Sista, ears ehnwesete! Nebetarte sa oe dese watnelnttaget hit peaesesrhe ven . steeetninpe poheheintpheneh. Metetrivetasetagey oe eee ors wen ibtiadiii S00 eeetrectnp opening