~ mH ~ 4 + ij 214 $325 os ee BA: SS) | ie aos “di, ie EY _ A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW OF THE IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES, VOI UME, XV. JANUARY TO DECEMBER 1916. ISSUED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE | Ss | woe COMMISSIONERIOF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. London: Messrs. Dutau & Co., 37, Soho Square, W.; THE West Inpia Commirrer, 15, Seething Lane, E.C. Barbados: Tan ApvocatE Co., Lrp,, Bridgetown. p. 90. for 92. 121 129 219 265 . 290 . 298 363 ERRATA wn VOL. XV. Amlyomma variegatun read ‘Amblyomma variegatum’. Thiphia parallela read ‘Tiphia parallela’. tetse tetse read ‘tsetse’. Agave cantala read ‘Agave Cantula’. Kiskeedes read ‘Kiskadees’. Luchnosterna sp. vead ‘Lachnosterna sp’. Parasitnology read ‘Parasitology’. contra-destruction read ‘contra-distinction’. direct manures read ‘direct measures’. Vhermesia digitalis read “Thermesia gemmatalis.’. orAS Sh! | ZG <0! \ AOE Z HZ A) (SAY RS VS. OE Op B74 OZ Z “SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 1916. [One penny. — R. M. S. P. ; MAIL, PASSENGER & CARGO SERVICES FROM THE | aU 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 & PARAMARIBO Grenada & Trinidad. | (Trinidad, Puerto Colombia, | Cartagena, Colon, Panama, | |Callao, Iquique, Antofagasta & Valparaiso. | REGULAR MAIL, PASSENGER AND CARGO SERVICES FROM THE UNTTED KINGDOM TO PANAMA CANAL & PACIFIC PORTS 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, Demerara, Colon, Jamaica, Antilla, New York, Halifax N.&., Buenos Ai-es, Santys, S20 Paulo Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, ete. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. y SPRAYING HorsEs FOR ' Ticks, LICE @ MANGB + ————— ep CATTLE Tick FEMALE TICKS. Horses suffering from tick infestation should be subjected to the same treatment aj cattle, i.c., they should be sprayed or dipped with an arsenical solution. The more nervous temperament of the horse causes him to be acutely sensible to tick worry,pnd, in addition to the actual loss in blood caused by ticks living on him, his sensitiveness under the irritating action of the palasite results in a loss of appetite, with a very noticeable shrinkage in energy and working power. ( Under the constant skin and blood irritation set up by ticks, a horse noted for his gentle manners oten becomes apparently totally changed in disposition. This is especially true of well-bred mares and geldings, and unfortunately the better bred animals suffer much more than others. Many Owners entertain doubts as to whether horses can stand the same treatment as cattle, and it nay therefore be pointed out that in South Africa, a disease known as ‘‘ Horse Sickness,” for want of a better name, has for many {ears taken toll of horse- kind in immense numbers, and although the causative agent of this dreaded malady has not vet been| discovered, dipping or spraying with reliable arsenical cattle dips has been proved an efficient preventive, with the result that he dipping of horses is now as common in South Africa as the dipping of cattle—that is to say, it is universal. The safety o| dipping horses is thus established beyond all doubt. In the West Indies, the spraying of horses for the destruction of pamsites has already been adopted by many Owners, and has been proved to be extremzly beneficial. ’ In undertaking any measures for the eradication of ticks, West Indian planters should include in their campaign the treatment of horses and mules in addition to cattle. It is useless to hope to clean a property of ticks if, whilst destroying those on the cattle, ticks on horses and mules are allowed to thrive undisturbed. Ticks are often found firmly attached, and in considerable numbers, on the inside of the ears $f horse-kind, and also attached to the membrane of the nostrils: special attention should be given to these parts, particularlr to the nostrils, as the perforation by the parasite of the delicate membrane will allow the entry of one or other of the germsto which many of the organic diseases of horses can be traced. MANGE. Spraying horse-kind with a reliable arsenical tickicide has been amply demonstrated to be a perfect cure and preventive of mange. Mange in the West Indies is of some importance on account of its general prevalence and steady increase. LICE. Lice at certain seasons of the year attack horse-kind in appalling numbers, and these minute parasites, so hard to detect, will in a very short time cause a great loss of condition in the hardiest animals. The same measures of systematic spraying as used against ticks, will also check lice. HINTS ON SPRAYING HORSES 1. If the dip is applied in the usual way, by means of a Spray Pump, that is all that is required. 2. Onno account should the dip be rubbed into the skin with a mop or other object. This is inadvisable, even with cattle ; but it is very risky with horses. 3. Itis as well to keep mares and foals apart for a time after spraying, until they‘are dry ; this obviates all risk of an overdose of arsenic being taken as a result of mares licking foals, or the foals sucking the mares’ udders whilst the latter are still wet with dip. Since arsenic, in proper quantities, is a recognised tonic for horses, the risk of an overdose from the above causes is not great, but it will be entirely avoided if mares and foals are kept apart until dry. COOPER’S CATTLE TICK DIP WEST INDIAN AGENTS: ST. KITTS: S. L. Horstord &Co. ANTIGUA: Bennett, Bryson & Co. Has received the official approval of the following Countries: JAMAICA: DNEEnderson @ (CE: Kingston, i S i 5 GRENADA: Thomson, Hankey & Co. Union of South Africa, Northern Rhodesia, Brazil, Basutoland, BARBADOS; be SEES oeL ade carimicenea: Nyasaland, Swaziland, Southern Rhodesia, Madagascar, TRINIDAD: T. Geddes Grant, Port of Spain. ¢ sh East Airica, German East Africa, Portuguese East Africa, BRITISH GUIANA: Sandbach, Parker & Co. al Tae 5 ous . . “ - sland ST. VINCENT: Corea & Co., Kingstown. NEVIS: 5S. D. Malone. Portuguese West Airica, Egypt, Argentine Republic, Queensland, DANISH WEST INDIES: Carl V. 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. JAN 10 1910: i ALLA 6 Seek ALE BY bh TUR: A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW OF THE IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. Price ld. Wore oX0Ve 2 Nos, 3513 BARBADOS, JANUARY 1, 1916. seem acceptable, they should not be ignored, because CONTENTS. ey EA oe MMR e eee oa of his experience and point of view. To continue the metapher, it may be reasonably added that the ultimate PAGE. Pace, credit in the eyes of the public will fall upon the : jlayers, so that the director's work ends wit At a Distance... 1 | Insect Notes:— CS f ; us Baul) pales me Book Shelf .. a. 7 Mediterranean Fruit success of his actors, or, in other words, is epiphytic Cacao, German and Por- 3 Fly eer.) es es LO) (on fanlure. NOVA ape, oo: “code Ont . A ap er ° Gaetan Gee penn Local Interest... 2 +4 1 , “« Kapok Tree, Domestic British Cotton Growing Valuicuee 9 . : c Ne eas Wil aa 6G alue og rsoo) ECON Looking at the islands from a distance, one ean Wract Indian’ Cote 6 Market Reports ... ... 16 : ; ; 3 < est Indian Cotton... 6! Notes and Comments ... 8 See at the present time a number of performances in Department"News ... ... 11 Departmental Reports... +} Plant Diseases: Exhibition, Barbados A New Disease of Sugar Arinitalteecy "crea ore s-u2 a0 Cane in Barbados .. 14 Gleanings... . 12| Revolution and Distress 9 Grenada Land Settlements 13} Rubber, New Invention in 8 Hawaii, Trade and Com- St. Vincent, An Address MENGE IOLeeye acs) veced Nees 9 GO: .. BENRese) sacl tee Hevea Brasiliensis, Phy- Soil Analysis by Plantation siological Kffects on, Managensmces: cecce tees LO Produced by Tapping, 13! Vanilla, Curing of... At a Distance. 4 QOCATED away from its immediate sphere 2of influence, the Imperial Department of Agriculture for the West Indies, in spite of all the many disadvantages attendant on such a position, is at least able to regard the internal affairs of the different colonics in true perspective. Its position is somewhat lke that of an experienced person who has been requested to attend and _ criticize the rehearsals of a play. He secs at a different angle from the individual actors, no matter how great their ability, and although his suggestions may not always progress, the majority of them very serious, though a few are not without a touch of comedy. In Barbados and the Leeward Islands we have the annual repetitions of the sugar-cane experiments, which, in spite of a cer- tain inevitable sameness of presentation, are well appre- ciated by certain sections of the public. New varie- ties are introduced each year, and in course of time these are made use of by the planter. In certain direc- tions, particularly in Barbados, it would seem that some re-arrangement of the programme might be an advantage, especially in regard to the manurial experiments; but the actual effecting of this change rests, of course, with the local authorities. Of recent years each island has tended more and more to produce its own selected seed for cotton planting. This performance, like that with sugar-cane, is repeated annually, and also, like the last mentioned, continuous repetition is its most important feature, Cotton growers fully appreciate the value of this work: for one thing it must tend to secure uniformity in each colony’s cotton, which is what the users most Such a caleulated to have along run. desire. performance, therefore, may be 2 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JANUARY 1, 1916. As well as being the scene of Governmental action along these two outstanding lines, the smaller islands have their minor plays or side-shows. An interesting one of quite recent production is the St. Lucia Lime Juice Factory, which is a source of great satisfaction to the peasantry, and is also freely patronised by the larger owners, who of course, in many cases, possess their The venture has interested the large owner in both St. Lucia and Dominica, in so far as it has shown that it can reduce the loss in acid during concentration, as well as the amount of sediment in the juice to quite a remarkable extent. factories of own. Other side-shows of much interest are on the prem- ises of the Antigua Onion Growers’ Association and the Government Kiln-drier for Indian corn. The first named is rapidly growing in interest, and has been initiated with success in Montserrat and the Virgin Islands. The moral is co-operation; and, indeed, this holds good for most of these new productions. It is a very popular theme at present, and one hopes that it will continue to be so. A most pleasing feature of this co-operative trend is the formation within the last year or two of -co-operative credit societies. This is the very quint- escence of co-operation, for if we can trust each other with money, we can do so in regard to most things. Tt will be understood that in all the instances we have referred to above, it is the local Governments which have produced the money and the principal -actors; there has been very little private enterprise. As for the Imperial Department, it is not perhaps too much to claim that that institution has originated the ideas and the working plans toa not inconsiderable extent. But as already intimated, that form of effort ends with success, just as it would not end in the event -of failure. While Governmental action has predominated, it must not be thought that private enterprise has been entirely absent. Most of the islands have of recent years been the scene of coco-nut planting on an extending scale, and we must not fail to recognize the important part played by the pioneers in this direction, as well as that played by those who have been responsible for the planting of land in limes and other crops in places like St. Lucia and Dominica. Looking at a distance we notice one feature of administration in both ofticial and business circles that needs amendment. When a_ so-called new scheme is 1 being introduced, there is scarcély ever enough atten- tion given to work that has beey done in that direction previously. An examination of past records should never be omitted, for it will often prevent the useless repetition of some experiment which has already been shown to yield unsatisfactory results, and will often save direct mistakes. Besides, |t is only fair to credit past workers with their own results, and only rational to start any new scheme, if possible, on a basis of pre-ascertained fact. In connexion with this, one may draw attention to the importante of filing publications for reference—a habit which is regrettably absent even in public offices. In colonial administration every problem must be regarded on its merits, and according to local cireum- stances and the experience of) others in the past. It is a very unoriginal but nevertheless a true saying that ‘there is nothing new under the sun, and most of the events in colonial development labelled original, are merely the intelligent application of other people’s results. DOWN THE ISLANDS. ITEMS OF LOCAL INTEREST. st. LuctA.—Mr. A. J. Brooks writes to say that during November the cacao crop was satisfactory, and was being harvested during that month. The lime crop was still fairly heavy. while the sugar-cane was very promising throughout the island. During the month, 15 casks of concentrated lime juice were prepared at the factory, making a total of 59 for the present crop. Improvement in relation to the roads and entrances at the Botanic Gardens, and an extension of the drainage system at Réunion continue. In the Experiment Station, work has consisted in preparing lime beds, sowing and transplanting limes, and making 12-inch concrete pipes for drainage purposes. The plants distributed from the Government nurseries during November consisted of the following: limes, 4,825; budded oranges, 42; miscellaneous, 36; cassava’ cuttings, 3,000; sweet potato cuttings, 5,000; sugar-cane cuttings, 3,000; also 8 packets of vegetable seed. pomINica.—In October the lime crop was slackening off. The local prices for yellow limes advanced from 3s. to 4s. per barrel, and raw juice from 6d. to 7d. per gallon. The latest cable quotation for concentrated juice was £28 per pipe. A shipment of juice made by steam concentration realized £35 per pipe. Mr. Joseph Jones, who has furnished the above information, states further that, in connexion with coco-nut cultivation, a 5-acre experimental plot has been approved by authority. Work in the nurseries has consisted in lifting and delivering plants, potting, cutlassing, weeding, transplanting, sowing seeds, budding and spraying. In the lime experiment station the principal operations have con- sisted in picking and recording the crop, cutlassing, planting Vor. XV. No. 357. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, 3 out a number of lime plants budded on new stocks experi- mentally. Two heavy pickings of cacao were made during the month in the Experiment Station, and the yield from each of the plots was recorded. Work in the Botanic Gardens included the planting cut of new species and completing the removal of fallen tress, thrown down during the August and September gales. The following is reported as having been done in the chemical laboratory: investigations to determine the relationship between total acidity and pure citric acid on a number of raw and concentrated juices; also samples of lime juice sent in by planters were tested. As regards laboratory equipment, the presses, fume chamber, working bench, etc., were completed. The rainfall for the month was normal, being 841 inches, rain having fallen on twenty-one days. The distribution of plants was: limes, 2,300; cacac, 300; budded citrus, 7; grafted mangoes, 4; total, 2,611. DOMINICA.—Later advices received in respect of Novem- ber state that there was a lull in the lime crop to be followed by a small second crop. There was no change in the local prices for lime products. The cable quotations however for concentrated juice dropped to £25 per pipe. The cacao crop was ripening rapidly but much difficulty has been encountered in the drying operations owing to the persistent wet weather. Reference has been made above to the establishment of a 5-acre experiment plot of coco-nuts. The surveying and laying out of the plots for planting was being carried on. In regard to citrus, it 1s stated that a }-acre plot of varieties of grape-fruit was planted out, and Mr. Jones is start- ing a second }-acre plot of limes budded experiment- ally. Fruit is still being shipped from Dominica for the wounded soldiers. Amongst the visitors to the Gardens during the month were the Assistant Director of Agriculture, Trinidad; Sir Gilbert Carter, K.C.M.G., formerly Governor of Barbados; and Mr. Driver, late of Montserrat. The rainfall for the month of November was 10:05 inches. The list of plants distributed from the nurseries is as follows: limes 3,400; coffee, 500; budded citrus, 75; shade trees, 75; vanilla, 25; nutmegs, 12; grafted mangoes, 3; miscellaneous, 21: total, 4,111. MONTSERRAT. It appears from Mr. Robson’s statement concerning agricultural conditions in this island during November, that the cotton fields planted in April have given the best results for the season. The general absence of a second growth on cotton plants is remarkable, in view of the satisfactory weather. During November, the destruction of old plants was begun. The continued rain has been of great benefit to lime planters, and the supplies from the old fields are stated to look well. Considerable areas have had applications of artificial manure. Although corn continues to be shipped to St. Kitts and elsewhere, it is not anticipated that there will be any considerable development in its cultivation as a main crop. There is more hope fora suitable bean crop. It appears that considerable trouble was experienced during the month in regard to plant diseases. The pine-apple plot in the Experiment Station is apparently succumbing to disease, and damping off has been an obstacle in the way of an extension of onion cultivation. At the time of writing, cotton stainers were fairly general. Over 3,000 tb. of pedigree cotton seed is on hand for distribution to planters and is being offered to growers, sufficient seed being allowed to plant one-tenth of the total acreage that it is intended to establish. The seed will be used to plant a field which will supply seed for the whole estate in the following year. It is intended to follow up this system each year. Interesting work in the Botanic Gardens has been the planting of beds of the second generation of Ajowan. Seeds of Teff grass were sown and have germinated. The rainfall during the month was well distributed; there has been an absence of downpours. antigua. Mr. J. Jackson states that the area under cotton for the presentseason is 444 acres. Rather severe attacks of cotton caterpillars were experienced during November in some localities. Work in the Experiment Station has included the reaping of sweet potato experiments, and replanting, cutting hedges, cleaning drains, preparing beds for sowing lime seeds, and weeding plots. Coming events of interest include the annual sale of cane plants, the laying out of manurial experiments of sugar-cane, irrigation experiments, and improvements to the onion drying house. The plants distributed during the month of November were: coco-nuts, 575; onion plants, 4,400; Eucalyptus, 213; miscellaneous, 46. promote the erection of a central factory for the revival of that industry here. In fact, conditions owing to the war would greatly hamper. the importation of sugar machinery from England now, even if the owners of land desired to combine for the establishment of a factory here. In any case, he urged, it was a matter in which the people and not the Government had to make the first step, and having assured the production of sufficient cane for a factory, then approach the Government for a subsidy. He referred to the practical illustration offered by the Antigua Sugar Factory, the value of which now stands at £120,000. Sugar it surely bringing a fair price, and would so long as the war lasts; but there was, he said, no certainty as to the future of the industry. There were countries in the Empire with unlimited possibilities for sugar production, and he mentioned, for example, Natal alone, whose sugar output to-day is more than that of the whole of the West Indies and British Guiana, He advised the expansion of sugar-cane cultivation, the patch- ing up of our old sugar works as efficiently as possible, and the manufacture of Muscovado, for which there is a consi- derable local demand, as well as a ready market elsewhere. In conclusion, Dr. Watts made some remarks relating to the domestic position of the colony generally. He did not agree with those who are wearing long faces, for from his observations from an agricultural standpoint, he could find but little cause for complaint, and none for any alarm. The economic situation in St. Vincent in particular, and in the West Indies generally is, he said, very much better than it is in England, and we practically have no hardship to bear. Foodstuffs are plentiful, and although imports may show a decline affecting the Treasury, the people are being fed as they were before. Agriculture is in a flourishing condition and he could see nothing to make him feel that the prospects are gloomy. Whatever might be the commercial inconveniencies, we ought to consider ourselves fortunate that things are not worse. He felt sure that in about a year’s time St. Vincent will have passed through a critical period and entered again in the march of progress. (St. Vincent Sentry for December 10, 1915.) DEPARTMENT NEWS Mr. W. R. Dunlop, the Scientific Assistant, left Barbados by -the 8.8. ‘Albanian’ on December 28, 1915, for Trinidad, on two weeks leave of absence. Mr. H. A. Ballou, Entomologist, and Mr. W. Nowell, Mycologist. left for St. Vincent in the C.R.M.S, ‘Chaudiére’ on December 29, to make investigations concerning the occurrence of thrips on cacao in that colony, and also to make general enquiries concerning plant pests and diseases there. On their return journey it is expected that they may spend two or three days in Grenada, arriving at Barbados by the C.R-M.S. ‘Caraquet’ on the 13th, instant. 12 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. January 1, 1916. GLEANINGS. The export of rice from Siam in 1913-14 was the largest on record, the figures being 1,173,980 tons, valued at £7,568,954. This exceeded the export of the previous record year, 1910-11, by 127,054 tons, and £608,962. We regret to announce that Mr. J. L. Fonda, Treasurer of the Florida Manufacturing Co., Madison, Florida, who visited the West Indies on one or two occasions in connexion with the Cotton Industry, died on October 25, 1915. The estimated population of Jamaica up to March 31, 1915, is given ina Supplement to the Jamauca Cuzette, as 883,158. The number of new arrivals during the year was 15,218, and the number of departures, 12,330. We see from the Uganda Official Gazette that the Agriculture Department distributes certain planting material at the following rates: Para Hubber seeds, 10s. per 1,000; ‘Para Rubber plants, 30s. per 1,000; Cacao seeds, 15s. per 1,000; Clove seedlings, 50c. each. According to Dr. Prinsen Geerligs in the Lowisiana Planter for October 23, the reports from Java remain bad; athe tonnage of cane per acre is low and the quality of juice is not good. It is added that in some favoured districts 6 -short tons of sugar per acre is produced, but in a major- ity of places the yield will be below that. The exports of cacao and spices from Grenada in 1914 ewere worth £280,308 and £21,165, respectively. These ‘values were considerably below those for 1913 owing to unfavourable weather conditions in the latter year. The lime industry as well as coconut is extending. (Colonial Reports— Annual, No. 852.) It is stated in the Report on the Agricultural Depart- ment of the Gold Coast for 1914, that experiments have been Nature Study in Botanic Gardens. Some of the ideas embodied in an account of nature study with children at the New York Botanic Gardens, appearing in the Journal of that establishment for November 1915, should appeal to ofticers in charge of Schools and Gardens in the West Indies. The New York Botanical Garden occupies about 400 acres in the northern part of Bronx Park, and contains a large museum, two large ranges of conserva- tories, an old mansion in the hemlock forest on the Bronx river, and many plantations of herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees. In the programme of exercises arranged by the Bedtime Stories Club of The Globe, the children were directed to proceed along ditterent routes through the Garden, and at various points, generally in the conservatories, instructors were stationed to point out and describe various plants of special interest. It may be mentioned here that tropical plants were the chief features of discussion. Several thousand children took part in this insttuctive excursion, and in every way it was a great success. As the children proceeded along the route selectedfor each section they were told, ina printed programme supplied to each of them, to try and answer certain questions for themselves. hus after leaving the conservatories many deciduous and evergreen trees were to be seen: the children had to ask themselves: ‘How do trees that drop their leaves on the approach of winter ditfer in shape from those that are evergreen? ‘Do their leaves also difter in shape? Again inanother place where xerophytes occurred} ‘How do desert plants differ from other plants? And again in one of the tropical houses: ‘How do you explain the different kinds of tea all coming from the same plant? And ‘How many kinds of banana fruit have you seen?.’ Vous “XV. Nos 358: ‘THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 95 The foregoing represents a very valuable system of education. In our editorial on the Museum in Practice in a recent issue, we strongly advocated the utilization of Gardens in this way, and the hope may be expressed that an attempt will be made to apply these American ideas, to some extent at least, in the West Indies. Exhibition in Formosa. The Journal of Agriculture, New Zealand, for October 20, 1915, announces that the Department of Agriculture of that Dominion has been advised by the Japanese Consul-General at Sydney, that an industrial exhibition, promoted by the Governor of Formosa, is to be held at Taihoku, Formosa, from April 10 to May 9, 1916, Cordial invitations to exhibit products are extended to South China, Hong Kong, the Common- wealth of Australia, the Dominion of New Zealand, British India, Dutch India, French India, Siam, and the Philippine Islands. Intending exhibitors are requested to communicate to the Governor of Formosa as early as possible particulars of the exhibits, area of space, and nature of stands required. All articles of exhibition will be admitted free of Customs duty, and the use of floor-space, stands, etc., will be free. For those who desire to erect buildings. or annexes special facilities will be given. eee Poisonous Principle of Cotton Seed. Cotton seed meal when fed to pigs has so often proved poisonous to them, that its employment for this purpose is looked upon rightly with suspicion, although it is so largely used as a food for other animals. What substance actually imparts this. toxic quality to cotton seed has been a matter of enquiry by chemists for some time. The Journal of Agricultural Research, Novem- ber 15, 1915, published by the United States Department of Agriculture, contains an article by W. A. Withers and F. A. Carruth, in which satisfactory proof seems to be given, based on experiments by the authors, that the active toxic principle in cotton seed is a substance to which the name gossypol has been given. his was first isolated from cotton seed oil, and named by Marchlewski in 1899, but the authors of the article under review seem to have been the first to demonstrate its toxic property, and to have shown that it is more easily isolated from the cotton seed kernels. Tt was pointed out in an article by Dr. Tempany in the West Indian Bulletin (Vol. X, p. 121), that the spots, observable under a lens when a cotton seed is cut across, varied in colour from a yellowish brown to deep green; and that this deepening of tint was an infallible test of the age of the seed, fresh seed always presenting brown spots, while seed kept for some time showed this by the darkening of these spots. This is a most useful guide in selecting cotton seed for planting, since the seed when kept loses its power of germination quickly. Messrs. Withers and Carruth have demonstrated that these spots are, as Handueck had pointed out, secretion cavities, and that the secretion contained im them is gossypol, which they isolated successfully. By many experiments, chiefly on rabbits, they proved that this substance was in itself always fatal after a few days when administered to the animals even in small doses daily, or in one large dose. They also demonstrated that the toxic properties of gossypol are destroyed by oxidation. Thus to obtain a non-toxic feed methods have been suggested by Withers and Ray, of the North Carolina Experiment Station, of treating the cotton-seed meal by one of these methods: (1) Extraction of the gossypol from the kernels with ether or alcohol. (2) Treatment of the meal with an alcoholie solution of an alkali, which affords conditions for rapid oxidation. (3) Treatment of the meal with iron salts, which seem to form an insoluble compound with the poisonous. punciple. Futher research on these lines may possibly lead to a wide extension of the employment of cotton-seed meal as a foodstuff. a Pasteurization of Cream for Butter Making. The results of experiments conducted to determine: the value of pasteurization in the manufacture of butter, the effect on the flavour of the butter, on the keeping qualities, on the body, on the chemical compo- sition, and on the mechanical losses, are given in the- Experiment Station Record (Vol. 33) tor October 1915. Sour cream was pasteurized by the continuous and vat methods, and the continuous method using the forewarmer. Fairly satisfactory results were: obtained by the continuous method of pasteurization during the summer season, but during the winter: season, when the cream had to be heated from a low temperature to a high pasteurizing temperature, a metalic flavour often resulted. The amount of fat lost in the buttermilk was greater in the buttermilk obtained from pasteurized cream. In vat pasteurization the body of the butter was somewhat inferior to that of both the raw cream butter’ and that from the cream pasteurized by the continuous. method, in that it was not so clear, and appeared a trifle sticky. The butter from pasteurized cream,. either sweet or sour, scored higher on flavour, both when fresh and after storage, than that from raw cream. Vat pasteurization appeared to be the most: efficient method of sour cream pasteurization for improvement of flavour, although the average fat content of the buttermilk from vat-pasteurized cream was 0:25 per cent., as against 0115 per cent. for buttermilk from cream pasteurized by the continuous. method. Butter manufactured from raw cream had a higher moisture content than butter manufactured from cream pasteurized by the flash method. Prolonged heating of sour cream produced a higher moisture content in the resulting butter. The percentage protein content. of the resulting butter was not influenced by the pasteurization of sweet cream, but was decreased by pasteurization of sour cream, THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JANUARY 15, 1916 INSECT NOTES. THE CORN LEAF BEETLE. In the report of the Barbados Department of Agriculture for 1912-13, an account was given of the Corn leat weevil (Myochrous uimatus) as a minor pest of sugar-cane and Indian corn in that island. This insect has been known in Barbados for several years, but has never become a serious pest. A related insect is reported as being a serious pest of Indian corn in certain sections of the United States. It is called the Southern Corn leaf beetle (/yochrous denticollis). This latter insect is recorded as occurring in Grenada, although so far it has not been reported asa pest. A related insect in St. Vincent is Colaspis fastidiosa, which has been at times very troublesome, from its habit of attacking very young cotton seedlings. These insects are not weevils; they belong to the Chrysomelidae, the leaf bectles, so called because the adults, and, in many instances, the grubs also, feed on the leaves of plants. The adult beetle (Myochrous armatus) in Barbados is known to atteck the leaves of sugar-cane plants: they probably eat the roots of these and those of the Indian corn as well. The Southern Corn leaf beetle (Myochrous denticollis) in the United States attacks the roots of Indian corn and of several other plants when in the larval stage, while the adults eat the leaves of the corn plants, often causing the loss of practically all the plants over considerable areas. These attacks usually occur in the early spring when the corn is ung. - if appears that the adult beetles hibernate in and near the corn fields, taking advantage of the presence of weeds, trash, and other rubbish to provide suitable protection from the weather. ; The clearing up of all rubbish, and not allowing fields to lie idle and grow crops of weeds near the cultivations, would seem to offer a satisfactory means of reducing the numbers of the beetles. It has been found that early planted corn may be severely attacked, and that when the damage to this is so severe as 10 necessitate replanting, there is no second attack by the beetles on the same land in the same season. This suggests that in the West Indies when attacks of these beetles have occurred, and repetitions are feared, a trap crop of corn, or other favoured food, might be planted, and when the attack has developed the trap crop might be removed and the real crop for the season then be planted. Clean cultural methods also would Le as profitable in these islands as in the United States. As a direct remedial meédsure it has been found that a poisoned bait consisting of 25. fb. wheat bran, or pollard, 1 th. Paris green, 1 gallon molasses, and the juice of three oranges, with enough watcr added to make a stiff dough, is effective. The best success in the use’ of this poisoned bran bait was obtained when applied late in the afternoon, the bait being scattered lightly on the ground where the beetles are at work among the plants. This remedy wofild seem to be worth trial in conjunction with clean culture; for the Myochrous beetles and for the bronze beetle (Colaspis jastidiosa) in St. Vincent, and it might be effective also in the case of the weevils of the genus Lachnopus, which have attacked cotton seedlings in Anguiila and Antigua. ; H.A.B. The Storage and Use of Soil Moisture.—The results of field studies of soil moisture accumulation and conservation, conducted for six years on fairly uniform fine sandy loam soil at the North Platte (Nebraska) sub-station, are reported. Under field conditions, the maximum capacity for water of the soil in question was found to be from 16 to 18 per cent. of its dry weight, of which that above 7 to 8 per cent. is available for plant use. The more important findings are summarized as follows :-- Summer tillage is the most effective means of storing water in the soil, the annual storage by this means varying from 10 to 33 per cent. of the seasonal rainfall, according to the amount and distribution of the rainfall, the effectiveness of the tillage, and the presence or absence of a growing crop. Ploughing seems better than disking «for accumulating water in the soil, although disking small grain stubble to kill weeds and stir the surface is generally effective. Artificial mulches of straw or hay are more effective than soil mulches in absorb- ing and retaining rain-water, and a 3-inch mulch is more effective than a shallower one. Corn, oats, spring wheat, and barley use water from the first 4 or 5 feet of soil, winter wheat at a depth of 6 or 7 feet, and alfalfa and grasses when well established, at much greater depths. Under normally favourable conditions growing vegetation is a greater factor than surface evaporation in removing water from soil, and weeds are frequently the most effective agents in removing available water from soils, and in preventing the storage of water for the use of other plants. Capillary movement is feeble in soils that are dried to any considerable extent below the saturation point, so that. in the main, the plant roots to obtain water extend themselves into the soil where ‘available water is present rather than depend upon capillarity. In order to store water in these soils it is necessary that the soil surface should be in condition to catch rains, and kept loose and rough by cultivation to reduce evaporation and prevent blowing. Weeds should be suppressed, as far as possible, before and after seeding. Crops which will withstand considerable drought or escape drought by matur- ing early should he chosen. (The Baperiment Station Record, Vol. SEX: No. 5: )) A useful summary of the position of bovine tubereu!osis in man has appeared in the form of a p sper recen ly issued in the Leading University College Review. On ihe basis of statistics obtained in Manchester, it hss been found that the bovine type of tubercle baciilus is the cause of atout one-fourth of the cases of other tuberculous diseases at ages up to sixteen, that i to say, about 3,000 deaths per year. If this be so, bovinetuberculosis is responsible for 30,000 cases of illness at any one time. Vor. XV. -No. 358 “THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 27 CROWN LANDS FOR SOLDIERS IN; SI. LUCIA: 1. Crown Lands in blocks of not léss than 100 acres will be sold at the rate of 15s. per acre, or, part of an acre for 100 acres; and at the rate of 10s. per acre for every acre, or, part of an acre in excess of 100 acres. The purchase money shall be paid in five (5) equal annual instalments, the first instalment to be paid on the expiration of the 6th year as from the date of active occupation of the land, and one of the remaining instalments to be paid annually thereafter until the whole of the purchase money has been paid. An applicant for purchase of Crown Lands, provided Regulations 5 and 7 have been fulfilled, may by making a cash payment of the purchase money on the expiration of the 3rd year from the date of active occupation obtain a discount of one-fifth of the purchase money. 2. Half the cost of surveying the land shall be paid prior to occupation, and the other half in the 2nd year of occupation. The fee for the survey of 100 acres will be £20 14s. 3. No Crown grant shall be issued until the purchase money has been paid in full, and the conditions of Regulation 5 have been fulfilled, but a Permit of Occupation will be issued from the date of occupation of the land and shall be held by the applicant until the Crown grant has been issued. The grant fee of 6s. 5d. as fixed by law shall be paid by the purchaser when the grant is issued. 4. The Agricultural Department will supply free of charge, in so far as its resources may permit, economic plants in such quantities as may be deemed necessary for the planting up and development of 50 acres of any area of land agreed to be purchased from the Crown under these Regulations. 5. There shall during the first three years of occupancy be cleared and regularly planted in economic crops to the satisfaction of the Agricultural Superintendent not less than 50 acres of land, and the Agricultural Superin- tendent shall for the purpose of finding out whether this condition is likely to be or has been performed, have the right at all reasonable times to enter and inspect the lands. The decision of the Agricultural Superintendent as to the fulfilment of this condition shall, subject to the approval of the Governor in Council, be final. 6. No Permit of Occupation, as referred to in Regulation 3, shall be issued to an intending purchaser until he has satisfied the Governor in Council by, banker’s reference or other substantial proof that his financial position will permit him to cultivate satisfactorily and expeditiously a reasonable proportion of the lands for the purchase of which application has been made by him. 7. No applicant for purchase of Crown Lands. shall, without the permission of the Governor in Council, incumber or dispose of his interest in the land before the Crown grant has been issued. 8. Should an applicant for purchase of Crown Lands die before the Crown grant has been issued, the Crown shall resume possession of the land held by the deceased and_ shall remain in possession of the land until a Crown grant for the same land has been issued to the person or persons whom the Governor in Councll may consider has or have the best claim thereto. No Crown grant shall, however, be issued until all monetary claims which the Government may have against the estate of the deceased shall have been settled, nor unless the conditions of the sale shai have been fulfilled. Ail expenses which may have been incurred by the Govern- ment subsequent to death of the applicant and until a Crown grant shall have been issued for the cultivation of the stand- ing crops, and for the reaping, preparation and sale of the produce, shall be deemed as a charge against the estate of the deceased, and such expenses shall be settled before a Crown grant is issued to the persom’or persons whom the Goyern- ment may consider has or have the best claim to the land. Provided that in case of the death of the applicant at any time after occupation and before the fulfilment of the conditions of sale, the Governor in Council may, although he has resumed possession of «the land held by the deceased, make such compensation as he may think just and equitable for the buildings erected on the land and for the improve- ment of the land to the person or persons who has or have the best claim thereto, and retain possession of the buildings and the land for the Crown. Any decision of the Governor in Council as to the amount of the compensation to be given shall be final. 9. Should an applicant for purchase of Crown Lands, before the Crown grant has been issued, absent himself from the Colony without making due provision to the satisfaction of the Governor for carrying out his contract, the Governor in Council may cancel the permit of occupation and resume possession of the land held by the absentee, and may, ii he deems fit, make such compensation as he may think just and equitable for the buildings erected on the land and for the improvement of the land. Any decision of the Governor in Council as to whether due provision has been made for carrying out the contract or as to the amount of compensa- tion to be given shall be final. 10. Should any applicant for purchase of Crown Lands fail to fulfil either, or any, of the conditions of sale, the Crown may resume possession of the land, and therenpon the applicant shall vacate the land and any buildings thereon and the Government shall not pay to the applicant any sum of money by way of compensation for improvements to the land or for any buildings erected thereon. The decision of the Agricultural Superintendent as to whether the conditions of sale have been fulfilled, subject to the approval of the Governor in Council, shall be final. 11. Crown grants will be issued subject to reserves along rivers and main ridges for roads and tracks, and of mines, vein, beds, deposits or accumulations of mineral oil. The Transfusion of Sap.—As bearing on the remarks on the transfusion of sap reported in the Agricul- tural News, Vol. XIV, p. 354, we reproduce the following letter from the Board of Agriculture, London, published in the Gardener's Chronicle for October 2, 1915:— ‘A plantation of Doyenné du Comice in the hands of an eminent grower at Chart Sutton, near Maidstone, has for several years been very disappointing as to crop. The plantation is arranged somewhat as follows: Several acres of Doyenné du Comice are planted between large blocks of Conference and Fertility; the trees are bush trees on the Quince, 12 feet apart, with one on the free stock at each 24 feet; the latter would become the permanent stock. An attempt was made last season to convey pollen from the adjoining blocks of Conference and Fertility, boys with rabbits’ tails carrying the pollen of the two varieties on to several lines of the Doyenné trees. The result was however, very disappointing, there being no set of fruit. The next device was to crown-graft about one tree in six with Glou Morceau (which has been proved in other districts to be a good polleniser for Doyenné du Comice). This was carried out this spring, and in addition grafts of Clapp’s Favourite and others were introduced. The result this season is that the portion of the grafted trees below the grafts are bearing heavily, while the ungrafted trees are almost fruitless.’ THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JANUARY 15, 1916. GLEANINGS. It is stated in The Board of Trade Journal that the exportation of rubber has been prohibited from the Belgian Congo except to English or French ports, or to the port of New York. Special permission must be obtained before consignments of rubber destined for New York can be exported. The food value of the jack bean (Canavalia ensifurmis) is dealt with ina note in the Monthly Bulletin of Agricul- tural Intelligence and Plant Diseases for November 1914. In regard to the wholesomeness of this bean as a foodstuff for animals, it is stated that 441b. of crushed beans were given in a ration in some of Kellner’s experiments, without appar- -ently producing any ill effects. It is stated in the India Rubber Journal for October 23, 1915, that the average production of rubber per acre in Malaya and Sumatra considerably exceeds that for Java, Ceylon and other countries. The article which provides this information has been written with a view to forecasting the future production at the present rate of planting. It is stated that many people have exaggerated the high yields to -be expected. A good method of advertising is adopted by the American Genetic Association who have issued large sheets -of specimen illustrations from the Journal of Heredity, the publication of that body. All of these illustrations have appeared some time or other in that journal, and this alone is a sufficient guarantee of their excellence. The above -eonstitutes. an interesting, striking and Jezitimate form of advertising a good cause. The Bristol Times and Mirror tor October 18, sys that -evaporated bananas are never seeu on the local market now, Several consignments were received, presumably from Jamaica, but the public did not take to the product. It is suggested that they had grown accustomed to eat the fruit when fresh. The colour was also against the material, for the process adopted chinged it toa dark brown, though this in no way affected the flavour. It appears from an article on the feeding value of palm kernel cake in the Sulletin of the Imperial Institute (Vol. XIII, No. 3) that this feeding stuff is already being used to a certain extent by farmers in Great Britain, and although -opinions as to its merits differ somewhat, on the whole they care quite favourable. In Hereford the cake is stated to be finding favour for pig feeding, the flesh of pigs fed on the cake being very firm. It will be remembered that until the beginning of the war the employment of palm kernel cake as a feeding stuff was almost entirely confined to the Continent. — The editorial which we published in this Journal some months ago on hedges and wind-breaks attracted some consid- able attention, and it’may interest readers to know that in the Rhodesia Agricultural Journal for August 1915, a very useful article appears on the same subject with reference to Rhodesia. Lists of plants recommended for hedges like Tecoma spp., Hybiscusspp., Bougainvillea, etc., are given, and Euealypts are srtongly recommended for wind-breaks. HZ. p ime eulata, E. and 2. microtheea are amongst those recommended for the drier districts. cvebra Accompanying a letter recently received from Dr. Cope- land, Dean of the Philippine College of Agriculture, are recent budgets of the Philippine College of Agriculture and of the Department of Agriculture in Java, respectively. These give the positions and names of the different officers together with the salary of each. The total amount of money spent on the Philippine College of Agriculture for six months is 64,100 pesos. The total for the Java department cannot be definitely stated owing to the omission of certain items, but it amounts to aneven larger sum than that recorded above for the Philippines. Those who may require information as to the relative areas under different crops in Ceylon and their distribution in that island, should refer to Colonial Reports —Annual, No. 855, which contains a very instructive map of the Colony in colours. “Coco-nut cultivation, which occupies a large area, extends principaliy along the coast with Colombo as the central point. Rubber cultivation is situated chiefly in the Kandy district, where also at higher elevations tea plantations are to be found. The distribution of cacao areas is more orless patchy, and lies on the outskirts of the chief tea and rubber areas. It is stated in the Demerara Dazly Chronicle (Mail Edition) December 10, that in view of the fact that it has been stated that rubber cannot be grown on the coastal belt of the Colony, it is interesting to note the Department of Science and Agriculture has recently delivered to the Consolidated Rubber and Balata Estates, Limited, 743 tb. of Para rubber, the produce of the Government Station, for shipment to London, whilst the Departmental export for 1915 amounts to 1,080 Ib. The Issorora Rubber Station is within 12 miles of the coast. It is understood that the Consolidated Rubber Company are shipping some 900 Ib. of Para rubber from their own rubber cultivations. We have received three interesting forest bulletins (Nos. 27, .28, and 29) from the Superintendent of Government Printing in India. The first deals with blackwood ( Balbergia latifolia, Roxb.). This wood, owing to its handsome appear- ance, is used largely in the manufacture of high-class furni- ture. It is also one of the finest timbers known for gun- carriage wheels. ‘The second refers to a wood called Bhauri (Lagerstroenua parviflora, Roxb.). This wood is used for house-building, and if it were antiseptically treated with a view to securing immunity to white ant attack, its employ- ment could be considerably extended. The last timber under notice is Sundi-wood (Zeritiera minor, Lam.). This timber is used extensively in boat-building, as planks, boat oars, spars, masts, and for earriage-building as shafts, spokes and naves. Vor. XV. No. 358. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 29 AGRICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS. PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION. Four candidates presented themselves for this exam- ination: three in Antigua, and one in Grenada. Of the Antigua candidates, two sent in papers of such poor quality as to lead to their rejection by the local examiners. The remaining two papers were answered satisfactorily. In the viva voce examination, the local examiners found the Antigua candidate well grounded in the majority of the subjects of the syllabus, his knowledge of agricultural chemistry and elementary botany being decidedly creditable. His knowledge of agricultural operations was rather weaker, and he had no knowledge of the structure and functions of farm animals. According to the local examiners’ report from Grenada, the candidate in that island did better in the written paper than in the oral examination. On the whole. his knowledge of the subjects of the syllabus was very creditable. INTERMEDIATE EXAMINATION. One candidate only presented himself for this examin- ation this year. In oral examinations conducted by the agricultural officers and by local planters it was found that he was, on the whole, well up in the subjects under examina- tion, although he exhibited weakness in estate practice, his experience having been gained in work connected with the Experiment Sration. His knowledge of cotton was found to be decidedly good, while his acquaintance with sugar-cane cultivation was found to be somewhat weak. The written papers were fairly well answered, except that there was a tendency to be slipshod in the matter of expression. RESULTS. PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION. Name. Island. Result. E. F. Shepherd Antigua 2nd class. 8. Hagley Grenada 2nd class. INTERMEDIATE EXAMINATION. A. W. Gallwey Antigua Ist class LIST OF EXAMINERS, The Imperial Department of Agriculture is indebted to the following officers and planters for the care and trouble exercised in the conduct of these examinations: — H. A. Tempany, Esq., D.Se., F.1.C., Government Chemist and Superintendent of Agriculture for the Leeward Islands. T. Jackson, Esq., Curator, Botanic Station, Antigua. R. 8. D. Goodwin, Esq., Collins Estate, Antigua. Jolin Roden, Esq., The Cotton Estate, Antigua. J.C. Moore, Esq., Superintendent of Agriculture, Grenada. D. Hedog Jones, Esq., M.A., Principal, Government Secondary School, Grenada. The examination papers were prepared as usual at the Office of the Imperial Department in Barbados, and the local reports and the corrected papers examined by Dr. Francis Watts. C.M.G., the Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture, and Mr. W. R. Dunlop, the Scientific Assistant. In the next column will be found the questions set for the Preliminary paper. The questions set for the Intermediate Examination will be published in the next issue of the Agricul- tural News, PRELIMINARY . EXAMINATION, The Preliminary Examination of the Imperial Depart- ment of Agriculture was this year held in Antigua and Grenada during November. The following are the questions set for the written paper:— Of the thirteen questions set not more than nine were to be attempted, which had to include three from section A, three from section B, and one from section GC. The remain- ing two questions were allowed to be selected irrespective of the section. A. THE Sort. 1. To what causes do you attribute the loss of humus in tropical soils! How does this loss compare with the loss in temperate climates! In what ways is the supply maiatt atued in practical agriculture? 2. Explain the rdle of lime in the soil. 3. Describe the various measures that may to ensure the proper ventilation of the soil. ventilation necessary! 4. Explain how you would secure a supp!y of phosphoric acid and potash for the soil without artificial fertilizers. 5. Deseribe how the nitrogen content of the soil is influenced by bacteria. B.S Pr Describe by means of labelled large scale drawings only, ie structure of any two of the following: (a) a coco-nut, (b) a cacao pod, (¢ c) a lime fruit, (d) a pine- apple. 7. Deseribe (in words only) the habit of growth and rate of development of any species of bean you have grown. 8. Give an account of the structure and germination of a grain of Indian corn (Maize). 9. Explain the meanings of any five of the following terms: (a) protein, (b) chlorophyll, (c) vascular tissues, (d) respiration, (e) stigma, (f) corbohydrate, (g) saprophyte, (h) embryo. 10, Describe any cross-pollination experiment you have performed be employed Why is. soil ANT. ©. Tor ANIMAL. 11. What is the appearance of a horse’s teeth at one year old? Compare this with its dentition at three years. 12 Describe the digestive system of the ox. 13. Record any observations you have made in regard to injurious birds and vermin of agricultural crops. It is stated in the Voice of St. Lucia for December 4, 1915, that some twenty donkeys have been imported by the Government, and will be sold at cost price, the object being to improve the breed of donkeys in the island. Some of “the animals have already been landed; others will arrive soon. Some appreciative reviews of the agricultural report of the different islands, issued through the Imperial Department, appear in the West Indi Committee Circular for November 30, 1915. Special attention is given to Dominica and Grenada. In connexion with the former, an editorial on the subject concludes that nota stone is being left unturned to establish subsidiary industries to limes in Dominica, and that it will be through no fault of the Local Department. of Agriculture if this object is not ultimately achieved. 30 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JANUARY 115, 1916. PLANT DISEASES. NOTES ON BURGUNDY MIXTURE. In continuation of the article on Burgundy mixture given on page 414 of Volume XIV of this Journal, the following notes embody the results of trials that have been made of certain modifications and adaptations of the mixture. ADHESIVES. In the article referred to, the addition of milk for the purpose of increasing the adhesion of the mixture is mentioned. ‘The use of resin soap for a similar purpose in connexion with the spraying of trees exposed to heavy rains in India was described on page 270 of the same volume. A comparison of the two methods in application to Burgundy mixture has recently been made by the writer. In the one case milk was added at the rate of 8 oz. to the gallon; in the other, resin soap at the rate of 4-pint to the gallon. The resin soap was made by boiling 2 tb of resin and 1b. of washing soda in 1 gallon of water until a clear compound was obtained. The mixtures were applied witha knapsack sprayer, using a Vermorel nozzle with a small aperture to give a misty spray, toa variety of plants including rough and smooth-leaved types. It was found that the resin mixture had the better covering quality, the smaller tendency of the droplets to run together resulting ina smoother and more uniform coating on the leaf. The sprayed plants have since been subjected to daily drenching with a garden hose with an ordinary rose attach- ment, and have been exposed to a number of heavy showers. At the end of a fortnight the deposit is not noticeably affected, and there is nothing to choose in respect of the adhesion obtained by the two methods. The superiority of both to the plain mixture in this respect is very marked. For general purposes it would appear that the choice between these adhesives may be governed entirely by consider- ations of cost and convenience, though in dealing with foliage with water-repelling qualities it seems probable that the resin mixture will have a decided advantage. The relative cost depends on local and individual circumstances. In Barbados resin costs from 6 to 12e, per Ib., soda 24 to 4c. according to quantity, so that the cost of the resin soap for 1 gallon of the Burgundy mixture ‘would be from °6 to 1:2c. Separated or skimmed milk amay be used where it is available, in which case little will be added to the cost of the original mixture. PRESERVATIVES. As stated in the previous article, Bur- vundy, like Bordeaux mixture, should be applied as fresh as possible, since the gelatinous precipitate first formed is totally changed in a few hours toa heavy crystalline precipitate with very inferior adhesion. It has appeared during experiments recently made by the writer that this change may be very considerably delayed in two ways: (1) by the addition of milk as described above for improving the adhesion, and (2) by the addition of a small excess of soda. The latter, contrary to a statement made by E. Bourcart (Insecticides, Fungicides and Weedkillers, London, 1913, p. 278), has been found to prevent the change for at least several days. ‘There does not seem to be any practical application for these observations, for there should be no difficulty in making the appropriate quantity of mixture at the time when the spraying is to be carried out. BURGUNDY PASTE. A mixture of creamy consistency, suitable for painting over wounded surfaces on trees, the ends of cuttings, etc., may be prepared by using the following proportions;— Copper sulphate 4 oz. in 1} pints of water Washing soda 5 oz. in 4} pint of water Milk 1 pint A similar paste may be obtained by evaporating, by exposure, the ordinary milk or resin Burgundy until the required consistency is obtained. STOCK SOLUTION. Owing to the slowness with which copper sulphate dissolves, it is convenient, where Burgundy mixture is in frequent requisition, to make up a stock solution at the rate of | tb. of copper sulphate to 1 gallon of water. Care must be taken before this solution is measured out to make up any loss by evaporation. The soda is best kept in solid form. WN: PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS ON HEVEA BRASILIENSIS PRODUCED BY TAPPING. In the previous number of the Agricultural News, a summary of results and conclusions drawn from experiments carried out at the Experiment Station, Peradeniya, during 1911-13, in tapping rubber trees on one-third circumference, and published in Bulletin No. 19 of the Department of Agri- culture, Ceylon, was given. In the present number, the summary of results and final conclusions in regard to tapping on alternate days, and pricking methods, obtained from the same source, are presented, With regard to tapping on alternate days versus daily tapping on alternate months, experiments were carried out on four groups of trees, as follows:— 87 E.—Half herring-bone on one-quarter of the tree’s circumference. Four cuts one foot apart to the left of the channel tapped on alternate days. 87 B.—Four cuts one foot apart on the half herring-bone system over one-quarter of the tree’s circumference daily in alternate months. 87 D.—Two cuts on the full herring-bone system one foot apart on half the tree tapped on alternate days. 87 C.— Two full herring-bone cuts one foot apart over half the tree, Tapping carried out daily in alternate months. The results are summarized as follows:— 87 E. ‘When examined there were bridges of untapped bark 3 to 4 inches broad between the tapped area. Though tapping had apparently no considerable effect on the amount of reserve starch in the regions vertically below, or horizontally to the side of, the tapped portion, two out of three of the untapped bridges between the four tapped areas did show considerable evidence.of depletion of starch. It may be concluded, therefore, that had tapping been continued over those untapped bridges, the bark renewal at least would have been poor.’ . 5 87. B. ‘In this case the effects of tapping appeared to be absolutely localized. The bridges of untapped bark between the tapped areas, though narrower than in the case of 87 E were not deficient in reserve starch to the same extent.’ 87 D. ‘There was no lack of starch in either the bark or the wood of the untapped bridge between the tapping cuts. There was, as usual, a paucity of starch in the renewing bark and the wood behind it. In sections taken > just below the lowest tapping cut, the bark vertically below the right-hand arm of the V showed rather less than the normal quantity of starch, whilst that below the left-hand arm was normal. In both cases, however, the condition of the wood was normal. It is probable that the condition of the bark in this respect has less significance than the condition of the wood,’ Vou. XV. No. 358. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 31 87 C. ‘In this case it may be said that the effects were almost entirely local. The small deficiency in the bark below the left-hand side of the lower Vis probably of no significance. In any case there was no effect on the roots, as was the case in 87 D.’ The following the conclusions drawn: (1) the evidence detailed is in favour of a small number of cuts; (2) there are indications that regular prolonged resting periods are of benefit to a tapped area; (3) a tapping cut extending over half the tree’s circumference need produce no more widespread effects in the neighbourhood of the tapped area than a cut extending over one-quarter or one-third of the tree’s circumference. In regard to pricking methods, the following experi- ments were carried out:— 80 A.—Tree tapped simultaneously by two channels on opposite sides of the tree, each extending from a height of 6 feet down to the base. The trees were tapped daily for the first sixteen days of every month. 80 B.—Two channels at a height of 3 feet tapped together every other day. Opposite sides of the tree. 79 A and C.—Two channels 6 feet high on opposite sides of the tree. Tapping was commenced at the beginning of every two months, and the trees were tapped every other day. (In the foregoing the Bamber Pricker was used.) 87 A.—(The Northway Pricker used.)—Tapping on each side of a channel extending from a height of 5 feet down to the base. Incisions made herring-bone fashion alternately on opposite sides of the channel. The following are the conclusions:— The original pricking methods, first introduced in order to obtain the latex in the cells nearest to the cambium, were found to be unsuitable owing to the unsatis- factory nature of the renewed bark. Later modifications have been introduced with the idea of avoiding the cutting off of the downward flow of plant-food said to be caused by tapping cuts. With this idea the trees described had been pricked along vertical, as opposed to oblique, channels. The effects produced on the local food storage had, however, been by no means less drastic than those resulting from ordinary tapping cuts. In the majority of cases, indeed, the effects had been considerably more marked. The untapped bark between the incisions was very poor, and sometimes completely deficient, in reserve starch. The wood behind the tapping channels showed a very poor starch content indeed. These effects are said to have been probably due, to a great extent, to the formation of wound-wood, which not only required a large amount of reserve material for its formation, but also hindered the lateral transference of reserve material across it. The experiments yielded the following results:— (1) That there was a greater withdrawal of reserve starch than is produced by modern paring methods; (2) that the renewed bark was regular; (3) that the percentage of scrap in the total yield of rubber was very high indeed. are 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 month of November started with a fair amount of business being transacted in drugs and chemicals generally, and with very slight alterations in individual values from the previous month. As the month advanced, however, a quieter tone prevailed with most products which come under our review. Among spices, ginger, pimento and mace advanced slightly, while citric acid and sarsaparilla have been easier, as the following details will show. GINGER, At auction on the 24th of the month, 236 packages of Jamaica were brought forward, 139 of which sold at the following rates: 69s. to 75s, for fair to good bold washed, partly wormy. Out of 452 packages of Cochin and Calicut offered, 34 only found buyers, washed rough mouldy Cochin fetching 28s. 6d.; 35s. was the price at which sound Cochin was held, and 30s. to 31s. for brown rough Calicut. NUTMEGS, MACE AND PIMENTO. At the spice auction on the 24th, West Indian nutmegs sold at the following rates: 62’s 1s. 4d., 70’s to 75’s 9d. to 1¢d, and the smaller sizes from 43d. to 54d. Mace was represented at this auction by 84 packages of West Indian, 64 of which sold, good pale fetching 2s. 4d., fair palish ls. 10d., and pale and reddish 1s. 7d. to 1s. 8d.; while for ordinary to fair red, ls. 5d. to 1s. 7d. was paid; and for ordinary to good broken, 64d. to 1s. 3d. per Tb. At the same auction 14 bags of fair pimento realized 24d. per bb, and 75 bags of siftings 11d. per tb. ; SARSAPARILLA,. At the first drug auction on the 4th of the month, sarsaparilla was in good supply, grey Jamaica being represented by 28 bales, native Jamaica by 48 bales, Lima- Jamaica by 22, and Honduras by 23. Of the first, 13 bales found purchasers at from 1s. 67. to 1s. 8d. for part mouldy to fair; only 5 bales of the native Jamaica were sold, 1s. being paid for good red, 10d. for fair red, and 8d. for dull and part mouldy. None of the Lima-Jamaica was sold, and only 4 of the Honduras. ANNATTO SEED, KOLA, LIME OIL, CITRIC ACID, AND VANILLA. Annatto seed was in abundant supply at the beginning of the month, as many as 123 packages being offered on November 4, none of which found buyers. Kola was also in good supply at this auction, as many as 33 packages being brought forward. Sixteen only found buyers at 5d. to 6d. for fair dried Grenada and St. Lucia; small washed fetched 5}d., and sea-damaged, part mouldy, 3hd. to 4d. per tb. Quite at the end of the month kola continued in fair demand. Six bags of West Indian were sold at 44d. to 5d. per tb., and as much as 6d. was quoted for good quality. At auction on November 4, 2 packages of hand-pressed lime oil from Dominica were limited at 8s. per tb. Citric acid has been dull of sale throughout the month, commencing at 3s. per tb. At the time of writing it has dropped to 2s. 10d. At the last spice auction on the 24th, a striking feature was the very large consignment of vanilla, amounting to 1,841 tins, 1,050 of which were from the Seychelles. There was. a good demand, though it was stated that the beans were of doubtful keeping quality. Of the 1,050 tins of Seychelles 700 were sold; 203 tins of Madagascar were offered and about 150 sold, and of Manritius 320 tins were offered and 170 sold, 57 tins of West Indian were also sold at prices varying from 5s. 6d. to 7s. 9d. MARKET REPORTS. aondon:—Tue West Inpria CommMitTEE CrRcuLaR, December 14, 1915. ARROWROOT—2ji-d. to 37%4a. Batata—Sheet 2s. 6d.; block 2s, 1d. Brreswax—No quotations. Gacao—Trinidad, no quotations.; Grenada, no quotations; Jamaica, no quotations. Corree—Jamaica, no quotations. Corpra—No quotations. Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota- tions; West Indian Sea Island, 14j¢. to 17d. Frouit—No quotations. Fustic— No quotations, Gincer—Jamaica, 60/- to 75/-. IsmyGLass—No quotations. Honey—No quotations. Lime Jurce—Raw, 2/9; concentrated, no quotations; Otto of limes (hand-pressed), no quotations, Logwoop—No quotations. Macre—7d. to 2s. 4d. Noursecs—4id. to 74d. Pimento—2jd. to 23d. Rugser—Para, fine hard, 3/; fine soft, 2/9; Castilloa, no quotations. Rum—Jamaica, no quotations, New York.—Messrs. Gittespre Bros. & Co., December 15, 1915. : Cacao—Caracas, 17jc. to T1fe.; Grenada, 17c. tog 174c.; Trinidad, 17 #c. to 18c.; Jamaica, 16c. to 16}c. Coco-Nuts—Jamaica and Trinidad selects, $38:00 $40-°00; culls, $25°00 to $26°00. CorreE—Jamaica, 8$c. to 12c. per tb. Gincer—l4e. to 16c. per tb. Goar Sxrws—Jamaieca, 45c.; Antigua and Barbados, 43c. to 45c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 42c. to 44e. per tb. Grare Fruit—Jamaica, $1°75 to $3°25. Limes—$4°50 to $5:00. Mace—3dc. to 46e. per th. Nutmecs—12c. to 123c. OrancEs—Jamaica, $1°50 to $225. Pinento—4jc. per tt. Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 4°64c. to 4°70c.; Muscovados, 89°, 3°99e. to 4°05c.; Molasses, 89°, 3°77c. to 3°83c., all duty paid. to Trinidad.—Messrs. Gorpon, Grant & Co., December 13, 1915, Cacao—Venezuelan, $17°50 to $18°00; Trinidad, $17 to $18-00. Coco-nut Or—88e. per Imperial gallon. Corree—Venezuelan, i0c. to 14c. per fb, Copra—$5°50 to per 100 tb. Drart—S$6 25 to 6 50 Ontons—$4°50 to $5:00 per 106 Ip. Peas, Sprit—$9-00 per bag. Porators—English $2-09 to $2°25 per 100 th. Rick—Yellow, $6°10 to $6°25; White, &6°00 to $6925 per bag. Suear—American crushed, no quotations. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JANUARY 15, 1916. Barbados.—Messrs. James A. Lyncu & Co., Ltd., Decem- ber 14, 1915; T. S. Garraway & Co., December 14, 1915. ARRowRooT—$4°50 to $4°60 per 100 th. Cacao—$13°00 to $14 ‘OO per 100 th. Coco-Nuts—$16 50 husked nuts. Hay—$1°70 to $1°90 per 100 fe. Manures—Nitrate of soda, no quotations; Cacao manure, no quotations; Sulphate of ammonia, $90-00 to $95-00 per ton. Mo rassrs—No quotat ions. Ontons—S$8°00 per 190 Th. Peas, Sprit—$10-00 to $12°50 per 210 tb.; Canada, $3-00 per 120 tb. Porators—Nova Scotia, $3-00 to $3°75 per 160 th. Rice—Ballam, $6°45 per 190 ib.; Patna, no quotations; Rangoon, no quotations. Sucar—Muscovado centrifugals, $3°60 to $4°25. British Guiana.—Messrs. Wietinc & Ricurer, Decerm ber 31, 1915; Messrs. SANDLACH, ParKER & Co., December 23, 1915. ARTICLES. Messrs. WIETING & RIcHTErR. Messrs. Sanp- BACH, PARKEB & Co. Arrowroot—St. Vincent Barata—Venezuela block) Demerara sheet Cacao—Native Cassava— Cassava STARCH— Coco-NuTs— Corrre—Creole Jamaica and Rio Liberian Duat— | Green Dhal Eppors— Motasses— Yellow Ontons—Teneritte Madeira Pras—Split Marseilles PLANTAINS— Porators—Nova Scotia Lisbon Porators--Sweet, B’bados Rice—Ballam Creole Tannias— Yams— White Buck Svuear—Dark crystals Yellow White Molasses TImMbBER—GREENHEART Wallaba shingles | Cordwood 18e. to $1°20 SS to so $18 per M. 12c. to 13c. 4c. to 15c. per th. 9e. to Dhe. $700 to $725 $1-92 to $2-16 None $12°00 to $12°50 l6ec. to 48c. $3°35 $192 $5°50 to Sd-75 $3°12 $2°40 $3°12 $3°70 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 20c. per f. 20c. per fb, $18 per M, 8e. $12-00 per bag. (210 fb.) $3 25 to $3°50 EN, tee el etree Nn Neg NF Dent ern emer | eel meg” Nal Bf op a 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. 2:.; Volumes II, III, LV, V, 5 VIA Vil, Be X, XI, XII, XII and XIV:—Price 2s.each: Post free 2s. 8:7., where complete (IH, 2 . ING 8: and v, 2 and 3 are out of print.) Volume XV, No. 1, Gon taint papers on: 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 Antigna (compiled from the notes of P. T. Saunders, M.R.C.V.S., A.V.C 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 issned up to the present time is seventy-five. Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are out of print. Sucar Inpusrry. ‘ GENERAL. Seedling and other Canes at Barbados (7) and (22) Seale Insects of the Lesser Antilles, Part I, price in 1900; No. 3, price 2/.; in 19017 No. 13; in 1902. ddl; Part II., price 4a. No. 19; in 1903, No. 26; in 1904. No, 32; price 4d. each. (43) Cotton Seed and Cotton-cake-meal on West Indian Planta- Seedling Canes and Manurial Experiments at Barbados, tions. Price 2d. in 1903-5, No. 40; in 1904-6, No. 44;in 1905-7, No. 49; (60) Cotton Gins, How to Erect and Work Them. Price 4/. in 1906-8, No. 59; in 1907-9, No. 62, No. 66, price Gd. each. (65) Tlints for School Gardens, Fourth Edition. Seedling and other Canes in the Leeward Islands, (71) Insect Pests of the Lesser Antilles. Price Ls. 31. in 1900-1, No. 12; in 1901-2, No. 20; in 1902-3, No. 27; (72) Lime Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 9. price 2d. each; in 1903-4, No. 33; in 1904-5, No. 39; in (73) Root Borers and other Grubs in West Indian Soils. 1905-6, No. 46; in 1906-7, No. 59;in 1907-8, No. 56; Price Gil price 4/. each, in 1908-9, No. 63; im 1909-10, No. 67; 74) Cotton Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 9d, price 6d. each. (75) Insect Pests of Sugar-cane in Antigua and St. Kitts. Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the Leeward Islands, Price, 6). in 1902-3, No.. 80; in 1903-4, No. 36; im 1904-5, No. 42; (76) Indian Corn. Price 4d. in 1905-6, No. 47; in 1906-7, No. 51; in 1907-8, No. 57; (77) Exysipelas and Hoose. Price 2d. in 1908-9, No. 64; in 1909-10, No. 68; price 4d. each. (78) Onion Cultivation. Price 3d. Sugar-cane Experiments in the Leeward Islands, (79) Root Diseases of Lime Trees in Forest Districts. Price 3 ¢. in 1910-11; in 1911-12; in 1912-13, price 1s. each. The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of }/. for the pamphlets marked 27.; 1¢. for those marked 4d. and’ for Nos 73 and 75; ld. for Nos. 40, 44, 49, 59, 62, 63, 67 and 74. Postage 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, in fact, any information indicating what is goimg 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 mul, and is on sale by the local agents of the Department at one penny per unmber, post free, 24. The subscri ae price, including postage, is 2s, 2d. per half-year, or 4s. 4d. per annum. Volumes TV to XII complete, with title page and index, as issued—Price 4s. each— Post free, 5s. Some numbers of the early yolumes 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, Scho Square, W. Grenwia: Messrs. THos. Lawior & Co., St. George. Wesr Inpia Commirrer, 15, Seething Lane. St. Vincent: Mr. J. D. Bonapteg, “Times’ Office. Barbados: Apvocate Co, Lrp., Broad Street, Bridgetown. St. Lucia: Mr. i. W. Nites, Botanic Station. Jamaica; THe Epucationan Surry Company, 16, King Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. Bripcewarer, Rosean. Street, Kingston. Montserrat: Mr. W. Rosson, Botanic Station. British Guiana; THe Arcosy Co. Lirp., Georgetown. Antigua: My. 8. D. Mauone, St. John’s. Trinidad; Messrs. Murr-Marsnaui & Co., Port-of-Spain. St Aitts: Toe Brete AND Book Suppty AGENCY, Bassererre Tobago: Mr. C. LL. PLAGEMANN, Scarborough. Nes; Messrs. Howrin, Bros., Charlestown, Canada: Lewis W. Cremens, 71 King Street, West, Toronto, You. XV. No. 358. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS ; JANUARY ror 1916. THE BEST MANURE FOR COLONIAL USE learaed fies Dissolved (Soluble) Guano MOM ES SUG Age-CANE AND GHRERAL USE. TRADE MARK. APPLY .TO LOCAL AGENTS OR -DIRECT T0O:— THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL GUANO WORKS, (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) London Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C. Barbados Agents: James A. Lynch & Co., Ltd., Bridgetown. JUST ISSUER THE BARBADOS 0- 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 Ten Years’ Work WEST INDIAN of the Antigua Sugar Factory (Gunthorpes), by Francis Watts, COTTON SEED. C.M.G., D.Sec.; 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.Se., and} BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. W. Nowell, D.1.C. | August 6, 1915. SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENT. Printed at Office of Agricultura’ Reporter, 4 High Street, Brilgetown, Barbados. i \ 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. 8., & St. John (N.B.) ‘DEMERARA & PARAMARIBO Grenada & Trinidad. | Trinidad, Puerto Colombia, |'PANAMA CANAL & PACIFIC PORTS - Cartagena, Colon, Panama, | Callao, Iquique, Antofagasta & Valparaiso. REGULAR MAIL, PASSENGER AND CARGO SERVICES FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM TO q BRAZIL, URUGUAY & ARGENTINA | Via Spain, Portugal, Madeira & St. Vincent. / REGULAR SAILINGS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM TO 1 | MOROCCO, CANARY ISLANDS & MADEIRA, & JAPAN. Head Office: 18, Moorgate Street, London. Branches at BARBADOS, Trinidad, Tobago, Demerara, Colon, Jamaica, Antilla, New York, Halifax N.S., Buenos Aires, Santos, Seo Paulo Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, etc. rte —— THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, Various METHODS OF Tick DESTRUCTION es In the compilation of these notes, reference has been made to many sources of information, but particularly to an - article which appeared in the “ Bulletin of the Jamaica Department of Agriculture,’ Vol. 1, Number 3, from CATTLE TICK which much of the following matter is quoted, almost textually. FEMALE HAND PICKING. This is a primitive method and absolutely ineffective, on a large property, for keeping down ticks. Only the engorged females offer themselves as objects for removal by the hand of the operator. A certain proportion of engorged females drop off in the pastures, or the road- side, or in the cattle pen. A certain number fail to be destroyed by the fingers or heel of the picker, and the result is that a great many more ticks survive than are picked off the bodies of the cattle. This method is largely responsible for the tick pest retaining its most virulent form, TARRING. This was the remedy recommended by Professor Williams as a result of his mission to Jamaica in 1896. One part of Tar to three parts of boiled linseed oil was recommended. In many instances the result of its too thorough application was that the animals so treated became asphyxiated through a blocking of the pores of the skin. This tar remedy, however, or variations of it containing sour orange juice, carbolic acid, kerosene oil and other fearsome remedies, are still widely used in Jamaica. A boy with the paint pot daubs a smear of the tick-dressing only on such portions of an infected animal as appear to him to be in pressing need of treatment; but to cope properly with the tick pest, every spot on the suiface of every animal must be reached by the tick destroying agent. While a few score of engorged ticks are hastily brushed over on a cow’s flank or thighs, there may be hundreds of ‘larval ticks all along the spinal region, on the poll, and in fact on all parts of the body, undergoing development. Unless all these ticks are killed, and not merely 60 or 70 per cent., the complete eradication of the ticks is out of the question. So long as Catile breeders keep to the tar brush, so long will the ck plague wax fierce and flourish. BRUSHING. Brushing with a tick-destroying wash represents a fairly efficient means of treating tick-infested cattle, but is attended with some risk. “The bulk of the remedies used for “ brushing” are coal-tar emulsions of the type of Jeyes’ Fluid. None of these preparations will kill ticks unless used at a strength that is very liable to strip the skin of the cows under treatment ; in no case do they give a high efficiency of tick-destruction. It is perfecily certain that brushing is not a good method, and will not solve the tick problem so as completely to abolish ticks on a property, because it is not capable of complete or perfect results, nor is it free from risk of injury to the animals treated. Many pen-keepers are entirely satisfied with their results from brushing, because they have not really made accurate observations of the tick mortality resulting from their operations. STARVATION METMOD. This is a sure and inexpensive method, but can only be applied by the owner of a large herd who has a permanent pasture and two or three other fenced fields which have not been pastured by cattle for a year or so. It consists in keeping the cattle off the infested pasture for a period of twelve months or more, until the young ticks are starved out. The cattle are taken from the tick-infested pasture and placed on tick-free land; before young ticks hatch from the eggs laid in this first tick-free field by the female ticks on the cattle when moved from the tick-infested pasture, the cattle are moved a second time on to another tick-free field. GRASS BURNING. If burning is done at the right time, it cannot fail to kill immense numbers of the young “‘ seed’ ticks ; but it is the common experience that “ burnt” pastures very quickly again become heavily tick-infested. “This is due to the fact that the tick-eggs on the ground are not des- troyed, and no doubt many female ticks escape the cffects of the fire by hiding in cracks and crevices, or under stones, or logs of wood, etc. Grass- burning, even when carried out at the proper time, will not completely eradicate ticks, it will only reduce their numbers, and that only temporarily. HAND SPRAYING. Spraying by means of one or other of the many types of hand-pumps or syringes is, if very carefully and thoroughly done, a very eflcctive method of treating tick-infested cattle : but it is slow, unpleasant work, and, moreover, very wasteful of the wash. The efficiency of hand spraying may be said to be in direct propertion to the care and thoroughness with which the operation is conducted; for this reason, it should never be entrusted to natives or negroes without effective supervision. MACHINE SPRAYING. The principle of machine spraying is the passing of the animals through a short tunnel, lined with piping, through holes or jets in which, a tick-destroying fluid is sprayed at them from the floor and from all possible angles by means of apump. There can be no doubt that, next to dipping, machine spraying is by far the best method of treating tick-infested stock; but it is not by this means absolutely certain that all ticks will be destroyed, as, however ingenious the arrangement by which the wash is sprayed from “‘all points of the compass,” ticks deep down in the ears, or under the tail, or in the “ brush” of the tail may not be reached. But where expense, or some other obstacle, precludes the employ- ment of a dipping bath, a spraying machine is by a long way the most efficient substitute. The machine manufactured by William Cooper & Nephews is the latest and cheapest form of Spraying Machine. DIPPING. The only really completely effective method of treating ticky cattle, horses, &c., is to pass them through a swim dipping bath ; the process is absolutely avtomatic ; it is quick ; it is economical ; it is absolutely efficient, as, at the first plunge at the entrance, or during the process of swimming through the tank, every single tick is brought into contact with the tick-destroying fluid, even if deep down in the ears, or under the eyes, or beneath the root of the tail. Dipping is very economical of wash, as, with a proper draining floor or pen, every drop of surplus wash flows back into the tank and isusedagain. The first-cost of a tank is comparatively high, but its low cost of operation, its simplicity, its efficiency, and its permanency, more than compensate for the extra initial expenditure, “The great advantage of dipping over spraying or hand-dressing lies in the fact that the throroughness of the treatment under all condijions is practically assured, as it is not dependent, to any degree, on the care exercised by those in charge of the work ; the cattle dip themselves. No other method can approach dipping in efficiency, and in this connection it should be remembered that, even if, by some other method, you kill 75’ of the ticks, great and small, on your animals, you are only ‘* suppressing” the ticks, and are still far from solving the problem of complete eradication. A method that will kill 100% of the ticks is worth to a Cattle owner ten times as. much as a method that will kill only 90%. The truth of this will be apparent after two years of faithful and systematic operations. With dipping, the efficient treatment of tick-infested Cattle becomes a very simple matter, and complete tick eradication becomes a possibility. COOPER’S CATTLE TICK DIP WEST INDIAN AGENTS: D an . os ST. KITTS: S. L., Horsford &Co. ANTIGUA: Bennett, Bryson & CO, Has received the official approval of the following Countries: JAMAICA: D.jM@ulersoni&\Co., Kingston. Union of South Africa, Northern Rhodesia, Brazil, Basutoland, a) ieee ee Faunomaon, pianos. & Co. ° ie Nyasaland, Swaziland, Southern Rhodesia, Madagascar, Se aaG oT idinden cent: Port ot Scala: 5 British East Africa, German 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. = A a ' 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. Nii rae ese = im x 2a = X| ‘ —_ i FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW OF THE IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. Price ld. Wiens 20% 2k, Bi), BARBADOS, JANUARY 29, 1916. CONTENTS. In the issue of this Journal for January 16, 1915, Picn Pas we published a short summary of a paper on the Gold Anthrax in Elephants and Infusorial Earth as a Coast Cacao Industry, read by the Director of Agricul-- Goats) ses. 43) Manure ... 5 47 Agricultural Examinations 45) Insect Notes:— Bacon and Hams, Dry- Dangerous Hard Backs 42 Salting ... 36) Items of Local Interest... 39 Bacon Factory, A Success- |Market Reports ... .... 48 ful -< eee .s- «.. 36} Notes and Comments ... 40 Birds, Dgmestieation of Re Plant Disemer aa 1) ae estan Wilt Disease of Sugar- UASSSEAC UTES EATS 24 cane: A Correction ... 46 SUG tourer Queensland, Co-operative Cotton Notes:— ‘ Sugar Works in... .... 40 Canons of the Cotton ag) St. Lucia Lime Juice Fac- Plant in Egypt... ... 38 hie 41 West Indian Cotton ... 38 Se Induatey eit sr MPO e Sa bean pe Oden a Ales dies aamlethon Sugar- Possibilities Or Voce". ob 40 cinics ee 34 Department News ae 2 Surinam, Novel Schemes of 7p EEN REPOMI ea 8 Instruction in ... ... 41 Gleanings ... . 44 Mrinidad INewemeeetcen ees cc Soveast-hoddermetnincs s.. 40 Humidity and the Growth of Cropsi..). ... Humidity and the Growth of Crops. ECENT observations have made it clearer than ever that the chief climatic factor crops in the West Indian islands is humidity of the air, The degree of humidity does not necessarily vary with the rainfall; the atmosphere in some parts of Grenada, for instance, contains more moisture than that in some parts of St. Vincent where the rainfall is higher. Humid- ity in any situation depends upon the degree of exposure, the amount of forest growth, cloud protection from the sun, and the water-holding capacity of the soil. Rain- fall is the ultimate cause of humidity, but it is not the ouly regulating factor. regulating the distribution and growth of ture of that Colony before the International Congress of Tropical Agriculture. The following extract, in its bearing upon the subject of this article, occurs to us as being well worth repetition: ‘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 reduction in the humidity would be followed by disastrous consequences. The natives are not fully alive to the seriousness of the position, as the destruc- tion of forest in making new clearings is being some- what ruthlessly undertaken all over the country, and a Bill, recently introduced by the Government, for the regulation and preservation of the forests, is being vigorously opposed by the native owners of the land, This shows in an unmistakable manner the- importance of humidity in the cultivation of cacao, and. it further points to the necessity of preserving forest growth on the uncultivated areas. The protection of forest is a matter that has been given careful consider- ation in most of the West Indian islands. It cannot be overstated that such tree growth has a very important influence upon the atmosphere and_ soil seepage: but it does not increase the rainfall: it conserves the rainfall and increases the proportion of water-vapour in the atmosphere. Limes and rubber, like cacao, require a moist atmosphere. Exactly why, is a complicated question to answer, but it must be closely connected with transpiration, Further, moisture seems necessary” tor 34 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, JANUARY 29, I916. a proper biological balance between, parasites and their natural enemies. Then, again, a moist atmosphere is generally associated with a still one, which condi- tion is most desirable, if not necessary, for the luxur- iant growth of limes and cacao. Humidity can be artificially imduced to some extent by so-called wind-breaks and overhead shade. Indeed it is probable that the value of ‘such protection chiefly lies in the way of maintaining .a humid rather than a quiescent state of the air, though it effects both. The degree of atmospheric humidity is determined, -and most people know, by means of a wet and dry bulb thermometer. The greater the difference between the two readngs, the drier the air. The relative humidity is calculated on the difference with the use -of a table of factors. This observation of humidity is of as great, if not of greater, importance than the recording of the rainfall precipitations. Very few estates, however, take the trouble to carry out the observation systematically, and scarcely any realize its full significance, which is possibly a reason for omitting the practice. Reference to the Annual Reports of the Local Agricultural Departments -shows that even officially, observations on humidity are not recorded in some islands, or at least, are not published. Neglect to do so constitutes a very regrettable omission. A valuable piece of investigation work would be the collection of humidity figures from different estates in different islands. It might lead to the solution of prob- lems of growth at present unsolved. The trouble with limes in Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis has practically been reduced to a humidity basis. If attention had been -given earlier to the idea, a large amount of time and trouble, and probably money would have been saved. ‘The conduct of humidity observations under wind- break overhead shade conditions would be productive of especially interesting results, and might settle once and for all, the conflicting statements that one hears concerning the nature of the benefit derived from this form of protection. Closely allied to foliage protection is that of cheese-cloth, under which tobacco grows more vigorously than in the open. This again is to some extent a question of humidity. It is hoped that this and the foregoing considerations will stimulate the interest of planters in what is for them a very vital question. and SUGAR. STUDIES IN INDIAN SUGAR-CANES. Dr. C. A. Barber has issued in the Memoirs of the Department of Agriculture in India, the first of a series of papers entitled, Studies in Indian Sugar-canes: No. 1, Punjab Canes. This study deals with the canes of a definite area in which it is believed that some of the most primitive sugar- canes in the world occur, and it is thought that the study of these primitive forms may well be calculated to throw light on the origin of the widely cultivated forms whose systematic study presents enormous difficulty. Although Dr. Barber laments that this list of morpho- logical characters dealt with in the descriptions is incomplete, it will be found to comprise a far greater number than other observers have yet found it possible to give attention to, and it may well be that the extension of the field of comparison will stimulate other observers in other parts of the world to include a larger number of characters in their critical studies. The characters dealt with are: general remarks as to distribution; agricultural, and chemical characters; list of specimens examined; general characters of the variety. Cane measurement: Dead leaves at six months old; length of cane and of shoot after stripping these; total length of cane and number of joints at six and ten months; total length divided by average thickness at middle; length of joints in different parts of the cane; thickness of the cane at various points. Colour of cane: General; bloom; growth ring; root zone; blackening; blushing; scar line or band; ivory mark- ings, splitting; groove markings. Characters of the joint: Thickness, ovalness in section; length of mature joint (deducting top), average longest average shorest (basal); shape viewed medially; shape viewed laterally; leaf scar and its ending, lip; circlet of hairs; groove; root zone; growth ring. Bud: Shooting, burst, etc.; size and form; origin and cushion; flanges; bristles, basal patches and minute black hairs. Leafy shoot: Colour; terminal tuft of leaves; character of leaf ends; number of terminal joints under 2 inches long. Leaf-sheath: Length; average longest; colouring, bloom, scarious- border and edges; hairs on back and on edges; clasping stem; proportional width of sheath and lamina; ligular processes; ligule and hairs on its edge. Lamina: Width and length, average extremes, and proportion of these to one another; channelling, ete.; transverse marks; serrature; roportional width of midrib to lamina. And eight groups of Punjab canes are then carefully described and figured according to this scheme. One of the most striking items provided by an investi- gation of soil gases dealt with in the Afemours of the Depart- ment of Agriculture in India (Chemical Series, Vol. IV, No. 3) is the composition of gases in the neighbourhood of the roots of plants. The proportions of carbon dioxide found are high; but most striking of all is the low propor- tion of oxygen, and the presence of hydrogen, which has not hitherto been suspected under these conditions. It is stated that the diffusion of gases through soils at a depth of 12 to 15 inches is so efficient as to warrant the con- clusion that cultivation of the surface soil is unnecessary for purposes of aeration. Vor. SOV. ‘No: 359, THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 35 — THE AGRI- AND EXPERIMENT MARCH 31, VIRGIN ISLANDS: REPORT ON CULTURAL DEPAKTMENT STATION, FOR THE YEAR ENDED 1915. Useful work has been continued in the nurseries, and during the year under review the distribution of economic plants increased considerably, totalling 144,793. These included onion slips 115,800, sweet potato cuttings 7,300, coco-nuts 2,769, limes 2,344, and sugar-cane 4,332. In order to meet the demand for plants, the nurseries were extended, a piece of land south of the Curator’s quarters being converted into coco-nut, lime, and onion plots. In the Experiment Station much attention has been given to cotton with a view to establishing a local seed supply. Following up the work commenced last year on the systematic selection of cotton plants with a view to obtaining a strain of cotton suited to local conditions, pro- ducing lint of good quality combined with high yields, the various selections made last year were submitted to careful trials in the Experiment Station. The method adopted was: the selection in the field of individual trees showing desirable characteristics, the seed-cotton from which is reaped and the lint submitted to a rigorous examination. From the selected strains of seed raised on the progeny plots an adequate supply has been obtained for planting a considerable area, and as the result of recommendations by Dr. Tempany, Superintendent of Agriculture for the Leeward Islands, arrangements have been made for the establishment of a cotton seed farm at the Experiment Station, from which reliable strains of seed for planting in the Virgin Islands will be obtained—thus obviating the necessity of importing seed for planting. With favourable weather conditions it is believed this seed farm should supply all the seed required for planting in the Presidency. Owing to the importance of the cotton industry in the Virgin Islands it was deemed desirable also to institute manurial experiments to ascertain the requirements of the cotton plant under the conditions of soil and climate which exist in Tortola. Experiments were therefore laid out with Sea Island cotton, but owing to adverse weather conditions very low yields were obtained; the etfect of the manures, however, was distinctly marked. In regard to the experiments conducted with Sakellarides, Southern Cross, and Caravonica types of cotton, the results obtained were much below the ordinary returns from Sea Island strains, and again showed that these types of cotton are not suitable to conditions in the Virgin Islands. Hence it is thought undesirable to continue further experiments with them. The coco-nut demonstration plots constitute an impor- tant feature of the work cf the Station. The area under this cultivation has been extended, no fewer than 2,769 plants having been distributed during the year. At the Experiment Station, the operations of digging out roots and clearing up an additional 7 acres of land for coco-nuts’ were carried out, and the plot planted. (wing to the dry weather experienced in August and September, several supplies were found necessary; but with the advent of good rains in April following, the plants commenced to make such marked pro- gress that the successful establishment of the plot is regarded as ensured. The policy of planting catch crops of sugar-cane and cotton through the young coco-nut trees on part of the plot has been followed up; while on the remainder, the plants are kept circle-weeded, the intervening bush being periodically cutlassed back. Asa result of one year’s growth the trees have attained a height of 9 feet, thus demonstrating the correctness of the view that these lands are well adapted to coco-nut cultivation. As regards this cultivation in the Presidency generally, the localities planted in coco-nuts are situated in the Eastern, North Western, and Western districts of Tortola; some few acres are also established at Virgin Gorda Valley, and at Mosquito Island. In all these districts the soil seems suitable for the crop, and the progress made by the young coco-nut fields during the year is striking. Thousands of acres of land are lying waste which could be- converted into paying coco-nut plantations, and it is hoped that the continuation of the present interest in coco-nut growing may lead to considerable future developments. A considerable amount of activity was displayed in con- nexion with the onion industry during the year. The raising of seedlings was again carried on at the Station and 115,800: plants were distributed, showing, when compared with the figures for the previous year, that the interest in onion growing in the Virgin Islandsis increasing. An attempt was- made during the year to organize small shipments on a co-operative basis among growers, and 43 crates containing 2,3991b. were shipped to New York, Barbados, and St. Thomas, the shipment realizing a sum of nearly £15. It is hoped that co-operative methods of marketing the crop May be- satisfactorily developed under the auspices of the Onion Growers Association, which has now been formed, and which should lend stability to the industry. Experiments with other economic crops were continued,. and satisfaction must be expressed with the energetic and’ efficient manner in which the acting Curator (Mr. G. A. Gomez) discharged the duties of his Office during the year under review DEPARTMENT NEWS. The Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture left Barbados on Thursday, January 27, 1916, by the C.R.MLS. ‘Chaleur’, with the object of paying an ofticial visit to Antigua. Dr. Watts is expected to return by the ‘Chaudiere’ on February 9. It is stated in the Proceedings of the Institute of Chem- istry of Great Britain and Ireland, July to October 1915, that the demand for the services of professional chemists in many matters connected with the war, has steadily increased. Chemists were attached to General Botha’s Army in the South-west African campaign, and in France they have been employed in connexion with the necessary retaliation in the matter of employing asphyxiating gases against the enemy. The chief use of chemists, however, has been in connexion with the manufacture of munitions, and in the revival of the-dye and glass industries in Great Britain, 36 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 1916. PIGS. A SUCCESSFUL BACON FACTORY. In this Journal for April 10, 1915, space was devoted to an account of Dr. Watts’ scheme for the production of bacon as an industry for these islands. Concurrently an account was given of a bacon factory which is now working in Rhodesia, and a few facts were published concerning the method of curing bacon. The interest which is now being shown in certain West Indian quarters in connexion with pig raising for bacon and pork, takes it desirable to publish further detail concerning the curing of bacon. This infor- mation, which is given below, has been abstracted from an article entitled, The Hitching Bacon Factory, appearing in the Journal of the Board of Agriculture, England, for July 1915. It may be of interest to point out that this success- ful factory was established through the initiative of a group of farmers, and that its continued progress is only hindered through inability to obtain a large enough supply of pigs — a circumstance which would not be likely to arise in the West Indies, where, as Dr. Watts has shown, the amount of available land, the nature of the crops that can be grown, ‘and the thrifty growth of the pigs in these islands, would be likely to ensure more than an adequate supply. The article in the journal referred to, because of its importance and useful character, will be reproduced in full in the next issue of the West Indian Bulletin. As already stated, we present now the main facts concerning the curing of bacon, since experiments are being made in this connexion in one or two of the ice-making factories in the West Indies. After the pigs have been cleaned, disembowelled, and the hair removed, the carcases are put in a chilling room at a temperature of 28° F., until the following morning when they are trimmed up and all the ragged pieces removed. After having once more been placed in the chill room for twenty-four hours, the loin stakes are sent to the pie depart- ment, and the trimmings to the sausage room for making saveloys, polonies, etc. After the sides have been chilled for more than thirty- six to forty hours they are dry salted. The first of the process is to inject the pickle of salt and saltpetre (no other chemicals are used) by the aid of a pump. To ensure uniformity in curing, the pickle is first injected into the thick part, ie. the gammon- The sides are then piled on top of each other, ten sides high, in the curing room, at a temperature of 40 to 44°F. As each side is placed on the top of the one below, it is lightly dusted with fine saltpetre and the thin layer of curing salt. The sides are left in the pile for nine or ten days, according to their weight. At the end of this period they are taken from the pile and the pickle is drained off, after which they are again piled up, this time with the skin uppermost, to drain, dry, and mature for another ten days. The sides are then ready for use as green bacon, or for smoking. If smoked bacon is required, the sides are washed and dusted over with flour, hung in the smoke houses and smoked and dried with hardwood sawdust for from three to four days, according to the weather. In wet weather the drying takes longer. The article goes on to state that the heads of the pigs are used for making brawn, and the feet find a ready market. The pigs are killed by the humane method of shooting by means of a special appliance, and they are bled afterwards in the bleeding passage where the blood is run into a tank and dried each day to be used eventually as a manure. January 29: Dry-Salting Bacon and Hams.—In connexion with the foregoing, the following recipes taken from a well- known text-book, ‘Profitable Pig Raising, may be found useful: ‘For hogs weighing not over 125 tb. or 150 tb. each, intended for dry curing, 1 bushel of fine salt, 2 tb. of brown sugar, and 1b. of saltpetre will suffice for each 800 th. of pork: but if the meat is large and thick, or weighs from 150 tb. to 200tb, per carcass, from | gallon to 1 peck more of salt, and a little more of both the other ingredients should be taken. Neither the sugar nor the saltpetre is absolutely necessary for the preservation-of the meat, and they are often omitted. But both are preservatives; the sugar improves the flavour of the bacon, and the saltpetre gives it greater firmness and a finer colour, if used sparingly ’ GROWING PLANTS UNDER CHEESE- CLOTH. Of special interest in connexion with our editorial in this Journal of May 8, 1915, on the question of increasing the plant’s efficiency. is the following abstract of a paper in the Monthly Bulletin of Agri- cultural Intelligence and Plant Diseases tor Decem- ber 1914:— The experiments described in this paper were undertaken in the year 1908-9 at the Cuban Agricultural Experiment Station at Santiago de las Vagas (Western Cuba), with the object of determining the effect on transpiration and assimil- ation in the tobacco plant of the cheese-cloth shade which is frequently used in that region for shading tobacco. This cloth is a kind of net work of coarse thread with meshes about a tenth of an inch wide; during the middle of the day this cloth casts a barely perceptible shadow; which, however, is more noticeable’ early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Six tobacco plants were grown in vessels in the open, and six under cheese-cloth shade. The light intensity under the two conditions was measured by the photometric method, The temperatures were recorded by thermographs; the relative humidity and rainfall were also determined. It was observed that: 1. The shade of the cheese-cloth tent reduced the total light by about one-third, but the diffuse light showed very little difference on bright days; when, however, there was no bright sun, the total light (all diffuse) was reduced by abouts one-third. 2. There was no marked difference between the temper- ature within the tent and that outside. The average daily excess of the temperature outside the tent over that inside was, for sixty days, 0-14°F. It seems that the tendency of the tent to retain heat is balanced by the smaller quantity of radiant energy which passes into it. 3. The relative humidity is higher inside the tent than outside, the difference being more marked during the day, for at night in both stations it reaches 100 per cent. During the day the difference is enhanced by the partial retention of the moisture transpired by the plant. 4. The rate of evaporation is greater in the open than under the tent. The difference in the rates of evaporation in the two stations increases with the development of the plants, and the consequent increase in relative humidity under the cheese-cloth. Besides diminishing the amount of light and increasing the relative humidity, the tent reduces the currents of air: all these changes tend to diminish transpiration. The plants used in this work were grown from seed obtained from a single selffertilized mother-plant of a pure strain, Vou. XV. No. 359. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 37 The shade plants attained a nearly uniform height of 6 feet 10 inches, while the height of the sun plants averaged about 5 feet 9 inches. The leaves of the shade plants were much larger and thinner than those of the sun plants, and the internodes of the stem were longer. In sixty days the plants in the open transpired an average of 45°539 litres of water per plant, and required 241°72 c.c. of transpired water per gram of water-free substance produced, while the corres- ponding figures for the shade plants were 35°212 litres, and 186:90 c.c. The sun plants thus transpired, on the average, about 30 per cent. more water per plant than the shade plants, while the average weight of dry matter produced was, in the mature plants, nearly the same in both sets. it follows that the series having the higher total transpiration also has the highest transpiration per gram of dry plant substance. This is corroborated by the above figures. The quantity of water transpired per unit of dry matter produced is remarkably uniform for the plants within each group. This confirms the conclusion that under the same aerial conditions the quantity of water transpired per unit of dry matter produced is constant, and independent of the nature of ae nutritive solutions or of their concentration or of the state of development of the plant. After a discussion of the observations and opinions of the most competent authorities on the subjec: of the relation between transpiration and production of plant substance, the writer draws the following conclusions:— Under the climatic conditions of Western Cuba the transpiration of tobacco plants grown in the open ground is nearly 30 per cent. greater than that of plants grown under the cheesecloth shade commonly used for shading tobacco in that region. The transpiration per unit area of leaf surface is nearly twice as great in the sun plants asin the shade plants. The shading of tobacco plants by this grade of cheese- cloth does not seem to result in a diminished production of total plant substances by the shaded plants, as compared with other like plants not shaded. Since, however, the leaves of the shade-grown plants have a much greater total area than those of the plants growing in the open, it is evident that the quantity of plant material elaborated per unit of leaf area is greater in the plants grown in the open. Although the total production of dry plant substance is not influenced in any marked degree by the cheese-cloth shade, the distribution of this substance is affected in such a manner that in the shade-grown plants relatively less material is deposited in the Jeaves and more in the stems than in the corresponding orgaus of the plants grown in fuli light. No evident influence is exerted on the deposition of material in the roots. YEAST-FODDER. Dr. Prinsen Geerligs, in recent letters to the Louisiana Planter, has made reference to the new German process of making albuminoids from sugar and salts, chiefly ammonium sulphi ute, by the action of yeast, which fact is considered as a great assistance for the cattle breeders in. times when the supply of maize, bran, oilcake, ete., from overseas, is stopped by the blockade. In the issue of the above journal for October 9, Dr. Geerligs deals with the Sue in consi- derable detail. He says:— The German Government has seized, the various patent rights for the manufacture of yeast-fodder, in order to monop- olize the stocks of that commodity, and to distribute the stuff among those who want it. It appears, however, that this method of manufacturing albuminoids on a commercial scale is not so easy as it looked in the beginning, as is very clearly shown in two articles in the Chemikir Zeitung. The author of these articles points out that, in case raw sugar is to be used as one of the raw materials, the cost of the yeast-fodder would be much too high even in war times, not to speak of normal conditions. It is much better to use molasses or the waste waters from the cellulose factories, where wood is cooked with sulphites {or being turned into. paper stuff. These liquids contain sugar, which may be used by the yeast cells, while the price is not so high as that of the sugar itself. But even in this case the good results are doubtful. The cellulose waste liquid has a very bad smell, and it is not at all sure that the dry yeast coming from it will be eaten by cattle, while in case of molasses it is not at all sure, whether it is wise to sacrifice such a well-known and fully appreciated fodder as molasses in order to get, with great expense and not at all ina sure way, another cattle food, of which we do not know anything. The great difticulties connected with the formation of yeast from sugar and ammonium sulphate consist chietly in the fact that the liquid must be very much diluted, and kept in constant movement at a given temperature with huge quantities of air, while in order to obtain a good assimilation of the sugar, the amount of yeast cells to start with must be enormously large. Besides, it is not possible to start the operation with part of the yeast obtained, but the initial yeast must be prepared beforehand, which requires again much expense. ‘The liquid must be so much diluted as to contain no more than 1 per cent. of dry substance. In higher concentrations the yeast will not only grow and use sugar to that end, but ferment same into alcohol and carbonic acid, and destroy it in this way. One hundred kilos. of sugar require 50 parts of nutrient salts, and thereby yield 150 parts of dry substance, which, in a con- centration of 1 per cent. yields a quantity of 15,000 parts. This large quantity is to be kept at a given temperature and supplied with enormous amounts of air, requiring mighty air-pumps and enormous tanks. After the action is over the yeast has to be separated from the liquid and the latter disposed of, which is also a matter bristling with difficulties. We find figures on the size of the yeast tanks, the capacity of the air- pumps, ete., necessary to drive a comparatively small factory for albuminoids from ammonia and sugar, which clearly show that the process is not yet mature and certainly not able to yield already now considerable amounts of yeast for fodder. Yet it is rumoured that the German Government contemplates the seizure of all the molasses in order to have it transformed into yeast-fodder. The Centralblatt fur die deutsche Zuckerindustrie brings an article in which the calculation is made of the number of facto- ries, with the tanks, calorisators, air-pumps, centrifugals, drying houses, ete., which must be erected within a few months’ time to convert all of that molasses into nitrogenous fodder. The author of that article points out that after much trouble the farmers have been induced to use molasses as cattle food, of which they have learned to appreciate the value, and now suddenly that useful article would be with- drawn from them in order to make place for a yeast food. It is not in the interest of the industry and certainly not favourable for the health of the cattle if suddenly so large changes are made in the methods of feeding. 38 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, 1916, JANUARY 29, WEST INDIAN COTTON. Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool, write as follows, under date December 28, 1915, with reference to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton:— Since our last report, the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton have been confined to odd bags of stained cotton at from 104d. to 113d. per Ib. Prices continue firm. CANONS OF THE COTTON PLANT IN EGYPT. The following general conclusions drawn by Mr. W. Lawrence Balls, M.A., from his research work on Egyptian cotton, have been extracted from an article in the Monthly Bulletin of Agricultural Intelligence, Rome, for August 1915. We give explanatory observations in connexion with the more technical terms employed, at its conclusion. The old-established conventional methods of cotton cultivation practised by the Egyptain native are the best possible for the given circumstances. 3y simple methods the crop can be ‘sampled’ at a number of Observation Stations, and Crop Records prepared in the form of Curves of Plant Development’, providing an exact and non-subjective Crop Reporting system, which is also capable of being used for Crop Forecasting on a scientific basis The deterioration of the yield of cotton per aere in Egypt from 1898 to 1912, was almost entirely due to the rise of the water-table, through the action and inaction both of individuals, and of the State. This effect acts in part directly by decreasing the depth of soil available, but mainly by bringing the water-table into contact with the roots sooner, when it rises as a direct and indirect consequence of the rise of the Nile Flood. The deterioration of ‘quality’ within the same period, especially of the Afifi variety, has been caused mainly by increased impurity through admixture and natural crossing. SPINNING. The best cotton is obtained from pure strains, other things being equal The best samples of fine cottons, in the ultimate and absolute test of actual spinning, are those which contain the smallest percentage of abnormally strong hairs. The opinions of experts based on ‘handling’ of commer- cial lint’, are no guide to the real spinning value and properties of pure strain lint. PLANT PHystoLocy. The plant is the slave of the Limiting Factor of the environment, above or below ground, at any given moment, and in itself constitutes a perfect recorder of such factors. But, in interpreting such plant- records, due regard must be paid to the Pre-determination of characteristics”. An effect may not be obvious until many weeks after it has been determined. The direct response of growth-processes to the limiting factor is often masked in individual buds and organs by pre-determined Depressant Factors*, possibly of an auto-toxic nature, PLANT BREEDING. No system of seed-supply for cotton can be entirely successful, unless it provides against contam- ination of the stocks by natural crossing, presumably through seed-renewal. This provision can be most cheaply and safely effected by building bee-proof cages of brass wire gauze over the initial propagation plots®. Similarly, deterioration through natural selection can only be avoided by the use of pure strains. The propagation of renewal-seed has been effected at the rate of 1 metric ton of seed alone from a single seed in three generations, Five tons from one seed in the same period is easily practicable. GENETICS. Mendel’s Law of gametic segregation applies to most or all the characteristics of cotton plants, qualitative or quantitative, even in Agypto-Upland crosses, but with many extraneous complications, even in simple crosses. These complications include gametic Re-Duplication in more than one ratio®, and the deformation of measureable characters by Autogenous Fluctuation‘. IRRIGATION. Cotton flourishes best on soil which is from 2 to 3 metres in depth. Drains should keep the water-table to this level. In no soil should the water-table be allowed to rise, even 20cm., for more than a day, once the roots have reached it. The crop actually uses as much as 50 metric tons of water per feddan (of 4,200 square metres) per day in the late summer, at atime when the available water is the main limiting factor of growth. If the water-table be kept down, the injury resulting from over-watering in late summer and autumn is merely due to the washing away of nutrient soil-salts. A crop on rich soil can stand over-watering. Skilful deprivation of water hastens the maturity of the crop by a few days, but only at the expense of lint quality, and yield. ' Curves of plant development consist in the graphical representation of a continuous record of the behaviour of the plant. The curves of most practical value are those of flowering and bolling. The curves are only of practical value under the irrigation conditions of Egypt, where the water-supply is a constant factor undisturbed by rainfall. * The term commercial =mixed-strain lint. ° Pre-determination of characteristics is exemplified by the case of the development of the length of lint. After the 23rd day of lint development, the maximum is reached, and no environmental change a/ter that point will effect this characteristic. In other words, the maximum manifestation of a characteristic is decided at a certain point in the plant’s life-history. ' A Depressant factor is one like excessive sunlight, which has a retarding influence upon growth, >* The sea constitutes a natural cage in the West Indian islands. 5 Re-duplication is more than one ratio, Information as tothe sense in which Mr. Balls uses this phrase is not available. * Antogenous Fluctuation is a term of Mr. Balls’ own invention. In this process the manifestation of a character is affected by the inherited nature of the plant body on which it is borne. See ‘The Development and Properties of Raw Cotton’, p. 10, Von. XV. No. 359, DOWN THE ISLANDS. ITEMS OF LOCAL INTEREST. sr. vincent. Mr. W. N. Sands furnishes this Office with information to the effect that the general condition of crops, with the exception of cotton and cacao, is satisfactory. Some trouble is being occasioned by pests and diseases; by thrips in the case of cacao, and by internal boll disease in the case of cotton. Some difficulty has also been experienced in regard to the control of ants and mole crickets in onion seed beds; but methods have been devised and information has been given to those planters concerned. During November the agricultural officers paid a number of visits to estates, while in December this work was continued on a larger scale in connexion with the visits to the island of the Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture and the Entomologist and Mycologist of the Imperial Department. Work in the Experiment Stations and nurseries has consisted in the picking of cotton, the reaping of Indian corn, the transplant- ing of onions, and the inspection of coconuts. In December, the following plant distribution took place: 2,500 onion seedlings, 175 Gliricidia cuttings, and 300 sweet potato cuttings. The weather has been fairly good, though some- what uneven as regards rainfall. sT. LuctA, Observations relating to staple crops in December are as follows: cacao, crop about normal; limes, crop slackening; sugar, reaping about to commence. In the Experiment Station, work has consisted in preparing beds, sowing and transplanting limes, transplanting orange stocks, distributing lime plants, cassava cuttings and banana suckers, Mr. A. J. Brooks, who furnishes us with this information, records the following plant distribution for December: lime plants, 1,000; oranges (budded), 31; decorative and economic 45; total, 1,076. The number of cassava cuttings and banana suckers sent out was considerable, namely, 2,500 and 500, respectively. The driving roads and entrances in Castries Botanic Gardens are being improved. The Govern- ment Lime Factory has received a visit from the Head of the Agricultural Department of Martinique, who was desirous of obtaining information relating to its management. The rainfall during the month has been considerable. pomrnica. Mr. Joseph Jones writes to say that during December the local price paid for good yellow limes rose from As. to 6s. per barrel. The cable quotations for concentrated juice showed a further drop to £25 per pipe. The market, however, according to recent advices from England is quite steady, and may be expected to remain so throughout the New Year. In the nurseries the usual routine work has been continued, while in the lime and cacao experiment stations, picking and recording of crops have been the chief feature of the month’s work. In the Botanic Gardens trees have been pruned and roads repaired. Special efforts of the agricultural officers have consisted in visits to several estates, In the chemical laboratory, analyses concerning citrus pro- ducts have been carried out. The half-yearly examinations of the agricultural pupils were held on December 22. The rainfall for the month has been fairly heavy, namely, 8-4 inches; but that for the year 1914 was the highest on record, namely, 100°01 inches. The usual plant distribu- tion, consisting principally of limes, was effected during the period under review. ANTIGUA. From an agricultural point of view, writes ‘Mr. J. Jackson, the year 1915 with its 63°60 inches of rain (recorded at the Botanic Station) can be considered a good THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 39 one. In December as much as 9°25 inches fell. During the month, work in the Experiment Stations has consisted in the distribution of plants, chiefly cane cuttings, and maho- gany and Eucalyptus seedlings. The experimental sugar-cane plots were planted at two estates, and molasses manurial experiments laid out. Mr. Jackson goes on to say that the island’s cane crop, on the whole, is good: it is estimated at nearly 16,000 tons. The ratoons in some parts are somewhat low but are still making fairly good growth. Some trouble is being experienced with the grubs of brown hard back beetles in fields of corn and onions. MONTSERRAT. Mr. W. Robson informs us that there has been practically no second crop of cotton this season, and that the destruction of old plants has been pushed forward, The date for completion had been fixed for January 31, and the date at which planting can begin, fixed for March 16. There has been a general response to the offer of pedigree cotton seed, and all the estates are taking seed to plant a seed-field next season. The remaining seed will be offered for sale to small planters, later. The bulk of the lime products, and most of the cotton crop are awaiting ship- ment. The cotton crop is estimated at about 160 tb. per acre, and the lime crop has been very satisfactory, consid- ering the condition of a large portion of the cultivation. Cotton stainers became numerous in most parts of the island during December. Mr. Robson says the equipment of the building of the Onion Growers Association was to be completed about January 10. An examination has been made of the relative qualities of the Rangpur and West Indian lime, which at present do not appear to be in favour of the new fruit. In the Experiment Station another plot of the local type of the papaw has been planted, and cane cuttings, a large number of lime plants, bay tree seedlings, and horse beans have been distributed. It is stated that a second generation of the Ajowan plant has been damaged by acaterpillar of Prodeniasp. A new still has been received for bay oil. Three distillations of the leaves have been made, and the results indicate that during wet weather, a low yield of oil is to be expected. The pink-seeded horse bean recently brought from Porto Rico to Montserrat promises to be very suitable for cultivation between lime trees. It is long-lived, and shows little tendency to bear pods. st. Kitts. Owing to the fine rains during the past month of December the canes have continued to make good growth and the prospects of a record crop are well assured. Grinding will start at the Factory on February 1. The general condition as regards pests and diseases, continues Mr. Shepherd, is most satisfactory, only in a very few instances are signs of root disease met with. The young cane crop is being planted rapidly and there is evidence of much greater care being taken in the matter of selecting planting material. The cotton crop is all finished; the returns, generally speaking, were below the average, the rains having been too heavy for the production of a good crop. Special work has consisted in the laying out and planting of the varieties of cane for the Leeward Island experiments. The number of varieties on each station has been increased to twenty-four and the number of stations by two. Analytical work in the Government Laboratory is being continued along usual lines. nEvis. Mr. W. Howell states that the cane crop throughout the island is very promising, and that a good return is to be expected. A second crop of cotton has been interfered with by the recent heavy rains. Provision crops are, on the whole, in a satisfactory condition. 40 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. January 29, 1916. 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 5 of the cover. Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture for the West Indies SCIENTIFIC Scientific Assistant and Assistant Editor Entomologist Mycologist Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Sc., F.1.C., F.C.S. STAFF. WY. R. Dunlop. H. A. Ballou, M.Sc. W. Nowell, D.1.C. STAFF, A. G. Howell. M. B. Connell. W. P. Bovell, P. Taylor. Miss B. Robinson. ( A. B. Price, Fell. Journ. Inst. UL. A. Corbin. CLERICAL Chief Clerk Assistant Clerk Junior Clerk Assistant Junior Clerk Typist Assistants for Publications Agricultural stews Vou. XV. SATURDAY, JANUARY 29, 1916. No... 359. NOTES AND COMMENTS. Contents of Present Issue. In the editorial to this number the importance of humidity is discussed as a factor determining the distribution and growth of crops in the West Indies. An interesting article dealing with infusorial earth as a Manure appears on page 47, A review of the Virgin Islands Report will be found on page 35. Items of Local Interest appear on page 39, Insect Notes in this issue have reference to certain dangerous hard backs; while under Plant Diseases will be found an article dealing with imported diseases, and a special note correcting certain information that appeared in a previous issue. The Possibilities of Cuba’s Sugar Production. The Barbados Agricultural Reporter has recently published an interesting leader on the above subject based upon information provided by the Louisiana Planter. From this it appears that Cuba’s prospects in the matter of sugar production are very great. In each of the seasons 1913-14 and 1914-15, that country produced about 2,600,000 tons of sugar. The crop now coming off will probably reach 34 million tons. When the schemes now under consideration for extension shall have been actually realized, it is estimated that the sugar crop of Cuba four years hence will reach 4 million tons. It is believed that in the near future Cuba will be the controlling factor in the world’s sugar market. Under the Republican Government great progress has been made in regard to the efficient equipment of central factories, and it does not appear that there has ever been any trouble or anxiety in regard to adequate supply of sugar-cane. Still one is justified in saying that there is yet room for improvement in regard to the cultivation of cane, and the increase in the average yield per acre. If the total output of Cuban sugar be increased by*one-quar- ter and the yield of sugar per ton of cane be increased one-twentieth or one-tenth, as could readily be done, it is believed that these combined influences could be made to result in a production of 5 million tons of sugar in the year 1920. Co-operative Sugar Works in Queensland. The Agricultural Organization Society of England has furnished us with information concerning an Act which has been passed in Queensland to provide in detail for the organization of co-operative sugar works in that State, with the help ofloans from the Treasury, Owners or occupiers of a certain quantity of land suitable for the growth of sugar-cane may make appli- cation to establish the said works. The applicants must be in a position to subscribe to the capital stock of the company a sum equal to one-third of the capital required for the construction, equipment or purchase of the sugar works. A copy of the articles of association must be forwarded, and the latter must provide that no dividend at a greater rate than 5 per cent. shall at any time after the advances by the Treasurer have been repaid, be declared or paid or credited by the company, and no person shall be qualified to hold shares in the company unless he is a grower of cane under agree- ment. The conditions necessary for the formation of a company are: that the subscribed capital shall be equal to the cost of construction or of purchase of the sugar works; that the value of the shares allotted to each member may not exceed the value of his land, and that the shares corresponding cannot be sold to guarantee the Government advance for the works to be carried out. The law makes suitable provision for the supervision and inspection of the work of construé- tion, as well as for the management of the business. Vou. XY. -No. 359. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Al Novel Schemes of Instruction in Surinam. The Journal of the Board of Agriculture of British Guiana, tor November 1915, contains an interesting article from which the following information regarding agricultural instruction im Surinam is gleaned. Unlike the system obtaining in many of the British colonies, here agricultural instruction is totally separated from primary education, and is put under the supervision of the Director of Agriculture, the aim of the instruction being to give to young agriculturists a theoretical knowledge of agriculture. Lessons are given in agricultural chemistry, botany, zoology, physics, cattle-rearing and dairy work, the tilling of the soil and the use of agricultural tools, and the principles of manur- ing. A course for young farmers lasts two years of forty school weeks each, and twelve holiday weeks. The first year of the course is devoted to the inculeation of theoretical knowledge in order that the pupils might get an insight into some of the problems of nature, such as the life of plants and animals, the movement of water in the soil, and the atmosphere: and to make them familiar with words and expressions which they will meet inafter years, when they read books and papers on agricultural subjects. This is the object of the lessons in chemistry, botany, zoology, and physics. The second year is devoted to practical knowledge—the tilling of the soil, tools, drainage, manuring, cattle-rearing, dairy work, and the cultivation of agricultural plants. Those plants which are cultivated on the farms of the neighbourhood are treated more fully; so also is cattle- rearing fully gone into in cases where the place of instruction is situated in a stock-raising district. Hence the local circumstances fix what branch of agriculture will be treated the more fully. The minimum age at which pupils are admitted is fifteen years: at that age they are supposed to have had already some practical experience. No maximum age is fixed, so that it is possible at times to have pupils of forty and forty-five years of age—farmers who are at the head ofa business, or managers of plantations. School teachers who wish to take such a course must have a certificate in agriculture. The teachers cannot study by themselves: they must have guidance; and to give them this a regular course of two years is provided, forty weeks being utilized in each year. If after having followed a course of two years a_ school teacher passes his examination. he gets a certificate with $40 as a premium wherewith to pay his expenses in buying books; and if he succeeds in gathering a number of boys (minimum fifteen) of fifteen years of age and upwards, in his native town or neighbourhood, he is appointed ‘headmaster’ of a course described under the name of Course for Farmers’ Boys, his salary being $220 if he lives in acountry district, and $140 in Paramaribo, It might be mentioned that these courses (primary and secondary) were started only in March and May 1915, respectively, therefore it is only after the expiration of two years, that is to say, not before 1917, can the time arrive to speak of any success; but it is pointed out that the agricultural courses in Holland are given according to the same method, and with big SUCCESS, The Domestication of Fancy Plumage Birds. Dr. J. E. Duerden, Professor of Zoology at Rhodes University College, South Africa, aud formerly Marine Biologist in Jamaica, has recently written to this Office concerning two articles which we published some months ago on the use of birds, and on egret and heron rearing, respectively. Dr. Duerden has specialized in ostriches, and is specially interested in the production of plumage. It is probably known to the reader that South Africa is the chief centre of the ostrich feather trade, and the enormous -development in production has only been rendered possible by domestication of the bird, without which the ostrich would by now have undoubtedly become extinct. The ostrich industry is at present under a cloud, mainly due to the war; and this has led Dr. Duerden to propose the domestication of other plumage birds along similar lines to those employed with ostriches, the produce of which is more in demand. Our note on egret and heron rearing (in Madagascar) represents the scrt of work referred to. The birds are caught and tamed, and then allowed to fly to the marshes to feed in the day, returning to roost at night time. ‘The feathers are ‘removed at certain specific times, without any cruelty, and the birds are care- fully ‘ed after and treated after the manner of pets. Ur. Deurden. writes: ‘I believe there are big possibilities if the matter were taken up thoroughly, but we (South Africa) could hardly keep the monopoly as we have practically done with the ostrich. I should think West Indian islands would be very favourable for many kinds of plumage birds.’ While discussing the subject of birds, the attention of the reader may be called to an interesting and useful series of articles that has just begunin the Journal of the Board of Agriculture of British Guiana (Vol. IX, No. 1), These articles, which describe the birds of British Guiana, are by the Revd. C. B. Dawson, S.J., M.A. (Oxon.), formerly of British Guiana, and now a resident in Barbados. nee The St. Lucia Lime Juice Factory. Forty-one casks of concentrated lime juice were shipped from the Government Lime Juice Factory in St. Lucia up to December 1, and fifteen awaited ship- ment, making a total of 59 casks against a total output of 45 for last season. At the time this information was received the bonuses due to vendors were being sent out, Some trouble was experienced in getting the peasants to come forward with their vouchers and receive the sums due to them. As the principle of profit-sharing becomes better known, this difficulty amongst the peasants will gradually disappear. It seems that there is a certain amount of suspicion that the bonus is in the nature of borrowed money, and will eventually have to be repaid to the Government. It is under- stood that the parish Priests have been endeavouring to enlighten the people on this point. It may be added that vic Lime Juice Factory has proved so successful financially that it is intended to institute an extension, This includes a large boiler and a Crossby oil engine. _ 42 THE AGRICULTURAL INSECT NOTES. DANGEROUS HARD BACKS. The subject of hard back grubs in the soil has received consideration in several publications of this Department during the past two or three years. Owing to enquiries recently made at this Office in regard to these insects, the following summary of the present situation has been prepared for the information of West Indian planters. REFERENCES. Dur- ing the period from March 21 to June 7, 1913, the Insect Notes in six num- bers of the | Greenish.| Grant. coloured. Moisture 3°63 1:90 10°78 27:02 Combined water) 4°27 2°54 6:15 7:92 Silica and clay 32°74 13°94 66°25 38°12 Trouper CRe Naar 5 75 | 1201 | 2450 and alumina { Calcium UW eAgaz an 9. : Caskeanee fi 54°67 79°91 2:66 59 Magnesium NI ; 26 “95 Af Gen J 1:64 86 1:92 1°50 Phosphoric \ : eye fe a anhydride fl 13 17 20 trace Potash “O05 02 06 09 Soda 12 05 “10 26 100:00 {100-14 [100-13 [100-00 The nitrogen content was negligible. The order of efficiency was:— 1. Castle Grant (by far the best) 2. Canefield (greenish) 3. Frizers 4. Canefield (cream) The Castle Grant fields yielded increased crops from the application until at any rate, the crop of 1889. The Castle Grant earth was a mottled red, pink and yellow oceanic clay, as smooth and soapy in feel as it well could be. It came from a place close to or almost on the Castle Grant fault north of the estate house and buildings. The cutting was on the west of the road. The mass of it slipped down the hillside with the road in a landslip, possibly, at the time of the hurricane in 1898. The Canefield greenish earths consisted largely of very fine-grained volcanic debris and oceanic clay from one of the beds of the oceanic series below Mount Misery. Canefield cream- coloured sample was a globigerina earth from the bottom of the oceanic series, whilst Frizers was a radiolarian-foraminiferal marl near Vaughans from about the middle of the oceanic series. Professor Harrison remembers noting on the -certificate of the analysis on the Castle Grant earth that it did not give up any appreciable quantity of any manurial constituent of plant-food to hot hydrochloric acid, and that whilst chemically speaking it should be inert, its application had produced heavy crops of canes. Later Professor Harrison made more complete analyses of some of the earths ina dry state, using fresh samples collected by himself. The figures obtained were:— Frizers Canefield. \Cleland | \(Vaughans).| Green. | Cream. ‘Combined water 2°89 4-95 2:59) a), 184 ‘Quartz 02 1-44 -0D)-a. iO Colloid silica 19°53 29°31 502 7:36 ‘Clay’ 15-02 51:02 3°99 5°69 Tron peroxide 1:40 644 38, | ele Allumina 2°2 2°34 52 1:87 |Manganese perox- 06 63 1-43 “91 ide ‘Calcium phosphate ‘16 44 35 | 38 Calcium sulphate nil “31 681°) nil ‘Calcium carbonate) 55°23 nil 83°23 | 79°84 Calcium oxide (as silicate) 171 1:27 nil “48 Magnesium car- | bonate nil nil I Ih, saul | Magnesia (as_ sili- 1-44 177 nil “49 | cate) Potash “04 ‘08 02 02 Soda 23 ‘09 "23 29 10000 100:00 | 99:88 |100-30 | Castle Grant. | Bright Red. Mottled. Combined water 8°55 7:46 Quartz “41 23 Colloid silica 4:98 3°87 Combined silica 47°65 46-17 Tron peroxide 4°86 4°77 Alumina 25:20 31-54 Manganese peroxide 3°05 2°69 Magnesia 2°57 1-41 Potash 18 ‘10 Soda 2°55 1-76 Phosphoric anhydride trace trace 100-00 100-00 The main fact Professor Harrison recollects about these trials is that the highly calcareous earths from which good results were expected were more or less failures, and the argillaceous earths, characterized by their high retentive power for water (compare earlier analyses), were very successful, which was quite unexpected. The former remained on the fields in hard resistent Jumps fora long period, the latter rapidly crumbled down and formed a ‘mulching’, to the land. Professor Harrison is of the opinion that it would be well worth while repeating these experiments, which are undoubtedly of much interest. London.—THE Wesr In THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. January 29, ARKET REPORTS. COMMITTEE CIRCULAR, December 28, ARROWROOT—2;%-d. to B/n4d. Batata—Sheet 2s. Gd.; block 2s. 1d. Brreswax—No quotations. CGacao—Trinidad, no quotations.; Grenada, no quotations; Jamaica, no quotations. Corrre—Jamaica, no quotations. Copra—No quotations. Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota- tions; West Indian Sea Island, 143d. to 17d. Frvuir—No quotations. Fustic— No quotations. GincER—Jamaica, 60/- to 75/-. IsrxcLass—No quotations. Honrty—No quotations. Live Jurce—Raw, 2/9; concentrated, no quotations; Otto of limes (hand-pressed), no quotations Locwoop—No quotations. Mace—7d. to Qs. 4d. Nourmecs—4jd. to 74d. Pimento—2}d. to 23d. Ruseer—Pazra, fine hard, 3/; fine soft, 2/9; Castilloa, no quotations. Jamaica, no quotations. Rum New York.—Messrs. Gintespre Bros. & Co., December 28, 1915. Cacao—Caracas, 17$c. to 18c.; Grenada, 17j¢. to 17%c.; Trinidad, 17 $e. to 18c.; Jamaica, 16jc. to 164c. Coco-Nuts—Jamaica and ‘Trinidad selects, $33-00 to $35-00; culls, $21-00 to $22°00. CorrrE—Jamaica, 8}c. to 12c. per tb.” GinceR—13$c. to l6c. per th. Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 46c.; Antigua and Barbados, 44c. to 46c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 48c. to 45c. per Ib. Grape Frvuir—Jamaica, $1°75 to $3:25. Limes—$4°50 to $5:00. Mace—3bdc. to 46c. per tb. Nutmecs—1l4e. to 15c. Orances—Jamaica, $1°50 to $2°25. Pimento—4e. per fb. Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 4°45c. to 4°64¢.; Muscovados, 89°, 3°99c.; Molasses, 89°, 3°68c. to 3°87c., all duty paid. Trinidad.—Messrs. Gorpon, Grant & Co., December 27, 1915. Cacao—Venezuelan, $17°25 to $18°00; Trinidad, $17-25 to $18-00. Coco-nut Om—87e. per Imperial gallon. Corrre—Venezuelan, 10c. to 14c. per hb. Copra—$5°50 to per 100 tb. Duat—$6 50 Ontons—$4°50 to $5-00 per 100 In. Pzas, Sprit—$10:00 per bag. Porators—English $2°00 to $2°25 per 100 tb. Rice—Yellow, $6°10 to $6°25; White, $6°50 per bag. Svear—American crushed, no quotations c 1916, Barbados.—Messrs. James A. Lyscu & Co., Ltd., January - 11, 1916; T. 8. Garraway & Co., January 16; 1916. ARROWROOT—S5 ‘00 per 100 th. Cacao—$13:00 to $13°50 per 100 tb. Coco-nuts—$18°50 husked nuts. Hay—$1'90 per 100 th. Manures—Nitrate of soda, no quotations: Cacao manure, no quotations; Sulphate of ammonia, $90-00 to $100-00 per ton. Mo tasses—No quotations. Ontons—S$10°00 per 190 Th. Pras, Sprir—$9°50 to $12°50 per 210 th.; Canada, $3-00 per 120 tb. Porators—Nova Scotia, $3-00 to $3°75 per 160 th. Rice—Ballam, $6°00 per 190 ib.; Patna, no quotations; Rangoon, no quotations. Suecar—Muscoyado centrifugals, $3°80 to $4°25. British Guiana.—Messrs. Wirtinc & RicuTer, Decem- ber 31, 1915; Messrs. SAnpBacH, Park EB & Co, Jannary 7, 1916. = Messrs. Sanp- : Messrs. WIETING ARTICLES. ie aicite: eae hee ARROWwROOT—St. Vincent — $14°50 Barata— Venezuela block ——_ — Demerara sheet —-— —— Cacao—Native 18c. to 20c. per tb.| 20c. per tb. Cassava— $1:20 je Cassava STarcHo— $8 to $9 eae Coco-nuts— $18 per M. $18 per M. Correr—Creole 12c. to 13c. 14c. per fb. Jamaica and Rio|14e. to 15c. per tb. 14c. Liberian Ye. to Dhe. 9c. per fb. Drar— 7°00 to 87-25 $7-25 Green Dhal —— Eppors— $1°92 to $2-16 — Motasses— Yellow None == Ontons—Tenerifte —— Madeira —— 12c. Peas—Split $12-00 to $12-50 $12-00 er bag. (210 fb.) Marseilles — P iat ) PLaNnTAIns— l6ec. to 48c. Porators—Nova Scotia $3°35 $3°25 to $3-50 Lisbon Porators--Sweet, B’bados $192 == RiceE—Ballam $5°50 to S5-75 — Creole $5°50 TAaNNIAS— $3°12 == Yams— White $2-40 — Buck $312 Sucar—Dark crystals $3°70 to $3°75 $3°75 Yellow $4°25 to $4°35 $4°25 White ——4 Molasses $3°10 —_ TimpER—GREENHEART 32c. to 5dc. per | 32c. to 55c. per cub. foot cub. foot Wallaba shingles, $4-00 to $6-25 $400 to $6-00 per M. perM. — ‘ Cordwood) $1°80 to $2-00 — per ton ——e RE 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, 5, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price 1s. each. Post free, 1s. 2d.; Volumes II, III, IV, V, VI, Vil, VIIL IX, X, XI, XII, XIII and XIV:—Price 2s.each; Post free 2s. (III, 2. IV, 3; and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.) The Development of Agriculture (Mr. A. D. Hall’s Addresses to complete. Volume XV, No. 1, Containing papers on: 8d., where 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. CiV.S:, A. V-C-): 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 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; 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) Scale 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. 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. 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. (80) Hints to Settlers in St. Lucia. Price 6d. ; (81) Agricultural Resources of St. Lucia. Price 3d. Price 4d. The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of 4/7. 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 The ‘ Agricultural News’ contains ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’: extracts A Fortnightly Review. 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 optes are to be addressed to the Agents, not to the Department. Agents. The following have been appointed Agents for the ae of the publications of the Department;— London: Messrs. Dutau & Co., 37, Soho Square, W. West Inp1a Commirrer, 15, Seething Lane. Barbados: ApvocatE Co. Lrp., Broad Street, Bridgetown. Jamaica: Toe Epucarionat Suprty Company, 16, King Street, Kingston. British Guiana: Toe Arcosy Co., Lrp., Georgetown. Trinidad: Messrs. Murr-Marsnauu & Co., Port-of-Spain. St. Kitts: Tan Brsié AND Book Surppty AGENCY, BassETERRE Tobago: Mr. C. L. PLAGEMANN, Scarborough. Nevis: Messrs. Howe, Bros., Charlestown. Canada: Lewis W. Ciemens, 71 King Street, West, Toronto. Grenada: Messrs. THos. Lawtor & Co., St. George, St. Vincent: Mr. J. D. Bonapts, ‘Times’ Office. St. Lucia; Mr. R. W. Nivxs, Botanic Station. Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. Bripcewarer, Roseau. Montserrat: Mr. W. Rosson, Botanic Station. Antigua: Mr. 8. D. Manone, St. John’s. THE BEST MANURE FOR COLONIAL USE Is Dissolved (Soluble) Guano FOR SUG AR-CANEH, AND GHRCE RA Wisi: 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. THE BARBADOS JOST LSS LE 2: | CO-OPERATIVE COTTON FACTORY, LTD. WEST INDIAN BULLETIN, Vol. XV, No. 2. COTTON GINNERS, OIL REFINERS AND PLANTATION SUPPLIERS. IMPORPFERS OF Containing the following papers: Review of Ten Years’ Work | EST INDIAN of the Antigua Sugar Factory (Gunthorpes), by Francis Watts, COTTON SEE D. 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 Sues 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.Se., and BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. W. Nowell, D.I.C. August 6, 1915. SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENT. ——————— — Printed at Office of Agricultura? Reporter, 4 High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados, SST Pr . SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1916. [One penny. _ ga R. M. S. P. MAIL, PASSENGER & CARGO SERVICES ‘FROM THE WEST INDIES ——— j 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 & PARAMARIBO | Grenada & Trinidad. | | Trinidad, Puerto Colombia, | PANAMA CANAL & PACIFIC PORTS | - Cartagena, Colon, Panama, | Callao, Iquique, Antofagasta & Valparaiso. (REGULAR MAFL, PASSENGER ANID CARGO SERVICES FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM TO BRAZIL, URUGUAY & ARGENTINA Via Spain, Portugal, Madeira & St. Vincent. | REGULAR SATLENGS FROM FPHE UNITED KINGDOM TO MOROCEO, CANARY ISLANDS & MADEIRA, STRAITS SETTLEMENTS, HONG-KONG, CHINA == & JAPAN. Head Office: 18, Moorgate Street, London. Branches at BARBADOS, Trinidad, Tobago, Demerara, Colon, Jamaica, Antilla, New York, Halifax N.3., Buenos Aires, Santys, S20 Pauio | Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, ete. Toes THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS Do CATTLE Ticks ARPFECT HIDE VALUES? The above question was addressed to a number of Chicago hide and leather dealers, and their replies printed below will doubtless convince the most sceptical that the cattle tick works very definite injury to hides in the Southern tick- infested areas of the United States, and the same thing applies, of course, wherever ticks are found. CATTLE TICK FEMALE This injury is far greater than the average cattle owner realizes—they bite the skin, and the injury this effects shows up very plainly, and causes a break in the grain of the finished leather. This occasions a serious depreciation in values, chiefly because tick-injured hides cannot be used for high-class work. Their market value is thus considerably reduced, and lower prices rule. The only remedy is to eradicate the tick, and, fortunately, this is by no means difficult. Dipping or spraying with a reliable arsenical Cattle Dip will destroy all the ticks and so overcome this injury. TICKS CAUSE LOSS OF $1.26 PER HIDE Extract from Farmers’ Bulletin, No. 569, on “ Tick Fever,” issued by the United States Department of Agriculture. “The presence of the tick among the cattle of the South not only lessens the value of the cattle on the hoof, but causes the grading of hides that have been infested with ticks as No. 4 quality. The same hide, if free from tick marks, would grade No. 2. The difference in price between these two grades of hides is 3 cents a pound. As the hide of a southern steer weighs about 42 pounds, the presence of the tick in the hide causes a loss in the hide alone of more than $1.26 a hide. “Tt has been shown that the cost of eradication is only about 50 cents a head, so that if Cattle owners make a joint systematic campaign to eradicate the tick, the increase in value of the hide alone would pay for the cost of tick eradication, and leave a net profit of about 70 cents a hide.” Ticks are the cause of very Neavy loss in a number of different ways, but the letters which follow show how serious is the leakage of profit arising from Tick Damage lo Hides. Ticks Reduce Value 33% “Cattle Ticks havea very deteriorating effect upon hides and calfskins, particularly calfskins. We do not buy many Southern hides or skins on account of the ticks, but when we do get some here we are obliged to sell them for No. 3 stock at about one-third less price than good Northern stock free from ticks. This does not apply so much to heavy hides for sole leather purpose but for all light hides and calfskins, it renders them altogether useless, for all kinds ot leather.” JOHN MILLER & Co. Price 2c. to 2}c. Lower “Tn regard to cattle ticks, they damage the hides so badly that very few of them can be sold in this market ; and when they are, the price is from 2 to 2) cents. lower than price of our Northern and Western hides. This reduction is largely due to tick damage, though partly to poor take- off. I handle very few Southern hides on account of ticks.” J. M. BOND. Value Reduced 2c. per lb. “The Southern hide, which is generally a ticky hide, is sold in this market at about 2c. a pound less than similar hides free of ticks.” BOLLES & ROGERS. Ticky Hides Worth 10% Less “We buy large quantities of hides, but as we require a very good quality, it being used tor fancy leathers, we are unable to use Southern hides, as they contain so many cattle-ticks. These ticks show an abrasion upon the grain of the hide. In other words, we cannot make smooth grain leather out of hides with ticks in them and we regard Southern hides with such imperfections worth fully 10 per cent. less than from districts where there are no ticks. H. ELKAN & Co. Damages 2c. to 2c. per lb. ‘ “As to the difference in value between the ticky hide and a non-ticky hide, I wish to say that we figure a ticky hide to be, at least, 2 to 24c. less in value. In general a Southern hide has not the value of a Northern, Eastern or Western hide, even if they are not ticky they are entirely of a different nature, too thin and spready.” GUS DREYFUSS. Reduce Value Ic. per Ib. “Re the effect of cattle ticks upon the price of Southern hides. They damage the grain of the hide to a very large extent, and reduce their value at least Ic. per pound.” ISAAC WEIL & SONS. Worth ic. to 1c. Less per lb. “From our experience we have found that ticky hides are quite inferior to our good quality stock, originating from points outside of the South, and tanners, without exception, are very averse to take hides of this descrip- tion, and in buying them reduce prices a full half to a cent a pound.” ADLER & OBENDOREF, Inc. Tick Damage 1 to 2c. per lb. { “Ticky hides from the Southern States are certainly an inferior article to the quality that is produced in the North. The difference in prices varies according to the season and weights, but the damage done by the tick probably amounts to Ic. to 2¢. per pound, or from 50c. to $1.00 per hide. This pertains chiefly’ to the hides suitable for upper leather. On the heavier branded hides for sole leather, the damage is less consequential.” CHARLES FRIEND & Co., Inc. Damages Ic. or More per lb. “Cattle ticks are a very serious defect on hides, and the hides we buy from Southern points, where the cattle run ticky, de not bring within } to Ic. a pound of Northern hides, for certain grades of heavier leathers, while on upper leather that comes out of calf kip and light cow hides, there is even a larger spread in price. LAPHAM BROS. & Co. Ticky Hides make Poor Leather “ Ticky hides, or Southern hides, do not sell for as much money as the Northern hides. These ticky hides, when unhaired, are all spotted and make a very poor leather and most tanners refuse to buy any Southern hides at any price.” EMERY & Co. Ticks Make Black Spots on Leather “Ticks on cattle make black spots on the leather and are cause of considerable loss in value, I should think fully 3c. to 4c. per Ib.; on an e Ic. to 2c. per lb. would be a fair difference, I should say, on the Speke AGEL FRANCES M. POTTER 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 States of America, Northern Territory of Australia. WEST INDIAN AGENTS: ST.KITTS: S. L, Horsford &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 V. 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. nw ZR MOLLE Ge, FF TOU a A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW OF THE IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. Vor. XV. No. 360. BARBADOS, FEBRUARY 12, 1916, Parone 1d. CONTENTS. Hence, as might be expected, a large amount of : sk, experience has accumulated, which forms the basis on Pace. AGE, Agriculture in Nevis and Flying Fish, Feathers of 63 which the modern farmer exercises his ability, To Fy 54 | Bay 60 2 BOL: oe | € GS Wee wee ~ Le 3 ~ ee a = ms be 7 bee aN See: Fai ekoeii ide Rassiae Sere produce a fine tilth, especially under the everchanging Antigua Agric ral anc sec si oa 4 4 ee ae oa ? : gine Commercial Society 54| Grasshopper Control 58 climatic conditions of England, requires the exercise - OF ne 5 @neeificati 52 : 5 = 5 Bie, Pomesiieavion oft s Mangoes, ae Os 4 of the soundest judgment. It is an art rather than ancy Plumage... ... 9¢7|Marke eports uA : ; 2 : : 0 Birds, Humming, Feeding 55 |Meat, Preservation of 55 a science, and calls for instinct rather than for enh . A Ne al =: AG . . . Blue Mountain Cottee: A |Notes and Comments 26 yeason. One roll at the wrong time will ruin a seed Correction ... ... ... 59/Plant Diseases:— 1 SY Pe eh oe re ne Boilers, Steam, Working and Spotting of Oranges _ 62 bed, and Inappropriate ploughing may spoil a whole Maintenance of ... ... 61/Publications, Two New _ field. It is in connexion with these matters that’the Bacon and Hams, the Local Oe Se wecess OM si: Be 3 2 Fale Guninownot 61|Republic, An Efficient purely scientifically trained man discovers his in- Bonavist Bean... ... ... 53] Central American... 57 feriority. British Guiana, School Gar- St. Vincent Agricultural dl dens in .. s» -- 98) Credit System aca MN h Cacao, Is Fermentation St. Vincent Arrowroot On the other hand, there is weakness on the far- Tinie! 5 eee een 59 . 5 ; : a eis me & ys oe Ea 51 e tea ue eh mer’s side, which lies in his inability to understand oco-nut, nhanges lab Sou, Spirit o ose obo 2 Occur in the Ripening 51 |Suger-cane, Dutch Obser- exactly the etfects he produces, and to express vary- Cotton Notes:— i vations euilranspiration | ing states of tilth with clearness’ and precision. Sea Island Cotton in in the <.. ... s+ s. 956 S Barbados ae 54 |Tank, An Economical Dip- West Indian Cotton DSi | PINS...) PMs) tess 200 rp ie wase i) , Saher ore. : Cuba, Plant Breeding in 52 /Tilth, Measurement of 49 Tilth my be defined as the _broke n Upstate of Departinent News 59 |West Indian Products 62 the surface soil resulting from cultivation. Good tilth The Measurement of Tilth. a > aN yO produce and of the principa turned their attention to and has always been so maintain a ] objectives since men the cultivation of land. good tilth is one in good farming, first The earlier English agriculturists were fully alive to its importance, for Jethro drilling machine, farming—wrote, land is made by the more plants true to-day as it was 20( Tull—the imventor of will it maintain’ —an “observation ) years ago. the and founder of the principles of dry about the year 1700: ‘the finer the tillage the richer will it become, and as is closely connected with fineness and triability. Naturally the nature of the soil itself, quite apart from skill in husbandry, will limit the degree of excellence obtainable. This is well seen in the West Indies, where in St. Kitts, for example, the volcanic soil possesses a natural tilth of its own, and scarcely needs any skill to produce a fine surface; while in the neighbouring island of Nevis, and in Antigua also, there are clayey tracts of soil which are most unamenable to cultivation, and in times of drought are literally unworkable, except with dynamite, It must not be thought, however, that good tilth is synonymous with a loose texture, A pure sand can never be in good tilth. For one thing the presence of organic matter is essential for the existence of good tilth, and 50 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Fresruary 12, 1916. in certain circumstances, lime also, A soil in good tilth has a characteristically crumbly and slightly sticky feel, and its resistance to the pressure of one’s heel can best be described by the Engush farmer's term of ‘kindly’. Obviously such a complex condition must be difficult to measure. We can determine the water- content of the soil, the proportion of particles of different sizes, the content of organic matter and so on; but tilth is more complex—a sort of resultant in fact, of these different determinations. What seems to us to be the most likely way of obtaining a useful index of tilth is by means of an appliance described after the conclusion of this article. It has been used originally to determine the degree of compactness of soils, which, of course, must be closely related to what we understand by tilth. The device on the principle that the number of drops of a ram on to a metal spike necessary to make the spike penetrate the soil to a certain depth, is a measure of the relative compactness of the soil. works The appliance is easy to construct, as will be seen from the illustration, and its trial im experiment stations and on estates is to be recommended. The first thing to which attention should be given is the appliance itself. That is to say, before it can be employed to serve a useful purpose in agriculture, the exact significance of the observation it furnishes must To what extent does water-content It would probably be found necessary, in comparing two soils, to do so when their water-contents are practically the same, or at least. if they are not, to make determinations and be enquired into. of the soil affect the instrument? correct the mechanical observations accordingly. Then again the establishment of correlations would be valuable. ing a field, which would be an index of relative hori- The dynamometer observations in plough- zontal resistance in the soil, would probably vary directly with the observations taken with the appliance referred to above in a vertical direction. The great advantage of being able to measure tilth would lie in the direction of facilitating the To beable to say that the tilth of one estate is, on the average, so many units better than another would be of distinct advantage; and the same thing would apply to individual fields on the same estate. In a general way such tilth observa- tions would be very useful in soil surveys, and would tend to enhance the practical value of physical analyses. making of comparisions. In manipulating the mechanical device, auger plate E is placed squarely on the ground and pin D is set in the aperture. Sheath F is then slipped over pin D, and ram G is dropped on the pin until it is driven into the soil sufficiently deep for mark 4 on the ram to be even with the top of sheath F. The ram israised each time to the mark and then dropped freely by its own weight (7,445 gm.). This operation is repeated, recording each drop, until mark ¢ on the ram is even with the top of sheath F. Thus, the pin is driven a distance of 44 inches in the ground each time a test was made. The number of drops necessary to produce this effect is the measure of the relative compactness of soil in the various plots. Fic. 5. Device for testing the compactness of the soil. (After C. A. Le Clair, in the Journal of Agricultural Research, Vol. V, No. 10.) THE SPIRIT OF THE SOIL. This is the title of a book by G. D. Knox embodying the results of Professor Bottomley’s attempt to prepare a new fertilizer from peat. The book is reviewed by Professor Keeble, F.R.S., Director of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Experiment Station, and editor of the Gurdenen’s Chronicle, in the issue of Mature for December 9, 1915. The successful results obtained with plants in pots after the application of fertilized peat has been recorded already in this Journal. An explanation of how the material produces its effects has not. Consequently the brief account given by Professor Keeble in his review will be of interest. Certain bacteria possess the power of liberating from peat large quantities of soluble humates. These soluble humates are in themselves of service to plants as sources of food. They serve, moreover, as a culture medium in which nitrogen-fixing bacteria —Azotobucter chroococeum, ete.,—multiply rapidly. Hence by adding cultures of nitrogen fixers to sterilized humated peat, the amount of nitrogen in the latter is increased. At first the remarkable results which were undoubtedly obtained from the application ot fertilized peat were attributed to this large nitrogen content; but the fact that growth was not only increased but the habit became sturdier and the root development greater, led to the suggestion that the virtues of bacterized peat are to be sought elsewhere than in the nitrogen content. Professor Bottomley was led to the very interesting conclusion that the growth of plants is conditioned not only by the well-known substance-producing food materials, but also by hitherto unknown growth stimulators. These substances, which he claims have been isolated from peat, Professor Bottomley has called auxi- mones; while Mr. Knox refers to them under the more poetical title of the spirit of the soil. Professor Bottomley Von. XV. No. 360; believes that they play a part in plant nutrition somewhat similar to that played by accessory food bodies in the nutrition of animals. Professor Keeble does not think that Professor Bottomley’s evidence is strong enough at present to support this conclusion. Nevertheless, Professor Keeble says, it should not be dismissed lightly; rather it is a case like so many in biological science, in which a just judge would order a fresh trial. It is understood that such a trial is to be conducted at Rothamsted, and it is hoped, for the sake of horticulture and agriculture, that it may lead, on one hand, te the demonstration of the fertilizing value of bacterized peat, and on the other, to the just judgment of the case for auximones. CHANGES THAT OCCUR IN THE RIPENING COCO-NUT. Few tropical plants afford greater opportunities for profitable study along- physiological lines than the coco-nut. This has been realized in the Philippines, where Professor Copeland has been a pioneer in connexion with this special study. A continuation of the work is a thesis in a recent issue of the Philippine Agriculturist und Forester, by one of the students of the Philippine College of Agriculture, deal- ing with what happens in the process of coco-nut development. In describing changes in colour, size and weight that take place, it is noted that seif-pollination is hardly possible in the case of the coco-nut flower, because before the stigmas become receptive, all the staminate flowers have been shed. During the first period of growth there isan accumulation of sugar and soluble nitrogenons substances in the milk, At this stage the husks are soft, andthe nut generally has its greatest diameter along the main axis. During the second period of growth cane sugar appears in the milk, and the specific gravity of the milkis high. Water is lost, though the total weight of the nut continues to increase. The nut begins to increase in diameter. During the closing period of ripening there isa sudden rise in the content of oil in the meat or endosperm. ‘The specific gravity of the milk falls, the shell becomes impervious, and the drying out of the husk results into a loss of weight, which over-balances the gain in weight due to other changes. The meat begins to form when the nut is about six months old. Only invert sugar is present in the meat when it is 0° lem. thick. The general tendency of the nitrogen content of the meat is to rise. In continuation it is stated: — ‘As the nut becomes older the evaporation of the water from the husk causes an apparent increase in the percentages of meat, shell, and water; but if the actual weights are considered, it will be found that the weight of the shell undergoes little change during the latter stages of ripening, while the weight of water appears to be subject to irregular fluctuations tending towards a decrease. The actual weight of the meat does not appear to increase much, if any, during the last 100 days, though analysis during this time shows that the endosperm changes gieatly in composition. Most of the oil in fact is produced after the period when the nuts have become very decidedly brown. ‘When the nuts germinate, the percentage of sucrose and invert sugar contained in the milk increases very rapidly. The percentages of these two sugars in the meat increase likewise. The nut that has just begun to sprout appears to make use of the nitrogenous constituent of the endosperm before much of the cil is removed, though the fact that but two nuts were analyzed will leave this statement somewhat in doubt. ‘In this locality it appears that nuts require in the neighbourhood of 370 to 410 days to become fully ripe, count- ing from the moment the spathes open.’ THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 51 IS THE FERMENTATION OF CACAO NECESSARY? Xealizing the possible importance of this question raised by M. Perrot at the Third International Congress of Tropical Agriculture, we published a note drawing attention to the subject in this Journal for September 11, 1915. M. Perrot’s suggestion is whether it is really necessary to subject cacao beans to any fermentation at all, at least on estates. His method of preparation consists in treating the beans with washing soda to remove the pulp, and then steaming the beans in order to prevent fermentation changes during storage and shipment. M. Perrot reported that a firm of chocolate makers in France had stated that beans prepared by the above method were in no way inferior to fermented cacao, and, on the whole, were distinctly more uniform. In a recent issue of Tropical Life (December 1915), an article appears by Mr. A. W. Knapp, B.Sc., F.LC., containing the results of a technical examination of cacao prepared in Trinidad according to M. Perrot’s method. The following are the conclusions drawn concerning the practical value of the new method:— (1) Cacao obtained by the above method is similar in appearance to ordinary unfermented cacao, and would therefore obtain a lower price than fermented cacao. (2) The new process would require at least as much intelligent control as the present fermentation process actually gets. Wherever any good attempt at fermentation is made, the cacao is a satisfactory commercial product. Those who do not take the trouble to ferment properly are unlikely to go to the expense of having a steam sterilizer fixed. (3) M. Perrot considers that cicao obtained by steaming is in no way inferior to the product obtained by fermentation, but actually says that fermentation may be detrimental to quality. Admittedly, there may be a loss in weight, but the quality of bean, according to Mr. Knapp, is always improved by fermen- tation. Cacao prepared by the new method has a_ purplish colour, and a more inferior odour and astringent taste than fermented cacao. (4) Cacao very similar to the steamed cacao (though not quite so free from pulp) is produced by the much cheaper method of simply drying the beans in the sun. Beans thus dried are not liable to spontaneous chemical change as M. Perrot appears to think. (5) Cacao prepared by the new method takes longer to dry than ordinary fermented cacao. (6) If M. Perrot’s suggestion be followed, Mr. Knapp points out that it would be necessary to carry on fermentation when the cacao arrives at the factory. If this were done it would be of considerable value, as it would facilitate the supply of cacao ina more uniform condition, But Mr. Knapp concludes: ‘It should be noted, however, that it would only bea step to greater uniformity, as the cacao arriving from one district, or even one plantation, contains several types of beans. Further, the sugary pulp, which is the material in which fermentation starts, has been removed. And last, but not least, the advantage that the manufacturer would get in the way of more complete control of his raw material would be compensated for by the extra cost of this fermentation process. Nor would there be any saving to the planter, for the plant to sterilize and brush the pulp from the beans would be as costly as the present fermenting chambers. ‘I regret that I can see no practical advantages in M. Perrot’s suggestions, for I admire his brave attempt to apply scientific method to cacao preparation, but for the present I think we cannot do better than encourage the planters to ferment their cacao by those methods which they know to be the best.’ 52 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, Frpruary 12, 1916. FRUIT. HOW MANGOES MAY BE CLASSIFIED. The chaotic condition of mango classification in India has led to the publication of 2 note on the subject by Dr. W. Burns and Mr. S. H. Pryag, of the Department of Agriculture, Bombay, in the Agricultural Journal of India, Vol. X, Part IV, October 1915. The characters of the fruit S) 6 Fic. 6. 1. Left shoulder, 4, Sinus. 2. Basal cavity. 5. Beak. 3. Right shoulder, ©. Apex. -are taken as the basis of classification. While this is artiti- cial, it is maintained that if it serves a practical purpose, it is as good as a natural -classification. It is proposed to divide the fruit into three main classes: (1) round fruited—those varieties with fruits in which the length from stalk to apex is equal to or less than the breadth; (2) long fruited—those varieties in which the length is distinctly greater than the breadth; (3) indefinite—those that fall in neither class, on account of being on the border line between the classes and, in addition, of somewhat variable nature. In making reference to the length and breadth or, in other words, the axes of the fruits, it is pointed out that this forces us to consider in what position a mango fruit should be for description. It is a useful convention, the authors say, to describe a mango fruit lying on its side with the beak to the left. One can then talk of its length (axis between stalk and apex), breadth (axis at right angles to length and parallel to plain in which the mango fruit is lying), and thickness (axis at right angles to breadth and vertical to surface on which the fruit is lying). The parts mentioned in any such description are shown in the accompanying diagram. In addition to size and three dimensions, weight, colour, surface and the nature, closeness and distribution of the small dots on the skin may be mentioned. After the fruit is cut, the flesh should be described as to taste, colour and stringiness, the skin as to thickness, and the stone as to size, weight, fibre and markings. If we desired to make a world-wide classification, we should make territorial classes embodying the Indian, West Indian, Cuban, Philippine, etc., mangoes; these could again be grouped under the two great heads of monoembryonie and polyembryonic. So far only monoembryonie mangoes are known in India PLANT BREEDING IN CUBA. Messrs. F, 8. Earle and Wilson Popenoe contribute an article of much interest to West Indian horticulturists to the Journa! of lleredity for December 1915. It shows the rich opportunities that .exist in Cuba and the West Indies generally for plant breeders, especially growers of fruit; and it indicates the attempts that should be made to take advan- tage of these natural resources. After referring to the work that has been done in Cuba with tobacco and cane, in connexion with which attention is called to selection for resistance to disease, the article pro- ceeds for the greater part of its length to discuss the selec- tion of fruits. The. northener coming to Cuba, as to the West Indies generally, is apt to scoff at many of the native fruits, and to compare them unfavourably with temperate fruits. In doing so, it is pointed out, he fails to remember that most of the tropical fruits—practically all with the exception of the pine-apple and the banana—are nothing more than half wild seedlings. It is no wonder then, that many of the tropical fruits, in their present state, are of rather inferior quality. But at the same time their standard is not relatively poor, and one is led to expect that very good results might accrue from the application of modern methods of selection, Coming to indiyidual cases, mention is made first of the need of a suitable grape for cultivation under tropical conditions. Though -the south European grapes are ocea- sionally grown in Cuba and other tropical countries with a certain degree of success, they do not flourish and produce abundantly. There exists in Cuba, however, a native species, Vitis caribaea, which might, through hybridization with some of the cultivated grapes, give rise to a race which would be of the greatest value to tropical regions. The vigour and productiveness of this wild grape suggest that it might also be of value as a stock on which to graft varieties of the Vinifera type. Even in its present form this grape is equal, in size and quality, to many of the wild grapes of North America. Another native plant of possible economic value, recently brought to the attention of horticulturists, is the Cuban walnut (Juglans insularis). This tree occurs in the moun- tains of the island, producing nuts which compare favourably in size with the northern black walnut. The kernels are difficult to remove from the shells, however, and the partitions are thick. It is pointed out that there are very few nuts which succeed in Cuba or in the tropics generally, and the addition of a walnut to those already cultivated would be a distinet advance. Opportunities with the mango are especially great, Nearly all Cuban mangoes are polyembryonic, and reproduce themselves more or less true to type when grown from seed, In the East most of the mangoes are monoembryonie, and the seedlings do not come true to type. It may be mentioned here that the seeds ina mango are not produced sexually as in most fruits, but by a process of budding Hence raising plants from polyembryonic mangoes is really a form of vegetative and not sexual reproduction. In the Vor. xv. , No: 360: THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. nr article under consideration an account is given of certain well-defined types of Cuban mangoes, which should be con- sulted for further detail. The next fruit considered is the avocado. Unlike the mango, the avocado:does not come true from seed, and seeds from an oval, green.avocado may produce round, oblong or pyriform fruits of green or purple colour. For this reason the Cubans do not recognize in a popular way any diferent classes of avocado. Some work has been done in the matter of budding selected varieties in Cuba, and it is hoped that this will be continued. The most important point in the selection of varieties at the present time is lateness of ripening, since it is the late fruits which bring the highest prices when shipped to northern markets. Keeping quality is also important. Of the other Cuban fruits which deserve special attention is the custard apple. Crosses have been made between the sugar apple and the Cherimoya, and these have demonstrated the great possibilities that exist. It is explained that the Cherimoya, without doubt the finest flavoured of the cultivated Anonas, does not attain perfection in a truly tropical climate. The sugar apple, on the other hand, is perfectly at home and fruits abundantly. The hybrid between these two species is a plant with foliage remarkably similar to that of the Cheri- moya, and with fruits a little longer than the average sugar apple, with the divisions less deeply incised, and with a more pleasant, slightly aciduous flavour, almost midway between that of the Cherimoya and the sugarapple. It fruits some- what more abundantly than the Cherimoya, but less so than the sugar apple. Crosses should be made in Cuba and the West Indies between these species as well as between the sour sop and the Cherimoya. Lastly in considering vegetables; mention is made of sweet potatoes, yams, cassava, and Indian corn, Selection work has been done with these in Cuba but there still remains a good deal to be accomplished, and more attention especially should be given to the selection of Indian corn. The facts and suggestions embodied in the foregoing article should appeal to those interested in fruit in the British West Indies, and lead to greater attention being given to the production of fruit for local consumption if not for export. THE BONAVIST BEAN. Some useful information concerning the bonavist, lablab, or hyacinth bean (Dolichos lablab) is given in Bulletin No. 318, issued from the Bureau of Plant Industry of the United States Department of Agriculture. Concerning cultural characteristics, it is pointed out that the bonavist 1s “closely comparable to the cowpea, but that it is more vigorous and more viney. Like the cowpea, the bonavist is indeter- minate in growth, blooming and fruiting as long as the conditions remain favourable. In some parts of the tropics one plant of this bean will go on flowering for as long as two years. This bean is markedly drought-resistant, and in many situations has been found to excel the cowpea in this respect. The bonavist is well adapted to planting with corn or some other supporting crop. The principal weakness of the bonavist, considered as a forage crop, which is the chief American standpoint, is the relatively poor yield of seed, and the difticuliy of harvesting the same, whieh makes it expensive. From a seed produc- tion standpoint the most desirable. varieties are those in which the pod retains its form when dry, as these are not much affected by wet weather, and thrash out rather easily. It should be noted here that in tropical and sub-tropical countries, the bonavist is grown for human consumption and not for stock feed. The young pods of some varieties may be used after the manner of string beans, while in the West Indies the dried seeds are utilized as food. In connexion with the value of this bean as a human food, it may be stated that tests’ for prussic acid in both dry and germinated seed failed to reveal evidence of the presence of this poison. The bonavist in all its parts shows great variation At the end of the Bulletin some notes are given describing a large number of varieties introduced by the American Office of Foreign Seed and Plant Introductions from 1899 to 1913. This list includes varieties from British Guiana and from Barbados. The Barbados variety is referred to as being very fruitful. AN ECONOMICAL DIPPING TANK. The greater appreciation of the importance of dipping live-stock in the West Indian islands that exists at the present time renders of interest an article in the Rhodesia Agricultural Journal for October 1915, describing how a dipping tank can be erected cheaply out of home-produced material on the estate. The sides of the tank instead of being lined with expensive concrete are supplied with slabs of rock. It is suggested that this rock material can easily be obtained jocally on most estates. The whole of the stone material (except the end of the tank where the cattle enter) may be laid in clay or earth mortar, leaving the joints open facing the tank to a depth of 3 inches to- receive the cement pointing. It will be understood that the- economy of this tank rests upon this fact—that a minimum amount of cement mortar is employed. The following figures are given to show the cost of such. a tank that was erected on an estate in Rhodesia. In giving the cost, no account for the labour and supervision of the estate manager is given because, it is stated, it is part of the ordinary farm work, and should be compensated for by the improvement of the condition of the cattle through regular dipping. Likewise charges for team work and timber for posts, fencing rails, ete. are omitted. In many islands of the West Indies this could be obtained on the estate at almost negligible cost. The following are the chief items of expenditure: — Es Ge Gl 4 barrels of cement 613 0 Transport: 1,600 Ib. at 9s. per 100 milo Excavating tank pit: 2 boys, 4 days at ls. per day 8s 0 Quarrying rock: 3 boys, 5 days at ls. per day 5) 0 Hauling rock: 3 boys, 3 days at ls. per day 9 0 Building tank: 3 boys, 9 days at ls. per day ie 30) Cement pointing: 3 boys, 7 days at ls. perday 1 1 0 Plastering tank: 2 boys, 2 days at Is. per day 4 0 Dressing rock (if care is exercised in selecting rock, only the course facing the tank requires dressing): 2 boys, 2 days at ls. per day 4 0 Building draining pen: 2 boys, 2 days at Is. per day 4 0 Cutting and hauling timber for posts, rails, etc., 3 boys, 2 days at ls. per day 6 0 Spikes for fencing rails: 20 tb. 5-inch nails 6 8 £19 1 8 54 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Frpruary 12, 1916. COTTON. SEA ISLAND COTTON MARKET. Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool, write as follows, under date January 10, 1916, with reference to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton:— Since our last report a limited business has been done in West Indian Sea Island cotton. About 130 bales have been sold, which include St. Vincent 164d. to 17d., St. Kitts 153d. to 17d., Anguilla 14$d., and Nevis 1544¢.; also Stains 91d. to 113d. Prices are firm, but there is no stock. The Report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week ending January, 15, 1916, is as follows:— ISLANDS. The limited offerings of odd bags were in active demand at prices ranging from 24 to 27c., the buying being on account of the Northern Mills. Several Planters’ crops were also sold on private terms for export. The receipts consist very largely of Planters’ crops, which had been previously sold, and were shipped here to be delivered to the buyer. The unsold portion of the crop consisted chiefly of Planters’ crops held on plantations, the odd bags, classing Fine to Extra Fine, having very nearly all been marketed and sold. We quote, viz.: Extra Fine 28c. = 18d. c.i.f. & 5 per cent. Fully Fine PA Oe id. a ee 1 ») ao Fine , 26c. =Id. OE OU A 0 Fine off in class 2OCh=alOROM ns ne a FLORIDAS AND GEORGIAS. With an active demand throughout the week the market was swept of all offerings of all grades, with sales of 2,225 bales, at a further advance of $c. to le. And the market closed strong, with the remain- ing Pied being held for a further advance. There were also large sales ie in the interior at full prices. Whilst the stock is reported at 16,537 bales, it is largely sold, there remaining in Factors’ hands not over 2,000 bales, to 3,000 bales. We quote, viz.: Fancy 28c. =29c., landed. Extra Choice 2iCe—= pee Choice 26e.—=—2e:, 55 25c. = 26c., The Exports from Savannah for the week were, 500 bales to Northern Mills, and 193 bales to Southern Mills, and from Jacksonville 831 bales to Northern Mills. The U.S. Census Bureau reports cotton ginned_ to January 1 as follows: — extra Fine ” South Carolina 4 By 587 bales Georgia ,, ,Making a total of 88,921 bales Florida ola against last year 76,886 bales Total crop 78,857 bales eae 91Sue74. 330%, 4 85,544, m <-1919) (67,401 » ,, - ¢ 1911 106,439 ” ” SEA ISLAND COTTON IN BARBADOS. The following table, which gives the area of Sea Island cotton grown in Barbados, from January 1 to December 31, 1915, has been forwarded to this Office by Mr. J. R. Bovell, Superintendent of Agriculture, Barbados:— Parish. Total area. AL” RS) PY St. Michael 66° 3 0 Christ Church 170) 0: 10 St. George 1, 3) 10 St. Philip 697 0 20 St. Thomas Nil St. John 4 0 20 St. Joseph Nil St. James 13) 0) 0 St. Peter 45, 1 320 St. Andrew 4 1 0 St. Lucy ay BB Total 1,078 1 14 THE ANTIGUA AGRICULTURAL AND COMMERCIAL SOCIETY. The Antigua Sun for January 12, 1916, publishes an account of a general meeting of the Antigua Agricultural and Commercial Society, held on the 7th of that month. Review- ing the past year’s work, considerable interest was aroused, said the Chairman, in regard to maize cultivation. On the initiative of the late Governor Sir H. Hesketh Bell, K.C.M.G., a granary has been established for the purpose of kiln-drying corn. The working of this is under the direction of a board of management, of which Dr. H. A. Tempany is the Chairman. As to the successful progress of this industry, figures obtained from the Treasury show that a larger quantity of maize was grown than anticipated, resulting in a remarkable falling off of the imports of that article in the past few years. Emphasis is placed on the necessity for giving every encouragement to peasant growers, maize cultivation being an industry which they can well undertake. The cotton industry is reported to have received a_ set- back during the past two years, and some dissatisfaction has been expressed by cotton growers in regard to the uncertainty of price, and the long time elapsing between valuation, sale, and remittance of proceeds. In consequence of the War, the price of sugar had been increased, and the sugar made by the Gunthorpes Factory was sold at a price which enabled cane growers to obtain a better figure for their canes. Reference is made to the Antigua Onion Growers Associauion——‘the first baby of the Society’—and its successful working briefly com- mented on. The co-operative insurance of live-stock and fire insurance was a subject brought before the Society during the year and ascheme formulated for the insurance of cattle and mules against death by accident or This, howewer, has not yet been brought Five new members were elected bringing of the Society up to 107. In conelusion, thanks are expressed to the Secretary, Mr. T. Jackson, for the able, willing and courteous work given to the Society; to the Government for the use of the room; and to the Imperial Department of Agriculture through its representative Dr. Tempany, for the help ‘and assistance given individually and collectively. Without the assistance given by Dr. Tempany and Mr, Jackson, it was feared the Society would not by any means be as useful as it was. disease. into operation. the strength Vor. =XvVe, No: 360; THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 55 FEEDING HUMMING BIRDS. The Annual Report Smithsonian Institution, 1913, reproduces a paper read at the Thirty-first Annual Congress of the American Ornithologists Union, in which experiments in feeding humming birds during seven summers are described. The experiments were begun without intending them to bear upon the question of the food naturally sought by the ruby-throated humming bird (Archilochus colubris); the original aim of the feeding was to attract the humming birds about the yard, in the hope that some time they would remain to nest there. The feeding was effected by means of artificial flowers made from white oil cloth, their edges being stiffened with one strand of wire taken from picture cord, and the flowers carefully painted with oil colours, the first to represent a nasturium, and the second a tiger lily. On the appearance of a humming bird about the natural flowers, the artificial nasturium, tacked to a stick was placed near a clump of blooming phlox, and its bottle filled with a syrup made of granulated sugar dissolved in water. The next day, a female ruby-throat was seen searching the depths of tiger lilies that grew north of the house; as she flew to the east of the house she was instantly followed, and was seen drinking from the artificial flower for the space of about a minute, after which she flew to a rosebush, wiped her bill, and rested a brief time before flying away. This was about noon. She returned at intervals of about a half hour for the next three hours; then at 3.10 o’clock she came back to search quite thoroughly the phlox blossoms, this being the first time she had paid any attention to them after finding the syrup. Ten minutes later she drank deeply from the bottle and was seen no more that day. In this way begun the feeding of the ruby-throated humming bird, which has been continued each summer since 1907 with a varying number of birds. The number of bottles in use has also increased, each new bottle being added by way of an experiment. or instance, the first one was placed in an artificial flower painted to imitate a nasturium, mainly yellow in colour; the second flower in form and colour closely resembled a tiger lily. ‘The experiment with the yellow and the red flowers was to test a supposedly erroneous theory which had been published, to the effect that humming birds show a preference for red flowers. In further proof of the fallacy of this statement the third flower, shaped like the nasturium, was painted green, and was placed in a bed of green plants, which at that time bore no blossoms. It was staked out and filled on August 5, 1909, when no humming bird was in sight, but in about ten minutes some of the species had come, and fifteen minntes later one was drinking from the bottle in this green flower. bottles filled with syrup but without an encircling flower proved equally attractive. The last experiment made was that of fiavouring one of the bottles of syrup with vanilla, and later with extract of leu.on, to see if the birds showed preference for the plain syrup or for the flavoured. Both kinds were served at the same time, and of both the birds drank, showing no choice that could be detected. THE PRESERVATION OF MEAT. The perservation of meat by the agency of salt (Sodium chloride) is one of the oldest and most widely used processes. Salt acts partly as a dehydrating agent —that is, it deprives the meat of water—and partially as an antiseptic. In salting meat to preserve it from decay, various methods are employed. Some preservers adopt one method, some another. In order that any process may be successful, attention must first of all be directed to the slaughtering of the animal whose car- cass 1t is intended to preserve. A cool day should he chosen for the slaughtering; the animal should be well bled, and, after having been carefully dressed, the carcass should be allowed to hang in a cool place until the animal heat has dissipated. This condition is indicated by the carcass setting firmly. After the carcass has set it should be cut up. There are various ways of salting meat, and any of the following will give successful results:— 1. Foreach 100 tb. of meat, employ a thoroughly in- corporated mixture of 8 Ib. of Black Horse salt, 3 fb. of granu- lated sugar, and 4 oz. of saltpetre. Rub the meat to be treated on all surfaces with one-third of the mixture, and then pack it ina barrel. Let it remain there for three days; then take it out, rub it again with another one-third of the salt mixture. In putting the pieces back into the barrel, place those that were previously on top at the bottom of the vessel. At the end of another three days take the meat out again, and rub it with the last one-third of the mixture. Three days after this the meat will be cured. Now take it out of the barrel, place it on a board over the barrel, and allow it to drip into the barrel for a day or two. It can be used when partially cured, as occasion demands, at any point previous to this stage, if the preserver so wishes. If it is now required to keep the meat still longer, it should be rubbed over with a little dry salt, and when dry it should be smoked. The process of smoking greatly assists in the preservation of meat, partly on account of the drying action of the heat associated with the smoking, and partly through the antiseptic action of some of the substances in the smoke. The best substance to use to make a dense smoke is the finest New Zealand pine sawdust (Kauri pine). The preser- vation of the meat in hot weather is also greatly assisted by adding to the brine, formed during the process, a little sodium sulphite. Add for every 100 tb. of meat half an ounce of sodium sulphite to the brine. The liquid that is found in the barrel during the process should not be removed, but the meat should be repacked in it each time it is taken out from it. 2. A second method consists of placing the meat in casks in layers, with salt between each layer. The salt withdraws water from the meat, and the brine that is formed penetrates the substance of the flesh. 3. A third method consists in pumping a strong § solu- tion of salt, by means of a brine pump, into the arteries. This method has been demonstrated to butchers, and is a rapid and effective way of preserving meat. Any farmer, however, can employ methods No. 1 and No. 2; and, if he treats fresh flesh on a cool day as directed, he will get successful results. The use of water in making a pickle should be avoided, since the water-supply on a farm is usually contaminated with micro-organisms that rapidly cause putrefactive changes in flesh. If, however, curing by brine is desired, about 34 tb. of salt should be added to every gallon of water, and the water should have previously been boiled. The brine made on adding the salt to the boiled water should be filtered through a double fold of cheese- cloth, to remove various impurities. The pickling — barrel should be kept in a cool, well-ventilated place. 56 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Fresruary 12, 1916. 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 nof 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 a al BOL.) LOR Cis SCIENTIFIC STAFF, Scientific Assistant and Assistant Editor Entomologist _Mycologist W. R. Dunlop. H. A. Ballou, M.Sc. W. Nowell, D.1.C. STAFF. A. G, Howell. M. B Connell. W_ P. Bovell, P. Taylor. Miss B. Robinson. ( A. B. Price, Fell. Journ. Inst. UL. A. Corbin. Agricultural Sews ‘Vou. XV. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1916. No. 360. OLERICAL Chief Clerk Assistant Clerk -Junior Clerk Assistant Junior Clerk Typist Assistants for Publications NOTES AND COMMENTS. ‘Contents of Present Issue. The editorial in this number refers to the question -of the measurement of soil tilth by means ofan appliance -of which we publish an illustration. Several articles appear in this issue concerning fruit and fruit products, including cacao and coco-nuts. An illustrated article will be found on page 638, describing a parasite of the flying fish. Insect Notes, on page 58, deal with grasshopper control; under Plant Diseases, on page 62, appears an article on the spotting of oranges. Dutch Observations on Transpiration in the Sugar-cane. ~ Nos. 44 and 45 of Archie voor de Suilerindustrie in Nederlandsh-Indié for November 1915, contain two interesting papers concerning stomata and trans- piration in the sugar-cane. The first paper states that, as might be expected, the stomata open in direct sunlight and close in complete darkness. In very weak light they slowly become partly open, and retain a small opening during a longsojourn in such hght. High tem- perature causes the opening of the stomata even in the dark, provided that the plant does not remain in the dark too long. The influence of atmospheric moisture is not established with certainty; probably a high degree of humidity is favourable to the opentng of the stomata, When the plant is fully saturated with water the opening is bigger. The observation that the stomata remains open in direct sunlight, presumably during the hot hours of the day, is of interest in connexion with W. L. Balls’ observations in regard to the leaves of cotton, of which the stomata were found to close during the middle hours of the day. wt The second paper furnishes conclusions of a more definite kind. The author found it convenient to work with ent stems; their use is considered far preferable to that of pot plants. It would seem, however, that the use of. this material is open to objection when one comes to apply the results obtained to sugar-cane plants grow- ing under field conditions. As regards the conclusions arrived at, it is stated that different varieties of sugar-cane show themselves to differ as regards the amount of evaporation at various hours of the day.: Those forms give the highest cane production in which during the first hours of the day the evaporation is - strongest, with a rapid falling off afterwards. ‘Thus, not the kinds which retain about the same stomatal opening the whole day, but rather those in which the opening becomes smaller relatively early. In general, transpiration and stomatal opening run_ parallel. Nevertheless the maximum of transpiration generally comes after the maximum of opening 1s already passed. The number of stomata is of lesser importance in relation to the amount of evaporation. It would appear from the above that the author regards a variety s capacity to regulate transpiration as being correlated with cane production. In connexion with this regulation Jf transpiration the author makes no reference to the varying anatomical structure of cane leaves which is responsible for the various curling phenomena that must help to check the loss of moisture under field conditions: The second paper is composed of the following sections: (1) methods and material, (2) comparison of certain varieties, (8) the relation between stomatal opening and transpiration, (4) comparison of cut stems with plants in the ground, (5) influence of intensity of light on transpiration} (6) the relation between the amount of transpiration and the number of stomata. Vor. XV;> No. 360. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 57 In connexion with the last seetion, reference is made to a paper on the stomatal characteristics of varieties of sugar-cane which appeared in Vol. XIII of the West Indian Bulletin. > An Efficient Central American Republic. Sir Sydney Olivier, late Governor of Jamaica and now Permanent Secretary to the English Board of Agriculture, delivered an interesting lecture on November 30 last, before a meeting of the Royal Society of Arts in London. His remarks upon Jamaican labour in Central America were particulary interesting. In 1911, Sir Sydney stated, there were no less than 40,000 Jamaicans working in Costa Rica alone. This republic has had a remarkable development, the result entirely of commercial enterprise. The speaker's description of the republic explained the reason why. ‘Costa Rica is a most efficiently organized industrial republic under the absolute, though very enlightened, and benevolent despotism of the United Fruit Company. The development in Costa Rica of great banana culti- vations, the building of railroads and steamships to carry the fruit internally and externally have been entirely the work of the United Fruit Company. And not a small proportion of the prosperity of Jamaica itself is due to the operations of the same corporation, Domestication of Fancy Plumage Birds. Concerning our note on this subject m the last issue of this Journal (p. 41), which dealt with egrets and ostriches, it is interesting to learn from the Journal of the Royal Society of Arts, that with a view to encouraging the breeding of egrets as a private industry in Madagascar, the Governor-( reneral of the Colony has extended for three years from May 3 last the interdiction of the shooting of egrets and false egrets, ‘vorompotsys. ‘The raising of egrets and ‘vorompotsys, and the sale of the plumes gathered from domesticated birds, are authorized under certain conditions. Accord- ing to a report by the United States Consul at Tamatave, breeding should commence with young birds only, whose capture is authorized at the age of ten to forty-five days. ‘The capture of full-grown birds is forbidden, The authorized capture of young birds, ete, does not extend to Green Island and the islets of the Vohemar Bay, which are reserved as producing centres of the Vohemar administrative egret farm. As we stated, on the authority of Dr. Deurden, the South African ostrich specialist, there are possibili- ties before the domestication of faney plumage birds in the West Indies, just as there are, possibilities in the matter of organizing and developing West Indian fisheries, especially shallow-water fisheries like sponging and turtle and oyster rearing. It is only the resources of the soil that have been tapped in, these islands, and even these have not yet been fully exploited, as a visit f9 Trinidad, St. Lucia or Dominica will readily show. Two New Local Publications. ‘The Feeding of Stock’ is the title of a short pamphlet issued by the St. Kitts-Nevis Department of Agriculture. Part I, on the composition of feeding, stuffs is by Mr. H. Waterland, the Chemical Assistant, and Part IT, on the general properties of feeding stuffs and on rations, is by Dr. Shannon, Government Veterinary Surgeon. In this second part, the remarks concerning French weed (Commelyna sp.) and the sweet potato vine as fodders appear to show that the former is as good as Guinea corn fodder, while the latter might be more generally used for the feeding of milch cows. Greater attention ought to be given to the curing of cane tops in St. Kitts. Analyses of these different native fodder plants are provided, but the digestibility co-etticient is not worked out. On the whole, stock owners in St. Kitts ought to find this little treatise very helpful. In another local publication, this time from St. Lucia, Mr. A. J. Brooks, the Agricultural Superin- tendent, shows in a practical style how manuring should be carried out in that island with particular reference to the maintenance of organic matter and the treat- ment of exhausted soils. Great emphasis is laid upon the utilization as manure of all the crop residues which can be put to no better purpose. The leaHet is written for the peasants and as such will, on account of ibs simplicity and directness, serve a useful purpose. Report on the St. Vincent Agricultural Credit System. The Administrator of St. Lucia has forwarded to this Office a copy of a report by the Inspector of Agricultural Credit Societies of St. Lucia on the system now operating in St. Vincent. It will be remembered that an Agricultural Credit Ordinance has recently been passed in St. Lucia, and it is intended to introduce into St. Lucia a similar system of credit to that existing in St. Vincent where societies have now been established for some time. The report does not give any very detailed infor- mation, but it appears that a satisfactory impression of the working of the system was formed. Much of the success in St. Vincent depends upon the confidence placed by the peasants in the Agricultural Officers. Importance attaches also to the co-operative sale of produce, and in this connexion there might be an extension to include St. Lucia. The report includes a specimen page of No. 3 of the Societies’ books, which comprise (1) Cash Book, (2) Ledger, (8) Loan Book, and (4) Minute Book, The Registrar keeps a Register of all Societies registered under the Ontinance. It is hardly necessary to state that close land settlement under Government super- vision is a great help to the successful conduct of credit societies. It is in this respect that St. Vincent has an advantage over other islands in the West Indies. 58 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Fesruary 12, 1916. SS SEE INSECT NOTES. GRASSHOPPER CONTROL. An account is given in Bulletin 293 of the United States Department of Agriculture, of the grasshopper outbreak in New Mexico during the Summer of 1913. The section of this Bulletin dealing with artificial remedies is reproduced below, as being likely to be of interest to West Indian planters during the next few months, when the grasshoppers may be expected to be numerous and injurious to cane and other cultivated crops. The poison bran bait in which fruit juices are used has been mentioned in previous numbers of the Agricultural News. The directions for preparing and using the Criddle mixture were also given in the columns of this Journal, but as this was some time ago, they also are reproduced below. ARTIFICIAL REMEDIES. ‘The most effective artificial means of exterminating the grasshoppers of this species was found in the use of the poisoned bran mash. This was made as follows: Thoroughly mix together in the dry state 25 tb. of wheat bran and 1 tb. of Paris green. Into a separate receptacle containing 2 quarts of a cheap molasses or syrup add the juices and finely ground skin and pulp of three oranges or lemons. Dilute the molasses mixture in 2 gallons of water and add to the poisoned bran mixture. Thoroughly mix the two together, adding enough more water, if necessary, to bring all to a stiff dough. This amount of poisoned bait will treat from 5 to 10 acres. ‘The bait should be sown broadeast early in the morn- ing before sunrise, in strips 1 rod apart, over the area to be treated. The most satisfactory method of distributing the bait is to sow it from the rear end of a buggy. ‘In using the poisoned bait as above, with lemons as the fruit employed, tremendous numbers of the grasshoppers were exterminated. As many as 75 dead grasshoppers per square foot were frequently found, several days after the application, over large areas. The grasshoppers usually die from 6 to 8C hours after taking the poisoned bait into the system. ‘Coarse-flaked brans should be used in preference to the fine-flaked varieties. Only those brands of Paris green which are guaranteed to contain not less than 55 per cent. of arsenic should be employed. Arsenate of lead should not be used in any form. There have existed some differ- ences of opinion as to whether oranges or lemons make the bait more effective. As 75 per cent. of the efficiency of the bait is attributed to the use of these citrus fruits, this point is naturally a very important one. ‘The writer, in extensive experiments with different species of grasshoppers, has yet to note any material advantave or marked difference of efficiency in favour of either oranges or lemons. ‘The Criddle mixture, as commonly employed in grass- hopper extermination, was not experimented with during the present investigation for lack of available material. But as nymphs of this species are voracious feeders on horse drop- pings and dried ‘cow chips,’ there seems little question but what this bait could be effectively used if the ingredients were readily available.’ THE CRIDDLE MIXTURE.* ‘What has come to be known as the “Criddle mixture” is giving most satisfactory results in dealing with grasshoppers on the ranches of both the United States and Canada. The mixture is composed of half a barrel of fresh horse droppings : *See Agricullural News, Vol. VIL, p. 202, -overgrown with weeds, or not sufticiently varied. in which is mixed a pound each of salt and Paris green. If the horse droppings are not fresh the salt is dissolved in water and mixed with the manure and poison. When this mixture is scattered freely about where the grasshoppers are abundant, they seem to be attracted to it, for they devour it readily and are poisoned thereby. Dr. James Fletcher, Entomologist for the Dominion of Canada, cites an instance where this mixture had been scattered freely around the edges of a field, and states that this particular field stood out as a green patch in a brown plain, as it was situated in the midst of fields where nothing had been done to destroy the grasshoppers. The “Criddle mixture” now seems preferable to the poisoned bran remedy that has given, and still continues to give, beneficial results, for it is less expensive than the latter, and less likely to poison other animal life,’ H.A.B. SCHOOL GARDENS IN BRITISH GUIANA. The matter of greatest interest to readers of this Journal in the report of the Director of Primary Education in British Guiana for 1914-15, is that concerning agricultural education. This principally deals with school gardens. It is stated that there are well over 100 of these attached to the primary schools in every part of the Colony. The number of them has not varied much in recent years, so that the probability is that nearly every school, having available land suitably situated, has its garden. There used to be eight Government model gardens in British Guiana, but these have been closed by decision of the Combined Court, which has decided not to vote the necessary money for their upkeep. These gardens have served for many years past as models to the agricultural community resident within a radius of several miles around them; and they have also been utilized as prac- tising schools for the instruction, at regular intervals, of boys and girls, by trained instructors of the Department of Science and Agriculture, on the principles underlying a sound knowl- edge ot scientific agriculture. By closing down these model gardens, the report says it is greatly to be teared that any further progress in the direction of agricultural education will be seriously impeded. The agricultural officers occasionally visit the ordinary school gardens, and thus afford material assistance to the teachers in the laying out and maintenance of their gardens, and to the inspectors in arriving ata fair judgment of the grant to be awarded at the annual inspection. The Report continues: — ‘The chief faults that the Agricultural Officers report in respect of the School Gardens are that in many cases the drains are grassy; the beds and drains not well regulated or shaped; and the general cultivation of the beds neglected, Again in some instances, the general condition of the garden is either unsatisfactory or bad; while in a few schools the officers recommended that the gardens should be discontinued... On. the other hand, it is gratifying to note that the condition of some School Gardens is reported, at the time of the visits of the Agricultural Officers, to be either “fair,” “good,” or “very good”.’ ‘One of the changes introduced by the new Code is that the garden grant is no longer restricted to the pupils of the three Higher Standards. Every boy between the ages of nine and fourteen is now eligible to receive instruction in garden operations, irrespective of the class or standard in which he is working, but, on the other hand, this grant ceases to be available for girls. The maximum grant, however, is now 1°20 per pupil, whereas under the previous Code- it was $i:007 : Vor. XV. No. 360. AGRICULTURE IN NEVIS AND TORTOLA. Two quarterly reports dealing with agricultural condi- tions in Nevis and Tortola have been received recently, and the following consists of the more interesting points referred to therein. In Tortola the principal work towards the end of last year was the raising and distribution of onion seedlings at the Experiment Station. The number distributed between November 15, and December 31 was about 192,000. The establishment of the fields, however, was interfered with by dry weather, and an attack of insects. The cotton seed farm, established with a view to supplying the island with selected seed, received a considerable amount of attention, but the crop suffered on account of the weather and the vigorous attacks of cotton worm. The cotton industry, as a whole, was naturally depressed through the war, but the price paid for best grade cotton brought in by the peasants has been increased from 5c. to Te. per b., as from the commencement of the present buying season. This increase will tend to restore confidence. Attention has been given to work in the coco-nut demon- stration plots. and the scheme in view has now been completed. In forwarding the above information, Mr. W. Fishlock, the Curator, regrets to have to record the death of Mr. Charles Maduro, one of the most useful of the station employees. His death took place after a very brief illness on the evening of December 31. The deceased had rendered faithful service at the Station for over eight years. The quarterly report from Nevis deals chiefly with the condition of the principal crops growing at the Station, and on the estate. The cane crop throughout the island was at the time of writing very promising. A good crop is anticipated. In some parts of the island the growers are disappointed at not being able to get their canes sold at the St. Kitts factory. Sugar is being made on some estates, but the machinery is not very good, and it pays better to sell the canes to the factory. The cotton crop this season has not been very good, and the return per acre, on the average, must be low. However, the cotton demonstration plot at the Station, which was reaped during the quarter ending Decem- ber 31, gave a return of 660 tb. of seed-cotton to the acre as a first picking, which was not bad, considering the circumstances that prevailed. The plot of onions at the Station has done fairly well and the plants are now forming bulbs. A supply of crates has already been bought, as it is intended to make a shipment to New York and try and establish a market there for Nevis. The following plants, seeds, etc., were distributed from the Station during the quarter: 12,5U0 sweet potato cuttings; 750 cassava cuttings; 1,300 lime plants; 18 ornamental plants; 46 tb. of Guinea corn; 13 bb. of cotton seed; and 23 th. Paris green. We gather from a statement received from the British Cotton Growing Association comprising a list of West Indian cotton on hand, unsold at December 31, 1915, that with the exception of St.Vincent, practically the whole stock of Sea Island cotton had been disposed of. The foregoing infor- ‘mation would appear to indicate that satisfactory conditions obtain in the Sea Island market. The stocks referred to were last season’s crop. Delay has occurred in the shipment of this season’s, but will soon arrive in big consignments. It -will be interesting, in view of the recent rise in prices, to see what the effect will be on the Liverpool market. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 59 ST. VINCENT ARROWROOT GROWERS ASSOCIATION. The Annual Report of this Association for 1915, which has recently come to kand, shows that while the finances are in a sound state, the activities of the Association have been hindered on account of the war. ‘l'his applies particularly to the Association’s advertising campaign It had been intended to enter upon a scheme for introducing into the United Kingdom a proprietary article of food in the prepara- tion of which St. Vincent arrowroot would be largely used. Although it was arranged that the cost of this project would not exceed £400, it was decided that owing to unsuitable conditions resulting from the war, it would be wise to defer the commencement of the campaign until a later date. Similar intentions were entertained regarding Canada, but for similar reasons failed to materialize As regards production of arrowroot in St. Vincent itself, the industry is in a favourable condition. Many members have recently improved the quality of their product. Progress is still the watchword; and although curtail- ment of production is at present proceeding owing to the exigencies of the industry, the island is capable of doubling its yield of arrowroot, if that be necessary to meet any demand that might be created on both sides of the Atlantic when the war is over. On account of the increase of freight rates, a special meeting was held during the year at which it was resolved that the increased cost of shipment should be borne by the consumer, as the market prices then obtaining for the various grades of arrowroot were on such a level as would not admit any further decrease in- prices paid to members of the Associa- tion. Accordingly it was agreed to raise the minimum price of arrowroot of all grades by the sum of 34. per hb. Blue Mountain Coffee: A Correction.—In the article on Blue Mountain Coffee which appeared in the Agricultural News of September 25 (Vol. XTV, p. 308), certain mistakes occur on account of some difficulty expe- rienced when deciphering the manuscript on which the said article was based. In line 10 from top of page 308, right hand column, the word Priuge should read Triage. Again, the statement ‘twenty-nine of which are a mule load.’ should read ‘two’ instead of ‘twenty-nine.’ Further, the reference to irrigation of Blue Mountain coffee is out of place, since irrigation in regard to the cultivation of crops on Blue Mountain lands is impossible. DEPARTMENT NEWS. The Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture returned to Barbados on Wednesday, February 9, by the C_R.MLS. ‘Chaudiere’ from Antigua, after an official visit to that Colony, GO THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Frepruary 12, 1916. GLEANINGS. According to information received from the Experiment Station, Tortola, the return of lime juice shipped trom that Dependency during the period October 1 to December 31, 1915, was 13 casks, equal to 520 gallons, estimated at a value of £120. Presumably concentrated juice was shipped. Some physiological work on the sugar-cane, conducted in Brazil, is noted in the Bxperiment Station Record for October 1915. Results are reported on a microscopical study of the development of the bud of sugar-cane, showing the distribution of glucose, starch, tannic acid, and albuminoids in the growing plant. It is stated in the Mxpertment Station Record for October 1914, that a substance called nitro-benzol is usually added to ground nut oil for the purpose of giving the oil a pleasant odour, and deceiving the public into thinking that the product is oil of bitter almonds. A method of determin- ing the presence of the substance is referred to. Concerning the culture of rice in California, Farmer's Bulletin No. 688 of the United States Department of Agriculture, states that clay soil with an impervious subsoil, if it lies in level tracts and can be well drained, is well adapted to rice. Shallow soils are preferable to deep soils, because less water will be required to submerge them. The Philippine Journal of Science, Vol. X, Section A, No. 2, contains two interesting papers, one on the enzymes of cacao, and another dealing with ylang-ylang oil standards. Unfortunately the copy of the journal under notice is an imperfect one, several pages of the paper on the enzymes of cacao being absent. It is intended to publish a summary of this important cacao paper as soon as a complete copy has been received. A year or two ago reference was made to the ginger lily (Lledychium coronarium) as a new material for paper- making. Another and more recent introduction is Zacaton grass of the genus Epicampes. It is*a Mexican species. In Bulletin No. 309, Bureau of Plant Industry, United States Department of Agriculture, it is stated that the grass can be less expensively employed for paper-making than poplar wood, Paper manufactured from this stock has shown physical tests equal to those of a first-grade machine-finished printing paper. The position and progress of the planting industry in the Nyasaland Protectorate are dealt with by the Director of Agri- culture, Mr. Stewart, McCall in his Annual Report for the year ending March 31, 1915. The most notable development of the year was the extension and improvement of tea-grow- ing prospects in the Mlanje district, several consignments having realized the satisfactory price of ls. per tb., which com- pares favourably with similar tea from the established tea estates of the East. It is noticed that there has been a gradual abandonment of Ceara rubber plantations in Nyasaland. The British Government has prohibited the export of logwood from the British West Indies. This has led to the appearance of articles on the subject in the West India Committee Circular, and in the New York India Rubber World. Financially it appears that the West Indies, notably Jamaica, will suffer; while the want of the material will be severely felt in the United States. It is hoped by the journals in question that some more equitable readjustment may be effected. Atthe same time it has to be agreed that British requirements must at the present juncture have first consider- ation. In The Board of Trade Journal for December 1915, it is stated that a law is to be passed in Colombia providing for State encouragement in the matter of cultivating the mulberry tree, the breeding of silkworm, and the spinning of silk for the requirements of textile manufacturers abroad. Provision is made for the appropriation of about £2,000 annually, to be distributed amongst the various Departments of the Republic, and used for the foundation and mainte- nance of schools of sériculture, the purchase of spinning machines, and the payment of premiums to producers of silk and cultivators of the mulberry tree. In the monthly report of the Agricultural Instructor, Grenada, for December 1915, forwarded to this Oftice by His Excellency the Governor, it is observed that the general condition of the crops in the Experiment Plots on the settlements at Westerhall and Morne Rouge was satis- factory. The limes at Westerhall have improved considerably during the past three, months; those at St. Cyr Mountain Settlement are making good growth, while the crop at Morne Rouge is practically over. Considerable progress has been made in the planting of beans on the} Settlements, and it is stated that the coco-nuts show a good appearance. Oil-mixed Portland cement concrete is the subject of a note in the Monthly Bulletin of Agricultural Intelligence and Plant Diseases for November 1915. Conerete and mortar containing oil are almost perfectly non-absorbent of water, and are therefore excellent materials for damp-proof construe- tion. The addition of oil, however, does not increase to any great extent the impermeability of concrete subjected to heavy water pressure, The bond between concrete and plain bar reinforcement is decreased by the use of oil, but when, deformed bars, wire mesh or expanded metal is used there is no apparent decrease, Vor. XV. No. 360: THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 6 THE CURING OF BACON AND HAMS. The production of pork and bacon is now receiving -attention in the West Indies. In the last issue of this Journal we published a recipe for dry-salting’ bacon and hams. We now reproduce from Mr, Thomas Allens’ ‘Profitable Pig Breeding and Feeding’ a few recipes tor the curing of bacon and hams. On another page in this issue will be found a general article on the preservation of meat. A two-year-old smoked ham froma 12-score dairy-ted young pig, cured after the following old-fashioned Suffolk recipe, would find a ready sale. The recipe can be used for tongues as well as for bacon and hams. Take 3 tb. of coarse dark sugar, 13 tb. of common salt, 1 tb. of bay salt, 3 oz. of saltpetre, 3 oz. of black pepper. Mix the above together. Rub the meat well the first day. Baste and turn every day for the first week and every other day the following three weeks, making one month in all. Let the meat drain after removal from the pickle, and be well dried before smoking. The above quantities are for two large hams, two cheeks, or the equivalent in bacon. The proportions are, of course, adaptable to larger operations. A. W. Fulton in his ‘Home Pork-making’ gives the following directions for the treatment of hams and shoulders: ‘To each 100 tb. of meat use 74 tb. of fine salt, 12 Ib. of granulated sugar, and 4 0z. of saltpetre. Weigh the meat and the ingredients in the above proportions, rub the meat thoroughly with this mixture, and pack closely in a tierce. Fill the tierce with water, and roll every seven days until eured, which in a temperature of 40° to 50° would require about fifty days for a medium ham. Large hams take about ten days more for the curing. When wanted for smoking wash the hams in water or soak for twelve hours. Hang in the smoke-house and smoke slowly for forty-eight hours, and you will have a very good ham.’ Another method of pickling preparatory to smoking includes the use of molasses, as follows: ‘To 4 quarts of fine salt and 2 oz. of pulverized saltpetre add sutticient molasses to make a pasty mixture: 2 Ib. of brown sugar will do as well as the molasses. The hams, having hung in a dry, cool place for three or four days after cutting up, are to be covered all over with the mixture, more thickly on the flesh side, and laid skin side down for three or four days. In the mean time make a pickle of the following proportions, the quantities here named being for 100 tb.: coarse salt, 71t.; brown sugar, 5 tb.; saltpetre, 2 0z.; pearl ash or potash, } 0z., soft water, 4 gallons. Heat gradually, and as the scum rises, remove it. Continue to do this as long as any scum rises, and when it ceases allow the pickle to cool. When the hams have remained the proper time immersed in the mixture, cover the bottom of a sweet, clean barrel with salt about }-inch deep. Pack in the hams as closely as possible, cover them with the pickle, and place over them weights to keep them down. Small hams of 15 tb. and less, also shoulders, should remain in the pickle for five weeks; larger ones will require from six to eight weeks, according to size. let them dry well before smoking.’ THE WORKING AND MAINTENANCE OF STEAM BOILERS. Residents in the West Indies who are connected with sugar factories, will be interested in a short article appearing in Nature for December 23, 1915, on the working and maintenance of steam boilers. It is stated that lack of proper attention to minor defects, which should be remedied as soon as detected, may greatly increase the fuel bill and shorten the life of a boiler. Reference is made to mechanical stokers as being of special interest, and it is stated that while scale and, to a certain extent, grease, may be tolerated in hand-fired boilers, every effort should be made to remove these injurious substances if increased economy is aimed at, by the adoption of mechanical stokers, ‘From an economical point of view it is more important to keep the boiler heating surfaces free from tarry matter than to remove the scale from the interior surfaces: the wear and tear question, however, demands that the inside of a boiler should be kept clean. Scale and grease hinder the heat which enters the plate from passing into the water, The radiating power of incandescent fuels, or flames, increases as the fourth power of the temperature, hence the boilers which have worked satisfactorily but inefficiently, with a comparatively low furnaced temperature, even though the plate may be covered with scale or grease, are likely to be troubled if the furnace temperature, and with it the efficiency, are increased. It is not strictly true to say that scale and grease reduce the efficiency of a boiler; they merely make it unprofitable to adopt an efficient system of combustion. ‘Slow bulging of the furnaces may be caused by the deposition of scales of crystals from any boiler water con- taining more than 4 per cent. of soluble salts. It is more than probable that plates which on one side are exposed to an intense heat, are on the other side covered chiefly with bubbles, and sprays of burst bubbles, which leave their dis- solved salts on the boiler plate while the water is evaporat- ing. If the intense heat and rapid evaporation can be maintained, crusts of salt will form here and there on heating surface. Sometimes they will be washed away, but some- times they will remain sufticiently long to cause overheating. As soon as the little bulging has been effected the salt crust will doubtless break off, but as bulges are exposed to the flames more than other parts, salt crusts are likely to reform in them, and gradually the bulge grows larger and larger until it is detected. As soon as the fire is drawn, the salt crusts are dissolved away, and the bulges are said to be due to mysterious causes. This danger is naturally greatest with boilers having a bad circulation.’ Bulletin No. 5, General Series, Department of Agricul- ture, Mauritius, deals with the fibre industry of that Colony. Fibre plants in Mauritius are locally called ‘aloes’, and two varieties occur, namely, the ‘Creole aloe’ —Furcraea gigantea, var. Willemetiana—and the ‘aloe Malgache’, Furcraea gigantea. ‘The Creole aloe which is the Mauritian form of F. gigantea differs from the specific form by possessing more spines along the lower portions of the leaf edges, by having a terminal spike to the leaf, and by possessing a well defined constricted leaf base. The leaves are usually less pulpy than those of /. yigantea and are, on the average, shorter in length. The colour of the leaves of the Creole aloe is almost yellowish green. 62 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Freruary 12, 1916. PLANT DISEASES. SPOTTING OF ORANGES. Some two years ago information was received by the Imperial Department of Agriculture of the prevalence on an orange estate in Dominica of a form of fruit spot which was believed by the grower to have some connexion with subsequent rotting of the fruit in transit. Specimens of the affected fruit were examined by the writer, and a report made, of which the following is a portion: ‘The spots in question are roundish, and mostly about 1 cm. in diameter. They are slightly depressed, and more or less browned. Close examination shows that the superficial tissue occupying the spaces between the oil glands has sunken somewhat and turned brown, while the latter being unaffected stand out from the surface of the spot as small green and yellowish papillae. ‘Sections of the rind showed that the cuticle was usually intact. In the fresher-looking examples scattered cells of the epidermis had turned brown, and some amount of the sub- epidermal tissue was brown and shrunken. _ It is the shrinking of the tissue which is the immediate cause of the spots. In examples in which the injury was either older or more severe, cork formation more or less complete according to the apparent age of the lesion was cutting off, or had cut off, the injured tissues. ‘No fungus or bacterium was found in association with the spots. Fungi of the types composing the usual “black blight” were present to a small extent and mostly in incipient stages all over the rind, but were not more especially develop- ed on the brown spots in any constant degree. In the cases where there was an increase it was not more than would be accounted for by the effect of the depressions in arresting spores and retaining a little moisture. ‘Oranges bearing the spots have been kept under obser- vation for seven days, some exposed in the laboratory and others in moist chambers. In neither case has any alteration in the appearance of the spots taken place. On the whole, the oranges have kept reasonably well. A few of those which were exposed rotted early, the rest are still sound. Most of those in the damp chambers are now beginning to rot. Again in neither case is there any reason to associate the rotting with the spots in question. One orange with two spots kept in a moist chamber in association with rotten oranges covered with spores eventually developed mould at the stem scar while the spots were still unaffected. ‘Experiments in producing spots artificially showed that a similar appearance could be brought about by pricking the rind; this caused the sub-epidermal tissue to dry up. ‘The actual cause of the spots could only be ascertained by study of the oranges on the trees. Repeated thorn pricks, sun scald, or the feeding of a large sucking insect may be suggested as possible origins.’ A note by Mr. H. 8. Fawcett in the Californian Monthly Bulletin for September 1915, p. 434, describes spots with the same characteristics as occurring on lemons and oranges in the California packing houses, where they are known as ‘green spots’. They may later turn reddish or brownish. The grade of the fruit is lowered owing to the effect on its appearance, but the keeping quality is usually not seriously injured. The interest of the note lies in its suggestion of the cause of the blemishes. It has been found that a very small amount of the essential oil of the rind, if it escapes on to the surface of a green fruit, is capable of producing, even on an uninjured area, the typical spotting. It has been noticed that green fruits picked while wet were more liable to develop spots than those picked the same day when dry, and the same difference was found between fruits kept in jars with moist air and those kept in dry air. The same type of spot is noticeable to various extents on oranges from neighbouring islands marketed in Barbados. It would appear that the conditions in Dominica, owing to the humidity of the atmosphere, are especially favourable to the development of the spots. Great stress has been laid by all competent authorities on the need for care in picking and handling citrus fruit intended for sale, and this discovery emphasizes such advice by showing that the most minute injury may lead to a very noticeable blemish. W.N. WEST INDIAN PRODUCTS. DRUGS AND SPICES ON 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:— The last month of the year started with a fair amount of business being transacted in both drugs and spices. Large quantities of most of the articles were brought forward from week to week during the period under review, the first auction being held on December 2, and the last on the 30th, The usual slackness on the approach of the Christmas and. stock-taking seasons was apparent, but not so acutely marked as in ordinary years. Prices generally have been very firm for all the products that come under our notice, and with the increased rates of freightage there seems to be no prospects: of a reduction. GINGER, At the beginning of the month there were no offerings: of Jamaica, but Sierra Leone was quoted at 29s. per cwt. At auction on the 22nd, it was reported that the stocks of. Jamaica were small, 60s. to 67s. 6d. per cwt. being quoted: for ordinary to medium, and 67s. to 75s. for good to fine. NUTMEGS AND MACE, At auction on the &th of the month, 596 packages of West Indian nutmegs were offered and sold, 69’s to 76’s fetching 10d. to 1s., and smalls 43d. to 5}d., being an advance of id. to 14d. on previous rates. At the same auction 232 packages of West Indian mace sold at Is. 4d. to Is. 10d.,. being 1d. advance on previous rates. SARSAPARILLA. At the first drug auction on the 7th of the month, sarsa- parilla was in good supply as follows: Grey Jamaica 22 bales, native Jamaica 57 bales, Lima 35, Mexican 22, and Honduras 7 bales. Of-the grey Jamaica, 11 bales found buyers. at 1s. 8d. per lb. for fair, and 1s. 7d. for part coarse and slightly mouldy. Only 7 bales of the native Jamaica were disposed of, 8d. to 9d. being paid for inferior yellow dull red, part of which was sea-water damaged. The Lima- Jamaica, which was more or less damp and mouldy, was bought in at 1s. 8d. per tb. No buyers were found either for the Mexican or Honduras. CITRIC ACID, LIME OIL, LIME JUICE, KOLA, CASHEW NUTS, TAMARINDS, PIMENTO, AND ARROWROOT, Citric acid commenced with a very dull market at 2s. 9d. to 2s. 10d., and at the end of the month it dropped to 2s. 8d. with very little demand. There was also very Vor. XV. No. 360. little demand for lime oil, but towards the end of the month some sales were effected for West Indian distilled, at from 6s. 3d. to 6s. 6d. per tb., and at the last auction it had dropped to 5s. 6d. to 6s. There was a slack demand for lime juice at the beginning of the month, but about the middle, good bright Jamaica was to be obtained at from 2s. 6d. to 2s. 9d. per gallon. There was no demand for West Indian concentrated juice. Kola nuts were in abun- dant supply at the first drug auction on December 2, as many as 122 packages being offered, 46 only finding buyers. They were from various countries, thus a package of fair St. Lucia fetched 4#d. per Ib., while a bag of sound African quarters realized 64d. per Ib., and mouldy African, part of which was wormy, were disposed of at from 24d. to 3d. per Ib. One bag of small Java sold at 3d. per tb., and 1 package of dull Ceylon halves at 44d. Seven packages of West Indian kola were again brought forward at auction on the 9th, and disposed of at from 44d. to 54d. per tbh. At the auction on the 16th of the month, the large quantity of 154 packages of cashew nuts from Bombay were sold without reserve, at from 37s. to 46s. for slightly sea-damaged; for slightly wormy, 32s. to 35s. 6d. was paid. The quotation for West Indian tamarinds during the month has been 18s. 9d. per ewt., Barbados being specialised at 20s-, duty paid. The quotations for pimento towards the end of the month were 24d. to 23d. for fair to good, and for ordinary to middling 22d. to 23d.; for St. Vincent Arrowroot 2,°,d. to 3,%, per bb. THE FEATHERS OF THE FLYING FISH. Dr. W. T. Calman, of the British Museum (Natural History), contributes to the current issue of the West Indian Bulletin, a note describing a parasite of the flying fish, popularly called by the name of ‘feathers’. The specimens, which formed a fine series, were collected and preserved by Mr. W. Nowell, Mycologist to this Department, and were forwarded to Dr. Calman by the Imperial Commis- sioner. The parasite belongs to a family known under the biological name of{Lernaeidae, which includes some of the THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 63 a crow quill, ending ina brush of fine filaments. To this brush-like termination is due, not only the popular name ot feathers by which these parasites are known to fishermen and others, but also the scientific name, Pennella, given by Oken a century ago to the genus to which they belong. As amatter of fact, only about one-half of the length of the parasite is visible outside the fish. If followed by dissection, it will be found to penetrate the flesh for a considerable dis- tance, and to end often, if not always, near one of the great blood vessels in a globular head provided with large branched processes. Like the roots of the plants, these pro- cesses have the function, not only of fixing the parasite in place, but possibly also of helping to absorb nourishment from the blood of the host. Whether this be so or not, the parasite is not dependent (as are some other Crustacean parasites) on this vegetablelike method of getting its food, for it has a mouthand a spacious gut, and on the head are some microscopic vestiges of the limbs that were present in the larva. Dr. Calman furnishes a certain amount of information concerning the life-history and reproduction of this curious parasite. While the life-history has not been fully followed out, it is thought probable, by analogy, that this form begins life as a free-swimming larva, which only late in life settles down to a parasitic existence. Exactly where or how it thus settles down we do not know, nor whether the flying fish is the first host it seeks. Dr. Calman considers it very likely that there is a temporary stage on another host, just as the Lernaea of the haddock and whiting passes through a stage in whichit lives on the gills of the plaice. and the more nearly related Pennella of the dolphin (Coryphaena) is parasitic as a larva on the gills of cuttle fish. As regards reproduction, no certain knowledge is as yet available. In most species other than the present one, impregna- tion takes place in the free-swimming stage, and the males do not develop any further, and only the females become fixed to a final host to complete their development and produce their eggs. In certain forms of the present genus, however, microscopic individuals have been found attached to the parasitic females in situ. Dr. Calman points out that this may occur in the present species. ic, Te most highly modified of all the fish lice, the adults having lost—so far as naked-eye appearances go—every trace of cray- fish-like or Crustacean structure, and resembling in form the worms with which they were classed by the older naturalists. In the case of the flying fish, the parasite may be attached to -almost any part of the body, and appears as a dark-coloured worm-like object about 1} inches long, and as thick as Fryrsc Fisn with Copepop Parasite in situ. In ‘conclusion it will be acknowledged that, in spite of the useful information recorded in the foregoing note, much yet remains to be found out concerning this parasite, in common with many other marine objects of economic impor- tance in West Indian waters. The specimens described in the above note are identified as Pennella exocoet?, and the flying fish as Hxocoetus speculiger. (4 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. MARKET REPORTS. London.—Trm: Wrst Inpia Commirrer Crrcunar, 1915, December 28, ARROWROOT—2,7-d. to 3,%-4d. Barata—Sheet 2s. 6d.; block 2s. 1d. Brrswax—No quotations. Gacao—Trinidad, no quotations.; Grenada, no quotations; Jamaica, no quotations. Corrre—Jamaica, no quotations. Copra—No quotations. Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota- tions; West Indian Sea Island, 14 $d. to 17d. Frvuit—No quotations. Fustic— No quotations. GincerR—Jamaica, 60/- to 75/-. Istyciass—No quotations. Honey—No quotations. Lime Jurce—Raw, 2/9; concentrated, no quotations; Otte of limes (hand-pressed), no quotations. Loewoop—No quotations. Mace—7d. to 2s. 4d. Nurmrcs—4id. to 74d. Pimento—2}d. to 23d. Ruseer—Para, fine hard, 3/; fine soft, 2/9; Castilloa, no quotations. Rum—Jamaica, no quotations. New York.—Messrs. Giutespre Bros. & Co., January 1916. 99 aA, Cacao—Caracas, I7c. to 17j4c.; Grenada, 17¢. to 17}c.; Trinidad, 17c. to 174c.; Jamaica, 15}e. to 16}c. Coco-nuts—Jamaica and ‘Trinidad selects, $32°00 $33-00; culls, $21°00 to $22°00. Correr—Jamaica, 8c. to 12c. per th. Gincer—l4c. to l6c. per tb. Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 49c.; Antigua and Barbados, 47c. to 49c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 46c. to 48c. per tb. Grave Fruit—Jamaica, $1°25 to $1°75. Limes—$4°50 to $5:00. Macre—35ce. to 43c. per tb. Nurmecs—1ldc. to 15jc. Orances—Jamaica, $1°00 to $1°50, Pimento—4c}. per tb. Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 4°64c. to 4°77c.; Muscovados, 89°, 3°99c. to 4°12c.; Molasses, 89°, 3°87c. to 4:00c., all duty paid. to Trinidad.—Messrs. Gorpon, Grant & Co., January 20, 1916. Cacao—Venezuelan, $17°50 to $18:00; Trinidad, $1725 to $18°25. Coco-nut Or.—0c. per Imperial gallon. Correr—Venezuelan, ic. to 14c. per th. Corpra—$5'75 to per 100 Tb. DuHat—S6 75 Ontons—$5°00 per 100 In. Peas, Spiir—89-00 to $10°00 per bag. Porators—English $2°09 to $2°25 per 100 tt. Ricrk—Yell LO tk ; White, $6°50 per bag. Sucar—American crushed, no quotations $6: 36 Frpruary 12, SIG. Barbados.—Messrs. James A. Lyncu & Co., Ltd., January 25, 1916; T. 8. Garraway & Co., January 26, 1916. Arrowroot—$5'00 per 100 tb. Cacao—$15°00 per 100 th. Coco-Nuts—$1 6°50 husked nuts. Hay—$1-90 per 100 th. Manures—Nitrate of soda, no quotations; Cacao manure, no quotations; Sulphate of ammonia, $90°00 to $100-06 per ton. Motassrs—No quotations. Ontons—$12°00 per 190 Th. Peas, Sprir—$9'50 to $12°50 per 210 tb.; Canada, $3-00- per 120 te. Porators—Nova Scotia, $3:00 to $3°75 per 160 tb. Rice—Ballam, $6°30 per 190 ib.; Patna, no quotations; Rangoon, no quotations. Sucar—Muscovado centrifugals, $3°65 to $3°80, British Guiana.—Messrs. Wietinc & RicuTer, Janu- ary 31, 1916; Messrs. SanDBACH, PARKER & Co, Jannary 7, 1916. ARTICLES. ARROWROOT—St. Vincent Batata—Venezuela block Demerara sheet Cacao—Native Cassava— Cassava STaARCH— Coco-nuts— Corrre—Creole Jamaica and Rio Liberian DHAL— Green Dhal Eppors— Morasses— Yellow Ontons—Teneriffe 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 TimpeER—GREENHEART Wallaba shingles 5 Cordwood ae Messrs. Sanp- Messrs. WIETING & RicuTer. kaa e AD EEE 0. — $14°50 18c. per tb. 20c. per tb, 31°20 $10 to $11 => $18 per M. $18 per M. 12c. to 18c. 14c. per th. 14c. to 15c. per th. 14c. 8c. to Ske. 9c. per th. 8700 to $725 $725 $1°92 to $2-16 — None = ——— 12c. $12:00 to $12-50 $12-00 16c. to 48c. th th Lp eo bot $3°10 32c. to ddc. cub. foot $4:00 to $6°25 per M. $1°80 to $2:00 per ton per per bag. (210 ft.) 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 II, IIT, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII and XIV:—Price 2s.each: Post free 2s. 8d., 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.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 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 ina 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. present time is seventy-five. Sucar Eypustry. 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; im 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 XENERAL. (7) and (22) Seale Insects of the Lesser Antilles, Part I, price 4d.; Part IL., 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. 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. 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. (80) Hints to Settlers in St. Lucia. Price 6d. (81) Agricultural Resources of St. Lucia. Price 5d. Price 4d. The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of 4d. 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. and for No. 72, 2d. a Lhe The ‘ Agricultural News’ contains ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’: extracts A Fortnightly Review. 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 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. Dutav & Co., 37, Soho Square, W. Grenada: Messrs. THos. Lawtor & Co., ®t. George. West Inpra Commirrer, 15, Seething Lane. St. Vincent: Mr. J. D. Bonapre, ‘Times’ Office. Barbados: Apvocate Co, Lrp., Broad Street, Bridgetown. St. Lucia: Mr. R. W. Nivzs, Botanic Station. Jamaica: THE Epucationan Surpty Company, 16, King Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. Brincewarer, Roseau. Street, Kingston. _ : Montserrat: Mr. W. Rosson, Botanic Station. British Guiana: Tue Arcosy Co., Lrp., Georgetown. Antigua: Mr. 8. D. Maton, St. John’s, Trnidad: Messrs. Murr-Marsnatu & Co., Port-of-Spain. St. Kitts: Toe Brste AND Book Suppty AGENCY, BASSETERRE Lobago: Mr. C. L. PLacemMann, Scarborough. Nevis: Messrs. Howe, Bros., Charlestown. Canada: Lewis W. Ciremens, 71 King Street, West, Toronto. Vot XV. No. 360. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Fesruary 12, 1916. THE BEST MANURE FOR COLONIAL USE es | Dissolved (Soluble) Guano FOR SUG AR-CANE AND GENERAL US TRADE MARE. 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 ISSUED. | THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE COTTON FACTORY, LTD. WEST INDIAN BULLETIN, COTTON GINNERS, OIL REFINERS AND PLANTATION SUPPLIERS. IMPORTERS OF WEST INDIAN Vol. XV, No. 2. Containing the following papers: Review of Ten Years’ W« of the Antigua Sugar Factory (Gunthorpes), 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 neighvouring Islands. te Leave antlles mil Note oaiDiher Fouls Staley |THE BARBADOS (6O-OP ERATIVE Dr. WI Calman, British Musenm ( veri COTTON FACTORY, LIMITED, Fish, by Dr. W. I. Calman, British Museum (Natural History); 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.I.C. | August 6, L915, SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENT, Printed at Office of Agricul/iama? Reporter, 4 High Street, Bridgetown, barbados, vy SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1916. [One penny. R. M. S. P. | 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 & PARAMARIBO Grenada & Trinidad. | Trinidad, Puerto Colombia, PANAMA CANAL & PACIFIC PORTS Cartagena, Colon, Panama, ay? | |Callao, Iquique, Antofagasta & Valparaiso. }REGULAR MALL, PASSENGER AND CARGO SERVICES FROM ‘THE UNFVLRED KINGDOM TO SS SS BRAZIL, URUGUAY & ARGENTINA Via Spain, Portugal, Madeira & St. Vincent. | REGULAR SAILINGS FROM PHE UNITED KINGDOM TO MOROCCO, CANARY ISLANDS & MADEIRA, STRAITS SETTLEMENTS, HONG-KONG, CHINA & JAPAN. = Head Office: 18, Moorgate Street, London. Branches at BARBADOS, Trinidad, Tobago, Demerara, Colon, Jamaica, Antiila, New York, Halifax N.S., Buenos Aires, Santos, Sao Paulo Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, etc. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS THE IMPORTANCE OF KILLING TICKS WORKING CATTLE + * In many countries the main use for cattle is for haulage or other working purposes, and the object eos of these notes is to emphasise the fact that in the case of working cattle, it is especially true that Ns the presence of ticks means a constant money loss to the owner. A consideration of the following CATTLE Tick facts will make it abundantly clear that it is cheaper to kill ticks than to feed them. yaad TICKS ARE BLOOD-SUCKERS. *While maturing, each tick abstracts a definite amount of blood from an animal, and to that degree injures it. The quantity of blood abstracted is many times the weight of the ticks when grown, for these represent ofily that part of the solids and fluids which may be converted into the tissues of the tick, the remaining solids and fluids being rejected. The amount of blood taken by a single tick may be relatively small, but the total amount drawn by thousands of ticks on one animal cannot fail to be injurious. If each tick represents but a dram of blood, a few over 1,000 would represent 8 pounds of blood; it is possible that each tick absorbs more than a dram of blood. Hence it isno matter for surprise'that according to the statement of a reliable authority, blood up to 500 Ibs. in weight may be taken by ticks from the body of a single animal in the course of a year. A CONSTANT DRAIN ON THE SYSTEM. The presence of any considerable number of ticks on cattle is clearly a great drain on the animal economy, increasing the amount of feed required by each animal, and demanding a greater expenditure of energy on the part of the animal in obtaining, digesting, and assimilating this additional amount of food. In consequence of this drain, the rate of putting on flesh in the case of beef cattle is reduced, and the amount of milk produced by dairy cattle is diminished; and in the case of working cattle the only result can bea greatly reduced working power. EVIDENCE FROM THE UNITED STATES. The following figures illustrate very clearly the effect upon the constitution and general welfare of cattle of long-continned exposure through many generations to tick infestation. Although these figures refer to beef cattle, the facts they illustrate apply equally to working animals. AVERAGE WEIGHTS OF BEEF CATTLE: Y Tick-free States : Wyoming 985 lbs. Idaho 966 lbs. Montana 938 lbs. Tick-infested States: Florida 340 lbs. Georgia 419 lbs. Louisiana 471 Ibs. Alabama 500 lbs. Mississippi 550 Ibs. TICKS MEAN REDUCED WORKING POWER. Cattle whose vitality is reduced by tick-infestation cannot give the same ‘returns in work as clean healthy cattle. It is as if one had a 5 horse-power engine and allowed it to get so dirty that at least 2 out of the 5 horse-power is required to overcome the friction of the working parts, leaving only 3 actual horse-power available for performing work. The cattle have to eat sufficient to feed the ticks before their own bodies receive any benefit ; if the ticks are numerous, the feed will not suffice for both animal and ticks, and loss of condition will result. In an experiment designed to secure information on this point, a herd of cattle were divided into two lots, one of which was infested with ticks and the other kept free from ticks. Both lots were fed in exactly the same way, yet the tick-infested cattle lost an average of 9 lbs. in weight, whilst the tick-free cattle gained an average of 44 Ibs! TICKS MEAN SHORTER LIFE. Although no definite experimental evidence on the point is available, it is certain that working cattle, if their vitality is kept ‘at a low point by gross tick-infestation, not only do less effective service, but would also be much more susceptible to diseases of all kinds, and would thus be shorter-lived. In the tick-infested area of the United States the death-rate amongst cattle is nearly three times greater than in the tick-free area. IN TIMES OF DROUGHT. In the West Indies there are times when green food and even molasses are not available as cattle food. The pastures are at their poorest, and not only are unable to maintain in condition the animals intended for the butcher, but also are inadequate for supporting the general herd. In the face of such conditions, largely unavoidable, it becomes all the more necessary to free the cattle from ticks, which, as already stated, drain their bodies of blood and seriously reduce their vitality. When food is scarce, none can be spared for the feeding of ticks and it must all be used for the benefit of the cattle. The case for keeping working cattle may be summed up in three lines :— Ticks consume the Blood of Cattle. Decreased Blood Supply means Decreased Vitality. Decreased Vitality means Decreased Working Power. IT IS CHEAPER TO KILL TICKS THAN TO FEED THEM. COOPER’S CATTLE TICK DIP WEST INDIAN AGENTS: Has received the official approval of the following Countries: ST.KITTS: S. L. Horsford a, SNCS eee Bryson & Co. AMAICA: D. Co., ton, Union of South Africa, Northern Rhodesia, Brazil, Basutoland, J GRENADA: Sidiason, Hanke er ; BARBADOS: Barbados Co-operative Cotton Co,, Ltd. Nyasaland, Swaziland, Southern Rhodesia, Madagascar, BAHAMAS; W. N. Twynam, Nassaw. British East Africa, German East Africa, Portuguese East Africa, TRINIDED: Ts cranes ane poe — ‘; BRITIS UIANA: d ’ Portuguese West Africa, Egypt, Argentine Republic, Queensland, ST. VINGEAT Coren-& Calitiiestown. NEVIS: SoD. Malone, DANISH WEST INDIES: Carl V. La Beet, St. Thomas. United States of America, Ne pe rates, MONTSERRAT: W. Llewellyn Wall, DOMINICA: Hon. H, A. Frampton. > Northern Territory of Australia. ST. LUCIA: Barnard Sons & Co., Castries. Manufacturers: WILLIAM COOPER & NEPHEWS, Berkhamsted, England. BRANCHES : Toronto, Chicago, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Buenos Aires, Monte Video, Punta Arenas, East London, Odessa. — Sr aes HANS Ss Sor Un, : A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW OF THE IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. Von. XV. No: 361. BARBADOS, FEBRUARY 26, 1916. Price ld. CONTENTS. at the present time it is possible to enunciate certain fundamental principles. The first one, which PAGE. PAGE. is now recognized by everyone, is that the plant Antigua, An Address to... 79|Indoor Gardening — for must have a_ sufficient supply ie, ale British Honduras in 1914 73 a : sa ie Ba ae, Schools wee see wee eee 75 Cattle, New Facts Concern- Insect Notes: — ing Skin Diseases of .. 67|. Insects in the Virgin Corn, Indian, Field Selee- Islands ase Bea a tion Of =<...) ase se. --- 69)\Ttems of Local iriterest occur (tll Market Reports ... ... 80 Cotton Notes:— Sea Island Cotton Market The British Cotton Grow- 70 [Notes and Comments ... 72 |Plant Diseases:— Chart of Tropical Plant ing Association and the oa West Indies il) epg ee sn The D: rn i Pla Lae Effect of Sulphur on te a ie or antving Crops ; 78 Cotton in Montserrat 70 Rain, Artificial Production Crop Production, The Prin- eof 5 Osa CCMA A) ciples Oe. Share cece 0h) Reciprocity ES 73 Department News ... ... 69!Rock Solubility of in Pure Departmental Reports ... 6Sil> Waters cco) cau 78 Freight Facilities, Possible Improvement of ... Gleanings ... Gram Pk: unt, Acid Seer etion of the Sugar Industry :— 73| Antigua Sugar Factory 67 76 |West Indian Cotton Meet- ing iMate Mths le. ae 79 |West Indies in Canada, The 7 The Principles of Crop Production. TSM HE lecture delivered last November the Chemical Society of London by Dr. E. J. Russell, Director of the Rothamsted Experi- before mental Station, comprises a very clear and interesting statement of current ideas in relation to the chemistry Dr. Russell proceeded to show that, since the year 1840, when Liebig, by a brilliant stroke brushed aside the popular conception that the plant took up its organic matter from the soil, we have been steadily bringing fresh light to bear upon the mysteries of plant nutrition, and that of the soil. nutrients, especially of nitrogen, potassium and phos- phorus. The second is less fully appreciated, and has reference to soil bacteria, As has often happened in the history of agricultural chemistry, the originating idea of this principle was obtained from an out- side technical problem, in the present case from the investigation of Schloesing and Miintz into the better purification of sewage. They found that satisfactory purification involved the conversion of ammonia into nitrate, which later they found out was effected through the agency of bacteria, and that in experiments these could be supplied in a little extract of soil. It was at once seen that the soil was not an inert mass, but that it was teeming with life and pulsating The decomposition of organic matter investigated, and the with change. was more fully conditions under which the end-products like gaseous nitrogen, nitrates and carbon dioxide are formed, were established. This led to the enunciation of the second principle, that the biological decompositions in the soil must proceed smoothly and quickly with a minimum loss of nitrogen. Thirdly, there is the principle of the limiting factor. Plant growth increases with increasing supply of any one of its favourable factors, but this only happens so long as the supply of every other factor is adequate, When anything is lacking, the increase in growth is not kept up, and addiigaal supplies give no extra Finally, a stage 1s reached when the extra supplies may harm, either by direct injury, or by cutting crop. 66 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. “i FepruaRy 26, 1916. -out another indispensable substance. illustrated by the injurious effect of too heavy a dose of a particular artificial manure. In short, all the requirements of the plant must be satisfied. Anyone left unsatisfied constitutes a limiting factor, preventing further growth. Increases in any one factor give increases in growth until something proves insufficient and becomes a limiting factor. This is very well else It is quite possible that future investigators may establish other principles besides these. Indeed it has already been suggested that there are certain directive agents in the soil in the nature of hormones found in animals, which may regulate plant nutrition To these the name of auximones has been given. Little -ean be said definitely about them at present until the subject has been more fully investigated. A very important aspect of plant nutrition is its physical side. The study of the higher physics of the soil is only in its infancy, but some important principles have become established already. For example, there is the question of adsorption relationships. The discovery—and it may be noted that this again is an outside one—that charcoal can take up and keepin spite of the most thorough washing small quantities of dilute acids by virtue of the so-called surface tension, led to a consideration of this phenomenon in_ relation to the soil. It has been found that a similar relation- ship exists between phosphates and soil particles. Clay soils adsorb more phosphates than sandy soils, which explains what has long been observed, namely that clay soils in spite of a high phosphate content are often unable to meet the requirement of plants in this respect. In other words, there is a competition between the plant and the soil for phosphate. Another principle of soil physics, again the result of an extraneous observation, concerns what is known as ‘soil climate’. Whitney at the time of his con- nexion with the United States Weather observed that both the tobacco crops were connected closely with climatic conditions, and further with certain soils irrespec- This led him to bring the production of quality into line with ‘soil climate’, by which is meant soil temperature, moisture content, air supply, ete., and Whitney was able to show that these factors can be correlated with the size of the soil particles. In other words, the mechanical analysis of a tobacco soil is of far greater importance than the -chemical. High grade tobacco can only be grown on soils having a low proportion of clay particles. Bureau tive of manuring. quality and quantity of The foregoing principles are general in their application, that is to say, we have no reason to believe that that they do not hold good for tropical soils. - It is only in regard to the extent to which the different factors are present that variation exists. The chief limiting factor in the tropics is dryness, whereas in temperate regions it is generally lack of warmth. In concluding this review of Dr. Russell's lecture, it should be pointed out that the speaker limited himself to a consideration of the principles of produc- tion solely in relation to the soil. In the tropics we have attacked the subject of crop production through the plant. The tendency has been to improve pro- duction by means of varietal selection, to make the plant fit the soil rather than the soil fit the plant: and very considerable success has attended activities in this direction. Particularly has this been so with sugar- cane and with cotton in the West Indies. The study of tropical soils has been somewhat neglected chiefly on account of the more elaborate equipment required for such work, and also because plant selection leads quicker to results of practical value. Again we have come to realize as the result of experience that climatic conditions—and chiefly the climate of the air rather than Whitney’s climate of the soil—are of paramount importance, determining as they do the distribution and productivity of crops. In this connexion humidity of the air is of .first importance, and is one of the first principles of crop production in the tropics. At the same time the principles ef soil chemistry hold good in their particular realm, and especially the biological changes referred to in the second of Dr. Russell’s three principles. In considering crop production, however, we must always remember that there are two main aspects: the root and its environment, the soil; the foliage and its environment, the air; and further, that there is a close relationship between the air and the soil just as there is between the foliage of a plant and its roots. In regard to the recent examinations in practical agriculture conducted by the Imperial Department, informa- tion has been received tothe effect that the certificate gained by Mr. Stanley E. Hadley, of Grenada, was presented to him by the Governor at a meeting of the Legislative Council held on February 4. We may also state that at a meeting of the Antigua Agricultural, and Commercial Society held on February 4, a similar certificate was presented to Mr. Arnold Gallwy, by His Excellency the Acting Governor of the Leeward Islands. Dr. Watts, C.M.G., the Imperial Com- missioner of Agriculture was present on this latter oecasion, WiOle Oe Weis eNO 30). THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. for) —f SUGAR INDUSTRY. ANTIGUA SUGAR FACTORY. The following information is taken from the Directors’ Report, 1915:— The cane crop of 1915 suffered severely both in quantity and quality from unfavourable weather. The shortage in quantity was fairly well made up by canes from neighbouring outside estates. The results from the inferior quality would have been very marked had it not been that, owing to improvements in the plant and in the manufacturing methods, the Factory work was much better than in any previous year. The price of sugar has ruled at a high leyel, so the results of the year are very satisfactory. The number of hours in which the mills have to be stopped owing to want of cane is an inereasing cause of loss and trouble. This arises apparently from many of the estates paying their labourers on Saturday night, so they have no time to buy their household supplies till Monday, and they accordingly take a holiday then. If all labourers were allowed to break off work at 11 a.m on Saturdays and were paid then, or on Friday afternoons, it would help the Factory work, and the estates would benefit by their half of any saving which resulted therefrom. The canes supplied have been (in tons) as follows: — 1909. 1910. 1911. 1912. | 1913. 1914. | 1915. | | Original | | . Contractors. |20,576 |24,065/22 506 24,228 /23,374 26,355 21,308 | } | New Con- tractors and | outside Ks- | tates 14,646, 20,712/29,398/32,478 144,880 53,754 57,993 | Peasants. 2,062) 3,542) 3,212) 2,664] 2,094) 2,924) 2,219 Total. 37,284 |48,319/55,116 59,570 70,548 83,030 81,520 | The sugar made and the prices realized are as follows:— 1909. | 1910. 1911. 1912. 1913. | 1914. | 1915. Sugar (in ‘ tons) 3,995) 5,390 oeee 6,239) 7,336] 9,131) 8,390 Yield per cent. of | canes 10°72) 11:16) 9-93) 10°51) 10-43) 11-00} 10-29} Price of su- garpertonil£ s.dJ£ s.dJ£s.d/£ s.djJ£ s.dJ£ s.dJ£ s.d. 10 7 512 6 81011513 5 3/98 7191 61679 Ke After charging Revenue with £6,500 for Debenture and ‘Additions’ Sinking Funds, there remains a surplus of £34,908 5s. Yd., to be allocated as follows, in terms of the Agree- ments: To New Contractors £12,763 3s. 8d. (equal to 4s. 482d. per ton of canes), to Original Contractors £11,072 lls. 1d. (equal to 10s. 471d. per ton), and to ‘A’ Share- holders £11,072 11s. Od. As the New Contractors received a first payment of 17s. per ton for canes, the bonus addition brings the total payment up to 21s. 4’8d.: in the case of the ‘Original Contractors the first payment was 15s. 3°6d., which 4 on addition of the bonus becomes 25s. 8:3d. per ton. CHEMISTS REPORT FOR 1915. According to general custom, a short statement is giver: below concerning the working of the above Factory as given in the Chemist’s Report (for 1915). 1915 1914, Cane crushed, tons 81,520 83,030 Sugar made, tons 8,390 9,150 Tons of cane per ton of sugar wer 9:07 Recovery on ‘indicated’ sucrose in juice, per cent. 90°39 87°28 Recovery on ‘indicated’ sugar in cane, per cent. 82°60 79:09 Water in megass, per cent. 47-14 45°35 Normal juice lost in megass per 100 fibre 405 42°8 Average composition of first mili juice: Total solids per cent. 18°45 20:15 Sucrose 15°33 17-06 Purity 83:07 84°67 Total juice, including maceration water: Total solids, per cent. 14°94 15-93 Sucrose 12°41 13°49 Purity 83:07 84:67 Maceration per cent. on first mill juice 23°5 26°5 NEW FACTS CONCERNING SKIN DISEASES OF CATTLE. In this Journal, Vol. XIV, p. 123, was published a suni- mary of observations recorded on the Antigua skin disease of cattle published in full in the West Indian Bulletin, Vol. XV, pp. 41-3. It was suggested that this disease, which shows. itself in eruptive and dry lesions of the skin and later in horny scabs, might be due to a fungus, Several suspicious genera of fungi were isolated from the skin, but it was not found practicable to conduct inoculation experiments with these. No organisms were detectable in the blood of the infected animals. The theory of fungoid causation is supported by recent. work on askin disease of cattle in the Belgian Congo. In the Bulletin Agricole du Congo Belge, Vol. V, No. 4, December 1914, a malady know as ‘Dermatose contagieuse” is described, which bears considerable resemblance to the Antigua disease in the West Indies. Inoculation experi- ments have shown it to be caused by a fungus named Dermatophylus congolense. The disease manifests itself on the animal’s body either in a localized or general form. The localized affection is confined to the neighbourhood of the anus, and this occurs in the dry season. In the wet season the affection spreads, and humidity and high temper- ature are therefore regarded as the most important predis- posing causes. Consequently treatment consists first in keeping infected animals in covered yards—cool and dry, and away from the healthy ones. If the affection is localized, tar may be applied. In the general form, carbolie pomade may be used with benefit. As regards the question of resemblance between the West Indian and Congo maladies, it should be stated that nothing corresponding to the figure of the fungus in the Congo have been seen in investigating the West Indian form. The symptoms, however, show considerable similarity, especially the hair raised in tufts recorded in the case of both diseases, and the suppuration of the lesions. As the disease advances it spreads, in the Congo form, all over the animal, including its head. The animal dies in a state of emaciation (‘marasme’). 68 THE AGRICULTURAL. THE ST. KITTS-NEVIS: REPORT ON AGRI- CULTURAL DEPARTMENT, - 1914-15. The weather in St. Kitts during the early and middle months of 1914 was generally unfavourable for plant growth, hence some difficulty was experienced in maintaining a good appearance of the Gardens at the Botanic Station. The section of the report dealing with work in the nurseries shows that there has been very limited demand for economic plants such as cacao or limes. The total number of plants distributed during the year was 216, and consisted chiefly of palms and ornamental plants. The economic plot experiments with provision crops, situated at La Guérite, consisted in varietal trials of sweet potatoes, yams, cassava, peanuts and tobacco, peas and beans; while manurial trials were made with pine-apples and Indian corn. While the above constitutes useful work, the most valuable lines of activity have been with cotton. The manurial experiments appear to show that the addition of fertilizers to cotton plots, under conditions obtaining at La Guerite at least. does not tend to remunerative results, the average returns from all the plots having been about the same as that from the no-manure plots. The results of the cotton selection experiments, which form an especially important part of the work with cotton, so far as the island is concerned, are very encouraging, as is evidenced by the increasing local demand for the selected seed; they point to the fact that the danger of importing cotton seed from other islands for planting purposes has been recognized by the cotton growers. Work connected with insect pests and plant diseases was conducted chiefly by the scientific officers of the Imperial Department in regard to sugar-cane and cotton, the principal pests concerned being the grub of the brown hard back (Lachnosterna patruelis), the sugar-cane root borer (EHxoph- thalmus esuriens), and the cotton worm (Alabama. argillacea). A new pest in the shape of the common house cockroach (Periplaneta australasiae) was found attacking young cotton plants during the season under review. Progress in the chief industries depends very largely upon the climatic conditions. Bearing in mind that 1914-15 was a period of low rainfall, it is not surprising that the cane crop was below the average, and hence also the exports of sugar, the latter being only 9,946 tons, of which 4,132 were grey crystals, and 3,814 tons muscovado. In regard to cotton, the past season was regarded as perhaps not quite so unfavourable. The war delayed sales and shipment, and prices were at one time low. But through the guarantee by the Fine Spinners and Doublers Association of a minimum price, stability has been given to the industry. A new arrangement during the year was the establish- ment of a chemical laboratory and the appointment of a Chemical Assistant who conducts analytical work locally under the general supervision of the Government Chemist and Superintendent of Agriculture in Antigua. A report appears concerning science teaching at the Grammar School, NEWS. Frepruary 26, 1916. which shows that a satisfactory standard continues to be maintained. : The publication under review includes a report by the Agricultural Instructor, Nevis. Experiments with cotton and provision crops continue to be carried on at the Experi- ment Station, as also work in connexion with cotton selection. Progress in the minor industries included impor- tant manurial experiments with coco-nut palms conducted at the coco-nut plantation at Pinneys estate, under the supervision of the Agricultural Department. Detailed results in connexion with these experiments have already been published in the Agricultural News (Vol. XIV, p. 398). TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: REPORT ON THE DEPARTMENT OF. AGRICULTURE, 1914-15. This report contains a large amount of interesting information from which the following facts have been abstracted for the benefit of our readers. In regard to the agricultural exports from Trinidad during the year under review, the highest figures yet recorded are given for cacao. The value of the year’s ship- ments amounted to £1,469,893. The prices obtained were satisfactory. The chief market for Trinidad cacao is the United States; France comes next, and the United Kingdom third; Canada comes sixth on the list and Germany fifth. With a favourable season for canes and very little injury from froghoppers, the exports of sugar increased from 32,655 tons to 48,087 tons. ‘Towards the latter end of 1914, prices rose considerably owing to the war, and the part of the crop not sold before August benefited from the higher prices. In connexion with the exports of the Colony, special attention may be drawn to the large quantity of hides and skins that have been shipped. Their value amounted to£15,742. Turning to imports of leather it is stated that their total value, dressed and undressed and manufactured, was £14,990. These figures readily suggest the possibility of an opening of some promise for a new industry in leather making, and a boot factory. It is thought possible also, that Trinidad should produce all the starch it consumes instead of importing it from the neigh- bouring islands. In ‘the matter of coco-nuts there was a falling off in the exports due to the previous dry season which affected the yield. The total value of the coco-nut products exported was £87,323. Activity was continued in regard to agricultural educa- tion, which included work in connexion with the cacao prize competition, higher agricultural education, agricultural school shows, the home reading course, and agricultural pupil scheme. Among the new industries that have been started are bamboo growing for paper making, and the production of cassava meal. For the former 1,000 acres of land have been selected for the ptirpose of growing bamboos. In the botanical department much useful work has been carried on at the St. Clair nurseries. Budded cacao appears on the distribution list this year for the first time, and 366 plants sent out is a_ satisfactory beginning. The distribution of Robusta coffee again shows a large increase, and we may regard this as a revival of interest in coffee cultivation. The distribution of over 8,000 lime plants indicates that the high prices of lime products are having a beneficial influence on this industry, The total distribution from the nurseries of over 72,000 plants of all kinds, is nearly double that of last year. Vou. XV. ¢Noz:361. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 69 Turning to Tobago it is noticed that the exports of those for the cacao and coco-nuts for 1914, though below last year or two, are satisfactory. Tobacco shows a great J : ? R 5 increase. Both tobacco and cotton are regarded as suitable crops for small growers in Tobago, though of recent years cotton cultivation has not proved a success. The report of the Superintendent of Field Experiments refers to the manurial experiments with cane, and the testing of new varieties chiefly from Barbados. Dynamite experi- ments have been conducted on banana soil, and the figures obtained appear to show that not only a larger number of bunches has been reaped from the dynamited plot, but also that there has been a larger number of seven, eight and nine- hands branches, and consequently the average weight of the bunches from the dynamited plot is 20-4 fb. against 18°8 b. from the undynamited plot. In regard to similar experi- ments with coco-nuts, both the dynamited and undynamited plots have made good growth. So far the undynamited plot is the better of the two. The bananas imported from Dominica were, during the year, classified according to varieties familiar in Trinidad. The variety known as Janshangu, allied to the Moko of Trinidad, is described as ‘a good stout tree net too tall—good g growth of suckers—should be a good shade for cacao, etc.’ Another good variety is Marliban, allied to the Trinidad Silk: this is “a. good, strong tree, fruj s in large bunches, fruit of good flavour,’ Attention has been given to the cultivation of camphor, varieties of rice, and provisions. Several special investigations in connexion with crops were undertaken. These ‘included tapping experiments with Hevea, investigation of possible thymol yield of Spanish thyme (Coleus armaticus), determination of camphor yields from young trees, production of alcohol from cassava and unripe bananas, etc. In the report dealing especially with the Botanical Department, an interesting ‘list is given of economic and other plants recently introduced. Those include vanilla varieties from Dominica and the Seychelles, burbank’s spineless cactus, kukui nut (Alewrites moluccana) from Hawaii, Malaybalay coffee from the Philippines, red flowering cotton from Northern Nigeria, and several other plants of interest. The Botanical Department has been concerned with the training of labourers at the St. Clair Station in nursery work, which is a very useful innovation, and with the carrying out of the Plant Protection Ordinance. A detailed report is given of the Gererniment Laboratory where a large amount of analytical work has been carried eut, much of it outside of purely agricultural chemistry. A great deal of attention continues to be devoted to live- stock in Trinidad. At the Government Farm, Valsayn, the stock, on the whole, kept in good health. The thirty-second annual sale of stock took place on February 19, 1915, when seventy head of cattle, eleven horses, ten pigs, and a variety of poultry were sold. The attendance was good and good prices were obtained. The farm maintains a fine herd of milk- ing animals and also a good stud. There is a keen demand for pure and cross-bred young pigs in Trinidad. In Tobago there is also a stud farm which serves similar purposes connected with the general improvement of stock as the larger establishment in Trinidad. During the year under review, Mr. W. G. Freeman -the Assistant Director of Agriculture acted for eight months during the absence on leave of Professor Car- mody, the Director. It has to be recorded also, that during the year Mr. J. C. Augustus, Curator of the resigned his position to take up one of Manager of Sir Norman In spite of these changes the report Botanical Department, the more lucrative Jiamont’s properties. under review shows that a great deal of useful practical work has been carried on by the Trinidad Department of Agriculture. The results of much of this are not included in the present report, which is chiefly administrative. For more detailed information the reader should refer to past numbers of the Bul'etin of the Department of Agriculture of Trinidad, in which will be found also the results of valuable Investigations conducted by the Board of Agriculture, in regard to pests and diseases. FIELD SELECTION OF INDIAN CORN. Asa guide to the points to be observed in the field selection of Indian corn, the Agricultural Gazette of New South Wales (October 1915) furnishes the following information:— (1) Avoid ears from plants which have a large amount of free space around them, unless such ears are considerably above the average, and select from those plants which produce a good ear under normal or adverse conditions. (2) Onrich ground maize suckers freely, and it is impossible to select all ears from suckerless stalks. The results obtained so far seem to indicate that a plant possess- ing a good ear in a normal stand, may be selected whether it has suckers or not; but it has been found that, if the- suckers also bear ears in a normal stand, the plant is MSnaLy, a good one to select from. (3) No advantage has yet been obtained from selecting for two or more ears per stalk unless the first ear is up to the standard. It does not seem advisable to select for two or more small ears instead of one large one. (4) Ears too high on the stalk in tall-growing varieties should be avoided, and in short-growing varieties the ear should not be allowed to get too close to the ground. (5) Ears showing insufticient protection of the husk over their tip should be studiously avoided; especially is this an important factor on the North Coast where the weevil infests the crop in the field. (6) Short-shanked ears should always be avoided, and the shank should neither be too thin nor excessively thick. (7) ars drooping at maturity are not only resistant to the weather, but have been found in most instances to yield much better than ears erect at maturity. (8) The stalk should be thick at the base, and should not taper too rapidly up to the ear, DEPARTMENT NEWS. The... Imperial, ‘Commissioner of Agriculture, accompanied by Mr. W. R. Dunlop, Scie: tific Assis- tant, Mr. H. A. Ballou, MSc., Entomologist, and Mr. W: Nowell, D.L.C.. _ Mycologist, will leave Barbados on March 9 by the CRALS. “Caraquet! for St. Kitts, for the purpose of conducting in that island a meeting of West Indiati cotton growers.’ It is expected that the above ‘officers will retain by'the C.R.MS. ‘C hignecto, due in Barbados on March 23. 70 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Frpruary 26, 1916. COTTON, SEA ISLAND COTTON MARKET. Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool, write as follows, under date January 24, 1916, with reference to the sales of West Indian Sea Island eotton:— About 100 bales of West Indian Sea Island cotton have been sold since our last report, chiefly St. Vincent, 163d. to 18d., and stained cotton at 1ld., with a few Nevis and Montserrat at 154d. Prices are inclined to advance in sympathy with the rise in Sakellarides Egyptian and American Sea Island, and quotations are raised 1d. per hh. t The Report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co. on Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week ending February, 5, 1916, is as follows:— ISLANDS. The sales of the week consisted of some small lots of odd bags and a Planters’ crop lot, at prices ranging from 27c. to 32c. the buying being on account of the Northern Mills. The total Island crop is estimated at about 6,000 bales, ef which only about 500 bales remain unsold, consisting partly of crop lots, for which there issome demand. The limited unsold stock.of Fine to Fully Fine is being held by owners off the market in anticipation of a better market later on. Consequently the crop lots, aggregating about 200 bales, are the only cotton seeking sale. We quote, viz.: 30c. = 193d. to 20d. c.i.f. & 5 per cent. 29c. = 19d. 28c. =181d. 2%e¢ = 18d. FLORIDAS AND GEORGIAS. The market was quieter this week, with sales of only 276 bales, but Factors remained very firm in their asking prices, refusing to sell except in round lots, grading from Choice to Fancy, which they are holding for 30c. There have been no sales as yet on these terms, so we renew our last quotations, although could buy with difficulty at them. Towards the close of the week there was more inquiry, which may result in sales at the above asking price. Extra Fine Fully Fine Fine Fine off in class ia es We quote, viz.: Fancy 30c.=3l1e., landed. Extra Choice 29c.£30c., Choice 28e. =/29c., Extra Fine ” a ” Zilc. ee SCs, 5, The Exports from Savannah for the week were, to Liverpool 100 bales, Northern Mills 649 bales, Southern Mills 50 bales, and from Jacksonville to Northern Mills, 212 bales. 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 September 30, 1915:— Colony. (Quantity, Estimated Value tb. £. Barbados 68,959 3,448 St. Vincent 58,320 3,388 Antigua 7,750 420 Montserrat 237,820 14,676 St. Kitts 22,083 1,380 Nevis 9,708 607 Anguilla — - Virgin Islands 3,754 219 Jamaica 7,063 353 415.457 24,491 Besides the above Sea Island cotton, there were exported from Grenada 164,028 tb., from St. Vincent 41,916 tb., and from the Virgin Islands 1,281 tb. Marie Galante cotton, of the estimated value of £4,901, £1,164, and £43, respectively. There was also exported from Jamaica, 4,369 tb. Canto cotton, of the estimated value of £142. COTTON EXPORTS FROM THE WEST INDIES, 1914-1915. The following table gives the quantity and estimated value of Sea Island cotton exported from the West Indies for the year October 1, 1914 to September 3C, 1915. Colony. Quantity, Estimated Value bb. £. Barbados 290,347 16,737 St. Vincent 291,260 18,473 Montserrat 380,923 23,295 Antigua 80,750 4,196 St. Kitts 397,567 24,002 Nevis 305,154 18,777 Anguilla 33,790 2,048 Virgin Islands 31,361 1,600 Jamaica 12,844 600 1,823,956 109,728 Besides the above Sea Island cotton, there were exported from Grenada 368,838 tb., from St. Vincent 53,438 tb., and from the Virgin Islands 3,852 tb. Marie Galante cotton, of the estimated value of £9,310, £1,482, and £129, respectively. THE DATE FOR PLANTING COTTON IN MONTSERRAT. There can be no question that the manner of the distribution of the rainfall for the four months succeeding the date of planting is the chief determining factor in the production of a good cotton crop. To provide data showing the actual effect of the rainfall, two sections of the same plot were planted in the Montserrat Experiment Station, the first on April 10, and the other on May 4, 1914, all the land having the same treatment. The rainfall, in inches, was as follows:— April 2°93, May 7:32, June 4°19, July 6°34, August 3°12, The results were :— Ist crop, 2nd crop, Total, (seed-cotton (seed-cotton per acre). per acre). Plot 1 J-aere planted April 10 896 776 1,672 Plot 2 ,')-acre planted May 4 580 710 1,290 Vor. XV. No: 361. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 71 These results show the serious falling off in the Ist crop from plot 2 owing to the decline in the rainfall in August, and this applied generally to the May planted cotton in this year on the leeward side of the island. The secend crop also being influenced by the later distribution of the rainfall, was evidently more equally suitable for both plots, judging from the results, though some allowance must be made for some loss of cotton from injury by cotton stainers in the case of plot 2. The results also show the very considerable importance in this season of the second crop of cotton, which though of a lower grade as regards quality, and of less value, may in some seasons mean the difference between profit and loss. With regard to plot 1, the first crop had been picked at the end of October aud the bulk of the second erop in December, while from plot 2, most of the second picking was obtained in January. Another point of interest is that the second crop of plot 1 suffered very little injury from cotton stainers, while their great increase in number towards the close of the year resulted in very considerable injury to the bolls of the second crop of plot 2. It may not be considered out of place here to make a few remarks on the question of date of planting. Until about eight years ago the bulk of the crop Montserrat was planted in June and July, but there has been a gradual change to earlier planting, and most of the area is now planted in April. The planting of cotton before March 20 was prohibited by law in 1905, so as to enforce a close season for the control of pests and diseases. The record crop for the island was grown in a season where the distribution of the rainfall at Groves Station was—May 1:69, June 3°82, July 6:13, August 7:15, September 9°18, with other parts of the island in much the same ratio, and the bulk of the planting done about the month of May. On the light cotton soils this ratio of rainfall may be considered nearly ideal for the production of a maximum first crop, and the results from individual estates and our own experiments indicate. that it is unimportant whether the planting takes place in April or as late as July. Unfortunately the rainfall is seldom distributed in this ratio, and a dry spell in the middle of the season has usually resulted in the ripening of the plants and the production of a second growth; but on late planted cotton a second crop is. seldom realized, owing chiefly, it is now evident, to the serious damage done by cotton stainers. Taking all things into consideration, the conclusion has been arrived at that it is safer to adopt April planting, in the majority of localities, so that should the distribution of the rainfall prove unsatisfactory for the first crop of cotton, a good second crop may result before cotton stainers become unduly numerous. At the same time should the rainfall prove satisfactory up till five months from planting, and a maximum first crop obtained, there will not be so marked a development of second growth, and it may be negligible. (Annual Report on the Agricul- tural Department, Montserrat, 1914-15.) THE BRITISH COTTON GROWING ASSO- CIATION AND THE WEST INDIES. The followmg remarks concerning the activities of the British Cotton Growing Association in the West Indies are taken from a paper entitled ‘The Effects of the War on Cotton Growing in the British Empire’, read by Mr, J. Arthur Hutton, Chairman of the ET Council of the Association, before a meeting of the Royal Society of Arts, held on January 26, 1916:— In some ways our task in the West Indies was easier than elsewhere, for we had the invaluable assistance of expert agriculturists, who had been scientifically trained. I refer of course to the very able Director and Staff at the Imperial Department of Agriculture, who have done such splendid work for the West Indian islands. It would be a good thing for the Colonies, and indeed for the whole Empire, if such an organization existed in every one of our tropical possessions. As might be expected, with the help of this expert assistance, our efforts in the West Indies have been eminently successful, and these islands are now pro- ducing a sufficient quantity of Sea Island cotton to meet the present demand. The Association have made several money grants to the West Indies for the payment of experts, the erection of ginning machinery, and providing improved seed. What, however, has probably been of even more assistance was arranging for members of the Association to visit the Islands, when they were able to get into close touch with the planters, and to impress on them the necessity of producing the quality of cotton required by the spinner. No less than three separate visits have been paid to the West Indies, and it is largely due to this that these Islands are now producing the finest Sea Island cotton grown in the world, The principal assistance now rendered by the Association is in financing and marketing the crop, and I am glad to say that very little money has been lost in this direction, Undoubtly one of the principal reasons for the success of the British trade is our national honesty, and we have not had a single instance of our confidence having been taken advantage of in the West Indies. An immense amount of time and trouble is devoted to the sale of the cotton, so as to ensure that the grower will receive the highest possible price. Sea Island cotton is not everybody’s cotton, and it is by no means an easy matter to place it to the best advantage. The Association, however, recognize that they are in the position of trustees, and that it is their duty to do their best for any cotton confined to their care; though, in any case, it would be to their interest to obtain for the pianter the highest possible price, for this is naturally the best method of encouraging him to continue and extend the industry. Iam glad to say that the planters fully recognize the advantages offered them, and the bulk of the crop is consigned to us for sale. His Honour Judge J, S. Udal [late Chief Justice, Leeward Islands] contributes to the September issue of Folk-lore an interesting account of the practices connected with what is known as the Obeah cult in the West Indies. These include the worship of the criboe, a large black, non-venomous serpent, and some ghastly rites of human sacrifice. It hag been asserted by some writers that these practices have now ceased, but Mr. Udal has collected a large mass of evidence from law proceedings and other authoritative sources to prove that this is not the case. He ends by expressing the hope that ‘now that the consciences of the public of our West Indian colonies and of the Home Government have begun to realize to what terrible lengths any indulgence towards or weakening in the repressive enactments against this wide- spread plague of Obeah may lead, that we shall see the rapid disappearance of any objectionable features in its cult, leaving only,it may be, a harmless residuum that may still afford some interest to the student and lover of folk-lore,? (Nature, November 4, 1915.) ; 72 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Fepruary 26, 1916. West Indian Cotton Meeting in St. Kitts. Arrangements have been concluded by this Depart- ment for holding a meeting, in St. Kitts, of the agricul- EDITORIAL NOTICES. tural officers and certain of the leading planters 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.Sc., Agriculture for the West Indies F.1L.C., F.C.S. SCIENTIFIC STAFF, Scientific Assistant and Assistant Editor W. R. Dunlop. Entomologist H. A. Ballou, M.Sc. Mycologist W. Nowell, D.1.C. CLERICAL STAFF. A. G. Howell. M. B Connell. W_ P. Bovell, P. Taylor. Miss B. Robinson. f A.B. Price, Fell. Journ. Tust. UL. A. Corbin. Chief Clerk Assistant Clerk Junior Clerk Assistant Junior Clerk Typist ' Assistants for Publications Agricultural dlews ‘Vou, XV. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1916. No. 361. NOTES AND COMMENTS. ‘Contents of Present Issue. The editorial in this number is a review of a recent lecture on the Principles of Crop’ Production, with par- ticular reference to the soil. Under Sugar Industry, on page 67, is a statement showing the results obtained at the Antigua Sugar Factory during 1915. es On pages 70 and 71 are several articles concerning -cotton. A valuable pamphlet on Indoor Gardening for Schools is reviewed on page 75. e Insect Notes deal with pests in the Virgin Islands, while under Plant Diseases will be found two notes on sulphur and crops, and on a chart of tropical plant -diseases, respectively, interested in cotton production in the different islands working in conjunction with the Imperial Department of Agriculture. The meeting will begin on March 13 and end on the 18th prox. The provisional agenda embodies the various aspects of cotton production, including statements of the position in the difterent islands, the pests and diseases of cotton, cultivation and manuring, the commerce of cotton, utilization of by-products, etc. The following officers of the Imperial Department will be present: Dr. Francis Watts, C M.G., Commissioner; Mr. W. R. Dunlop, Scientific Assis- tant: Mr. H. A. Ballou, M.Sc., Entomologist; and Mr. W. Nowell, D.EC., Mycologist. A full account of the proceedings will be published in due course. 0 ae The West Indies in Canada. Two valuable publications, issued under the authority of Sir George E. Foster, K.C.M.G., Minister of Trade and Commerce of Canada, have been received at this Office from that Department. The first is The Canada Year Book, 1914. This gives a full description of the constitution, agriculture, manufactures, commu- nications, trade and commerce, law and education of the Dominion. It is a volume which will be found extremely useful for reference by any one interested in the country. On pages 423 to 437, respectively, are statistics showing the trend of trade between the Dominion and the West Indies. We reproduce the following:— Value of Imports and Exports from and to the British West Indies, 1901-14. Imports from B.W.I. and British Guiana into Canada. Exports from Canada to B.W.I. and British Guiana. 1901 1,406,480 2,297,804 1902 1,702,293 2,456,132 1905 2,415,608 2,699. 167 1904 7,006,892 2,662,524 1905 8,589,656. 2,872,770 1906 7,521,360 2,847,381 1907* 5,208,892 2,188,542 1908 9,293,804 3,090,468 1909 9 OSS8596 3,054,078 1910 9,004,421 3,697,872 1911 10,262,613 4,736,005 1912 10,550,491 4,617,961 1913 9,443,393 4,591,105 1914 8,045,844 5,142,605 * Nine months only. ‘These figures are of special interest in connexion with the second publication, which shows the steady increase in the exports from Canada to the British West Indies. The decline in imports from these islands (1913 to 1914), was due largely to unfavourable climatic conditions resulting in crops below the average. Vor.’ XV. No: 361. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. -I ve Reciprocity. The second publication is of very direct interest to West Indians. It is entitled ‘Canada and the West Indies’, and consists of a report on the possibilities of ‘trade under the preferential tariff agreement, by Mr. Watson Griffin, Special Trade Commissioner, who visited these islands in 1914. In his letter of trans- mittal Mr. Griftin acknowledges the useful information and assistance rendered by the Island Governments, merchants and planters, and by Dr. Watts, C.M.G., Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture. The critical question, ‘Is the trade of the British West Indies worth going after? is dealt with in Chapter 1, and Mr. Griffin answers in the affirmative, laying great -stress upon the fact that the West Indies are each year developing their resources more and more. He also points out that there is the north of South Ameri- ‘can trade in Trinidad and British Guiana. As regards the effect of the preferential tariff, little can be -said at present owing to the short time it has been in force. It is, however, of some significance that the people of the Colonies that joined in the trade agree- ment spend more per head on imported articles than -Jamaica and the Bahamas, who stood apart from it. The greater portion of the report, which runs to 173 pages, gives a description of the resources of and conditions in the West Indies This information is very sound and to the point, and clearly indicates that Mr. Griffin did not derive his tacts from books, but trom the close questioning of the best local authorities, both official and otherwise. Possible Improvement of Freight Facilities. The shortage of merchant shipping due to the requirements of the Admiralty, which has comman- -deered a large portion of the available tonnage, with the consequent increase on the already exorbitant freights, has been attracting considerable attention in shipping -eircles both at Home and elsewhere. The subject is reverted to editorially in the West India Committee Circular for January 27 last, in course of which _refer- -ence is made to a letter published in the London Times. In this Sir Alfred Booth, the Chairman of the Cunard Line, has pointed out that the tonnage entrances into ports of the United Kingdom in 1915 were. 8,395,528 tons, of which 5,728,259 were British, against 12,634.518 tons, including 8,347,584 British in 1913, under peace conditions. Therefore, under war conditions the British tonnage entrances have fallen 31 per cent., the foreign 37, and the total tonnage entrances 33 per -cent. In other words, these figures mean that during the last three months the carrying power of sixty-seven ships had to do the work of each 100 ships employed in times of peace, and of these sixty-seven ships remaining available, forty-six were British and twenty- -one foreign. Thus, Sir Alfred goes on to point -out: ‘We can therefore only regulate the employment and freight of 46 out of every 67 of the ships that are now bringing in our imports—that 1s, we can control the movements and freights of less than one-half of the shipping we employed in times of peace.’ In the House of Commons on January 19, Mr. Runciman, in reply to several questions that were put to him on the same subject, stated, inter aliu, that the Government were now taking steps to co-ordinate more closely the demands _ for tonnage for military and naval purposes, and for munitions and food for ourselves and the Allies; to secure further economy in the use of requesitioned tonnage: and to increase the amount of tonnage available. It may be noted also, that the Times is conducting a campaign in favour of the exercise of greater control over all British ships, and there is good reason to believe, the Circular concludes, that early steps will be taken to restrict the importation of luxuries such as motor cars, ete., which would material- ly relieve the situation, setting free as it will a certain amount of tonnage for indispensable foodstuffs, which have recently risen considerably in price. oD aS British Honduras in 1914. In Colonial Reports—Annual No. 868, there is presented a report on the Blue Book of British Honduras for the year 1914. From this it is seen that the trade of the Colony declined in value to the extent of $412,412. This decline is attributed entirely to the war. At the beginning of the year everything pointed to an exceptionally good trade year: and for the first seven months of the year imports increased by over 8 per cent. against the figures for 1913; but from August onward they declined steadily, and at the end of the year were 21 per cent. below the figures for the corresponding period in 1913. The total value declined to the extent of $204,962. Similarly, from January to July, exports increased 54 per cent. over the figures for the same period in 1913, but from August onward they decreased steadily, and show a decline of 40 per cent. on the figures for the same period in 1913. Among the chief artieles exported, shipments of bananas, coco-nuts, and chicle (Sapodilla gum) call tor special mention, the increase over those for 1913 being considerable. On the other hand, there was a great decrease in other commodities. Of the total coco-nuts exported, it is explained that nearly 3,000,000 were foreign imports re-exported. Two-thirds of the total chicle exported was not the product of the Colony. - No fewer than thirty Ordinances were passed by the Legislature during the year, amongst them being Ordinance No. 24, which enables the Governor to provide holdings for agriculturists who agree to grow food or other crops thereon during the-war, and further enables the Governor to hire land for that purpose. Included in this report is a table giving a com- parative return of the rainfall in Belize for the ten years 1905-14. This shows that the average rainfall for the period was 95°80_inches: the maximum (130-93 inches) occurring in 1911, when rain fell on 166 days: and the minimum (63:76 inches) in 1910, rain falling on 124 days. But 1907 had the smallest number of days (80) on which rain fell, and 1913 the largest (167)*° 74 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Fepruary 26, 1916. SIANN INSECT NOTES. INSECTS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS. An interesting collection of insects has been received from Mr. Fishlock, Curator of the Experiment Station, Virgin Islands. The following notes deal with some of the more important of these. A New Barer, , This insect, Batocera rubra, L., was the subject of the Insect Notes in the Agricultural News for September 16, 1911 (Vol. X, p. 298), where under the title ‘An Insect New to the West Indies’, an account was given fof its occurrence in St. Croix and Trinidad. ORIGINAL HOME. /atocera rubra belongs to a genus of insects found in the Far East, which is not represented in the New World. The genus Batocera is found in India, Ceylon, throughout Polynesia to Australia, Africa and Mauritius. The species under consideration, which enjoys the widest geographical distribution, of any species of the genus, is recorded from India, Ceylon, Borneo, Sumatra, the peninsula of Malacca, the island of Bourbon, Mauritius and Africa. OCCURRENCE IN NEW WorLp. Its occurrence in the New World would appear to be the result of very recent intro- duction. The first authentic record of its. presence in this part of the world is that given in the dyricultural News article referred to above—viz., St. Croix, in 1911, where it is stated to have been known for about three years previously. The record of two specimens having been collected .in the West Indies in 1906 by an officer of the United States Bureau of Entomology was not verified, because-the species being entirely of eastern occurrence, the record was regarded with doubt. At the present time /. rubra is known to occur in St. Croix, St. Thomas, and Tortola in the Virgin Islands, in addition to the one record of its capture in Trinidad, roop PLANTS. In the Virgin Islands this insect is. stated to attack a considerable number of plants: mango, avocado, papaw, banana, Mieus elastica, Ficus sp., hog plum, and a tree known as Bois flot (Ochroma Lagopus). In Ceylon this insect is stated to have been a serious pest of young coco-nut trees. In India it has been a pest of mango and Duki fig, Mr. Fishlock states in regard to the specimens referred to: ‘Of the grubs now sent, one was taken from beneath the bark of a tree of Ficus elastica growing in the Station, and the others from the trunk of a hog plum tree (Spondias lutea) which had been felled some time. In each case many beetles were observed close by; some’ were eating the leaves of the Ficus, and, in the case of the hog plum, crawling about the trunk, and on the ground near by. I am informed by Dr. Longfield Smith this same beetle has been responsible for the death of a number of wild fig trees (/%eus sp.) in St, Croix.’ Batocera rubra is one of the long-horned beetles. These beetles are borers in the trunks and branches of trees and woody plants, the adult female depositing eggs either under or upon the bark, and the larva or grub eating its way into the interior of the plant or tunnelling under the bark. Many species attack live wood, and live in tissues which are alive or just dying, while others live in dead and decaying wood. The species under consideration seems to be capable of attacking healthy trees, and also the grubs appear to be able to live and feed in decaying wood. A DANGEROUS SPECIES. This insect is probably of very recent introduction to this part of the world, especially to the Virgin Islands. Such a large insect could not long escape observation; either its grubs and their attacks on trees would be noted, or the great, handsome beetles would attract attention. Introduced insects are always liable to become serious pests, and in the case of this one, it probably is not too much to say, unless some definite action is. taken to check it, that Batocera rubra will develop into a pest of considerable importance in the islands where it occurs. In other islands where this insect has not yet been found, precaution should be taken to guard against its introduction either in living trees or in dead wood. METHODS OF CONTROL. Wherever a tree is found to be- attacked, a careful search should be made for grubs, and these destroyed by probing with a wire, or by digging them out. Traps may be made by the use of logs of trees known to be food plants of this insect, left on the ground to attract the, egg-laying beetles. When the logs are infested with grubs, they should be destroyed: The adult beetles may be collected by hand. THE INSECT. The beetles are very showy insects, the general colour being a dark brown, with reddish or yellowish spots on the wing covers. The scutellum is white, and there are wide lateral stripes beneath of shining white. The length is from 2 to 24 inches, the antennae, in the case of the males especially, extending beyond the tip of the abdomen. The larvae attain toa length of 4 to 43 inches, and ’ a thickness of nearly }-inch in the widest part, the thorax, just behind the head. RuiNoceros BEETLE (Strategus titanus). Several large beetle grubs were included which are - believed to be the larvae.of Strategus tetanus. This insect has been a serious pest of sugar-cane in St. Croix, where it has been controlled by the use of a poison bait made of finely ground megass (100 Ib.) and Paris green (3 tb.), ; Corton FLtowrr-Bup Maaeor. Cotton flower’ buds infested by a small maggot were submitted for examination. It was found that the insect concerned isethe larva of one of the Ceciddmyiidae, and it may prove to be the same as that which caused a consider- able amount of loss to cotton growers in Antigua, and has been recorded from Montserrat. Specimens of the adult fly will be needed to settle this point. In Antigua, the attack of the tlower-bud maggot caused the bracts surrounding the buds to flare back, and the buds to — drop, It is not stated whether the bracts flare in the Virgin Islands attacks, but it is to be inferred that they do, since the maggots act in the same way in both cases, being found amongst the anthers in the bud, where they live and feed. Roor Borer WEEVIL (Diaprepes spengleri) AND. THR Corron Lacnnopus (Lachnopus curvipes). These two beetles were collected on lime trees. They are stated to attack the growing parts of limes and other. Vor, XVi) Nov. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. ~I heii citrus plants, Bay plants, and cotton. The former is related to the Barbados root borer of sugar-cane (Diaprepes abbrevia- tus), and its grubs are probably root borers or root feeders on plants of various kinds. The Leeward Islands root borer (Hxophthalmus esuriens) is another related form with similar habits in the larval stage. The adult possesses the wellknown habit of eating the leaves of lime trees, and this habit seems to be shared by the Virgin Islands Diaprepes. The cotton Lachnopus has been at times a pest of young cotton seedlings in Anguilla, Antigua, and Tortola. The species which occurs in Anguilla is Z. valgus, that in Tortola is ZL. curvipes, while the Antigua species has not been identi- fied. Specimens of insects of this genus have also been received from Nevis and Montserrat. The genus Lachnopus isa large one comprising some forty-three species in the West Indies, according to the list given in a recently published catalogue. Little appears to be known of the life-history of these insects. The only food plant recorded at the Office of this Depart- ment for the species mentioned has been cotton; and now to this is added, lime and bay. The early stages are not known. CATERPILLAR ATTACKING ONIONS. Several caterpillars of some noctuid moth were forwarded at the same time, with the note that they were attacking onions. These were very likely the larvae of Prodenia -commelinae, which occurs throughout the West Indies and is known to be a pest of onions in certain places, and at certain times. The remedy for cut worms is the use of the poison bait made of bran (25 tb.) and Paris green (1 Ib) mixed to a. stiff dough with water and molasses, and applied on the ground before the onion plants are set out. This poison bait is best applied in the late afternoon, as the cut worms feed at night and the bait will then not be dried out by the heat of the sun. H.A.B. The Artificial Production of Rain.—The artificial production of rain is to be put to the test of practice in Australia. According to The Hlectrician, the New South Wales Government will finance the experiments, which will be carried out by Mr. J. G. Balsillie, who for four years has been conducting research in this connexion, and who has patented his device. It is based on the follow- ing lines. In the laboratory he finds that if a room be filled with steam, the discharge of high tension direct current electricity together with the simultaneous discharge from a powerful Rontgen ray tube causes the whole of the air to be cleared of steam in one anda half seconds, the floor of the room being covered with large drops. - A captive balloon coated with metalic paint at a height .of 6,000 to 7,000 feet will be used to discharge electricity into the atmosphere, and this, it is "hoped, will cause the sufficient ionisation to provide nuclei upon which the moisture of the clouds may condense. Mr. Balsillie believes that a number of these stations would draw all the moisture from the clouds, and would also cause the cessation of natural thunderstorms. (Monthly Bulletin of Agricultural Intelli- gence and Plant Diseases, November 1915.) INDOOR GARDENING FOR SCHOOLS. There has just been published by the Imperial Depart- ment of Agriculture, a new pamphlet entitled ‘Exercises in Indoor Gardening for the-Use of Schools’, by Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G., Commissioner of Agriculture. Its pages contain a series of outline notes of practical exercises some- what on the lines of work ina school garden, but such as are capable of being carried out indoors, and with assembled classes. The exercises thus outlined may be regarded as preparatory to the more extended work of a school garden itself, and should be found especially useful in elementary schools where difficulties are experienced in making outdoor gardening a successful feature of the curriculum. The notes are written with the intention that they should be used in conjunction with the text-book ‘Nature Teaching’ by the same author, which contains more detailed information than can be included or would be desirable in such a pamphlet as the pgesent one. Teachers will realize that this pamphlet is intended to be suggestive rather than didactic. It is the general scheme outlined, which is more important than the individual instructions as regards material, ete., which under different conditions the teacher may find it convenient to modify. There are in all eleven lessons. Each lesson is divided into a number of parts, about six on the average, and each part is worked through not in order of numerical sequence, but according to convenience as regards the growth of the plant material dealt with. An example of the scheme of study will give a better idea of the aim of the book. In the first chapter instructions are given concerning the sowing of bean seeds in pots and boxes. The subsequent parts in this lesSon deal with an examination of the developing plants. But while this is taking place opportunity is taken of planting a quicker growing plant like mustard, so that there will be material in different stages of growth for study, thus avoiding any breaks in the continuity of the instruction. The work with the mustard seed is described in Lesson II, Hence Lesson II is started before Lesson I is: finished. This method of procedure is an essential feature of these exercises. It will be realized that the bean plants having had an earlier start will flower about the same time as the mustard which was planted later, but which is quicker growing; thus two entirely different types of flowers will be available for comparison at about the same time. Other lessons concern a similar study of the Indian corn plant from seed to flowering, the development of onion, beet and radish seeds, and the growing of plants from cuttings, and the budding and grafting of plants. It willbe realized that much will depend upon the skill of the teacher in inter- posing appropriate exercises and so maintaining the continuity of the teaching. This will involve the exercise of some skill and judgment; the selection and preparation should not be left until the class is assembled for work, but must be made beforehand. The pamphlet, which runs to nearly fifty pages, is well illustrated with a number of plates containing line drawings of the plants described, to large scale, which it should be the duty of the student to imitate from nature. Throughout the pamphlet the importanee of making good clear outline drawings to scale is strongly emphasized. This pamphlet is No. 82 of the Imperial Department of Agriculture Series, and can be obtained from any of the Department’s agents, price 6d., post free Td, 76 THE AGRICULTURAL GLEANINGS. A note in the Monthly Bulletin of Agricultural Intelli- gence and Plant Diseases for May 1915, states that the method of examining bone-marrow for the bacteriological confirmation of anthrax diagnosis is a sure means of deter- mining the presence of micro-organisms which give rise to this disease. ;This information will be noted with interest in places like Demerara and St. Vincent, where special attention to the question of anthrax has been given. The effect of the war on chemicals and compounding ingredients used in rubber manufacture is dealt with in the India Rubber World for December 1, 1915. The effect has been to increase the price in some cases to an extraordinary extent. For instance, toluol has risen from 40c. per gallon to $4°25 per gallon. White beeswax has jumped from 10c. per Ib. to 55c. per ib. Acetone, which by the way can be prepared by a simple process from molasses, has risen from "12c. per tb. to “30c. per h. As usual, the West India Committee Curcular (December 28, 1915) devotes a large amount of its space to a consideration of agricultural affairs in the West Indies, and particularly to the information contained in the publications issued through the Imperial Department of Agriculture. An editorial in the issue referred to epitomises Dr. Watts’ recent article on the Antigua Sugar Factory, and a special article is devoted to the Montserrat Lime Industry. A full page illustration shows a fine stool of sugar-canes in Antigua on Mr. Thomas Peter’s estate. The Adininistrator of St. Kitts has supplied this Office with a copy of a short Ordinance (No. 11 of 1915), which has recently been passed, amending the Sale of Food and Drugs Ordinance, 1887. The chief point about this Ordinance is contained in Section 3, which gives the Governor-in-Council power to make orders fixing the standard of purity for any articles of food or of any drugs. An Order in Council will soon be made, fixing the standard of purity of milk in St. Kitts and Nevis under the above Ordinance. An enlightening bulletin of the United States Depart- ment of Agriculture is No. 267, issued from the Office of Markets and Rural Organizations, on the subject of wholesale distribution of fruits and vegetables on large markets. It is stated that one of the most practical steps the shipper can take to better his condition is to familiarise himself with business practices, and to secure a better knowledge of the way his produce is handled on the market. At the end of the bulletin is given a glossary of terms and expressions, which will be found useful for reference by those who are unfamiliar with the methods of marketing produce abroad. NEWS, 1916. Frsruary. 26, A disc plough witha second shaft bearing blades which break up the slice, is figured in the Monthly Bulletin of Agricultural Intelligence and Plant Diseases for April 1915. The main features are a number of sharp discs, mounted near each other on the same shaft, which cut into the soil by the weight of the whole machine, and lift by friction a slice of earth which is then broken up bya series of knives. mounted on a second shaft, which may be situated over or behind adisc. In order to prevent the rapidly revolving knives being injured. by stones, or the like, they are not rigidly attached to the shaft but are mounted in such a way as to allow relative motion between them. The above plough is a recent German invention. The subject of Bulletin No. 39 of the Hawaii Agricultural Experiment Station is the biochemical decomposition of nitrogenous substances in soils. It seeks to show the rate at which different forms of protein, for example, casein from milk, dried blood, and cotton seed meal, undergo ammonii- cation under varying soil conditions. The different materials are converted into ammonia at greatly different rates. Casein is the quickest, and cotton seed meal and linseed meal the slowest, the highest concentration of ammonia from the former being on the fourth day. The rapidity of the changes referred to are important, and should receive consideration in discussing the manurial value of crop by-products, such as are now. being extensively employed as manures on estates to take the place of, or at least to supplement, pen manure. The Journal of Agricultural Science, Vol. VII, Part 2, for September 1915, contains several papers of interest in the tropics. Mr. J. W. Leather, Imperial Agricultural Chemist for India, deals with the ettect of climate on soil formation, and also with the question of soil gases in con- nexion with the recent Rothamsted work: while an interesting paper by Messrs. Cooper and Nuttall, of the Cooper Labor- atory for Economic Research, discusses the theory of wetting, and the determination of the wetting power of dipping and spraying fluids containing a soap basis. In this latter con- nexion they have worked out a convenient and ready means of comparing wetting powers, consisting in a slight modifiea- tion of that employed for the determination of the emulsifying action of soap solution, ‘Two papers appear also on ‘probable errors’: one in connexion with pig feeding trials, and the other in connexion with sampling in soil surveys. An interesting contrast between the absorption power of live and dead roots is referred to in the Journ of the Chemical Society, Vols. 107 and 108 (December 1915). When live beet roots were placed in solution of calcium chloride, it was found that 41°31 per cent. of the calcium and 43°74 of the chlorine were removed from the solutions. Dead roots of the same plant removed 44 per cent. of caletum and only 26°25 per cent. of chlorine. Similar results were obtained with carrots. In experiments with sweet maize, the dead roots took up somewhat more calcium than chlorine. The presence of dead cells has, therefore, in some cases a marked effect on the results of plant culture, and it is desirable to avoid toxic solutions, which may kill some of the cells while the experiment is going on. In certain experiments the outer layers of beet and carrots were cut away with a knife, so that the solutions had to penetrate a layer of dead cells before reaching the living tissue. VioOrs akeve, ONO! 36, THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS ~ J DOWN THE ISLANDS. ITEMS OF LOCAL INTEREST. GRENADA, Mr. J. C. Moore (Superintendent of Agri- culture) informs us that Saman_ trees which were ham- pering the nursery work in the Botanic Gardens by shade and root activity have been cut down, while prepara- tions are in satisfactory progress for next year’s supply of lime plants. Citrus plants imported from Dominica and St. Lucia for the orchard are doing'well. In regard to staple crops, the report mentions that at the time of writing the cacao crop was still coming in satisfactorily; 26,973 bags were shipped to December 31 as against 12,249 at same date in 1914, and 41,000 bags at January 31, as against 97,229 at the same date last year. Lime juice shows an increase also in shipments to date. The Superintendent of Agriculture and the Agricultural Instructor were appointed on a Committee of the Agricultural and Commercial Society to consider the revision of the Rules for the Cacao Prize Holdings Scheme. Ata meeting of the Society held on the 27th ultimo, the revised scheme of Prize Holdings was passed. Both officers attended a meeting of Morne Rouge sugar growers to discuss the future of the Government sugar works, and the need for extending the area under sugar-cane culti- vation on the Settlement. A meeting of peasant proprietors was held at River Salle, at which the Agricultural Instructor delivered an address on the subjects of draining, mulching, and hedges. The weather was rather dry during the first half of December, but from the 14th to the 31st rain fell every day: throughout the month of January also, seasonable showers were recorded, sT. LucrA. Concerning this island, Mr R. W. Niles (for the Agricultural Superintendent) reports that the follow- ing plants were distributed from the Experiment Stations: lime plants 1,000, economic 66, decorative 38, making a total of 1,104. The cacao crop was making slow pro- gress, while the lime crop was nearly finished, and reap- ing operations in regard to sugar had commenced. The total quantity of concentrated lime juice prepared to date at the Government Lime Factory was 65 casks. The rainfall recorded atthe Botanic Station for the month of January was 6°80 inches. pomrnica. In spite of an unfavourable season in many respects, writes the Curator (Mr. Joseph Jones), the exports of lime products during the year showed a slight increase ver 1914, and were practically equal to the exports of the record year 1913. The year’s crop, reduced to barrels, was 390,458. The work of fencing the new coco-nut portion of the experiment station was retarded owing to persistent wet weather. Consequently, the planting of coco-nuts during the month had to be postponed. Work in the chemical laboratory included the testing of samples of juice sent in by planters, analysis of sample of lime to ‘determine suitability for citrate making, and investigations with raw and concentrated juices. Plant distribution con- sisted of limes 2,185, cacao 250, budded citrus 98, shade trees 250, miscellaneous 55, making a total of 2,838. The rainfall for the month of January was 10°79 inches. anricua. From this Presidency Mr. T. Jackson, the Curator, reports considerable activity in connexion with the planting of cane variety experiment plots at the various stations, the reaping of the~corn plots at Fitches Creek, trenching coconut plots and planting corn experiments at Skerretts. A fair number of new cane seedlings will be raised this year. The plants distributed were—cane plants 178,566, Eucalyptus 1,486, miscellaneous plants 56, and 24 barrels and 8 packets vegetable seeds. Respecting staple crops, it is stated that high winds have done damage to the cotton crop. Attacks of cotton - caterpillars were experienced in some localities. The corn growing in the island does not look very promising. This is said to be due to a great extent to attacks of brown hard back grubs. Cotton selection is being carried out at Yeptons. The opening of an onion drying house is mentioned as a coming event of interest. During the month (January) 4:99 inches of rain were recorded at the Botanic Station. st. kitts. The carrying on of general routine work is reported by the Agricultural Sup-rintendent (Mr. F. R. Shepherd). Plant distribution included 4 tb. of Para peas and 3 oz. of Teff grass seed. Referring to staple crops, Mr. Shepherd states that the high winds during the month have ripened up the canes to some extent, but the good showers have kept them green and growing. Grinding at the Basse- terre factory was timed to commence on February 1, and many of the estates have begun to cut canes. The returns per acre promise to be as good or better than anticipated. The muscovado estates are grinding, as sugar locally com- mands a high price. The factory has sold 6,000 tons sugar at a price which enables them to offer 15s, 6d. per ton canes, as first payment. The young cane crop is growing well and supplies will now be put in. As far as can be seen, the general condition of the cane crop is healthy. The cotton crop is all reaped and ginned. The returns per acre will be much below the average, owing to the bad season. Visits paid to Nevis revealed the fact that conditions here are better than in former years in respect of insect and other pests attacking the eanes, which on this occasion were found to be free from termites. Ata recent meet- ing of the Agricultural and Commercial Society, Mr. F. R. Shepherd and Mr. George Slack were elected Presi- dent and Vice-President, respectively, for the current year, while His Honour the Administrator was made Patron. The thorough-bred stallion ‘Tim Healy’,on which a bonus of £30 was paid, has been sold out of the island, and the bonus refunded. This leaves the island without the services of a valuable animal. The rainfall for the month and year to date was 3°53 inches. voRTOLA. Work in the Experiment Stations in this island included the usual cultural operations preparatory to planting. It is noted that the germination of selected corn has been very poor Plants distributed were—canes 300, cassava 200, limes 90, onions 97,900, potatoes 536, coco- nuts 6, making a total of 99,032. Mr. Fishlock, in regard to pests, states that the worst attack of cotton worms he has known was experienced during the latter part of November, December, and the first days of January. Repeated applica- tions of Paris green had to be made. Writing at a later date further plant distribution is recorded, including 13,200 onion slips, which make a total of 233,000 onion plants distributed tor the season. The cotton plots have improved greatly during the last three months, due to good climatic conditions. The yields will, however, be poor, and the total crop small. Worms of various kinds have attacked practically all growing crops during the past two months. Ata meeting held in Virgin Gorda, the planting of ground nuts and Rounceval peas on a commercial scale, as also the improvement of the local breed of goats were discussed. The rainfall recorded in January was 3°63 inches, the average for the previous fifteen years for this month being 2°96 inches. +1 8 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Freruary 26, 1916, PLANT DISEASES. THE EFFECT OF SULPHUR ON CROPS. In connexion with the use of sulphur as a fungicide or insecticide, the question sometimes arises as to the direct effect of its application to the soil. It has often been remarked that certain crops so treated have shown a marked improve- ment in appearance, apart from the benefits derived from the check to the pest or disease towards which the treatment is directed. The subject is still far from being fully investigated, but papers have recently appeared which afford some information upon it. It is clear that the effect is liable to wide variations, ranging from toxicity to highly beneficial action, according to the species of plant and the composition of the soil concerned. Tt has been shown that elemental sulphur added to the soil gradually undergoes oxidation to sulphates, in which form it serves as a source of supply for the sulphur needed in certain organic compounds. ‘There would appear to be danger from acidity unless lime is present in the soil, or is added along with the sulphur; and danger even in the presence of lime from the intermediate formation of sulphites. In a series of plot experiments on Leguminous, Crucifer- ous, and Graminaceous plants it was indicated that growth in certain cases in the first two orders was measurably increased by the addition of sulphates, and in both bariey and oats seed production was stimulated. Calcium sulphate was more effective than the more soluble sodium sulphate. Elemental sulphur was generally harmful. In field trials on alfalfa in Oregon, the use of either sulphur or sulphates has given increased yields, amounting in a number of instances to from 200 to 300 per cent., and in one case, with iron sulphate, to 1,000 per cent. It has been contended that apart from its manurial effect, sulphur acts on the soil flora and stimulates the break- ing down of organic matter, and it has been shown that very heavy applications (900 tb. per acre) while highly injurious on poor soils, had no ili effect on a loam rich in humus. It would be interesting, especially in view of the existence of local sources, to study the effect of sulphur in tropical soils. b A Chart of Tropical Plant Diseases.—A copy has been received from the Board of Agriculture of British Guiana of a chart, measuring approximately 2x2} feet, entitled, The Fungoid Diseases of Garden and Field Crops in British Guiana, prepared by C. K. Bancroft, M.A., F.L.S,, Govern- ment Botanist. The middle of *the sheet is occupied by parallel columns giving, opposite to crop headings, a list of diseases under their common names, short diagnoses for their identification, and condénsed instructions for treat- ment. The bud-rot of coco-nuts, for example, is dealt with as follows: — DESCRIPTION. ‘Appearing usually. in trees which are ‘bearing, younger trees being frequently free of the disease. ‘Young and immature nuts frequently fall. ‘Flowers blacken and die, sometimes before the sheath opens. ‘Leaves break and hang previously. ‘The bud finally rots and emits an offensive smell.’ down, frequently yellowing TREATMENT. ‘Drain well and practise good cultivatior. methods which will establish a good growth of the trees. ‘In trees recently aftected, a bag of common salt may be- tied to the central shoot above its base. ‘Dying and dead palms should be cut down at once and the crowns and trunks burnt or buried in the ground.’ The marginal columns of the chart contain instructions. for the preparation and application of fungicides, and a note: on Plant Sanitation and the Nature of Diseases in Plants. WEN: SOLUBILITY OF ROCK IN PURE WATER, Professor J. B: Harrison, C.M.G., M.A., Director of the Department of Science and Agriculture, British Guiana, has furnished this Office with the following extract from a paper by him, published in the Geologz- cal. Magazine, Vol. VII (1910), concerning the very. interesting subject of the solubility of rock constituents in pure water. It will be realized that the action referred to results in only minute quantities of mineral, matter being dissolved at anyone time. Nevertheless, with continually repeated washings a very large quan- tity will become dissolved, resulting eventually in com- plete degradation of certain rocks. The nature of the action concerns the interchange of ‘ions’ between the water and the saltsain the rocks. It isa phenomenon’ which does not appear to have received the recog- nition it deserves as being important in the weath- ering of rocks and consequent improvement of soil fertility:— Some ten or eleven years ago, whilst lecturing on agricultural science, I used the following experiment te illustrate the action of pure water on rock.. Rock powder was prepared from various types of rock by grinding on a bucking plate. About 20 grams of the rock powder was placed in a beaker, and from 100 to 150 Ge. of coldy recently boiled distilled water poured on it. Tothe water thus freed from carbonic acid a few drops of a solution of phenol-phthalin were added. In the course of a few minutes the water commenced to change to purple, and after ten minutes or so had elapsed, the depth of colour produced served as a measure of the rates of decomposition of the various rocks by the water. I found that the most readily decomposable rocks Were felspar-porphyry and _porphyrite, the next being granitite-gneiss, followed by granite and granitite, The basic rocks were more slowly attacked: by the water. After standing for some time when the colour of the water had ceased to deepen, it was poured or filtered cff completely, the rock powder again treated with fresh quantities of “the boiled water and phenol-phthalin, when the gradual colourization again ensued. This, if desired, could be repeated many times, using the same rock powder. The experiments well illustrated the action of water free from carbonic acid on the rocks, and its repetition with successive quantities of water showed it to be a mass action The rates of decomposition of the various rocks thus indicated were found ‘to correspond with the extent of, their denudation and degradation on the lower-lying lands of the colony. Nora, XOVn ONO: o6l. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 79 AN ADDRESS TO ANTIGUA. Ata general meeting of the Antigua Agricultural and Commercial Society, held on February +, 1916, at which were present His Excellency the acting (Governor, the Honour- .able the acting Colonial Secretary and most of the island’s representative ‘planters, Dr. Francis Watts, C.M G., Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture for the West Indies, gave an address on subjects of current interest to local agriculturists. teferring first to the subject of sugar, Dr. Watts stated that the industry was now in a good condition, and the prospects for the coming crop now being reaped were -exceedingly good. After the war, Dr. Watts believed that the British Colonies as a whole would be in a better position in regard to the sugar industry than they had been. The factory problem was a solved one, though there had been many debates in the Antigua Society many years ago -concerning the advantages of a factory like Gunthorpes, which has since proved itself a financial and economic success. The efficiency of central factories could be seen from the fact ‘that it takes but little over 9 tons of cane in the Antigua Factory to produce 1 ton of sugar. Coming to the question of pests and diseases of the sugar-cane, Dr. Watts referred to the recently established yesult that the rind or red rot disease of sugar-cane can be caused by more than one fungus. The matter was referred to in order to allay any apprehen- sion which might arise because a new fungus had been discovered. The disease, whatever its cause, requires the satne measures of treatment and control, and the newly men- tioned fungus has probably long existed in canes in these islands, though it has not been previously identified with the disease. Coming to cotton, Dr. Watts referred to this as a very uncertain crop: even when it is reaped and packed in bales one is not sure of one’s crop: only when it is sold is one certain. This necessitates the employment of very careful methods of production and sale. Dr. Watts referred to the decline of the American Sea Island cotton industry caused principally by inter-crossing and the spread of the cotton boll weevil. The Commissioner called attention to the im- portance of maintaining a good type —in fact a pure strain of -eotton in each island by the home production of seed for plant- ing in each particular island. He referred to the mistake which Egypt had made in not having taken the advice of experts in regard to the maintenance of pure strains in that country. “This neglect, however, was advantageous to. the West Indies, because under present conditions in Egypt it is doubtful that they will ever produce a fine enough type to enter into -direct competition with the best Sea Island. In connexion with these matters Dr. Watts referred to a meeting of those interested in Sea Island cotton which was to take place in St. Kitts early in March. The Commissioner was sorry that a representative of the buyers would not be there, but he hoped at the next general West Indian Conference to have one. The growing of corn was the next subject dealt with. Now that the Government had established a corn drier, the planters should do their share and puta larger area under this crop. As things were at present, 10s. to 14s. a bag had to malic, oxalic and a small quantity of acetic acid. be paid for imported corn; much of this might be grown locally and so prevent-money from going out of the island. There had been some complaints about corn pests. Most of these could be dealt with by methods known to planters. As regards soil grubs corn might be planted as a trap crop to attract the grubs, when the corn and the grubs could be des- troyed at the same time. Dr. Watts did not think that Antigua as well as other islands were doing justice to the bean crop. The bean known in Antigua as Barbuda bean (Phaseolus /unatus) would sell well if it could be developed into a crop. These beans sold from 4c. to 44c. per Ib. in Canada. Besides the above-mentioned oné, there are many beans and peas suited for field cultivation as a human food or fodder crop, and in this @onnexion the horse bean was mentioned. For some time past the Speaker had been calling atten- tion to the possibilities befofe the production of pork and bacon in the West Indies. . While the war prevented capitalists from investing in such a new industry, small experiments were being made which, if they proved success- ful, might tend to lead to the establishment of small central bacon factories. The speaker asked that a committee be formed from the Society to consider his views on the produc- tion of pork and bacon. ACID SECRETION OF THE GRAM PLANT. The Monthly Bulletin of Agricultwral Intelli- gence and Plant Diseases for May 1915, contains the following interesting note:— The gram (Cicer arietinum) secretes and deposits all over its surface an acid liquid which is used fairly extensively in medicine in Western India, It was known to contain The writer proposed studying this liquid more closely, and for this purpose material was collected by washing the plants with water. Some other material was also bought in the bazaar. The examination confirmed the presence of oxalic and malic acids, and of about 0-2 per cent. of volatile acids. The maximum amount of acid was found when the pods were fully developed and before they had begun to dry. From the tenth week onwards, the proportion between the malic and oxalic acids was very constant, and was as 94 :6 respectively. Pruning the plants increased the amount of acids to a maximum of 30 per cent. of the dry matter, probably owing to the increase in the number of pods caused by the pruning. Washing the plants, unless repeated too frequently, stimu- lated the production of acids, an interval of six days between the washing proving the most favourable. The acid appeared to be produced in the glandular hairs which are found on all parts of the plant, and especially on the pods. The usual method of collecting the acid in India (where gram is the most widely grown pulse), consists in tying a piece of clean cloth to a stick and drawing it over the gram plants till sufficiently wet, when the liquid thus absorbed is wrung into an earthen vessel. The total amount of malic acid that can thus be collected is about 2,700 grams per acre The removal of this acid secretion has no injurious effect on the crop 80 MARKET REPORTS. London.—Tur West Inp1a Commirree CrrcuLar, January 27, 1916, Arrowroot—2sd. to 4}d. Batata—Sheet 2s. Ghd. to 2s. Td.; block 2s. Breswax—No quotations. Cacao-—Trinidad, no quotations.; Grenada, 81s. to 84s. Jamaica, no quotations. Corrre—Jamaica, no quotations. Copra—£37. Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota- tions; West Indian Sea Island, 153d. to 184. Fruir—No quotations. THE AGRICULTURAL. NEWS. Frpruary 26, 1916 Barbados.—Messrs. James A. Lyncu & Co., Ltd., Febru- ary 9, 1916; T. S. Garraway & Co., February 9, 1916, Arrowroot—$d'00 per 100 th. Cacao—8$16°00 per 100 th. Coco-Nuts—$18:00 husked nuts. Hay—$1°75 to $1:90 per 100 tr. Manures—Nitrate of soda, $85°00; Cacao manure, no quotations; Sulphate of ammonia, $90-00 to $100-00 per ton. Motassrs—No quotations. Ontons—$12°00 per 190 th. Peas, Sprit—$9°50 to $12°50 per 210 tbh.; Canada, $3-00 per 120 tb. Porators—Nova Scotia, $4:00 per 160 th. Rice—Ballam, $6°30 per 190 tb.; Patna, no quotations; Rangoon, no quotations. ; Sucar—Muscovado centrifugals, $3°65 to $3-80. Fustic— No quotations. Gincer—Jamaica, 67/6 to 85/-. IstncLass—No quotations. Honey—No quotations. Line Jurce—Raw, 2/9; concentrated, no quotations; Otto of limes (hand-pressed), no quotations. Locwoop—No quotations. Mace—thd. to 2s. 6d. Nurmecs—6$d. to 94d. Pimento—l fd. to 23d. British Guiana.—Messrs. Wierinc & Ricurer, Janu- ary 31, 1916; Messrs. SanpBacH, PARKER & Co, Jannary 7, 1916. Messrs. WIETING Messrs. Sanp- Ruseer—Para, fine hard, 3/5$; fine soft, 3/5; Castilloa, no ARTICLES. & RicurTer. BACH, & FAniEe quotations. < 10 Rum—Jamai otations. ; umM—Jamaica, no quotations Kano booT St. Wane eS Aes Batata—Venezuela block —— be Demerara sheet — ee Cacao—Native 18c. per tb. 20c. per th. New York.—Messrs. Gintespme Bros. & Co., February CAssava— $1:20 — Cassava STARCH— $10 to $11 = 10, 1916. Coco-nuts— $18 per M. $18 per M. Cacao—Caracas, 15jc. to 15$c.; Grenada, 15j¢c. to 152c.; Trinidad, 15c. to 15$c.; Jamaica, 14c. to 14c. Corrre—Creole 12c. to 18c. ld4c. per th. Coco-nuts—Jamaica and Trinidad selects, $33-00 — to Jamaica and Rio|14c. to 15c. per tb. l4e. $34°00; culls, $22°00 to $23:00. Liberian 8c. to 8he. 9c. per tb. Corree—Jamaica, 9}c. to 12c. per th. DHat— $7 -00 to $725 $7-25 GincER—l4c. to 16c. per th. Green Dhal —-— Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 49c.; Antigua and Barbados, 47c. to 49c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 46c. to 48¢. per th. F GrarEe Fruit—Jamaica, $1°25 to $1:°75. EDDOES— $1°92 to $2-16 —— Limes—$4°00 to $5-00. Mo tasses— Yellow None ee Mace—35c. to 42c. per th. Ontons—Teneritfe — — Nurmecs—lb5c. to 15}c. Madeira == 12c. Orances—Jamaica, $100 to $1°50. Pras—Split $12-00 to $12°50 $12-00 Pimento—3ic. to 4c. per tb. f per bag. (210 t.). Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 4:°83c. to 4°86e.; Muscovados, Marseilles oi ae == 89°, 4°18ce. to 4°21c.; Molasses, 89°, 4:06c. to 4:09¢e., Puantarns— 16c. to 48c. oo all duty paid. Potators—Nova Scotia $3°25 $3°25 to $3°50 Lisbon ae = Porarors--Sweet, B’bados $1:92 —= RiceE—Ballam $5°50 to $5°75 a= Trinidad.—Messrs. Gorpon, Grant & Co., February 8, Creole = $550 ; TaNnNIAS— $312 — 1916. Yams—White $2-40 ars Buek $312 —- Oacao—Venezuelan, $14°75 to $15:00; Trinidad, $15:00 Sue¢ar—Dark crystals $3°60 to $3°75 $3°75 to $17°25. Yellow $425 to $4°35 $425 Coco-nur Or—0c. per Imperial gallon, White — —-. Corrre—Venezuelan, no quotations. Molasses $3°10 Copra—$6'50 per 100 tb. TimpeER—GREENHEART 32c. to d5c. per | 32c. to dc. per- Dxrat—$6 75 to $7-00 cub. foot cub. foot Ontons—$5‘00 per 100 Tp. Wallaba shingles} $4-00 to $625 $4°00 to $6°00 Pras, Sprrr—$9-00 to $10-00 per bag. per M. per M. Porarors—English $2-09 to $2°25 per 100 th. ) Cordwood) $1°80 to $200 — Rice—Yellow, $6°75 to $7:25; White, $7:-00 per bag. per ton Sue¢ar—American crushed, no quotations Ra) SR NAAN NS NR Ne Ne 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, ls. 2d.; Volumes II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII and XIV:—Price 2s. each; Post free 2s. 8d., 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.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 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 ina 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. present time is seventy-five. Sucar 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; 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. They contain, amongst other subjects, summaries of the results of the experiment work The number issued up to the GENERAL. (7) and (22) Scale Insects of the Lesser Antilles, Part I, price 4d.; Part IL., 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. (80) Hints to Settlers in St. Lucia. Price 6d. Price 4d. (81) Agricultural Resources of St. Lucia. Price 3d. (82) Indoor Gardening for Schools. Price 6d. The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of 4d. for the pamphlets marked 2d.; 1d. for those marked 4d. and for and for No. 72, 2d. Nos 73 and 75; 14d. for Nos. 40, 44, 49, 59, 62, 63, 67 and 74. Postage for No. 71, 4d. 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 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. THos. Lawtor & Co., St. George. Wesr InprA Commirrer, 15, Seething Lane. St. Vincent: Mr. J. D. Bonantg, ‘Times’ Office. Barbados: ApvocatE Co. Lrp., Broad Street, Bridgetown. St. Lucia: Mr. R. W. Nixes, Botanic Station. Jamaica: THe Epucationan Suppty Company, 16, King Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. Bripcewarer, Roseau. Street, Kingston. Montserrat: Mr. W. Rosson, Botanic Station. British Guiana: THE Arcosy Co., Lrp., Georgetown. Antigua: Mr. 8. D. Matone, St. John’s. Trinidad: Messrs. Murr-Marsuaui & Co., Port-of-Spain. St. Kitts: THE BrstE AND Book Supply AGENCY, BASSETERRE Tobago: Mr. C. L. PLAGEMANN, Scarborough, Nevis: Messrs. HowEtt, Bros., Charlestown. Canada: Lewis W. CLEMENS, 71 King Street, West, Toronto, Vout. XV. No. 361. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. FrRerusry 26} 1916. THE BEST MANURE FOR COLONIAL USE Is Dissolved (Soluble) Guano LOR.SUG AR-CAN EY AND: GN ER AL, Use TRADE MARE. 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. LISLE, USSCED: | SELECTED WEST INDIAN BULLETIN, SRA ISLAND COTTON SEED. Vol. XV, No. 2. We make a speciality of selecting Sea Island Cotton Seed for planting purposes, and solicit orders from the { ee ar EA ORR ica At Da lanrctaric : ; Containing the following papers: Review of Ten Years’ Work neighbouring Islands of the Antigua Sugar Factory (Gunthorpes), by Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Se.; The Soils of Antigua, by H. A. Tempany, : “4s D.Sc.; A Method of Sponge Cultivation and its Prospects in Quotations on application. the Lesser Antilles: with Notes on Other Possible Shallow- water Fisheries, by W. R. Dunlop; A Parasite of the Flying] THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE Fish, by Dr. W. I. Calman, British Museum (Natural History); COTTON FACTORY, LIMITED Report on the Prevalence of Some Pests and Diseases in the West Indies during 1914, by H. A. Ballou, M.Sc., and WHITE PARK, W. Nowell, D.1.C. BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENT. Printed at Office of Agricultura! Reporter, 4 High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados. GIs, BEES; we BK RE. 532 IF x . wt ZD- > zi A ktz i — = Ci Niue awe eg CG ik SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 1916. Vol. XV. No, 362.] MAIL, PASSENGER & CARGO SERVICES FROM THE WEST INDIES THE UNITED KINGDOW Azores. [St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Dominica, , Montserrat, Antigua, St. Kitts, |Bermuda, Halifax, N. S., & St. John (N.B.) DEMERARA & PARAMARIBO Grenada & Trinidad. (Trinidad, Puerto Colombia, PORTS OF CALL CANADA | ‘PANAMA CANAL & PACIFIC PORTS _ Cartagena, Colon, Panama, ‘Callao, Iquique, Antofagasta & Valparaiso. REGULAR MAIL, PASSENGER AND CARGO SERVICES FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM TO | | | | | | BRAZIL, URUGUAY & ARGENTINA Via Spain, Portugal, Madeira & St. Vincent. | T REGULAR SAILINGS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM TO MOROCCO, CANARY ISLANDS & MADEIRA, f STRAITS SETTLEMENTS, HONG-KONG, CHINA = & JAPAN. Head Office: 18, Moorgate Street, London. Branches at BARBADOS, Trinidad, Tobago, Demerara, Colon, Jamaica, Antilla, New York, Halifax N.S., Buenos Aires, Santos, S20 Paulo | Rio de Janeiro, Madrid. ete. : THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS SOME*SLICK PACTS The { Female Tick may, in the course of seven months, come to number 6,7 A single Female Tick may lay as many as 5,000 eggs. ————— 4 + If gorged ticks are crushed, it will be found that tkeir intestines are completely filled With a dark, thick mass of blood which has been sucked from the animal host : this blood should have gone to the formation of milk, flesh, and the laying on of fat. A Female Tick, when fully gorged with blood, may weigh as much as 30 times more than before it began to engorge. beast, badly infested with ticks, weighed 730 Ibs. It was freed from ticks by dipping, and two months later—its: food and. general treatment remaining the same as before dipping—it had gained 285 lbs.—a daily average gain of 42 lbs. ‘ No less than 28 lbs. of Ticks were taken from a horse which died from anaemia resulting from gross tick infestation. J A large number of tick bites over a limited area of skin may be followed by infection with pus-producing organisms, giving rise to small abscesses which may develop into ulcers. The discharge from such sores— or even the mere oozing of blood serum through the tick punctures—keeps the hair moist and matted: in such areas fly eggs are laid and hatched, resulting in infestation with destructive maggots, causing ulcers and other complications that will require treatment. medical In the United States, the death rate amongst cattle in the Tick areas is three times higher than in the areas free from ticks. oC Ticks only stop on an animal for three weeks; dipping or spraying must ‘therefore be done not less often than every three weeks in order to catch ticks before they drop off. The of the skin caused by tick bites facilitate the entrance of various kinds of disease germs. perforat.ons 9. Ticks progeny of one single 50,000,000 individuals. CATTLE Tick FEMALE 1 ‘ i prevent cattle maturing normally, and this necessitates Beef Cattle being kept until they are 3 or more years old. ‘Cost of two years extra feed and care, and interest on capital tied up, involves a heavy additional outlay, the necessity for which can be entirely avoided by the adoption of thorough tick destruction measures. The total annual loss sustained in the United States as a result of ticks is enormous. $100,000,000 (£20,000,000) is the amount named by the United States Department of Agriculture. If ticks are not kept under control, young animals may never become fully developed, but remain thin, weak, and stunted, and thus the more easily succumb to diseases, as a result of lowered vitality. Newly-hatched ticks can live as long as eight months without food, even during the colder season. Hides from animals that have been infested with ticks are graded as No. 4 quality: the same hides if free from tick marks would grade as No. 2 quality. The difference in price between these two qualities is three cents a pound. Therefore, on an average hide, weigh- ing 42 Ibs. the loss due to ticks would be more than $1.26. It has been calculated that a single beast may, as a result of Tick infestation, lose as much as 500 Ibs. of blood in a season. In a carefully conducted test it was found that tick- infested cows lost an average of 9} lbs. in weight, while the cows free from ticks gained during the same period an average of 44 lbs., both lots of cows being fed exactly alike. The presence of ticks on cattle is a serious drain on the animals’ systems, one consequence of which is that the amount of milk produced by cows is diminished. In one experiment, cows badly infested with ticks producea 42% less milk than cows kept free from ticks. ee —n)—o—_———_—__—_— COOPER’S CATTLE TICK DIP Has received the official approval of the following Countries: Union of South Africa, Northern Rhodesia, Nyasaland, Swaziland, Southern Rhodesia, British East Africa, German East Africa, Portuguese West Africa, Egypt, Argentine Republic, Queensland. United States of America, New South Wales, Northern Territory of Australia. ST. K Brazil, Basutoland, Madagascar, Portuguese East Africa, ST. MONTSERRAT: W. Llewellyn Wall. WEST INDIAN AGENTS: ITTS: S. L. Horsford & Co. ANTIGUA: Bennett, Bryson & Ca, JAMAICA: D. Henderson & Co., Kingston. GRENADA: Thomson, Hankey & Co. BARBADOS: Barbados Co-operative Cotton Co., Ltd. BAHAMAS: W. N. Twynam, Nassau. TRINIDAD: T. Geddes Grant, Port of Spain. BRITISH GUIANA: Sandbach, Parker & Co. VINCENT: Corea & Co., Kingstown. NEVIS: S. D. Malone. DANISH WEST INDIES: Carl VY. La Beet, St. Thomas. DOMINICA: Hon. H. A. Frampton. ST. LUCIA: Barnard Sons & Co., Castries. Manufacturers: WILLIAM COOPER & NEPHEWS, Berkhamsted, England. BRANCHES: Toronto, Chicago, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Buenos Aires, Monte Video, Punta Arenas, East London, Odessa. iw tw Ww U {ALIS pa 3 Dis a NLL =< SW 2 — A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW Liss OF THE IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. Vou. XV. No. 362. BARBADOS, MARCH 11, 916: Price ld. CONTENTS. PaGE. PAGE. Jamaica and Barbados, State of School Garden- Ime in jee &4 Agricultural Departments and Co-operative Credit Societies, Co-operation between see eee eee 93] Logwood, Waste Land and 95 Coco-nut Palms, The Effect |Market Reports ... ... 96 of Lightning on ... . 84) Notes and Comments ... 88 Copra, Manufacture of, in 3ritish Honduras ... Cotton Notes:— British Cotton Growing Pigs, Best Crops to Grow LOL... Ecce. ces! | OL Plant Diseases: A Mango Disease ... ... 94 Association Poe cee OOWRAtS. CO ERMse, weet eee OO Kleven Years’ Manurial | Science and Colonial Agri- Experiment with Cot- |) pucul ture Meas isece iieten CO ton in St. Kitts... 86) Scientitic and Industrial Sea Island Cotton... S6l) “WResearchieay ees -. eee OO Do Soil Explosions Pay’... Fiji, West Indian Cot- LOMAS. Resmeeseey ec. LOD, Gleanings ... ... Hawaiian Soils ... 81) Sugar Industry: The Transport of Sugar- cane imp@uba <.. °... ‘83 92) Sugar-cane that Outgrew Soli altself Seemeresn ese ase urOO | Water Losses from Plants 90) “and! SoilSqee---, occ). 24 Insect Notes:— Insect Pests in Mauritius Do Soil Explosions Pay ? Nis URING the last three years a considerable 5 amount of attention has been given to the 4, idea of soil improvement by means of the use of explosives. As with every newly introduced idea, there has been a tendency on the part of certain sections of the Press to ride it to death, and it becomes on this the mendations put forward fall into line with the results desirable account to see how faz recom- of carefully conducted experiments. In doing so, it may not be amiss to make brief reference to the general discussions on the subject An and extremely well illustrated article is to be found Gazette of New South Wales for January 1913, which suggests the great value of In this of explosives that may be used, and the methods of firing them, the that have come under our notice. interesting in the Agricultural an account dynamite in clearing bush land. is given of the different kinds latter being either by means of the safety fuse, or by electricity. It is indicated, in this article, that the advantages accruing from the felling of trees by dyna- the fact that the stump is the fact that the otf by the concussion, and mite le, not only in but broken small fall. In another reference, in the Cuba Magazine for March removed, also. in limbs are 1913, attention is called to the value of explosives in the breaking up of hard-pan in citrus cultivations in Florida, where 4-oz. charges of 30 per cent. dynamite have been exploded under trees with alleged results of an eminently satisfactory kind. From the purely physiological aspect of soil aeration, the Planters’ Chronicle (February 8, 1913) strongly advises a careful employment of this form of subsoil cultivation. Strong advocates, also. for the use of explosives are the editor of Tropical Life, and the editor of the India Rubber World. reference to the subject in the latter journal (for April 1, 1915) a point is made of the fact Ina that the use of explosives should tend to destroy soil parasites, as well as being useful as a means of prepar- ing holes in which to plant young rubber trees. Many more references of a similar kind could be mentioned, but our object is to consider the results of practical experiments that have been made, especially in the West Indies. the Agricultural Departments in Dominica, Trinidad and Antigua. Useful trials have been made by io 2) lo THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Marcu 1], 1916. In one of the plots in the additional series of ‘experiments in lime cultivation in Dominica, charges -of dynamite were exploded in fifty-six holes between the young trees; but after the elapse of many months, no improvement could be observed in the ‘condition of the trees. On another portion of the field, trees in a similar condition treated in the same way, but after twelve months’ time no improvement was observable, were Judging from these and other experiments carried out by planters, no good effects can be discerned from the explosion of ‘dynamite in lime cultivation’ There may, however, be certain conditions, such as the close proximity of hard-pan to the surface, under which the use of -explosives may be advantageous; but in a general way their use is not likely to be beneficial. One other experiment was tried in Dominica. When planting the plots, holes were made by dynamiting with a view to compare their efficiency for plants with those made with the spade. Each alternate row of holes was dynamited and the remainder were dug’soon after. The holes were carefully filled in a few days before planting to allow time for sinking, and six months after preparation, planting was done. So far the plants growing in these ditferently prepared holes exhibit very little difference ‘in appearance. Turning to the experiments conducted by the Government in Trinidad, the recent Annual Report the Department of Agriculture states that ‘dynamite experiments have been conducted on banana soil, and the figures obtained appear to show that not only a larger number of bunches has been reaped from the dynamited plot, but also that there has been a larger number of seven, eight and nine-hand bunches, and consequently the average weight of the bunches from the dynamited plot 1s 204 th. against 18:8 tb. from the undynamited plot. In on regard to similar experiments with coco-nuts, both the dynamited and undynamited plots have made good growth. So far the undynamited plot is the better of the two” In these experiments also, therefore, the results are not, on the whole, satisfactory. In Antigua, trials have been conducted with sugar- In these experiments, which were carried out on Delaps and Donovans estates, dynamite cane. cartridges 2oz. in weight were used, and were exploded 2 feet 6 inches below the soil. Plant’and ratoon canes were experimented with in each case. On the first named estate, the variety of cane treated was White Trans- parent. The results obtained both in the case of plant and ratoon canes have indicated that dynamiting the fields Delaps is soil conditions such as obtain at not productive of profit. The from the controls dynamite showed little divergence. under returns plots At Donovans estate, slightly different results were obtained. Here, also, there was no gain obtained by dynamiting plant canes, and as a matter of fact, the not-dynamited plot gave a higher yield; but with the ratoon canes there was a very appreci- able increase in thé case of the dynamited plot, which may, at least in pars, be put down to the effects of the explosions. ‘The soil at Donovans estate is especially heavy with a clay subsoil, and a reason for the increased yield from the ratoons may be found in the action of the dynamite in opening up the subsoil. In these Jast mentioned experiments, the dynamited plot gave a yield of cane per acre of approximately 11 tons compared with 4 tons from the not-dynamited. The area of each plot was about {-acre. But the extremely meagre return of 4 tons per acre shows that the soil conditions of the plot must have been exceptionally bad, and the results obtained therefore with dynamite in this experiment, cannot be regarded as at all general in their application to the dynamiting of soil grow- ing ratoon canes. obtained and Taking a general view of the West Indian results, it would appear that the benefit that may be expected from the use of dynamite is more imaginary than real, As with manuringyso with soil explosions, the condi- tions obtaining in each case must be considered. It is probable that for breaking up the subsoil, and for re- moving a hard-pan, the use of explosives is worth while; but as a general operation in the routine of plantation management, 1t is not to be recommended on the basis of present experience, Where it is intended to employ explosives, the object arrived at should be clear and definite. Other- wise more harm than good may result. One direction in which dynamite might possibly be used to advan- tage in the West Indies is in breaking up the large boulders of larva that occur in the fields in some of the The removal of such obstructions in the places referred to would facilitate ploughing and eulti- islands. vation generally. Attention is being given to two essential oils in Fiji one of which is obtained from the roots of Veteveria zizanoides, and the other from the leaves of lemon grass (Cymbopogon coloratus). The very vigorous growth of this latter grass in Iiji is a notable feature. Bay trees are stated to be growing well in Fiji and a certain quantity of bay oil, according to the report on the Agricultural Department, 1914, is prepared. Vor, XV. No. 362. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 83 SUGAR THE TRANSPORT OF SUGAR-CANE IN CUBA. The area under sugar-cane in Cuba is not easy to arrive at, but, knowing the crop, and assuming the liberal figure of 25 tons of cane per acre, the area of the fields cut each year in Cuba will be approximately | million acres, or, say, slightly more than 41,000 square miles of the island’s surface. Bearing in mind the large area occupicd by uncul- tivated spots and roads and pasture, the total area from which the cane is drawn will be very nearly or quite double the acreage from which the cane is actually cut. My. J. A. Hall, Jnr, in the Lowiscana Planter (February 8, 1916), gives an interesting article describing how on this large area the huge Cuban crop is transported. The canes are always taken from the fields to the nearest factory line in what are called bull carts, resembling in most respects the carts employed for a similar purpose in the British West Indies. They differ, however, in one important respect, namely, they are provided with wheels of very large diameter. These enable the cart to mount obstructions and climb out of holes that would effectually stop smaller wheels, while they can sink 2 feet or more in the mud and still have the hub and axle clear. These wheels are comparatively narrow, so there is little opportunity for collecting considerable quantities of mud: but, on the other hand, this narrow surface forms a cutting edge that is quick to make a deep impression on a new road, and is certain to keep an old one in bad condi- tion. In this connexion the general practice of leaving a carpet of leaves and trash on the harvested fields is useful, in so far as it prevents the cart wheels from sinking into the soil, and protects the stubble from being injured. These bull carts are loaded with 1 to 3 tons of cane, according to the condition of the roads, and are drawn by four or six bulls. As already intimated, they are in use on every plantation on the island, and handle at least 80 per cent. of the cane that comes from the fields, though, of course, on account of the fine railway systems, very little of this reaches the cane carrier in these vehicles. They are used principally for the comparatively short hauls from field to transfer station, where cane is loaded into the railway cars and carried to the factory. Conservatively estimated, a cart and two yoke of bulls are worth in Cuba $500, and an outfit of this kind hauls an ayerage of 6 tons of cane per day. The average Cuban factory grinds 1,000 to 1,200 tons of cane per day, requir- ing, therefore, 150 to 250 carts and 600 to 1,000 bulls, with a total value of $75,000 to $125,C00. The cane is cut into lengths of about 3 feet, and piled carefully into the carts by hand, in such a manner that chain slings may be passed beneath the bundle for lifting it into the railway cars by one of the modern types of steel derricks used for this purpose. These derricks are similar to the old-styled wooden, but their solidity and lasting qualities are much superior to those of the wooden apparatus, All these loading devices, which can be seen along the railway lines, are operated by the same bulls that haul the cane from the fields. Quite a few plantations have experi- mented with hoists operated by gasolene-motors but which may also be operated by bulls in case of an accident to the engine. Asa rule these gasolene-driven hoists have given fair satisfaction, but the general impression is that they can only be used economically where quantities of cane much above the average must be handle, INDUSTRY. Following the bull carts in importance comes the equip ment of a portable car, mainly used on the larger plantations where it takes the place of bull carts in some fields. The experience of the past crop, when so much rainy weather was had, was sutlicient on account of interrupted grinding from lack of cane to prompt the largest orders for portable tracks that had been placed for some time Amongst the great advantages of these temporary light railway lines is the fact that they discount weather conditions tu a very large extent,and enable cane to be transported under conditions where the use of the bull cart would be impossible. Further, these rail tracks release a great deal of pasture land for cane cultivation. On the other hand, the discarding of the cattle means less pen manure for the canes. On these portable tracks, the small cars are generally pushed by hand, in fact,. they correspond with the tram lines of Eastern plantations. The portable track. generally used in Cuba is the 24 or 30- inch gauge, made in sections that vary from 10 to 30 feet in length. The rails are usually fastened to cross ties of steel plate sufficiently light to permit the lifting of each section, but heavy enongh to allow the cars to be operated safely, ard at a satisfactory speed. Connexion between rail and tie is generally effected by means of bolts, one of the latest designs being illustrated in the article from which this information has been obtained. A very con- venient type of track is one used on many estates, possess- ing the advantage of not needing wrenches of any kind to take the sections apart or to couple them together; the- end of the rail of one section simply slides into the slice bar that is bolted or rivetted securely on the end of the other section. By this arrangement both time and labour are- saved. The Louisiana Planter goes on to state that only an insignificant amount of cane is handled by any means except the two described, but of late years several of the factories and manufacturers of agricultural implements have carried on experiments with apparatus with the idea of developing a system that will combine the flexibility of the bull cart with the dependability and capacity of the portable track. Principal among these experiments has been those with carts mounted on four broad tyred steel wheels. In some- cases these carts are drawn by bulls, in others a num- ber of carts are coupled together and pulled by a tractor. When pulled by bulls these steel wheel carts are loaded up to 6 to 8 tons, while one of the cars of a tractor train will take 5 tons. It is believed that the steel wheel cart and the tractor will eventually take the place of the old-fashioned wooden vehicle. The subject of Bulleten No. 291 contributed from the Bureau of Plant Industry, United States Department of Agriculture, is the breeding of millet and sorghum for drought adaptation. These two useful fodder crops have proved to be adapted to drought and capable of producing profitable crops where the annual rainfall averages so little as from 12 to 18 inches. The drought adaptation of millet is due largely to its early maturity and iow water requirements, while sorgho- has, in addition to these two valuable characteristics, a remarkable ability to withstand drought, that is to say, it can remain in a sort of state of quiescence and resume growth upon the return of favourable conditions, These two crops require less water for the production of 1 ton of fodder than any other crops that have been tested in the Central Great plains of the United States. 84 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. March 11, 1916. ee THE EFFECT OF LIGHTNING ON COCONUT PALMS. Mr. T. Petch contributes an interesting article to the Tropical Agricu!turist (October 1915), on the subject of the -effect of lightning on coco-nut palms. That coco-nut palms may be'killed by lightning is well known to all coco-nut planters. On the other hand, it is necessary to exercise caution in accepting that as an explan- ation of the death of trees in any particular case. It appears that in the East, the native as:a general rule assigns the death of a palm to lightning always, whereas the cause very frequently is bud rot or red beetle (Rhyncophorus signa- tica!lis). The damage inflicted on coco-nut palms by lightning may take any one or any combination of the following three forms: (1) The crown may be set on fire; (2) the tree may be mechanically injured, either by splitting of the stems or by defoliation; (3) the tree may exude liquid which dries in red-brown streaks and patches? on the stem. The last is by far the commonest effect of lightning on coco-nut palms. Asa rule, there.is no sign of injury to the stem or scorching of the crown, but the stem exudes at numerous points a liquid which dries in red-brown streaks and patches on its surface. In a case examined by Mr. Petch, the stem was not split or marked by the lightning in any way. Owing to the collapse of the inner tissues of the bud, the central spike had fallen over, but it was still green and not charred. The outer leaves, namely those which bent over towards the ground, were charred along the midrib; and round the tree, at distances of 8 or 10 feet from the trunk, the grass and weeds were burnt in small patches, each patch being situated below the point of the leaf. But the most striking phenomenon observed by Mr. Petch was the exudation of sap from the stem. Liguid was oozing out from the innumerable cracks which are always to be found in the rind of the coco-nut stem, forming white frothy masses and then running down in long red streaks. The appearance gave one the impres- sion that the whole of the internal tissues were undergoing rapid fermentation. On cutting into the stem the internal tissues were found to be slightly pale brown, uniformally coloured, and full of sap. It is to be regretted that, as the tree was situated in a district at least three days’ journey from a laboratory, no further investigation could be made. It is hoped, however, that the facts placed on record above may be taken up under favourable conditions for detailed investi- gation. i Another case was examined by Mr. Petch about a month after the occurrence. A breadfruit tree was said to have been actually struck, and this was dead and leafless though its trunk was not split. Close to it was a coco- nut palm about 12 feet shorter. This was not quite dead; it showed long red streaks of sap, particularly in the lower half of the stem, and had two short vertical wounds, one at 12 feet and the other at 18 feet from the grcund, from which the vascular bundles were protruding in loose masses. West- ward from these two, the palms only 15 feet away showed no sign of injury, but to the east, twenty trees, which were taller than the breadfruit tree were effected. Their trunks bore red bleeding spots and their crowns were scorched, the outer leaves being generally withered and drooping, though the youngest leaves were still erect and green. None of these showed any injury to the stem, except the exudation of sap Two palms had been felled, as being beyond recovery; four other appeared to be dying. The tree with the worst crown was about 20 yards from the breadfruit tree, and the effected area formed, roughly, an eclipse with the breadfruit tree at one foeus. No explanation of this fermentation effect can at present be offered. It may, however, be pointed out that the same effect may be produced on a small scale by making a fire near the base of a coco-nut palm, but not near enough to char the stem. The red-brown patches subsequently appear on the parts which have been heated. The number of red-brown spots and streaks at the base of the tree, usually on on one side only, indicates that it had been injured by fire. As a rale on trees ;which have been injured by fire, the bleeding occurs immediately afterwards, and the spots do not subsequently increase in number or size. Only the cortex is affected, and the amount of sap which exudes is small. But when trees are severely struck by lightning, the exuding sap is derived from the whole of the inner tissues, and issues in such quantity that it runs down the stem in long streaks. In conclusion Mr. Petch summarizes the effect of light- ning on coco-nut palms as follows: ‘A group of trees not dittering in any obvious respect from the surrounding trees is affected; sap exudes from the trunks of all these trees: their crowns are slightly scorched; one tree is more severely affected than the others, and this is regarded as the tree actually struck. In some cases longitudinal wounds are made in the stem; and if the crown is surrounded by dead leaves these may be set on fire. But apparently these last two affects are rare. The occurrence of injured trees in groups is especially remarkable.’ The general opinion seems to be that coco-nut palms which have been struck by lightning may recover if properly treated. The treatment adopted by the native is to ent a hole in the stem inorder to let out the excess of sap. There appears to be some reason to support this apparently crude procedure. THE STATE OF SCHOOL GARDENING IN JAMAICA AND BARBADOS. Two educational reports, one on Jamaica (1914-15), and the other on Barbados (1914), contain interesting information with regard to the standard and progress of school gardening work in those colonies. : r i As regards Jamaica, extracts are published from the Agricultural Instructors’ reports on their visits of inspection during the year. Each district contains from twenty to forty gardens, and the general condition of these appears to be satisfactory. In some places operations have been rendered difficult on account of drought. For its successful working. a school garden must have access to a supply of water. Another factor militating against the successful working of these gardens in Jamaica is the provision of fences, which is very inadequate. These are necessary to prevent theft, but more especially to prevent small live-stock from getting in and doing damage. In the case of one or two of the Janata districts, the Instructors urge that more time should be devoted to budding and grafting, and that whatever work is done the educational value should be well kept in view by the teachers. The corn-growing competition provided for by the Jamaica Agricultural Society has aroused a good deal of interest amongst the schools in connexion with this important industry. The competition is much appreciated and serves a very useful purpose; similarly the prizes offered by the educational department for the best gardens. It is stated that if more money could be devoted to this purpose. it would be money well spent. i; Von. XV. No. 362. THE AGRICULTURAL —_——£*_ Turning to a consideration of'school garden work in Barbados, it appears that this has been carried on in a satis- factory manner, in spite of the loss of the grant placed on the estimates for such work. There has been no increase in the number of gradens during the year, but with the purchase of sites for schools there will be a larger number of ay cared for by the children. The Board is encouraging the planting of hedges by the children as enclosures of the new sites which are being purchased by the Board. These, it is pointed out, will both beautify the school grounds and serve as a protection for them. At the Local Agr icultural Exhibi- bition held at Fisherpond on December 2, 1914, there were 226 exhibits of school garden produce, and seventy-three prizes were awarded as against sixty-three in the previous year. All the exhibits were in good condition, and it was demonstrated that, on the whole, the work has received due care and attention at the hands of both teachers and pupils. In addition to prizes given by the Board, the Local Depart- ment of Agriculture presented two prizes for the best collection of exhibits. In connexion with school garden work it may be mentioned that in the case of schools where facilities for working a garden are absent, a useful course of study can be carried on in Indoor Gardening. This idea was dealt with in an article in the last issue of the Agricultural News, and the scheme of instruction will be found there or in greater detail in Pamphlet No. 82 of the Imperial Department of Agricul- ture, which is devoted to the subject. WEST INDIAN COTTON IN FUJI. The islands of Fijiin the Western Pacific are endeavour- ing to establish a Sea Island cotton industry. This is a matter of some importance from a West Indian point of view, in connexion with the fact that at present the British West Indies is the only Imperial source of supply. In the report on the Agricultural Department of Fiji for 1914, the results of plot experiments are given with seed obtained from Barbados, Antigua, and St. Kitts. Before proceeding to give the results obtained, a few words may be said concerning the method of preparing the land for cotton in these experiments. This consisted in ploughing with a single disc plough in September. After one month’s rest, the land was then harrowed, followed by a cross-ploughing. It was then again harrowed. For experimental purposes one plot in these experiments was ridged. To one plot stable manure and compost were applied, being spread in the drills and lightly covered before the seed was planted. Actual planting took place in these experiments during December, Inter-cultivation consisted first in sending a scarifier down the space between the rows of cotton bushes, followed by labourers with hoes to attend to the weeds near and between the cotton plants which cannot be reached by horse implements. This operation combines w eeding and a stirring up of the soil, the latter being particularly important in dry weather in order to prevent an undue loss of moisture. Thinning of the seedlings out to one took place during the first month or six weeks. ‘Subsequent cultivation consisted of weeding and stirring the soil. Weeding ceased at the end of February, and picking started about the middle of April and finished in July. During the early part of the year the weather was unusually dry, but fortunately, the weather following planting was satisfactory and enabled the young plants to get a good start. The Lautoka Experi- ment Station, where these experiments were carried out, is the driest of the four experiment stations of the Colony, NEWS. 85 Nevertheless it has an average rainfall of about 64 inches per annum. At Souva, the average rainfall is 110 inches. It would look, therefore, as if the climate of Fiji were rather too wet for the successful production of Sea Island cotton. Before proceeding to give the yields obtained, it may be noted that the cost of growing cotton in Fiji ranges from about £6 10s. to £8 10s, per acre. The cost of growing 1 tb. of lint was 709d. for plot 4, 6°72d. for plot 5, and 631d. for plot 13. The cost of picking 1 tb. of seed-cotton was 1-41d. for plot 4, 1:14d. for plot 5, and 1:08d. for plot 13. As already stated, trials were made with seed from Barbados, Antigua and St. Kitts. The germination of the Antigua seed was so poor that this plot had to be abandoned. As regards Barbados seed in which 3 acres were planted, the yield of lint per acre was'252 tb. From similar areas the St. Kitts seed gave 311 tb. of lint per acre on one plot, and 255 tb. per acre on another. The percentage of lint was greater in the case of the St. Kitts cotton than in the case of the Barbados cotton, namely, 28:4 in the case of the former against 27°7 for Barbados. As already intimated, some of the land was ridged. It was found that there was no advantage to be gained by planting cotton on ridges, As regards pests, it 1s stated that cotton stainers during the season under review gave no trouble; they are usually very plentiful towards the end of the crop and are destroyed in great numbers when the crop is ploughed out. It is not stated in the report how stainers are destroyed. In the year: under review, their appearance seems to be considerably later: in the year than usual, and they did not increase to nearly the same extent as in previous years. It is stated that the cost of growing 1 tb. of lint com- pares very favourably with that of previous years. The- cost of picking is stated to be high, because picking had to: be completed with inexperienced labour. No trouble is expetienced in Fiji in connexion with ginning. As regards selection, it is stated that twelve plants are marked each year, the produce from which is kept in separate bags. When all the cotton is reaped from these plants the different lots are sent to Souva for examination In the present season seven lots were at once rejected as being distinctly inferior to the rest, which were very carefully: examined. Fifty bolls from each sample were hand ginned,. and the result in seed and lint weighed. The total crop. was also weighed, the number of seeds counted and their value measured. The length and fineness of the fibre are examined, and care is taken to see that it is of fair strength. Twoof the lots came so near one another that difficulty was met in deciding which one to select: one of them has a higher percentage of lint but a smaller crop than the other. The difference between the actual crops of these two was negligible compared with the difference between either of them and the ordinary yield under field conditions. The point was therefore decided upon by the percentage of. lint rather than of crop. It may be mentioned of these two plants, that one gave °76 Ib. of seed-cotton with °21 Ib. of lint (27°5 per cent.), and the other 63 tb. of seed-cotton containing ‘17 tb. of lint (281 per cent.). Planted at the distances used at Lautoka, if one or other of these yields was maintained by every plant, we should have enormous yields of 730 and. 590 tb. of lint per acre. It is stated in conclusion, that the seed of the selected lot: are planted in a place by themselves, and at crop time the produce is kept by itself and ginned by itself, the machine being carefully cleaned previous to ginning, to prevent other seeds getting among those of the pure strain. 86 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Marcu 11, 1916. COTTON. SEA ISLAND COTTON MARKET. The Report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week ending February, 12, 1916, is as follows:— ISLANDS. There was some demand this week for the remaining crop lots, which were sold on private terms for export, and the limited offerings of odd bags were in demand on account of the Northern Mills, at prices ranging from 27e. to 30c. The crop has been nearly all marketed and disposed of. The unsold portion consists of about 250 bales classing Fine to Fully Fine, which are held at 30c. and upwards, and two small crop lots held at full prices.” We quote, viz.: Extra Fine Fully Fine Fine Fine off inclass 27¢ = 18d. 30c. = 194d. to 20d. c.i.f. & 5 per cent. 29. = 19d. 9 ” ” ” FLORIDAS ANB GEORGIAS. The market was quiet and unchanged this week. The sales were largely composed of cotton received by exporters from the interior and reported in the sales. Factors in Savannah refused to lower their prices, and are continuing to hold at 30c¢ for round lots grading from Choice to Fancy. As there have been no sales as yet onjthese terms, we renew our last quotations, but could buy with difficulty at them. - We quote, viz.: Fancy 30c.=3le., landed. Extra Choice 29ce=—30C., 4, Choice 28c.=29¢., - ., Extra Fine 2c. = 28c., ” The Exports from Savannah for the week weré, to Northern Mills 409 bales, Southern Mills 103 bales, and to Liverpool 276 bales, and from Jacksonville to Northern Mills, 797 bales. BRITISH COTTON GROWING ASSOCI- ATION. The one hundred and forty-fourth meeting of the Council of the British Cotton Growing Association was held at the Oftices, 15 Cross Street, Manchester, on Tuesday February 1. In the absence of the President (The Rt. Hon. the Earl of Derby, K.G.) and of the Chairman, Mr. James Crinion occupied the Chair. west arrica. In regard to the prospects for Lagos and Northern Nigeria, a cable has ‘recently been received from the Association’s manager in which he reports that the Lagos crop is excellent, and the prospects are auspicious. In Northern Nigeria the purchases of the new crop have exceeded those of any previous year, and the prospects are very promising. The purchases of cotton in Lages for the year 1915 amounted to 6,161 bales, as compared with 13,547 bales for 1914, 15,910 bales for 1913, 9,146 bales for 1912, and 5,408 bales for 1911. The purchases for the month of January are 155 bales, as compared with 39 bales for January last year. The purchases of gotton in Northern Nigeria for 1915 were 1,128 bales, as compared with 695 bales for 1914. The purchases to January‘22 amounted to 307 bales, against 23 bales for the whole-month of January last year. In view of the high price of cotton it has been decided to increase the buying price to the natives in West Africa from Id. to 14d. per tb. of seed-cotton, which is the same price that was paid before the War. It has always been the policy of the Association to pay the highest possible price, in order to encourage the natives to cultivate cotton. SUDAN. Reports have been received from the experi- mental stations in the Sudan up to the middle of December. At all the stations the temperature has been very low during December, and itis not anticipated that the crop will show any increase over last year. NYASALAND. The native cotton purchased by the Association from this season’s crop is equal to 1,380 bales, of 400 tb. each, and the Association’s manager reports that the Port Herald Ginnery will be fully employed until the next crop comes along. There has been a good demand for seed for the new crop, and it is considered that a larger acreage will be planted under cotton than in any previous year. A letter has been received from the Director of Agriculture stating that the cotton is of good quality, and the native- grown crop considerably exceeds the expectations of the Goy- ernment, and there will be little, if any, decrease in the output of native cotton, which is satisfactory, considering the War, the Native rising, and the large amount of porterage under- taken by the natives in connexion with supplies for the troops. Rains are now breaking, and arrangements are being made for an increased distribution of cotton seed, and the agricultural Staff are actively spreading the industry. Owing to the deterioration in the quality of Nyasaland cotton there has been some agitation on the part of the European planters for the importation of American seed, but it was felt that whatever was done, the distribution of seed should be under the strict control of the Government. Statement was submitted showing that 6,927 bales of cotton had been sold during the month. ELEVEN YEARS’ MANUIAL EXPERI- MENT WITH COTTON IN ST. KITTS. Manurial and other experiments with Sea Island cotton have been carried on in connexion with the work of the Experiment Station at La Guérite, and are a continuation of experiments conducted-for the last ten years. (See Reporis on the Botanic and Experiment Stations, St. Kitts-Nevis, for 1904-5 to 1913-14—Cotton manurial and other experiments.) The manurial experiments, which have been carried on tor the last eleven years on exactly similar lines and on the same identical plots, consist of thirty plots, each ,'j-acre in area, in duplicate, and are known as Series Nos. I and II. Vou. XV.~ No; 362. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 87 The manures are applied in accordance with the manu- rial scheme published inthe Agricu/tural News, Vol. II, p. 237, and full reports of previous experiments have been published in the West Indian Bulletin (Vol. VI, p. 247, Vol. VIII, p. 283, Vol X, p. 269, Vol. XI, p. 60, and Vol. UG, ip: 1): The following table shows the mean results obtained:— Resutts or Corron ManurtaL ExprermMents at La Guerirr, St. Kirrs, Sertrrs [ anp II, over A Pertop oF ELEVEN YRARS, zg fe ls |< Shin enue pec. 2 | ge Fa |s-¢\o S y| = [Average for, ° ~ No. of |23 |° 834 | 3 S| ~ eleven years. g & experi |= 2 (28/7 5/2 ,| $ | Seed-cotton| & & ment. | dp © a aS aS gee | tb, per acre.) & 4 E | S0°5 Feel 10. | 52 ° Rol he 2 ° S Aw 1; [sho il ete eee S A A = [ — | 1 |Noman|ure | 2s | 2 Pen ma/nure 1,261 I+ 48 3 30. 40 1,199 lanl 4 20 30 40 1,283 |+ 70 ae 30 | 30 40 1,232 |+ 19 6 | 20 30, 40 1,345 |+132 1 330 30| 40 | 1,175 {=> eis) 8 30 | 30 60 1,251 + 38 9 20 fire |-- 95 10 3 1,238 + 25 11 20 1,307 |+ 94 12 30 1,154 = Ad Phos- phate | series 13 30 | 30 | 1251 + 38 | 14 30 | 30 | 40 1,232 + 19 15 30 | 30.) 60 1,240 + 27 16 30 | 30 80 1,278 +2) 65 17 | 40 1,102 Sali 18 30 | 30 | 40 1,241 2a OS 19 30 | 30°) 60 1,202 =) al) Potash series | | 20 30 40 1,148 - 65 21 30 | 20 | 40 | 1,160 -- 53 22 30 | 30 | 40 },232 + 19 23 30 | 40 | 40 1,249 + 36 24 40 1,207 <0 16), | Cotton | | seed meal | | 25 300] 1,283 + 70 26 600} 1,308 + 95 27 30 SOGIR26% |= 54. 28 40 | 300) 1,301 88 29 30 | 40 | 300) 1,327 |+114 30 30 | 30 | 40 | 300) 1,289 J+ 76 It will be observed that the mean of the two no-manure plots is 1,213 tb. seed-cotton per acre, while the average of all the plots is 1,236 Ib., or practically the same, and only in one instance, plot 6, has there been an increase of 10 per cent. on the unmanured plots. These results, extending over a period of eleven years, are of great importance, and deserving of attention. They tend to prove that under the conditions existing at the Experiment Station, with a loose and open soil, the applica- tion of artificial manures has not so far been attended with remunerative results. These experiments are being continued in the coming season on similar lines, on the same plots. ° NEW SERIES. In addition to these plot manurial experiments of long standing, four manurial experiments }-acre in area were laid out on land that had been under cctton for the past ten years continuously. These consist of the following:— No. 1 No manure. No. 2. Pen manure (20 tons per acre). No. 3 Complete artificial manure, nitrogen as sulphate of ammonia 30Ib., potash as sulphate 30Ib., and phosphoric acid as basic slag 30 b. No. 4. Cotton seed meal 600 Ib. per acre. These experiments suffered from the unfavourable weather conditions of the season, and the action of the manure was not apparent in the returns of seed-cotton reaped. The cotton was picked from October to end of December with the results as appear in the following table. It was at first intended to keep this cotton for a second bearing, but the land was required for another purpose: — Plot 1 — No manure — 111. per plot 555 tb. per acre Plot 2 — Pen manure —108,, ,, ,, 540,, , ,, Plot 3 — Artificial manure 104,, ,, ,, 520,, ,, ,, Plot 4 — Cotton seed meall03,, ,, ,, 515,, ,, 5, Cedar. —The import of cedar into the United Kingdom according to the Annual Tradé Reverw, January 1916, totalled 433,000 feet as against 534,000 feet and 703,000 feet in 1914 and 1915, respectively. The falling off is accounted for by the lesser quantities received from Honduras, Mexico, Trinidad, and Demerara, but this was off-set to a certain extent by an import of 108,000 feet from Argentina, whence none had come to hand in the previous twelve months. The market has been extremely active almost throughout the year, and the small supplies offered from time to time were readily absorbed at continually advancing rates. The German cigar-box supplies bemg eliminated, Dutch manu- facturers have done a steady trade with this country, and owing to the difficulty of securing their raw supplies from the producing countries have been active buyers in the English markets. The stock to be carried forward to 1916 consists of 58 000 feet of Honduras, and as supplies are likely to be very short for some time ahead, the high prices now established are likely to rule for a considerable period, if indeed they do not advance still further. 88 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Marcu 1], 1916. EDITORIAL NOTICES. HeEaAD 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 ¥.1.C., F.C.S. SCIENTIFIC STAFF, Scientific Assistant and Assistant Editor Entomologist Mycologist W. R. Dunlop. H. A. Ballou, M.Sc. W. Nowell, D.1.C. STAFF. A. G. Howell. M. B. Connell. W. P. Bovell, P. Taylor. Miss B. Robinson. A.B. Price, Fell. Journ. Inst. UL. A. Corbin. CLERICAL Chief Clerk Assistant Clerk Junior Clerk Assistant Junior Clerk Typist t. Assistants for Publications Agricultural Stews Vor. XV. SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 1916. No. 362. NOTES AND COMMENTS. ‘Contents of Present Issue. The editorial in this number gives the results of -experiments on soil explosions conducted recently in the West Indies. On page 83 will be found an article describing the means of transporting sugar-cane in Cuba. An interesting article on page 84 describes the effect of hghtning on coco-nut palms. Insect Notes deal with pests in Mauritius, and under Plant Diseases a malady of the mango is described, Scientific and Industrial Research. The Board of Education of England has recently issued a scheme tor the organization and development of scientific and industrial research. This is the outcome of the strong concensus of opinion among persons engaged both in science and industry, that a special need exists at the present time for new machinery, and for additional State assistance in order to promote and organize scientific research, with a view especially to its application to trade and industry. 3, In previous issues of this Journal (Vol. XIV, pp. 289 and 401), we editorially referred to movements on foot to obtain Government assistance in giving scientific support to certain industries that have been seriously attected by the War: and to the lack of support which science receives from the Press gene- rally. The scheme now under consideration, and which has resulted from the movements referred to above, is not intended to replace or interfere with the arrangements which have been made or may be made by the War Office or Admiralty or Ministry to obtain scientitie advice and investigation in connexion with the provision of munitions of war, but is designed to establish _ a permanent organization for the promotion of indus- trial and scientific research. To that end it pro- vides, inter alia, for the appointment of a small Advisory Council whose primary functions will be to advise the Committee of Council (i) on proposals for instituting specifie researches; (ii) proposals for establishing or developing special institutions or departments of existing institutions for the scien- tific study of problems affecting particular indus- tries and trades: (iii) the establishment and award of Research Studentships and Fellowships. It is deemed essential that the Advisory Council should keep in close touch with all Government Departments concerned with or interested in scientific research, and act in intimate co-operation with the existing scientific or professional associations, societies and institutes, as well as with Universities, technical and other institutions in which research is or can be efficiently conducted. It is contemplated that the Advisory Council will work largely through sub-com- mittees reinforced by suitable experts in the par- ticular branch of science or industry concerned. A large part of their work will be that of examining, selecting, combining, and co-ordinating rather than that of originating. They will be at liberty to initiate proposals and to institute inquiries preliminary to preparing or eliciting proposals for useful research, and in this way they may help to concentrate on problems requiring solution, the interest of all persons concerned in the devlopment of all branches of scientific industry. —— ED < Manufacture of Copra in British Honduras. Attention is directed to this new line of develop- ment in the British Honduras coco-nut-growing industry, by the Royal Society of Arts in their Journal for December 24 last. It appears that during the Von; Xcve No: 362: THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 89 eight months, January to August 1915, there were shipped from Belize 40,649 tb. of copra to the United States, and over 100,000 tb. to the United Kingdom, or more than the total shipments for as many previous years. The meat of small coco-nuts,. nuts broken in handling, and nuts that have sprouted, can be profitably used in preparing copra, and, unless the local market price of first-class nuts exceeds $14 (about £2 17s. 6d.) per 1,000, such nuts can be used as well. Copra is worth 4 and 5 cents (2d. and 23d.) a tb. in Belize. A thousand nuts should yield 400. tb. of copra, but the fancy prices that have been paid for coco-nuts during the past six years forbade consideration of making the article; as much as $30 (£6 3s. 4d.) per 1,000 has been paid for coco-nuts in Belize. According to the recent report by the United States Consul at Belize, the manufacture of copra in British Honduras is not very expensive, the meat extracted from the nut being dried in the sun in five or six days, or under cover in the rainy season. The copra is then ready for bagging or shipment. The oil, if at all tainted, can be profitably used in soap manufacture. First-grade oil is used in making a cheap but whole- some grade of butter, which is now used extensively in European countries, Coco-nuts are being extensively planted in British Honduras. It is a very profitable industry, even when nuts sell at $12 (£2 9s.) per 1,000. Copra manufacture is, however, a new venture in the country, but one that will, in the Consul’s opinion, succeed and increase, No attention was paid to it until this year. The immediate, even though slight, ettect on trade will be the demand for bags and bagging. EEE Hawaiian Soils. In a bulletin, No. 40, of the Hawaian Agricul- tural Experiment Station, issued in Angust 1915, there is an interesting account of investigations made as to the general properties of the soils of the Hawaiian Islands by the Chemist of the Station, W. P. Kelly, and his assistants, William McGeorge, and Alice R. Thompson. The practical bearings of these investi- gations with regard to cultivation are also pointed out. It would appear that with the exception of small areas near the sea, the soils of the Hawaiian Islands arise from the disintegration of basaltic lava, resulting in a preponderating clay type of soil, which sometimes contains amounts of clay as high as 50 per cent. Hence proper drainage is essential “in the management of soils of this type. The application of lime for the purpose of ameliorating the heavy clays has given but doubtful results. Investigations have also shown that fertilizers exert considerable physical effect. Phosphates materially retard the movement of moisture in the heavy clays, while nitrate of soda produces similar effects in some of the highly organic soils. The predominant colour of Hawaiian soils is_ red, -due to the presence of iron, often in large amounts. “The potash content is rather below the average, but is frequently more soluble than usual, and consequently available. more Phosphoric acid is comparatively abundant, but with a wide range of variations in the percentages. In the soils of these islands the humus content is high comparatively, and consequently the nitrogen is also high, but, owing to poor aeration, its availability is low." Hence in order to increase the availability of the nitrogen presentthe aeration of the soil, when- ever possible, should be increased, thus improving the conditions for bacterial action on the organic nitrogen. One of the peculiarities of Hawaiian soils is the presence in unusually high proportions of some of the rarer elements, notably manganese and titanium. Hawaiian soils generally give an acid reaction towards litmus. he acidity sometimes indicates the need of large amounts of lime; but it seems that the slow growth of crops in these soils is due more to the lack of aeration than the presence of actual acidity. Lime has been used on the sugar lands with good effect. Soluble ferrous iron is considered to be toxic to plants, but the amount of ferrous iron soluble in water in Hawaiian soils is extremely small, except where there is insufficient aeration. The practical bearing of these observations with regard to the cultivation of the Hawaiian soils seems to be that the essential operations consist. of: 1. Thorough drainage. 2. Deep ploughing followed by frequent shallow cultivation. 3. Intelligent rotation of crops. 4. Frequent ploughing under of green crops. These if carried out materially lessen. the need tor commercial fertilizers. - Sugar-cane that Outgrew Itself. In the Journal of Heredity for February 1916, is printed a photograph from H. B. Cowgill, plant breeder of the Insular Experiment Station, Rio Piedras, Porto Rico, illustrating an unusual abnormality In sugar-cane, The subject of the illustration was taken from a seed- ling cane which was grown in Porto Rico in the year 1913. The photograph shows four complete internodes or joints of a stalk: each of these joints has, as usual, a bud growing from it. But im every case, it is ions ithis ‘bud is traversed squarely across the middle by a great fissure. All the stalks of this seedling showed. this abnormality on many of the internodes. As may be seen, it is a rupture of the outer pertion of the stalk across the centre of the bud. Seedling canes pee show peculiarities, but this is the first time Mr. Cowgill has known this particular abnormality to happen. It seems to have been caused by an unusual formation of the bud. In sugar-cane the point of the bud is usually free from the stalk, but in this case it adhered closely to the stalk and seemed to have grown fast to it. The bud within evidently developed faster than the stalk, white its outer scales could not do so on account of being fastened to the latter. The pressure produced seems to have been sufticient to rupture the stalk. It was not possible to make any test to determine whether this abnor-~ mality would be inheritable. 90 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. INSECT NOTES. INSECT PESTS IN MAURITIUS. The Annual Report on the Department of Agriculture; Mauritius, for 1914, contains a report on the work of the Division of Entomology for that period from which tie following notes have been extracted. INSECT PEST OF SUGAR-CANE. The pink borer (Sesamia nonagiioides), the spotted borer (Diatraea striatalis), the white borer (Argyroploce schistaceana), and the white grub Lachnosterna sp., which, associated with the rhinoceros beetle /Oryctes tarandus), caused serious damage to canes on a small area, where it was kept under control. The pink borer caused injury to ‘virgin’ (plant) canes in damp localities. Satisfactory results in its control have been obtained by the use of maize as a trap crop. An efficient egg ‘parasite (Ceraphron beneficiens) has now been discovered in the island. The eggs of the pink borer are conspicuous and easily collected, and by selecting and saving from destruction the parasitized eggs, it is expected to increase the efficiency of this useful insect. PESTS OF FOREST TREES. The insects recorded as attacking forest trees were three in number: a pyralid moth severely attacked young plantations of mahogany trees; ‘illipe’ trees suffered much from attacks of a longicorn beetle (?helematium femorale), and ‘Bois Noir’ (Albizzia Leblek) was again reported as being badly attacked by Batocera rubra. (This is of interest in connexion with the recent appearance of this insect in the West Indies, where Albizzia Lebbek is of common occurrence, (see Agricultural News for February 26, 1916). A considerable number of pests were reported as Garden Pests; these are mostly of little interest in the West Indies. The insects affecting stored grains were dealt with in a separate bulletin Under the heading of Leguminous Crops, the ‘Pois sabre’ borer (Argyroploce rhyncias) was recorded as having been very destructive, and causing the wholesale destruction of several fields of the crop. It may be possible ts control this pest by hand picking the eggs. INSECTS ATTACKING DOMESTIC ANIMALS. The poultry flea (Sarcopsylla gallinacea). In a poultry run infested by this pest, spraying with kerosene and Phenyl mixture at 1 per cent. was successful in controlling the pest. The ticks were thoroughly investigated, specimens were received from all parts ofthe island resulting in the identification of six species. The host distribution was as follows:— Amlyonma variegatum on deer, cattle and goats. Rhipicepha'us sanguineus on cattle and dogs. es everts? : sf ry) Margaropus unnulatus, var. decoloratus on cattle. Amblyonma sp. on cattle. Argas per sicus on fowls. Three of these species, Rh. events’, Rh. sanguineus and M. annulatus, var. Jecloratus, are the well-known carriers of dog and cattle piroplasmosis (jaundice and red-water fever). A dipping tank has been erected during the year on one estate. The results have been most satisfactory. Ticks have decreased in numbers, and the general condition of the cattle has improved. THE BROWN HARD BACK (Phytalus smithi). This insect continued to be captured and collected in enormous numbers, the total number of beetles being ” Marcu 11, 1916. 38,816,417, and of larvae 6,694,300, making a grand total of beetles and grubs of 45,510 717. In spite of the increasing numbers of this insect destroyed from year to year the infested area is not found to be increasing. It is stated, however, that more stringent measures against this pest will have to be taken in the near future, and infested estates will have to be called upon for further assistance in the campaign. Another consigment of Thiphia parallela was received from Barbados, but no parasitized Phytalus larvae had been found in the field. RATS. Specimens of a rat have been received from Mr. W. R. Forrest in Antigua, and these were submitted to the authorities at the British Museum, Natural History, by whom they were identified. The note accompanying the first specimen was as follows: ‘I send a specimen which I take to be a mature species; it is called by some a rat by others a mouse. It seems to be very common in town (St. Johns), lives in holes in mason work, ete.’ In a letter recently received from Dr. G. A. K. Marshall, Director of the Imperial Bureau of Entomology, through whom the material was forwarded for identification, it is ~- stated that the specimens represent the common black rat (Lpimys [Mus] rattus) while the larger rat which was referred to as also being common in St. Johns is probably the brown rat Jus norveyieus =( Mus decumanus). The Cambridge Natural History (Mammals, p. 472) states in regard to these two species: ‘The black rat (W/. rat- tus) is like a large mouse, and is smaller and blacker in colour than “the Hanoverian rat”. It is sometimes called the Old English rat, but seems nevertheless to be not a truly indigenous rodent. It has been so defeated by competition with the Hanoverian rat that it is now not a common species in this country (Engiand). ‘The Hanoverian or brown rat (M7. decumanus) is a larger and browner animal than the last. It is very widely distri- buted through the globe, no doubt on account of the fact that it is readily transported by man. ... The original home of the brown rat is thought by Dr. Blanford to be Mongolia. There is so far a justification for the name Hanoverian rat that the animal reached this country (England) about the year 1728. But there seems to be no reason for calling it, as is sometimes done, the Norway rat.’ It would appear that the black rat whether indigenous to the American Continents and islands or not was to.be found in the New World previous to the advent of the brown rat. It is known that in many localities the black rat has been completely driven out or exterminated by the larger and more ferocious brown species. The occurrence of both species commonly in the same town, as at St. Johns, Antigua, may indicate that in this instance the brown rat is of fairly recent introduction, and that for some reason or other the black rat has been better able to maintain its numbers than it has in certain other situations, In Barbados, both species are present, the brown rat being the more abundant, occurring throughout the island, living in buildings, in trees, and in cane fields, where at times it is responsible for a considerable amount of injury to the sugar cane plants. The black rat appears not to be of common occurrence in sugar-cane fields, in Barbados. Vor, Xvi, No: 362) THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 91 SCIENCE AND COLONIAL AGRICULTURE. The appearance in Nature, the leading British scientific journal, of the following article reviewing an editorial in the Agricultural News (September 11, 1915), is important from the point of view that it shows that the scientific world at home follows and realizes the importance of agricultural work in the tropics. It will be seen that on one or two points the reviewer differs from us. It is unnecessary to comment on these criticisms further than .by saying that, the points are such as are open to argument:— An article in a recent number of the Agricultural News (Barbados) discusses the probable effects of the War upon the organization of science from the Imperial point of view in relation to industry generally, and in particular to Colonial agriculture. This subject has been dealt with so exhaust- ively on all sides during the last twelve months that it would seem impossible to advance any new ideas about it, but the writer of the article selects two fundamental causes as responsible for the state of affairs prevailing until recently. He believes that the British character includes a keen appreciation of mechanical invention, without any appreciation of the scientific research underlying it. The second reason is that science as a profession is considered by the older universities and public schools as lacking in the essentials of refinement, and that this social stigma deters able men of good position from entering it. But this deduction is surely Incorrect; the true explanation lies in the fact that the prizes _ that science can offer are so meagre compared with those held ‘out by other professions. The social question is merely a secondary effect. This aspect of the matter was referred to by Sir Wilham Tilden, speaking as a representative of the Royal and Chemical Societies at a deputation to the Govern- ment a short time ago. While in the case of manufacturing imdustries individ- ual enterprise in recognizing the true value of scientific work, can, and actually has, achieved much, practically nothing can be done in relation to agriculture without organization. No single farmer can afford to employ an expert to advise him on the scientific cultivation of his land, nor can any single scientific worker, however able, cope with more than a few of the varied prob- lems that practical agriculture constantly presents. For this reason agricultural science is, in most countries, much more highly organized than any other of the applied branches, We do not think there are serious grounds for the fear expressed by the Agricultural News that in the general move to help the manufacturer British and Colonial agricultural science may be neglected. The Imperial Government seems to be alive to the importance of encouraging agriculture in all its branches within the Empire, and while some alteration of methods may be necessary, it is unlikely that any permanent reduction of scientific work will occur. It is interesting to learn that in the West Indies there is the same lack of intelligent contact between the actual producer and the scientific worker that is still too abvious at home. There is also a need of more frequent intercourse between the agricultural experts, which: is hindered by the natural difficulties of communication among the islands, and now almost impossible owing to the war. An optimistic view is taken of the future; it is hoped that the brighter out- look for science will attract more men of the best type, and that in the renaissance of science throughout the Empire agriculture will play its part. THE BEST CROPS TO GROW FOR PIGS. In connexion with the suggestion made in previous issues of this journal that a larger number of pigs should be raised in the West Indian islands, the information given in Circular No. 3 (1915) of the Louisiana State Univeristy and Agricultural and Mechanical College is useful, and may be briefly summarized. In Lousisiana most of our common provision crops are grown during the summer, and many of these are found suitable and profitable in the feeding of pigs. Sweet potatoes have been found especially satisfactory. The writer ot the Circular considers these as pre-eminently the best root crop for hogs for autumn grazing. It is the firm conviction of the writer that by means of a combination of sweet potatoes, peanuts and cowpeas, the most profitable hogs in the United States may be produced. Generally, in feeding peanuts, it is the custom to adda small amount of corn in order to balance the ration. An acre of peanuts in Louisiana will feed eight to ten hogs for thirty days or more, when the hogs weigh in the neighbourhood of 200 Bb. As regards cassava, the writers do not think that this isa very suitable crop for pigs on the average farm, but to lend variety to the feeding, there is no harm in planting a small area. Cowpeas make exceedingly good pasturage for hogs. These are usually planted in corn. Hogs may be allowed to gather both the corn and the pea crop profitably if portable fences are used. As regards pasture for pigs in Lonisiana, the writer strongly recommends Bermuda or devil’s grass, which is common in the West Indies. In Louisiana it is the practice to plant tufts of grass and then sow broadeast white clover seed at the rate of 4 or 5 tb. per acre. Clovers do not grow in the tropics, but it would be easily possible to substitute some other leguminous plant which would enrich the feeding value of the pasture and augment the nitrogen content of the soil. While on the subject of the best crops to grow for pig we may refer back to an article which appeared in this Journal, and more fully in the West Indian Bulletin, on the production of pork and bacon as a new industry for the West Indies. In this Dr. Watts states that it may be found profitable to feed pigs on sugar-cane, but in any case there are abundant lands for producing Guinea corn, pigeon peas, sweet potatoes, cassava, beans and maize. The raising of proper rotation of crops for feeding pigs is an important matter which ought to receive careful consideration in the West Indias. Dr. Watts also calls attention to the fact, that there are many by-products and waste products in West Indian agriculture which might be used with advangtage in pig raising. In the first place there is molasses, which is produced in such large quantities that its disposal in a profitable way is becoming increasingly difficult. Another waste product of sugar factories which may be used to great advantage as food for pigs is the filter-press cake, which contains a considerable quantity of protein and sugar. Attention may be called also to the waste materials of arrowroot works, and the refuse lime skins of lime juice factories which are readily eaten by pigs; also to such materials as bananas, large quantities of which are unable to be shipped; and to coco-nut by-products and many other substances at present wasted. In conjunction with coco-nut estates the raising of pigs ought to be found especially convenient, for, as is pointed out in a recent issue of Tropical Life, the animals can be fenced in, using the trees as stakes, and there they can be fed on well drained land under shade with abundant oil cake, a by-product of the trees which shelter them. Altogether there can be no question that there are great prospects before organized pig production on tropical plantations. a) 92 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. GLEANINGS. We learn from the Trinidad Mirror for January 24, that during the month of December last, 129,716 bb. of balata was exported from Demerara, 11,210 tb. going to the United States, and the balance to the United Kingdom. In the Annals of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Vol. IX, No. IV, there is published a paper on a disease which affects most domestic animals, known as Babesiasis. It occurs on the West Coast of Africa, and is caused by a species of Piroplasm. It is understood that the disease is spread by ticks and tetse-tetse flies. It is stated in the Trinidad Mirror, February 5, that an American syndicate has bought 10,000 hectares of land trom private owners, and 20,000 hectares from the Government of Porto Rico, with a view to developing the banana trade. Already 16,000 hectares have been planted anda line of steamers has been established. It is inferred that the syndicate is the United Fruit Company. The progress of the hookworm campaign in St. Lucia is dealt with in the Voice of St. Lucia for February 12. During 1915 there were examined 4,501 people. Of those examined 1,590 or 35°5 per cent. were found to be infected. The number treated was 1,488, and 1,119 or 82°3 per cent. were cured, 194 remaining under ‘treatment at the end of the period under review. The figures showing the exports of rubber from the Federated Malay States for December last, established a new record jor one month’s export, while the total for the year, which shows an increase of 15,827 tons over figures for 1914, establishes a record for the exports during one year. The big demand for rubber has been a direct consequence of the war. (Lhe Board of Trade Journal.) Reference is made in a recent issue of the West India Committe Circular to the experimental work that is being conducted with coco-nuts in Porto Rico. It does not appear that any very remunerative results have been got from the application of artificial manures. In connexion with selection work, records are being made showing the constancy in shape and size of both husks and nuts borne by individual trees. There is evidence in the /nternational Sugar Journal for November 1915, to show that it is of importance to study the question of the direction of the lines of cultivation in the planting of crops, since local conditions, such as proximity to mountains and large areas of water, exert a considerable influence. It has been found that with beetroot, lines planted east and west give bigger yields than lines running north and south, Marco 1], 1916. An almost extinet-relative of the cultivated cotton is the Kokio tree of the Hawaiian Islands. In the Jowrnal of Heredity for January.1916, is an article giving some interest- ing facts concerning this notable plant. Seeds have been distributed to the different Botanic Gardens of the world in an attempt to save it from extinction. Whether it will cross with the cultivated cottons, and what the hybrid would be, are yet unknown. We learn from the Journal of the New Yorr Botanical’ Garden that Mr. A. 8. Hitchcock, Systematic Agrostologist, United States Departrsent of Agriculture, visited the Garden last November for the purpose of studying the West Indian grasses in the garden herbarium. Our readers will be aware that Mr. Hitchcock has already made a large number of determinations of St. Lucia and Dominica grasses, and hence the continuation of his work is of direct interest and value to these islands. Banana growers in the West Indies will find of interest an article on the cultivation of bananas, which appears in the Agricultural Gazette of New South Wales (November 1915). Various matters in regard to planting are dealt with, and figures are given to show what returns may be expected in New South Wales. From an area of 12 acres during 1914, a net return of £362 9s. 10d. was obtained. Banana plant- ing would therefore seem to bea profitable occupation in Australia. Reference is made in the Agricultural Gazette of New South Wales for October 2, 1915, to a plant called Tagasaste, which is a shrub belonging to the pea family and known as Cytisus proliferus. There are three varieties. It appears that the variety palmensis is superior to the others as afodder plant. It is: found in the Canary Islands off the north-west coast of Africa, and in the above journal, Mr. G. A. Maiden, the Government Botanist to New South Wales, makes a plea that it should be given a fair trial in Australia. A letter has been received from the Government Veterinary Surgeon, St. Vincent, enclosing information concerning a live- stock credit plan. ‘The principle is that a company purchases improved live-stock for farmers. No actual money is paid over, the business men simply allowing the use of their credit. For St. Vincent it is suggested that the Government should buy stock and that the money should be refunded in the form of instalments. Such a plan was adopted in Barbados some years ago when Dr. Shannon was sent to the United States to purchase stock. A shortage in nitrogenous manures seems to be antici- pated in Great Britain. The Gardeners’ Chronicle for December 25, 1915, says that manufacturers of phosphatic manure are unable to procure sufficient quantities of sulphuric acid which is in demand in munition work. In an article in Nature for December 2, reference is made to a possible shortage of nitrate of soda, owing to communication with Chile being interfered with by the landslide in the Panama Canal. It is understood that action has been taken by the Government to secure an adequate stock. Nitrate of soda is of course used in enormous quan- tities in the manufacture of munitions, and even in agricul- ture the consumption in Great Britain is not under 100,000 tons per annum, Vote) XaV.. 2 No! 362: THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 93 CO-OPERATION BETWEEN AGRICUL- TURAL DEPARTMENTS AND CO- OPERATIVE CREDIT SOCIETIES. The question of closer contact between Departments of Agriculture and Co-operative Credit Societies is receiving attention in India. A resolution passed at the seventh meeting of the Board of Agriculture held at Pusa in Novem- ber 1911, ran as follows:— ‘The Board is of opinion that the time has come for considering the question whether the Agricultural Depart- ment should not work in closer touch with the co-operative credit movement, as the object of both is identical, viz., the improvement of rural economy.’ The Agricultural Depart- ment therefore after consulting the Registrar, Co-operative Credit Societies, decided the lines on which the Registrar could best co-operate with the Director of Agriculture. The lines of action tentatively agreed upon were as follows:— (1) Dissemination of Literature. The Registrar, Co-operative Credit Societies, will send the Director of Agriculture a list of societies to whom he wishes copies of agricultural leaflets and other literature to be sent. These societies will assist in making known to the cultivators the contents of the leafiets. (2) Financing Agricultural Improvements. This will take two forms:— (a) Societies will be started to take up special work, such as improved methods of sugar-cane cultivation, e.g., advances will be made to members to meet the cost of improved methods of cultivation such as the cost of manure, etc. The advance will be recovered after harvest. (b) Existing societies will finance and encourage in special areas proved improvements such as the introduction of ground nut in Nawada Sub-division, Gaya. (3) Co-operative Credit Societies will be recognized by the Agricultural Department as agencies (just as Divisional and District Associations are) for spreading any improvements the Department wishes to introduce such as two-seedling transplantation of paddy. (4) Central Banks and Honorary Organizers will be requested to assist in starting and controlling seed farms for— (a) growing of pure seed. (b) distribution of pure seed. (5) The Divisional Agricultural Inspectors will be requested to attend the annual meetings of Central Banks (of which the Registrar will give timely notice to the Agri- cultural Department) and will at such meetings give advice and illustrative lectures to the members and, if possible, will give an exhibition of the working of new and improved implements, ete. (6) The auditors of Co-operative Credit Societies will be requested at the time of audit to see whether the agri- cultural literature has been received and read at monthly meetings. (7) Central Banks will be requested to select a culti- vator to undergo a short course of six months’ training at Sabour. The bank will be asked to pay the boarding expenses of the cultivator, and the Agricultural Department will make no charge for the course. (8) Bank clerks will undergo a short six-monthly course of training at Sabour suflicient to enable them to work in communication with Divisional Inspectors. The two. departments are since 1911 tending to work more closely together, but much has not been done, nor can. any notable results be expected until the expert and subor- dinate inspecting staff of the Department recently sanctioned, settle to their work. The work hitherto done or going on in this connexion are:— Agricultural leaflets in English and in the vernaculars, and other agricultural literature were distributed to selected societies for the use of the members. A seed store has been opened at Sabour where selected and improved varieties of seeds are kept for sale to the cultivators and members of agricultural associations: and co-operative societies. A seed store and museum has recently been open at Muzaffarpur under the auspices of the Tirhut Divisional Agricultural Association, where improved varieties of seeds, manures and implements are kept for sale and exhibition; and are supplied on favourable terms to the members of the Co-operative Society in Muzaffarpur District. The institution of a short course in agriculture at the Sabour College affords the'members of societies an oppor- tunity of sending their members for such training. The prospectus of this short course was sent to the selected Central Co-operative Banks, and one Bank Clerk has already joined at Sabour. The co-operation of Central Banks and selected societies is sought for to facilitate the introduction of improved varie- ties of seeds and implements. The Professor of Agriculture at Sabour, at the sugges- tion of the Registrar, Co-operative Credit Societies, is taking an interest in the Co-operative Societies near Bhagalpur. He has recently become one of the Directors of the Central Co- operative Bank there and has already inspected some of the societies. Steps are being taken to make the Assistants and the Inspectors of the Veterinary Department and the Agri- cultural Inspectors acquainted with Co-operative methods, The Inspectors of the Patna, Tirhut and Orissa Divisions are to be trained with selected auditors under the Registrar of Co-operative Credit Societies. A co-operative dairy society has been recently established at Gaya by the Registrar under the auspices of the Gaya Municipality. It is reported that the society is succeed- ing and is unable to meet the demand for pure milk. The question of growing fodder crops for use during the cold weather and siloing green fodder for the hot and dry months is being enquired into by the Agricultural Department. It is hoped to use Co-operative Societies largely for the distribution of pedigree breeding bulls from the Government Cattle Breeding Station at Sipaya. A-scheme has for some time been under consideration, under which District Boards will offer an Approved Society the whole or part of the cost of a bull, the Society providing the whole of the cost of the maintenance of the bull. Five bulls are now available for early distribution, and some of the District Boards have come forward to purchase them for the Co-operative Credit Societies under the above-mentioned scheme. It is intended todo much more in the near future than it has been possible todo in the past to bring the societies into relations with the department. Similar co-operation in many of the directions indicated should be possible in the West Indies. $4 THE AGRICULTURAL PLANT DISEASES. A MANGO DISEASE. In the Bulletin of the Department of Agriculture of Trinidad and Tobago, Vol. XIV, pp. 164-71, Mr. J. B. Rorer, Mycologist to the Board of Agriculture, discusses the anthracnose of the mango, a disease whose existence is recorded in Florida, Porto Rico, Cuba and Trinidad, and which probably occurs to some extent throughout the West Indies. It has not, in any instance of which the present writer is aware, attracted much attention in the lesser islands, though no doubt it has had some influence, there as in Trinidad, in determining whether a year shall be a good one or a bad one for the mango crop. The fungus is of the Gloeosporium or Colletotrichum type (a given fungus may adopt the form characteristic of one or the other of these genera, according to circumstances), and the author adopts the view that G. mangiferae, the name given to the fungus on the mango, is synonymous with C. gloeosporioides, applied to the form on citrus and other fruit trees. The fungus attacks flowers, leaves, and fruit. On the flowers and flower stalks the fungus appears in spots, and leads to the blackening and dropping of a proportion or all of the flowers. It is in this way that most effect is pro- duced on the crop. On the leaves, spots and sometimes holes are produced, which begin as minute black dots and increase to a diameter of } or ;3, of an inch. Young fruits may be attacked and drop in large numbers, older fruits become spotted with black, or streaked, and their keeping qualities are greatly reduced. Infection experiments with pure cultures resulted in the copious production of the various forms of the disease on the inoculated plants, while the controls remained nearly or quite unaffected. Considerable interest attaches to the spraying, storage, and shipping experiments conducted over several years in ‘Trinidad, the results of which are collected in the paper under review. In 1912 trees of nine varieties bordering a road in the Experiment Station were made the subject of an experiment on the effect of Bordeaux mixture, twenty-one being sprayed and fifteen left as controls. The former received three applications in February, three in March, and one in May. Febru- ary and March were dry months, so that the general mango crop was an excellent one, but the effect of the treat- ment was nevertheless shown in a much heavier crop on the sprayed than the unsprayed trees, especially the more suscep- tible varieties. The fruit was moreover very much improved in appearance. In 1913, though the weather was again not such as to favour any very serious manifestation of the disease, the beneficial results were even more noticeable, and were seen in the foliage as well as in the fruit. The shipping of sprayed and unsprayed fruit to England and the United States has revealed an improved keeping quality asa result of the treatment. Iruit of the Julie variety, kept fora month in cold storage in Port-of-Spain, deteriorated much more quickly after removal in the case of ansprayed than of sprayed examples. Wises NEWS. Marcu 11, 1916. WATER LOSSES FROM PLANTS AND SOIL. A lengthy paper on transpiration appears in the Journal of Agricultural Research, United States Department of Agriculture, Vol. V, No. XIV. The paper has special regard to transpiration, rate on clear days as determined by cyclic environmental, factors such as radiation, air by temperature, and wind velocity. By way of introduction it is stated that the great differences exhibited by the various plants in water requirement, that is, in the water transpired in the production of a unit of dry matter, are of profound economic importance in the agricultural development of regions of limited rainfall, and an understanding of what gives rise to the greater etliciency which some plants possess in the use of water is highly desirable in the selection and breeding of plant strains adapted to dry land agriculture. This problem led the writers of the paper under notice to undertake a series of transpiration measurements with a view to determining, so far as possible, the relative influence of various environmental factors on the transpiration of different plants. To this end simultaneous automatic records were obtained of the sclar radiation intensity, the depression of the wet bulb thermometer, the air temperature, the wind velocity, and the evaporation from the free-water surface. The paper under notice deals with the transpiration response of plants to these factors, on clear days. Composite graphs are presented showing the mean hourly transpiration rate for each of the plants considered, together with the mean hourly values of the radiation, air temperature, wet bulb depression, and wind velocity for the transpiration period, and also the mean hourly evaporation rate. On the basis of the form of the curves, the transpiration graphs may be grouped into two classes having characteristic features. It should be mentioned here, that in this investigation only crops that grow in temperate climates were dealt with, with the one exception of sorghum. This however does not detract from the scientific interest of the results. The cereals showed a marked change in the slope of the transpiration graph in the forenoon unaccompanied by corresponding changes in the environmental factors. On the other hand, the forage plants gave little or no indication of such a change. This flattening of the graphs in the case of the cereals appears to be due to some changes in the plant, resulting in a reduction in the transpiration rate below what would be expected from the form of the curves during the early morning hours. The paper concludes with a statement as to the form shown by the curves representing the cyclic factors. The radiation graphs are practically symmetrical with respect to noon. The air temperature and wet bulb graphs ate very similar in form, since the latter can be determined from the former on days in which the humidity of the air is not changing. The transpiration graphs usually rise and always fall in advance of air temperature. It is shown finally that radiation, air temperature, and wet bulb depression are correlated with transpiration approx- imately to the same degree. If the environmental factors are considered as independent, their relative influence on transpiration may be determined by the method of least squares. Vor. XV. No. 362. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 95 Leaving the above subject and turning to the question -of the movement and loss of water in soils, attention may be called to an interesting paper appearii@ in Vol. V, No. XIV, of the journal referred to above, entitled ‘The Effect of Temperature on Movement of Water Vapour and Capillary Moisture on Soils’. This investigation has led to some interesting conclusions, one of which is that the capillary movement of water in moist soils is not controlled entirely by the curvature of the capillary films, as is generally believed, but also by the unsatisfied attractive forces of the soil for water. Other results are that the amount of water lost from the soil by water vapour is very small; that is, that there is no rising of vapour during the night from the warmer soil below to the cold soil above, and that the water of the dew is not derived from the soil vapour as is commonly believed. Another paper in the same issue deals with soil temper- atures. It is stated as a general conclusion that in temperate countries a system of clean cultivation with a winter cover erop is characterized by extreme diurnal and annual fluctu- -ations in soil temperature. A straw mulch equalises these tiuctuations to a marked extent, as does also a grass crop, though in a less degree. WASTE LAND AND LOGWOOD. An effort is being made by the Agricultural Depart- ment in St. Lucia to encourage the utilization of some of the waste land, particularly that adjacent to the coast, for the cultivation of logwood. Mr. A. J. Breoks, the Agricultural Superintendent, has prepared a_ leaflet on the subject which gives very useful information. In this it is pointed out that the logwood industry was at one time a very appreciable one in St. Lucia, the value of the exports being worth no less than £71,111 in 1893. The value of the annual exports now, however, has fallen to about £4,000. One reason for giving attention to the planting of logwood lies in the fact that the market value of logwood is at present high on account of the disrup- tion in the aniline dye trade. At the same time the question as to what the future prices for dyes will-be, is an open one. It must be remembered that very strong efforts are being made in the direction of producing aniline dyes in England, and after the war the demand for vegetable dyes is certain to be very much less than it is under the present disturbed condition. There is however a special demand for logwood dye, and in a general way its extended cultivation in the West Indies may be advocated, provided it is only grown on soils where other crops cannot be profitably produced, Commercially there are two varieties of the logwood. The first is the valuable variety, the one producing the great- est quantity of dye. This is known as ‘red’ logwood. The second variety is not valuable, and is known as the ‘bastard’ logwood. The wood of the useful variety when split through the middle shows a deep red colour throughout, and when a few chips are placed in water it quickly becomes discol- oured. The freshly cut surfaces of the wood of the valuable kind darken quickly upon exposure. On the other hand, the useless variety emits a strong odour when cut, and the surfaces -do not darken upon exposure. The best time for planting seed in St. Lucia is in February and March. A careful search should be made for the most vigorous matured trees yielding the highest percen- tage of dye. Before gathering the seed special care should be taken to see that the tree produces the wood desired, aud this is readily done by chipping away a small portion of the sap wood from the main stem, about 3 feet above the soil. By such selection it is possible to increase greatly the amount of dye, and recognition of this fact greatly accounts for the Honduras and Mexican logwoods con- trolling the markets. The seed pods should be stripped off when quite mature, and spread out in layers in a cool place. If they are placed in large heaps before they are properly dry they will heat and commence to ferment, thus destroying the vitality of the seed. A further selection operation is to pass the seeds through sieves to separate the full from the immature. After the young plants have developed in the nurseries, the planting out is a very simple matter. It is not necessary that the lands to be planted in logwood should be lined and holed as is advised for other crops. The soil requires no preparation such as forking and draining, and no wind-belts or shade trees are needed. In dry and exposed localities the plants may be set out at 15 feet apart, and in humid or sheltered situations at 20 feet This will take 193 and 108 plants per acre, respectively. When planting, a small circle should be cleared, about 2 feet in diameter, of grass and bush. The soil should not be forked, but a small hole should be made with a spade just sufficiently deep and wide to accom- modate the roots of the plant. Fill up with soil and press the earth with the feet as firmly as possible. The object of this treatment is to prevent the holes becoming filled with water. Logwood is unlike other orchard crops, inasmuch as the whole of the tree must be cut down when mature, and not just its leaves or fruit. Owing to this, the question of obtaining a continuous supply arises. Where large areas are available, it may be practicable to divide them up into sections and to plant a certain area each year, This will guarantee a regular supply being obtained. Logwood usually takes from eight to ten years to reach maturity. A saving of two to three years may be made on the second and following crops, by planting a fresh lot of seedlings throughout the plantations, midway between the existing trees after the sixth or seventh year. The actual cost of planting out logwood does not amount, on an average, to more than ls. or 2s. per acre. The Agricultural Department in St. Lucia is obtaining through the Imperial Department a supply of logwood seed from Honduras, of the variety which yields the greatest quantity of pigment. The Honduras logwood is known to yield a much higher percentage of dye extract than the Jamaican, and if seedlings of this can be raised for distribution, it will make the prospects of success in this attempt to revive an old industry more promising. In conclusion it may interest the reader to know that two articles on logwood appear in Vols. [Vand V of the West Indian Bulletin. The first refers to diseases of logwood, the chief one of which is a root rot; and the second article consists of chemical notes on the ‘bastard’ logwood. In this it is endeavoured to show the ways in which bastard logwood differs in chemical characteristics from the useful variety. An extension of this work in regard to the Honduras logwood to show why it is superior to the West Indian, would be nse~ ful, and would seem to be indicated. 96 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Marcu 11, 1916, MAR KET RE PO RTS. Barbados.—Messrs. James A. Lyncu & Co., Ltd., Febru- ary 9, 1916; T. S. Garraway & Co., February 9, 1916, Arrowroot—$d'00 per 100 th. Cacao—$16-00 per 100 th. Coco-nuts—$18'00 husked nuts. Hay—S1°75 to $1-90 per 100 th. Manures—Nitrate of soda, $85°00; Cacao manure, no quotations; Sulphate of ammonia, $90:00 to $100-00 per ton. : Mo xassrs—No quotations. Ontons—$12-00 per 190 ib. Pras, Sprit—$9'50 to $12°50 per 210 tb.; Canada, $3-00 London.—Tue West Inpia CommitreEe CrIRcULAR, January 27, 1916, ARROWROOT—2$d. to 4d. Batatra—Sheet 2s. Ghd. to Qs. Brrswax—No quotations. Cacao-—Trinidad, no quotations.; Grenada, 81s. to 84s. Jamaica, no quotations. Td.; block 2s. Corrre—Jamaica, no quotations. Copra—£37. Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota- tions; West Indian Sea Island, 153d. to 18d. Frvuir—No quotations. Fustic—No quotations, Gincer—Jamaica, 67/6 to 85/-. IstyGLass—No quotations. Honey—-No quotations. Lime Jurce—Raw, 2/9; concentrated, no quotations; Otto ‘of limes (hand-pressed), no quotations. Locwoop—No quotations. Mace—G3d. to 2s. 6d. Nourmecs—6$d. to Yhd. per 120 tb. Porators—Noya Scotia, $4°00 per 160 tb. Rice—Ballam, $6°30 per 190 tb.; Patna, no quotations; Rangoon, no quotations, Sucar—Muscovado centrifugals, $3°65 to $3-80. British Guiana.—Messrs. Wietinc & Ricurer, Janu- ary 31, 1916; Messrs. SANDBACH, PARKER & Co. Jannary 7, 1916. : 3° = Messrs. Sanp- Pinento—1 fd. to 23d. xa Messrs. WIkTING Rusger—Para, fine hard, 3/54; fine soft, 3/5; Castilloa, no ARTICLES. & Ricwter. BACH, & Pee quotations. so Roum—Jamaica, no quotations, , : a ARRowROOT—St. Vincent — $14°50 New York.—Messrs. Gmuespre Bros. & Co., February Barata— Venezuela block Demerara sheet Cacao—Native Cassava— Cassava STarcH— 18c. per Th. 31-20 $10 to S11 20c. per tb. 10, 1916. Coco-nuts— $18 per M. $18 per M. Cacao—Caracas, 15jc. to 15$c.; Grenada, 15jc. to 158c.; Trinidad, 15c. to 15$c.; Jamaica, 14c. to 14$c. CorrrE—Creole 12c. to 13c. 14c. per th. Coco-nuts—Jamaica and ‘Trinidad selects, $33:00 to Jamaica and Rio|14e. to 15c. per th.) 14c. $34°00; culls, $22-00 to $23:00. Liberian 8c. to 83c. 9c. per th Corrre—Jamaica, tc. to 12c. per tb. DHaL— 57°00 to $725 $725 Gincer—l4e. to 16c. per th. Green Dhal = Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 49c.; Antigua and Barbados, 47e. to 49c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 46c. to 48c. per Ib. Grave Frvuir—Jamaica, $1°25 to $1°75. Eppors— $1°92 to $2-16 —s Lues—$4°00 to $5-00. Mo .asses— Yellow None = Macre—3bdc. to 42c. per th. Ontons—Teneriffe —— aes Nurmrcs—lie. to 153c. Madeira a 12c. Jamaica, $1:00 to $150, Peas—Split $12°00 to $12°50 $12-00 Pimento—3ic. to 4c. per th. |per bag. (210 tt.) Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 4°83c. to 4°86c.; Muscovados, Marseilles —_ 89°, 4:18c. to 4°21c.; Molasses, 89°, 4:06c. to 4:09¢,, PLANTAINS— k l6c. to 48c, all duty paid. Potatrors—Nova Scotia $3°25 $3-25 to $3°50 Lisbon | Porators--Sweet, B’bados Rice—Ballam $1-92 $5°50 to S5-75 | Trinidad.—Messrs, Gorpox, Grant & Co., February 8, Creole F | $50 ? : Tannias— $3°12 ——— 1916. Yams— White $240 — Buck $3°12 Oacao—Venezuelan, $14°75 to $15-00; Trinidad, $15-00 Suear—Dark crystals $3°60 to $3°75 $3°75 to $17°25. Yellow $4°25 to $4°35 $425 Coco-nur O1r—0c. per Imperial gallon. White Corrrr—Venezuelan, no quotations. Molasses 33°10 Copra—86°50 per 100 Th. TIMBER—GREENHEART 32c. to 5dc. per | 32c. to 5dc. per Duat—S$6 75 to $7-00 cub. foot cub. foot Ontons—$5°00 per 100 1p. Wallaba shingles} $4:00 to $6-25 34°00 to $6°00 Peas, Sprir—$-00 to $10-00 per bag. per M. per M. Porarors—English $2°00 to $2-25 per 100 th. Ricr—Yellow, $6°75 to $7°25; White, $7-00 per bag. Sucar—American crushed, no quotations ; 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. 2d.; Volumes II, III, IV, V, vb VIE, VI, IX, X, XI, XII, XII and XIV:—Price (IU, : 2. Veo: and V,2 2'and 3 are-out of print.) The Development of Agriculture (Mr. A. D. Hall’s Addresses to complete. Volume XV, No. 1, Contains papers on: 2s.each; Post free 2s. 8d., ne the British Association for the Advancement of Science); Agricultural Industries of 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 lunatus (Lima beans), notes of P. T. Saunders, by W. R. Dunlop; Skin Diseases of Cattle in Antigua (compiled from th M-R.C.V.S., A.V.C.). PAMPHLET SERIES. The Pamphlets are written ina 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. present time is seventy-five. Suecar 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, in 1915-14, price 1s. each. They contain, amongst other subjects, summaries of the results of the experiment work The number issued up to the GENERAL. (7) and (22) Scale 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. Price, 6d. 76) Indian Corn. Price 4d. 77) Erysipelas and Hoose. Price 2d. (78) Onion Cultivation. Price 5d. (79) Root Diseases of Lime Trees in Forest Districts. Price 3d. (80) Hints to Settlers in St. Lucia. Price 6d. (81) Agricultural Resources of St. Lucia. Price 3d. (82) Indoor Gardening for Schools. Price 6d. Price 4d. Kitts. The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of 4d. for the pamphlets marked 2d.; 1d. for those marked 4d. and for No. and for Nos Lr a3 < 72, 2d. 73 and 75; The The ‘ Agricultural News’ other reports; and, Agricultural matters throughout the West Indies. The ‘ Agricultural News’ contains local agents of the Department at one penny per number, post free, Volumes IV to XII complete, with title page and index, as issued—Price 4s. each— 2s. 2d. per half-year, or 4s. 4d. per annum. lid. for Nos. 40, 44, 49, 59, 62, 63, 67 ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS:’: extracts in fact, any information indicating what is going on in each colony and the progress made in and 74. Postage for No. 71, 4d. A Fortnightly Review. from official correspondence and from progress and is printed in time to be distributed, regularly, by each mail, 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 longer be supplied complete. The scale of charges for ADVERTISEMENTS may be obtained on application to the Agents. copies are to be addressed to the Agents, not to the Department. All 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 Inpra Commitrer, 15, Seething Lane. Barbados: Apvocatr Co. Lrp., Broad Street, Bridgetown. Jamaica: THE EpucationaL Suppty Company, 16, King Street, Kingston. British Guiana: Toe Arcosy Co., Lrp., Georgetown. Trinidad: Messrs. Murr-Marsna & Co., Port-of-Spain. Tobago: Mr. C. L. PLAGEMANN , Scarborough, Grenada: Messrs. THos. Lawtor & Co., St. St. Vincent: Mr. J. D. Bonapre, ‘Times’ Office. St. Lucia; Mr. R. W. Nixes, Botanic Station. Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. BripGEwater, Roseau. Montserrat: Mr. W. Rosson, Botanic Station. Antigua; Mr. 8. D. Matone, St. John’s. St. Kitts: Toe Brste AND Book Suppty AGENCY, BASSETERRE Nevis: Messrs. HoweEtt, Bros., Charlestown. George. Canada: LEWIS W. Cremens, 71 King Street, West, Toronto. Vou. XV. No. 362. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Marcu 11, 1916. THE BEST MANURE FOR COLONIAL USE se TSS Dissolved (Soluble), Guano POR: SUG Ax-CAN EH ANID G HEIN AE. Us TRADE MARK. APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS. OR DIRECT TO:— THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL GUANO WORKS, (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) London Agency: Doek House, Billiter Street, London, E.C. Barbados Agents: James A. Lynch & Co., Ltd., Bridgetown. TO BESS U FIST OR TL. SELECTED WEST INDIAN BULLETIN, SEA ISLAND COTTON SEED. Vol. XV, No. 8. We make a speciality of selecting Sea Island Cotton Seed for planting purposes, and solicit orders from the pec eas r AUT ce cata ahs Mg en eae I Containing the following papers: Two Scoliid Parasites of neighbouring Islands Scarabaeid Larvae in Barbados, by W. Nowell, D.1.C.; On Legislating Against Plant Diseases, by Francis Watts, C.M.G., ‘ : : D.S8e., FI.C.; Notes on Trichogramma Minutum, by 8. C. Quotations on application. Harland, B.Sc.; Bay Oil and the Cultivation of the Bay | Tree as a Crop Plant, by H. A. Tempany, D.Sc., F.1.C., and) THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE W. Robson; The Rise of Dominica, by Francis Watts, C.M.G. D.Sce., F.1.C.; The Hitchen Bacon Factory, by J. W. Welsh;| COLION Woy Sie A Summary of the Manurial Work with Sugar-cane in the WHITE PARK, West Indies, by W. R. Dunlop. BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. ee SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENT. —<—<—<—$— — = ———$<__ ———____—_——_- Printed at Office of Agricultura? Reporter, 4 High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados Uasiy REE ee i) 5 SSS) . Ai) i OARS Vol. XV. No. 363.] ; R. MAIL, PASSENGER & CARGO SERVICES FROM THE WEST INDIES | : TO PORTS OF CALL THE UNITED KINGDOM | Azores. | St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Dominica, , Montserrat, Antigua, St. Kitts, | |Bermuda, Halifax, N. 8., & St. John (N.B.) 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Branches at BARBADOS, Trinidad, Tobago, Demerara, Colon, Jamaica, Antilla, New York, Halifax N.S., Buenos Aires, Santos, Sao Paulo Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, ete. ; THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS THE IMPROVEMENT of NATIVE CATTLE in the WEST INDIES Adverse Effect of Ticks The Urgent Need for Dipping Tanks — P CATTLE TICK FEMALE Extract from an article by The Director of the Jamaica Department of Agriculture, published in No.8 Vol. II of the “ Bulletin” of the Department. “Until quite recently very little had been done to control the cattle ticks in Jamaica, beyond the application of ‘Tar and Oil” as a smear to congested areas of large ticks. The intensification of non-tropical blood in the herds, with the consequent increase in the hair of the animals and the tenderness of their skins, resulted in a serious increase in the tick-pest under the inadequate system of control generally prevailing on the pens. : The consequence has been that the breeding of high- class beef cattle became commercially unprofitable owing to the serious loss of calves from tick-infection and the slow maturation of the fattening gangs. By the introduc- tion of cheap cattle from Central America about 20 years ago, the blood parasite of Tick Fever was introduced into Jamaica, and the tick-pest became not merely a sucker of the blood and a depreciator of the vital forces of our cattle, but an actual propagator of a parasite which destroved the whole blood system of a susceptible animal so as to cause it the most serious loss of condition, or even to die of ‘red water.’ When this disease first spread in Jamaica very serious losses of cattle were incurred, and the best bred beef stock were the most susceptible to the disease. By the control of the ticks within reasonable limits, and the natural im- munisation of the cattle that survived the attacks of the parasite, the cattle industry surmounted this attack, but the deteriorating influence has remained, and even ‘ immune'"* cattle suffer severely from partial destyaction of the blood system when badly infested with the ‘grass lice, which is the stage of the tick in which the fever parasite is inoculated into the animal with fresh virulence. Be the first degree, therefore, thé improvement of our beef cattle in Jamaica has been hampered by the tick problem, and secondly by the wide spread prevalence of the fever parasite wherever cattle are bred in the Island. The finest breeds of beef cattle are the most susceptible to the tick-infestation and the least resistant to the fever parasite. This fact explains the miserable animals that have frequently resulted from the use of English Shorthorn Bulls of the finest breeding on a native herd of cattle. The half-breds have remained stunted and unthrifty with long staring coats,and in many cases have proved vastly inferior to their dams on which it was sought to effect improvement by the prepotent and pre-eminent qualities of the premier breed of British Cattle, the Shorthorn. It has been found for example, that under ordinary commercial conditions of management, 80 per cent. of the Hereford Calves have died; whereas, under the same con- ditions, only 10 per cent. of the progeny of the ordinary tropical cattle with a basis of Zebu blood failed to mature. The tick-problem, therefore, lies at the root of the improvement of our Beef Cattle in Jamaica. Since the visit of PRoressor NEWSTEAD in 1910, pen- keepers have largely developed the spraying of cattle. One proprietor reports that consistent spraying has enabled him to prime his steers for the butcher in six months’ less time than under former conditions of tick-control. The use of Dipping Tanks is undoubtedly indicated to be the best solution of the tick-problem, and Jamaica should now resolutely follow the example of South Africa, Australia, and the Southern United States in this direction. It has been demonstrated at the Hope Farm that a Tank, as designed by Mr. A. H. Ritcniz, Government L[nto- mologist, can be erected at a cost of £25 for labour and materials, which is;capable of dealing with a large herd of cattle. It may be safely asserted that no large enterprise in the rearing and fattening of high-class beef cattle in Jamaica can be adequately equipped without a lipping Tank, and it is hoped that a wide extension of dipping will very shortly be taken in hand by all the larger proprietors of cattle in the Island.” net nanan COOPER'S? CATTLE MICK DIP Has received the offcial epproval of the following Countries: Union of South Africa, Northern Rhodesia, Erazil, Basutoland, Nyasalend, Swaziland, Southern Riodesia, Madagascar, British East Africa, German East Africa, Portuguese East Africa, Portuguese West Africa, Egypt, Argentine Republic, Queensland, United States of America, New South Wales, Northern Territory of Australia. ST. KITTS: S. L. Horsford & Co. WEST INDIAN AGENTS: ANTIGUA: Bennett, Bryson & Ca. JAMAICA: D. ‘Henderson & Co., Kingston, GRENADA: Thomson, Hankey & Co. 7 BARBADOS: Barbados Co-operative Cotton Co., Ltd. BAHAMAS: W.N. Twynam, Nassau. TRINIDAD: T. Geddes Grant, Port of Spain. BRITISH GUIANA: Sandbach, Parker & Co. ST. VINCENT: Corea & Co., Kingstown. NEVIS: 5S. D. Malone. DANISH WEST INDIES: Carl V. La Beet, St. Thomas, MONTSERRAT: W. Llewellyn Wall, DOMINICA: Hom H. A. Frampton. ST. LUCIA: Barnard Sons & Co., Castries. Manufacturers: WILLIAM COOPER & NEPHEWS, Berkhamsted, England. BRANCHES: Toronto, Chicago, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Buenos Aires, Monte Video, Punta Arenas, East London, Odessa. APR 8~ 1910 SE 7s aT A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW OF THE IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. Vor. XV. No. 363. BARBADOS, MARCH 25, 1916. Daou CONTENTS. some men who have returned to their old work unfitted for it, even though they may not dislike it. And lastly PAGE. Pace. there will be a large body of men whose health will Agriculture and Education Items of Local Interest ... 102 in Tonga... ... 105 Land Settlement after the Atmospheric Nitrogen, As- War 200 Ochs, dob, Sem similation of ... 107 Lime Buming in Small Beans, Five Oriental Pits,.3aeeeee see wae, LOZ Species of ... ... ... 101,Market Reports coq HAY Burr Grass, Value of ... 111)Martinique, Prospects in 107 Cacao, Coffee and Tobacco, \Notes and Comments ... 104 ... 100 Philippine Islands, Trade on PI a Cacao in Trinidad, Bud- Of; InQIBA Dee, le) 199 Gane OL mice susan eins 100 pyant Dineasest=— Citrus Pollen, Successful lati N ae Long Distance Shipment Some New Entomogen- Bet ne 7 i 107 ous Fungi in St. Vin- ase eee eee wee tee ‘ ree ae cone 2 2. 110 eaaisiamdu@atton Publications of the Imper- ae esa ial Department of Agri- Fermentation of ... 02 Ore neuen aoe Ee | culture, New... ae LOA: LE ON Meas [Soil Erosion Due to Heavy ion between ... ... ... Ll Rainfall tO .- 102; . 109}Sugar Industry :— 111) Report of the Sugar Ex- 108 periment Stations, (Queensland, 1915... 98 The Growth of the Stem, Leaf, and Leaf-sheath A Butterfly Injurious to of Sugar-cane ... .... 99 Coco-nut Palms in Tropical Sanitation ... . 105 British Guiana ... . 106|West Indian Products = delve Land Settlement After ie War, Department News ... Departinental Reports Dynamite Experiments ... Gleanings fey fe. oe. ees India, Sugar Factory De- velopment in... . 104 Insect Notes:— T is clearly recognized that a large number Y of those men at present serving their country nm a ina military capacity, who, before the war, were engaged in indoor occupations, will not be content to return to their former lite after hostilities have ceased. They will have become accustomed to outdoor conditions, and in many cases altered temperamentally to such an extent as to make work behind the counter or at the desk distasteful, There will, too, be another side to the question, namely, that employers will find have been impaired through exposure and injury; for many of these the confined life of the shop or factory will prove trying, if not positively harmful. It follows, therefore, that after the war a big demand wall arise for out-of-doors employment. This can only be met by a more extensive settlement of the land. One of the first institutions to see the need of taking up this question immediately was the Royal Colonial Institute. They saw it not only as a national economic question for Great Britain, but also as an With the official support of His Majesty's Government, the Institute been able fortunately to secure the services of the famous novelist, Sir Rider Haggard, who is also an authority on agriculture: and Sir Rider Haggard is at present touring South Africa, with aview to starting preparations for settlement after the war. Sir Rider Haggard will also visit Australia, where, as we pointed out in the Agricultural News some months ago, the Government of Queensland has Imperial economic opportunity for the colonies. has already taken the initiative in regard to the provision of facilities for the land settlement of ex-soldiers. We have on a similar mission in the West Indies at the present time, Major Boosé, of the Royal Colonial Institute. In these islands, of course, there are not the same possibilities for an extensive settlement as there are in the Dominions. Moreover, many men may not desire to settle in a tropical country, for several reasons, At the same time the West Indies can offer very attractive prospects and opportunities to those who do, and the comparative ease of plantation life, coupled 98 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Marco 25, 1916. with the absence of rigorous clithate, should appeal to those whose physical health has been impaired. Several references. have appeared in the London papers to Jamaica, which is recommended on account of its mountainous configuration, rendering it. easy to obtain achange of climate by travelling but a short distance. Such an island would be ideal for invalids; while for those who are able to work there are still large areas of land awaiting cultivation in that colony. But the new settler, especially in the tropics, needs definite attractions, and he must above all be granted land at low rates, and be provided with proper roads. In the West Indies, nowhere are these requirements better met, or will be better met by the time the war is over, than in St. Lucia. In the newly issued Pamphlet, ‘Hints to Settlers in St. Lucia* there appears the recent Ordinance that has been passed through the initiative of tlie Administrator, the Honourable Gideon Murray, which lays down the conditions under which the Government is prepared to sell Crown lands, of not less than 100 acres in extent, for the settlement of persons who have lately served in His Majesty’s forces, or who come from out- side the colony. Crown lands in blocks of not less than 100 acres will be sold at the rate of 15s. per acre, and 10s. an acre for each acre or part of an acre above a hundred. The purchase money has to be paid in five annual instalments, and half the cost of surveying has to be paid prior to occupation. The fee for the survey of 100 acres is about £20, So that it will be seen that in St. Lucia the necessary initial expenditure of capital is not prohibitive. In connexion with this St. Lucia scheme the ‘construction of roads is being carried on. Proper road communication, in the absence of water-ways, is essential. Then again the Agricultural Department is also co-operating in the matter of furnishing settlers with planting material as well as with valuable, skilled advice gratis. These are the only places m connexion with which there appears to have been any definite work or published information specifically to this end, but, doubtless, land suitable for the purposes indicated would be found in Dominica, Trinidad, Tobago, and other West Indian islands. In a small way, therefore, St. Lucia—and, no doubt, other islands are considering a similar scheme * ‘Hints to Settlers in St. Lucia’, Imperial Department of Agriculture for the West Indies, Pamphlet Series, No. 80. after hearing Majori Boosé speak—is following an imperial policy which, as we have shown, has a very wide and important Significance. The part to be played by Agricultural Departments in this new phase of land settlement is that of instructor, guide, and nurseryman combined. Much will depend upon close contact, especially at the beginn- ing. In the West Indies our land settlement schemes, especially in Grenada and St. Vincent, have been unqualified successes, and although in the settlement of the soldier we shall have a responsible type of settler, the experience obtained during the last fifteen years with the peasant cannot fail to be of value, and if the idea is taken up, as we may expect it will be, there is no reason why the settlement of ex-soldiers shouldmot be as successful in the West Indies as in any other part of the Empire. SUGAR INDUSTRY, REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF SUGAR EXPERIMENT STATIONS, QUEENS- LAND, 1915. This report includes an account of a large amount of experimental work relating to sugar production, and many of the results will be read with interest in the West Indies. Dealing with the progress of the industry, a useful table is furnished showing the yield of cane and sugar per acre, and tons of cane required to make | ton of sugar, during sixteen years. From 1899 to 1914 the number of tons of canes required to make | ton of sugar showed an almost continuous decline, thereby indicating a gradual increase in the etticiency of mill work. Actually, the figures run from about 9°8 in the earlier years down to 8°5 for 1914. This last mentioned figure is indicative of rich cane and superior milling. In fact the report states that the progress referred to is largely due to the improved varieties of sugar-cane grown by the farmers during recent-years. Asin the West Indies, many of these varieties have been distributed amongst the growers by the Department of Agriculture. Coming to ‘the subject of seedling canes in detail, it appears that from the average analytical results, Q. 8138 seems to be the best cane from the standpoint of sugar content, followed by Q. 990 and Q. 137. Q. 813 also stands out well as a cropper. Its yield per acre of cane was, in 1913, 43°8 tons, and the yield of sugar per acre 7-9 tons. These figures show the very high standard attained with seedling canes in Queensland. The report goes on to state that B.3922 and B.3747 have proved satisfactory, and are worthy of trial in other sugar districts. The best of these new seedlings froma sugar producing and cropping point of view, which have not developed disease, have been reserved for distribution purposes, and it is notified that cane farmers may obtain material during the period of distribution, upon application, free of charge. A trial made with a Trinidad seedling cane from Louisiana did not show it to be suffi- ciently rich in sugar to be worth cultivating. The variety in question was T.211) , more Won! Xi Nic. 353. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 69 The report refers to some interesting ratooning experi- ments. Good results were got by leaving the trash in the fields, thereby conserving soil moisture. When the season is wet, however, cultivation pays, with the exception that the ploughing under of trash in.the ratoons is distinctly unprofitable. As in Hawail, extensive experiments have been made in Queensland in regard to the value of poisonous sprays for the destruction of weeds. Where the growth of weeds is very rank it appears that spraying is not profitable. Important trials with liming, subsoiling, mixed manur- ing, and ordinary cultivation are recorded in the report. It seems that subsoiling with lime gives a slight advantage over the plot limed without subsoiling, but not enough to pay for the cost of subsoiling. In the second series, lime with and without manure gave exactly the same result, so that the manures applied were so much waste money. In the third series, the subsoiled plot gave 1°65 tons of cane more per acre, which just about paid for the extra subsoiling operations. In the fourth series, manures without lime or subsoiling gave a slight increase of 1°86 tons over the plot without manures. The results, however, are so nearly equal, that it is evident, ina year like the present, little or no advantage has been gained from the use of lime fertilizers or subsoiling. At the same time it is pointed out in the report that it does not follow that these agents would not pay in normal seasons. The report concludes with asection recording the work of the Division of Entomology. The principal pest which requires control is the cane grub. Attempts are being made in the direction of trapping by means of attractive odours, killing by the use of stomach poisons, the employment of deterrents, and the encouragement .of natural parasites and predaceous insects. The Growth of the Stem, Leaf, and Leaf- Sheath of Sugar-cane.—The writer describes a new method for measuring the growth of the hidden leaves and of the upper portion of the stem of the sugar-cane. By insert- ing a needle horizontally in the growing region, holes are made through all the leaves, sheaths, and internodes, which will serve as points from which to measure the growth of the various parts with respect to the outer sheath which has ceased growth. By removing the leaves one by one after a certain time, the displacement of the holes in the different parts of the stem can be measured with respect to the small hole formed by the needle in the outer sheath. The writer discusses the ‘pros’ and ‘cons’ of this method, and its possible errors. He then describes the structure of the meristem and of the surrounding parts, as a method for indicating graphically the mode of growth. From these determinations the writer concludes that the elongation of the sheath occurs later than the growth of the leaf; that the internode at the. extremity of which the leaf occurs begins to elongate when the growth of the entire leaf has almost finished; that the growth is basipetal, and there is a zone at the base of the internode which has not yet reached its maximum growth when the upper portions have already reached theirs. These observations were verified by measuring the cells of the sheaths and of the internodes at various stages of growth. In the cells furthest from the base of the inter- node the growth first reaches its maximum. The growth of the stem was studied by making a long narrow opening in the enveloping sheaths and marking the stem with ink. The same results were obtained by the various methods. The writer explains how this mode of growth of the- exterior leaves may be the primary cause of the symptoms of the disease known in Java as ‘top rot’ or ‘pokkah-bong’, and characterized by the rotting of the leaves, or by a defective unfolding of the leaves. (Monthly Bulletin’ of Agricultural Intelligence and Plant Diseases, September 1915.) TRADE OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANBS IN 1914-15. The British Board of Trade publishes an interest- ing statement of the foreign trade of the Philippines during the years ended June 30, 1914 and 1915, res- pectively. The imports were during the latter year subject to general reductions throughout, the decline under iron and steel being most marked. The total value of the imports in 1913-14 was $56,011,570 and. in 1914-15 it was $44,479,861. Of greater interest to agriculturists is the state- ment of the exports. That the decline in the value of exports which was only very slight, vz., from $51,238,048 in 1913-14 to $50,915,061 in 1914-15, was largely due to the increased production of copra, and the enhanced price of sugar. The quantity of copra exported rose from 70,392 tons, valued at $8,297,429: in 1913-14, to 146,406 tons, valued at $12,394.712 in 1914-15; it will thus be seen that the increase in value was. not commensurate with the large quantity marketed. It is. remarked that the trade in copra followed the lines of previous. years, with the exception of shipments to Germany, in place of which a new Italian trade of considerable importance was developed. The following table shows the quantities and values of the principal exports from the Philippine Islands in the two- years ended June 30, 1914 and 1915:— 1913-14. 1914-15, Exports of Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Copra, Dols. Dols. tons 70,392 8,297,429 146,406 |12,394,712 C’nut oil, tb.| 18,691,412 1,996,648 | 29,213,739 | 2,726,514 Hemp, Manila, tons 130,774 | 22,375,106 125,446 |19,469,642 Hemp, knotted tb. 1,020,606 852,733 371,916 | 224.067 Maguey tons 6,935 532,957 4,677 359,251 Sugar, tons 209,606 | 9,457,982 184,060 | 9,712,757 Cigars, No.| 164,068,000 | 2,523,540 | 141,895,000 | 2,102,317 Leaf to- | bacco, | tb. 31,605,503 2,018,294 | 24,951,354 | 1,528,579 Hats, | No. 594,448 365,308 704,259 265,808 Other articles — 2,818,051 — 2,131,414 Total = 51,288,048 — 50,915,061 Dol. =4s. 14d. at par. 100 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, Marca 25, 1916. FRUIT AND FRUIT PRODUCTS. THE BUDDING OF CACAO IN TRINIDAD. The Proceedings of the Agricultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago for January 1916, includes, amongst its contents, ‘Notes on the Budding of Cacao'on an Estate Scale in Trinidad, by Mr. W. G. Freeman, Assistant Director of Agriculture and Goverment Chemist, which is the title of a paper read before the Society on January 14 last. Before dealing with the more recent work on budding, Mr. Freeman makes a few remarks on the grafting of cacao, in course of which fitting references are made to the earlier work of grafting carried on by the late Mr. J. H. Hart at St. Clair Experiment Station, Trinidad, dating back to 1898, and by Mr. Joseph Jones, Curator at the Botanic Station in Dominica, from 1906 onward. Budding of cacao in Trinidad, it is stated, on an estate scale, practically dates from 1913. Two plants had been done earlier in Tobago, but the percentage of failures was so high that the method did not appear likely to be of any estate value. In November 1913. Mr, Freeman exhibited plants at the Board of Agriculture, and explamed how Messrs. J. C. Augustus and J. de Verteuil had obtained sixteen budded plants from forty attempts. In July 1914 a practical demonstration was given at St. Clair Experiment Station, where the method of budding cacao in bamboo pots in the nursery was shown, and the history of budding briefly recapitulated. During 1915 budding has been steadily persevered with at St. Clair, 100 to 200 plants being done each month. The successes have ranged from 36 to 71 per cent. The lower yields are attributed mainly to the use of stocks which were rather too old. These plants have all been selected Forastero on Calabacillo stocks. 3udding has also been successfully carried on during 1915 at the Tobago Botanic Station, and two small plots established, one of eighteen plants and the other of six, the latter being budded Nicaraguan Criollo. From plants budded in St. Clair in 1914 and early in 1915, a }-acre plot has been established at St. Augustine. These are said to have made good growth, a photograph exhibited showing a well developed specimen planted in July 1915, and now about 33 feet high. Mr. Freeman points out that although budding of cacao has been accomplished in a good many countries, yet there is little if any exact information available from them as to whether it is a desirable method for planters to adopt on an estate scale; but observes that it is an important part of the work of a Department of Agriculture to attempt to decide definitely questions of this character, and even if the results proved that the method was not desirable, it was important as it saved planters wasting money in useless directions. To this end an experiment had been laid out on alarger scale at River estate. The general plan and objects of this experiment are described in an article contri- buted by the same author to the Buldetin of the Depurtinent of Agriculture (Vol. XIII, pp. 320-22, December 1914), which is reproduced in the paper under consideration, to which readers are referred for further detail. It might be mentioned, however, that the work of establishing the various plots, and grafting and budding, has been accomplished, with the result that Trinidad will very shortly have 33 acres altogether in budded cacao, and 14 acres in grafted cacao, and it is hoped that these experiments will afford a definite solution of the question as to whether it is better or not for the planter to substitute budding or grafting for the ordinary method of establishing a cacao estate. FERMENTATION OF CACAO, COFFEE, AND TOBACCO. The investigations were carried out in the Botanica Garden of Victoria, Kamerun. It was observed that in the ordinary fermentation of cacao an alcoholic fermentation first takes place, followed on the second or third day by an acetic fermentation; the tannic substances of the cacao seeds are decomposed by atmospheric oxygen, which causes changes in the colour and taste, When the cacao fruits are gathered, the seeds are | removed, and allowed to ferment, stirring them for from two to ten days. The pulp covering them undergoes alcoholic fermentation, becoming soft, and developing a temperature of 40° to 50° C., which kills the seeds. At this point a little of the liquid formed during the fermentation enters the seeds, making them soft, and by means of the acid it contains rendering them more capable of resisting the action of bacteria and moulds during the sheceeding drying period. While the latter progresses, and the water evaporates, the atmospheric oxygen penetiates into the seeds, and, with the help of enzymes, oxydises the astringent substances. Moderate heat promotes oxidation which, on the other hand, does not take place in seeds heated to from 80° to 90° C. The amount of tannic substances contained in cacao seeds varied from 4°64 per cent. in asample treated in the ordinary manner to 3°] per cent. when the seeds were not allowed to cool during the night. It was still less, 2°44 per cent., when the seeds were not permitted to cool during the night, and were damped in the morning; and least of all, 1-4 per cent., when the seeds were put to ferment in a vessel con- taining oxygen. The market value of the seeds varies in- versely with the amount of tannic substances they contain. In commercial samples the percentages of the latter were: Puerto Cabello 1; Arriba 1°98; Java 2°38; Maracaibo 2°62. When the seeds contain over 20 per cent. of moisture butyric fermentation often occurs, and the seeds also become mouldy. Oxidation takes place more rapidly at temperatures from 50° to 60°C. than at about 50°C. At the latter temperature, however, the colour is more stable. If the oxidation is allowed to proceed too far the caca» loses its aroma. ‘The best temperature for fermentation is from 35° to 40° C. In two series of experiments cacao seeds were moistened till their water content amounted to 18 per cent., and then left to ferment, for different periods of time and at different temperatures. In a Kamerun cacao, which before fermenta- tion contained 3°64 per cent. of tannic substances, the amount of the latter sank to 3°58 per cent. after twenty-three hours’ fermentation at 46° C., and to 2°78 per cent. after fifty- six hours’ at 42° .C. A St. Thomas cacao gave under similar conditions 2°78, 2°68, 2°56 per cent., respectively. In order to prepare’a more delicate product from strong cacaos (such as all thoserof West Africa) it is necessary to en- courage oxidation, by slaekening or interrupting the drying pro- cess when the moisture in the seeds is reduced to 20 per cent., maintaining at the same time the high temperature. When the drying is effected in the sun, this is done by placing the seeds in thick layers. “In artificial drying, the seeds are collected in great heaps in the drums of the desiccators, the process being carried out-in a warm atmosphere. The drying is only complete when the seeds have acquired the desired brown colour. FERMENTATION OF COFFEE. The experiments were carried out at St. Thomas. The writer removed the greater Vor. XV. No. 363. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 101 part of the pulp from the coffee beans, and subjected the latter to alcoholic- acetic fermentation that rkised the temperature to 45° C. Then he exposed them to the action of atmospheric oxygen, and finally thoroughly dried them. While the seeds that had also undergone acetic fermentation assumed a yellowish white colour, and on roasting gave a beverage without aroma, those that had only undergone alcoholic fermentation remained a beautiiul green, and made aromatic coffee. In the case of coffee, fermentation, besides killing the seeds, has the object of softening that portion of the pulp which still remains adhering to them after the greater part has been removed, and thus facilitating the washing and dry- ing. Fermentation should, however, not be carried too far, for the acids have an injurious effect. FERMENTATION OF TOBACCO.—This process is of the same type as the others described above, as is cer- tainly proved by the alterations of colour it produces in the leaves. It has been demonstrated that during such fermentation there is a decrease in the amount of tannic substances; it is to be supposed that in the longer fermenta- tion processes, used in the case of the finer tobaccos, the nitrogenous compounds are also attacked. The latter have a great influence on the quality of the tobacco, and by the prolonged action of the acids in tobacco fermentation an appreciable part of the nitrogenous compounds would be transformed into amido-derivatives, and the latter would be eventually converted into ammonia, nitrie acid, and organic acids, by the agency of micro-organisms. (Monthly Bulletin of Agricultural Intelligence aud Plant Diseases, May, 1915.) FIVE ORIENTAL SPECIES OF BEANS. In connexion with the interest being developed in the West Indies as to the cultivation of beans as a crop, a Bulletin of the United States Department of Agriculture, No. 119, contains interesting information supplied by C. V. Piper, Agrostologist in charge, and W. J. Morse, Scientific Assistant, with respect to new species of beans introduced from the Kast into the United States. The bulletin records information about five annual species of beans on which experiments have been conducted. These five are the adsuki (Phaseolus angu- daris), the rice bean ( P. calearatus), the mung bean (P. aureus, the urd bean(P mungo), and the moth bean (P. aconttifolrus). Of these, the mung is cultivated more or less extensively in all parts of Asia where it will mature, and also in South-east Africa; the urd and the moth beans are cultivated only in India; the adsuki is almost confined to Japan and Korea; the rice bean is cultivated in China and India, and also in Japan and the Philippines The writers say that as producers of seed for both human and animal food there are possibilities in these crops well worthy of further investigation. The adaptations of these beans are very similar to those of the cowpea, all requiring hot weather for their satisfactory development. (1) The adsuki bean (P. angularis) is much cultivated for human food in Japan and Korea, and, to a small extent in China and Manchuria. The plants are summer annuals, bushy in habit, growing from 1 to 2} feet high, according to variety and soil. As seed producers they are not only prolific but ripen evenly, and the pods do not split open readily. In Japan among the most common cakes are those made wholly or in part from aduski bean meal. This meal is eaten in soups and gruels of various kinds. It is also used for making various kinds of cakes and confections. The use of beans te make sweetmeats seems to be a purely Japanese invention, and the adsuki beans are also eaten popped like corn, and candied by boiling in sugar. They afford a food rich in protein, which might well become popular in other countries besides Japan. A valuable feature of this bean lies in its large yield of seed. Owing to their texture the beans are easily ground into meal or flour, and for such purposes are superior to any other bean. The flavour too is very delicate, lacking any objectionable taste. (2) The rice bean (P. ca/caratus) is cultivated in Japan, China, India, Java, Mauritius, and the Philippines. The plant is an annual of somewhat twining habit, producing branches 3 to 6 feet long. It is very productive of seed, but the habit of the plant, and the easy shattering of the pods make it difficult to harvest. (3) The mung bean (P. aureus) is cultivated throughout the southern half of Asia and in the adjacent Malayan archipelago, and through the eastern portion of Africa. In Bombay it is a crop of some importance, about 200,000 acres being grown each year. The seeds are used almost. exclusively as human food, and the straw is fed to cattle- In Jamaica, it is stated, that both this species and the urd have been introduced by Hindoo labourers, and that the plant is there largely used as a green manure crop under the name ‘Jerusalem pea.’ The mung is of an erect habit, growing to a height of 1 to 4 feet, and some sorts twine slightly at the tips of the branches. As a field crop the mung is. comparable to the cowpea and the soy bean, but as a seed producer it is far inferior to these. (4) The urd bean (P. mungo) is very similar to the- mung, but is easily distinguishable by the shorter, stouter, hairy pods, and larger oblong seeds. As a forage crop it is inferior to the mung. The pods, however, do not shatter so readily, and little of the seed is thus lost. It is stated that the urd is utilized as a green manure crop in Trinidad under the name of ‘woolly pyrol’, and that the Hindoo-. labourers cultivate this plant for food. As human food, however, the seeds seem far less desirable than other species, and as a forage crop it does not compare favourably, under American conditions, with the cowpea or the soy bean. (5) The moth bean (P. aconitifolius) is cultivated as acrop only in India; there it is apparently of considerable importance. -Recent authorities give an area of 300,000- acres of this species as grown in Bombay, and an area in the north-western Provinces and Oudhs of 211,000 acres. The bean is nearly always planted mixed with other crops. The- plants produce numerous, slender, trailing branches from a short stem. A well grown plant makes a dense mass, 18 to 24 inches in diameter, and 12 to 15 inches high. In India the moth bean yields as much seed as the mung, the average yield per acre being said to be about 11 bushels, but under the conditions in Virginia and Texas, where experiments have been made with it, a very small yield of seed was obtained. Owing, however, to its numerous slender stems it produces a very fine quality of hay. It was observed, too, in the course of the Texas experiment that this bean showed a fine quality of resistance to drought, which quality is also noted by writers on Indian agriculture,. The Bulletin from which the foregoing information has been obtained contains capital illustrations of the five species of beans mentioned, from which it would seem that they all possess beans of elongated, round shape, in fact the picture of one or two of them remind a West Indian of the appear- ance of a very common wild West Indian Phaseolus, P. semierectus. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Marcu 25, 1916. COTTON. SEA ISLAND COTTON MARKET. Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool, write as follows, under date February 8, 1916, with reference to the sales of West cotton:— Indian Sea Island Since our last report there has been nothing doing, except fora sale of 18 bales of Superfine St. Vincent, at prices from 24d, to 38d. The Report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week ending February 19,4916, is as follows:— ISLANDS. There was a demand for the limited offerings of odd bags, resulting in the above sales of small lots, chiefly tinged and off cotton. - There was also a demand for a crop lot, but below the view of the planter. The unsold portion of the crop consists of only 200 to 250 bales classing Fine to Fully Fine, which are held at 30c. and upwards, and two crop lots held at full prices. We quote, viz.: Extra Fine Fully Fine 29¢. = 19d. Fine 28c. = 184d. Fine off in class 27¢c.= 18d. FLORIDAS AND GEORGIAS. There continues an absence of‘demand: therefore the market is dull, yet the Factors are holding their offerings under instructions ona basis of Fancy 30c.°, In consequence of the high prices ruling for Egyptian cotton and the good reports of the fine trade, there is a hopeful feeling that the mills will sooner or later require further supply, admitting of the balance of the crop being sold on basis of quotations. However, should this not be realized, then we may succeed in buying in the near future at some concession. 30c. = 194d. to 20d. c.i.f. & 5 per cent. ” ” ” ” We quote, viz.: Fancy 30c.=3le., landed. Extra Choice 29c%—30C 5 Choice 28¢. = 29c., 5 Extra Fine Z1Cs=/20C., 5; The exports from Savannah for the week were, to Liverpool 270 bales, Northern Mills 166 bales, and from Jacksonville to Northern Mills, 88 bales. DEPARTMENT NEWS. The Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture, accom- panied by Messrs. W. R. Dunlop, Scientific Assistant, H. A. Ballou, M.Sc., Entomologist, and W. Nowell, D. I. ©. Mycologist, returned to Barbados by the C. R. M. 8. ‘Chignecto’ on March 23, after having attended the Cotton Conference held in St. Kitts. DOWN, THE ISLANDS. ITEMS OF LOCAL INTEREST. ST. VINCENT. A ‘communication received from Mr. W.N. Sands, Agricultural Superintendent, reports that the picking of cotton in that Colony had been completed, and cotton stalks pulled up and burnt; plots of Lima beans (native), and Indian corn had been sown; plots of cassava reaped; ¢»tton stainers -collected; plots cleaned up; examin- ation of cotton in the laboratory in progress; experiments started to ascertain whether cotton stainers cause injury leading to internal boll disease. The foregoing represents work in the Experiment Stations during the month of January. In addition to the pulling up and burning of plants in the cotton plot, the work in the Botanic Gardens was of a general routine nature. The condition of the arrowroot and sugar crops was satisfactory; no improvement however is reported in the condition of the cotton crop. In regard to other industries there was little to report at this time. Pests and diseasés of crops, more particularly cacasa, cotton, limes, and coco-nuts, were the subject of a special investigation by the Entomologist and Mycologist of the Imperial Department of Agriculture, Messrs. Ballou and Nowell, who, with the Agricultural Superintendent and the Assistant Agricultural Superintendent, visited estates in the Leeward and Windward Districts for the purpose. The Agricultural Superintendent took control of the Government Ginnery for sixteen days from the 25th., while on the 3lst the Assistant Superintendent left for the Grenadines on a special visit. The weather during the month was showery, the rain- fall recorded being—Botanic Station 744 inches, and Experiment Station 5°98 inches. In a later communication Mr. W. N. Sands reports that in view of high freight rates the Arrowroot Growers Association have decided to raise the minimum price of arrowroot by }d., making it 24d. per Ib. Sugar manu- facture was being kept back by the wet weather as the megass could not be dried. The Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture passed St. Vincent on February 8, and had a meeting with several prominent cotton growers, discussing with them the object of the forthcoming Cotton Growing Conference at St. Kitts. An endeavour was made to arrange for two planters to attend the conference. Two more Credit Societies have been recommended for registration, making twelve in all, with a total membership of £00, The Agricultural Superintendent has been appointed by His Honour the Administrator to represent the Agricultural Department at the Cotton Growing Com; etition to be held next month. The ‘weather during February has been showery, the rainfall recorded being:—Botanie Station 6°89 inches, and Experiment Station 5°67 inches. st. Lucia, Mr. A. J. Brooks, the Agricultural Super- intendent, reports that the lime crop is nearly finished, while the sugar crop is béing begun. During February, 1,000 lime plants have been distributed from the station. Pre- parations are being made for the extension of the lime factory building. The rainfall recorded during the month was:—Botanical Gardens 4°46 inches, Agricultural Station, Choiseul, 1°48 inches.' DOMINICA. — Mr. the early crop of the Curator, ripening, Jones, cacao is States that: but there are Vor. XV. No. 363, — THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 103 indications that it will be a small one. The lime trees throughout the island are flowering heavily. There has been no change in market quotations of lime products, with the exception of green limes, the price at the end of the month for those being 16s, per barrel. There have been several complaints of an abnormal presence of thrips on cacao trees. There has been a further extension of several acres in the new coco-nut experiment station. In the laboratory the work has included the analysis of samples of manures nsed at the Experiment Station during the past year, and also of samples sent in by planters. Among plants distributed from the station, limes easily take the first place, a total of 8,550 having been sent out during the month; 33 cacao plants and 28 grafted cacao, together with 50 camphor trees have also been sent out. The rainfall at the Garden for the month was 1°90 inches. MONTSERRAT. Reporting to this Office as to the affairs in the Botanic and Experiment Stations during the month of January, the Curator, Mr. W. Robson, mentions that the plot of Hawaiian papaws was ina very diseased condition, the stems suffering chiefly: another plot of the local type was more robust. The pine-apple plot continues to decline. The plot of Bush Lima beans, which has been flowering profusely, does not show any great development of pods; the same may be said of the climbing type. The latter, he adds, is no doubt an excellent green dressing Very little direct observation work was carried out in the field, owing to the indisposition, and subsequent absence on leave of the Curator. Three distillations of bay leaves were made, confirming the results. obtained in the pre- vious month, when a low percentage of oil was obtained. Attention was given to the lime experiment plot in Bellefield, and to the plot of bay trees at the Chatean. The rainfall re- corded at Grove Station was 8°47 inches, and at Harris’ 6°27 inches. the total precipitation being much above the average. It was contemplated that the onion house of the Onion Growers Association would be opened to receive onions on the 14th ultimo. Ina communication as to the affairs of the Botanic and Experiment Station during the month of February, the Curator, Mr. W. Robson, reports that a plot of cassava at the Grove Station, when reaped, yielded at the rate of 11 tons of roots per acre. The collection of sugar- cane varieties has been replanted. Throughout the island the preparation of cotton land is being pushed forward, and it is hoped that most of the crop will be planted early, between March and April. The sugar crop is progressing. The new muscovado works at Rileys appear to be giving satisfaction. On that estate, fields are being planted with some of the newer seedling canes. The Onion Growers Association commenced operation on February 14, but on account of the lateness of the crop only two small shipments were made. On several estates trials have been made in growing cowpeas as a catch crop on land prepared for cotton, with varying results. The Curator returned from leave of absence on the 12th instant, and has been busy with matters in connexion with the newly started Onion Association. An interesting report has been received from Mr, E. Lomas Oliver, on three samples of, cotton sent to him for report, one of which he strongly recommends for cultivation in place of Heaton 9. Unfortunately a report has not been received on the seventeen samples sent to the British Cotton Growing Association in October. At a meeting of the Board of Management of the Onion Growers Association it was At the former station rain fell on twenty-eight days, | decided in future to accept onions loose from the growers, as is done in Antigua. anticua. Mr. Jackson reports experienced durmg February has ripened the canes; reaping is being pushed on in general throughout the island. During the month, 24,551 cane plants have been distributed from the Station; 118 Eucalyptus trees, and 104 coco-nuts have also been distributed, together with several packets of seeds and 843 Ib. of yams for planting purposes. With regard to the onion industry, Mr. Jackson reports that a record order has been received of 354 tb. of onion seed for the coming season. The onion drying house has been opened, and 1,070 crates have been shipped; some severe attacks of thrips have beer noticed, however, on some onion fields. During the month 1°95 inches of rain fell, making a total of 6°95 inches for the year. st. kIrTs. With regard to the work in the Experiment Station, Mr. Shepherd, the Superintendent of Agriculture, gives details about the returns from some of the experiment plots of vegetables. Good returns have been received from one of the plots of Barbados white eddoes, and returns above the average from one of the plots of yams. Some of the varieties of sweet potatoes have given large returns. There has been distributed from the station 10 tb. of velvet beans, and 3,400 cane plants. Cotton seed for planting has also been sold to the amount of 468 Ib. The reaping of the sugar | cane crop is in full progress. The Basseterre sugar factory began work on February 1, and the results so far have been excellent. The tonnage of cane per acre has quite come up to the estimate, and in some cases exceeded it. On one estate in the Valley District a field of White Transparent canes has given over 50 tons per acre. ‘The canes are fine and large, and free of disease. Moth borer however is present to a small extent. The young cane crop in some districts is well advanced. Attention is being paid to selection of plants from the best varieties. Grasshoppers are very prevalent in certain districts, and an attempt is being made to poison them with the Criddle mixture, but no definite results have been as yet obtained. On some estates in the northern districts land is being prepared for planting cotton. The Superintendent has paid a visit to Nevis in connexion with onion and corn experiments. He has visited the Experiment Stations at Molineux and Brighton estates. The forthcoming Cotton Conference to be held in March is being looked forward to. The Agricultural and Commercial Society has selected delegates to the Conference, and arrange- ments have been made for receiving the visitors from the other islands. At a meeting on February 8, notes were read by the Agricultural Superintendent and the Chemical Assistant on the preservation of cane tops for fodder The rainfall for the month was 3°63 inches, making a total for the first two months of the year of 7°44 inches. Nevis. In Nevis the results of experiments with regard to peas, onions, and Indian corn are recorded by Mr. W. I. Howell, the Agricultural Instructor. Rounceval peas yielded a return of 200 tb. of dry peas from the $-acre plot, A plot of the same size, planted in onions, is expected to give a return of 4,000 fb. From the plot of Indian corn 1,398 fb. of corn on the cob was obtained. ., Distributions of cassava and sweet potato cuttings have been made from the Station, together with 129 Ib. of Rounceval peas, 31 tb. of Indian corn seed, and 19 tb. of selected cotton seed. The reaping of the cane crop throughout the island contin- ues, and fair prices are being obtained in the local market, The moth borer however seems to be troublesome in some eases. During February 3°99 inches of rain have fallen, making a total for the year of 8°52 inches. that the weather 104 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Marcy 25, 1916. DITORIAL 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.Sc., Agriculture for the West Indies F.I.C., F.C.S. SCIENTIFIC STAFF. Scientific Assistant and Assistant Editor Entomologist -Mycologist W. R. Dunlop. H. A. Ballou, M.Sc. 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. Chief Clerk Assistant Clerk Junior Clerk Assistant Junior Clerk Typist _ Assistants for Publications Aagricultural stews “You. XV. SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 1916. No. 363. NOTES AND COMMENTS. ‘Contents of Present Issue. The possibility of attracting ex-soldiers as settlers to the West Indies after the war is discussed in the editorial in this number. On page 100 there are two interesting articles on the budding of cacao in Trinidad, and on the termen- tation of cacao and coffee, On page 101 some account is given of oriental beans not commonly grown in other places. Insect Notes refer to a butterfly which has been found very injurious to coco-nut palms in British Guiana. Under Plant Diseases will be found an interesting account of some new fungi, parasitic on insects in St. Vincent, New Publications@f the Imperial Department of Agriculture. Three new pamphiets have recently been issued by this Department. Of these, ‘Indoor Gardening for Schools, by Dr. Watts, the Imperial Commissioner, has already been reviewed in the last number of this journal. The two other pamphlets deal with matters con- nected with St. Lueia. One of them is a new and enlarged edition, brought up to date, of ‘Hints to Settlers in St. Lucia’, by Edward J. Cameron, Esq., CM.G., formerly Adnmnistrator of that island. To this is appended a copy of recent additional crown land regulations passed by the Government, in which the conditions are set forth under which the Government is prepared to sell crown lands in St. Lucia, of not less than 100 acres in extent, for the settlement of persons who have lately served in His Majesty’s forces, or who come from outside the Colony. The facilities granted to such settlers would seem to otter inducements to many desirable settlers in the near future, and to open up for St Lucia a prospect of great development. The second of the pamphlets dealing with St. Lucia is on ‘Agricultural and Economic Resources of St. Lucia’, by Mr. A. J. Brooks, the Agricultural Superintendent there. Mr. Brooks’ experience and knowledge of St. Lucia are a guarantee of the accuracy of the information conveyed in the pamphlet. It is worth noting that this pamphlet is being published by instalments in the West India Committee Circular. Besides these three pamphlets, the Department is just about to issue two of the annual reports, viz. Report on the Botanic and Experiment Stations, Antigua, 1914-15, and Report on Sugar-cane Experi- ments in the Leeward Islands, 1914-15. The new number of the West Indian Bulletin will also soon be published, the contents of which will be found noted on the cover of this journal. ———— Sugar Factory Development in India. From the International Sugar Journal, Febru- ary 1916, we notice that another step in the recent development of the sugar industry in India has been taken by the erection of a most modern white sugar factory in the Gorakhpur district. The factory has a capacity of about 400 tons of cane per twenty-four hours. There are two 30 inch x 60 inch mills with a crusher, and cane and megass carriers, room being left for an additional mill later. ‘The boilers are four in number, of the riultitubular type, fitted with wet megass furnaces. he triple effect has a heating surface of 4,300 square feet, and there are two vacuum pans each of 2,650 gallons strike capacity. There are seven crystallization’ tanks, and thirteen centrifugals arranged for three stage curing. A modern sugar drier of the hot air type, and asugar crushing plant have also been supplied. In the arrangement of the factory great importance has been attached to spaciousness around the machinery, and to the elimination, as much as possible, of hidden inaccessible spaces, which are opposed to good control, Vor. XV. No. 363. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 105 Soil Erosion due to Heavy Rainfall. This subject is one of interest to planters in the West Indies, especially in those islands the mountain- ous configuration of which causes a large annual rain- fall. In a note in The Colonial Journal, January 1916, some useful suggestions with reference to this matter, as affecting Ceylon planters, are given. With regard to low lying land two inexpensive measures of dealing with the mischief are suggested embankments and surface drainage. Surface drainage is carried out by means of trenches where there are small differences of level. Drainage increases the aeration of the soil, and, to a great extent, increases the value of the crops. Efficient drainage enables rather low lying lands to produce valuable crops. As regards land on_ hillsides, the method suggested is to terrace immediately all lands from which the original forest has been removed. A regulation enforcing this exists in Java. A striking example of soil erosion is_attorded by some lands in Ceylon in the central hills. Overa large area the the forest was originally removed to make room for coffee, which later gave place to tea. No provision was made to retain the soil of the original forest, and, in consequence, the erosion of the soil has been enormous, and is still going on. Hence large sums are spent annually in adding manures to the land, because the soil-capital of the island has run to waste, and can never be replaced by any system of manuring. ‘Tropical Sanitation. The address by Surgeon General W. C. Gorgas, delivered at the Fifteenth Annual Congress of Health Officers of New York State, notice of which is taken in the West India Committee Circular, February 10, 1916, contains very striking remarks on the subject of tropical sanitation by one of the greatest authorities on the subject. He recalls the astounding losses of life caused by yellow fever in the West Indies in former days. The English Army, in 1794, lost 6,000 out of a total strength of 12,000 men in the West Indies. Again, in 1798, the French Army in San Domingo, out of a total “strength of 25,000, lost over 22,000 from yellow fever. During the nineteenth century the southern states of the American Union were frequently ravaged by epidemics of yellow fever. It was evident that these epidemics were imported from the focus which had existed at Havanna for the preceding 150 years. Later on scientific physicians demonstrated the fact that yellow fever was a mosquito-borne disease, The fight against yellow fever in Havanna was undertaken vigorously. A quarantine was first estab- lished, and a system of inspection of all infected persons was carried out. Yellow fever patients were screened so that mosquitos could not bite them. “All mosquito larvae, breeding anywhere within the city, were destroy- ——s, ed—a measure of the gieatest importance. The result has been victory. Anti-mosquito work was commenced at Havanna in February 1901. The last case of yellow fever in the city occurred in September of the same year. Since that date this disease has practically dis- appeared from the northern hemisphere. In 1898, Sir Ronald Ross, of the English Army, had demonstrated that malaria was conveyed from one human being to another by a species of mosquito known as the anopheles. By taking the same measures as had been successful against yellow fever, a similar result is being obtained with regard to malaria. Vigorous anti-mosquito work rapidly decreases the prevalence of malaria, and has caused it to become practically extinct in the once fever-haunted regions of Panama. + Agriculture and Education in Tonga. The Tongan Islands which, roughly speaking, are the antipodes of the West Indies, are a group of islands having their native king, under the protection of the British Government. The Governor of Fiji is the High Commissioner, and there is a resident British Agent and Consul. It is interesting to remark that the officials administering the affairs of Tonga are in most cases well known as having been West Indian officials. In Colonial Reports—Annual, No. 870, there are some interesting details as to the agricultural prospects of the Tongan Protectorate, and a sto the education in those islands. Under the head of agri- culture, we learn that the prosperity of Tonga rests at present almost entirely on the copra industry. The fruit trade, which amounted to £9,605 in 1910, dropped to £442 in 1914. This is due to two causes. Owing to the presence of the ‘fruit fly’, the citrus fruits of Tonga have been excluded from the Australian and New Zealand markets, and the interruption of the direct steamship service with New Zealand, owing to the war, has practically amhilated the trade in bananas. The Tongan Government are devoting attention to the cultivation of subsidiary products, besides yams, taro, and sweet potatoes for home consumption. With regard to education, real progress seems to have been made in the Tongan Islands. Besides the fifty-seven public primary schools in 1914, with an attendance of 2,780 pupils, there is an important institution of secondary education in the Tonga College possessing a number on the books, at present, of 128 students. These are youths of an average age of sixteen years and eight months, and, according to the report of the chief assistant master, Mr. R. N. Burns, they make most satisfactory scholars. Naturally, English is taught, and it is now possible to converse in that language with 25 per cent. of the students. Con- siderable attention is devoted to agricultural teaching in the college. Systematic cultivation by the pupils of an area of 33 acres iscarried out. Next year experi- mental work. it is hoped, will be undertaken, while the, theory of agriculture is taught in the class rooms. 106 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Marcu 25, 1916. INSECT NOTES. A BUTTERFLY INJURIOUS TO COCO-NUT PALMS IN BRITISH GUIANA. The latest number of the. Bulletin of Entomological Research (Vol. VI, part 3, December 1915) contains an article entitled as above, by Lawrence D. Cleare, Jr., F.E.S., of the Biological Division, Department of Agriculture and Science, British Guiana. The following notes are taken from this article. The insect which forms the subject of the paper is the Coconut Butterfly (Brasso/is sophorae, L.). In 1914 it occurred in unusual numbers in the city of Georgetown. HISTORY. The first record of this insect in British Guiana is proba- bly that by Schomburgh, in his ‘Flora und Fauna von British Guiana’, 1848, who gave no food plant for it. Within recent years it has been reported in 1905 (Official Gazette, October 28, 1905) from Plantation Grove, near Clonbrook, ‘where large areas of coconuts were considerably damaged’. Tt was again reported in 1909, in the Mahaicony district, and from that time till 1914 it was of little importance, in fact it was seldom seem. The outbreaks of this insect, as recorded in the observed attacks on coco-nuts in British Guiana, would appear to recur after intervals of four to five years. FOOD PLANTS. The attacks of this pest are not contined to the coco-nut palm. The common cabbage palm, Oreodoxa o'eracea, is also attacked, and while these palms do not appear to die so easily, .they rarely recover satisfactorily, if badly stripped. DISTRIBUTION, Little is known of the distribution of Brassolis sophorae in British Guiana. As already mentioned, it is known to occur in three districts in the County of Demerara—Planta- tion Grove, the Mahaicony district, and Georgetown: it is reported from Onderneeming on the Essequibo coast, and is stated to have been observed in Berbice. It is probable that this insect occurs along the entire coast-lands. Outside the colony, it was recorded in Dutch Guiana as early as 1705, and in more recent years, from 1904 on, it has been recorded as oceurring in Trinidad. LIFE HISTORY AND HABITS. The eggs are laid in masses of from 100 to 150 on the stem and underside of the leaves of coco-nuts and other palms. They are smooth and shiny, pinkish in colour, and cylindrical in shape, and measure about 1 m.m. in diameter. The larvae in most cases hatch from all the eggs of an egg mass simultaneously. Newly hatched larvae measure about 4 m.m. in length and about 3 m.m. in thickness. The head is large, and out of proportion to the size of the body. In colour the head is black to dark reddish brown, the body a light claret-red, with six light-yellow longitudinal stripes extending its entire length. When full grown the larvae measure about 50 m.m, in length. The body is dark brown in colour, the longitudinal lines being of a dirty yellow. The entire body is covered with soft, short, light coloured hairs. The habits of the larvae are peculiar. They feed almost exclusively at night, resting during the day in long cylindrical pockets or nests open at both ends, which are formed by binding together with silken threads a number of leaflets of the palm. Throughout their larval life they move together in procession, or rest in masses all heading in the same direction. In these nests several hundred larvae collect, with their heads all pointing in the same direction: a single nest may weigh as much as 2 tb. The duration of the larval period is not well known, but it is believed to be about four weeks. ; The pupae are of two sizes, the female which are larger than the male, averaging about 25 m.m. in length. The pupal period lasts about two weeks. As in the case of the pupa, the female buttertly is larger than the male. The female measures about 3 inches in expanse of wings, the male from 2°5 to 2°75 inches. The general colour of the wings is brown above, light beneath. The forewings above are crossed by a band of yellow or orange yellow. The hind wings of the male are brown above, suffused with red which is tinted with orange. The hind wings of the female are of a deeper brown with reddish patches near the margin. SPREAD OF THE PEST. A remarkable feature of this (1915) attack by Brassolis was the direction of its spread. Starting at some point to the south-west of the city it spread to the north-east, in a direction directly opposite to that of the prevailing winds. Although practically the whole city suffered, there were blocks in the midst of the affected area that remained untouched. It was observed that palms near the sea were but very slightly, if at all, attacked. AMOUNT OF DAMAGE DONE. The caterpillars devour all the green part of the leaves, leaving only the thick midrib and the leaf veins. They pass from leaf to leaf until the entire tree becomes denuded or skeletonized. Trees which are completely defoliated in this way often die as the result. NATURAL ENEMIES. This pest has many naturalenemies. The adult insects are captured and eaten by many birds, particularly the common Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus); and the eggs and pupae are parasitized. At least two species of parasites have been reared from the eggs of this. insect, and Chalcis annulata has been obtained from the pupa. METHODS OF CONTROL, The habit of the larvae of congregating in nests during the day offers the best means of destroying the pest. The nests can easily be seen from the ground, and a boy can be sent up to cut the leaves bearing them, and the larvae can be destroyed by crushing, burning, etc. Care should be exercised to destroy all the caterpillars, including those which are shaken or fall from the leaf when it is thrown down. H.A.B. It having been shown that a wide range of variation exists in the alkaloidal content of belladonna plants, Un> work described in Bulletin, No. 506, issued from the Bureau of Plant Industry, United States Department of Agriculture, was undertaken to determine whether the characteristic of alkaloidal production is transmissible to the progeny through seed, and whether the character is changed by vegetative propagation. The results thus far show that the first gener- ation plants from seed of cross-polinated selected individuals displayed a characteristic of the maternal parent with regard to alkaloid productivity. Plants were grown from cuttings, and at two stages of their growth these plants showed a marked tendency to display the same characteristic regard- ing alkaloid production as the plants from which they were propagated and the original parents of those plants. These results are interesting, and it would be useful to know whether the same thing applies to the tobacco plant in regard to its nicotine content. You. XV. No. 363. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. LIME BURNING IN SMALL PITS. The following extract from an article in The Agricultural Gazette of New South Wales, November, 1915, will probably be interesting and useful to planters in the West Indies, on whose estates similar conditions may exist to those referred to in the opening sentence of the extract. and who may find it profitable to burn small quantities of lime for their own use. In districts where there is limestone in the subsoil, or limestone outcrops, and a fair supply of good timber fuel, it will usually pay the irrigation farmer to burn his own lime for concrete channels, either in co-operation with other farmers, or on his own account. In some districts it would pay settlers to erect a properly constructed lime-kiln on co-opera- tive lines to burn lime for concrete channels, buildings, and for use as a fertilizer. Where a kiln’is not available, the stone may be burnt ina square or rectangular pit, sunk, preferably in a clay soil, with a passage of access to the bottom. A pit 12 feet by 8 feet, by 8 feet deep, will be large enough to burn about 14 yards of lime at one time, which should be enough for the needs of the average 50-acreofarm. In limestone rubble country the stone may be raised, and screened twice, first through a coarse screen by means of which the large stones suitable for lime burning are separated from the small stones suitable for gravel, and from the dirt, after which the gravel and dirt may be separated by means ofa smaller screen. To burn the limestone, alayer of dry sticks and brush, about 6 inches thick, should first of all be spread in the bottom of the pit, and on top of that a layer of box logs (preferably green and dry mixed) 10 feet long and from 1 foot to 2 feet in diameter; on this layer of fuel a layer of limestone may be laid, followed by further alternate layers of fuel and limestone until the pit is filled, each layer of limestone being from half to two-thirds of the thickness of the layer of the fuel beneath it. When the pit is filled, a fire may be started at the bottom of it through the passage of access, which may be left open or closed according as more or less draught is required. If there is any risk of rain, a covering of some sort shonld be rigged over the pit. Lime burnt in this way will take about four days to burn; it will take a larger amount of fuel in proportion to the quantity of stone burnt than would be necessary in a properly constructed kiln, but this matters little where fuel of the right quality is plentiful. THE PROSPECTS IN MARTINIQUE. tiven favourable weather conditions, a fine sugar crop is expected this year in Martinique. All the fields which, owing to former low prices of sugar, had been converted into pasturage are now replanted in canes. Owing to the war, and more to the difficulty of transporting vegetables, ground provisions, dc. to Fort de France just now, since the cessation of the steam coastal service, living is extremely costly. All the available sound creole horses are being requisitioned for the use of the French Army at big prices. The automobile invasion in Martinique during the last eighteen months having caused a regular slump so far as horses are concerned, breeders are now experiencing a god- send in this direction The colony has sent on no less than 3,000 men to fight, and from all reports they are giving the best account of themselves. Among the latest of the successful minor industries recently started is a pine-apple farm and nursery—the jam manufactured being of excellent quality, which on export to France, meets with ready sale. (Dominica Chronicle, February 2.) SUCCESSFUL LONG-DISTANCE SHIPMENT OF CITRUS POLLEN. According to the Lxperiment Station I'ccord for January 1916 shipments of citrus pollen were made from Florida to Japan for use in making hybrids in the variety collection of citrus fruits at the Imperial Horticultural Experiment Station at Okitsu, Shidzuoka Ken.. The viability of this potlen in 30 per cent. cane sugar solution was tested by Y. Kumagai of the above station. Different methods were used in preparing the pollen for shipment. The results of the test show conclusively that pollen can be successfully shipped from Florida to Japan, and be ina viable condition on arrival four to six weeks after it is gathered. The most promising method for shipping the pollen over long distances appears to be that of drying the anthers in vacuum over sulphuric acid. The vacuum glass tubes were filled with 1 to 2 inches of anthers, covered with inch of cotton, exhausted to about 0°5 mm. pressure in the presence of sulphuric acid, and the tube was then sealed. As far as practi- cable the pollen was kept at a temperature of 10° C.until sealed. Assimilation of Atmospheric Nitrogen.— Professor Bottomley stated some years ago that he had discovered nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the cortical cells of the stem of tomatoes. According to a notice in 7’he Gardeners’ Chronicle for December 4, 1915: ‘the most recent research on the subject, that of Dr. E. Mameli and Professor G. Polacci, shows that not only the Leguminosae, but many other flowering plants are able to make use of atmospheric nitrogen. Among flowering plants for which they claim this power are Cucurbita, Pepo, Acer Negundo, Polygonum fago- pyrum, and they also ascribe it to such ‘‘Water-Ferns” as Azolla caroliniana and Salvinia natans. Frank long ago maintained the view that the power of assimilation of free nitrogen belongs to all green plants, and this view receives support from these recent researches.’ The Report of the Tenth International Veterinary Congress which was held in London from August 3 to 8, 1914, is that of the last meeting held by this body. At the First General Meeting on August 4, Sir John M’Fadyean, the President, moved that, in view of the war conditions which had just begun, the Congress should merely transact the formal business necessary to bring the meeting to a close. This was agreed to, and the Congress adjourned sine die. This International Congress of veterinary experts has accom- plished good work since its first meeting in 1863 with regard to the objects for which it is convened. Owing to the efforts of the members of the Congress progress has been made not only in the collection of reliable statistical information with respect to infectious diseases among animals, but also with regard to effectual checks on such diseases. It is interesting to note that Lieut. P. T. Saunders, M.R.C.V.S,, attended this Congress as the representative of the Imperial Department of Agriculture for the West Indies. 108 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, Marcu 25, 1916. GLEANINGS. It is stated by Mr. Lyne in the Zropical Agriculturist, Ceylon, for October 1915, that the recently established school of agriculture at Peradeniya is intended in the first place for the training of teachers in the vernacular schools, with a view eventually of making agriculture a compulsory subject in the Ceylon code of education. It is generally believed that the presence of iron is necessary for the formation of the green colouring matter of plants. According to the Journal of the Chemical Society, No. 638, December 1915, it has been found that a pyrrole salt can take the place of iron. The experiments were conducted with maize grown in water cultures. Attempts to cultivate limes and lemons in Fiji have not, according te the Annual Report on the Department of Agri- culture for the year 1914, met with as much success as was anticipated. Some of the limes planted in 1906 are yielding fruit below the average in size. A new plot of selected plants, including afew rows of the thornless lime from Dominica, have been planted. In the Wealth of India for December 1915 appears an article on the oil pressing industry in the United Provinces. It attempts to show that the establishment of oil crushing factories in the United Provinces forms one of the most attractive commercial propositions existing to-day in the whole of India. Oil is obtained principally from castor, cotton, linseed, rape, and mustard seed. —— According to the Journal of Heredity, the percentage ofendemic plants in Central America is 70, in India, 60, and in Ceylon, less than 30. It isas high as 80 in the Hawaiian Islands, while Western Australia. even surpasses this figure, where itis 85. By endemic is meant plants which are native, that is to say, plants which have not been introduced so far as human records can show. An obituary notice concerning the late Professor Ernest Ule, a leading authority on Brazitian rubber trees, appears in the India Rubber World for February 1, 1916. Professor Ule in his expedition up the Amazon discovered three new species of the Manihot variety, and he also wrote a book on M. dichotoma, M. heptashylla, and M. piauhyensis. Professor Ule also did some botanical exploration work in British Guiana. Horse beans (Canavalia ensiformis) have done very well at Morne Rouge and Westerhall in Grenada, both in separate. plots, and as cover crops between limes and coco-nuts. A good supply of seed has been harvested, and considerable quan- tities have been distributed to various parts of the island for trial. As acover crop and a soil renovator the plant is eminently suitable, and worthy of extensive use, particularly as it is readily and cheaply established. A good example of the big profits that may be expected in pedigree pig raising is afforded by information recently received from Mr. 8. F. Edge, of Sussex, England. Pigs from one large black sow during 1915 sold for £101 1s. 6d. and left the owner five gilts of high quality for his herd, worth altogether at least £50. Few animals on the farm give such a good return for such a small capital expenditure as pigs, and if an open air system of management is adopted there is generally little trouble in regard to disease. A forthcoming meeting of the Royal Society of Arts will be of interest, for at it Sir Daniel Morris, K.C.M.G., will read a paper on the timber resources of Newfoundland, Sir Daniel Morris also presided at the meeting on January 26 last, when Mr. J. Arthur Hutton, Chairman of the British Cotton Growing Association, read a paper on the effect of the war on cotton growing in the British Empire. On the 16th, of this month Professor W. R. Dunstan, C.M.G, F.R.S., is reading a paper on the subject of the work of the Imperial Institute for India. The growing interest in Roselle, known in the West Indies under the name of sorre) (Hibiscus sabdarifia), as a crop of the Tropics, is referred to in the Philippine Agri- cultwal Revicw tor October to December 1914. In Hawaii the crop has been planted on quite a large experimental scale} and one jam manufacturer found it possible to pay 40c. per Ib. for the dried product. There is apparently a good demand in the United States for roselle product, and it is believed that there is room for the establishment of small preserving factories in the Philippines. The transpiration ratio of the sugar-cane plant (that is to say, the number of pounds of water which requires to be transpired in order to form 1 tb. of dry matter) is lower in the case of the cane than in that of almost any other cultivated crop. The figure representing this value would appear to range between 15U and 200, That is to say, in the production of acrop of canes of 30 tons per acre, 1,800 to 2,500 tons of water per acre require to be absorbed through the roots of the plant, and transpired to the atmosphere through the leaves. This amount of water is actually equivalent to from 18 to 25 inches of rain. There has been of late vearsa marked improvement in the goats in Barbados owing to the importation of thorough- bred stock of the Toggenburg and other superior strains. Other West Indian islands may now take advantage of the neighbourhood of Barbados, and import thence some of the fine milk-producing goats... Mr. Thos. E. Manning informs this office that he has at present for sale several half and three- quarter bred Toggenburg young goats, both ewes and rams, and that he will give willingly any further information as to price and shipment of them to any other island, on application to him, care of Manning & Co. Ltd., Bridgetown, Barbados, Vor. XV. No. 363, THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 109 ANTIGUA: REPORT ON THE AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT, 1914-15. This publication which has just been issued comprises one of the longest reports that has emanated from the Antigua Department, and it contains a very large amount of useful information which should be noted throughout the West Indies. In the Botanic Gardens, it is stated, certain improve- ments have been effected with a view to making the general appearance of the gardens more attractive, Useful notes are given in the report concerning agaves as hedge plants for fibre production. These notes appear in the section dealing with the work in the Gardens. Work in the Nurseries has consisted principally in the raising of a large number of coco-nuts, limes, bay, Eucalyptus, and onion seedlings, which have been distributed to planters. Cane cuttings and provision crop materials were also sent out in considerable quantity. The notes on plant importation refer principaily to Eucalypts, a group of trees which has received special economic consideration in Antigua. The longest section of the report is given to an account of the plot experiments at the Botanic and Experiment Stations. This work is closely connected with the industries of the Colony subsidiary to the cultivation of cane. Variety trials have been continued with sweet potatoes, cassava, eddoes, tannias, and yams. Large differences are shown in the yielding capacities of Colombian and Jamaican varieties of cassava, while apparently definite immunity to disease is exhibited by two varieties of yams. Further experimental work of this description has had regard to the tillage and manurial requirements of maize or Indian corn. Figures are given which show that it is remunerative to introduce weekly tillage with a view to preserving a soil mulch. The planting experiments show that 1 foot by 1 foot is the best distance to set the seed of the plant. The manurial experiment at the stations has indicated the value of adding pen manure. The estate trial with artificial fertilizers failed, but will be repeated. A system of selection of local corn has been introduced, and may be expected to lead eventually toa much needed increase in the average yield per acre in Antigua. The cotton hyoridization work has been continued during the year under review. The St. Eustatius x Sea Island cross continues to breed true, and may be found suitable for cultivation on the heavier lands. The cotton grafting experi- ment has given negative results. With onions, the test of establishing the crop by trans- plantation versus planting in situ was repeated, with results not in agreement with those obtained the previous year. Various useful trials have been made with English potatoes, and with beans and peas. Special investigation by the agricultural officers in this report has reference to the selection of cotton for various characters. tT ‘the growing of A considerable amount of information is included in the report with regard to “plant pests and diseases. The usual pests and diseases of sugar-cane were noticed, but not to any alarming extent. As regards cotton, the presence of the ‘boll worm’ may be drawn attention to. Some damage occurred to» the foliage of lime trees by the adult beetle, Hxophthalmus eswriens, and to the roots by its larva. Grubs of the brown hard-back have been troublesome to Indian corn. As regards progress in the chief industries, the report shows that the shipment of sugar was some 5,300 tons more than in the previous year. The area under cotton showed a marked decrease, on account of the war and the increased demand for sugar. Figures are given showing the exports of cotton for the last eleven years, With regard to onions, a special review of the proceedings of the Antigua Onion Growers Association is given, and the great success which has attended its activities is clearly demonstrated. The substance of this report has already been published in the Agricultural News. In a special note on Barbuda it is shown that consider- able progress has been made in the Dependency with regard to cotton cultivation, and the improvement of live stock. Special lines of work have consisted in irrigation, and experiments with explosives for breaking up sugar-cane land. The system of supplementary irrigation to the weekly rainfall, and the effect of dynamite upon soil bearing ratoon canes are of much interest Additional subjects of interest are the spraying of cattle for ticks, and the enlargement of Bendal’s equipment. Reference has already been made in a previous paragraph to the corn industry. Dr. Tempany contributes to the present publication a useful review of the developments with respect to the Government Granary. The whole scheme, like that for onion production, will be followed with interest, not only in the Leeward Islands, but in other colonies as well. Its significance lies in the fact that Antigua is gradually being changed from a merely consuming centre into a pro- ducing one—a change of great economic importance. A plan of the Granary is an interesting feature of the report. Aminor effort that is deserving of encouragement is } vegetables (other than onions) for the Canadian market. This idea has met with a certain measure of success already. The educational work, in its bearing upon agriculture, has been continued in Antigua with, as usual, satisfactory results. The Department continues to maintain interest amongst overseers and others in the Reading Courses Examinations of the Imperial Department, and the proceed- ings at the meetings of the Agricultural and Commercial Society, to which reference is made, have included the reading and discussion of papers on live and varied subjects. It is satisfactory to learn that the success of the candidate who won the Leeward Islands Scholarship was largely due to his efficient knowledge of agricultural science. But the report states that science work in the Grammar School, of which the candidate was a member, is seriously handicapped through there being no grant for laboratory equipment. In conclusion, it will be evident from the foregoing review of this report that a great deal of useful work has been satisfactorily accomplished in Antigua during 1914-15, Much of its value lies in the close co-operation existing between the Government and the planting community. The officers concerned are to be commended for the activity manifested, and for the keen interest they have taken in their duties. 110 SOME NEW ENTOMOGENOUS' FUNGI IN ST. VINCENT. ON A WOOD-BORING GRUB, Karly in 1915, Mr. W. N. Sands, Agricultural Superin- tendent, St. Vincent, forwarded for examination specimens collected by him in the Botanic Gardens, Kingstown, of a fungus growing on the larvae of the beetle Cryptorhynchus corticalis, Boh., boring the wood of Codiaeum variegatum, the common ‘croton’. The affected larvae are found in their tunnels in the stems, retaining their form and colour, but converted into hard sclerotia. From them the stalk of the fruit body of the fungus penetrates to the surface of the bark, and there expands into a peltate disc of a reddish brown colour, upon the centre of which is borne a conical spine. These discs, when developed singly, measure, in the specimens to hand, up to some 3 m.m. in diameter, but commonly several run together, in which case a more or less circular body is formed, which may approach to a diameter of a centimetre, and bears Several of the above mentioned spines. Asci, of the form usual in the genus Cordyceps, are produced at the base of closely set, flask-shaped cavities opening on the upper surface of the dise. Specimens of the fungus have been forwarded to Kew for examination, and Miss E. M. Wakefield reports that it appears to be a new species of Cordyceps, and will be described as such. ON A SOIL GRUB. On January 1, 1916, the writer found, in the soil near the roots of a cacao tree at Mount William estate, a grub having the larval characters of the species of Diaprepes and Exophthalmus common as root feeding weevils in these islands. The grub was dead, but unshrunken and hard, and its form was perfectly preserved. The specimen was brought to Barbados, and kept in the laboratory in a corked tube, and after some weeks was observed to have devoloped a number of erect brown threads, the fruit bodies of a fungus of the genus Isaria. The fungus continues to develop, and at the time of writing (March 2) about a dozen threads of various lengths and thicknesses have appeared, the two longest and strongest of which, arising from the anal end, are over 10 em. in fength and about 0°5 m.m. in thickness. The growing tip is white for some distance, and behind it, as it pro- gresses, are developed lateral bristles 1-2 m.m. long, each clothed with hairs bearing terminal conidia. ON THE CACAO THRIPS, Messrs, Sands and Harland, Agricultural Superintend- ent and Assistant Superintendent, respectively, have had under observation for some months a fungus found by them on Heliothrips rubrocincta, Giard. infesting cacao leaves. It has the appearance of being parasitic on this insect, being found on larvae as well as adults, under circumstances which suggest no other cause of death. It occurs as a whitish mould on the body of the insect, attaching it lightly to the leaf. The writer has as yet had the opportunity of examining only a very small amount of material. In this there seemed to be no differentiation of conidiospores, the THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Marcy . 25, 1916. ———$— eee" conidia occurring in spherical groups scattered along the tangled hyphae. During a recent visit to the somewhat remote districts where it occurs, very little of the fungus was found, but the writer is informed that it has been seen to be so abundant as to justify its being regarded as a considerable factor in reducing the numbers of the insect. ON SCALE INSECTS. During a visit paid to Queensbury estate in January of this year the writer observed patches of a slaty grey fungus. of the Corticium type extending over considerable areas on the stems of pigeon pea,where they were heavily infested. with Aulacaspis pentagona, Targ. The fungus closely resembles Septohasidium pedicellatum, Schwein., common in St. Lucia on colonies of the purple scale on citrus trees, and will very possibly prove to be that species. Its occurrence in St. Vincent is, so far as the writer is aware, not previously recorded. The same remark applies to the fungus Ophionectria coccicola, E. and E., which was found on the same occassion in great abundance in one particular situation, growing on scale insects infesting lime trees. The circumstances of its occurrence under very sheltered conditions suggest that its non-development im. other districts, which has been the subject of some regret, is due rather to insufficient humidity than to actual absence of the species. Another fungus found on the purple scale at Queensbury - appears to be quite new to these islands, so far as the records of the Imperial Department go. It is a light clear pink Aschersonia, forming groups of small, closely-set, rather woolly, sessile stromata, mostly spherical or nearly so, but in a few cases exposing a small open dise with a smooth surface and of darker colour. It may be added that the red fungus, Sphaerostilbe coccophila, Tul., and the black fungus, Myriangiwn Duriaei, Mont., were also present in abundance with those above- mentioned. W.N. THE CONNEXION BETWEEN CROP PRODUCTION AND BACTERIAL ACTIVITY. In his paper in' the Jowrnal of Agricultural Research, Vol. 5, No. 18, on the relation between certain bacterial activ- ities in soils, and the crop producing power of these soils, Mr. P. E. Browne, of the United States Department of Agriculture, appears to have established that the connexion between the two, that is to say between bacterial activities and crop yields, is so close as to make the examination of a soil for bacterial change of great practical importance. It would appear that the tests of a soil in the laboratory for ammonification, nitrification, and similar changes may indicate accurately the crop producing power of the soil, or, at least, the relative crop producing power of several soils, In one experiment with Indian corn it is shown that the yields obtained are in close agreement with ammonification. Thus in a plot which gave a yield of 50°25 bushels per acre the ammonification was 55°33 m.gs., while in the plot which gave 74 bushels of corn per acre the ammonification was 72°79 m.gs. In conclusion it may be stated that these experiments have shown that ammonification and crop production are very closely related, and that the determinations of the ammoni- fying power of soils. made during the growing season may- show their relative crop producing powers. DYNAMITE EXPERIMENTS. In connexion with our editorial on this subject in the last issue of the Agricultural News, the following notes on experiments in the Federated Malay States, taken from the Experiment Station ‘Record for January 1916, will be read with interest. Tt will be remembered that we arrived at the conclusion that the use of dynamite is not generally remunerative in the West Indies. Experiments were conducted at the Castleton Estate, Telok Anson, to test the effect of explosives on the growth of rubber. As measured by the girth increment for one year, ‘the control plot gave an average increasein girth, 21°93 per cent. and the dynamite plot an increase of 32°14 per cent. for every 100 inches of the original girth. Summing up the results of various experiments with dynamite, conducted by the Department.of Agriculture in the Federated Malay States, it appears to be unequalled for breaking up hardpan. It is most effective on heavy clay, and hard laterite soils, and least effective on light or loose soils which offer no resistance to the explosion. It is believed that it might be profitable in making holes previous to planting, especially in heavy soils, half a charge of dynamite being sufficient for this purpose. It may be successfully used in breaking up logs and tree stumps previously weakened by ‘termites. The value of dynamite for cultivation is not doubted, but the high cost of the explosive prevents its more general use. The Value of Burr Grass.—In the Proceedings of the Agricultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago for December 1915, reference is made to a note which appeared in the report of the Agricultural Department, St. Lucia, 1914-15, in regard to the value of Burr grass. This stated that the grass in question is valuable in pastures in its young stage, and that it will withstand the severest drought and the hardest grazing, and thrives in the poorest soil. It is pointed out, however, by the Trinidad journal, that the bristles of the burrs are liable to inflict very disagreeable injury on animals and men. Cattle frequently get their muzzles pricked by the burrs, and at times burrs enter the mouth, and lacerate the tongue, gums, and inner sides of the lips, produc- ing festering wounds. It would seem that if burr grass is to be encouraged on pastures, it should only be done when it is possible to keep it sufficiently well grazed or cut to prevent flowering. ‘The statement made in the Trinidad journal by Dr. Fredholm in which he condemns this grass, ‘lock, stock and barrel’, is an exaggeration, since the grass has a distinct nutritive value, and power of resisting drought. Only mechanically is it objectionable; and this only at the later stages of growth. WEST INDIAN PRODUCTS. DRUGS AND SPICES ON 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 January:— Though the drug and spice markets practically start- ed again on January 6, after the usual Christmas holidays, they cannot be said to have assumed anything THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 11? approaching the ordinary business conditions until a week later, namely on the 13th, and even then with a very restricted amount of business, coupled with an almost general advance in prices, which applies to citric acid, ginger, nutmegs and kola, while lime juice, lime oil and sarsa- parilla were lower. The following are the details. GINGER. At the spice auction on the 12th of the month no Jamaica was offered, but washed Cochin was quoted at 35s, and Calicut at 32s. 6d. to 34s. On the 19th it was stated that good common Jamaica was fetching from 67s, 6d. to 70s., and medium to good, 75s. to 80s. At auction on the 26th, Jamaica was in good supply, 97 bags of small, dull, washed sold at from, 75s. 6d. to 76s, For good, medium cut Calicut, 74s. to 74s. 6d. was paid, and 26s. 6d. for small, limed tips. NUTMEGS AND ARROWROOT. At the spice auction on the 12th of the month, 317 packages of West Indian nutmegs were offered and sold, 62’s fetching ls. 8d., 69’s. 1s. 1d. to 1s. 3d., and 96’s to 98’s 64d. to 7d. Some Eastern were also brought forward and sold. At the same auction some 1,500 barrels of St. Vincent arrowroot were offered, and sales were effected at from 23d. to 33,d. per tb. . SARSAPARILLA. At auction on the 13th of the month, sarsaparilla was well represented. Of grey Jamaica, 42 packages were offered and 16 sold, of native Jamaica 68 packages were offered and 33 sold, of Lima Jamaica, 27 packages were offered and 6 sold, while of Mexican and Honduras 18 and 8 packages, respec- tively, were brought forward, but found no buyers. For the grey Jamaica ls. 7d. to 1s, 8d. per th. was paid. for partly rough and coarse to fair fibrous, and Is, 5d. to Is. 6d. per ib. for. middling partly, mouldy grey. For the native Jamaica 8d. to 9d. per Tb. was realized for dull and inferior red and yellow mixed. Fair red fetched 10d. to 103d. and low yellow. 7d. For the 6 bales of Lima Jamaica ls. 7d per lb. was paid, and‘9d. per tb. was asked for the unsold Mexican. ; CITRIC. ACID, LIME JUICE, LIME OIL, KOLA, TAMARINDS, AND CASHEW NUTS. Throughout the month citric acid has held a strong position, owing, it is said, chiefly to the scarcity of the raw material, and the difficulties attending the shipment. At the beginning of the month prices varied from- 2s. 8d. to 2s. 10d. per Tbh. at which price it stood at the close of the month, when it was said there was a very large demand for export to Russia. Of lime juice there has been good supplies in the markets during the month at prices varying from 2s. 7d. to 2s. 10d. per gallon, and quite at the close of the month fair West Indian was to be obtained at 2s. 6d. per gallon. Of lime oil there have also been good supplies; West Indian distilled being quoted at 6s. 6d. and hand pressed at 7s. 6d. At the auction on the 13th. kola nuts were in good supply; 45 packages of West Indian were offered and all sold at 6d. to 63d. per Ib., with the exception, of two lots of inferior quality which were disposed of at 5d. to 54d. per Tb. At the beginning of the month tamarinds were reported to be somewhat scarce, the value of Barbados in bond being quoted at 18s. 6d. per ewt., but at the close of the month it was reported that fair West Indian in bond were obtainable at 16s. per cwt. As many as 130 packages of cashew nuts were offered at auction on the 13th. of the month, but found no buyers. London.—Tue 112 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Marcu 25, ~— 1916. MARKET REPORTS. WEst February 10, 1916, Inp1A ComMITTEE CIRCULAR, ARrRrowRroot—2}id. to 43d. Batara—Sheet 2s. 8d. ; block 2s. 24d. Brreswax—No quotations. Cacao—Trinidad, 90s. ; Grenada, 80s. to 84s. 6d. Jamaica, no quotations. Corrre—Jamaica, no quotations. Corra—£35 to £36. Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota- tions; Wes Indian Sea Island, no quotations. Fruir—No quutations. Fusric—6s. to 7s. Gincer—Jamaica, 70/- to 85/-. Isryciass—No quotations. Honey—30s. to 38s. 6d. Lime Juice—Raw, 2/9 to 3s.; concentrated, no quotations; Otto of limes (hand-pressed), no quotations, Locwoop—8s. to 8s. 10d. Mace—63d. to 2s. 6a. Nutmecs—6$d. to 9}d. Pinento—No quotations. Russer—Para, fine hard, 3/2; fine soft, 3/1; Castilloa, 1/11. Rum—Jamaica, no quotations, NewzlYork.—Messrs. Gituespre Bros. & Co., March 3, 1916. Oacao—Caracas, 15jc. to 15$c.; Grenada, 15jc,.' to 153¢.; Trinidad, 153c.; Jamaica, 14c. to 143c. Coco-nuts—Jamaica and ‘Trinidad selects, $33°00! ‘to $34°00; culls, $22-00 to $23:00. Oorrer—Jamaica, 9jc. to 12c. per Tbe Gincrer—l4c. to I6e. per th. Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 4%c.; Antigua and Barbados, 47c. to 49c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 46c. to 48c. per th. Grare Frvuir—Jamaica, $1°25 to $1°75. Limes—$4°00 to $5°00. Mace—35c. to 42c. per tb. Nurmecs—ldc. to 15}c. Orances—Jamaica, $1°00 to $1°50. Pimento—3ic. to de. rer th. Sucar—Centrifugals, tu", 1 83c. to 4°86c.; Muscovados, 89°, 4°18c. to 4°21c.; \lolasses, 89°, 4°06c. to 4:09¢., all duty paid. Trinidad.—Messrs. Gorpox, Grant & Co., March 3, 1916, ' Oacao—Venezuelan, $16°50 to $17°50; Trinidad, $19:20 to $19°68. Coco-nut O1r—‘ lc. per Imperial gallon, Correk—Venezuelan, llc. to 12c. Corra—$7 ‘00 per 100 the Duat—$7 ‘00 to $7°50 Ontons—$6'00 to 36°50 per 100 Ip. Peas, Sprit—$9:00 to $10-00 per bag. Porarors—English $2°75 to $3°00 per LOO th. Rice—Yellow, $7:00 to $7°50; White, $7-00 per bag. Suear—American crushed, ne quotations Barbados.—Messrs. James A. Lyncu & Co., Ltd., March’ 8, 1916; T. S. Garraway & Co., March 8, 1916. Arrowroot—$d‘00 per 100 th. Cacao—$16-00 to $1790 per 100 th. Coco-Nuts—$18-00 husked nuts. Hay—S$1°75 to $1:90 Manures—Nitrate of soda, per 100 th. 585-00; Cacao manure, no quotations; Sulphate of ammonia, $90°00 to $100°00 per ton. Motassrs—No quotations. Ontons—$4°50 to $12-00 per 190 Th. Pras, Sprit—$9‘50 to $1000 per 210 tb.; Canada, $3:00 per 120 tb. Porators—Nova Scotia, $4°00 to $4°75 per 160 tb. Rice—Ballam, $6°75 per 190 tb.; Patna, no quotations; Rangoon, no quotations. Sucar—Muscovado centrifugals, $3°75 to $400. British Guiana.—Messrs. Wietinc & Ricurer, Janu- ary 31, 1916; Messrs. Sanppacu, PARKER & Co, Jannary 7, 1916. ee _.|Messrs. Sanp- ARTICLES. ee ee BACH, Pate = ¢ Co ARRowROOT—St. Vincent — $14°50 Batata— Venezuela block ——— eee Demerara sheet —_—— Cacao—Native 18c. per th. 20c. per tb. Cassava— $1°20 Cassava STARCH— $10 to $11 —— Coco-NuTs— $18 per M. $18 per M. CorrrE—Creole 12c. to 13c. 14c. per th Jamaica and Rio|14e. to 15c. per tb. 14c. Liberian 8e. to 8he. 9c. per th Drar— $7:00 to $7-25 $7 -25 Green Dhal — Eppors— $1°92 to $2-16 se Mo tasses— Yellow None _— Ontons—Teneritte — rr Madeira —— 12c. Pras—Split $12-00 to $12°50 $12-v0 er bag. (210 tb.). Marseilles —— E 8: (2! ) PLANTAINS l6c. to 48c. —— Porators—Nova Scotia $3°25 $3°25 to $3-50 Lisbon wine Potators--Sweet, B’bados $1-92 Rick—Ballam Creole TANNIAS— Yams— White Buck Suear—Dark crystals Yellow White Molasses TiImBER—GREENHEART Wallaba shingles $3°12 $3°60 to $3°75 $4°25 to $4°35 $3°10 32c. to 55c. per cub. foot $400 to $6°25 per M. ; Cordwood} $1°80 to $2:00 per ton $5°50 $3°75 $425 32c. to 55c. per cub. foot $4-00 to 36°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 1s. each. Post free, 1s. 2d.; Volumes IT, IIT, IV, V, VI, VIL, VIL, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII and XIV:—Price 2s. each: Post. free 2s. 8d., 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.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 lunatus (Lima beans), by W. R. Dunlop; Skin Diseases of Cattle in Antigua (compiled from th notes of P. T. Saunders, a M.R.C.V.S., A.V.C.). PAMPHLET SERIES. The Pamphlets are written ina simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially adapted to West Indian conditions. present time is seventy-five. Suaar Inpustry. o 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, in 1913-14, price 1s. each. 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 Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are out of print. GENERAL. (7) and (22) Scale 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. (79) Root Diseases of Lime Trees in Forest Districts. Price 3d. (80) Hints to Settlers in St. Lucia. Price 6d. Price 4d. (81) Agricultural Resources of St. Lucia. Price 3d. (82) Indoor Gardening for Schools. Price 6d. The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of 4d. for the pamphlets marked 2d.; 1d. for those marked 4d. and for Nos 73 and 75; 1d. 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 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 cach 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. All applications for copies 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. West Inpra Commirrer, 15, Seething Lane. Barbados: Apyocarr Co. Lrp., Broad Street, Bridgetown. Jamaica: Tor EpucarionaL Suppty Company, 16, King Street, Kingston. British Guiana; Tut Arcosy Co., Lrp., Georgetown. Trinidad: Messrs. Murr-MarsHati & Co., Port-of-Spain. St. Kitts: Tae BrstE AND Book SuppLy AGENCY, BASSETERRE Tobago: Mr. C. L. PLAGEMANN, Scarborough, Nevis: Messrs. Hows, Bros., Charlestown. Canada: Lewis W. Cremens, 71 King Street, West, Toronto. Grenada: Messrs. THos. Lawior & Co., St. George. St. Vincent: Mr. J. D. Bonapre, ‘Times’ Office. St. Lucia: Mr. R. W. Nives, Botanic Station. Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. Brmpcewarer, Roseau. Montserrat: Mr. W. Roxson, Botanic Station. Antigua: Mr. 8. D. Manone, St. John’s. Vou. XV. No. 363. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Marcu 25, 1916. THE BEST MANURE FOR COLONIAL USE Is Dissolved (Soluble) Guano POR SUG AR-CANE AND GHD RAL WS 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. Lynch & Co., Ltd., Bridgetown. TO BE ISSUED SHORTLY. SELECTED WEST INDIAN BULLETIN, SFA ISLAND COTTON SEED. Vol. XV, No. 8. We make a speciality of selecting Sea Island Cotton é i - ; + Le ‘ .|Seed for planting purposes, and solicit orders from the Containing the following papers: Two Scoliid Parasites of |) ci¢hbouring Islands. Scarabaeid Larvae in Barbados, by W. Nowell, D.1.C.; On = 3 Legislating Against Plant Diseases, by Francis Watts, C.M.G., . ' . D.Sc., F.1.C.; Notes on Thich eyes Minutum, by S$. C.| Quotations on application. Harland, B.Sc.; Bay Oil and the Cultivation of the Bay| Tree as a Crop Plant, by H. A. Tempany, D.Sc., F'.1.C., and} THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE W. Robson; The Rise of Dominica, by Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Se., F.I.C.; The Hitchen Bacon Factory, by J. W. Welsh; Co ONS ee A Summary of the Manurial Work with Sngar-cane in the | WHITE PARK, West Indies, by W. R. Dunlop. | BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENT, a Printed at Office of Agricultural Reporter, 4 High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados, fi SS ELS al c= A Vl SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 1916, | One penny. R. M. S. P. MAIL, PASSENGER & CARGO SERVICES#:; FROM THE WEST INDIES PORTS OF CALL ; TO THE UNITED KINGDOM | Azores. St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Dominica, ‘CANADA , Montserrat, Antigua, St. Kitts, | |Bermuda, Halifax, N.S8., & St. John.(N.B.) ‘DEMERARA & PARAMARIBO Grenada & Trinidad. | | Trinidad, Puerto Colombia, PANAMA CANAL & PACIFIC PORTS Cartagena, Colon, Panama, Callao, Iquique, Antofagasta & Valparaiso. REGULAR MAIL, PASSENGER AND CARGO SERVICES FROM THE tel 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, Demerara, Colon, Jamaica, Antilla, New York, Halifax N.S., Buenos Aires, Santos, S2o Paulo Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, etc: THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS HISTORY OB CoOoPpBRES CATTLE Dit FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF TICKS + + FRMALE Cooper's Cattle Dip is the result of 5 years continuous research work, not only by chemists working in a Laboratory, but by Practical Cattlemen working under practical conditions in badly Tick-infested areas. It was in 1905 that our search for the Perfect Cattle Dip commenced, and the method we adopted was to purchase, purely for experimental purposes, a large farm right in the very heart of the Tick-infested Coastal Area of South Africa. This farm is called Gonubie Park, and is close to East London, in the Cape Province. What we aimed at was the co-operation of the trained Chemist and the practical Stockman ; so a Laboratory was erected on the Farm in charge of our Head Chemist, and the practical Manager in charge of the Stock was told that his first, and indeed his only duty, was to assist and further, to the full extent of his power, the research work of the Chemist. It should be mentioned that, previously to its purchase by us, the Farm had been practically abandoned owing to the Tick infestation being so bad as to preclude absolutely the raising of either Large or Small Stock—for ticks in South Africa are the cause of many other diseases besides Red-water or Texas Fever, which is the only Tick-borne disease of economic importance met with in most Tick-infested countries. One cannot conceive of a more grossly Tick-infested area than was Gonubie Park. It was impossible to keep sheep there for any length of time, as they died from Heart-water, transmitted by Ticks, within a few weeks. About 80% of the calves born there als» died from Heart-water or some other tick-borne disease ; whilst dairy farming was in such a deplorable state, due to the ravages of Ticks, that a cow with a sound udder and teats was a great rarity, and it was not an uncommon occurrence to be compelled to sell.to the butcher, owing to their udders being completely ruined by Tick bites, what had been really first-class milking cows. Stock raising, as an economic farming proposition, was impossible under such conditions. Here, then, was excellent material for us to work upon. Our next step was to equip the Farm fully with Dipping Tanks, and there are four of these on the property—this number being necessary to permit of simultaneous comparative tests of various experimental mixtures, of which hundreds were tested before Cooper's Cattle Dip was finally evolved. It is a principle of the “Cooper” business not to put on the market an article upon which the reputation of the Firm cannot be staked, and so these lengthy and very costly experiments were persisted in until the Perfect Cattle Dip was arrived at, notwithstanding the fact that, at a very early stage of the researches, a Dip was found which was superior to any Cattle Dip then on sale. But this Dip was not the Perfect Dip, and thus did not satisfy us ; and so the experimental work went on for several years, for rather than offer the public a dip which was not completely satisfactory, we preferred to see the business goinz to other firms offering inferior dips, until we had a Dip really worthy of the “ Cocper” reputation. And that policy of restraint has been rapidly and completely vindicated, for at the present time practically no other Proprietary Cattle Dip is used in South Africa, and the success the Dip has met with since it was first offered for sale 4 years ago cannot be more strikingly emphasised than by the list of the Governments and Administrations by which the Dip has been approved, and, by which, with but two or three exceptions, it is being actually used in Official Cattle Dipping Operations. The list is given below. We submit that this list is the most convincing evidence that could possibly be produced of the merits of COOPER’S CATTLE DIP COOPER’S CATTLE TICK DIP WEST INDIAN AGENTS: ST. KITTS: S. L. HORSFORD & Co. JAMAICA : D. HENDERSON & CO., Kingston. Has received the official approval of the following Countries : Union of South Africa, Northern Rhodesia, Brazil, — Basutoland, ANTIGUA: BENNETT. BRYSON & CO. Nyasaland, Swaziland, Southern Rhodesia, Madagascar, GRENADA : THOMSON, HANKEY & CO. . British East Africa, German East Africa, Portuguese East Africa, BARBADOS: BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE COTTON Co. Ltd. Portuguese West Africa, Egypt, Argentine Republic, Queensland, TRINIDAD: T. GEDDES GRANT, Port of Spain. United States of America, Northern Territory of Australia. BRITISH GUIANA: SANDBACH, PARKER & CO. Manufacturers: WILLIAM COOPER & NEPHEWS, Berkhamsted, England. MVS 0p TE, a —~—S A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW OF THE IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. agg Vou. XV. No. 364. BARBADOS, APRIL 8, 1916. Price ld. CONTENTS certain that useful and reliable results shail accrue from agricultural experiments, a considerable amount ———— of preliminary theoretical consideration is necessary; PAGE. Pace. oneneeds to be clear as to what it is one wishes to Antigua, Re-afforestationin 123)Horses, Feeding Experi- demonstrate, and what degree of precision in methods “itis } 1 ane > i Sugar : = + is ‘i Bei a Saas Sete? 197 Mi ant “ie bepr and ly 1S necessary to solve the problem or problems proposed. Association ... .. . 127) Meat-Me: C : a ; Cc (ae Dominic. 117 [msect Notes:— In other words, scientific methods are just as neces- Voco-nu iS in Dominica ( Insect Pests in British Any athe aeldl oxocrmen tare ts a RO. ida: Cotton Conference:— Cuan 125 Sary with ne experiments as with laboratory experi- b ae st Bey pancerdngs 118 Whe Banana Weevil ... 123 ments. The chief difference between the two is that, otton Conference, es ee ae 98 OC: au oy: Pp iGaakonn 120 pare’ rep see er 128 in laboratory experiments the conditions of the , ine ee oo (Motor Plougkgdemonstra- ; ¢ : ae ee earners 121 tions in England and “~ experiments can be regulated, that is, the number of 1 Oe 1 France... ss. ++ 117 factors can be strictly limited and controlled; in [DS pea Cates es Notes and Comments 120i ] . : Se Diseases of Plants:— Papain from Montserrat... 117 field experiments there are a large number of inter- The Internal Disease Philippines, Improvement acting factors which are not under control, and our of Cotton Bolls... . 126) of Tropical Fruit in ae pee es thee ’ ; : 5 Durian Seeds, Experiment the... 2aee se ee LG, results are large ly subs rvient to the law of chances. in Shipping... ... ... 116 Rainfall in Dominica, 1915 120 The only way in which we can hope to approxi- Eucalyptus in Dominica ... 123 Rape, Pasturing Pigs on... 125 ee eke Se ie py ea ois E Fibre and Cotton in the Sea Island Cotton Market 119 mate to the truth, is by manifold repetition, by . ... 121|Soil Explosives, Value of 127 Plan- Vegetable Growing for ... 113) Canadian Markets ... 125 . 124|\Vitamimes wee 2. LO Belgian Congo Field Experiments, ning of Gleanings ... The Planning of Field Experiments. (SN HE bulk of the experimental work con- BX ducted at in. the West Indies and elsewhere consists im plot trials Botanic Stations in connexion with plant selection, the testing of new strains, the manurial requirements of plants, and the like. being comparatively simple and straightforward, and Until recent years this work was regarded as such as anyone familiar with plant culture might arrange and carry out. It is now generally recognized that such is not the case, at least as regards the plan- ning and arrangement of such work. To be moderately the careful recordance of fluctuating factors of environ- ment like rainfall and humidity, and by correlating these with the results of experiments. Ideas as to the manner in which manurial experi- ments should be conducted have of recent years under- gone considerable modification. In the first place; extensive duplication is now considered Generally speaking, one necessary, untreated plot and a series of untreated plots are not enough. They control or ought to be duplicated several times according This is particularly important as regards the control plot, for it is essential to be to circumstances. able to compare the variation between two controls, that a control treated Manurial experiments with crops like sugar- as well as between and a plot. cane and provisions, in which the material produced is simply vegetative growth, are of a more simple character than manurial experiments with fruit-pro- ducing crops like cacao and limes, With these crops, 114 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 1916. Apri 8, which are permanent, we are frequently faced with the manifestation of distinct individuality. If plots are selected at random and judged merely by general appearances, serious error may be introduced. The contain a larger naturally heavier control plot, for instance, may number of trees which are yielders than the treated plot would tend to vitiate the effects of manurial treatment. Where manurial trials are conducted to determine the effect of fertilizers on fruit yield, the natural yields of the trees should be recorded first. The effect of manures on developing trees before they come into bearing, is another matter and concerns vegetative growth. It has to be remembered, too, that in manuring orchard crops the effect of manures on the soil as well as on the plant is introduced. With annual crops where thorough cultivation is practiced periodically together with rotation of crops, this effect is not felt to the full extent. a circumstance that From year to year a large number of plot trials have been made in the West Indies with different varieties of provision crops. It would appear that in some instances, as with some of the experiments with varieties of sweet potato, the results obtained are not -eonclusive. It has been the custom to conduct each year, in single plots of very small area, a trial of each ’ The mean of several years’ results with each is regarded as representiug the relative pro- It would seem that a variety. variety ductive -quicker and more reliable insight into their relative power of that variety. productive powers could be obtained if, instead of spread- ing the experiment over a number of years, all the trials were conducted in one year, each plot being duplicated many times. The mean of ten years’ results has not the same scientific significance as the mean of ten results obtained in one year. In referring to these experiments, however, it 1s only fair to point out that, apart from their object of showing the relative values of different varieties, they are the source of an annual -supply of planting material for distribution amongst peasant growers: and so the work has another object, the recording of yields being partly incidental. The selection of seed is another line of experi- mental activity which calls for preliminary thought and consideration. This has been recognized in connexion with cotton, as is shown by the success obtained by means of individual plant rather than mass selection. Attention is only just being given to the selection of the coco-nut. Here again we must go to the individual plant, though not in quite the same sense as in the case of cotton selection. Nuts should be selected from the most productive trees growing under the same conditions as the less productive ones. The kind of nut to be sélected will depend upon what section of the market for coco-nut products one intends to supply. If coprais to be the principal product, then large nuts with a high endosperm content will be selected. Where large numbers of the nuts themselves are shipped, the aim of the grower will be to produce uniform nuts just above the standard size. All field experiments are influenced to a very large extent by climatic conditions principally relating to moisture. It is therefore important that all field experiments should be accompanied by systematic weather observations. Hitherto the rain-gauge has As a matter of fact the bare recording of the precipita- tion of rain is almost valueless. It is necessary to know, as well, at what times the rain fell, so that the effective rainfall can be calculated. Of even greater importance are humidity observations, since humidity is closely correlated with growth. Wind, being inimical to growth, should also be recorded “by an anemometer. In cases where it is intended to carry on plot experiments from one year to another, these climatic observations are especially important as affording about the only means of arriving at the cause or part cause of variation in annual results. been considered the only essential equipment. LEEWARD ISLANDS: REPORT ON EXPERI- MENTS WITH. SUGAR-CANE CONDUCTED IN ANTIGUA AND ST. KITTS, 1914-15. This report is divided, as usual, into two parts, one concerning varieties of sugar-cane, the other manurial experiments with sugar-cane. It may be thought, and with some justification, that the publication of this report which deals with the year ending March 31, 1915, is somewhat belated; it should be borne in mind, however, that a summary of the results is placed before the Local Agricultural Societies in the two islands immediately the results have been got out. Thus this report is intended to serve purposes of record, and to enable workers in other parts of the world to follow what is happening in the Leeward Islands. Part 1—ExPERIMENTS WITH VARIETIES. The experiments with varieties of canes are dealt with » 7° ‘sp . —— * ? 1 first under the heading ‘Plant Canes in Antigua’. The mean return from all stations for the year under review shows Vou. XV. No. 364. B.6308 occuping the leading position, having given in Antigua an average return of 3,560 tb. of sucrose per acre, and 22-0 tons of cane. The second place was taken by B.6450 with an average yield of 3,100 tb. of sucrose and 19:3 tons of cane per acre. This variety, which has won for itself a great reputation in Barbados, seems to have accommodated itself equally well to Antigua. Canes which appear to show very considerable degrees of promise are B.3922 and B.6388. After occupying a leading position for many years, B.4596 in the year under review dropped to a lower position. It is still, however, to be considered a very reliable variety. None of the Antigua seedlings have taken ahigh position in the table of averages. A.2, which has evinced considerable merit in St. Kitts, has filled the twentieth position in the table of averages for Antigua. D.625 which usually occupies a leading place in the plant cane averages, has this year fallen to the 33rd place, and B.208, in spite of its high sucrose content, to 37th. A table is given on page 21, furnishing means for each variety growing during the past fourteen years. The information concerning ratoon canes in Antigua shows that the lead is taken by B.6308 which, by the consistent way in which it has come to the front indicates itself to be a variety showing considerable promise. Sealy Seedling is second in the table, bearing out the reputation which it already possesses as a cane on which a good deal of reliance can be placed. In the St. Kitts experiments with varieties of cane, we see under the heading of Plant Canes that the leading position in the table is taken by D.116 with an-average return of 5,6801b. of sucrose per acre and 30°3 tons of cane per acre. B.376 is second and D,1111 is fourth. The cane-growing areas of St. Kitts may be roughly divided into two main divisions: that of the leeward coast and the Basseterre valley district, and that of the northern area. The heavier rainfall and the generaily more seasonable conditions experienced in the northern area have combined to give somewhat higher yields than elsewhere. Of the above eanes D.116 has done relatively better in the northern district, as has also D.1111. D.109 and A.2 have taken equally good places in the returns in both areas; B.376, on the. other hand, has done relatively much better in the Basseterre area than in the northern district. The experiments with ratoon canes in St. Kitts show that D.116 again occupies the leading position, while B.1753 comes second, D.109 third, and Sealy Seedling sixth. A.2 occupies the lowest position as a ratoon. As regards the experiments in Nevis, the lead is taken by Sealy Seedling: A.2 comes second and B.1528 third. Parr 11—MANURIAL EXPERIMENTS. In 1913 a new series of manurial experiments was started with plant canes to determine the best way and to what extent artificial manures can be used as a substitute for pen manure, it having been shown that under the conditions of the Leeward Islands, a field of plant canes which has been provided with 20 tons of pen manure is in receipt of all that it requires from a manurial standpoint. Unfortunately in the Leeward Islands, it is by no means always possible to get 20 tons of- pen manure per acre. The results obtained in these experiments so far cover only two crop seasons, and therefore are not conclusively representative of what is to be expected under average conditions. Asa matter of fact these experiments during both seasons were conducted more or less under conditions of drought. Taking the mean of two years’ results, the best returns were obtained in experiment numbers 5, 11 and 20. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 115 That is, No. 5 in which 40 tb. of nitrogen as sulphate of ammonia (in two applications), 40 tb. of phosphoric acid as vi-phosphate, and 60 Tb. of potash as sulphate of potash were added; No. 11 and No. 20 received the same quantities of phosphoric acid and potash, but a larger quantity of nitrogen (60 tb. per acre). The application of nitrogen without phosphoric acid and potash showed pecuniary losses. Phosphoric acid without nitrogen and potash gave a decreased yield. Potash applied alone showed a profit, as also did potash and phosphoric acid applied together. The complete manuring, as in experiment No. 5, gave a return somewhat higher than that obtained from the application of 20 tons of pen manure. With canes at 15s. 10d. per ton, experiment No. 5 shows a gain of 34s. 9d.—the highest return obtained. At the lower valuation of 10s. 10d, per ton of canes, the profit shown by this experiment is. negligible. In general it would seem that the profitable use of artificial manures for plant canes in the absence of per manure depends upon (a) the rainfall, and (b) the price of canes. In relation to the more recently introduced experiments with nitrogenous manures, nitrolim and nitrate of lime, it has been shown that nitrolim is ineffective as a manure when applied to ratoon canes, but nitrate of lime possesses a value: nearly equal to that of sulphate of ammonia. The applica- tion of molasses to ratoon canes has proved to be unpro- ductive of benefit: the effect of similar application to plant canes is under investigation. The report under notice gives at the end the area under- cultivation in different cane varieties in Antigua and St. Kitts. In Antigua by far the largest area is under White Trans- parent; in St. Kitts White Transparent also occupies a, very high position in regard to its area, as a matter of fact coming second to B.147 which is first, being grown on 3,625 acres. It is interesting to observe that in spite of all the new varie- ties brought to the notice of planters and recommended for entensive trial, the old White Transparent still holds, to. a larger extent than any others, the confidence of the planters. It would not be fitting to conclude this review without calling the reader’s attention to a valuable table of analyses of pen manures and allied organic manures such as are obtainable in moderate quantities for sugar-cane lands in Antigua and St. Kitts. These tables refer to such material as sheep. pen manure, rotted megass and compost, pods of the Saman tree, clippings of Gliricidia, crushed cotton seed, cacac husks, pigeon pea stems and leaves, coco-nut husks, French weed, swect potato vine. These are examples. to show the sort of substantives which the Superin- tendent of Agriculture considers might be more generally utilized to take the place of pen manure in the Leeward Islands. The Department of Agriculture of New South Wales has- issued a useful farmer’s Bulletin (No. 88) on fruit preserving, including canning, bottling, jam making and candying peel. The publication is well illustrated, and detailed instructions are given in connexion with the operations described. It is possible that the production of candied peel might be increased in the West Indies, and the attention of citrus growers is directed to this matter. 116 FRUIT AND FRUIT PRODUCTS. IMPROVEMENT OF \F TROPICAL FRUIT IN THE PHILIPPINES. The work done by the Bureau of Agriculture in the Philippine Islands is of the highest utility and interest in every department of tropical agriculture. A very striking feature of the work done by this department is the attention that is being paid to the scientific development of the quality of all sorts of tropical fruits by selection and grafting. In the Philippine Agricultural Review tor the quarter, 1915, there is an account of the working Lamao Experiment Station, in which the section dealing with the results obtained in budding and grafting various tropical fruit trees is not only interesting but highly instruc- tive to planters of orchards in the tropics. The writer of the account referred to, Mr. P. J. Wester, Horticulturist in charge of’ the Station, states that there are cultivated there no less than ninety-three species of the less known tropical fruits, of which he gives a list, for the purposes of experiment. This does not include citrus fruits, mangoes, avocados, pine-apples, papaws, or grapes, all of which are also the subjects of scientific research in the Station. Some striking results have been obtained by budding the delicious cherimoya (Anona cherimolia) on stocks of the monkey apple, A. palustris (glabra). The hybrid produced by crossing the cherimoya with the sugar-apple (4. sguamiosa) to which the name ‘atemoya’ has been given, has proved asuecess. This hybrid has again been crossed with the custard apple (A. muricata), and with the soyrsop (A. muricata), and the fruiting of the resultant seedlings is awaited with interest. The seedlings of this last cross are reported to be exceptionally vigorous. With a view of making the propagation of superior individual trees possible, great attention is paid to budding and grafting, the method found most desirable in dealing with tropical fruit trees being what is known as shield budding. In this way there have been established sweet varieties of those intensely sour fruits the carambola and the bilimbi (Averrhoa carambola and A. bilimbi), which have been introduced into the West Indies in their sour form, and are used to make pickles. In the course of these budding experiments some considerations of great practical value to tropical horti- culturists seem to have been established. Mr. Wester remarks that in order to obtain a successful result in budding of some species, it is found necessary to remove the leaves from the bud-wood while still on the parent tree, sufticiently in advance of the performance of the budding to permit of the formation of a well-healed leaf scar; in other species one of the essential points is that the bud-wood and the stock be approximately of the same age and appearance; some species may require the observance of both these rules. In far the largest number of species, however, the plants seem indifferent whether these conditions are observed or not. To the first class,;which require the use of well matured bud-wood, from which the petioles of the leaves have been removed, belong the mango, cacao and cashew. ‘The bud-wood of all the Annonacew should be mature enough to have com- pletely lost any green colour in the bark. The second condition, of having the bud-wood and the stock of approxim- ately the same age and colour should also be observed with the mango, cacao, cashew and golden apple, Spovdias dulcis (cytherea:). In some of these, as for instance the mango, the bud-wood, though mature, still remains green. With most of the other tropical fruits, guava, tamarind, carambola, citrus fruits, second of the THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Aprit 8, 1916, etc., bud-weod may be successfully used with. the petioles of the leaves left adhering to it. In another article in the same number of the PAilippine Agricultural Review, Mr. Wester makes some observations on new and noteworthy tropical fruits in the Philippines. Some of these are already known in the West Indies; some seem hardly worth while introducing in their present stage of evolution, though it seems probable that the Philippine horticulturists may develop them into desirable acquisitions in the future. One of them, however, does seem to be well worth introducing into the West Indies as soon as may be; that is Avtocarpus odoratissima, known in the Philippines as ‘marang’. This is a medium sized tree, with large green entire,or nilobate Jeaves, presenting a very similar appearance to its relative the bread-fruit. It bears a large oblong fruit averaging more than 6 inches in length and more than 4 inches in diameter, studded on the outside with soft greenish-yellow spines. The rind is thick and fleshy; the interior contains a white, sweet, juicy, aromatic pulp separated into segments, about the size of grapes, attached to a core, each segment enclosing a seed easily separated from the pulp, By passing a knife round and through the rind of the ripe fruit, with a little care the two halves of the rind can be removed, leaving the inner segments adhering to the core like a bunch of white grapes. In flavour the marang is somewhat like the sugar-apple, but richer and more aromatic. Mr. Wester believes that when better known, it will be highly prized as a dessert fruit. EXPERIMENT IN SHIPPING DURIAN SEEDS. It is often thought that seeds which are to be sent long distances should be thoroughly dried, and packed as dry as possible to insure a good germination. The following experi. ment made with seeds of the famous Malayan fruit the durian (Durio zbethinus), shows that this is not always the case. On May 4, 1915, Dr. P. J.S. Cramer, Chief of the Plant Breeding Station, Buitenzorg, Java, sent by parcels post three boxes, each of which contained four durian seeds. These seeds are moderately large, about }-to 1 inch long and }-inch or more in diameter. The boxes were all the same size, namely 4 x 5 x 2 inches. The seeds were loosely packed with charcoal mixed with coco-nut fibre refuse. Box No. 1 was packed dry; 25 c.c. of water was added to box No. 2, and 50 ec.c. of water to box No. 3. The seeds reached Trinidad on July 6, having been two months on the way. When the boxes were opened it was found that all the seeds in box No. 1 had dried up completely and were mere shells which could be crushed between the fingers. In box No. 2 there were two good seeds which had already begun to germinate, while the other two were rotted. In box No. 3 all the seeds were good and had germinated en route, but one had grown so much that the shoot was badly broken. The seeds were handled carefully and planted in pots in a mixture of coco-nut fibre refuse and sand. One plant got broken off accidentally, but the other four have grown well, three now being 14 inches high and one 20 inches high. As the durian seed has the reputation of being a difti- cult shipper, four plants from twelve seeds after a journey of two months would seem to be very good. With many similar seeds it is probably principally a question of giving the right degree of moisture to the packing material. (J. B. R. in the Bulletin of the Department of Agriculture of Trinidad and Tobago, Vol. XV, No. 1.) Vout. XV. No, 364. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. ; SSS SAIS PAPAIN FROM MONTSERRAT. The amount of papain exported in 1914 was 2,443 Ib. valued at £1,269. Prices continue to remain steady, and a very considerable stimulus has been given to the planting of papaw trees, as the result of a recent visit of Mr. J. H. Cummings, of a firm of manufacturing chemists of Toronto, Canada, which firm is anxious to handle larger quantities of the article. Several estate owners have become interested, and the extent of the area now being planted in papaws ought appreciably to affect the exports in the course of a year or two. Exports of papain touched £2,000 in’ value in the year 1903, but had dropped again to £483 in value in 1908. Until recently there do not appear to have been any regitlar plantations of papaws, the bulk of the drug coming from isolated trees or clumps of trees cultivated by the peasants. (Report on the Experiment Station, 1914-15.) COCO-NUTS IN DOMINICA. The table below showing the exports during the past five years, is evidence of a gradual increase of interest in this product:— 1910 391,044 1911 402,622 1912 539 791 1913 448,747 1914 554,549 Visitors from the East who possess first-hand knowledge of coco-nut plantations are much impressed by the appear- ance and vigour of the palms in Dominica, and they consider the island is well suited for this cultivation. There are considerable areas of land on the Windward Coast, where the palm thrives even better than on the Leeward Coast, which could be utilized for coco-nuts, were capital forthcoming for the undertaking. (Report on the Agricultural Department, 1914-15.) Feeding Experiments on Horses with Sugar and Meat-meal.—These experiments were carried out to determine the value of a mixture of meat-meal and sugar as a substitute for oats in feeding horses. .The mixture used consisted of sugar denatured with beet pulp, and meal containing 51 per cent. of digestible protein and 2°85 per cent. of crude fat. One kilo of oatsin the diet was replaced by 1 kg. of sugar and 150 gms. of meat-meal. Three lots of five horses were fed on the rations: — following Group I, hay and oats: Groups II and III, hay, sugar and meat-meal The sugar and meat-meal were given gradually in small quantities, and only after a certain time were the oats entirely replaced by these substitutes. Once the animals became accustomed to the new diet they accepted it readily. Their coats remained glossy and fine, digestion was normal, and their working capacity was not impaired. The weights of twelve of the horses increased during the period of the experiment. It is concluded that:— (1) Adaily ration composed of 14:2 th. of sugar and ap to 2b. of meat-meal may be fed without danger for a certain period. (2) Horses generally become readily accustomed ta this ration. (3) The ration should be increased by concentrated foods when the horses are put to heayy work. (Monthly Bulletin of Agricultural Intelligence and Plant Diseases, September 1915.) MOTOR PLOUGH DEMONSTRATIONS IN ENGLAND AND FRANCE. Principally on account of the present difficulties in getting sufficient labour for the tillage of fields as a result of the War, certain trials with power-driven implements have been con-~ ducted in England and France. According to the Journal of the Board of Agriculture for November 1915, three County Councils combined to hold a demonstration near Cambridge and at other places, and it appears likely that under war conditions, certain forms of motor ploughs may find systematic employment. The motor plough which appears to have given the greatest satisfaction is known as Martin’s Motor Plough. The feature of this machine is that it obtains its motion from an endless chain or creeper 6 inches wide, giving a 3-feet continuous tread. There is a creeper on each side, and the one in the furrow has a tendency to break up the soil rather than solidify it. The creeper divides work well on dry, light lands, and when the plough is replaced by a cultivator, the engines draw this readily through the freshly ploughed ground without any injury to the soil. At Appleby (Lincolnshire), although some time was occupied in examination and enquiries, it ploughed 14 acres in four hours (double furrow). This is rapid work, when one considers that a team of good horses can scarcely do more than an acre a day on medium to light land. E This machine is worked by one man; the consumption of petrol per acre varies from about 14 gallons to 24 gallons. It can turn readily ona 4-yard to 5-yard headland, and appears to be better adapted than tractors for small fields, hilly land, and land on the ridge system. A more powerful machine exhibited was Crawley’s Motor Plough. This was also self-contained, and worked very powerfully. It is capable of ploughing the heaviest classes of soil satisfactorily. The cost of the above motor ploughs, which it will be understood contain both the motor and the plough in one, is £200 each. The advantage of a tractor is of course that it can be used for work other than ploughing, but it has to be remem- bered that farm work with tractors needs at least two men, As regards the French trials, referred to in the Monthly Bulletin of Agricultural Intelligence and Plant Diseases, Sep- tember 1915, these were not official but were the result of the importation from the United States of machines by a French landowner. All were tractors, Three of these were bull tractors, two were endless self-laid tractors of the caterpillar type, and one a large four-wheel type. They were all, save the latter, constructed for medium and small farms. The performance of the bull tractors is stated in the reference to have been excellent; their simplicity, flexibility and easy management were a source of surprise to the spectators. Their cost is £120. The caterpillar type used in this demonstration cost £240. The bull tractors -have two large wheels, one of which is a driving wheel and one small steering wheel, and a two-cylinder horizontal motor.In ploughing, about horse power is available for haulage. 118 COTTON CONFERENCE. FIRST DAY’S PROCEEDINGS.* In his presidential address, Dr. Watts dealt first with the nature and purpose of the Conference. It was pointed out that agricultural officers and leading representative growers of cotton being assembled together, there should be every opportunity for discussing matters both scientific and commercial, calculated to advance the industry in the West Indies. In dealing with the historical side of cotton growing in the West Indies, Dr. Watts pointed out that the industry originated in St. Kitts. During the last fifteen years it has spread rapidly to other islands, including, it should be remembered, neighbouring foreign possessions. How impor- tant the industry is will be recognized from the fact that during the past five years, the output of cotton from the British islands has been 10,498,222 tb., which, taken at an average value of ls. 6d. per bb., is worth £787,367 or £157,473 a year. The output of Sea Island cotton from the several British West Indian islands during the past five years was shown by Dr. Watts to have been as follows :— Barbados 2,180,032 ib. St. Vincent 2,110,613 ,, Montserrat 1,715,773 ,, Antigua MODAN, St. Kitts-Nevis: St. Kitts 1,806,284 Nevis 1.249,875 Anguilla 485,997 3,942,156 ,, 184,511 Continuing these statistical considerations, the speaker called attention to the fact that the importance of cotton to the individual islands themselves varies very greatly. In order to show the value which cotton bears to the total exports from each Coiony, the speaker exhibited a set of tables the most significant figures in which are reproduced for the benefit of our readers below :— Virgin Islands ” COTTON PER CEN’. OF TOTAL EXPORTS, | Z Z - 2 3 : > aS 3 e | § = e é a= Seas 5 A ws Period. ‘3 = gz 2 g = I Ee = = = A=: ra] 2 He =e we Sp UW a | A = | | ~ = | | ee ares = 1905-7 | 45 | 23°0 | 33:6 gas | 1L3s1 53 1906-8 | 61 | 20:7 |49°5 | 8:3 | 22:2 | 14:5 1907-9). 1) 6:7 |: 29:3- | 508s) e6s7_| 12:0. | 2456 1908-10 | 48 | 303 | 50°3 | 42 | 15-2 | 283 1909-11 | 4:4 | 31°9 | 544 | 31 | 187 | 311 1910-12 | 3:3 | 33.1 | 57-4 | 31 | 21-8 | 323 1911-13 | 31 | 3071 |.594 | 4:7 | 24:0 | 33:8 1912-14 2°2 | 28°1 | 45°6 | | 32°7 | These figures plainly show that while cotton production is of comparatively small importance in comparison with a eee 4 Se *For a general account. of the Conference, see page 120 in this issue, THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Apri 8,° 1916. other industries in some of the islands, as in Barbados and in Antigua, it is of very great importance to others, particularly Montserrat and St. Vincent. In order to amplify the above information the speaker presented a table showing the quantity of cotton shipped during each of the past seven ‘crop years’, that is to say, between October 1 of one year and September 30 of the following, for each of the cotton-producing islands. Dr. Watts then turned his attention to the consideration of others matters. He pointed out that while during the past fifteen years we have learnt a great deal about cotton growing in all its aspects, there are still a great number of problems to be solved. He invited attention to the fact that the yields of cotton per acre obtained in the first few years of the industry were considerably greater than those obtained during the last five. Some of the probable causes, as for example, unpropitious seasons and greater trouble from pests and diseases in recent years, were outlined; but it was felt by the speaker that the matter as a whole required careful discus- sion with a view to determining what factors predominated in one place, and what in another. Coming to the question of the relationship between the grower and the spinner, Dr. Watts asked the members present to bear in mind the fact that the requirements of the user are not fully understood by the grower. Similar terms are used by grower and spinner which have differ- ent meanings. For instance, strength to the grower is generally taken to refer to breaking point, whereas under this term the spinner refers to qualities which cause the fibres to bind together into a uniform thread. Fortunately, said the speaker, very considerable advance had been made of late in clearing up these difticulties by the researches of Mr. W. L. Balls. His direct conmexion at the present time with the Fine Spinners may be regarded as a most fortunate circumstance favouring the West Indian grower. In general, when producing cotton for the spinner, uniformity above everything else should be the main consideration. Dr. Watts then referred to the effect of the war on Sea Island cotton, and the action taken by the Fine Spinners and Doublers’ Association in guaranteeing a minimum price last year. During the last few months the position of the Sea Island cotton market has strengthened in favour of the growers, and this together with a decided tendency towards decline in the American cotton-growing islands, leads one to believe that the West -Indian cotton grower may experience an unprecedented measure of safety in the future. In concluding, Dr. Watts made brief reference to a matter of commercial importance which he dealt with fully later on in the Conference, namely, the possibility of estav- lishing relations with the buyers of fine cotton which, while securing them a safe supply, may at the same time put the grower in a better position and enable him to dispose of his crop promptly, and at reasonable prices. At the request of the President, Mr. F. R. Shepherd, Agricultural Superintendent, St. Kitts-Nevis, read a state- ment having regard to the general position of the cotton industry in that Presidency. It was decided that before this statement was discussed, similar ones should be read by the Agricultural Officers representing the other islands. Sub- sequent to this, it was decided, a useful comparative discus- sion should ensue. In _ his statement, Mr. Shepherd showed that there was a considerable reduction from 5,500 acres in 1914 down to 2,200 acres in 1915-16 on account of the war. In 1914, although the yield of cotton was poor the quality was excellent, and prices ruled from 1s, 8d. to 1s. 103d. per Ib. Mr. Shepherd Vou. XV. No. 364, THE AGRICULTURAL 119 NEWS. stated that the past season has been an unfavourable one for cotton on account of excessive rainfall, but he believed that the industry itself was in a sound condition, and that in spite of the war, it was probable—even notwithstanding the present high price for sugar—the acreage under cotton will be increased in the coming season to almost the normal amount. In regard to Nevis, Mr. Shepherd’s statement referred principally to the peasant growers of cotton, Their difticulty in a former season in obtaining an adequate supply of Paris green and lime had been rectified by the Government. The peasant cotton before the war had begun to.fetch quite high prices. But after the war the price obtained locally for the seed-cotton was very small and discouraged planting to a considerable extent. After the guaranteed minimum price of 1s. 2d. was offered by the spinners, the local purchasers offered more favourable terms, but it appears that the peasant had become suspicious and indisposed to plant without some definite assurance that his cotton would be pur- chased on fair and liberal terms. Mr. Shepherd stated that he considered the only remedy for this was the formation of a scheme similar to that obtaining in St. Vincent, whereby the Government purchase this cotton on a co-operative basis. Concerning Anguilla, Mr. Shepherd’s remarks centred principally around the work of Mr. Carter Rey, who was unfortunately prevented from attending the Conference. Mr. Rey had established the system of purchasing seed-cotton on a co-operative basis from the peasants, which has been the chief means of keeping the industry in a healthy condition in the past. Cotton growing in this island received a temporary set-back by the war, but there is every reason to believe that it will not only recover itself, but become even more prosperous than in the past. Mr. T. Jackson’s statement, dealing with Antigua and Barbuda, showed that there has been a slight reduction in the yield of lint per acre during the last three years owing to climatic conditions. In Barbuda the yield has been gen- erally satisfactory, In Antigua a considerable decrease. in area followed the outbreak of war; this reduction is. still greater in the present season, there being only 440 acres of eotton planted in Antigua, against 1,152 acreas planted in 1913-14. Asin the other islands, systematic plant selection for seed supply has been practised by the Agricultural Depart- ment. In dealing with the position in Montserrat, Mr. W. Robson referred to the reduced yields obtained between 1911-13 inclusive, and put this down to the absence of rainfall in increasing amounts during the four months succeeding planting. The area under cotton planted in Montserrat reached a maximum in the season 1911-!2 when 2,700 acres were put in, and since that time it has ranged from 2,000 to 2,350 acres, and is probably below 2,000 acres for the past geason. There has been a gradual change to earlier planting in Montserrat, much being planted in April. In connexion with the care of the crop, each season seems to emphasize the need for providing shelter for cotton fields against wind. The cotton worm, the cotton stainer and leaf-blister mite remain the outstanding insect pests. A Cotton Ordinance came into toree in 1915 providing for the destruction of old plants, thereby establishing a close season. From Mr. Sands’ statement concerning St. Vincent, it appears that the acreage planted for the 1915-16 crop was 2,621 acres, made up of 1,531 acres planted by estates and 1,019 acres by small growers. The average area of the annual planting of the previous five years had been 4,200 acres. The low mean yield of 68 Ib. of lint per acre and the high percentage of stained, namely 31 per cent. clearly showed that in the past season the planters were face'l with very serious conditions. The high percentage of -tains is asso- ciated with the attacks of internal boll disease. _ The average yield of lint per acre for eleven years in St. Vincent was 122 b. The opinion was expressed that unless sufficient induce- ment in the way of prices is held out to local growers of Sea Island cotton, the acreage may be still further reduced and the land devoted to crops of a more reliable nature. xood prices have been obtained for Marie Galante cotton. The outlook for the coming season for this crop is hopeful. (To be Continued.) SEA ISLAND COTTON MARKET. The Report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week ending February 19, 1916, is as follows:— IsLANDs. The market has been very quiet with appar- ently nodemand. The offerings are very limited, the unsold portion of the crop consisting of only 200 to 250 bales, classing fine to fully fine, held at'29c., to 30c. and one plan- ters’s crop held at 324. We have only to confirm our previous advices. We quote, viz.: Extra Fine 30c. = 194d. to 20d. c.if. & 5 per cent. Fully Fine 29¢. = 19d. 391) 59% 59918 99 Fine 28¢. = 183d. i) oD 5) AS) Fine off in class 27c.= 18d. 1) oD Me FLORIDAS AND GEORGIAS. There continues a demand taking the offerings at full prices, the buying being on account of the Northern Mills. ‘The unsold stock is firmly held by a limited number who are not willing sellers at prices current, as they anticipate even higher prices later on in consequence of the advance paid for Egyptians. Therefore, we quote the market firm at quotations. We quote, viz.: Fancy 30c.=3le., landed. Extra Choice ZC = GUC se | ss Choice 28e.=29¢., 5, Extra Fine ie = 28), -, The exports from Savannah for the week were, to Northern Mills 498 bales, Southern Mills 155 bales, and from Jacksonville to Northern Mills 93 bales, This report also shows that the tolal exports of Sea Island cotton from the United States to Liverpool and Manchester up to March 11, were 658 and 443 bales, respectively. 1916. NEWS. Aprit &, 120 THE AGRICULTURAL 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.Sc., Agriculture for the West Indies ¥F.I.C., F.C.S. SCIENTIFIC STAFF. 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. WP. 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 slows Vou. XV. SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 1916. No. 364. NOTES AND COMMENTS. Contents of Present Issue. The editorial in this number deals with modern ideas in regard to the conduct of field experiments. Their careful consideration in connexion with future work in the West Indies is desirable. On pages 114 and 115 is a review of the report on experiments with sugar-cane conducted in Antigua and St. Kitts, 1914-15. The first day’s proceedings at the West Indian Cotton Conteronce are summarized on pages 118 and 119. Insect Notes deal with the banana weevil, and British Guiana; under Plant 1 founcl some important results concern- nal discase of cotton bolls. wit! me pests im Discas Wi ing inti West Indian Cotton Conference. The West Indian Cotton Conference held under the auspices of the Imperial Department of Agriculture in the Presidency of St. Kitts, March 13 to 18, was in every respect a success. A summarized account of the first day’s proceedings will be found on another page of this issue, and furiher instalments will appear in subsequent issues. The thanks of the Imperial Department are due to the local Organizing and Recep- tion Committee for the manner in which arrangements were made to facilitate the conduct of the proceedings, and for the generous hospitality shown to all the visiting delegates in regard to entertainment at the conclusion of each day’s work. The following is a list of the delegates:— St. Vincent—Mr. S. C. Harland, B.Sc, Assistant Agricultural Superintendent; Leeward Islands—Dr. H. A. Tempany,Government Chemist and Superintendent of Agriculture; Montserrat—Mr. W. Robson, Curator, Botanic Station, Mr. K. P. Pencheon and Mr. 8S. W. Howes; Antigua—Mr. T. Jackson, Curator, Botanic Sta- tion, Hon. R. Warneford, and Captain J.T. Dew: Bar- buda—Mr. G. Sutherland, Government Manager; Nevis —Mr. W. I. Howell, Agricultural Instructor, Hon. J. S. Hollings, Mr. J. O. Maloney, and Mr, J. Sampson; St. Kitts—Mr. F. R. Shepherd, Agricultural Superin- tendent, Mr. A. O. Thurston, Mr. J. K. Yearwood, and Mr. A. M. Reid; Anguilla—Mr. Carter Rey (absent owing to indisposition). The officers of the Imperial Department of Agri- culture present were—The Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture (Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G., President of the Conference); the Scientific Assistant (Mr. W. R. Dunlop, Honorary Secretary to the Conference); the Entomolo- gist (Mr. H. A. Ballou, M.Se.), and the Mycologist (Mr. W. Nowell, D.LC.). The Conference was formally opened by His Honour the Administrator, St. Kitts-Nevis (Major Burdon, C.M.G.), who attended the greater number of the sessions. Hon. T. E. Fell, Colonial Secretary of Barbados, was also present at the Conference. Rainfall in Dominica, 1915. ‘ Copies of rainfall returns of Dominica for 1915 have been forwarded to this Office by Mr. Joseph Jones, the Curator. From these it is gathered that the mean rainfall for thirty-four stations was 137'11 inches; for eleven Leeward Coast stations 103°31 inches; three Windward stations 150°31 inches: thirteen Inland sta- tions 169°76 inches; seven Lasoye stations 123:92 inches. The highest precipitation, namely 289°81, was recorded at Gleau Manioc, this ‘being followed by Corlet with 202-78 inches. The lowest total fall was 70°60 inches, registered at Hatalie. The precipitation seems to have- been fairly generally distributed throughout the colony, only six stations registering below 100 inches. Vou. XV. No. 364. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, IED Vitamines. As explained in the Agricultural News, Vol. XIV, p. 345, vitamines are complex substances of indefinitely known composition, which in minute quantities regulate the processes of life. Their action 1s supposed to be connected with the production of some of the essential hormones, internal secretions, enzymes, etc., upon which metabolism depends. Lime juice contains an antiscorbutic vitamine, hence its value as a preven- tive against scurvy. : Knowledge of the chemical nature of vitamines has progressed slowly; but quite recently an important contribution to knowledge has been made by Casimir Funk (Biochemical Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 17, January 1916), in which he describes a method of isolating the vitamine from yeast. Briefly it appears that phospho- tungstate precipitate from alcoholic extract of yeast can be divided by means of acetone, into two fractions: a small insoluble fraction, which contains the bulk of the vitamine; and a large soluble one, which is totally inactive. ae -Fibre and Cotton in the Belgian Congo. Since the occupation of most of Belgium by the Germans, the official organ of the Department of Agri- culture for Belgian Congo, the Bulletin Agricola du Congo Belge, has been published provisionally in London. From the issue of this publication for March-June 1915, it would appear that an industry in fibre at some stations in that huge territory gives promise of good results in the future. At the experimental station of Congo da Lemba, which is situated on a plateau of some elevation in the province of Bas Congo, various species of Agave have been tried. The soilis deep and permeable, while the rainfall only amounts to an average of about 40 inches per annum. The two fibre plants which yielded good returns were Agave rigida, var. sisalana (Sisal hemp), which gave a little more than 2 per cent. of clean fibre on the weight of leaves; and Agave cantala (another Sisal hemp), which gave a little less than 2 per cent. of fibre. The Director of Agriculture, M. Droussie, thinks them worthy of attention. From another station, Nyangwe, in the Eastern Province, a report is published of experiments with various kinds of American and Egyptian cottons. Previous to the cotton planting, the fields had been under cultivation for some time. The rainfall would appear to be about 42 inches per annum. Samples of the various cottons were submitted to a cotton expert, who reported very fayourably on them, especially with regard to Egyptian Sakellarides. The cottons experimented with were the following:— Mit-Afifi yielding 456°5 kilos per hectare of lint. Sunflower 3 2344 ,, re u Triumph 55 Daca), F - Simpkins 3 D5 Ota 5 2 x Nyassaland x 1I8:9u 0 2 a Abassi ‘ BO i ‘ Sakellarides __,, 98:2; ; »” A kilo=2? th., and a hectare = 25 acres. History of the Ceylon Botanic Gardens. In The Tropical Agricu/turist (January 1916) is given an interesting summary of the history of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya, Ceylon, the most famous tropical Botanic Gardens in the world. It would seem that as far back as 1799, three years after the permament occupation of Ceylon by the British, the advisability was recognized of establishing botanic gardens there, not only for the observation of the native trees and plants, but also for the introduction and acclimatization of desirable foreign plants. A trained horticulturist from Kew, Mr. Kerr, was appointed superintendent, and a botanic garden started. The first two sites selected did not prove suitable; and it was not until 1821 that the present site at Peradeniya was selected by Mr. Moon, the superintendent who had succeeded Mr. Kerr. Mr. Moon did not long sur- vive to direct the progress of the new gardens, and after his death, until 1844, the gardens were compara- tively neglected. In that year, however, on the appointment ot Dr. Gardner, an enthusiastic botanist, the gardens entered upon an era of activity, which may be said to have increased up to the present time, with no signs of diminution. Dr. Thwaites, another distinguished botanist, suc- ceeded Dr, Gardner in 1850, and held the post for over thirty years. During his tenure of office two new developments took place: two branch gardens were opened, one at a higher elevation for experimenting with cinchona, and other products suitable for growth under such conditions, and another for the introduction of the Hevea rubber tree, and for experimental culti- vation of low-country tropical products. It is not too much to say that these two departures of the Ceylon gardens have had very far-reaching effects on tropical agriculture. It is fitting that a monument to Dr. Thwaites now occupies a prominent position in the Peradeniya Gardens. In 1880 Dr. Trimen succeeded Dr. Thwaites, and held office until 1896, when he died, practically in the midst of his work. Like his two immediate predecessors he was a botanist of world-wide fame, and in addition to his scientific work, he took a lively personal interest in the gardens, where he inaugurated many improve- ments in the appearance of the grounds. On the death of Dr. Trimen in 1896, Dr. J.C. Willis was appointed to succeed him. The work of the Director had so increased that 1t was found necessary to appoint a staff of expert assistant officers. When in 1911 Dr. Willis resigned to become Director of the Botanic Gardens at Rio de Janeiro, he left the Ceylon Gardens in a position of increased utility and efficiency. In 1912 the Government of Ceylon determined to form a Department of Agriculture, and Mr. R. N. Lyne was appointed Director of Agriculture at the head of seven separate Divisions, each under a responsible and experienced head. The result of this arrangement has been to extend the scientific and practical work immensely, the last development being the opening of an Agricultural School. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Apri 8, 1916. INSECT NOTES. INSECT PESTS IN BRITISH GUIANA An interesting chart entitled, Common Insect Pests of Garden and Field Crops in British Guiana, by G. E. Bodkin, B.A., ete., Government Economic Biologist, has recently been issued by the Board of Agriculture, British Guiana. This chart contains in a condensed form a considerable amount of information with regard to insect pests and their treatment, under suitable headings. The following summary of the contained information is given under the several head- ings of the chart. ORIGIN OF INSECT PESTS. The sudden increase of any insect to a point where it becomes a pest may be due to three causes: (1) abundant food supply, (2) decrease of natural enemies, (3) favourable climatic conditions. -The destruction of birds is often a cause in the increase of insects: the burning of canes before reaping, as practised in British Guiana, results in the destruction of valuable parasites of cane pests. LIFE DEVELOPMENT OF ENSECTS. Insects may be divided into groups, such as, butterflies and moths, beetles, scale insects, grasshoppers and locusts, ants and plant bugs. BUTTERFLIES AND MoTHS. The life of the buttertlies and moths include four distinct stages: the egg, the larva (which is called the worm or caterpillar stage), the pupa or chrysalis, and the adult or winged insect. Moths, generally speaking, fly during the night only, and rest in the day, while the butterflies are day fliers. Beetles go through the same four changes as the butterflies and moths: the larva generally lives in the ground or in decaying wood or similar concealed situations, and consequently is less well known than the adult. “The wings of the adult are concealed beneath a pair of hard wing covers. 4 SCALE INSECTS. Great variety of form is found among these insects. The usual appearanee is that of a small scale or shell-like body closely adhering to leaves, frnit or bark. The insect itself is usually found beneath the scale or shell-like covering. Scale insect attack is usually accompanied by black blight. GRASSHOPPERS AND Locusts. When first hatched from the egg these have much the same form as the adult insect, only the wings are undeveloped. Ants. Ants invariably live in colonies, forming nests under stones, the bark of trees, beneath boards, or in the ground. They go through the same four stages of develop- ment as the butterflies, which are all to be found in the nests. The adult is the most familiar form, PLANT BUGS. These occur in a variety of forms. They possess a long proboscis which is carried beneath the body when it is not in use for piercing the plant tissue and sucking sap. They pass through the different stages seen in the locusts. ; PREVENTIVE AND REMEDIAL MEASURES. As a preventive measure, good and careful all-round cultivation mended as essential in dealing with pests. Remedial measures consist in: — 1. The exercise of sound common-sense 2. The use of insecticides. is recom- 3. Hand-picking. 4, Culti vation methods. 5. The use of some mechanical contrivance to collect kill the insects, e.g., trap lights. 6. Encourage ment of bird life-and parasites. INSECTICIDES. These may be divided into two classes: — 1. Those that act as stomach poisons. 2. Those that act by contact or asphyxiation. Lead arsenate is mentioned as an example of a stomach poison. “~This may be used in water as a spray, or in a dry form dusted on the plants. When used as aspray the proportions are 4 tb. lead arsenate to 50 gallons water. Kerosene emulsion and resin compound are given as examples of contact poisons, with directions for their prepar- ation and use, Carbon bisulphide is given as a substance which acts on insects by asphyxiation, and its use for fumigating stored grain is mentioned. The central portion of the sheet.on which this chart is printed is occupied by information as to the treatment of certain pests. ‘These are given under their crop hosts-or food plants, with the common name of the pest, a popular descrip— tion of the same, and brief suggestions for remedial. treatment. The following pests of crops are mentioned:— and suGAR. Giant» moth borer (Castnia), small moth borer (Diatraca), leat-eating worms, weevil borer, mealy-bug, wood ants or termites. RICE. Leaf-eating worms. - coco-NUT- ‘PALMS. ~ Borer, (Brassol/), cockles (beetles). PARA RUBBER. Couchi ants or umbrella ants, leaf-eating worms, scales, locusts. CITRUS FRUITS, scales, leaf-eating worms “} to} Couch: ants or umbrella ants, scale insects. EGG PLANT OR BOULANGER. Leaf-eating beetles. Peppers. Leaf-eating worms. CASSAVA. Leaf-eating worms. SWEET porarors. Weevils. COFFEE. - Scale insects, ants. cacao. Scale insects. - The following accounts of insect pests are copied as examples of the means of describing the pests and suggesting the treatment to be employed. SUGAR-CANE, Giant moth borer, (Castnia.) . Descriptivn. The larva bores into the ‘rooting system. and lower portion of the stem of the cane. Itis a large white worm with powerful jaws, about 24 inches in length, The chrysalis is dark brown in colour and is found in a rough eocoon composed of cane fibre. The moth has a wing expanse of about 3 inches. The general colour of the wing is dark brown with a broad transverse stripe across each of the upper and lower wings. The margin of each hind wing has a row of yellow spots. The moth flies by day and particularly during the bright sunshine. The eggs are dropped singly by the moth, usually in the axils of the leaves. Remedies. Numbers of the moths may be caught by means of hand nets at certain times during the day. Directly after a field of canes has been cut, vigorous search should be made for the worms of the borer in the stumps of the canes, and as many worms and chrysalids as possible thus. secured. Birds should be encouraged in Castnia infected areas, especially the old witch, Kiskeedes, and> certain species of Hawks. Perches may be erected about the fields for their convenience. SWEET Porarors. Weevils. Description. ‘lwo species of weevils one small and Vor. XV. No. 364. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. dark brown in colour, the other somewhat larger with a metalic appearance, injure the potatoe itself by boring into it and causing its partial decay. Remedies. Both are difficult pests to control. Healthy slips only should be planted, and the potatoes dug as soon as they are ripe. A rotation of -crops will often free the land of them. The foregoing indicates the manner in which the pests and their treatment are dealt with. The chart contains much useful information, but it would seem that the same information in the form of a pamphlet or bulletin would be more con- veniently used; and also in bulletin form the opportunity would be presented of somewhat extending'and amplifying the information given above under certain headings, which in the chart form have been curtailed, perhaps, too much. THE BANANA WEBVIL. In a recent number of the Jamaica Gleaner, there appeared a lecture deliverd at- Hope, by Mr. A. H. Ritchie, B.A., Government Entomologist, on the occurrence of the banana weevil in Jamaica. This insect was also lately ‘referred to in the Journal of the Jumaica Agricultural Society. From these references it appears that the banana weevil (Sphenophorus sordidus = Cosnopolrtes sordida) has appeared in some numbers in certain districts in Jamaica. : This insect appears to be very widely distributed throughout the tropics of the world, being found in Jamaica, Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique and~Trimidad, in the West Indies; Brazil, in South America; and in the Philip- pines, Fiji, Borneo, Sumatra, India, Queensland, and Straits Settlements in the East. There are-in tle genera Metamasius, Sphenophorus, and Cosmopolites, several weevils closely related to each other and to Cosmopolites sordida, which attack bananas in many localities; but while these perhaps attack other plants also, the insect which is now being designated as Cosmopolites sordida appears to attack bananas only. In Fiji, the banana weevil has become seriously abundant, and in 1912, the Government Entomologist, Mr. F. P. Jepson, visited Java in quest of natural enemies of this pest. He was successful in finding a Histerid beetle, which in both adult and larval stages is predaceous on the grubs of the banana weevil. He successfully introduced this _predaceous beetle into Fiji. In 1900, the banana weevil developed a serious attack on plantains in Dominica, and more recently it has been found in some numbers in’ Martinique and in Trinidad. This insect would appear to be one which bas been carried from place to place in banana plants distributed for purposes of propagation, and has probably existed for some time in most, if not all, the localities where it now occurs. Its mode of life renders it a difficult pest to control. The egg, larval and pupal stages are passed in or on the bulb of the banana or plantain. The adults do not move far from the place where they have lived and developed solong as suitable food is available to attract the egg-laying female. The spread of the insect from one locality to another is probably accomplished by the transportation of infested suckers for planting, and its spread within any locality most likely follows the killing out of infested stools, when the adults would travel in search of fresh supplies of food plants The digging out and destroying of all stools of plantain and banana found to be infested, and the planting of suckers free from infestation would appear to be the only practical remedies for checking the increase of the pest, at present known. H.A.B. RE-AFFORESTATIONIN ANTIGUA. The re-afforestation plots planted some twelve years ago by the Agricultural Department have, on the whole, made good progress, and that situated in the boundary of the 3otanic Station now contains trees some 20 feet high. In this plot there is growing a miscellaneous collection of forest trees. These consist of Mahogany (Swietenia Mahagoni), White cedar (Tecoma Leucorylon), Willow (Casuarina equisetifolia), Logwood (Haematoxylon canypechianum), Algaroba (Prosopis juliflora), and others. The plot at the Camp is composed of shallow stony soil, and is situated in a wind-swept position. The trees here mostly consist of mahogany, which have made normally good growth in spite of unsuitable environment, their average height being between 10 and 12 feet. They are not so thickly planted as those in the other plot, but the trees have borne seeds, and a number of young seedlings are now appearing which will greatly improve it in the future. These plots now clearly demonstrate that it is possible to re-atforest wind-swept areas possessing soil of an indifferent nature. ; ; In the Annual Report for the year 1911-12, the sugges- tion was made that the re-afforesting of the catchment area, of Wallings reservoir would ensure to it a more. constant supply of water. At the time of writing, approximately 50 acres of this area have been planted. A fuller account of this work will be given in next season’s report. (Report on Botanic and Experiment Stations for 1914-15.) EUCALYPTUS IN DOMINICA. The following were added to the collection of Euca- lyptus, which brings up the number of species under obser, vation to seventy-six: Hucalyptus Boormanni, E. buprestium E. capitellata, E. coriacea, EB. Deanei, EF. goniocalyx, E. fasciculosa, EB. megacarpa, E, obtusifolia, and E. pleu- rocarpu. In view of thé “importance of certain species of Eucalyptus as timber trees, the measurements of a specimen of Eucalyptus citrivdora, whieh had to be felled in the Botanic Gardens during the course of the year, are of interest. The tree was planted eighteen years before: -- . Height of tree 106 feet O inches Girth 3 feet from ground C 0 QO 5 ss 3 5 3 40 ,, 5 cn 4 0 60 3 3 ” ” ” At the height of 60 feet the trunk branched. Of the numerous species grown, it would appear, so far, that none is likely to prove superior to, or indeed to equal, Eucalyptus tereticorns and £. citriodora in rapidity of growth, and in the production of timber. It was fortunate that the kinds found to be best suited to local conditions should have been amongst the earliest introductions to the Botanic Gardens. (Report on Agricultural Department, 1914-15.) THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Aprit 8, 1916. GLEANINGS. We learn from the Annual Report of the Director of Agriculture, Cyprus, that attemps have been made to grow Sea Island cotton at the Government Experiment Gardens. The plants, although making good growth and producing numerous bolls, failed to ripen them. It is understood that the experiments are going to be continued. According to Revista Industrial y Agricola de Tucuman for November 1915, certain Javan and Barbadian seedling canes have been included in the experimental trials in the Argentine. It is stated that B.3277 has proved satisfactory, showing a high purity and ease of crushing. It is recommend- ed for cultivation in some of the cane-growing areas of North Argentine. We have received from British Honduras the usual brief report on the Botanic Station. The present publication is for the year 1914. It has regard entirely to the nursery work conducted within the station. It would be an advantage if an effort could be made to extend this report somewhat in future years in order that readers outside the colony may gain some insight into the general agricultural activities that are taking place in British Honduras. The season 1914-15 wasa satisfactory one in British Guiana in regard to balata and rubber. In the report on the Lands and Mines Department, it is stated that 1,932bb. of rubber were exported in 1914-15, as against 1,292. exported in 1913-14. As well as for the above products, there was a good demand for greenheart timber, This industry on account of high prices held its own, although the quantity actually exported showed a reduction. The remarks on Agriculture and Nature Study that appear in the Annual Report of the Inspectors of Schools in Trinidad, 1914-15, show that the standard maintained is generally satisfactory. The instructors report progress on the whole, but call attention to the inadequate supply of tools in many assisted schools. As regards nature study, its aims and objects appear not yet to be understood by the majority of teachers, but progress is reported in some schools. Apprecia- tion is expressed in regard to the publications of the Imperial Department of Agriculture, which are distributed among the principal schools. Notes on the essential oil market in the Perfumery and Essentiac Oil Record for February 22, 1916, state that distilled lime oil has, as a result of great scarcity undergone a considerable addition in value, being now 8s. per tb. or the same price as the hand pressed, which is unaltered on the market. It is stated in connexion with Bay oil: ‘Bay oil is unchanged at I3s. to 13s. 6d. per tb.; the experiments in Montserrat to improve production processes, outlined on another page, are interesting, especially to distillers.’ A statement is made in the Australisn Sugar Journal for January 6, 1916, to the ettect that the Federal Govern- ment will endeavour to assist in the control of the cane grub pest in Queensland by the appointment of a Federal Ento- mologist. The appointment is to be very highly paid, and for two years in the first instance. The opinion in Queens- land appears to be that the cane grub problem will not be any quicker solved by such action; they consider that what is wanted is a special State Entomologist who can confine his whole time to the problem until a satisfactory solution has been arrived at. It is announced in Nature for January 6, 1916, that the Government of British Columbia has presented to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, a magnificent spar of Douglas Fir to replace the old spar which was taken down in 1913 owing to decay. The tree from which the spar was made measured 200 feet in length, 6 feet in diameter at the large end, and 18 inches in diameter at the small end. Consider able trouble was experienced, as may be imagined, in trans- porting this huge obstacle from the Columbian coast to Kew. The staff in its finished condition is 215 feet in length, 33 inches at the butt, and 12 inches at the top. Its weight is about 18 tons. Its erection in the Royal Botanic Gardens will be an operation of considerable magnitude. The nutritive value of new and old maize is the subject of a note in the Monthly Bulletin of Agricultural Entelligence and Plant Diseases for March 1915. The aim of the investi- gations on which this note is based was to determine the nutritive value of the last maize harvest and that of older crops. The only regrettable feature of the experiments appears to be that they were conducted on fowls and mice instead of upon larger animals of greater economic impor- tance. However, the results may be expected to have some general biological application. They showed that new maize is less capable of being digested and assimilated than maize some seasons old, and that mice suffer more than fowls from a prolonged and exclusive maize diet. Figures are given in support of this conclusion. The latest report from the British Cotton Growmg Association refers to the fact that the grant of £10,000 from the Imperiai Government expires on March 31, 1916. It is stated that the Government have recognized the necessity of the continuance of the Association’s work in the different colonies, and a sum of £1,000 has been granted for the year 1916-17. The Government expressed satisfaction that it has been possible, notwithstanding the present urgent need for economy, to continue on a small measure their financial assistance towards the cost of the work of the Association, and they appreciate the fact that the Association will be prepared to continue its operations on the same basis as hitherto, except in the Gold Coast and Nigeria where it has already been decided to close down the work, Vout. XV. No. 364, THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 125 VEGETABLE GROWING FOR CANADIAN = MARKETS. Mr, T. Jackson in his Annual Report on the Experiment Station, Antigua, states that the view has been held for some time, that a considerable opening existed in Canada for the marketing of vegetables grown in the West Indian islands during the winter months. In order to test the possibilities involved, a series of somewhat extensive small scale commer- cial experiments was conducted during the year by the Agricultural Department in co-operation with planters. Seeds of various vegetables were procured and distributed to persons concerned, and subsequently the produce was packed at the Botanic Station and shipped through the Department. The vegetables experimented with, were as follows: tomatoes, pumpkins, English potatoes, sweet potatoes, musk and water melons, cabbages, egg plant, squash and string beans. The outbreak of war with the subsequent high freight rates, handicapped the work to some extent. The results obtained in respect of the are detailed below. TOMATOES. The tomatoes sent forward arrived at their destination in poor condition and had to be destroyed.--It would seem that with our present knowledge of packing, etc., these cannot be sent on a long voyage with any degree of confidence. The tomatoes were packed in onion crates, and it would seem that when sent forward in such packages, the danger of bruising is great. The orthodox tomato box will for future trials be used. puMPKINS. It would seem that pumpkins can be shipped North in the winter months with a fair amount of confidence. Eight barrels of these were shipped, and the price obtained in Canada worked out at approximately 1d. per i. At this figure the growing of pumpkins would be profitable. These vegetables were sent up in well ventilated barrels packed tightly in straw. On the steamer they received no special attention, being sent forward as general cargo. ENGLISH POTATOES. ‘Ten barrels of these were sent to Halifax during the month of February. They were not packed under the supervision of the Agricultural Depart- ment, but the work was done on an estate. They arrived at their destination ina slack condition, and it was stated that they were much too small for the requirements of that market, and were sold at a very poor price, 16s. 8d. being the gross amount received. When commenting on this shipment, the agents said that had the potatoes ‘been twice that size at that time of the year we could have got all kinds of prices for them.’ SWEET POTATOES. One trial barrel of these vegetables was sent North during the latter end of March. They arrived at their destination in good order, and £1 1s. 4d. was obtained for them. This figure represents a gross return of approximately 14d. per Ib., a price which undoubtedly would prove remunerative under normal conditions. These potatoes were packed tightly in well ventilated barrels. MUSK AND WATER MELONS. A small barrel of melons, packed in straw and shipped in cold storage, was sold at the rate of 24d. per tb. This price indicates that at least a small lucrative trade might be started in connexion with these. CABBAGES. The cabbages which were sent to Canada arrived in a somewhat unsatisfactory condition. It would seem that these vegetables should not be packed for shipment until some forty-eight hours after reaping. The lot under discussion were evidently damp when packed, which accounted for their condition on arrival. vegetables MISCELLANEOUS. In addition to the above, small shipments were made of squash, egg plant and string beans, The squash and the string beans arrived decayed, and the egg plant fruits were sold for 14d. per bb. : Tn connexion with these experiments, it may be said that a considerable amount of valuable experience has been obtained which will be useful in the future. There is little doubt that with care a lucrative industry could be built up between Canada and some of the West Indian islands with ~ the shipment of vegetables during the winter months. Before this assumes large proportions, however. fairly numer- ous experimental shipments will have to 12 made, and a proportion of these will almost certainly be failures. ontons. The export of onions from Antigiit, as our read- ers will be aware, is a well established trade in Antigua. Most of these vegetables are shipped to New York rather than to Canada. These onions, which are graded, take the market just before the Bermuda crop comes in, and so secure good prices. Pasturing Pigs on Rape.—A lengthy note con- cerning this subject appears in the Mxperiment Station Record, Vol. XXXIV, No. 2. It is stated that a 4-acre plot of rape, soy beans and sweet clover pastured an equiva- lent of sixty days by thirty spring pigs produced, deducting grains made by corn, 1,854 tb. of pork. It was observed that the pigs preferred the bean forage and that the rape was next in palatability. Mr. T. Jackson has written from Antigua to point out that rape can be grown in that Colony and might be used as a forage crop in the raising of pigs in accordance with Dr. Watts’ scheme already referred to on different occasions in this Journal. An even more suggestive announcement in connexion with the same matter is to be found in the Monthly Bulletin of Agricultural Intelligence and Plant Diseases for Septem- ber 1915. After clover, according to these experiments, which were extensive, rape may be considered to rank next as forage for pigs. It is stated that it should not be pastured until it is from 12 to 15 inches high. With a moderate maize supplement 1 acre will feed fifteen to twenty pigs. Experiments at various stations in North America give rape a feeding value of about $20 per acre. At the Missouri Station, 1 acre of rape and oats pastured ten pigs for 107 days. For each pound increase of live-weight 3:28 tb. of maize were required, and the pork accredited to forage was 308°7 Ib.—a return of $22°84 per acre. The final general memorandum on the indigo crop of 1915-16, based upon reports received from provinces containing practically the whole area under indigo in British India has been issued by the Department of Statistics, India, and forms the subject of a short article in the Chemical Trade Journal of January 29. The total area (314,300 acres) is 112 per cent. in excess of the finally revised value of last year (148,400 acres). The total yield of dye is estimated at 39,900 ecwt., as against 25,200 cwt., or an increase of 58 per cent. The average output per acre works out at 14 tb., as against 19 Ib, in the preceding year. The increase in area is due to high prices of indigo due to the war, which range from 2s. 8d. in 1913. The season, on the whole, has not been favourable to the crop, except in Madras. In some places poor crops were obtained owing to a scarcity of trustworthy seed at the sowing time. Data are given showing the quantities of natural and synthetic indigo imported into the United Kingdom in the last five years (Nature, February 10, 1916) THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Apriz 8, 1916. DISEASES OF PLANTS. THE INTERNAL DISEASE OF COTTON BOLLS. In continuation of the articles on the above subject published in this Journal, Vol. XIV, pp. 222 and 238, the following further information is now given. Mr. W. Robson, Curator of the Botanic Station, Montserrat, carried out some further experiments during the past season to test the connexion of cotton stainers with the disease. Two muslin cages were used, erected over single plants in a field from which stainers appeared to be absent. In the one cage stainers in large numbers were confined, from the other they were excluded. Two trials were made, one in August and one in September, with the following results:— ! { leteatthy bolls. Slighted | Severely | affected. | affected. | Cor meee a sTs | Infested plant | 26 16 | 4 Control | 29 none none | J -- | _— —__j________ |intested plant | 6 14 12 iControl 43 1 1 Duration of first experiment ten days, of second fifteen days. With regard to the badly diseased boll in the second experiment, Mr. Robson stated his belief (since confirmed) that the green bug Nezara viridula is capable of originating the disease, and suggested that the boll may have been punc- tured by this insect before enclosure. In January 1916, the following experiments were carried out at the St. Vincent Experiment Station by Mr. 8. C. Harland, B.Sc., Assistant Agricultural Superintendent. EXPERIMENT. 1. Six plants from a plot of Sea Island cotton with 98 per cent. diseased bolls had the bolls removed. Three were placed under a muslin cage and three were left uncaged. Three weeks later the bolls from each plant were examined. RESULTS. Caged Plants. \ | No. of No. of | No.of diseased Romarls plant. bolls. bolls. oe 1 15 none One stainer was 2 10 2 found under the | 3 3 none cage, Uncaged Plants. } | | No. of No. of | No. of diseased Romane plant. | bolls | bolls. | Sean | | 1 10 9 | 2 14 12 3 9 8 EXPERIMENT 2. A Brazilian cotton was selected which was growing in an isolated position. There were no stainers on the plant and an examination of fifteen bolls showed that no internal boll disease was present. Ten of the remaining bolls were enclosed in muslin bags. In five of the bags a pair of stainers was imprisoned. The bolls were examined ten days later. RESULTS. 4 showed definite disease. 1, proliferations with doubt- ful disease. Bolls without stainers. All 5 were quite healthy. Bolls from both the Montserrat and St. Vincent series ot experiments were preserved and forwarded to this Oftice for examination, and the disease found to be due to the specific fungus mentioned in the previous article. All the facts ascertained point to the conclusion that the disease is either carried by, or supervenes upon the attacks of plant- feeding bugs. : Early in January this year the writer found bolls with the same affection on a self-sown plant of the perennial type growing on waste land in Barbados... Cotton stainers are not found in Barbados, and there is no such return of stained lint as occurs in the, case of the other islands. On the plant referred te, a few adult green bugs (Wezara) were present. When these soon afterwards disappeared the new bolls ceased to become affected, but the disease reappeared asa new brood developed. A period of cessation of growth and defoliation, due to drought, followed and caused the dispersal of the bugs, and the abundant new shoots and _ bolls. now on the plant are free from bugs and from disease During the recent Cotton Conference in St Kitts, Mr. Harland found internally discoloured bolls on a plot of out-of- season cotton in that island, and the examination of these has revealed the presence of the characteristic fungus. There isa fair proportion of stained cotton produced each year in St. Kitts, but no instance appears to be known of the second picking being practically all affected, as has been the case from time to time on estates here and there in Montserrat and St. Vincent. There appears to be a general agreement among cotton planters that the amount of staining experienced is not at all proportional to the number of stainers present, a numerous infestation sometimes resulting in asmaller amount of stained lint than is produced under certain circumstances when stainers are comparatively few in numbers. The latter condition was well illustrated at the St. Vincent Experiment Station in December of last year. This indicates the necessity for taking the fungus into account as well as the insect, since it seems probable that the dispro- portion is due to the effect of the prevailing conditions upon the former factor. It is hoped to obtain by experiment more exact informa- tion on the outstanding points with regard to this affection during the next cotton-growing season. The fungus concerned has very considerable scientific interest owing to its methods of spore formation. It has now been found in material from Tortola, St. Kitts, Mont- serrat, St. Vincent, and Barbados. It occurs in nearly all the bolls examined, but as indicated in the previous article, in a small proportion it is replaced by bacteria. The fungus resembles very closely Hremothecium cymbal- ariae, Borzi, found “in Italy in 1888 in the capsules of Linaria cymbalaria by Borzi, and again in France (1906-12) in the fruits of an Umbelliferous plant (Cachrys laevigata) by G. Arnaud (Bull. de Soe, Mycol. de France, XXIX,. 572-5). In addition to the sporangia described by Borzi, Bolls with stainers. Vor. XV. No. 364. THE Arnaud found a second form which he ealls macro-sporangia, which closely resemble the sporangia of Mematospora Coryli, Peglion, found in Italy in mouldy hazel-nuts, Sporangia exactly corresponding to both these types are found in the affected cotton bolls, sometimes separately, sometimes together. Some doubt has been felt as to whether they belonged to the same organism, but the association of the two forms in such widely different circumstances, as shown by Arnaud’s observation, greatly strengthens the ‘presumption, already made on other grounds, that they are alternative forms of the same fungus. The arrange- ment and number of the macrospores in the cotton boll fungus are those of Peglion’s Mematospora, and differ somewhat from those shown by Amaud tor Hremotheciwmn; but the form of the macro-sporangium, and that of the actual spores, are very similar in all three cases; and the yeast-like budding of Nematospora is characteristic of the corresponding form of the cotton-boll fungus. . t W.N. _THE VALUE OF SOIL EXPLOSIVES. In connexion with the editorial on the question of soil explosives which appeared in the last issue but one of this Journal, the following summary of experiments éarried out in Kansas, U.S.A., will be of interest. It will be seen that very little benefit was derived from the use of explosives, the general results being in close agreement with those obtained in the West Indies. All available evidence goes to show that there is in the ordinary way, no advantage in using soil explosives. A series of experiments was planned to determine the effects of dynamiting on soil, the yield of crops, the moisture content of the soil, nitrate development, the bacterial flora, the physical condition of the soil, the leaching of salts in alkali soil, and the growth and vitality of fruit trees. The crop planted on dynamited soil produced a higher yield in seven instances, while the crop planted on undynamited soil produced a higher yield in four instances. The greatest increase in yield on dynamited soil was obtained at this station with corn in 1914, when the dynamited plots produced 13 per cent. more grain than the undynamited plots. At Agra the dynamited plots produced 17 per cent. less wheat than the undynamited. In most instances the difference in yield was no greater than would occur on two areas of soil similarly treated. Moisture determination on a series of nine dynamited and four undynamited plots on the Oswego Silt Loam at Manhattan, extending over a period of three years, showed no marked difference in moisture content of the soil. An average of all the determinations gave less than one-half of one per cent. more moisture in the dynamited than in the undynamited land. Nitrate determinations on the same plots extending over the same length of time showed no greater formation of nitrates on dynamited than on undynamited soil. A count of the number of bacteria at different distances from the centre of a dynamited area two years after the dynamiting was done showed a small increase in bacterial content in both the surface and second foot of soil as the dynamited area was approached. A study of the effect of dynamite on the physical condition of heavy, plastic clay soil showed that the ‘explosion foree¢ out the soil particles at the centre of the dynamite cuarge into the pore spaces of the soil mass -adjoining, thus producing a cavity surrounded by a hard, compact mass, The soil instead of being shattered and AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 127 cracked, was compacted and puddled, and left in poorer physical condition than before the dynamiting was done. An alkali soil in the Arkansas River Valley dynamited in the early Spring of 1912, with half-sticks of dynamite placed 24 feet deep at the corners of 15-foot squares had not been noticeably improved by the fall of 1914. However, there had been some leaching of the salts from the surrounding soil. Fruit trees planted on dynamited soil at this station in the Spring of 1911 made a slower growth and survived in smaller numbers during the dry seasons following than did trees planted on similar adjoining soil that had not been ¢lynamited. : In no instance was there improvement sufficient to pay expense of dynamiting. -(Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin, No. 209.) BRITISH COTTON GROWING ASSOCIATION. west Arrica. The low prices caused by the War have not resulted in any large reduction in planting, as the monetary assistance given by the Association, in co-operation with the Government, the steamship owners, and the merchants, enabled the farmers to dispose of their crops at fair prices. There have, however, been great delays in marketing the crop, and the congestion of traffic on the Government. rail- way has caused serious losses to the Association. It was pointed out that the extent of the industry depends on whether it can be made more profitable for the grower, and if the quality can be improved and the buying price increased, there are good prospects of a large increase in the growth of cotton. Experiments have been conducted by Mr. Johnson on the Government Farm at Ibadan with with ‘Georgia? seed, which have given very good results. This type of cotton gives a much higher percentage of lint than the native varieties, and if it can be successfully established, it is expected that a great stimulus will be given to cotton culti- vation in West Africa. Only a small quantity of seed can be raised on the Government Farm, and it was decided that the Association, in'co-operation with the Government, should make special arrangements with selected native farmers to plant sufficient seed in order to raise a large quantity to be available for general distribution. The Association have arranged to pay a special bonus of }d. per tb. for all seed- cotton grown from Government seed in the season 1916-17. This is estimated to cost £300. The purchases of cotton in Lagos to the end of November amounted to 6,121 bales, as compared with 13,541 bales for 1914. In Northern Nigeria the purchases to the end of November totalled 723 bales, as compared with 653 bales for 1914. uGANDA. ANSWER. 1.3 Per Cent. 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 NOTE. The answer to this question should be compared questions, allowance has to be made for the recent general with that to the first question, when it will be seen that the advance in the price of cattle. When this is done, the result Tick Eradication work has resulted in the losses being reduced shows that there still rentaius an appreciation in value of 40% from 15.3% i.e. practically to vanishing point. | an be properly said to be dire-to the absence of Ti QUESTION. Is there any difference between the average weight of cattle now and the average weight before Cick Eradication was started > How much ? ANSWER. Yes. Average increase 22% Average weight increase 116 lbs. NOTE. Taking the value ofthe animals at 34 cents (1rjd.) per Ib. (the average for 3-year old steers,) the average gain, j due to dipping, works out at $4 (16s. 8d.) per head. 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 WEST INDIAN AGENTS: Has received the official approval of the following Countries : ST. KITTS: S. L. HORSFORD & Co. . South Afi Narita Tease ae Brazil B tend JAMAICA: D. HENDERSON & CO., Kingston. Union o out rica, d orthern odesia, : razul, asutoland, ANTIGUA: BENNETT, BRYSON & CO. Nyasaland, Swaziland, Southern Rhodesia, Madagascar, GRENADA : THOMSON, HANKEY & CO. British East Africa, | German East Africa, Portuguese East Africa, BARBADOS: BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE COTTON Co, Ltd. Portuguese West Africa, Egypt, Argentine Republic, Queensland, TRINIDAD: T. GEDDES GRANT, Port of Spain. United States of America, Northern Territory of Australia. BRITISH GUIANA: SANDBACH, PARKER & CO. Manufacturers: WILLIAM COOPER & NEPHEWS, Berkhamsted, England. MAY 9 = 1916. A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW OF THE IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. Price ld. very Vout. XV. No. 365: BARBADOS, APRIL 22, 1916. CONTENTS. this produces a mental picture of things difficult, abstruse, and possibly unattractive, and it is felt that a Puce Pace, Strenuous effort will be necessary to induce the mass of Ajowan Plant in the West — Notes and Comments ... 136 men to turn their attention to the things, which while iidiesst a. esa = . 136 Plant Diseases :— urgently needed, are more or less repellant. Book shelf... «.. .-. --. 141| Later Experience) with ay Ae .. 136 ie ae REESE H 140 A little consideration will show that our : ent fi anes: ao St. Lucia, Opening Address oe on WS eat 133, &° Legislative Council 143 ndies ; 5 ”? Science and Industry, Com- monwealth Institute of 159 P », Science, The Simplicity of 129 ings 2. bo ace det = a 2 are Secone. 7 Sea Island Cotton Market 1 Cover Crop, A New ... Pa eee Sis Enfleurage System of Scent Cotton Conference:— Second Day’s Proceed- ‘Sugar Industry: Extraction . 137 British Sugar Consump- Gleanings aes 140 $101 Seer es anlsii Insect Notes:— Influence of the War on Fighting the Sugar-cane the Sugar Industry ... 151 Borer with Parasites Motor Implements in and Poisons 158 Mauritius and Cuba... 151 Slugs ... ... . +. 138) Use of Nitrogenous Man- Items of Local Interest ... 152 ures for Cane in Louis- Market Reports ... 144 ian? Sone cs aos Lol Milk, Dominica, Composi- Teachers Salarie: .. 137 tion of... was 139 Trade and Agriculture of Motor Plough for Light Zanzibar, 1914 ... Palby/ to...) us. cee 142\/West 'ndian: Products 143 Work The Simplicity of Science. national character and habits: it has most prominently revealed astounding want of knowledge and apprecia- tion of what is commonly referred to as science; and, in consequence, strenuous efforts are being made to remedy so grave an evil. Men's minds are thus directed by stirring utterances in the Press, and by the formation and action of energetic committees and associations, to a consideration of science and what it implies: usually ignorance of what science really is, is creating the barriers and difficulties that retard our progress along a line so absolutely essential to the national well-being. Science is not necessarily abstruse, it is not necessarily unattractive: it 1s quite otherwise: if is, over very wide ranges, quite easy and wonderfully interesting. Science, as Huxley tried to impress upon us many years ago, is merely organized common-sense, There‘is no difference in the character of knowledge generally acquired and that acquired in the study of science, except that in the acquirement of general knowledge there is commonly little effort at arranging the acquired information im definite future use. Arrange the information in any way that will make it any order for useful on future occasions, and it becomes scientific, When we speak then of the necessity of being more scientific, we only mean that we should be orderly in our methods of thinking. more The first step in our orderly thinking is to look with intelligence on the things with which we daily come in contact, and to arrange our thoughts in an orderly way about them. It surely is an obvious and trite thing to that should be reasonably informed concerning the things and phenomena which To acquire that information is to study natural science: to label this effort ‘the study of natural science’ is to run the risk of making if seem difticult, and to take the first step in making it repellant. say we we encounter in our daily life. 130 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Aprit 22, 1916. Se ee es SSS oe A great step will have been made when those responsible for education fully realize that there is no real difference between ordinary and scientific knowl- -edge, and that it is an obvious duty on their part to help the youth of a country to understand the affairs of everyday life: this would be teaching science. and would lead to an acquirement of that characteristic, the absence of which painfully marks so many of -our educated Englishmen—the scientific habit of mind. If this were imbued in early youth, as it readily may be, by directing the attention of every child to the natu- ral surroundings with simple, unobtrastive guidance tending to secure orderly thinking, then we should have our race in full possession of a most important faculty, and scientific thinking would become as natural and as unconscious an effort as breathing. The essential feature is to render the effort unconscious. Vigorous talk about the necessity for scientific study, coupled with mistaken ideas concern- ing the difficulty and abstruseness of the work, is calculated to defeat its own ends, which must be the acquirement of the scientific habit of mind, and the unconscious exercise of the faculty so acquired. This implies that all our children, in all our schools shall be afforded opportunities for thinking about the facts in their surroundings, which simply means that they must be helped to think in an orderly way about the plants and animals amongst which they live, about the soil and sea and rivers, and the wind and _ rain, all those things of which they have daily experience, and concerning which they really know a great deal without the conscious efforts of their teachers. They have much knowledge; it merely remains to the teachers to make it scientific by making it orderly and thus inducing the invaluable national characteristic referred to—the scientific habit of mind. This is the source trom which it will spring much more readily than from the con- -scious efforts of the college and the university. The scientific habit of ‘mind reveals itself in the scientific spirit exhibited by individuals, and by -communities. In its individual manifestation 1t leads to a critical examination of ideas presented for accep- tance; it causes the supporting facts to be carefully weighed, and requires evidence before acceptance: authority counts for little in comparison with the actual weighing of evidence: if the evidence is ‘conclusive, then authority, if opposed, must give way, and the facts must be accepted. The scientifically minded individual is, therefore, prepared to change his mind as evidence accumulates and facts require; he éxhibits little of that unreasoning, dogged pertimacity in'which some take pride; but his changes of mind are evidences of strength, not of weakness; of new ‘knowledge acquired, and of new outlooks gained, and not of the vacillation of being blown about by every new wind of doctrine. In its communistic manifestation the scientific spirit requires that those who lead shall be sound in their methods of thinking and working, and that they shall appeal to what is natural rather than endeavour to play upon men’s credulity, or excite their passions or rouse their cupidity. It requires that the reality of things shall be sought, the presentment of them in distorted form in order to gain particular ends, finding no favour. “Such a spirit in its endeavour to arrive at truth discourages and kills self-advertise- ment and the wiles of expediency. The foregoing mental characteristics can be inculeated without the profound study of technical science, and it is these characteristics which one most desires to see common to every inhabitant of Great Britain, and of the Empire generally. Much is being done in our West Indian schools of all classes to give effect to these ideas; the Codes of instruction employed have in them features directed to this end, and it is felt that some progress is being made. The early efforts are difficult owing to want of knowledge and lack of sympathetic appreciation, but progress will be manifestly accelerated as the spirit thus engen- dered spreads through the communities. Nor will this scientific habit of mind have only an aesthetic effect; it will have a direct bearing on national industries leading to great economic progress, and to wide-reaching economies, the object to which so much attention is now being directed in the vigorous campaign in progress in the Mother Country. An instance may be given of the economic effect of the artificial acquirement of the scientific habit of mind ina particular case. James Watt took as pay- ment for his engines one-third of the saving of the coal which resultedsfrom their use; this led to accurate measurements and to great savings. When, in 1800, these measurements ceased, deterioration followed. Joel Lean again started these duty trials and published re- ports. The practice of reporting is thought to have been attended with more benefit to the country than any other single event, excepting only the invention of the steam engine itself.* Here we see the effect of the *Unwin Forest lecture, Natwre, May 23, 1895. Von. XV. No. 365. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 131 scientific habit of mind exercised by conscious effort. Far greater results will follow when the habit becomes automatic and unconscious. This condition can readily be created by quite moderate work in the elementary stages in the education of children, and that without expensive and terrifying efforts at teaching science. SUGAR INDUSTRY. Use of Nitrogenous Manures for Cane in Louisiana.—Figures of some interest are published in the Louisiana Planter for March 18, to show (1) the relative value of different nitrogenous manures, and (2) the value of calcium cyanamide and calcium nitrate compared with sulph- ate of ammonia and nitrate of soda. Detailed results of the experiments are not given, so that the results cannot be studied critically; it would seem, however, that sulphate of ammonia has given best results, followed by dried blood, cotton seed meal, fish scrap, nitrate of soda and tankage. As regards the two new manures, calcium cyanamide and calcium nitrate, the mean of two years is as follows: cal- cium cyanamide gave 25°94 tons cane per acre, calcium nitrate, 29°27, and the control plot 21°77. In another table calcium cyanamide gave better results than calcium nitrate. These results are interesting, in view of the fact that experi- ments in the Leeward Islands have shown calcium cyanamide to possess little value as a manure for sugar-cane. British Sugar Consumption.—The Royal Com- mission on sugar supplies in the United Kingdom, according to the International Sugar Journal, have decided to import from 20 to 25 per cent. less sugar during the current year owing to the present great shortage of shipping tonnage, it being held that other articles of import must have precedence in the available ships. It is not proposed at present to raise the retail price to any appreciable extent, so it is left to the public to practise the requisite economy. The Jnterna- tional Sugar Journal thinks that in view of the high standard of wages now prevailing, the general public will not be likely to reduce their consumption, in which case the Commission will be forced eventually to raise prices to a much higher level, or issue sugar tickets something on the principle of the food cards in Germany. The Journal referred to suggests that some restriction should be placed upon the utilization of such large quantities of sugar for the manufac- ture of confectionery, particularly that sort commonly classed as ‘sweets’. These articles are decidedly indulgencies if not luxuries, and it would seem only reasonable that a reduction in consumption of this class of confectionery should take place. In this connexion it should be’ remembered that any restrictions might affect the West Indies, not only as regards sugar, but also as regards cacao and the various essential oils used in the manufacture of confectionery. Motor Implements in Mauritius and Cuba.— We have received from the Director of Agriculture, Mauritius, a statement of particulars respecting motor ploughs which has been placed by him before the Board of Agriculture of that Colony, with a view to increasing the introduction‘of motor implements for economising labour in the production of sugar. Enquiries have been made in Great Britain, Canada, and the United States as to what motor implements. might prove satisfactory for the Colony. Replies have not yet been received from Canada and the United States, but the English Board of Agriculture recommend the Wyles” Motor Plough as being likely to prove suitable to the condi- tions of the Colony, and reasonable in price to warrant experimental trial on the average estate. The Director of Agriculture suggests to the Board, that the Governor should be asked to offer the following induce- ments for estates introducing motor implements: (1) a premium of Rs 750 for the first motor implement which successfully performs in a satisfactory manner cultural work in the sugar- cane fields of the Colony; (2) a premium of Rs. 750 for the first motor implement running on industrial alcohol in the Colony, which successfully performs in a satisfactory manner cultural work in sugar-cane fields of the Coiony. The statement of particulars then goes on to refer to- a report of the Director of Agriculture of St. Croix, D.W.I., on motor ploughing trials in that Colony in 1914. These: particulars have been published already in the Agricultural News. In connexion with motor implements, it might be added that in the Lowrsiana Planter for March 18, 1916, reference- is made toa new development in transportation on sugar estates, namely, the employment of a new Bullock tractor together with a train of five cars. This motor train requires no specially prepared track, and the motor develops 60 h.p.,. drawing 6°7 tons of ‘cane in each of the five cars. Influence of the War on the Sugar Industry.— In his article on the influence of the war on the sugar industry,. published in the Internatiowal Sugar Journal, Dr. H.C. Prinsen Geerligs says that not in a single country has sugar- been lacking, and generally, the price in the countries of production has not risen appreciably. As regards the present position in Germany, it is stated that the human consumption is larger than usual, owing to the enormous demands of the- Armies. Germany has reduced her planting of beetroots by one-third. The import of sugar, it is believed, may be obtained without difficulty from Austria. A very useful article on the sugar industry and the war- containing a large number of valuable statistics, is to be found in the Dutch publication Archtef voor de Suikerindustrie tn Nederlandsch-Indie, for Jannary 1916, While making reference to conditions in Germany, attention may be called to some observations on the depre- ciation of the mark appearing in Dr. Geerligs’ European news letter dated Amsterdam, February 9, and published in the Louisiana Planter tor March 18. The currency of the- mark has fallen in every neutral capital ;in Amsterdam it has dropped to about two-thirds of the gold equivalent, so a Dutch merchant ordering German goods quoted in marks, as is the rule, only pays 40 guildercents for one mark instead of 59 as is the case in ordinary times. On the other hand, the German merchant buying sugar or vegetables in Holland pays for the guilder 2°50 marks, instead of 1°70 as he used to do. Efforts to restore the currency of the mark by the Germans are thought by Dr. Geerligs as not likely to be suceessful, THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, Arrin 22, 1916, DOWN THE ISLANDS. ITEMS OF LOCAL INTEREST. GRENADA. Workin the Experiment Stations has included the harvesting and distributing of horse beans and the pruning of lime trees at Morne Rouge.. At the lime experiment station drainage operations have been completed. The trans- planting of limes for the 1916 distribution has taken place. As regards the staple crops in this island, Mr. J. C Moore, the Superintendent of Agriculture, states that the cacao crop ‘is satisfactory ou the whole, while the sugar crop is better than last year’s. Lime trees are flowering well, but on some plantations better drainage is needed. The plants dis- -tributed during February were as follows: Coco-nuts 2,162; grafted mangoes 6; ornamentals 2. The weather during February was not excessively wet. The monthly report of the Agricultural [: structor for February a copy of which has been forwarded to this Office by the Governor, shows that a useful visit was paid to the island of Carriacou, where three meetings of peasant cotton growers were held, and instructions were given regarding cotton seed selection and cotton cultivation.~ In regard to the question of selection, the Commissioner of Agriculture is correspond- ing with the Grenada Department. Concerning work on the experimental piots, the reaping of cowpeas was completed and lime trees were pruned at Morne Rouge. Progress is being made in the matter of road construction at the St. Cyr Mountain Settlement. : st. vincent. Mr W.N. Sands writes to say in con- nexion with work in the Experiment Station that the onion plot has yielded at the rate of 4,5741b. per acre. Land has been prepared for the progeny rows of selected I: dian corn, and Lima beans have been staked with prunings of Gliri- cidia hedge. The plant distribution during the month consisted of 250 Gliricidia cuttings, 6 tb. of pigeon peas, 2b. of cotton seed, and 2 tb. selected Indian corn. As regards staple crops, a further extension of cane cultivation is to be noticed. The 8.8. ‘Salybia’ which left St. Vincent on March 3, and which was sunk off the English coast, carried local produce to the amount of 2,811 barrels of arrowroot and 341 bales of Sea Island cotton. This cotton represented over three-fifths of the past crop, and included nearly all the super- fine marks. The Assistant Agricultural Superintendent represented the Agricultural Department at the Cotton Conference held in St Kitts, the proceedings of which are now being reported in this Journal, It is'stated in Mr. Sands’ notes that the Agricultural Department is to re-assume control of the Government cotton ginnery on April 1. The rainfall during March in St. Vincent was‘showery. pomrinica. Mr. Joseph Jones (Curator) writes to say that work in the nurseries included the grafting of mangoes, spray- ing, sawing bamboo pots, ‘and potting cacao. In the lime experl- ment station all the plots were weeded, and the general savitation of the plots attended ‘to. Work in the cacao experiment station consisted in tle picking and recording of the crop. Several improvements in the Botanic Gardens are in progress. “, The lime trees throughout the island are reported to have flowered heavily. During March, green limes unpacked were bought in Roseau for 25s. per barrel The Government has published ‘in the Government Gazette for March 27, certain correspondence regarding green limes. The principal shippers of green limes from Dominica to New York sent 4 petition to the Quebee Steamship Company pointing out that the green limes were landed in New York last season in the worst condition ever known. The petitioners pointed out that Dominica is one of the Quebec Steamship Company’s best freight ports, adding that the shipment of green limes has risen from a few hundred barrels some twenty years ago to a seasonal shipment at the present time of over 30,000 barrels. The petitioners called the attention of the Company to the increased rates they were called upon to pay, but which they were quite willing to do provided the shipment of the produce proved satisfactory. It was added that the shippers in Dominica were giving consid- eration to the matter of approaching the Government in — order that the Quebee Company may be subsidized on the bounty system, that is, on all fruit delivered in sound condi- tion, provided the Company guarantee to limit the quantity of general freight by each boat, and especially to give green limes separate accommodation, and avoid the possibility of sugar and limes being transported in the same hold, and providing the ships avoid staying two or three days in the Danish Islands after the loading of limes from Dominica. i The Quebec Steamship Company replied in a very courteous and satisfactory manner, stating their appreciation of the importance ofthe green lime trade between Dominica and New York. In this letter it was stated that special instructions had been given to the captains of the steamers in regard to the more careful transport of green limes. It had been arranged that molasses instead of sugar should be stored in the lower hold of the steamer. The captains had been instructed to “keep the hatch open over the hold containing the limes whenever weather permitted, and to see that the fans which had been insta!led were kept running continuously. To create additional interest on the part of the captains, the Company had offered them a bonus to give their personal attention to the storage and carriage of the limes, with a view to landing them in good order. The Com- pany has made futher concession in that if a steamer had to be delayed for several days at St. Croix, it would be arranged to send her back to Dominica for the limes. While admitting that most shipments of limes from Dominica were carefully picked and packed, the Company had to point out that others were not, especially when the market was high in New York. The Company had to insist that in these cases no amount of care and attention on their part could ensure the arrival of the fruit in good condition. Referring to the rate of freight on limes, the Company pointed out the fact that they had not advanced their rate of freight in any comparison with the advance in freight from New York to Europe or to other parts of the world, and if the Company had not desired to protect the West Indian business, it would have used _ its steamers during the past year in other services which would have paid the Company enormous profits, and the Company is of opinion that shippers should appreciate these facts. As regards spe¢ial work done by the Agricultural Officers in Dominica during March, reference may be made to a visit paid to the peasantry in the Grand Bay district, in addition to visits paid to no less than nineteen estates. The _ Permanent Exhibition Committee has decided not to exhibit at the forthcoming Canadian Exhibition. The plants distri- buted during the month consisted of the following: limes 1,500, shade trees 300, miscellaneous 43. The total plant distribution for the financial year 1915-16 was 65,700. The rainfall at the Botanic Station during March was 4°52 inches THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 133 Vor. XV. No. 365. MONTSERRAT. Mr. W. Robson, Curator, informs us that the work at Grove Experiment Station has consisted chiefly in the transplanting of lime plants, the erection of a nursery shelter for raising bay seedlings, and the preparation of plots for future crops. Two distillations of bay leaves were made, which did not show much improvement in oil yield, which has been low since December. Arrangements have been made to repeat the cotton manurial experiments at Dagenham. A portion of the cotton crop was planted towards the end of March. With rain, April will see the bulk of the crop put in. Practically all the, estates have taken seeds of the closely bred H9 cotton seed for planting a seed field. Arrangements have been made to plant a seed supply field of both the new Douglas (St. Kitts cotton) and Hi 9 (the local type) in case the former does not prove satis- factory on further trial. There has been little demand for seed from small planters. The lime cultivation generally shows great improvement, presumably as the result of last season’s rain. Mr. Robson was away during the middle of March attending the Cotton Conference in St. Kitts. Work in connexion with the Montserrat Onion Growers’ Association is stated to be proceeding smoothly; 380 crates and 60 barrels of onions have been shipped, and a further number of 112 crates were ready to go to Barbados at the time of writing. The large total of 370 Ib. of onion seed has been ordered for next season’s planting. The rainfall at Grove Station during March was 3°68 inches. anticua. In his observations on matters of agricul- tural interest for March, Mr. T. Jackson, the Curator, states that the stand of young canes is not as good as that of last year; the crop now being reaped however, is quite satisfac- tory. Work at the Experiment Station has consisted in supplying the various cane variety experimental plots situated on different estates. A very successful Maize Show and ‘At Home’ of the Agricultural Society was held during the month. There were 105 exhibits sent in, and approximately 200 people attended the ‘At Home’. As regards the Onion Growers’ Association, the number of crates of onions shipped for the month was 3,432, and for the season 4,505. The Superin- tendent of Agriculture for the Leeward Islands and Mr. Jack- son were absent one week from the island attending the Cotton Conference in St. Kitts. Good weather for the reaping of the cane crop continues. Departmental work of importance contemplated is the reaping of the variety and manurial experiment plots. sr. kirts. Mr. F. R. Shepherd states that the following were distributed from the Experiment Station during March: yams, 948 tb., eddoes 100Kb., selected cotton seed 1,438mb., white velvet beans 421 tb. and 300 cane cuttings. As regards the staple crops, the reaping of the cane crop is rapidly progressing. The Basseterre factory is working at high pressure, and the returns are excellent. The yield per acre on the estates is in harmony with the estimate made, and one estate has reaped an average of 29°5 tons of cane per acre from plants and ratoons. The- young cane crop is growing rapidly, and the plants are strong and healthy. As regards cotton, on one estate in the northern district about 20 acres has already been planted. There is every prospect of an increase in the acreage planted this season, A considerable amount of the time of the Agricultural Superintendent this month was spent in making arrangements in connexion with the Cotton Conference held in this island. ; The reaping of the sugar-cane experiments has begun and large returns are reported from Buckleys estate, where four of the varieties averaged over 60 tons of cane per acre, and the average of eighteen varieties was 50 tons. By an oversight in the issue of the Agricultural Mews for February 26, we stated in these notes that Mr. F R. Shepherd had been elected President of the Agricultural Society. Mr. E. J. Shel- ford was the gentleman elected. The rainfall for the month of March at the Botanic Gardens was 3°31 inches. VIRGIN ISLANDS. In his notes on items of local interest during February, Mr. W. Fishlock states that cotton continues’ to come in. It is estimated that the total crop for the year will be about 105 bales of 200tb. each. Onions have also begun. to come in. The crop is estimated at about 150 crates of 50Ib. each. The Curator visited Virgin Gorda in the early days of the month. ‘The total fall of rain for February at. the Station was 2°89 inches. EXPORTS OF SEA ISLAND COTTON FROM THE WEST INDIES. The following table gives the quantity and esti- mated value of Sea Island cotton exported from the West Indies to Manchester for the quarter ended. December 31, 1915:— Colony. Quantity, Estimated value,, bb. £. Barbados 7,929 502 St. Vincent 31,976 2,132 Montserrat 3,912 243 Antigua 15,500 969 St. Kitts 8,260 516 Nevis 9,606 600 Anguilla 7,250 453 Virgin Islands 4,427 258 Jamaica 8,700 326 97,160 5,999 SEA ISLAND COTTON MARKET. The Report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week ending March 18, 1916, is as follows:— ISLANDS. There spring up a demand the early part of the week for the entire offerings of Fine to Fully Fine at 29¢. to 30c., resulting in sales oi about 150 bales, the buying being on account of the Southern and Northern Mills. There is now left unsold of this crop only 60 bales. Fully Fine to Extra Fine held at 3lc. and one crop lot of Extra Fine 32 bales held at 33c. We quote, viz.: Extra Fine 30e;= 193d. to 20d. c.i.f. & 5 per cent. Fully Fine 29e, =19d. 99) 11990 9939 Fine 28¢. =] 84d. 99) 99) 99) 33 Fine off in class 27c.=18d. 938-991) (39, is3 This report also shows that the total exports of Sea Island cotton from. the United States to Liverpool and Manchester up to March 11, were 658 and 443. bales, respectively. 134 COTTON CONFERENCE. SECOND DAY’S PROCEEDINGS. In the last issue of the Agricultural News was published a summary of the proceedings of the first day of the Conference. The principal subject en which statements were made, concerned the yield of Jint per acre in the different islands. On the second day this matter was discussed in detail with a view to determining the causes of the fluctu- ations. 4 At the request of the President, Dr. H. A. Tempany dealt with a set of figures which had been compiled, showing the yield of lint per acre in the different islands from 1903-4 to 1915-16. Dr Tempany pointed out that the highest mean for the fifteen years’ period as a whole was shown by St. Kitts with 149 Ib. lint per acre, followed by Montserrat 144 Ib., then by Antigua 121 Ib., and Nevis 95 Ib. Dealing with the individual instances it was pointed out that the figures tended to indicate that the position in St. Kitts was, on the whole, the most stable. In Nevis greater fluctuation was shown, which was put down to the fact that the larger part of the cotton in this island is grown by peasants. Wherever a peasant industry exists there are bound to be fluctuations. Dr. Tempany called special attention to the year 1910-11 during which, throughout the West Indies, the highest average returns were ootained. The exact reason for this could not be s’ated, but it was thought to be due to the favourable climatic conditions of that year. In relation to fluctuation of yield, it was pointed out that the larger the total area cultivated the greater the tendency for a smaller yield owing to the inclusion of unfavourable Jands. Dr. Tempany concluded his remarks with an outline of the fluctuations in Antigua in the area under cultivation and yield per acre, during the past ten years. During this period increased area was not always associated with decreased ) ield. The flower-bud maggot was referred to as a factor that had caused reduction in yield per acre at certain periods. The Hon. J. S. Hollings (Nevis) questioned the accuracy of the first two or three years of the Nevis records and ex- pressed the opinion that the average yield had been higher, On his own estates during that period large returns had been obtained. The Hon. R kL, Warneford (Antigua) pointed out that on his estates in Antigua, the yield during those years had been much greater than the average tabulated on the board before them, but he thought that on other estates small yields had been obtained which had brought down the average. This had no doubt occurred also in the case of Nevis. In replying to Mr. Hollings’ remarks Mr Shepherd (St. Kitts) agreed with Mr. Warneford’s explanation. He understood it to be the case that in every island there were districts in which cotton was grown that were less suitable than others, and these inc!uded in the returns, caused the average to go down. Mr. J.O Maloney (Nevis) thought that the reason why some of the averages were rather low was because the peasants in sending in their returns of cotton peracre put down the +creage under cultivation at a higher figure than it really was. This would have the effect of bringing down the aver ge. Mr. W_ Robson (Montserrat) then gave his views on the causes of fluctuation in yields in that island. He attributed it largely to the distribution of rainfall during the four months from the date of planting; if that was unfavourable, small yields resulted. He was also of opinion that high winds in the early parts of the season had a _ serious THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Aprm 22, 1916. effect upon growth. ‘This reference to shelter led Mr. J. R. Yearwood (St Kitts) to refer to attempts he had made to establish wind-breaks of Guinea corn when growing cotton on the wind-ward side of St. Kitts. He considered it a useful wind-break, but thought that it ought to be planted before the cotton. The Hon. J. S. Hollings (Nevis) said that he had noticed that the uorth, wind seemed to have a particularly deleterious effect on cotton. Dr H. A. Tempany introduced another point into consideration, namely. the influence of soil type upon yield. Where cotton is grown on heavy soils, the fac'or of excessive rainfall had an injurious effect upon yield. The President in connexion with this point asked Mr. S. C. Harland (St. Vincent) to make a statement in regard to yields of Jint in that Colony. In regard to the table of figures referred to at the beginning of the discus-ion, Mr. Harland called attention to the general break that occurs at 1910-11. Since that year, in St Vincent at any rate, the yields had become gradually reduced. As regards the causes for this, Mr. Harland mentioned rainfall and its distribution, the effect of bad cultivation, the effect of wind, the effect of inadequate rotation of crops, and also the fact that seed is often p'anted on land in an improperly prepared condition. Mr. Harland made special reference tothe value of wind-breaks, mentioning in particular the observed usefulness of seaside grape. In connexion with the subject of wind-breaks, Mr. S. W. Howes (Montserrat) stated that he had employed man- chineel as a wind-break with great success, this tree not being for odvious reasons, interfered with by stock and by people, as white cadar is likely to be. Mr. Howes gave details as to the method of planting this tree. Mr. F R. Shepherd (St. Kitts) then referred to wind-breaks, established by Mr Thurston on Canada estate in St. Kitts. Mr. Hollings at this point drew attention to the variation in efficiency of wind-breaks. The President enquired whether any attempt had been made to plant terraced wind breaks on moun- tain slopes Mr. Thurs:on (St. Kitts) stated that he had difficulty in getting windsbreaks to grow on sloping land in which positions the wind-breaks are also injured by wind The trees grow well on flat land, but here they were not so urgently needed. Mr ‘Thurston had obtained satisfactory results with Guinea corn and with manchineel, but stated that this latter plant does not grow well any distance from the seashore. Mr. Harland called attention to the necessity of protect- ing wind-breaks in exposed situations until they had been fairly established. Mr. Robson (Montserrat) stated that white cedar had been successfully used on exposed windward estates, though it was difficult to establish a wind-break on land which had rapid slope to the sea. Developing Mr. Harland’s point, Mr. W. Nowell (Imperial Department of Agriculture) pointed out the necessity for some earlier nurse plant for the wind-break Mr. Nowell then reverted to a principal point of discussion, the question of yield of lint in relatié#ito the cotton plant. One of the most valuable points which had arisen out of the discussion was thitin the last thirteen years since the cultivation of cotton had been re-established, there had been no indication of any deterioration in the quality of the seed. There had been fluctuations, but that had not been due to the plant, but entirely to conditions of environment, particularly climatic conditions Mr, Nowell then criticised figures in the table already referred to, and stated that while they might be useful to planters they had no value as an index of the cotton plant. This was explained on the bisis of what Vout. XV. No. 365. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 135 we understand by yield. On many estates where the actual amount of lint reaped has been small, the cotton plants them- selves have made every effort to produce, but the actual securing of the lint has been interfered with by external conditions. The cotton plant is extremely susceptible to external conditions, and the only way of satisfactorily judging the yielding capacity of the cotton plant is by the number of flowers that are produced, each flower being a potential boll of lint. In summing up the discussion, the President stated that it had been made quite clear that there was nothing in the nature of the deterioration of the cotton plant as a whole to account for the fluctuations in yield of lint per acre, or that these were due to the general increasing effect of pests and diseases The point that had been made clear by the discussion was, that these fluctuations in yield were largely due to fluctuations in climate: connected with this is the fact that bad climatic conditions frequently accentuate the attacks of pests and diseases. However, climate might be controlled particulary by the use of wind-breaks, the object being not merely to resist the force of the wind but to increase the humidity of the atmosphere. The President called attention to the need of more detailed climatic observations in con- nexion with the cultivation of cotton, and felt sure that the collection of statistics of this kind would explain a large number of fluctuations. The discussion thes turved to the steps that have been taken in each island to maintain and improve the quality of the cotton produced At the request of the President, Mr. F R. Shepherd (St. Kitts) read a statement as to what had been done in this direction in that island Seed selection of cotton was started in St. Kittsin 1904, and this had been continued with the result that at the present time there were eight numbers repre- senting types of pedigree strain, All these were selected in the field from the original Rivers’ seed with the exception of No. 342 S., which was selected from seed imported from Barbados in 1906 and known as Stirling, itself a derivative of Rivers’s seed. Until about two years ago the method of selection adopted in St. Kitts was not strictly the progeny row system. That is to say, in each plot of the eight strain seed was taken from more than one plant forfuture use. About two years ago this system of selecting from three or four plants was discontinued, and seed was taken trom one plant in each plot only. ‘This seed gave what is known as the progeny row, and this progeny row the next year supplied a plot from which seed was obtained for estate planting. Mr Shepherd drew attention to the purity and high quality of No 342 8. for planting in the coming season there would bea stock of about 2,000 tb. of seed. In regard to the position in Antigua, Mr T Jackson and Dr H. A. Tempany made several statements. Supple- menting these with information contained in the Botanic Station Reports of that island, it would seem that in the early days of the industry seed was selected en masse from the best fields on different estates. This seed was picked over by hand and the clean non-tufted seeds were disearded, In 1911 it appears that experiments with selected individual plants were started at Skerretts. This work was later transferred to Yetpons estate where the soil conditions are more suitable for cotton. Yeptons has in recent years become the cotton ‘seed farm’ fora large portion of the island Appar- ently a type, recorded as No. 7/1912 planted at Yeptons gave rise to type No 312 of 1914, of which one plot was planted in 1915 and 2 acres of the same in 1916. This seed is available for planting the cropof 1917. Thus in the last two or three years the progeny row system has been in operation in Antigua. Mr. W. Robson (Montserrat) then read a statement as to methods adopted to maintain and improve th» quality of cotton in that island. For many years past the type of cotton that had been largely grown and placed in the hands of the planters by Mr. Robson was what is known as Heaton 9, which could be traced back to an original individual plant. Mr. Robson is now examining and selecting with a view to producing an improved type. Mr. Robson included in his statement various points concerning methods of selection, an accou: t of which may be deferred until later. One interest- ing statement made by Mr. Robson was to the effect that in a valuation of two types of cotton grown last season, namely some from Heaton 9 and some arising froma St. Kitts type of seed, the latter was more highly valued by the brokers than Heaton 9. The President then requested Mr. Harland (St. Vincent) to make a statement regarding methods of seed selection in that island. Mr. Harland said that the Sea Island cotton: industry of St. Vincent was started on a commercial scale in 1904 with the planting of the Rivers’ type only. This, on account of the appearance of a large uumber of ‘rogues’ in the field was recognized as not being a pure strain. It was considered necessary to devise some means of maintaining the quality of the cotton, with the result that a mechanical method of seed selection. was adopted. This had relation principally to the discarding of clean non-tufted seed This method, though an imperfect one from a breeder’s standpoint, was successful in its practical results up to 1914. Reference was then made by Mr. Harland to the St. Vincent superfine cotton known as BH. This seed had been sent out to planters in St. Vincent from Manchester, and represented a special type of its own quite distinct from the Rivers’ or ordinary St. Vincent Sea Island cotton. Long before 1914 the attention of planters had been called to the progeny row’ system of selection, and although this was adopted on some estates, there was no continuity of effort. In 1910-11 the local types were selected and grown in plots at the Experiment Station. In the selection of these types attention was principally directed to resistance to disease, but the securing of a pure strain in this connex- jon has not yet been realized. At the Botanic Station, however, in 1910, an interesting plant was discovered in a plot of BH cotton having the habit of the one-stalk cotton as defined by O. F. Cooke, of the United States Department of Agriculture. It is believed to be a pure strain, and appears to be resistant to disease, and early maturing. Seed from this original plant was obtained by the progeny row system, and recently two trials of this cotton have been made on estates in wet districts, and the yield of seed-cotton has been far higher than that obtained from other types of cotton under similar circumstances. Another individual plant selection has bad regard to a type which has been specially selected for disease resistance and lint characters. This has been very favourably reported on by tke brokers as superior to the ordinary St. Vincent, and a considerable quantity of seed is now available for planting purposes on estates. For practical purposes, this may be regarded as a superfine type. This account of the second day’s proceedings will be continued in the next issue of the Agricn/tural News, 136 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Arrin 22, 1916. EDITORIAL NOTICES. V2 y } HEAD OFFICE te Tag 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 he cover. Tnperial Commissioner of Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Se., 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.Se. Mycologist W. Nowell, D.1.C. CLERICAL STAFF. Ohief Clerk A. G. Howell. Assistant Clerk -Junior Clerk Assistant Jwvior Clerk Typist M. B. Connell. W. P. Bovell, P. Taylor. Miss B. Robinson. ( A. B. Price, Fell. Journ. Inst. Assistants for Publications L.A. Corbin. NOTES AND COMMENTS. ‘Contents of Present Issue. The editorial in this issue deals with the necessity for a system of education which will engender a scien- tific habit of mind amongst individuals in every community. On pages 134 and 135 will be found an account of part of the second day’s proceedings at the West Indian ‘Cotton Conference recently held in St. Kitts. The account willbe continued in the next issue of this Journal. Some interesting items of news will be found under the caption Down the Islands on page 132. Insect Notes in this issue contains an article deal- ing with the sugar cane borer and its control by means of parasites and poisons. An article on slugs will also be found on the same page. The Ajowan Plant in the West Indies. During April 1915, a quantity of seed of Carum copticum, the Ajowan plant, from which thymol is obtained, was received from the Royal Batanic Gardens, Kew, and distributed to the different islands of the Windward and Leeward groups. The plant in question is grown principally im India, and as a cold weather crop. Observations concerning its power to grow in the West Indies are therefore of considerable botanical, as well as of economie interest. A letter has recently been received from the Agricultural Superintendent, St. Kitts, to the effect that the seed germinated well at the Experiment Station, many plants being raised. They grow to a height of about 2 feet, and seed is being collected for further trials. The plants were much beaten down by heavy rains, however, and it would appear that drier situations might yield more satisfactory results. As noted in the Agricultural News, No. 355 of 1915, a similar report to that from St. Kitts was received from St. Lucia. The plant is also known to have developed satisfactorily in Montserrat, and if the damage inflicted by heavy rains could be avoided, there seems to be no reason, especially after acclima- tization, why this plant could not be grown on a com- mercial scale in the West Indies, provided there was sufficient economic inducement to do so. nna ———__ The New School of Tropical Ceylon. The opening of the School of Tropical Agriculture in Ceylon in January this year is referred to again in a recent issue of The Tropical Agriculturist. This institution is in proximity to thefamous Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya, and has been inaugurated in an economical way, no excessive outlay having been incurred on buildings and equipment, while the expenditure connected with providing a teaching staff will be met to some extent by tution fees of the students. Although some years must necessarily elapse before the effect of the school is clearly felt and under- stood in the agricultural welfare of Ceylon, it is reason- able to believe that this effect will be cumulative. The providing of some elementary scientific train- ing for young men who intend to devote themselves to agriculture is only a part of the objects of the School. The teachers of the Government vernacular schools are to take the course in order to qualify them for teaching ayricultiire. ‘The number of these teachers will probably be increased annually, till all who pass the Training College will be sent to Peradeniya, before being appointed to village schools. Boys in the country will therefore be taught something about the land and its products by teachers possessing some knowledge of the subject themselves. In this way, too, the functions and benefits of the Department of Agriculture will become familiarized to the minds of the people, enabling the Department to get into close touch with both the planter and village cultivator, and their needs. Agriculture, Vor. XV..No. 365. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 137 The Enfleurage System of Scent Extraction. The volatile compounds which give to flowers their odour may be extracted by the ordinary distillation process or by what is known as the ‘enfleurage’ system. This is concisely described in the Perfumery Record Year-book and Diary, 1916. Some flowers, it appears, like jasmine, roses, tuberose and violets behave some- what refractorily under the distillation process, so the idea arose of placing the blossoms in contact with | fat, which, especially in a melted or semi-melted condition has the property of absorbing the floral odour. Lard and beef fat being the most neutral were employed in preference to other forms of grease, but it may be supposed that in recent times vegetable fats like cacao butter and palm oil have largely taken the place of the more expensive animal products. The most up-to-date method is to use sheets of glass in wooden frames, to cover these with a coating of fat, and sprinkle the flowers on them and then stack the sheets one upon the other and leave them thus for, say, about fifteen hours. The scent is afterwards dissolved out with alcohol. The Yearbook referred to, from which the above imformation has been obtained, is in many respects a valuable publication. It contains, for instance, a review, by the editor (Mr. J.C. Umney, F.C.S.) of the work on essential oils published in the Perfumery and Essential Oil Record in 1915, and is a continuation of previous summaries. Another useful section deals with the analysis of essential oils, and gives a statement of the principal tests employed. This should be useful to those concerned with the study of essential oils in the West Indies. The price of the Yearbook is 2s. 6d.,and can be obtained from the Publishers, 8, Serle Street, Lon- don, W.C. = (ee Trade and Agriculture of Zanzibar, 1914. Through the courtesy of the Director of Agriculture, Zanzibar, we are in receipt of the Report on the Depart- ment of Agriculture of that Protectorate for the year 1914. Cloves and copra being the principal agricultural products, the War has had a considerable effect on the agricultural industry, especially in the early months, when freights were scarce. ‘The general position of the plantation owners is said not to have improved since the last report (1913), and in Pemba especially, the planta- tions continue to deteriorate. Much yet remains to be done in organizing the clove harvest labour. It is mentioned that in the last season the Government and Arabs alike lost at least one-third of their early clove crop, and in Pemba heavy losses were incurred through the natives demanding such a price as, if paid, would have resulted in a loss to the clove grower, and returning to their villages when their demands were not met. Notwithstanding these difficulties the Govern- ment benefited by an exceptionally heavy crop, and the plantation owners also benefited proportionately. The northern plantations, however, suffering as they have done from a number of lean years, show their want of funds for cultivation by their condition. Regarding copra, this industry has been affected by the War to a greater extent than that of the cloves. The quality of Zanzibar copra shows no improvement, and for the purposes of price comparison—it not being quoted separately in the market list—may be taken as equal to ‘South Sea Islands’. To etfect any great improvement in the price obtainable for Zanzibar copra, an article must be turned out that will produce an edible fat. Such, at least, is the conclusion arrived: at. by the Director of Agriculture. In a table giving the export of Chillies and Gum- copal for the past ten years, 1905-14, it is seen that the average export of Chillies has been maintained, while that of Gum-copal suddenly declined in 1914 by more than £60,000. It is explained, however, that the Gum- copal exported from Zanzibar now is of outside origin, and comes principally from German East Africa. SSS OO ae Teachers’ Salaries. In his opening address to the Legislative Council of St. Vincent, the Administrator requested the mem- bers to approve a general increase in the salaries of teachers in the primary schools, a matter which His Honour regarded an act of justice no less than one of sound policy. In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Committee appointed by the Government, His Honour referred in strong terms to this question of underpayment. He poimted out that a memorial had been received from the Teachers’ Association and, in particular, a letter from the Head teacher of the Bequia Anglican School, representing that his salary, which is at the rate of 512 a month, was insufficient. His Honour called the Committee's attention to the fact that the lowest paid appointment in the regular Govern- ment Service is that of a fifth clerk with salary at the rate of £42 per annum, 40 per cent. more than that of the teacher referred to. His Honour stated that he considered there must be something radically wrong with a system under which 39c. a day, not quite double the pay of an unskilled road labourer, is considered proper remuner- ation for the services of a teacher responsible single handed for the daily instruction of a school of over 200 pupils. As regards the general question, His Honour’s view was that education is better worth spend- ing money on than any other object which calls for the expenditure of public funds. It is in the highest degree short-sighted and impolitic to run the teaching staff on the cheap. Their work is the hardest, most responsible, most troublesome and worst paid that any body of servants have to perform. Good teachers cannot be looked for at starvation wages, and unless it is made worth their while to teach they will go where their services are more fairly recompensed, — St) lo 2) THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Aprin 22, 1916. INSECT NOTES. FIGHTING THE SUGAR-CANE BORER WITH PARASITES AND POISONS. In the Louisiana Planter for December 18, 1915, an article appeared under the heading given above, in which methods were discussed for the control of the moth borer of the sugar-cane (Diatraca saccharalis). The article referred to was by Mr. I. E. Holloway, in charge of. Sugar-cane Investigations, Bureau of Entomology, U. 8. Department of Agriculture. The moth borer of sugar-cane has been known as a_ pest in Louisiana for many years. © Until recently the trash in cane fields was burned, but now it is coming to be recognized that the non-burning of trash may have some influence on the abundance of the egg parasite of the moth borer (Lrichogramma pretiosa), and planters are being advised to make trials on a limited scale of saving the trash and ploughing it under in the Spring. In the experiments carried out in the 1914-15 season, however, it was found, by careful counts made to determine the relative aburdance of the parasite in burned and unburned fields, that there was no difference, and that the results of the experiment were negative. This was believed to be due to the long period of dry weather which was experienced, the drought lasting from sixty to 120 days in different places. It is mentioned that Walcott* found that the amount of rainfall exercised a direct Anfluence on the abundance of moth borer in sugar-cane fields in Porto Rico; the greater the rainfall theless severe were the attacks of the moth borer, and the less the rainfall the greater the attacks of this insect. The question is raisedas to whether it may not be that dry weather is unfavourable to the parasite, Trichogramma pretiosa. As a result of an expedition to Cuba in search of other parasites of the moth borer, species of 'Tachinid _ flies, Tachinophyto, were collected and sent to the Experiment Station at Audubon Park. These flies are parasitic on the Diatraea larvae, and they have been found to breed in Louisiana. It now remains to be seen whether they are capable of enduring the winter in Louisiana, which is severe in comparison with the climatic conditions in Cuba. In addition to a discussion of parasites, the article refers to the use of stomach poisons on cane plants as a means of control of the moth borer. It is well known that the Diatraea female deposits eggs in clusters on the leaves of tue cane plant, and that when the caterpillars issue from the egys. they feed at first on the leaf tissue before boring into the heart of the plant It is stated that very good results have been obtained by dusting arsenate of lead on the cane plants froma cloth bag in the same way as cotton is dusted for the control of the cotton worm. Two applications of arsenate of lead were made on young cane plants which gave very good results in the decreased numbers of the dead hearts. The lines of work discussed are summarized under three heads; (1) non-burning of cane trash, (2) the introduction of new parasites from Cuba, and (3) the application of powdered arsenate of lead to kill newly hatched larvae and prevent the occurrence of dead hearts. #Geo. N. Walcott. The Influence of Rainfall and the non- burning of trash on the abundance of Diatraea saccharalis. Circular No.7, Board of Commissioners of Agriculture, Porto Rico. SLUGS. Recently there have been rather frequent references in the different islands of the Lesser Antilles to the abundance and destructiveness of the Slug or Palut (Veronicella occidentalis). A statement now comes from a planter in Antigua that this slug has disappeared from a certain locality in that island; he also says that the craupaud eats the slugs. The slug, or palut, as it is generally called, is an air-breathing molluse without a shell, the body being covered by a coriaceous mantle. The length of this slug often reaches and sometimes exceeds 1} inches. The palut is widely distributed in the West Indies and has at times caused damage toa variety of plants. It is recorded from Antigua, Montserrat, Dominica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and Barbados. . Very little seems to be known about the habits and food plants of this slug. The following notes are presented in order that planters and agricultural officers may know what is recorded, and be encouraged to add to the known facts by submitting their observations. In Montserrat ‘the slug appeared in great numbers at the Botanic Station in 1914, where they destroyed germinating ground nuts which were planted in a plot from which sweet potatoes had been harvested a short time before. Hand collecting was tried on this plot, which was 1-acre in area, with the result that the following numbers were collected on five consecutive days, May 26-30, 1914: 2,800 2,000, 1,000, 1,654, and 1,360. This gives a total of 8,814 slugs collected in five days on }-acre. It has been troublesome in the mountain lands, where it attacks the potatoes and other crops in the peasants’ provision grounds. In St. Lucia, a few years ago the garden plots at the Experiment Station at Union were badly infested by slugs, cassava, cabbage, beans and other garden produce being almost completely destroyed. If the slugs had been collected here, probably the numbers would have been fully as large as in the Montserrat results given above. In Montserrat, during the dry season a few years ago, forty-eight slugs were found at the base of a lime tree, twenty- five being closely packed together in one mass. In St. Vincent, ground nuts have recently (1915) been severely attacked by this slug, especially in the fields bordered by wild land. The slugs appear to come into the cultivations from the bush or pasture, and they destroy the ground nuts in strips of varying width along the borders of the fieids. Sweet potatoes appear to be most attacked when the slips are first planted out. Ferns and other plants in the ferneries and plant houses are sometimes severely attacked. No records of satisfactory remedies seem to be available; Hand collecting has been tried as noted above. This is done by the use of a skewer or long, pointed iron rod, the slug being impaled; and when a certain number have been collected on the rod, they are slipped off into a suitable receptable Their habit of feeding does not appear to have been carefully observed. If they feed on the foliage of plants, they might be killed by means of the ordinary poisons sprayed or dusted on. After a crop is harvested the ground might be thorough- ly cleared of weeds and all plant growth, and the slugs trapped by providing suitable hiding places such as old bags and boards on the surface of the ground or heaps of trash which would afford protection from light and heat. The examination of these traps from day to day would result in the capture of large numbers of the slugs. Vota eXvVe, Nos365; THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 139 Experiments should be carried ont in the use of poison baits of various sorts. Tf these slugs can develop to a point when they occur at the rate of more than 35,000 per acre, they may easily become very seriously destructive, and it is worth while for everyone concerned to acquire as much knowledge of the pest and its habits as possible. H.A b. COMPOSITION OF DOMINICA MILK. The following report by Mr. G. A. Jones, Assistant Curator and Chemist, Dominica, on the composition of the milk sold in the principal town, Roseau is of interest. During the week ending March 4, twelve samples of milk were analysed in the local laboratory; the samples were obtained under the direction of the Chairman of the Roseau Town Board, and represented a portion of the milk sold by twelve different licensed milk sellers in the town The results of the analysis are given in the table which follows:— | ie { No. of | Total Solids et Specific sample. | solids. Bet rob fat. | dua gravity. 1 IVF} 2°5 9:23) | 882i 10334 2 Hiss 6°5 8:51 84:99 10257 3 12°26 4] 816 S774 10282 t 12°30 4-0 8°30 87:70 1-0281 5 13°64 47 8 94 86°36 1:0306 6 1198 3°5 8:48 8802 | 1:0288 7 12°72 4:0 | 872 87:28 | 1-:0301 8 12°75 4:0 8:75 87°25 1:0306 a Wali CEU 9°47 82 83 1:0295 10 14:17 5:7 S47 85 83 1:0287 11 13°51 4-4 | 8:91 86°69 | 1:0304 12 11:90 | 44 | 8-00 8810 | 10269 Meanof 12 samples 13°24 | 46 | 8°66 88°75 1:0292 The legal standard for milk in ]. The United Kingdom is 3 per cent. fat, 8°5 per cent. solids not fat. 2. The United States of America is 3°25 per cent. fat, 85 per cent. solids not fat. 3. Jamaica is 3°5 per cent. fat, 8°25 per cent. solids not fat. A comparison of the results of the analysis of the Roseau milk supply as represented by these samples with the above legal standards shows thata very good quality of milk is offered for sale. One sample only (No. 1) shows a de- ficiency in fat, even when compared with the high legal standard of Jamaica. By the same standard two samples (Nos. 3 and 12) show a deficiency in solids other than fat, and in the case of No 12, water has been added to the extent of 5 per cent. The mean results of the analysis of the twelve samples are well above the legal standards of the different countries enumerated above. The foregoing was published in the Dominica Official Gazette for March 13, 1916. It bears out similar observations made in other West Indian colonies,namely, that the milk in these islands contains a high percen- tage of fat. In considering, however, the individual fat determin:utions in the above table, it must be remembered that the extreme results are probably due to imperfect sampling For the detection of water adulteration, the solids not fat is the essential determination. A COMMONWEALTH INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY. A valuable report of a committee appointed in pursuance of a motion passed at a Conference convened by the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia, is published in Nature tor March 9, 1916. The Committee included representatives of commerce and manufacture as well as of science and the Departments of State. The proposals of the Committee, which are given briefly below, have, it is understood, the approval of the Federal Government. and it is probable that a Bill will be laid before the Federal Par]iament to give effect to these recommendations. The proposals are on lines somewhat similar to those of the British Government scheme for the organization and development of scientific and industrial research. It may be mentioned that agriculture was strongly represented on the Committee, three of the four ministers present being State ministers of agriculture. The principal recommendations are as follows. It is recommended that there should be established under Act of Parliament a Commonwealth Institute of Science and Industry (including agriculture). The principal functions of the Institute should be: to initiate scientific researches ; to collect industrial scientific information ; to establish national laboratories ; to establish industrial research fellowships ; to direct attection to possible new industries ; to keep in close touch with Government departments, professional societies and private enterprises concerned with scientific industrial research. in order to prevent undesirable overlapping of effort. The Committee emphasize strongly the undesirability of combining scientific research and the laboratory work of the testing departments. Any attempt to combine research and routine of this nature would tend to weaken both branches of activity. It is recommended that the Institute should be controlled by three salaried Directors appointed by the Governor-General in Council, and one should be an expert business and financial man, and two should be chosen mainly on account of scientific attainments and wide experience. It was further resolved by the Committee that all discoveries, inventions,’ improvements and processes should be vested in trustees as-its sole property, and should be made available, under proper conditions, and on_pay- ment of gratuities or otherwise for public advantage. The payment of bonuses to successful discoverers or inventors is recommended. The work of the Institute should include the co-ordination of work -in technical and agricultural colleges in Australia. The Committee suggests for the consideration of the Advisory Council, a certain set of problems which, among others, are pressing: for example, the sheep fly pest; improved methods of extracting zinc from Australian ores; the introduction of a mechanical cotton picker; the eradication of the prickly pear; the recovery of potash, manufacture of alkaloid, and condensation of sulphuric acid gas at present being wasted; the cultivation of useful indigenous grasses and salt bushes; the manufacture of chemicals, drugs and explosives. 140, GLEANINGS. It is stated in the Port-of-Spain-Gazette of March 29, that quite recently «a shipment of 1,251,001 gallons of Trinidad crude petroleum and 51,561 gallons of Trinidad oil fuel, was made to Perth Amboy. This shipment was made by the new Trinidad Lake Petroleum Company .at Brighton. It is stated in the Bulletin of the Department of Agri- culture of Trinidad and Tobago, Vol. XV, Part 1, 1916, that the Agricultural Credit Societies Ordinance, the draft of which has already been noticed in the Agricultural News, has been passed as Act No. 30 of 1915. Its operation will be followed with interest. Considerable enterprise is being shown by a producer of honey in Barbados who is advertising his produce by means of handbills. These contain some twenty-four recipes involving the use of honey in cooking, The great variety of dishes in which honey can be an ingredient is shown in these xecipes, and should tend to extend the use of this article of diet in many households An interesting paper on a method of correcting for soil irregularities in the testing of varieties in field plots appears in the Journal of Agricultural Research, Vol. V, No. 2. The method is based upon what is known as the contingency method of Karl Pearson. This consists in obtaining the probable yield of each plot by subtracting the ‘calculated’ yield from the observed yield. According to a note in the Znternational Sugar Journal, sugar added to a photographic developer produces a restrain- ing effect similar to that of the commonly used potassium bromide. or example, the time of development of a normal inetol-hydroquinone developer of 100 c.c. was increased from five seconds to five minutes by the addition of 60 grammes of sugar, without fogging the clear parts of the plate or injuring the quality of the black deposit. — In the past, the chief British scources of logwood supply have been Jamaica and British Honduras, According to the London Chamber of Commerce Journal for March 1916, a trial shipment was made in 1912 from Mauritius, and though at that time the prices offered were not high enough to encourage the export, there is every possibility that the higher value at present ruling will induce Mauritius to send supplies to the United Kingdom. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Aprit 22, 1916, According to the Gardeners’ Chronicle for March 4, 1916,. the Council of the Royal Society have recommended Mr. Maiden, Director and Government Botanist, Botanic Gardens, Sydney, and Professor Pearson, Honorary Director of the recently established Botanic Gardens of the Union of South Africa, for election into the Royal Society. The journal referred to expresses satisfaction at the Royal Society showing its appreciation of Imperial scientific effort. According to the Trinidad Wirvor for April 1, limes. have been included in Trinidad under the category of licens- able produce. This was the result of the Attorney General’s opinion that the lime industry in Trinidad is likely to develop into large proportions, A clause has been inserted which exempts small dealers in limes which are to be used for domestic purposes, somewhat on the same lines as green - coco-nuts are exempted in the coconut industry in Trinidad. A leaflet has been issued by the St. Lucia Agricultural Department on bay oil and bay rum as an industry capable of development in that Colony. ‘The leaflet contains useful suggestions. In connexion with this subject, it may be inter- esting to point out that the value of bay tree products exported during 1914-15 have been, in the islands mentioned, as follows. Dominica £461, Montserrat £160, St. Lucia £74. ? rr Germinating Coco-nuts. There is an interesting and exceptionally well illustrated article on germinating coco-nuts in a recent issue of the Jowrnal of Heredity which brings out the remarkable adaptations the coco-nut possesses for grow- ing in a dry soil and climate. One illustration shows three stages in the process of germination, indicated by the different sizes and shapes of the cotyledon or ‘nursing foot’ that grows into the central cavity. It is stated that the formation of a soft, watery, superficial layer on the endosperm after germination — begins, indicates the presence of an active fat-splitting principle in the milk, which partly digests the meat and transforms it into such a condition that it can be readily absorbed by the growing cotyledon. The writer adheres to the theory that the coco-nut is not naturally dispersed by the sea. The coco-nut probably originated in Central America, and has found its way to littoral or island shores through the agency of man. Do Manchester and Colonial Sugar. According to a note and comment in the Inter- national Sugar Journal for March 1916,the Manchester School of Free Trade has been the backbone of the resistance to all projects. for enabling the British Colonies to supply the Mother Country with a larger share of her needs in sugar. It is stated that even at the present time the Directors of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce have recommended that there should be no departure after the war from the old precepts of free trade, and that no restrictions should be placed on imports of enemy goods. At a meeting of the Chamber, however, this recommendation of the Directors was defeated by a large majority of members, and it would appear that in spite of the views of the Board of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, public opinion in that city is now sufficiently strong to ensure a radical change of policy after the war. 154 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. May 6, 1916, —- a a, INSECT NOTES. INSECTS ATTACKING ONIONS. The successful development of an onion industry has been frequently referred to in the Department’s publications from time to time during the past two years, and in July 1915, a pamphlet, No. 78 of the Pamphlet series, on the cultivation of onions, was issued. In the Ag icultural News (Vol. XIII, No. 314, p. 157) for May 9, 1914, a short article appeared on the control of the onion thrips in the United States. ' This article was a summary of a portion of a paper which was published in the Year-book of the United States Department of Agriculture, 1912, entitled Insects Injurious to the Onion Crop, by F. H. Chittenden, D.Sc. The notes on the onion thrips and its control given below are reproduced from the issue of the Agricultural Mews, as noted above. Dr. Chittenden’s article is drawn upon for further statements regarding the onion and certain of its pests in the United States, and with this is given information with regard to pests in the West Indies. The onion crop is a valuable one in many places, and the experience of planters in the West Indies during the past few years goes to show that in these islands, onions when properly grown, cured, packed and shipped form a secondary crop which is capable of yielding substantial profits. Fortunately this crop is attacked only by a few different kinds of insect pests, of which the onion thrips is the most serious in the United States, and perhaps also in the West Indies; although in Antigua the grubs of the brown hard back have been known to cause very serious losses. It isstated that in one district in Indiana a few years ago the losses in one year resulting from the depredations of the onion thrips over an area of 1,500 acres, amounted to $54,000—an average toll of $36 per acre. In spite of this loss the profits were sufticiently satisfactory, so that in that district the area planted in onions in the following year was doubled, when it is satisfactory to note, the thrips were not so numerous. a Adult, ¢ and d immature thrips. (U. 8. Dept. of Agriculture.) An interesting instance of the destructiveness of the onion thrips in the West Indies has just come to the notice of this Department. A planter in Antigua had 10 acres of onions which grew most luxuriantly and gave promise of an unusually heavy yield. The season had been one of abundant rainfall, and as a result, onions in common with other crops grew unusually well. These onions were attacked by thrips, and in about three weeks from the time when the attack was first noticed, the crop was ruined. Instead of the estimated 1,400 crates, the 10 acres gave a return of less than 300 erates. Fic. 8. Onion Thrips. Enlarged. Tur Onion Turips (Thrips tabaci, Linn.) ‘Of the insect enemies of the onion, the onion thrips (Thrips tabact) isthe most important. It causes injury to the onion crop practically throughout the country, producing a condition somewhat generally known as ‘white blast’, ‘white blight’, and ‘silver top’. It is also the cause of ‘scullions’ or ‘thick neck’—terms used for the undeveloped and unmarketable bulbs. This thrips is now found in practically all cultivated fields in the United States, as well as in many uncultivated areas, so that there is always danger of infesta- tion to onions and other susceptible crops, whether grown in new or in old Jand. Observations tend to demonstrate that in some localities, at least, it makes little difference as to the previous crop. ‘The life cycle has been found to require, under the most favourable conditions, about three weeks. Thus a dozen or more generations might be produced during a season. ‘Besides onions and related plants, this thrips attacks cabbage, cauliflower, parsley, cucumber, melon, pumpkin, squash, kale, turnip, tomato, seed beets, blackberry and strawberry. Of ornamental plants, it does much injury to carnations and roses, and more or less injury to aster, blanket flower (Gaillardia), honeysuckle (Lonicera), daisies, nasturtium, narcissus, mignonette, candytuft (Iberis), four o'clock (Mirabilis), and cone flower or golden glow (Rudbeckia), Very serious injury is frequently committed to cucumbers and carnations in greenhouses, the damage sometimes amount- ing to the destruction of entire plantings. ‘Kerosene emulsion, whale-oil or fish-oil soaps, and tobacco or nicotin extracts are recommended for use, their application beiog commenced early in the season. The importance of clean methods of field management, including the destruction by burning of culls, tops, and injured plants after the crop is gathered, is emphasized. Investigations in Texas and Indiana have shown the following formulas to give the most successful results: (1) Nicotin sulphate 3-2 oz., cresol soap 3 pints, and water 50 gallons; (2) nicotin sulphate 4°3 oz., whale-oil soap 41., and water 50 gallons. When spraying is once begun it should be continued at intervals of from seven to ten days, in case there is no heavy rainfall during this period, and no surrounding breeding host for the species. The spraying should, as a rule, be continued up. to three or four weeks of harvest time. In spraying for thrips, the nozzles should be held well down upon the plants and the spray applied with as much force as possible. ‘Where setts are used considerable injury may be pre- vented by dipping them about a week before planting in nicotin -sulphate at about the same strength as used for spraying, and then giving two dippings in the same _insecti- cide at planting time, or in almost any other of the solutions mentioned. including kerosene emulsion. Since this thrips displays preference toward cabbage and cauliflower, neither of these two crops should be grown contiguous to onions.’ The nicotin sulphate may be obtained in convenient form for use in the preparation known as Black Leaf 40, prepared and sold by the Kentucky Tobacco Products (Co., Lonisville, Kentucky, U.S.A. NATURAL CONTROL, It is well known that rain, especially when falling in heavy showers, destroys great numbers of this insect. There are also many insect enemies of the onion thrips known in the United States, one of which, the spotted lady-bird (Megilla Maculata), occurs in the West Indies. It is likely that further study of this pest will reveal the presence in these islands of other predaceous and parasitic insects which exert some measure of control on this pest. This article on insects attacking onions will be continued in the next number of this Journal. H.A.B, Vor. XV. No. 366. THE POISONING OF CRABS. The following note has been forwarded by the Agricul- tural Superintendent, St. Lucia, as being of general interest. The note has been prepared by Mr. R. W. Niles, Overseer and Agricultural Officer, as a result of his experience in poison- ing crabs at the Botanic Station, St. Lucia:— Crabs are often serious pests in gardens near the sea and also in swampy land, and one of the ways for destroying them is by boiling corn meal, and stirring in about a stick of phosphorus to 8 gallons of meal whilst it is very hot, in order to dissolve the phosphorus. This mixture is then put out about a dessert spoonful in each hole, and the hole plugged with earth or any other suitable material near at hand. Owing to the present war, corn meal has become a very expensive item, and the writer finds that breadfruit (which is very common in St. Lucia and many other West Indian islands) or green bananas, is quite a suitable substitute for corn meal, The breadfruit or bananas should be cut into pieces and boiled until soft; these should then be mashed to form a pulpy mass, and the phosphorus stirred in at the same rate and in the same manner as in the case of the corn meal, GREEN DRESSING TRIALS IN DOMINICA. It is stated in the Report on the Agricultural Depart- ment, Dominica, for 1914-15, that seeds of the following five species of green dressings were received from Dr. Cramer, Chief of the Selection Station, Buitenzorg, for trial at the Botanic Gardens:— Tephrosia Vogelii Hookeriana, var. amoena A candida Indigofera suffruticosa Clitoria cajanifolia bP} Tephrosia candida has been under trial in Dominica for several years, and a full account of its habit of growth, etc., appeared in the Annual Progress Report for 1911-12. It has been found an extremely useful plant for the purpose. A supply of seed may be obtained by planters on application at the proper season. Tephrosia Hookeriana, var. anwoena is identical with the plant which has been grown in Dominica for several years as Tephrosia purpurea. The former name is the correct one. (See Kew Bulletin, No 1, 1914, and Ayricultnral News, Vol. XIII, p 101.) A detailed account of this species appeared in the Report for 1911-12. Not growing so tall as Tephrosia candida, it nevertheless forms a good shade and is well worth the attention of planters. Tephrosia Vogelii is in habit and rate of growth very similar to Tephrosia candida. Sown in August, it stood the following April some 5 feet high and showed no signs of flowering. Indigofera suffruticosa is a plant having a similar habit to the common West Indian indigo (Indigofera Anil) About three months from sowing the foliage of this species was severely attacked by a green fly which caused many of the leaves to drop. This, however, did not seem to check the plants seriously. Indigofera suffruticosa, as a cover crop, as far as present experience goes, is in no way superior to Indigofera Anil, a plant which has been somwhat neglected asa cover crop. The ready way in which the latter establishes itself in Domi- nica, and the rough treatment which it can stand in the way of being cut down without losing its vigour should make it popular with planters, and every effort should be made to THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 155 encourage its growth, especially between young cultivation; it does not, however, thrive under the shade of lime and other trees. Chitorva cajanisfolia, Barth., is a species highly spoken of as a green dressing in Java, where it is regarded as one of the best cover crops grown. There it lasts for two or three years and forms a dense cover, protecting the soil from wash, especially on hillsides. The few seeds that were received in Dominica have germinated well, and the plants are now 12 to !8 inches high, and there is no indication of flowering at the time of writing. It will be iccessary to replant a larger area at the Station when seeds «+ «vailable, before sufficient seeds can be raised for trial by p.auters. There are several species of Clitoria common in the West Indies, and all assist in conserving nitrogen in the soil; but no attempt has been previously made in Dominica to form a plot of these, and to use them as a cover crop. PLANT INHERITANCE OF MALE CHARACTERS ONLY. The following extracts dealing with the interesting phenomenon of patrogenesis are taken from an article on the subject in the Journal of Heredity for March 1916:— A cross between Trzpsacum dactyloides, temale, and Euchlaena mexicana, male, has been carried through three generations without exhibiting any indication of the characters of the female parent The parental stocks were Zipsocum dactyloides and Buchlaena mexicana. Tripsacum is a perennial grass native in many parts of eastern United States, and is of no economic importance. Euchlaena is an annual grass native in Mexico and frequently grown in the United States for forage under the name of ‘teosinte’. These species not only belong .to different genera, but are placed in separate groups of the tribe Maydeae. The two genera, together with maize or Indian corn, are the only American representatives of the tribe. The plants differ profoundly in general appearance as well as in structural details. : In attempting to explain this complete absence of the characters of the female parent two alternatives may be considered: (1) The characters of the female parent have been completely masked by those of the male, or (2) the male nucleus devolops in the ovary to the complete exclusion of the female, representing in a way{the counterpart of partheno- genesis. In the three generations of the progeny of this hybrid at least 350 plants have been examined. This and the fact that a great variety of conditions has called forth great variation and induced many abnormalities without evoking any indication of Tripsacum characters have caused the first alternative to be dismissed. If the second alter- native be adopted, we are compelled to look upon the results of this cross as a special type of inheritance not previously recognized. Hybrids showing a predominance of the characters of the male parent have been described as patroclinous, but in this cross and its successive progenies no trace of the characters of the female parent has been detected. No true hybridization or conjugation between the two nuclei appears to have taken place For this form of false hybridization the name patrogenesis is proposed. The term patrogenesis will also serve to place the phenom- enon in proper contrast with parthenogenesis. This is rendered appropriate by the occurrence of what appears to be true parthenogenesis in Tripsacum when pollinated with maize. 156 GLEANINGS. The Reform of the Man of Science is the title of a sug- gestive article in Matwre for March 16, 1916. It advocates that there should be less exclusiveness in scientific circles, and that an attempt should be made to include in learned societies successful financiers and business men, particularly those of great administrative ability, even though they may not be deemed scientific in the academic sense. A note in the Barbados Advocate of April 20 calls attention to the scarcity of pigs in that island, the price of pork having gone up considerably. It is said that the establishment of sugar factories in districts where the windmill formerly pre- vailed has resulted in the production of less by-products such as are used as pig food. It takes not less than 200 pigs to keep up the weekly supply of pork dressed at the Barbados public abattoir. According to The Board of Trade Journal for February 3, 1916, contracts have been entered into between the Mexican Government Commisson for the Regulation of the Henequen Industry and the hemp producers of the States of Yucatan and Campeche on a profit-sharing basis. It appears therefore that the institution of the commission has, to all intents and purposes, transformed the hemp industry in Mexico into a Government monoply. An interesting note onthe fluctuations in prices of pig products appears in Z’he Board of Trade Journal for January 20, 1916. It is pointed out that in the United States hogs are maize fed, and that the biggest profits are got when the animals are fed on good maize. Consequently the price of good maize effects the price of maize fed hogs. So closely related are the prices of maize and hogs, that an approximate estimate of the latter can be made from the price of the former. Practically the whole of the black soil crop of sugar- cane in Barbados for 1917 has been planted with the seedling B 6450, and in the red soil district about half the young crop is composed of the same variety. B.6032 gives promise of very satistactory results, and a small area of this has been planted. It may be recognized by unusually stout shoots and broad leaves. This seedling is said to be hardier than B.6450, but judgment must be reserved until it has been generally tested (Barbados Agricultural Reporter, April 22, 1916.) THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, May 6, 1916. A useful and important general suggestion is contained ina booklet by John D. Rockfeller, Jnr., entitled The Colorado Industrial Plan. This seeks to solve the difficulties attendant on the harmonious working of capital and labour. It advocates the representation of employees on the Board of Diectors in any industrial concern, and shows that such a plan is at the present time successfully operating at the coal and iron mines of the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company. The booklet is well worth careful perusal by all those con- cerned with capital and labour. We have received a copy of the first number of Genetics, a new periodical devoted to recording American investigations in full detail, bearing on heredity and variation. Subscriptions amounting to 270 have been pledged in advance, which is a sign that this Journal is heartily welcome by those interested in genetics in the United States. The Journal is well illus- trated and edited. The papers are purely scientific and have no special reference to agriculture, excepting so far as all biological information has eventually its application in the production of crops and animals. The reaping of the sugar-cane cropin Barbados was going on apace during April. It is difficult to say what would have happened this year or how far the reaping season would have been prolonged without the help of factories, which bought outside cane. The yield per acre has been excellent everywhere, and the juice has reached a high standard of purity. The general return of first crop canes per acre is 30 tons; here and there, however, fields have been cut which have given as much as 44 tons. (Barbados Agricultural Reporter, April 22,1916.) In connexion with British trade after the War, the Board of Trace has issued a report of an advisory committee with respect to measures for securing the position, after the war, of certain branches of British industry. The report is of general interest, but it would have been satisfactory to see sugar in the list of branches of industry to which attention should be directed. In this connexion it may be noted that the West India Committee have published their correspondence with Colonial Governments on the possibilities of the sugar-cane industry extension, in pamphlet form. A copy of this pamphlet has been, sent by the Committee to the Prime Minister. Paper is being manufactured in Cuba from the megass of sugar-cane. The megass is carried from the sugar mill in cars to the paper mill where it is digested in live steam, beaten into pulp, treated with chloride of lime, and eventually made into the paste, which when run over wire screens dries as paper. The paper obtained from cane pulp is said to equal if not exceed in quality the paper manufactured from imported kraft stock, and it can be produced and marketed at a price considerably lower than that quoted for kraft paper. The output is sold in Cuba for local consumption. Further imformation on the subject will be found in the Journal of the Royal Society of Arts for December 31, 1915. Vout. XV.- No. 366. LAND SETTLEMENT FOR SAILORS AND SOLDIERS. Active steps are being taken by the Board of Agricul- ture in England to promote the settlement and employment on the land of sailors and soldiers whether disabled or otherwise, on discharge from the navy or army. It will be remembered that similar steps are being taken by the Royal Colonial Institute in regard to the land settlement of ex-soldiers in the Dominions and Crown Colonies. In this connexion we may refer to the visit of Major Boosé to the West Indies recently, and to Sir Rider Haggard’s tour in South Africa and Australia on similar mission. The recommendations made in the final report of the Committee appointed by the English Board of Agriculture are published in the Journal of the Board for February 1916. They are of great general interest, especially in the West Indies, where so much has been done in regard to the land settlement of the peasant. The Committee divides land settlement into two kinds: (a) settlement by the State, and (b) settlement by County Councils. Taking settlement by the State first, the Board, it is recommended, should be empowered to acquire land either by purchase (voluntarily if possible, but failing this, compulsorily), or by lease (voluntarily). Settlement on the ‘colony system’ is regarded as the only system possible for the State, owing to the impracticability of organizing isolated holdings. This ‘colony system’ idea corresponds with the settlements one finds in Grenada and*St. Vincent. The Committee considers that the ideal settlement would be a village community of at least 100 families all interested in the cultivation and development of land, but including amongst them those engaged in the trades subsidiary to agriculture. Great importance is attached by the Committee to the possibility which the ‘colony system’ offers for devel- oping the social side of country life. Itis generally recog- nized that one of the principal causes of ‘the depopulation of country districts is the social limitations thereof. The most suitable holding for men with little or no previous experience of agriculture is believed to be the fruit and market gardens. Such holdings can be made to produce a larger return per acre than those cultivated other- wise; further, a larger number of such holdings can be ereated on a given quantity of land; also an inexperienced man can be trained more easily to grow these crops; the planting of fruit trees could be undertaken by the State and the cost included in the rent; and lastly, such holdings facilitate the successful working of co-operative marketing. The question of ownership or tenancy is discussed in the report at considerable length, and the conclusion is reached that for the purpose in view, a system of tenancy is preferable to one of ownership. To reduce the initial cost of equipping small areas of land with houses and buildings it is thought that the Govern- ment might hand over to the Board, free of cost, the military hutments erected all over the country, the best of which could be adapted to form comfortable rural cottages and farm buildings. Amongst other equipments, the Board suggests a central depét and store for the produce grown; a central club room; and also, possibly, a private telephone system. Any necessary works of road making, water-supply, drainage and fencing would be carried out by the Board. It is suggested that provision should be made for expert guidance. Each colony should have a director at a salary of -£500 a year with house, and also a horticultural instructor who should be responsible under the director for the actual training of the small holders, and whose salary might be THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 157 £120 a year with house. The Colony could appeal to the agricultural research institutions for special information as might be required. As regards co-operation, the Committee realize that it can only result successfully from education and must have time for growth. However, a large degree of organization and co-operation is ensured by the appointment of a director, and by the establishment of a central depot. As regards the provision of working capital, the Committee reject the proposal that the State should make direct advances; instead, they consider that taxati»n should be reduced; that ex-service men with no capita! sould be started at a weekly wage; and that a co-operaiise credit bank should be established in connexion with each colony. As an experiment it is recommended that the State should set aside a small sum of money to be lent to the credit bank so set up; 5s. an acre issuggested as the amount. The residents should be invited to take up shares and deposit there savings with the society. Limited liability is suggested, with State guarantee of members’ deposits. In order to place the scheme on a sound economic basis, sufficient rent should be charged to meet the interest on the cost of the lands, equipment and repairs. The cost of the educational staff of the Colony would not be charged on the rent. After outlining their scheme, the Committee refer to the need for prompt action; and they recommend that immediate steps should be taken by the Board to acquire and equip land for three pioneer colonies (illustrating the different types of holdings) comprising 5,000 acres in all, and that additional land should be acquired for the settlement of further colonies. From estimates given by the Committee it appears that the cost of establishing the three pioneer colonies would not be more than £334,000. These colonies would accommodate more than 300 families. To provide for at least 4,000 or 5,000 families a sum of £2,000,000 should, it is reeommend- ed, be placed at the disposal of the Board. ‘ As regards the settlement by County Councils, that has already been in operation for some years. Ex-service men who wish to settle in the neighbourhood whence they came will probably not be prepared to go to the State colonies, and for those men the County Councils should make special provision and establish colonies similar to the State colonies outlined above. It is recommended that the Small Holdings Act should be amended so that the Board may become part- ners with the County Councils in the whole business of providing small holdings under the Act, and may pay half of any losses that may be incurred. Several other amendments of the Act are also suggested to facilitate settlement and make it more attractive. In his address to the Legislative Council of St. Vincent, the Administrator said the general situation of the Colony gives no real ground for pessimistic outlook in the future, Trouble has been experienced in the matter of selling arrowroot but that was regarded as merely a temporary affair. It had to be admitted, however, that the last few years had witnessed a falling off in the cotton industry, both as regards area and yield peracre. His Honour invited cotton growers to take full advantage of the assistance that was being offered by the Local Agricultural Department, as well as by the Imperial Department of Agriculture. There had been a steady increase in the exports of vegetable produce and live-stock to neighbouring Colonies, and there were indications of much progress and enterprise in Connexion with the cultivation of coco-nuts. The area planted already exceeds 1,000 acres and will probably reach 2,000 acres in the near future 158 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. May 6, 1916. FUNGUS NOTES. MYCORHIZAE. The significance of the association of fungus hyphae with the roots of plants, in the combinations known as mycorhizae, is of great interest, and is not without bearing on certain cultural and pathological problems arising in tropical agriculture. The position of the fungus in the mycorhizal associations allows of their separation into two usually well-marked classes, in one of which the hyphae are mainly external, clothing the rootlets in a weft more or less close, the few which penetrate the root being intercellular; while in the other the hyphae are mainly found inhabiting the cells of the cortex with but few connexions with the exterior. The terms ectotrophic and endotrophic are used to distinguish the two. Mycorhizae with the fungus external are very common on temperate forest trees, offen causing the suppression, partial or complete, of the root hairs. It has been generally supposed that the fungus played some part in the nutrition of its host, especially in soil rich in humus, an idea which the general presence of mycorhizae on many forest and heath plants seemed to support. So far as the matter can be tested by experiment, however, little or no evidence has been obtained of any advantage gained by the ‘higher’ plant. A recent writer* concludes, after an exhaustive investigation, that the ectotrophic mycorhizae of forest trees are not in any sense symbiotic associations, -but are instances of parasitism of fungi on the roots of the trees. The border line between symbiosis and parasitism is a vague one, and it must be noted that in this case the parasitism is at any rate so nearly approaching symbiosis that in normal circumstances the host cannot be regarded as being to any appreciable extent harmfully affected by it; the only question being as to whether under any circumstances an actual benefit is obtained. It: seems very probable that there exist on different plants gradations from actual harmful parasitism, through toleration, to some degree of symbiosis, so that each case must be considered on its merits. In dealing with the endotrophic mycorhizae we are on firmer ground, since it is known that in some cases at least the association is constant and essential to the higher plant. Bernard showed that in the case of some orchids the seeds refuse to germinate until they are infected with the fungus, and in others the development of the seedling ceases unless the fungus is present. But what part is played by the fungus in the combination remains obscure. Analogy with the bacterial nodules of leguminous plants has suggested that it is the collection of nitrogen, in exchange for carbohydrates, but there is little experimental basis for the assumption. In well developed cases there is an inward progression from normal hyphae to monstrous forms, with an absorption of the latter by the host, but the origin of the material thus made use of, i.e., whether it comes from the host or from without, is not known. | The scanty connexions of the hyphae with the exterior appear to be much more related to entry (often through the\root-hairs) than to communication with an external source of food. It has recently been shown that in Calluna (ling), the fungus which is present in the mycorhizae permeates the whole plant. W.N. *Dougall, W.B. American Journal Botany I, 51-74. LIVE STOCK NOTES. These notes have been compiled from published state- ments in the Departmental Reports from the different islands, and will be found interesting by all those concerned with the management of animals in the West Indies. Barpapos Donkeys. The large donkey sire, El Rey, which the Governor-in- Executive Committee presented to the Barbados Agricultural Society, has been stationed at Long Bay Castle during the year where a number of the large jennie donkeys imported from the United States are kept, and where a number of foals have been borne to him. The smaller donkey sire, Don Cavalero, which belongs to. a syndicate of planters, has been on service in various districts of the island. As the foals from this latter animal have got more numerous it is difficult to keep an account of them, but it may be stated that they are gradually increasing in number, and soon some of them will be adding to the number of his descendants. In the near future the improve- ment in the breed of these animals should be noticeable. Cows AND Goats. With regard to the twenty pure-bred Holstein cows and bulls, and the seven pure-bred Guernsey cows and bulls which were introduced in 1910 through the auspices of the Bar- bados Department, the same thing applies to these as applied; in the case of the donkeys, viz: that their progeny have become so numerous now that it is impossible to obtain an accurate account of their numbers, ete. As has been mentioned in previous reports, owing to the high infant mortailty amongst the infants of the peasants, five male goats presented to the Department by various gentlemen were stationed on service about the island for the purpose of improving the breed of the common goats in those districts. Live Stock Trape or Sr. VINCENT. St Vincent has an important live stock export trade with the neighbouring islands, especially with St Lucia. The following table shows the number, kind and value of stock exported during 1914-15, for which the Government issued veterinary certificates, also the colonies to which the animals. were exported:— a 2 = es an eat ie al apes & ae oe Semlael a2 | set jal re ie 25 emeel es | as ae Se Os a) So |S LR = — £ sae, ss) ©. s)| £5. Le se & fg. Sattle 420 0 1,197 0 | 350 |1,652 0 Horses 140 0 112 O110 O 96 0 298 0 Mules ; Asses 80.0 3 0 |276 0 359 0 Sheep 20 10 0 120 Goats 10 10 Pigs 6 0 60} Total 642 10 |12 0110 01,216 0 (347 0 |2,327 10 BERKSHIRE AND TamwortH Boars ry THE VirGin IsLanps, These boars were imported into Tortola in 1913 with a view to improving the local breed of hogs, and during the Vor. XV. No. 366. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 159 vyear under report their services were sought after in a manner which indicated that the peasantry appreciated the advantage offered. The boars were stationed in different parts of the Presidency, and were maintained in healthy condition throughout the year. It is known that over a hundred half breeds were raised in Tortola during 1914-15. PrymoutH Rock Fowt.s. Through the kind assistance of the Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture, a trio of Plymouth Rock fowls was purchased, and introduced at the Tortola Experiment Station during the year. The birds are fine specimens, and won the lst prize in the Agricultural and Industrial Exhibition at Barbados in December 1914. The hens have proved excellent layers, and a fair number of eggs for hatching were sold during the year, but some difficulty in raising the pure-bred chickens is being experienced. HorsEs AND Donkeys IN St. Kirrs anp ANGUILLA. The stallion imported from Jamaica into Anguilla by Mr. C. Rey, on which a bonus was paid by the Imperial Department of Agriculture, has done good service, and continues in good conditon. In St. Kitts a bonus of £30 was paid to Dr. L. Shannon for the use of his thoroughbred stallion “Tim Healy’ on moder- ate terms for the space of three years. This arrangement has proved a great success and should result in the breeding of some very fine young horses in the near future. The jack donkey imported by the local Government from Jamaica for improving the local breed of donkeys has been stationed at Mansion estate. This animal, although of first rate quality and well kept, has not been appreciated by the peasantry, even at the normal rate of the service fee. BarBupa Stock FARM. Barbuda is a small island managed by the Antigua Gov- ernment. In addition to cotton cultivation a stock farm is maintained on which are raised horses, cattle and mules. In this connexion pastures are kept clear of bush, water-supply by means of wells provided, and paddocks and enclosures maintained, while two thoroughbred stallions and two jack donkeys are kept for service. Apart from the stock owned by the Government, a large number of animals exist which are owned by the peasantry: these enjoy in return for the payment of a small annual license the use of the Government stallions, pastures, water- supply, and paddocks, In addition to cotton cultivation, areas are each year planted by the Government under maize, Guinea corn, and other fodders, mainly for use as fodder for the stock. SpraAyING FoR Ticks IN ANTIGUA, In Volume XIV of the West Indian Bulletin there appeared an article written by Mr. P.T. Saunders, M.R.C.VS., Veterinary Officer on the Staff of the Imperial Department of Agriculture, on Spraying for the Control of Ticks in Antigua, This article describes a spraying appliance for the control of these pests, the ordinary local method adopted for the control of ticks, and other information of interest. The machine mentioned in the preceding paragraph was erected at Tomlinsons estate in 1913, and has proved effica- cious. Information obtained from the Manager of this estate indicates that the spraying not only frees cattle from ticks, but when the cattle are regularly sprayed and pastured in isolated fields, the pastures are also cleared of these pests. Cattle newly introduced are sprayed every ten days; others every three weeks. The spraying solution used is Coopers? Cattle Dip. Asa direct consequence of the above, many estates in the island are subjecting their cattle to periodical sprays of the above solution. It is applied in various ways, in some cases being sprayed on the animals by means of a hand pump, and more recently a dipping tank has been erected on one estate. Particulars in connexion with this tank will be given In a subsequent report. LIVE STOCK OBSERVATIONS IN ST. VINCENT. The Government Veterinary Officer in St. Vincent, Mr. C P. Stoute, has recently made some observations on the value of dipping dogs for the eradication of fleas and mange. The dip used was the same strength as that used against ticks on cattle, namely 1 oz. of Coopers’ Dip to 1 gallon of water. Mr. Stoute states that he has succeeded in getting several of the principal stock owners interested in the ques- tion of spraying cattle, and experiments with a spraying machine are being conducted on the estates. Mr. Stoute has also been experimenting on the salting of pork. A pig weighing 118 tb. was killed and salted. This pig, locally bred barrow, razor back type, gave 874 tb. of pork. The mixture used for salting was 8 tb. of common salt, 3 tb. of white sugar, 2 oz. of saltpetre. The finished product sold readily in St. Vincent. Apparently the only difference between this and the imported article is the thickness of the fat and the difference in the colour. The fat was not as plenti- ful, and the lean was redder than in the case of the imported pork. Conservation of Soil Moisture in Sugar- cane Plantations.—The rainfall of Porto Rico is sufficient for the cultivation of sugar-cane, but its distribu- tion during the year is sometimes unfavourable. Methods for the conservation of soil moisture are therefore very useful. The two practicable methods for this purpose are frequent weeding, and mulching with cane trash. An experiment was carried out with three plots: one fallow, another mulched with a 6-inch layer of cane trash, and. the third hoed to a depth of 2 or 3 inches once a week to represent shallow cultivation. At the end of the period September 8, 1914 to June 1, 1915, the percentages of humidity in the first 12 inches of soil were as follows:— Plots. 1 Fallow 2 Trash mulch 3 Shallow cultivation Humidity. by oo bo oma ES ole) It is therefore evident that mulching is the most advantageous process, especially where the soil has not been hoed. It should be noted that the surplus in favour of mulching represents moisture which is all available to the plants. (JJonthly Bulletin of Agricultural Intelligence and Plant Diseases for October 1915.) 160 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS May 6, 1916. London.—TuE New York.—Messrs. Trinidad.—Messrs. MARKET REPORTS. West INDIA COMMITTEE CIRCULAR March 23, 1916. Arrowroot—2bsd. to 45d. Batatra—Sheet, 3s. 1d.; block 2s. 7d. Beeswax—No quotations. Cacao—Trinidad, 89s. to 93s. 6d. ; Jamaica, 83s. CorrEe—Jamaica, 55s. Copra—£37 5s. Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota- tions; Wes Indian Sea Island, 13d. to 154d. Frouit—No quvtations. Fustic— No quotations. Gincer—Jamaica, 85/- to 100/-. Isryciass—No quotations. Honey—32s. to 43s. Lime Jurce—Raw, no quotations.; concentrated, no quota- tions; Otto of limes (hand-pressed), no quotations. Locwoop—No quotations. Macre—11d. to 2s. 6a. Nurmecs—83d. to 1s. Pimento—No quotations. Rusper—Paza, fine hard, 3/2; fine soft, 2/114; Castilloa, quotations. Rum—Jamaica, no quotations, Grenada, 8ls. to 87s.; HILLESPIE Bros. & Co., April 14, 1916. Cacao—Caracas, 15c. to 16c.; Grenada, 15$c. to 1dze.; Trinidad, 153c. to 16c.; Jamaica, 14}c. to 15c. Coco-nuts—Jamaica and ‘Trinidad selects, $43°0( $45-00; culls, $28°00 to $30°00. CorrEE—Jamaica, 9c. to 12c. per th.’ Gincer—ldc. to 18e. per tb. Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 55c.; Antigua and Barbados, 53c. to 5dc.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 52c. to 54c. per tb. Grare Frvuit—Jamaica, $1°35 to $2-00, Limes—$5°00 to $6°00. Macre—238c. to 50c. per tb. Nourmrcs—22c. to 28¢. OrancEs—Jamaica, $2°50 to $3:00, Pimento—djc. to 5$e. per th. Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 6°02c;. Muscovados, 89°, 5°37c.; Molasses. 89°, 5°25e , all duty paid. to Gorpon, Grant & Co., April 17, 1916, Oacao—Venezuelan, $16°25 to $16°50; Trinidad, $15-00 to $15°25. Coco-nur Orm—S$1'15 per Imperial gallon. Corrre— Venezuelan, Ile. to i2e. $7°00 per 100 th, Dxat— $675 to S700. Onrons—$400 per 100 I. Peas, Sprit—$9-00 to $10-00 per bag. Porarors—English $2°75 to $3°00 per 100 tr. Rice—Yellow, $7°00 to $7°50; White, $7°50 to per bag. Suear—American crushed, no quotations $8-00 Barbados.—Messrs. James A. Lyncu & Co., Ltd., April 19, 1916; 'T.S. Garraway & Co., April 18, 1916. Arrowroot—$5'00 per 100 fb. Cacao—$17°00 to $18°00 per 100 fb. Coco-nuts—$18°00 husked nuts. Hay—$1°90 per 100 fh. Manures—Nitrate of soda, quotations; Sulphate of per ton. Morasses—No quotat $85-00; ammonia, ions. Ontons—S$7°00 to 37°50. Peas, Sprrt—$9°50 to $10°00 per 210 th.; Canada, $6-00 per 120 tb. Cacao manure, no $100°00 to $105 Porators—Nova Scotia, $4°50 to $4°75 per 160 th. Rice—Ballam,$7°30 to 7°60 per 190 tb.; Patna, no quota- tions; Rangoon, no quotations. SuGar Muscovado centrifugals, $4°40 to $4°60. British Guiana.—Messrs. Wretrsc & Ricurer, March 31, 1916; Messrs. SANDBACH, Jannary 7, 1916. PARKER & Co. aed sees | Messrs! Sanp- nl Ss. ARTICLES. aye eae BACH, F PARKER. | & Co. Arrowroot—St. Vincent — $14°50 Barata— Venezuela block — free’ Demerara sheet — — Cacao—Native 18c. per th. 20c. per tb. CassavAa— = Cassava STaRcH— $9-00 — Coco-nuts— $18 per M. $18 per M. CorrrE—Creole 12c. to 13e. 1de. per tb. Jamaica and Rio|14c. to 15c. per th. 14c. Liberian 8c. to Ske. 9c. per th. DHaLt— $6°75 to $7°00 $7-25 Green Dhal —-— Eppors— $1°32 pas Mo asses— Yellow None ss Onrons—Teneritte = Madeira 9e. to 14e. 12c. Pras—Split $12°00 to $12°50 $12-00 er bag. (210 th. Marseilles — : e ( ? PLANTAINS— 24c. to 72e. Poratores—Nova Scotia $4°50 to $5:00 | $3:25 to $3°50 Lisbon Porators--Sweet, B’bados $1°80 —— Rice—Ballam $6-00 to $6°50 — Creole — $5°50 TANNIAS— $2°88 se Yams— White —— —— Buck $3°12 Suear—Dark crystals $3°75 to $4°15 $3°75 Yellow $425 to $4°35 $425 White —— — Molasses $3°10 — TimBER—GREENHEART 32c. to ddc. per | 32c. to 55c. per cub. foot cub. foot Wallaba shingles) $4-00 to $6°25 $4°00 to $6:00 per M. per M. - Cordwood| $1°80 to $2°00 iad 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, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII and XIV:—Price 2s. each: Post free 2s. 8d., where complete. (III, 2. IV, 3; and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.) Volume XV, Nos. 1 and 2. No. 2. Contaiming papers on: Review of Ten Years’ Work of the Antigua Sugar Factory (Gunthorpes), by Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G.; The Soils of Antigua, by Dr. H. A. Tempany, D.Se.; A Method of Sponge Cultivation and its Prospects in the Lesser Antilles: With Notes on Other Possible Shallow-water Fisheries, by W. R. Dunlop; A Parasite of the Flying Fish, by |’. W. T. Calman, British Museum (Natural History); and Report on the Prevalence of some Pests and 1). .s0s in the West . Indies during 1914. 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 Inpustry. 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, (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. ; Price 4d. in 1903-5, No. 40; im 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, (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. in 1910-11; in 1911-12; in 1912-13, in 1913-14, price 1s. each. (80) Hints to Settlers in St. Lucia. Price 6d. (81) Agricultural Resources of St. Lucia. Price 3d. (82) Indoor Gardening for Schools. Price 6d. The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of 3d. for the pamphlets marked 2d.; 1d. for those marked 4d. and for Nos 73 and 75; lid. 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. 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. All applications for coptes 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 Inpra Commitrer, 15, Seething Lane. Barbados: ApvocatE Co. Lrp., Broad Street, Bridgetown. Jamaica: THE Epucationan Suppty Company, 16, King Street, Kingston. British Guiana: Tue Arcosy Co., Lrp., Georgetown. Trinidad: Messrs. Murr-Marsuau & Co., Port-of-Spain. St. Kitts: Tok Bree And Book Suppty AGENCY, BASsETERRE Tobago: Mr. C, L. PLaGEMANN, Scarborough. Nevis: Messrs. Howe, Bros., Charlestown, Canada: Lewis W. Cremens, 71 King Street, West, Toronto, Grenada: Messrs. THos. LAwtor & Co., St. George. St. Vincent: Mr. J. D. Bonaprs, ‘Times’ Office. St. Lucia: Mr. R. W. Nives, Botanic Station. Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. Brincewarer, Roseau. Montserrat: Mr. W. Rosson, Botanic Station. Antigua: Mr. 8. D. Matone, St. John’s. Vou. XV. No. 366. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. ; May 6, 1916. Is Dissolved (Soluble) Guano FOR SUGAR-CANE AND GENERAL USE: TRADE MARK. APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIRECT T0:— Te THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL GUANO WORKS, (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) London Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C. ' Barbados Agents: James A. Lynch & Co., Ltd., Bridgetown. VUST ISSUE Dae | SELECTED WEST INDIAN BULLETIN, SRA ISLAND COTTON SEED. Vol. XV, No. 3. We make a speciality of selecting Sea Island Cotton CG é =k Heston r Seoliid J t F Seed for planting purposes, and solicit orders from the ontaining the following papers: Two Scoliid Parasites of | neishbouring Islands. Scarabaeid Larvae in Barbados, by W. Nowell, D.1.C.; On Suvi =a Legislating Against Plant Diseases, by Francis Watts, C.M.G., | : ‘ : D.Sce., F.1-C.; Notes on Trichogramma Minutum, by 8. C.| Quotations on application. Harland, B.Sc.¥ Bay Oil and the Cultivation of the Bay| Tree as a Crop Plant, by H. A. Tempany, D.Sc., F.1.C., and) THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE I My pany W. Robson; The Rise of Dominica, by Francis Watts, C.M.G., | D.Sc., F.1.C.; The Hitchen Bacon Factory, by J. W. Welsh; | COTTON FACTORY, LIMITED, A Summary of the Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in | WHITE PARK, the West Indies, by W. R. Dunlop. BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENT, [SATCU SE EEE a ana Printed at Office of Agricultura? Reporter, 4 High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados ) ‘ M02 GWG We 7 "4/ roy Y Sia * ly |p Coe a] Vol. XV. No. 367.] SATURDAY, MAY 20, 1916. i a [One penny. RR 8 ip S. f a MAIL, PASSENGER & CARGO SERVICES FROM TEE WEST INDIES j | ‘THE UNITED KINGDOM | Azores. PORTS OF CALL [ St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Dominica, , Montserrat, Antigua, St. Kitts, |Bermuda, Halifax, N. S., & St. John (N.B.) |DEMERARA & PARAMARIBO | Grenada & Trinidad. _ | { Trinidad, Puerto Colombia, PANAMA CANAL & PACIFIC PORTS | - Cartagena, Colon, Panama, | | (Callao, Iquique, Antofagasta & Valparaiso. TREGULAR MATL, PASSENGER AND CARGO SERVICES FROM : THE UNITED KINGDOM TO 'CANADA I 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, Demerara, Colon, Jamaica, Antilla, New York, Halifax N.S., Buenos Aires, Santos, Seo Paulo Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, etc. | « THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. ”* THE INEFFICIENCY of | CARBOLIC FLUIDS as Tick DESTROYERS oo CATTLE TICK FEMALE As Carbolic or Coal Tar Fluid Preparations are largely used in the West Indies and Central America for treating tick-infested cattle, it is desirable that it should be known that such preparations possess only a very low degree of tick-killing power. When Professor Newstead paid a special visit to Jamaica to investigate the Tick Problem, the efficiency of a number of the more popular of these Carbolic Fluids was carefully tested, with the result that the number of ticks killed was never more than 65” and in some cases as low as 5S The following reference to the Jamaica tests referred to above is taken from a Paper by the Hon. H. H. Cousins, M.A., F.C.S., Director of Agriculture in Jamaica, entitled “ Practical Measures for the Prevention of Ticks in Jamaica ”:— ** Professor Newstead, and the Jamaica Department of Agri- “culture, carefully tested the efficacy of all the dip washes offered “for sale in Jamaica, and it was found that the bulk of these “remedies were Carbolic or Coal-Tar Emulsions. “ We found, however, that these preparations had not a high “standard of ‘ Wetting Power,’ and tended to ‘bead off’ the “ticks on the skin of the animal, much as plain water beads off “a duck’s back. “ Again, we found that none of these preparations would “kill ticks unless used at a strength that was very liable “to strip the skin of the cows under treatment, and in “no case did we obtain a high efficiency of tick “destruction.” These statements have been confirmed by many investigators in different Countries, as will be seen, for example, from the following extract from United States Department of Agriculture Bulletin 144, in which are given full particulars of a large number of tests, the result of which was to show that arsenical preparations alone are really efficient and satisfactory tick-destroyers : “ Ever since the fact that the tick is the agent of transmission “ of Texas Fever was established, investigations have been carried *‘on for the purpose of discovering some substance which, when “applied externally to the bodies of tick-infested cattle, would free “them from ticks without injury to the animals themselves. Several “remedies which give good results in the case of such external “ parasites as mange mites and lice are of little or no use in the case “of ticks. For example, Lime & Sulphur, tobacco, and carbolic “or coal-tar dips have been found to have no practical “value in the destruction of ticks.” The same conclusion was arrived at as the result of similar tests carried out at the Central Agricultural Station in Cuba. The following is a quotation from Bulletin 8, entitled “ Texas Fever and The Cattle, Tick :"— “Cattle Ticks upon animals are very difficult to destroy, but ‘we have been making a careful search for some cheap and * efficient remedy for them. ' COOPER’S CATTLE TICK DIP Has received the official approval of the following Countries: Union of South Africa, Northern Rhodesia, Brazil, Basutoland, Nyasaland, Southern Rhodesia, Madagascar, British East Africa, German East Africa, Portuguese East Africa, Portuguese West Africa, Egypt, Argentine Republic, Queensland, United States of America, New South Wales, Northern Territory of Australia. Swaziland, adult female tick has been known to lay 5,000 eggs. “Creoline and other carbolic and coal-tar products “ Were tried, mixed with water, and also with alcohol, in 2, 3, 4, “and 5 per cent. solutions. “The stronger applications will kill some ticks, but “not enough to warrant their use, as the skin of the “ . exp vedas ” animals is irritated by them. The continued use in the West Indies of ineffective Carbolic Prepar- ations for the destruction of ticks is no doubt due to the fact that most Owners of Catile look upon ticks as a pest that will always exist whatever is done, and regard the struggle against them as a hopeless, never-ending one. They are consequently more or less satisfied solong as the number of ticks on their cattle is kept within reasonable bounds, and are reconciled to the belief that, so long’as*they have cattle, so long will they have to keep on treating them at intervals for ticks. They do not realize that it is perfectly possible to eradicate ticks completely from a property within a period of two or three years. To get rid of ticks completely, once for all, it is only necessary to treat the cattle regularly with some properly prepared arsenical prepar- ation, for it is now generally recognised that arsenical fluids alone can be relied on to killevery tick with which they come into contact. To employ a Carbolic preparation which will not kill more than 60% of the Ticks is merely trifling with the Tick Problem, for the multiplication of ticks takes place with amazing rapidity. One single ‘ Bat if we take 2,500 as the average number, and assuming that all these 2,500 eggs matured, and that one half were females, the following figures show the number of ticks that might be produced in one year by a single tick:— Ist Generation ... noe a soe 300 2nd Generation ..- oa oo Be 3rd Generation «+ eo 3,906,2 4th Generation ... .- 4,882,812,500,000 5th Generation ... 6,103,515,625,000,000 Total progeny from 1 tickin 1 year ... 6,108,402,346,877,500 EE ee ane These figures shew the importance of using Preparations which will kill every single tick. Even the most effective Carbolic Preparations never kill more than 65° df the ticks, and the use of such inefficient fluids can only result, at the most, in keeping the ticks in check ; whereas if an arsenical prepar- ation, such as Cooper's Cattle Tick Dip, be regularly and carefully used, complete eradication is possible within a few years. —<—$<—$—<$—$————————————————— WEST INDIAN AGENTS: ST.KITTS: S. L. Horsford & Co. ANTIGUA: Bennett, Bryson & Co. JAMAICA: D. Henderson & Co., Kingston, GRENADA: Thomson, Hankey & Co. BARBADOS: Barbados Co-operative Cotton Co., Ltd. BAHAMAS: W.N. Twynam, Nassau. 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 V. La Beet, St. Thomas. MONTSERRAT: W.- Llewellyn Wall. DOMINICA: Hon, H. A. Frampton, STs LUCIA: Barnard Sons & Co., Castries. Manufacturers : WILLIAM COOPER & NEPHEWS, Berkhamsted, England. BRANCHES: Toronto, Chicago, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Buenos Aires, Monte Video, Punta Arenas, East London, Odessa. We Wy Vas A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW OF THE IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. Vou. XV. No. 367. BARBADOS, MAY 20, 1916, Paice CONTENTS. of sugar, and recent enquiry in Barbados, where there is an active local market far sugar, showed that the price for 89° muscovado sugar could only be arrived Pian Pace, by approximate caleulation. The price of sugar, Meee rawMcotton Grower’ (items of Meeliinrorest 2. 164 the matter of vital concern, now means: instinctively Association im . 135) Market Reports Pee iG the price of refiners grey crystals of 96° polariscopic Book Shelf ... . ... « 176|/Montserrat, Close Season test British Guiana Industrial | Ordinanceani.. ..- 168 re School we eee eee =6eee 169)/Notes and Comments 168 PORAtOS Bee ; : : : Corn Meal, Degerminated 171 py by This implies a far-reaching change and, while ~ e Praaael mA ant Diseases: : nie : ; ¢ 5 Cotton omnes Pine-apple Wilt 174 facts are fresh in men’s minds, 1t may be well to make Third: Day’s Proceedings 166 . Fines Cie ated = Pork and Bacon Investiga- a retrospect so as to see what changes have taken a, : > 4ax=|_ tions Sen. dog Og 169 | inoechaps fe . 6. at : z Nevis, Encouragement of 165/5 ess and Changes 16] Place, and perhaps to look forward in anticipation of Cotton in Brazil . 169 S : Eh Sees fc : ale : : o events. Ensilage Tanks . 169Sea Island Cotton commg eve its Gleanings acs 72, Market Ronen LOW, Insect Notes:—_ : _| Virgin Islands, Agricultural Tt had long been recognized that the muscovado Insects Attacking Onions 170) Activities in ... 175 c 5 U The Corn Ear Worm, and ‘West Indian Bulletin’, The Paris Green Starch Vol. XSVWENOSo. o-. |<... 168 Mixture ere 171 West Indian Products 175 Progress and Changes. Plat eae aes Q q ies HEN the West Indian Royal Commission 7 ps ae ane | 42 visited these 1897, the NMI industry of many of the islands involved the In British Guiana it colonies in sugar production of muscovado sugar. is true that this form of industry had passed away and that if was passing in Trinidad, while in St. Lucia a relatively large proportion of the sugar turned out was made in vacuum pans. but in Barbados, Antigua, St. Kitts, Nevis, and Montserrat, sugar meant musco- vado sugar, and when men spoke, as they did hourly, of the price of sugar, they implied, without qualifica- tion, the price of muscovado sugar, of 89° polariscopic test. To-day there is no market quotation for this class system of sugar manufacture was wasteful, and that the commodity produced possessed many disadvantages affecting the various operations through which it had to pass in storing, shipping and refining. It came to be recognized, too, that the profitable carrying on of the industry depended to a very great extent upon the ready sale at a remunerative price of the molasses The demand for sugar was increasing but that for molasses produced as an integral part of the process, was not keeping pace, so that while certain special, though limited, markets for it existed, there was little certainty as to the future of the demand. West Indian sugar producers had long recognized these facts, and had scen that to ensure the stability of their industry they must give consideration to questions of improved methods of manutacture, implying the production — of but it at became evicent that these changes implied the intro- vacuuM-pan sugars: once duction of specialized and costly machinery, the expense of which could not be borne by small plantations, 162 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. May 20, 1916. and this inevitably led to the consideration of the possibility of grouping estates so as to share the burden of the cost of the required machinery. So arose the long debated central factory problem. How long this problem had been debated may be judged in some measure from the fact that in 1871 the Government of Antigua organized a visit of planters to the neighbouring island of Gaudeloupe in order to investigate the possibilities 6f the central factory system as exemplified by the Usine D’Arbusier then in full operation there. Experience of central factory ‘debates leads one to draw the inference that a long period of discussion must have preceded definite action of this kind. In the thirty years between 1871 and 1901, central factory discussions were a leading feature of the economic and political debates of many of the islands, particularly of Barbados and Antigua. At the time of the visit of the Royal Commission above mentioned, there were eight factories in Barbados producing vacuum-pan sugar, one in Antigua, and one in St. Kitts. In Trinidad and St. Lucia the introduc- tion of vacuum pans had gone relatively further. These factories may be regarded as the pioneers of the central factory movement, though they fulfilled few of the functions of a central factory as understood to-day. At that time the colonies recognized the pressing need of improved machinery involving the creation of central factories, but felt that the credit of the industry pre- -eluded their raising the necessary capital to etfect the improvements they knew to be desirable. Matters remained pretty much in this condition until it was found possible to stimulate the interest of -capitalists by the offer of the Imperial Government, through the Government of Antigua, of financial assistance to encourage the erection of a pioneer factory in that Colony. This led to the creation of ‘The Antigua Sugar Factory Company, and the erection -of Gunthorpes factory, concerning which full particulars are available in these pages, and in the West Indian Bulletin.* It was the intention of the Government that through the working of this factory information should be made available of such a character as would serve to guide the promoters. of other similar efforts. This has been effected in a_ useful -degree, the value of the information thus rendered available being enhanced by the fact that in the work- * Ag icultural News, V, 49: X, 3: XT, 163: XTV, 388. West Indian Bulletin, V1, 60: IX, 79; XIV, 47. ing of this factory due regard has been had to the scientific study of the various stages of sugar manu- facture, unusual caré being taken to make the work of the chemical laboratory, which is an integral part of the factory, full and accurate: the true functions ot the chemist have been maintained as auditor in respect to the sugar passing through the factory, and as adviser of the management in respect to methods of working. The working of this factory undoubtedly gave a great stimulus to the central factory movement; a factory capable of making some 9,000 tons of sugar was erected in St. Kitts in 1912, and a considerable number of small factories were erected in Barbados. In Antigua and St. Kitts, the solution of the central factory problem has been along the line of large factories, not in themselves connected with any area growing canes, but obtaining their cane supply under contracts made with cane growers, that is to say, with estates, whereby the estates undertake to cultivate stated areas in sugar-canes and to send these canes to the factory, payment being made on a profit- sharing plan. : In Barbados, on the other hand, there has been some disinclination on the part of land owners to enter into agreements binding upon them for a number of years to furnish canes for factories and, as a conse- quence, the factory problem has been solved there along the lines of compayatively small factories on estates which themselves produce the supply of cane essential to the factory's working: as a natural outcome of this position there has up an extensive system of buying canes from surrounding cultivators under very short term agreements, where the inde- pendence of each party is preserved. The cultivator sells his canes to the factory or himself makes them into sugar, or syrup, as he thinks will prove most remunerative at the moment. grown The factory, on the other hand, accepts or declines canes from week to week as the owner thinks fit, or as he can arrange with the grower. At present there are some nineteen factories in Bar- bados making vacuum-pan sugar, some of them capable of making up to 4,000 tons in a season, others making under 1,000 tons. It would seem that the point now to be settled is the best size to be adopted for factories in the several islands, and to learn whether small factories can be worked so well and economically as to compete in cost of production with large ones. Vor. XV. No.367. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 163 Two factors appear to have an important bearing on this aspect of the question. Where transportation is difficult, there will be a tendency to limit the size of the factory: where large areas are easily tapped, there will be a disposition to put up large factories. The other factor, which is only just beginning to be appre- ciated, is the kind of plant to be used, as affected by the character of the cane to be handled. Where the canes to be dealt with contain but little fibre, it is possible to deal efticiently with them in comparatively small and simple mills: but where the canes contain large quantities of fibre, as do those in Antigua, it is found requisite to employ heavy multiple mills and heavy maceration in order to extract the sugar from the cane effectively. In the early stages of central factory discus- sions attention was largely centred upon the type of sugar to be made, and the vacuum pan was the apparatus largely thought of. Experience has shown that the mills are the dominant factor. In the early stages of factory development a set of mills having three rollers was deemed sufficient, and efforts were directed to making this apphance as strong as possible: it soon began to be seen, however, that efficient work was only to be done by submitting the cane to repeated crushings: developments, therefore, took place along the line of multiplying the number of rollers in the train of mills, and of spraying water upon megass in its passage through them. Few factories, even amongst the small ones in Bar- bados, are now worked with three-roller mills, and even where they still exist steps are being taken to replace them with mills having six or more rollers, as soon as possible. The factories referred to in Antigua and St. Kitts each have trains of mills containing fourteen rollers. Another feature is worth commenting on. In the system which has found acceptance in Antigua and St. Kitts, the factories are disconnected trom the work of cane growing and obtain their supphes of canes entire- ly from growers who sell to the factory. In Barbados, on the other hand, the factories are operated by owners who are cane growers, and who only buy a portion of their cane supply from outside growers. One effect of the system obtaiming in Antigua and St. Kitts is that the integrity of the estates is pre- served; there is no tendency on the part of the factory to absorb them. It is immaterial whether an estate contracting to supply canes is large or small, it stands in the same relation to the factory. This will have the effect of preserving the smaller estate owner, and gives full scope for the development of a resident proprietary body possessed of estates of moderate size, which can be worked to advantage by the resident owner himself. Under the system obtaining in Barbados the owner of the factory feels hampered by the uncertainty of the cane supply, and in order to make Jt safer will be inclined to increase the area of production over which he has control: consequently he will be disposed to acquire such adjacent properties as may come with- in his reach, and the natural outeome of the system will be the development of large estates by the assimi- lation of the smaller ones. This process may be slow, but it is likely to be steady and certain in its operation for, under this system, there will be no motive for again dividing into small areas of production. So we have the anomaly of the conservative small estate owner, anxious to preserve his independence of action and to. that end dechning to bind himself by contracts to supply canes to a factory, defeating his own object by creating a position which has, as a natural tendency, his absorption into a larger scheme, No opinion is expressed as to the ultimate effect on the community of either line of development. Doubtless each will be found to possess advantages, A copy has just been received of the Royal Colonial Institute Year-book for 1915. In addition to the information embodied in the edition for 1914 it contains statistical information regarding all parts of the Empire, as well as a classified list of the newspapers and magazines which are to be seen in the Institute Building. The list of fellows grew considerably during 1915. Next year it ia expected that there will be a record increase as a result of the active- measures the Institute is now taking to achieve full representation of all the Colonies and Dominions. The fellows of the Royal Colonial Institute may in the future form the basis of a constituency for the election of an Imperial Parliament. Visits have been made recently by the Curator at Tortola to ovt-districts, and meetings have been held. These have been principally in connexion with the development of the onion industry. As regards the weather experienced, it is stated that during January and the first part of February, the weather was showery, but since then, the pre- vailing conditions have been dry. 164 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS May 20, 1916. DOWN THE ISLANDS. ITEMS OF LOCAL INTEREST. GRENADA. Mr. J. C. Moore, the Superintendent of Agriculture, writes to say that there has heen further planting of Lima beans at the St. Cyr Experiment Station and prom- ising growth has been made. In the Botanic Gardens, the new ferro-concrete nursery shade and fence has been com- pleted and has proved satisfactory. It was expected that a meeting of the Board of Agriculture would be held shortly in the Botanic Gardens, thereby ‘providing an opportunity for the members to observe collectively recent improvements and extension of work. Considerable attention has been given recently in Grenada to the cacao prize holdings com- petition for which entries are now being received. The new rules, noted elsewhere in this Journal, are stated to be more popular than the former ones were. As regards inarkets, nutmegs were fetching remunerative prices, namely, £5 to £6 per barrel at estate boucan. sT. VINCENT. Work in the Experiment Station has consisted recently in the reaping of selected corn, laying out a new series of arrowroot experiments to determine (1) the effect on yield from feeding the arrowroot worm (Cv/podes ethlius’, and (2) the manurial value of Madura prunings (Glirieidia maculata). As well as this, 1,500 imported cane plants were inspected. As regards special work by the officers of the Agricultural Department, Mr. W. N. Sands says that investigations were continued in connexion with the native food plants of the cotton stainer. Planters have been warned of the danger of allowing ‘silk cotton’ and ‘John Bull’ trees (Z'hespesia populnea) to remain on their lands, since these are a source of food for the cotton stainers during the close season. On several estates active measures have already been taken to remove these trees in order to keep down the stainers which, as is well known, are responsible for very con- siderable losses in connexion with St. Vincent cotton. The Assistant Agricultural Superintendent has devoted attention to the hybridization of the F1 corn hybrids of American varieties by native yellow, and to the selection of bush Lima beans of the Fi generation. A large number of cotton growers from the South Grenadines were met at the St. Vincent Government Ginnery, and questions connected with cotton, such as seed for planting, meal ard manure, were discussed with them. As stated in previous notes of departmental interest, the Agricultural Superintendent has now taken over the supervision of the Govern- ment Cotton Ginnery. At the time of writing a coming event of interest was the holding of meetings in out-districts to advise small growers as to the planting of crops for the coming season. Observations relating to staple crops showed the weather was favourable to the reaping of canes arrowroot and peas crops. The crop of pigeon peas, which was larger than usual, met with a ready sale at remunerative prices in intercolonial markets. An extension of cane and arrowroot planting was to be noted. The rainfall during April was seasonable. ~ sr, Lucra. Mr. A. J. Brooks. the Agricultural Superin- tendent, states that during March cacao was being reaped and the lime crop was flowering. Harvesting of the cane crop was in full swing; rain somewhat interfered with operations. In the Experiment Station, work consisted in reaping canes and manufacturing sugar, sowing Robusta coffee, transplanting limes, bndding oranges, potting ornamental plants. Several improvements are in progress in the Botanic Gardens, including road making and the raising of lawns. Domixica. Mr. Joseph Jones writes to say that the usual routine work has been in progress in the lime and cacao experiment stations, while in the Botanic Gardens various repairs have been effected. Concerning the condition of the staple crops, there was no special change to record at the time of writing. It may be mentioned, however, that owing to lack of shipping facilities, the green lime trade is likely to suffer considerably. A considerable portion of one shipment was left behind. Mr. Jones states that the economic collection in the Victoria Museum has been gone through, and several specimens renewed anda large number relabelled. Experiments on the concentration of lime juice by freezing has been brought toa close, and an account of this investiga- tion will appear in the forthcoming Annual Report for 19i5- 16. As regards agricultural education, the pupils at the station received attention in both field and class work. They left for their Easter vacation on April 19 and returned on May !. During April the weather was dry. The plants distributed consisted of limes 200, shade trees 100, budded citrus 9, miscellaneous: 3, giving a total of 312. st kitts. Every ettor-, writes Mr. F R. Shepherd, is being made to take off the old caue crop as quickly as possible. The Basseterre factory is doing good work, having one week made 600 tons of sugar. The muscovado estates, it is said, aré hampered as they cimnot get their sugar shipped. Large stocks are on hand. The young cane crop is looking well but rain is much needed especially in the valley district. As regards cotton, many fields have been planted in the northern districts and the young plants are looking well. The estates in the valley distr.ct are prep wring to plant with the first rains. Mr. Shepherd says it seems likely that the acreage under cotton will be greatly increased this season. He accompanied the Administrator to Nevis during April, anda meeting was held with the object of encouraging cotton growing. An account of this meeting ‘is given on another page in this issue. With a similar object Mr. Shepherd visited Anguilla. In the experiment station, the prin- cipal work has been reaping the exp riment plots and testing the sngar-cane varieties grown thereon. From the station 1,200 sweet potato enttings were distributed during the month, together with 9b. of beans. The rainfall during the month has been rather meagre. NEVIS. The cane crop appears to be promising except in some places where it has felt the dry weather. Reaping of the crop is still in progress and the returns are good. A part of the crop is being sold to the St. Kitts factory and a part made into sugar, but there is some difficulty in getting the sugar shipped. As regards cotton, the land is being prepared for planting but little has yet been sown. As in St. Kitts, there is likely to be a fair acreage put into culti- vation this season. It is to be regretted that old cotton is still seen standing about in many fields. Internal boll disease has been found in some fields and stainers are fairly plentiful. Rainfall duting the month was moderate. The report of the Agricultural Instructor for the quarter ending March 31 contains the results of last season’s manurial experiments with cotton. It appears that organic manures have exerted a very considerable stimulating effect, giving increased yields. The onion industry in Nevis is incieasing satisfactorily. During the quarter 2,014 Ib. of onions were sold in the local market, and some were sent to Barbados, Attention has been given to the sc’ection of cotton, and to the cultivation of beans and peas. rorroLa. According to Mr. Fishlock’s report, dated April 11, 1916, the sugar crop in Tortola will be larger than was at one time expected. The lime and cotton crops will also exceed expectations. In the case of onions, already more Vor, XV. No. 367. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, 165 than twice the total quantity shipped last year has been exported. The agricultural prospects this year in the Virgin Islands are therefore good. There was a committee meeting of the Tortola Onion Growers’ Association during March. The weather during the month was dry, rain in measurable quantity falling on nine days of the month, the total amount recorded being 1°84 inches, as compared with an average of 2°51 for the same month for the previous fifteen years. ENCOURAGEMENT OF COTTON CULITI- VATION IN NEVIS. His Honour Major Burdon, C.M.G., Administrator of St. Kitts-Nevis, accompanied by Mr. F. R. Shepherd, Agri- cultural Superintendent, recently paid a visit to Nevis with the object of holding a meeting for the purpose of encourag- ing peasant cotton growing in that island. In response to a circular letter previously issued by the Administrator, there was a Jarge and representative assemblage. After a few intro- ductory remarks the Administrator requested Mr. Shepherd to review the condition of the cotton industry in Nevis in recent years, with special reference to the small growers. In doing so Mr. Shepherd referred first to the satisfactory working a few years ago of the ginneries formerly at Stony Grove, which had been managed by Mrs. Mills. By this means the small grower could have his cotton ginned and shipped, and an advance of money to aid him until the cotton was sold. This ginnery, unfortunately, was destroyed by fire some years ago, and has not yet been replaced. Continuing, Mr. Shepherd said the season of 1914 had been a favourable one from the point of view of production, but the war had upset market arrangements, so that the small grower had had difficulty in selling his seed-cotton locally, and had been ultimately obliged to accept whatever price had been offered by local speculators, This led last year to a reduetion in acreage. The Agricultural Department, however, made every effort to arrange a scheme for the purchase of peasant cotton, and the one eventually arrived at was that operated by Mrs. Pistana, a purchaser of seed- cotton in St. Kitts. By this scheme a first payment of 5c. per Ib. of seed-cotton was secured for the grower, and a share in the profits after the cotton was sold. Mr. Shepherd said that during the coming season the same purchaser would be willing to continue the agreement, the question of the price for first payment to be fixed according to the market price of lint cotton. Mr. Shepherd commended this arrangement and urged on all present the advisability of increasing the acreage planted in Nevis during the coming season, as there was every prospect of better prices for cotton in the near future. Considerable discussion then took place and _ there appeared to be some feeling that it would be preferable if, instead of the buyer being resident in St. Kitts, the same terms could be offered by someone resident in Nevis. Mr. Shepherd explained that he held no brief for any par- ‘ticular purchaser,and that it was open to anyone in Nevis to make similar terms. The Rev. Coward suggested for the con- sideration of the meeting, that the ginnery in Charlestown, at present lying idle, should be acquired either by the Govern- ment or by a local syndicate, and the cotton purchased on a sliding scale basis similar to that adopted with canes at the Basseterre Sugar Factory. A bonus would also be declared on the profits of the working of the business. Mr. W. P. Maynard advocated that cotton should be pur- chased at a price fixed by the Government. Hon. J. S: Hollings, as agent of Messrs. Gillespie Bros., Ltd., said he was -prepared to receive any quantity of cotton, whether it was 1] bale or 1,000 bales, and make an advance upon itand then sell it. After the cotton is sold a small commission would be charged, and the total proceeds, less the actual expenses and commission, would be handed to the growers. In.commenting upon the above observations, Mr. Shep- herd said he was of opinion: that the result of the meet- ing was to show that the position of the cotton industry in Nevis was satisfactory.. Under Mr. Hollings’ arrange- ments the grower of 1 bale and upwards could find an easy market with an advance as first payment, and the small grower who could not avail himself of ihis could find a safe market for his seed-cotton . either under Mrs. Pistana’s scheme, or through a local purchaser in Nevis, of whom there appeared to be several willing to come forward. In closing the meeting, His Honour the Administrator thanked everyone for coming and for making the meeting interesting and useful. He mentioned that the advisability of a small export tax on cotton lint was under consideration, and that he was consulting Dr. Watts, the Imperial Com- missioner of Agriculture, on the subject. A COTTON GROWERS’ IN ANTIGUA. As an outcome of the recent Cotton Conference held in St. Kitts, an association of cotton growers has been formed in Antigua The Association includes in its membership all the principal cotton growers in the island. The committee of management consists of the following gentlemen: Mr. A. P. Cowley (Chairman), Hon. R. Warneford, Dr. H. A. Tempany (ex officio), Captain J. Dew, Mr. M. Scott Johnstone, and Mr. T. Jackson (Curator, Experiment Station) to be Secretary and Treasurer. Mr. Jackson has forwarded to this Office the rules of the Association, which may serve as a model for other islands where, no doubt, similar associations will be formed. These rules are brief, and provide firstly, that the object of the association shall be to safeguard the interests, and to promote the development of the cotton industry in Antigua. Secondly, the persons eligible for membership must be cultivators of cotton or engaged in handling and marketing the crop, or interested in the industry in other ways. Thirdly, the Association is to be affiliated to the Antigua Agricultural and Commercial Society and to the Antigua Onion Growers’ Association, but membership of the association shall not necessitate membership of either or both of these bodies, nor does the aftiliation imply any financial responsibility. Ordin- ary members are to be elected annually at the general meet- ing on the proposition of two members. This general meet~ ing will be held in April, when officers will also be elected. A special meeting may be summoned at any time at the discretion of the Board of Management, or on the written requisition of three members. At meetings of the committee three shall form a quorum; at any general meeting seven shall form a quorum. The subscription to the Association is 1s. 6d. per annum, payable annually. The rules stipulate that the Committee of Management shall hold meetings and shall have full power to deal with all matters affecting the interest of the industry in Antigua. The Association shall co-operate with planters, and with the Agricultural Department in conducting experiments and trials likely to be of value to the industry. The results shall be communicated to the members. If desirable, the rules may be amended ata general meeting of the Association, members having been previously informed of the proposed. alterations: Lastly, the rules make provision for the expul- sion of any undesirable member by vote taken in general meeting. ASSOCIATION 166 COTTON CONFERENCE. THIRD DAYS PROCEEDINGS. In the last two issues of the Agricultural News have appeared summarized accounts of the proceedings of the second day of the Conference. On the third day, the Presi- dent suggested that the question of methods to be employed in ascertaining the characters of cotton should be discussed, with a view to ascertaining what methods are best for general adoption for seed selection aud seed supply. He pointed out that there were two sides to be considered: the scientific research side, and the experiment station side. On the one hand, laboratory details had to be considered; and on the other, practical field work. Asa means of starting a dis- cussion the President asked Mr. Harland (St. Vincent) to read a paper entitled, Some Lint Characters of Sea Island Jotton. In this the reader stated that the most important lint characters were length, strength and fineness, and, in respect of these three characters, uniformity. It was also desirable to have other properties such asa low percentage of weak fibre, a large weight of lint per seed, a good amount of twist, ete., but it was thought that workers in the West Indies for the present should confine their attention in selection work to the first four characters mentioned. As regards length or rather its determination, Mr. Harland stated that mean maximum length of the fibre is known to be ahereditary character, which is subject to environ- mental modification, and in a pure strain to fluctuation. As a result of expcriments, Mr. Harland had found that for the determination of the mean maximum lint length, it was sufficient to measure the length on five seeds to give a result which is fairly accurate for purposes of comparison. Uniform- ity of length was next dealt with. It was considered that the only accurate way of estimating uniformity of length was to pull out all the fibres of, say, over 40 mm. from the combed seed, weigh this as available fibre, and express it as a percentage of the total fibre. Differ- ent standards would be adopted according to the cottons dealt with. Mr. Harland’s results showed that in com- paring the percentage of available fibre from different Sea Island cottons, it was ordinarily sufficient to take the mean of ten seeds. In regard to weak fibre, it was pointed out that easily separable lint did not necessarily imply a large proportion of weak and immature fibre. Considering that the estimation of available fibre would provide more valuable data and could be done, using only ten seeds, it would probably be wise to do away with weak fibre determinations altogether. It was however just as difficult to estimate available fibre as it was weak fibre in plants with easily separable lint, and this difficulty could only be got over by selecting plants with lint that were difficultly separable from the seed. Mr. Harland then pointed out that his observations did not agree with the statement. of Cook in America, that continuous selection for high lint percentage was inadvisable on the ground that a high lint percentage usually implied a light seed, and light seeds being small seeds would give rise to plants which were lacking in vigour. Mr, Harland gave figures to show that if plants with high lint percentage were selected, their seed weight was, as a rule, quite normal. The speaker had not found that plants with a low seed weight gave rise to progeny deficient in vigour. He had found that vigour was dependent more upon the specific gravity of the seeds than on their actual weight. He had found that seeds of high specific gravity germinated quicker and better than those of low specific gravity, and gave THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. May 20, 1916. a much better stand. The speaker had also found that a correlation existed between lint index and lint percentage. In selecting cottons high lint index was desirable, but care had to be exercised in doing so, as there was some danger that selection for lint index alone would introduce the coarse fibre, which was associated with high lint index in some of the American cottons. Mr. Harland also read a second paper on the diameter of cotton fibres, with some notes on their breaking points. This paper dealt with the best methods of measuring the diameter of cotton fibres. It was concluded that it is unnecessary to determine the diameter of single fibres, and that all work should be done by cross-sections of a bundle of fibres embedded in-some material like celloidin. In connex- ion with the breaking points of fibre, Mr. Harland described an appliance which his collaborator (Mr. F. W. L’Amie, M.A., BSc.,) had devised for the purpose. At the conclusion of the reading of these papers the President said the general conclusions appeared to be that the most experiment station workers can do at present in the West Indies is to determine mean maximum length, unifor- mity of length, and lint index. Mr. A. O. Thurston asked whether it was possible to define the difference between immature cotton and ripe cotton. The President in reply, stated that that information could be obtained from Balls’ book, ‘The Development and Properties of Raw Cotton’. The great point was, he said, that strength did not appear in cotton until the twenty-first day after the flower opened, and then it went on increasing from the twenty- first to the forty-second day. Thus, if cotton were picked before the twenty-first day, it would be very weak. The maximum strength was attained in about forty-five days from the opening of the corolla. In connexion with the correct time for picking, Mr, Hollings (Nevis) stated that he had received a specification of a patent whereby the bolls could be picked before they opened, and opened afterwards by chemical means. Such cotton was stated to be cleaner, stronger and better in every respect than if it were allowed to ripen and open in the usual way Dr. Tempany (Antigua) then read a short note on twist in relation to fineness in Sea Island cotton. In cottons, he said, the classes of fibres which are encountered may be divided under three heads: regularly twisted fibres, irregularly twisted fibres, and fibres with very little, if any, twist. He had found that in coarse, or relatively coarse, cottons, the proportion of regularly twisted fibre was higher than in those of the finest type. He pointed’out that Balls had shown that fineness was probably a function of the thickness of the cell wall of the fibre, while twist was due to the presence in the cell wall of transversely placed pits, which as the fibre dried caused the twist in question. The thinner the cell wall the more shallow would be the pit, and in consequence, the smaller the twisting force. Irregularly twisted fibres were finest, and the proportion of irregularly twisted fibre within limits prescribed by the original diameter of the uncollapsed fibres would serve as a direct measure of the fineness. It was characteristic of sthe fine cottons that they contained a high proportion of irregularly twisted fibre, as had been shown, Dr. Tempany then reverted to a point raised by Mr Harland, namely, the measurement of lint lengths. In the Leeward Islands it has been the habit to measure cotton by pulling the cotton lint from the seed, laying it out on a baize-covered base board, and measuring the two longest pulls. Balls in his book had suggested that in _ prefer- ence to pulling, the fibre should be combed out into the form of a halo, This method had been tried in Antigua, and Vout. XV. No. 367. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 167 Dee SS reread it had been found that by the halo method the average lengths were 2 mm. shorter in every case than the pulling methods, a point which can be allowed for. The halo method was much more rapid than the pulling method. In combing, more fibre is removed from the seed than one is warranted in regarding as waste. The difficulty had been got over by holding the seed by the lint, and in that way the weak fibre was broken and was not merely pulled from the seed. This latter method made a very considerable difference in the determination: it worked out something like 50 per cent. The President pointed out that Balls’ method lost sight of the variation that might occur as the result of short fibres. Balls’ method might be advisable for Egyptian cotton, but some explanation is wanted as regards its applicability for Sea Island cotton. In practical experiment station work he thought the only three things that it was necessary to do in selecting types of cotton for pure strains were, the deter- mination of length, the method of doing which they had just. discussed,—the amount of available fibre, and the lint index. After referring to the correlation that occurs between lint index and lint percentage, he called atten- tion to the question of strength. When the spinner referred to strength, the idea of real breaking strain was not involved. Strength from the spinner’s point of view was not the break itself but the manner of the break. Then there was another point, namely the difference between the strength of the individual cotton fibre and the strength of one yarn spun from it, each being of an entirely different nature. If cotton spun well it would be good cotton, if it did not spin well it would be bad cotton. Similarly, when the spinner talked about fineness, he did not mean fineness in the ordinary sense of the term, he meant cotton that would spin fine yarn. As a result of a question put by Mr. Maloney (Nevis), the President pointed out that a cotton fibre is seldom broken in pulling. The tensile strength of cotton is greater than the tensile strength of steel. When yarn is broken, what happens is that the fibres lose their grip and are pulled away from each other. He then asked whether, in addition to the determi- nations that had been decided were necessary and desirable, anyone present wished to suggest any additional ones. Mr. Jackson (Antigna) asked whether it would be possible to add spinning tests. This was discussed later. Dr. Tem- pany suggested that it would be unwise to discard the broker’s finger test which had been used in the Leeward Islands, and with success. Hon. J. 5. Hollings then made observations concerning lack of uniformity of twist caus- ing unegual distribution of strain. The President thought it would be a wise decision to continue to employ the broker’s finger test as suggested by Dr. Tempany. Mr. 8. C. Har- land (St. Vincent) said, provided the selected cottons were also subjected to spinning tests, he agreed with the sugges- tion. But he thought it would be very unwise to reject pure selections which had been spun and produced superior yarns of cotton that were already graded as good. In this connex- ion reference was made to Balls’ remarks on ‘ugliness’ in samples of cotton. There appeared to be considerable danger that good cotton might be underestimated by the grader through too much weight being given to ‘associative’ features. The Hon. R. L. Warneford (Antigua) asked whether cotton was judged and sold by the final spinner’s test or the finger test. In answer, the President said it was sold practically on the finger test, but there was reason to believe that cotton bought by the spinners did not always come up to their expectations in spinning. The reverse might also eccur. The President thought that it was extremely necess- ary to introduce spinning tests. It appeared that model machinery of a laboratory type could not be devised for testing the spinning value of cotton. The spinning could only be done satisfactorily on a large scale, and experiments in amill were difficult to perform owing to interruption in working being very inconvenient. The spinners, moreover, had. not yet appeared to realize the need for spinning tests, and were not over sympathetic towards them. But, largely through the influence of Mr. J. McConnel, he thought that this would change: in fact it was obvious that the spinners were coming round to the scientific aspect of things, as was indicated by their having secured the services of Mr. Balls as adviser. The President said he thought it would be useful if the spinners would furnish him, as Comissioner of Agriculture, with information as to the results of spinning difference marks of cotton sent from the West Indies. Mr. S. W. Howes (Montserrat) said he was sure the majority of planters would appreciate such action very much. The President then proposed that, as a result of the discussion, he, speaking on behalf of cotton growers, should make representation to the British Cotton Growing Association that they should aproach the Fine Spinners and endeavour to learn from them detailed information as to the behaviour in the mills of the particular marks, and forward this to the Commissioner of Agriculture. This information would be regarded as strictly confidential, and would be communicated to the grower of the particular cotton about which information had been obtained. The Resolution was put formally, and the Conference signified unanimous assent. (To be continued.) SEA ISLAND COTTON MARKET. Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool, write as follows, under date April 17,1916, with reference to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton:— Owing to larger arrivals there has been a better business in West Indian Sea Island cotton since our last report. The sales amount to about 330 bales, and are comprised of Nevis 14d. to 16d., St. Kitts 16d. to 20d., St. Vincent 20d. to 25d., Jamaica 13d., and Stains from 7d. to 12d. The market is firm, but owing to the limited demand for luxuries, there is very little enquiry for yarn made from this class of cotton, and the spinners who are purchasing are putting it away, mostly for twelve months. The Report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week ending April 15, 1916, is as follows:— tsLANps. As the crop has been entirely disposed of, there being no unsold stock either here or on plantation, this market is closed until the next season. The quotations are only nominal, but represent the closing prices paid. We quote, viz.: Extra Fine 3lc. = 203d. c.f. & 5 per cent, Fully Fine 30c. = 20d. 99)) 799) “99% Mig3 Fine 29¢..= 193d. 2 8 ep Fine off in class 28c.=19d. ro ae ane fy) This report also shows that the total exports of Sea Island cotton from the United States to Liverpool and Manchester up to April 15, 1916, were 658 and 443 bales, respectively. 168 THE AGRICULTURAL EDITORIAL NOTICES. HEAD OFFICE — BarpaDos. 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., Bee, M.C:S. SCIENTIFIC STAFF. Scientific Assistant and Assistant Editor Entomologist Mycologist Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture for the West Indies W. R. Dunlop. H. A. Ballou, M.Sc. W. Nowell, D.1.C. STAFF. A. G. Howell. M. B. Connell. W_ P. Bovell, P. Taylor. Miss B. Robinson. ( A. B. Price, Fell. Journ. Inst. (UL. A. Corbin. CLERICAL Chief Clerk Assistant Clerk Junior Clerk Assistant Junior Clerk Typist Assistants for Publications Vou. XV. SATURDAY, MAY 20, 1916. No. 367. NOTES AND COMMENTS. Contents of Present Issue. The editorial i this number concerns progress and changes in the West Indian sugar world during the last ten years. On page 166, the account of the proceedings of the recent Cotton Conference is continued from our last issue. The present account ,has regard to the third day’s proceedings, which will be continued in the next issue. An interesting note on degerminated corn meal will be found on page 171. Insect Notes in this issue deal with insects attack- ing onions, being a continuation of the notes on the same subject in the last issue. Under Plant Diseases will be found a useful article on pine-apple wilt. NEWS. May, 2055 1916: ‘West Indian Bulletin’, Vol. XV, No. 3. Number 3 of Volume XV of the West Indian Bulletin has recently been issued. Amongst the important matters dealt with therein are two interesting studies in insect parasitism. The first of these, by Mr. W. Nowell, D.L.C., Mycologist on the Staff of this Depart-. ment, describes two Scoliud parasites, on Scarabaeid or hard back larvae in Barbados, namely Tiphia parallela, Smith, and Campsomeris (Dielis) dorsata. Fab., the investigations described having been carried out in connexion with the Barbados Department of Agricul- ture. The second is by Mr. 8. C. Harland, B.Sc., Assistant Agricultural Superintendent, St. Vincent, and com- prises notes on Trichogramma minutum (Pretiosa), the egg parasite of the lesser moth borer of sugar-cane (Diatraea saccharalis, Fab.). In addition to these, is a useful paper on legislating against plant diseases by Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G. Bay oil and the cultivation of the Bay tree as a crop plant, is fully discussed in a paper by Dr. H. A. Tempany and Mr. W. Robson. This is probably the first comprehensive discussion of the Bay tree as a crop plant yet published. Following this is a valuable statistical article on the development of Dominica by Dr, Watts, showing the steady and important progress manifested in the agricultural development of the Colony during a period of twenty- three years (1892-1914). Not the least useful con- tribution is a summary of the manurial experiments with sugar-cane in the West Indies, with which this number of the Bulletin concludes, by Mr. W. R. Dunlop, Scientific Assistant to the Department, dating back from 1891 to the present time, with an impor- tant final note on the precision of West Indian methods. This constitutes a very interesting number of Volume XY. OO — Close Season Ordinance in Montserrat. In the Leeward Islands Gazette for January 13, is a Proclamation by the Government fixing the close season during which no cotton has been planted in Montserrat. This was from September 1, 1915, to March 15, 1916. All cotton plants planted before the month of September 1915 had to be destroyed by being pulled up out of the soil, and every part complete- ly burnt on or before the last day of January 1916. This Proclamation is of interest in connexion with the discussions concerning the control of the cotton stainer and internal boll disease that took place at the recent Conference, and which will appear in a summariz- ed form in the next issue of the Agricultural News. There can be no doubt that a close season is desirable in most islands. It is important to bear in mind that the Ordinance makes provision for suspending or changing the dates from year to year, according to the time that cotton has been sown, and according to weather conditions. Hence the Ordinance is an adjust- able one, and in that respect is to be regarded as a. most satisfactory piece of legislation. Votes XV. Noy 367; THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 169 Cotton in Brazil. The State of Parahyba is the largest producer of cotton in Brazil. The cultivated cotton may be divided into two groups: (1) seeds covered with a white, yellow- ish or green down (Gossypium herbacewm and G. hir- sutum, or Upland types); (2) seeds glabrous, united as in creole cotton (G. perurvianum), or free as in cottons of the Sea Island type. The length of fibres in Brazilian cotton varies from 25 to 41 mm., and the average yield is as follows: white herbaceous, ginning percentage 29, creole 23, Seda 30, Caravonica 46:5, In 1912 the State of Parahyba exported 20,000,000 kilograms of cotton worth £1,344,000, the amount of the export having doubled in ten years. Further details concerning Brazilian cotton may be obtained by reference to the Monthly Bulletin of Agricultural Intelligence and Plant Diseases for December 1915. Ensilage Tanks. The subject of handling silage is dealt with in Bulletin No. 145 of the Agricultural Experiment Sta- tion of Nebraska. Ensilage pits or tanks are now being installed in the West Indies, in Antigua, so that the Bulletin under review will no doubt be found of interest by many planters. In preparing material for silage it 1s usual to cut it up. In America it is now a common practice for farmers to buy a 12- or 14-inch cutter, co-operatively, and use it on five or six jobs per season. Such an outfit has a capacity of 8 or 10 tons per hour. The bulletin under consid- eration is well illustrated and shows the various devices employed. Of special interest in the West Indies will be the description of hand hoists, and of a home-made hoisting device for semi-pit silos. All those who are entertaining the idea of manu- facturing silage should give this bulletin their care- ful consideration. The British Guiana Industrial School. Some useful and interesting work is reported on in a recent publication as having been carried out on the farm at the Onderneeming Industrial School in Demerara. Experiments with various economic plants including cacao, coffee, limes, and rubber have been arranged by the Department of Agriculture and carried out at the School under the general direction of that Department. Reference may be made first to the manurial experiments with cacao which were reported on in the last issue of this Journal. Lime cultivation at the School is receiving particular attention, in view of the fact that a properly equipped factory, similar to that in St. Lucia, is being erected for the proper concentration of lime juice. It is expected that this factory will cost about $3,000. Con- cerning rubber, the experimental tapping of 200 Heveas, of an average age of seven years, is now being carried out, and the yield of dry rubber so far works out at an average ofa little over 3 tb. per tree per annum, while there is a distinct upward tendency. Lastly, in connexion with this Farm School, we may refer to the satisfactory condition of the Stock Farm which contains a Short horn and a Guernsey bull, a Southdown ram and a large amount of feathered stock. The stock farm is not only useful and instruc- tive in the matter of raising high bred animals, but it pays for itself. Thus the accounts of the animal stock farm show the gross expenditure for the nine months with which the report deals, namely, April to December 1915, to have been S818, while the revenue was $1,016, giving a net profit of $150. Pork and Bacon Investigations. The continued high price of pig products renders the question of increased production within the West Indies of importance. A Bulletin (No. 283), issued by the Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station, calls to mind the suggestion to use sugar factory scum cake as food for pigs. In feeding experiments in Ohio it has been found that corn supplemented by soy beans, linseed oil meal, wheat middlings, tankage and skim, milk in proportion such that the nutritive ratios of the rations are as 1: 6°5, does not furnish mineral matter of the amount and kind requisite to maximum growth of bones. Scum cake, however, contains a large amount of calcium phosphate, and for this reason if might constitute a most important supplementary foodstuff for pigs. Results of considerable interest are contained in the Report of the Chief of the United States Bureau of Animal Industry for the year ended June 30, 1916. For several years an attempt has been made in America to find an antidote for cotton seed meal poisoning. Sulphate of iron and other mineral sub- stances have been tried, and although it has been found possible to reduce somewhat the danger of poisoning by the use of the iron salt, this substance is not an absolute preventive. In the West Indies it would be very useful if an antidote could be found, in order that in the islands where cotton is grown, the meal might be used as a food for pigs. In the same report two experiments are described,. the object of which was to study the effect of replacing corn in aration with desiccated sweet potatoes. The results have indicated that sweet potatoes in the dried form are too bulky for hogs, and that the animals cannot consume a sufficient quantity to lay on good gains, Another experiment showed that fish meal forms a very effective supplement in a grain ration for pigs. It was found equal, if not superior, to tankage. Lastly; the United States Department of Agricul- ture has plans in progress for the study of the effect of feeding forage crops on the quality of pork. A large amount of information is available con- cerning the profitable feeding of pigs, and those inter- ested in the subject should give the matter full attention, particularly as regards the proper balance of rations, and the effect of different substances upon the composition and consistency of the meat. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. May 20, 1916. INSECT NOTES. INSECT ATTACKING ONIONS. (Coneluded.) THE BROWN HARD BACK (Lachnosterna sp.). The grubs of the brown hard back have come to be recognized in Antigua as causing serious injury to certain crops. Sugar-cane, Indian corn, onions and sweet potatoes are all attacked. These grubs feed upon the young tender roots of growing plants, and they also devour the young developing bulbs of the onion, eat into the cut ends and buds of cane cuttings used as plants, and eat into the potato roots. Tn one instance in Antigua, hard back grubs attacked and completely destroyed a field of 7 acres of onions, at a time when the bulbs were just forming. The remedies to be employed for the control of the hard back grub have frequently been mentioned in recent numbers of the Agricultural News. They consist in hand-picking, the use of trap crops, and improved cultivation. As onions are grown as a secondary crop in Antigua, the improved cultivation would be carried out as a part of the routine work in connexion with the sugarcane. In considering the course to pursue in preparing land -for onions, the following points should be borne in mind: (1) land known to be badly infested with grubs should not be planted in onions; (2) preparation of the soil should be thorough, and any grubs found should be carefully collected and destroyed; and (3) a trap crop of corn might be planted after the land has been prepared. This could be pulled up when the time came for transplanting the onions, and the soil about the roots carefully searched for grubs. By attention to these points it ought to be possible to escape serious injury to onions by this pest. THE ONION CATERPILLAR (Prodeniu sp.). Onions are attacked at times in the West Indies by one or more kinds of caterpillar or cut-worm. They are the larvae of moths of the genus Prodenia. They live in the ground and often cut off young seedlings at the surface of the ground. In the case of onions, the caterpillars climb up at night and feed upon the leaves, sometimes eating through and hiding inside the hollow leaf. If these insects are sus- pected of being in the soil before the onions are planted out, ‘they may be effectually checked by the use of a poison bait made of bran or pollard, Paris’ green and molasses and water. The bran and Paris green are thoroughly mixed while dry at the rate of 50 Ib. bran and 11. Paris green, and stirred to a thick mash with water to which a small amount of molasses has been added. This should be’ scattered about on the surface of the soil a few days before the plants are set out. Applications of poison bait are best made in the late afternoon. Tf the caterpillars attack the onions after they have become established, they may be collected and destroyed. They will be found during the day in the soil near the base of the plant, or, as already mentioned, they are sometimes to be found within the hollow leaf of the onion plant. If the caterpillars were attacking onions when it was necessary to spray for thrips, the addition of Paris green or arsenate of lead to the thrips spray mixture would probably provide a remedy. Experiments might well be tried as to the effect of mixing arsenicals with the Nicotine Sulphate com- bination, and of their effect on the onion leaves. ROOL MAGGOTS. Inthe United States a very considerable amount of injury to the growing Onions, and even to the stored product, has been experienced from time to time, as the result of the attacks of root maggots, which are the larvae of several species of flies. These flies, of which four species are described by Dr. Chittenden, are mostly to be found in northern localities, but one at Jeast is said to occur as far south as Cuba and Bermuda. The seed-corn maggot (Pegomyia fusciceps) attacks the roots and underground portions of plants of maize, onions, leaves, cabbage, turnip, radish, peas, beets, potatoes, and many others. The imported onion maggot (egomyia cepetorum) is similar to the preceding insect; they both have a general resemblance to the ordinary house fly. The larvae attack the roots and bulbs of the onion, the injury to the latter often causing decay in the harvested bulbs. The black onion tly (Zri'ora jflexw) differs from the preceding somewhat in appearance, principally in being darker in colour, and in the presence of three light bands extending across each wing. The larvae differ in their habit of continuing to live in the stored bulbs. The barred-wing onion fly (Chaetopsis aenea) attacks living plant tissue, and is able to live and develop in decay- ing vegetable matter. This insect is often found attacking plants which have been injured by other pests, as for instance, following the attack of the. sugar-cane beetle (Ligyrus rugiceps) im sugar-cane and Indian corn. It is stated that one onion grower composted 700 bushels of onions which were attacked by this pest, and as a result, his whole crop, in the next season, of 2,000 bushels was destroyed, and he was obliged to abandon onion growing for a time. The eggs are laid just under the margins of the leaf- sheath; the larvae live and feed under the leaf-sheath, where also the pupal stage is passed. The following is copied from the paper by Dr. Chit- tenden, already referred to:— REMEDIES FOR ROOT MAGGOTS. ‘Owing to the difficulty of destroying root maggots and other subterranean pests and the cost of chemicals for the purpose, growers depend largely upon methods of prevention. To be thoroughly etfective these methods should be employed before the fly’s eggs ave laid. ‘A common method for deterring the parent flies from depositing eggs consists in placing sand soaked in kerosene — acupful (6 fluid ounces) to a bucket of dry sand—at the base of the plants, along the rows. ‘This mixture will also kill young maggots attempting to work through it. ‘For all forms of root maggots which we are considering a earbolized form of kerosene emulsion is effective. This is prepared by adding to 1 pound of soap, boiled in 1 gallon of water, one-half gallon of crude carbolic acid, and diluting the whole with from 35 to 50 parts of water. This mixture is applied about the stalks of the plants affected. It is best to use it a day or two after the plants are up, or are transplanted, and to repeat every week or ten days until about the third week in May, in the north. Farther south these applications must be made earlier in the season. ‘Mineral fertilizers are useful as deterrents, particularly when employed just before or after a shower has thoroughly wet the ground. The principal fertilizers for this purpose are kainit, nitrate of soda, and sulphate or chlorid of potash, They may be used as top dressings before planting, or if not Vout. XV. No. 367. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS employed until afterwards, they should be applied as nearly as possible to the roots, the earth being turned away from the plants for this purpose. These fertilizers, also, by stimulating plant growth, facilitate recuperation from root- maggot attack. ‘There is great danger in the use of other fertilizers, such as stable manure, cotton seed meal, and organic fertilizer comprising mouldy leaves, dead plant life, and even fish-scrap. In an account of this species published several years ago the writer stated that numerous instances had come to his notice, and still more noticeable instances have accumulated lately, and a long list could be furnished —where the presence of the insect could be traced to the causes above mentioned. It is advisable, therefore, to avoid the use of manure of any kind, rotted leaves, or other organic fertilizer, and, above all, to avoid further planting in fields which have been infested or contain diseased onion plants, or where cabbage, cowpeas, or any other plants have been turned under. ‘As soon as seed fails to appear at the proper time or the plants show signs of wilting and maggots are found to be present, the seed may be hoed out or the injured plants pulled and destroyed, together with the younger maggots. ‘Most of the methods mentioned above have been used with success against onion maggots and other root-feeding species, and are all that are required in many cases of ordinary infestation of vegetable roots.’ The cautions given in the foregoing as to the use of organic manures and green dressings apply most particularly to those districts where root maggot injury is known. In these islands there seems to be no record of such injury having been noted, and while it is advisable to keep careful watch for the first appearance of these pests, there would seem to be no need at present to change the existing practice of manuring fields in which onions are to be grown. With the first appearance, however, of root maggots, onion growers will need to observe the greatest care in respect to this point, and it may then become necessary to make certain changes in practice in order to avoid losses from root maggots’ attacks. THE CORN EAR WORM, AND THE PARIS GREEN STARCH MIXTURE. In the Agricultwral News for November 6 last (Vol. XIV, p. 362) an article appeared on the use of starch instead of lime for mixing with Paris green, as an insecticide, and especially for use against the attacks of the corn ear worm (Laphygma frugiperda) on maize. This insect makes its first attack on the young corn plant by eating the young leaves and the developing tassel or male inflerescence in the throat or centre of the plant. An old method of checking this attack was to drop a small amount of dry mould, road dust, wood ashes or lime into the throat of the plant. Later, Paris green and lime, and corn meal and Paris green were used, and arsenate of lead has been tried. The article referred to above gave an account of trials in St. Vincent of Paris green or arsenate of lead mixed with acheap grade of arrowroot starch for this purpose. It was found to be efficient and economical; a very small amount sufficed, and the proportion of Paris green to starch may be made very low. The mixture may be used at the rate of 1 part of arsenate of lead to 30 of starch for young plants, while for older (half-grown) plants, Paris green may be used with starch at the rate of 1 in 100. tions are taken by volume and not by weight. The amount to be used for this purpose can be regulated very nicely. Instead of dusting the mixture in the ordinary way, it is applied by means of an ordinary pen nib fixed in a holder in such a way that the same amount is applied to each plant, and that amount may be varied by adjusting the pen nib to meet the needs of the case, This poison mixture has been found useful in controlling several other insect pests, such as the arrowroot worm, the ground nut worm, the cotton worm, and the bronze beetle. Indian corn is now being planted, and will soon be large enough so that attacks of this pest may be expected. In St. Vincent, planters and others should be ready to meet the first of these attacks by having a supply of cheap arrowroot starch and Paris green ready for use. In other islands where arrowroot starch is not so readily obtainable, trials might be made of cheap flour, or arrowroot might be obtained from St. Vincent. The method is worthy of careful trial by everyone who grows Indian corn in the West Indies. These propor- H.A.B, DEGERMINATED CORN MEAL. At the request of the Commissioner of Agriculture an examination of grains of locally grown maize have been made in the Government Laboratory for the Leeward Islands; the results are of interest. The maize grain is not a homogeneous mass, but is composed of six readily observa- ble and distinctly different physical parts known popularly as (1) the tip cap, (2) the outer skin or hull, (3) the embryo or germ, (4) the horny gluten, a thin layer lying immediately beneath the hull, (5) the horny starch in which the embryo is embedded, and (6) the crown starch lying above the embryo. According to Burtt Davy’s book on maize, degermination removes the hull and embryo. It is therefore of interest to see what proportion this bears in weight to the total weight of the grain. It must be remembered that maize grains exhibit great variation in regard to their physical compo- sition, one variety having perhaps a large embryo, while another may exhibit a high percentage of starch. Plant breeders have in fact evolved different strains having grain of a certain physical composition in order to produce grain most suitable for certain special purposes, as for instance, the production of oil. The following two columns of figures show the physical composition per cent. of a grain grown in Antigua, and of another analyzed by Hopkins at the Illinois State Agri- cultural Experiment Station:— Illinois. Antigua, Horny starch and gluten 76°% 37-2 Cap and hull 10°5 74 Tip starch 10:2 D9 Crown starch 2°3 11°9 Embryo or germ 0-8 115 Mixed waste 25°4 100-0 100-0 The above figures show that there is great variation in the physical composition of maize grain, but as regards Antigua corn, and probably most corn grown in the West Indies, the preparation of degerminated meal would result in an output of some 82 per cent. of meal, if other losses, such as water, are left out of account. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. May, 20; 1916: GLEANINGS. Some interesting notes on the West Indies have been running in the United Empire, the Royal Colonial Institute Journal, These are largely historical notes. As regards present day information, we »otice that Montserrat is again referred to as the island famous for its limes, while no mention is made in the next paragraph to Dominica in this respect. An account is given in the Veterinary Record of January 29, 1916, of the opening ceremony at the new Punjab Veter- inary College at Lahore. In his address, the Viceroy of India referred to the fact that the new college was one of the finest veterinary establishments in the East. This is not altogether unfitting owing to the fact that the Punjab is world famous for its breeds of cattle and horses. The Louisiana Planter for February 19, 1916, refers to the interesting event on the 14th of that month, when raw sugar was for the first time moved in railway cars from a Cuban factory direct to a refinery in the United States. The aver- age load per car was 200 bags of 325 Mb. each, so that the steamer which took the cargo to Key West was fully loaded. The cargo formed a solid through train to New York. An attempt is made in Bulletan No. 177 of the Agricul- tural Experiment Station, University of Mlinois, to arrive at a definite conclusion as to the value of radium as a fertilizer. Upon careful analysis of the known facts, radium, notwith- standing its wonderful energy, is found to afford no founda- tion for reasonable expectations of increased crop yields. The conclusions previously drawn by investigators were not, it is stated, justified by the facts presented. In The Field for March 25, 1916, a page is devoted to a description of cotton growing in the West Indies. The article constitutes a useful reyiew and should be helpful in the way of bringing the subject before the public both at home and abroad. The article is well illustrated with pictures of St. Vincent and Barbados. The writer mentions the useful work done by the British Cotton Growing Association and the Imperial Department of Agriculture for the West Indies. The question of natural versus synthetic indigo is dealt with in Z’ropical Life for March 1916, where it is stated that Messrs. LeWis & Peat of Mincing Lane point out in a recent report, that there has been a pressing need for natural indigo—a need which is not likely to. be averted for some time to come. This firm has approached the Government with a view to getting a stipulation passed that natural indigo must be used for all blue cloth supplied to the Services Some interesting statistics regarding the acreage under cultivation of different crops in India are given in The Board of Trade Journal for January 27. The estimates for 1915-16 of the area under crops are as follows: rice, 74,431,000 acres; sugar-cane, 2,508,000 acres; cotton. 16,253,000 acres; jute, 2,377,300 acres; sesamum, 3,167,000 acres; and ground nuts, 1,742.000 acres. “The area under sugar-cane during the previous two years was 2,315,100 acres in 1914-15, and 2,545,500 acres in 1913-14. The Trinidad Agricultural Credit Societies, Ordinance passed on December 21, 1915, is published in fullin the Bulletin of the Department of Agriculture of Trinidad and Tobago, Part II, Vol. XV, 1916. As well as the Ordinance itself, the various forms of agreement are also given and will prove of interest throughout the West Indies, more especially in St. Vincent and St. Lucia, where similar Ordinances have been passed. Those interested in the milling of rice in Demerara and Trinidad will no doubt be glad to know that the United States Department of Agriculture has issued a Bulletin (No. 330) from the Bureau of Plant Industry, entitled The Milling of Rice and Its Mechanical and Chemical Effect upon the Grain. During the process of milling, the hulls, the germ, six of the bran layers and a portion of the seventh are removed. Most of the information is very technical arid practical, and will no doubt be found of much use to anyone interested in the subject. The largest irrigation scheme, by pumping, in the West Indies, is described and illustrated in the West India Com- mittee Circular for April 20, 1916. This is the Vere scheme in Jamaica. The scheme entails the damming of a subterran- ean river, diverting the flow for about 1} miles in the direc- tion of the various estates, and there erecting a pumping station for raising the water about 70 feet, whence it is conducted by concrete lined canalization, following the contour of the foot hills to the existing canals supplying the several plantations, a distance of about 6 miles. The initial programme provides for raising about 850,000 gallons per hour. The general conclusions of the Departmental Committee appointed by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries of England and Wales to enquire into swine fever, are that the coutinued prevalence of the disease appears to be due princi- pally to its highly cantagious character, and the difficulty of its recognition by the pig owner in its earlier stages and its milder forms. To this must be added the difficulty of completely tracing the place of origin and a movement of pigs by which the disease has been spread. The extirpation of the disease is practicable only by such drastic measures of slaughter as involve a prohibitive outlay, and by such severe restrictions on movement as would be fatal to the industry of pig keeping. Present circumstances, therefore, do not encourage the view that the extirpation of swine fever can be speedily accomplished, Vou. XV. No. 367. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 173 =et —5 =e ais Ss 7 = TIF es SCIENCE OF DAIRYING. By W. A. G. ton, M.A. Maemillan &: Co, Limited, St. Martin's London, 1915. Pp. 260 and Figs. 81. . Price 2s. 6d. The author of this book is attached to the Auchland Training College, New Zealand, where the science of dairying is an important subject of study. The book is a text-book, and is intended for use in secondary and technical schools. The treatment is therefore elementary. The science of dairying embraces many different branches of study. There is first the chemical and _bacteri- ological side. In regard to these the book furnishes concise information as to milk analysis and control of bacteria. Methods of cream separation are also dealt with fully, followed logically by an account of methods of butter and cheese making. Just as in agriculture we have to study the plant as well as its products, so in dairying the cow must be studied. This resolves itself into physiology, and feeding and the study of diseases. Selection and breeding, and herd- testing are also important matters. The book under review is, as already intimated, a school book—simple, practical, and comprehensive. (Questions are given at the end of each chapter. ‘There is a special chapter on dairy arithmetic. The illnstrations throughout are excel- lent. Planters in the West Indies who give special attention to milk production and butter making, even though it be more in the nature of a hobby than a business, would find this book very useful and —oe Penling- Stree t, THE SPIRIT OF THis SOIL. By G. D. Knox. With a foreword by Professor W. b. Bottomley. London. Constable and Company, Lid., 1915, Pp. 242 and plates 17. The subject of this book—the fertilizing powers of bacterized peat—has already received attention in this Journal where on page 50 of the present volume (see issue for February 12), it was pointed out that certain bacteria possess the power of liberating from peat large quantities of humates. These soluble humates are in themselves of service to plants as sources of food. They serve, moreover, as a culture medium in which nitrogen-fixing bacteria—Azoto- bacter chroococcum, etc.—multiply rapidly. Hence by adding cultures of nitrogen fixers to sterilized humated peat, the amount of nitrogen in the latter is increased. The stimu- lating effect of bacterized peat on the plant, however, cannot, it seems, be adequately explained in terms of nitrogen supply alone, and Professor Bottomley has arrived at the interesting conclusion, that the sturdier habit of the plant is caused by a hitherto unknown class of substances which are growth stimulators. These substances he has termed auximones, while Mr Knox, the popular exponent of Professor Bottomley’s work, refers to them as the spirit of the soil. While it isindisputable that bacterized peat is capable of producing increased growth, the case for auximones is not yet conclusively proved. It is understood that further researches are being conducted independently at Rothamsted and elsewhere. Contining ourselves to the practical side of the subject, it may be mentioned that trials both under cover, that is, in glass houses, and in the open, have recently been made with bacterized peat at Wisley, the Royal Horticultural Society’s Experiment Station in Surrey. The results appear in a recent issue of the Journal of the Society, and indicate that under cover the peat produces remarkable results, causing great increases in branching and leaf area and flowering; but in the open, the results obtained are inconclusive. It appears that the action of bacterized peat is intimately bound up with the question of moisture supply. An inter- esting fact is that a small quantity of the peat may produce as much effect as a larger quantity, but.from a_ practical stand-point the employment of the substance in gardening is limited at present by its rather high cost. With reference to the book itself, Mr. Knox is to be congratulated upon his treatment of the subject from a literary stand-point The book will appeal to many whom a formal text-book on sucha subject might alarm. The style is vigorous and imaginative, and Professor Bottomley vonches for its accuracy. It is scarcely too much to say that the spirit of the book is no less than the spirit of the soil. AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS. A report has been forwarded to this Oftice by Mr. W. C. Fishlock, Curator of the Experiment Station, Tortola, record- ing the work done during the quarter ending March 31, 1916. Operations at the Station were largely in the nature of | harvesting work. Cotton from the cotton seed farm was picked as it ripened, the total yield from the 4°6 acres being 2,120 tb., or at the rate of 460 Tb. per acre. All things con- sidered, these returns are better than was expected, as the climatic conditions have not been favourable. Leaf-blister mite and the flower bud worm also aided in reducing the yield. The total crop of the island for the past season ha amounted to 125 bales of 200 Tb. each. At the Experiment Station during the quarter the plots of onions were reaped. The several plots, aggregating }-acre yielded 3,188 tb. of dried onions, or at the rate of 4 tons 5 ewt. per acre. The yield last year from the same plots (area given as t-acre) was 973 tb. of uncured onions, or at the rate of 2 tons 3 cwt. per acre. The general condition of the onion industry in the Virgin Islands is stated tobe good. The local markets are quite satisfactory, that is to, say, St. Thomas and St. Croix, while the same may be said of New York. Since the begin- ning of this year’s crop, 12,5001. of onions have been received at the curing house. To date, 110 crates have been shipped, 60 to New York, and 50 to St. Thomas and St. Croix. Prices obtained range from $2:25 to $2-75 per crate. The harvesting of sugar-cane varieties and the picking of limes were also effected during the period under review while the latest planted coco-nut demonstration plot was planted up with thirteen selected varieties of sweet potatoes from the varieties under trial at the station. The coconut demonstration plots, as a whole, are in good condition in spite of the dry weather. Scale insects appear to be causing some damage, but the vigour of the trees could no doubt be increased, and outgrow the insect attack, by the judicious employment of mulch. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. May 20, 1916. PLANT DISEASES. PINE-APPLE WILT. An affection of pine-apples occurring on trial plots at Grove Botanic Station, Mentserrat, has recently received attention, and is discussed below. The plots in question were planted in July-October 1914, and the affection was first noticed about September 1915. A plot at Elberton, on heavier land, also became diseased after making good growth for about twelve months. The plants are from local stock, classed as varieties of the Ripley. According to the account given by Mr. W. Robson, Curator, the first indication is a reddening of the foliage, which later becomes strongly marked, and the leaves wither from the tip downwards. More than half of the 4-acre plot is now affected, and the disease continues to spread. Its progress is not very rapid: e.g. in one bed twelve plants which were slightly affected on December 1, 1915, took until March to become seriously affected, the rest oy the bed meanwhile beginning to show signs of disease. ‘ The writer took an opportunity of inspecting the plots when passing Montserrat in March. The general appearance is that of a slowly progressive drooping and wilting of the leaves, accompanied by loss of colour, and ending in the complete drying up of the plant. Mr. Robson feels quite certain that the malady spreads to plants adjacent to those first affected, and the appearance of the beds supports this idea. Specimens forwarded later exhibit the progression of the disease, and show quite clearly that it is a question of root decay. The worst affected plant had hardly any functioning roots, the least affected was fairly well provided, and the others were intermediate. In all the specimens the actual tissues of the stems, apart from the root traces, which were dis- coloured, were quite sound, thus differentiating this disease from the one seen at La Gueérite, St. Kitts, in 1914, described in the Agricultural News, Vol. XIII, p. 190 Many of the more recently developed roots were twisted around the stem. The affection conforms to the condition known as_pine- apple wilt or blight, which seems to be well known in all the principal countries in which the crop is grown. An adequate description of it, referring to specimens received at this Oftice from an un-named source, was given as early as 1902 in the Agricultural News, Vol. I, p. 191. It was described by Stockdale, under the names of tangle-root and blight, in the West Indian Bulletin, Vol. VIIL pp. 158-61, and has attracted considerable attention in Jamaica. Specimens similarly affected were forwarded by Mr. Robson from Grove in 1907, and from Trants in 1913. In the specimens under consideration there are present in the roots from an early stage of their failure, fungus hyphae occupying the vessels, and the presence of hyphae is referred to by most writers on the subject. Most commonly the fungus is referred to as a Fusariwn. L. D. Larsen (10) obtained Vhielariopsis paradoxa, Trichoderma lignorum, and a Husarvwn from diseased roots, but was unable to reproduce the disease by inoculation. The presence of such fungi on the roots is not of much value as evidence of their pathogenic nature unless a particular fungus _ is well-marked and constant, and these conditions are not satisfied in this case. The evidence which is most. sug- gestive of a parasitic origin for the disease, is that with regard to its communication from one plant to another, but in this respect the evidence from different countries is conflicting. Smith (+) says: ‘In practice we have reason to believe that a diseased stock will prove a centre of infection for surrounding plants.’ Lucas (6) says: ‘In a field of Ripley pine-apple plants after the wilt makes a start, no matter how small the aftected area might be, it willin an incredibly short space of time spread over acres. and in a few months will completely kill every plant, no- matter whether the plants be old or young, but this disease- seldom allows the plant to become of any age before it completes its work of ruin: Henricksen and Torns (*) and Wester (11) adopt the view that the disease is infectious and trnsmissible to suckers, but do not say that this is based on actual observation. On the other hand, Tryon (5) states definitely that affected suckers planted uncer good conditions, will produce healthy plants, and further that the disease. is only exceptionally communicated from plant to plant. Larsen (10) also says, ‘The malady as occurring in Hawaii does not seem to spread from one plant to its neighbour, but appears in a sporadic manner, affecting one plant here and another there. Thus far it has been of most general occur- rence in the wetter districts and in fields of young and healthy plants.’ Accordingly there are two sets of ideas more or less opposed with regard to the nature of this disease: (a) That it is due to infection with a fungus capable of definite parasitism, Causing a disease resembling in its nature those produced by the parasitic soil Fusaria. This would involve the very early eradication of affected plants and their immediate neighbours, some attempt at_ steriliza- tion of the surrounding soil (say with quicklime), the avoidance for a long time (at least a year and very possibly several years) of infected land for replanting, and very careful precautions against infecting new land with any sort of material from the old. The most hopefal measure in such a case is the search for, and adoption of suitable resistant varieties. In forwarding specimens in 1907, Mr. Robson stated that the Red Spanish variety was quite immune. In the present case, in a plot of Red Spanish situated between two very badly diseased plots of the local (Ripley) type, nine out of fifty-seven plants show some indi- cation of the same disease. Lucas (6) says: ‘all varieties of the Queen family (which includes the Ripley) are of delicate constitution, subject to Black Heart and Wilt... .. The Red Spanish is vigorous, free from disease and easy to grow.’ (b) That the disease is primarily due to some unfavour- able condition or conditions of growth, including physically unsuitable, poorly prepared, insufficiently drained and culti- vated soil (all leading to a restriction of aeration); poverty of soil, lack of water, and poorly prepared planting material: these conditions being either sufficient of themselves to bring about the failure of the plant, or rendering it liable to attacks of one or more weakly parasitic fungi, thus producing a disease similar in nature to the root disease of sugar-cane associated with Varasmius. Taking these conditions for discussion in the order named: (1) Aeration. It is universally admitted that this plant is intolerant of any restriction of the air supply to its roots. (2) Mutrition. Given good aeration the con- sistency of the soil is of minor importance; it appears that the plant will grow well in any soil rich in humus, but especially in light soil it is necessary that the supply of food be kept up. The plant will grow well in leaf mould until the food is exhausted, and is grown in Florida in sand with the addition of chemical manures. It would seem that some difficulties have arisen through the supposed ability of the plant to thrive in any light soil having resulted in the choice of land in a dried-out or exhausted condition. It is important to note in this connexion that the plant has a very Vor. XV. No. 367. limited root range.(3) Lack of Water. The plant is well protect- ed against drought, but cannot be expected todo more than survive in periods when the comparatively shallow layer penetrated by its roots isdry. This points to the need in dry districts of close planting to shade the ground, mulching of the surface with leaves, or the maintenance of an effic- jent dust mulch. (4) Poorly Prepared Planting Matercal. The existence of the condition known as tangle-root, though its occurrence does not necessarily mean that the plant will be unhealthy, certainly impairs its powers of resistance to root disease, reducing the effective root system and hinder- ing the development of new roots to replace the old. It is caused by the persistence, in a leathery condition, of old leat- bases at the time when the new roots are growing out behind them, so that these are led to grow around the stem. It may be avoided in young plants by stripping or trimming the lower leaf-bases before the plants are putin. Decay of the base of the stem, by forcing root development higher up, sometimes induces this condition. Under relatively dry soil conditions stripping is probably always necessary; in wet situations natural decay of the leaves is more rapid, and the operation may be dispensed with. In this connexion Sharp (3) a Jamaica grower states: ‘We also carefully remove before- hand the leaf sheaths from the base of the sucker so as to allow the roots to grow out at right-angles. If this is not attended to and the plant is unable to throw off the sheath, the roots early tend to become tangled and often twist around the plant, which although apparently healthy for some time, will sicken and die when the time for reproduction arrives.’ In the case of the beds at Grove Station there is no unfavourable factor apparent The soil is a deep black mould, inclined to be sandy, and has been manured and cultivated to what would seem to be a quite adequate extent. On the other hand, none of the specimens examined, from 1907 to the present time, has revealed the presence of any parasitic organism adequate or constant enough to account for the affection. It is intended to follow up the matter in a series of further experiments. W.N. 1 1895 Webber, J. H. : Year-book United States De- partment of Agriculture, 1895, 281. 2 1901 Webber, J. H. : Bulletin of the Botanical De- partment, Jamaica, VIII, 83. % 1901 Sharp: West Indian Bulletin UH, 119. 4 1902 Smith, C. E.: Bulletin Botanical Department, -Jumaica, IX, 161 (West Indian Bulletin, TV, 110). 5 1904 Tryon, H.: Queensland Agricultural Journal, EXGVS 4aif= : 6 1907 Lucas, G. L. : Bulletin Department of Agricnl- ture, Jamaica, V, 41. 7 1907 Lucas, G. L. : 3 1907 Stockdale, F. A. : 158. 9 1909 Henricksen & Torns : Experiment Station Bulletin, 8. 10 1910 Larsen, L. D.: Hawaiian Sugar Planters’ Associ- ation Pathological Bulletin, 10. 11 1912 Wester, P. J.: Philippine Agricultural Review, V, 530. Wiest Indian Bulletin, VIL, 151. West Indian Bulletin, VII, Porto Rico Agricultw: al In a letter received recently from Montserrat, Mr. W. Robson the Curator states that experiments have indicated that local varieties of Lima bean are not very success- ful there when grown on a field scale. He considers that it will be necessary first of all to secure the right type. He suggests concerted action by the different local departments whereby seed of satisfactory types could be distributed amongst the departments. The opinions of local officers would also be welcome in regard to the time of year their particular types should be planted. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. WEST INDIAN PRODUCTS. DRUGS AND SPICES ON THE LONDON MARKET. : Mr. J. R. Jackson, A.L.S., has forwarded the follow- ing report on the London drug and spice markets tor the month of March:— In reviewing the Produce Markets for the month of March, it is necessary to say that on this occasion they cover a period of five weeks the first auction having bees held on the 2nd of the month and the last on the 30th. Through- out the whole of this period there has been a steady and uniform amount of business in drugs; chemicals and produce generally, both in quantities and prices. The following are some of the details relating to West Indian products:— GINGER, Throughout the month ginger has held a firm position. At auction on the 15th, good washed Cochin fetched from 46s. to 47s. per cwt., and Sierra Leone 39s. to 40s. On the 22nd common Cochin was quoted at 42s. 6d., fair at 45s., and good washed at 47s. 6d. There were no quotations for Jamaica, SARSAPARILLA. At auction on the 9th, sarsaparilla was in good supply and fair demand, as follows: Grey Jamaica, 47 bales were offered and 38 sold at from ls. 6d. to ls. 7d per tb. for part coarse and mouldy, to ]s. 8d. for fair grey fibrous. Of Lima- Jamaica 17 bales were brought forward, but none sold. Of native Jamaica 34 bales were also offered, but found ne buyers, while for Honduras, 15 bales were sold out of 16 offered, fetching 1s. 8d. to 1s. 9d. CITRIC ACID, KOLA, ANNATTO, CASHEW NUTS, CASSIA FISTULA, LIME OIL, LIME JUICE, AND PIMENTO. Citric acid has been advancing steadily throughout the month. Atthe beginning it was obtainable at from 3s. 2d to 3s. 24d. per tb. A week later it was reported scarce at 3s. 3d., and at the close of another week it wes almost unobtainable at 3s. 5d. increasing in the closing week to 3s. 9d. Kola was fully represented at auction on the 9th, by 241 packages but none were sold: 6d. to 6$d. per tb. was asked for good dried Ceylon halves, and 5d. to 6d. for Java; 26 packages of annatto seed were also offered at the sale on the 9th; and 10 were sold, ordinary Ceylon fetching 6d. per tb. and seadamaged Madras 43d. to 5}d. Three packages of cashew nuts were offered at the sale on the 9th but none were sold. At the same auction 6 baskets of East Indian Cassia Fistula were brought forward but found no buyers. The quotation for West Indian distilled oil of lime has been 9s., and for hand pressed 8s. 6d. At the end of the month, however, these prices had advanced, 10s. to 10s. 6d. being asked for distilled. Lime juice has been in good supply throughout the month at from 3s. to 3s. 3d. per gallon. Pimento towards the end of the month had slightly advanced on previous rates, 176 London.—Tue New York.—Messrs. Trinidad.—Messrs. MARKET REPORTS. WEstT April 20, 1916. Inp1A ComMITTEE CIRCULAR, Arrowroot—2hd. to 430. Batata—Sheet, 3s. 4d., block 2s. 2hd. Beeswax—No quotations. Cacao—Trinidad, 80s. to Sls. Gd.; Grenada, 78s. to 8s. bd.; Jamaica, 76s. 6d. Corree—Jamaica, no quotations. Copra—£36 10s. Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota- tions; Wes+ Indian Sea Island, 7d. to 23d. Frouir—No quytations. Fostic— £6 to £7. Givcer—Jamaica, 10 quotations. IstnGLtass—No quotations. Hongty—39s. to 42s. 6d. Loe Jurce—Raw, no quotations.; concentrated, no quota- tions; Otto of limes (hand-pressed), no quotations. Locwoop—£8 to £8 10s. Mace—11d. to 2s. 6a. Nurmecs—8$d. to Is. Pintento—No quotations. Ruspeer—Para, fine hard, no quotations. Rum—Jamaica, no quotations. 3/; fine soft, 2/10; Castilloa, GrttesPiE Bros. & Co., April 26, 1916. Oacao—Caracas, I6hc. to 16jc.; Grenada, 153c. to lbc.; Trinidad, Ic. to 164c.; Jamaica, 14}. to 15c. Coco-nuts—Jamaica and ‘Trinidad selects, $43-°0C $45-00; culls, $28°00 to $30°00. CorrrE—Jamaica, 9c. to 12c. per th. Gincer—15c. to 18c. per tb. Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 60c.; Antigua and Barbados, 58c. to G0c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 56c. to 58c. per tb. Grape Frouir—Jamaica, $1°25 to $2:00. Limes—$10-00 to $12°00. Mace—40c. to 52e. per th. Nurmrcs—22c. to 28e. Orances—Jamaica, $2°25 Pimento—ble. to 5jc. per th. Svcar—Centrifugals, 96°, 6:14c;. to 6°39c. Muscovados, 89°, 5°49c. to 5°74c: Molasses, 89°, 5°37c. to 5°62c., all duty paid. to to $3-00. Gorpox, Grant & Co. May 5, 1916. Cacao—Venezuelan, $16°00 to $16°50; Trinidad, $15-00 to $16:00. Coco-nut O1r—1°15 per Imperial gallon. Corree—Venezuelan, }2c. to 1c. Corra—$6°50 per 100 th. Dxrat—$6'75 to S700. Ontons—$5‘00 to 85°50 per 100 th. Peas, Sprit—$9-00 to $9°20 per bag. Porators—English $2°75 to $3:00 per 100 th. Rice—Yellow, $7:00 to $7°50; White, $7°50 to per bag. Svear—American crushed, noe quotations $8°00 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS May 20; 1916. Barbados.—Messrs. James A. Lyxcu & Co., Ltd., May 3, 1916; T. S. Garraway & Co., May 3, 1916, ARROWROOT—$5 ‘00 per 100 Th. Cacao—$16'00 to $1 Coco-nuts—$18:00 h Hay—$1-90 per 100 Manvures—Nitrate of soda, 7°90 per 100 th. usked nuts. Th. $85°00; Cacao manure, no quotations; Sulphate of ammonia, $100-00 to $105 per ton. Moxasses—No quotations. Ontons—$6-00 to $7 “DO. Pras, Sprit—$9°50 to $10°00 per 210 tb.; Canada, $6-00 per 120 tb. Porators—Nova Scotia, $3°50 per 160 tb. Rice—Ballam,$7°30 to 7°60 per 190 tb.; Patna, no quota- tions; Rangoon, no quotations. Sucar—Muscovado centrifugals, $500 to $525. British Guiana.—Messrs. Wietinc & RicurEer, March 31, 1916; Messrs. Sanpracu, Parker & Co. Jannary 7, 1916. . Messrs. WIETIN Messrs. — Sanp- ARTICLES. & Beene = (BACH, s eae ¢ Co. Arrowroor—St. Vincent = $14-50 Bartata— Venezuela block —s oes o Demerara sheet — ae Cacao—Native 18c. per tbh. 20c. per tb Cassava— — LEG f Cassava STARCH— $9-00 i. Coco-nuts— $18 per M. $18 per M. CorrEE—Creole 12c. to 18c. 1 Jamaica and Rio/14e. to 15e. per tb. ea a Liberian 8c. to 8he. | 9c. per tb Daat— $6°75 to $7-00 $7-25 Green Dhal — ee | Eppors— | $1°32 nee Motasses— Yellow None Se Onrtons—Teneritte | —— = Madeira 9c. to 14e. 12¢ Preas—Split $12-00 to $12°50 $12-00 Marseilles PLANTAINS— Porators—Nova Scotia Lisbon Porators--Sweet, B’bados Rice—Ballam Creole Tannias— Yams— White Buck Sucar—Dark crystals Yellow White Molasses TimbER—GREENHEART Wallaba shingles a Cordwood 24c. to 72e. $4°50 to $5-00 $1°S0 $2°88 3-12 | $3°75 to $415 $4°25 to $4:35 $3°10 32c. to 5dc. per cub. foot $400 to $6-25 per M. $1°80 to $2:00 per ton $6-00 to $650 | per bag. (210 It.) | $325 to $350 $3°75 $4°25 82c. 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 INDIAN BULLETIN’. THE 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, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIUD, IX, X, XJ, XII, XIII and XIV:—Price 2s.each: Post free 2s. 8d., where complete. Volume XV, Nos. 1 and 2. Now 2. (III, 2. IV, 3; and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.) Containing papers on: Rev ew of Ten Years’ Work of the Antigua Sugar Factory (Gunthorpes), by Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G.; The Soils of Antigua, by Dr. H. A. Tempany, D.Se.; A Method of Sponge Cultivation and its Prospects in the Lesser Antilles: With Notes on Other Possible Shallow-water Fisheries, by W. R. Dunlop; A Parasite of the Flying Fish, by Dr. W. T. Calman, British Museum (Natural History); and Report on the Prevalence of some Pests and Diseases in the West Indies during 1914. 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. present time is seventy-five. 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; m 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 47. each, in 1908-9, No. 63; in 1909-10, No. 67; price 6/. each. Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the Leeward Islands, in 1902-5, No. 30; in 1905-4, 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 1912-15, in 1913-14, price 1s. each. 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 Antilles, Part I, price 4d.; Part II., price 4d. (43) Cotton Seed and Cotton-cake-meal on West Indian Planta- tions. Price 2d. (G0) Cotton Gins, How to Erect 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 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) Exysipelas and Hoose. Price 2d. (78) Onion Cultivation. Price 3d. (79) Root Diseases of Lime Trees in Forest Districts. Price 3a. (SO) Hints to Settlers in St. Lucia. Price Gi. (81) Agricultural Resources of St. Lucia. Price 5d. Price 4d. ( ( = ( Soils (82) Indoor Gardening for Schools. Price 6y/. 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; Idd. for Nos. 40, 44, 49, 59, 62,63, 67 and 74. Postage for No. 71, 4d. and for No. 72, 2i?. : 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 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 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. All applications for copies are to Le 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 Inpia Commirrer, 15, Seething Lane. Barbados: Apvocate Co. Lrp., Broad Street, Bridgetown. Jamaica: Tuk Enucarionan Surrty Company, 16, King Street, Kingston. British Guiana: Tak Arcosy Co., Lrp., Georgetown: Trinidad: Messrs. Murr-Marsuaty & Co., Port-of-Spain. St. Kitts: Tae Brete anv Book. Supply AGENCY, BASSETERRE Tobago: Mr. C. lu. PLAGEMANN, Scarborough. Nevis: Messrs. Howe1t, Bros., Charlestown. Canada: Lewis W. Cremens, 71 King Street, West, Toronto. Grenada: Messrs. THos. Lawtor & Co., St. George. St. Vincent: Mr. J. D. Bonapte, ‘Times’ Office. St. Lucia: Mr. R. W. Nixes, Botanic Station. Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. Briocewarer, Roseau. Montserrat: Mr. W. oxsson, Botanic Station. Antigua: Mr. 8. D. Matong, St. John’s. VOL; XVe, eNO: 367. THE B THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Mar.,.20,.1916. = J So eae Dissolved (Soluble) Guano FOR SUGAR-CANE AND GERWNEHRAKE Usk: TRADE MARK. APPLY- 20 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. Lynch & Co., Ltd., Bridgetown. VUSL WSSUED SELECTED WEST INDIAN BULLETIN, SEA ISLAND COTTON SEED. Vol. XV, No. 3. We make a speciality of selecting Sea Island Cotton i. f , s Ne phe .....,| Seed for planting purposes, and solicit orders from the Containing the following papers: Two Scoliid Parasites of | pejchbouring Islands. | Scarabaeid Larvae in Barbados, by W. Nowell, D.1.C.; On i = Legislating Against Plant Diseases, by Francis Watts, C.M.G., : : : D.Se., F.1.C.; Notes on Trichogramma Minutum, by S. C. Quotations on application. Harland, B.Se.; Bay Oil and the Cultivation of the Bay Tree as a Crop Plant, by H. A. Tempany, D.Sc., F.1.C., and) THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE W. Robson; The Rise of Dominica, by Francis Watts, C.M.G., IMITED D.Sc., F.1.C.; The Hitchen Bacon Factory, by J. W. Welsh; GOMEEN) ROR : A Summary of the Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in WHITE PARK, | the West Indies, by W. R. Dunlop. BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. | SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENT. Printed at Office of Agricultural Reporter, 4 High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados f SANDS | Gia [One penny. Vol. XV. No. 368.] SATURDAY, JUNE 3, 1916. MAIL, PASSENGER & CARGO SERVICES « FROM THE WEST INDIES ‘THE UNITED KINGDOM | Azores. | ’ jSt. Vincent, St. Lucia, Dominica, | - Montserrat, Antigua, St. Kitts, | |Bermuda, Halifax, N. S., & St. John (N.B.) 'DEMERARA & PARAMARBRIBO | Grenada & Trinidad. | |Trinidad, Puerto Colombia, 'PANAMA CANAL & PACIFIC PORTS | ‘Cartagena, Colon, Panama, | | (Callao, Iquique, Antofagasta & Valparaiso. PORTS OF CALL ‘CANADA BRAZIL, URUGUAY & ARGENTINA Via Spain, Portugal, Madeira & St. Vincent. q li REGULAR SAILINGS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM TO MOROCCO, CANARY ISLANDS & MADEIRA, & JAPAN. . Head Office: 18, Moorgate Street, London. Branches at BARBADOS, Trinidad, Tobago, Demerara, Colon, Jamaisa, Antilla, New York, Halifax N.S., Buenos Aires, Santos, Sao Paulo Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, etc. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. { How TIGKs ARE KILLED WHEN CATILE 7 ARE DIPPED OR SPRAYED CATTLE TICK —__ +: +e —_—_ FEMALE 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 uid, 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. As a 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 alter they have been dipped or sprayed with an arsenical wash, and are thoroughly cleaned to remove 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 are 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. All 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 over 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 aad 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. 1 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. ° 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: SAMAICA =) Dildentlerson!é(Co.. Kingston. S i i i $s GRENADA: Thomson, Hankey & Co. Union of South Africa, Northern Rhodesia, Brazil, Basutoland, DARBADIE. Oe TEMEEEEReedve Cotten Comite 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. ST. VINCENT: Corea & Co., Kingstown. NEVIS: S. D. Malone. Portuguese West Africa, Egypt, Argentine Republic, Queensland, ~ DANISH WEST INDIES: Carl V. La Beet, St. Thomas. qnited 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. aN \\ v RRR K a) \9 aie . : eS ye ———= he ak A Dy SO YY . UR r Sree Get 410; fy A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW OF THE IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. Vou. XV. No. 368. BARBADOS, JUNE 3, 1916. PEioe 1: CONTENTS. pointed out first, that the demand for legislation gener- ; ally arises from the occurrence of some destructive a outbreak, which is sufticiently alarming to give rise to the feeling that the Government should promptly _ Pace. : PAGE. intervene with a view to eradication. Generally the British Cotton Growing Insect Notes:— Association aleve wen S83 California, Experiments with Tropical Crops in... The Dispersal of Leaf- blister Mite of Cotton 190 Items of Local Interest ... 180 Chemical Hygrometer, A Market Reports 192 Yew 91 : : sz New = cee eee aes I UNew Marine Industries ... 185 Chlorate as a Manure, Notes aie nits 184 Poisonous Nature of ... 1807 ObeS ANC Reagee ers i ‘ol E ai ee al i 185 Plant Disease Legislation, es uh ti ae : se Modern Views Regarding 177 orn Cultivation : Siar > Spies 5 cg 5 Oe : cee: eA = rto Rieo, Cover Crops Corn CultivationinSt. Vin- oe ; | 181 a CE wgement of 1 +’ Queensland, Rieaforestaz otton Conference :— : ave T,: > C100) IDMMEEMEEece nes) les, LOO Third Day’s Proceedings ( Concluded.) .. 182Sea Island Cotton Market 181 Gleanings ... . H88Soil Temperature... .. 185 Grenada, Activities in ... PAL, «<3 Grenada, Peasant Agricul- iInGe Tee. eer e s yacie Grenada Scholarship.. Veterinary Work in India 191 189 West Indian Products West Indian Sour Grasses, ... 180 Botanical Identity of . 184 Zebu Crosses in Italy Agricultural 179 . 190 Modern Views Regarding Plant Disease Legislation. TSS HE question ot legislating for the control ot if fe) . plant diseases presents many and great difficulties, some of which, at least, are not appreciated by the lay mind. A paper on the subject appears in the recent issue of the West Indian Bulletin (Vol. XV, No. 3), by Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G., Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture for the West Indies, which should prove helpful to all eon- cerned with this important subject. In this it is object in view is to prevent the spread of the trouble from the lands of those who may be negligent to the lands of those who are endeavouring to control the trouble. It is nearly always a simple matter to cope with a situation of this kind, but when other pests and diseases which are of such a nature as to give less cause for alarm appear, the question of Government interven- tion is not so simple. There are many difficulties in connexion with legislating against these less alarming In the first place it may be difficult exactly to define the nature of the particular pest or disease troubles. to be able to state what are the exact causes, and for scientific advisers to be able to suggest definite reme- of a disease assumes only a minor degree of importance, there are local wranglings and doubts as to the real dies or methods prevention.. Moreover, when necessity for rigorous action, and this leads to adminis- It nevertheless clear that the State ought to concern itselfin an intelligent and enlightened manner with the general control of plant trative troubles. 1S pests and diseases, and Dr. Watts in his paper referred to above, suggests that this might be done as follows, All pests and diseases of plants should, it is considered, be regarded as falling into two categories: namely, those that are of considerable gravity, and those, which while troublesome, are of a lesser degree of seriousness. In regard to diseases of the first class, legislation should provide tor the definition and description, and should make provision for detection, notification and ultimate Pests known as control for the use of the proper authority. of and diseases this class might be 17 io 2) THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JUNE 3, 1916. Notifiable Pests and Diseases. It would appear ‘desirable that the main body of any Ordinance should not be encumbered with lengthy details. ‘These could be better dealt with in schedules and regulations made under the Ordinance. A matter of importance in connexion with the operation of such legislation is the fact that the serious nature of the trouble may entail grave consequences, as for example, it may be necessary in the last resort for the Govern- ment to take over the infected land so as to afford adequate protection. It would be important that regulations should have ample consideration before being brought into effect, and in view of this, additions to the list of Notifiable Pests and Diseases and the regulations relating to them “should be made by the ‘Governor, with the approval of the Legislative Council. Examples of such diseases as should be made notifi- able are the Panama disease of bananas, and bud rot of eoco-nut palms. At the end of the paper under review two draft orders are given containing provisions, according to the above ideas, for the control of these diseases. Turning now to the second class of pests and diseases, which are those infectious and liable to do harm, but not of such danger as to render it necessary to make them notifiable, it is easily seen that the operation of the law is less easy owing to the less definite and circumscribed nature of the troubles to be ‘dealt with. As regards means of ascertaining the occurrence of such diseases, examples of which are love vine, bleeding stem disease of coco-nuts, locusts, “parasol ants, etc., it is stated in the paper that regular Inspectors having adequate authority must be appointed, and these Inspectors would, in the course of their duties, obtain information as to the occurrence -of these plant maladies. As soon as the existence of an infectious, but non-notifiable disease is known, the Inspector should inform the owner of the crop what measures should be taken. Generally this will suffice, and the owner will follow the advice. If there is neglect, however, there are two lines of action open to the Government, each depending upon the cireum- stances of the case. If there appears to be no likeli- hood that the disease can spread from the infected area, the owner may be left to his own devices. Where, however, the neglect is likely to lead to injury resulting to other people, the Inspector, or other authority, should have power to apply to a magis- trate for an order directing the person to take steps to remedy the matter. Before granting the order the magistrate would have the opportunity of learning from evidence whether the undertaking of remedial or preventive measures is practicable, and he would also avail “himself of the advice of scientific officers of the Agricultural Department, which is an integral part of all governmental machinery in well regulated communities, and especially so in the tropics. Penalties should attach to any neglect to comply with the magisterial order. It is thought, however, that an extreme course of action like that just described would generally be found unnecessary, for cultivators in most cases would be ready to take steps. Power to enforce action must nevertheless be provided for. The above method has special advantages; it allows of each case being dealt with on its merits, and permits the application of the best knowledge existing up to time of enquiry. In view of the change in ideas resulting from research, any hard and fast plant disease legislation can never be efficient in practical operation, There must always be provision for dealing with cases according to the knowledge of the times; in other words, plant legislation must to a certain extent be elastic. In accordance with this idea, the list of infectious but not notifiable diseases will from time to time be modified, depending on the degree of prevalence and virulence of such diseases, and, owing to the lesser gravity of the matter, these alterations may conveni- ently be made by the Governor-in-Executive Council without reference to the general legislative body. It is obviously important that cultivators should be informed by the Agricultural Department as to the appearance and nature of ali pests and diseases, in order that they themselves may assist the Govern- ment in giving effect to legislation for the general good. Dr. Watts’s paper concludes with a consideration of another aspect of the control and spread of plant diseases, namely, Quarantine. All plants imported should be subject to inspection by officers appointed for the purpose. It often happens, however, that the presence of diseases in imported material cannot possibly be detected by ordinary inspection. Power should, therefore, be given to enable the authorities to place the plant syspected for a specified time in a Government Quarantine Station, or the importer might be permitted, perhaps, to put the plant in some approved place in which it would be sub- ject to inspection by a properly qualified officer of the Government. A further aspect of the same Vor. XV. No. 368. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 179 question is the desirability to make provision for prohibiting the importation of any kind of plant, including seed from countries where any dangerous pest or disease of that, or an allied plant, is known to exist: at the same time it would be well to have the means of prohibiting the importation of any plants whatsoever in certain circumstances from any particu- lar country where some particular virulent trouble may be known to exist. One thing in regard to plant legislation and its execution is, that it must be conducted in a rational manner, and in the light of the*latest scientific knowlege. Many laws are in operation which in their effects are practically useless, owing to inadequate consideration having been given to the scientific side, or perhaps through scientific knowledge having been inadequate at the time the enactment was made. Plant disease legislation may be expected to require amendment from time to time as our knowledge progresses. BOTANICAL IDENTITY OF WEST INDIAN SOUR GRASSES. It having occurred to the Commissioner of Agriculture that there were differences between the forms of so-called ‘sour grass’ observed at Antigua and Montserrat and those occurring in Barbados, the matter was referred to Kew, and, as the outcome, the whole question has been carefully investigated by Dr. O. Stapf, who has examined the material available at Kew. He has, in consequence, prepared a preliminary paper discussing the relationship of the allied grasses occurring all over the world. Pending the completion of the investigations, Sir D. Prain, Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, has kindly forwarded to this Oftice the paper embodying the conclusions reached up to the present, which in its completed form will ultimately be published in the New Bulletin. A summary of the present conclusions is now given for the information of readers of the Agricultural News. The name Andropogon pertusus has of late been applied tothe ‘sour grass’ of Barbados, which is assumed to have been introduced into the West Indies at some time unknown, and the extension of the name to the sour grasses of the Antilles generally has been due to the notion that they were all of one species; such apparently slight Modifications as were observed being considered as coming within the range of ordinary fluctuation. The consideration that the forties of the last century, at which time specimens were collected in Antigua, seemed a very early date for the introduction into the West Indies of a fodder plant whose economic value was apparently not appreciated until many years afterwards, has led to an investigation of the West Indian sour grasses so far as was possible with the use of the specimens to hand. The first references to Andropogon pertusus asa fodder plant are Australian in origin, and date back to the middle seventies. Australian writers do not suggest that the grass is an introduced species into that country. In a book pub- lished in 1888, it is stated that a grass known by this name is universally esteemed as a good fodder grass all over the plains of Northern India. Mention of the economic importance of the West Indian: sour grasses was made by Mr. C. A. Barber in 1894, and Mr. J. R. Bovell in 1895, writing from Antigua and Barba- dos respectively. The former used the name A. saccharoides and the latter A. pertusus. There is a Barbados specimen at Kew dated 1869, and as early as 1830 Mayeock’s Flora Barbadensis mentions a ‘narrow-leaved’ sour grass in that island. The adjective was used to distinguish it from other grasses earlier known by that name, and his description shows that he meant a grass coming within the present use of the term. There appear to be three grasses known as Andropogon pertusus and valued for fodder, ie., Barbados sour grass, the ‘pitted blue grass’ of Australia, and the Indian grass already referred to. 5 Andropoyon pertusus was described by Linnaeus from Indian specimens. It is a characteristic plant of old pasture ground in the Gangetic plain and the Punjab, and occurs further south as far as Ceylon. It has also been collected. in various Asiatic and African localities. The Australian plant appears to be a form of Andropogon intermedius, R. Br. The West Indian material at Kew falls into three groups; of these Set (1) has the nodes bearded~ and the sessile spikelets not pitted. It has been collected in Dominica, Antigua, avd Montserrat. Set (2) has the nodes. glabrous and the sessile spikelets pitted. The specimens are from Barbados Nevis, and Guiana, the last named from cultivated material originally received from Barbados. Set (3) is intermediate between (1) and (2), the nodes being glabrous or more or less pubescent, the sessile spikelets either pitted or not pitted in the same inflorescence, but prevalently not pitted. The specimens come from Barbados, Tobago, and_ St. Vincent. Dr. Stapf reaches the conclusion that Set (1) is identical’ with Hackels’ var americanus of A. Ischaemum, and proposes to raise it to specific rank under the name A. feracidulus. This he considers as quite distinct from the remainder, and truly indigenous. Sets (2) and (3) are very closely allied to A. intermedius- but more information is required before coming to a definite decision as to their origin. Dr. Stapf puts forward the hypothesis that they may have originated by crossing between A. feracidulus and an introduced form of the Old World A. intermedius, and proposes the name A. intermedius, var. acidulus. For the sake of clearness, the generic name A» dropogon: has been retained in this summary, but it must be indicated here that Dr. Stapf agrees with the elevation of the sub-genus Amphilophis to generic rank, so that the species above referred to will become Amphilophis intermedia, Stapf, Amp. feraci- dula, Stapf, and Amp. pertusa, Nash. Further information bearing on the points not yet cleared up is being sought both in Australia and the West Indies. 180 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, June 3, 1916. DOWN THE ISLANDS. ITEMS OF LOCAL INTEREST. st. tucta. Mr. A. Brooks’s notes for April state that in the Experiment Station, work included the reaping of cane, the sowing of a second consignment of Coffea robusta, the transplanting of limes, the planting of plots of camphor and bay trees, and the budding of limes on sour orange and citron stocks. In the Botanic''Gardens, at Castries, the centre middle drive, with three driving entrances, was com- pleted during the month. A water-basin 20 feet in diameter was formed between the two entrances at the eastern bound- ary ,and fitted with a revolving fountain throwing four sprays of water. The basin is edged with large lumps of coral. The adjacent bank has been planted with a row of Travell- ers’ palms along the iron fencing, to close the view of the public roads, and the slopes have been planted with various palms, ferns, begonias, caladiums, iris, ginger lilies, eucharis lilies, tuberoses, alocasias, and other plants. The orchid collection has been removed from the nurseries and the plants are now suspended in baskets on wires from the branches of two mature specimens of Ficus benjanvini, overhanging the water. The adjoining 1ockery is made of coral and is being extended and planted with ferns, selaginellas, and begonias. A considerable amount of work was performed in preparing the gardens for the fétein aid’ of the-French Red Cross, which was held on Easter Monday. Mr. Brooks’s observations relating to staple crops furnish the information that the reaping of cacao continues. The promise of heavy crops of limes in June and July is indicated, and there is a continued steady extension of the area under this crop. A good ciop of sugar is being harvested and an extension of the area under this crop also is taking place. Work has been begun in connexion with enlarging the lime juice buildings: The advisory committee of the factory held a meeting during the month, and Mr. Auguste, late pupil of the Agricultural School, was, on the advice of the committee, appointed by His Honour the Administrator, Manager of the Factory. During the month also, there was a meeting held in the Micoud district in con- nexion with the formation of agricultural banks. This meet- ing was conducted by the Inspector of Agricultural Banks. Arrangements are being made between Mr. Brooks and the Head Master of St. Mary’s College to utilize the Botanic Gardens for the study of Botany. The lime juice factory was to openon May 27. Thexwrainfall during the month at the Botanic Gardens was 3°50 inches, while at the Experi- ment Station at Choisuel, 2°01 inches fell. MONTSERRAT, Mr. W. Robson says that operations in the Stations have been practically at a standstill on account of the drought, and crops will therefore be later than usual. The nursery shelter for raising bay seedlings is completed. A plot of yellow plantain was planted at Harris station to provide slips for distribution. Plantain is becoming scarce. In regard to the staple crops, a portion of the cotton crop was put in late in March and early in April, but the bulk of it, particularly on the leeward side, remains to be planted. The young fields are looking fairly well, some rains having fallen in the Windward district., Rain is much needed to develop the lime crop. It is stated that a weekly collection of Exophthalmus weevils on the lime experiment plot was commenced. As regards the Onion Growers’ Association, it is stated that this has finished operations; the number of crates shipped was 662 together with 63 barrels, and finan- cially the venture promises to be successful. The result of the shipment of 198 crates to Canada is awaited with interest. Mr. Robson says that a good deal more could be done with papaws at the present time, particularly on the part of the peasants. The proposed experiments at both Harris and . Grove stations are, therefore, opportune. The rainfall at Grove Station was only 0°74 inches during April, and this was distributed over éleven days. antigua. According to Mr. T. Jackson, the young cane crop is rapidly improving, and the area under cultivation has increased. This applies especially to the peasant crop. As regards this year’s crop, it is stated that in most cases the yields obtained have exceeded estimates. As regards work in the experiment stations, this has principally concerned the reaping of the sugar-cane experiment plots. It is said that large orders have been received for forest trees. During the month the following plants were distributed: 188 Eucalyptus, 20 coco-nuts, 22 decorative plants, and 30,000 sweet potato cuttings. Early in the month of May, the Antigua Cotton Growers’ Association was formed, which should-help to give greater stability to this industry in Antigua. The rainfall for the month was 4:93 inches. Nevis. Mr. WsHowell writes to the effect that the reaping of the cane ¢rop is still in progress and prices are still fairly good. As regards cotton, a fair acreage of land is already preparedy but, on account of the dry weather, no planting has been done. Mr. Howell states that much more land will be put under cotton this year than last year, but the acreige will not be what it usually is. Provision crops suffered very much during the past six or eight weeks on account of the dry weather. It is thought there may be a shortage in about August. Mr Howell paid a visit to Antigua and Mentserrat in connexion with the onion industry. As reported in the last issue of the Agricultural News, the Administrator presided at a cotton meeting held in the island during the month. ‘The rainfall for the month was ‘75 inches. VIRGIN ISLANDS. Writing from Tortola, Mr. W. C. Fishlock complains of very dry weather. Owing to the drought, it was possible to do but little work connected with planting in the Experiment Station. In regard to staple crops, the sugar and lime crops will show an increased pro- duction. Cotton will probably be below the average. As regards the coming eotton crop, a good deal of interest appears to be shown at Jost-van-Dyke and Virgin Gorda especially. ———EEESSScNe Peasant Agriculture in Grenada.—The Govern- ment of Grenada has furnished this Office with a report of the Agricultural Instructor for April last. In this itis stated that attention was given in connexion with the Prize Holdings Competition, and that up to April 30 more than 300 entries had been obtained. In connexion with land settlements, it is noted that the construction of roads at St. Cyr Mountain has been completed, and that allottees are settling their instal- ments and interest in advance. As regards crops, cacao continues to be satisfactory, having maintained its increase over the previous crop up to May 6, and having up to April 30 passed the total of last year up to September 30. The report says that the lime crop is about 50 per cent. better to date than last year! “In the experiment plots, satisfactory crops of eddoes have been reaped at Morne Rouge and Westerhal!; while the sugar-cane planted in November at the Morne Rouge plot, on ridged and furrowed land, has stood the season better than any other sngar-cane in the district, which is all planted in square holes. The horse beans sown on the ridges between the sugar-cane in December are coming through the season green and healthy. Vou. XV. No. 368. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, 181 COVER CROPS USED IN PORTO RICO. A valuable account of cover crops for Porto Rico is contained in Bulletin No. 19, issued by the Porto Rico Agricul- tural Experiment Starion. It contains a useful description of the Stizolobiums, and of plants belonging to several other genera. The sword bean (Canavalia gladiator) is referred to asa valuable cover crop for affording wind protection in citrus orchards, as its high growth prevents the wind from sweeping below the tree branches, and maintains the quiet atmosphere in which the scale-destroying fungi thrive. The Stizolobiums are referred to asa group sensitive to drought, and as a species preferring a sandy loam soil. The pigeon pea (Cajanus andicus) has proved a very satisfactory wind-break in Porto Rico until citrus trees are three or more years old. This is well illustrated in Plate 2 in the publication. The Bulletin ends with the following summary:— Lands devoted to horticultural crops in Porto Rico are very deficient in humus and vegetable matter, and are greatly damaged by surface washing. Cover crops were first cultivated in Porto Rico by planters who became interested in citrus growing after the American occupation of the island, There is a great difference in soil types and in local weather conditions, making the selection of a cover crop which will give most satisfaetory results, of great importance. The cowpea is grown in all parts of the island. It has the shortest growing season of any of the legumes described “in this bulletin. It is valuable as a cover crop and as a food. The jack bean, although lately introduced is in more general use than any other cover crop. It thrives on all except very light land, and, on account of its habit of growth, is very desirable in citrus orchards. The Lyon bean, the Mauritius bean, and a number of other lately introduced velvet beans succeed well on all types of Porto Rico soils where horticultural crops are grown. They are recommended for growing in open fields or for general use, where care is taken to prevent injuries by the rank- growing vines. The pigeon pea succeeds well in all parts of the island. It is cultivated for its edible seed, and as a cover crop and wind-break. Under favourable conditions the plants continue their growth for a few years. The thrifty annual legumes which are growing wild are valuable, and should be protected and encouraged. They reseed themselves and are very resistant to drought and heavy rainfall. The vegetable matter in Porto Rico Jands devoted to citrus culture soon disappears when clean cultivation is practised. The soil and climatic conditions favour the employment of cover crops throughout the sections where citrus fruits are grown. In o!d coco-nut groves, where there is a good stand of trees, the dense shade prevents a thrifty growth of cover crops In young groves. or where the stand of trees is poor, velvet beans, jack beans, and cowpeas are satisfactory cover crops. Cowpeas and pigeon peas are used both as cover and catch crops in coco-nut groves. Pigeon peas and jack beans hinder the growth and production of Cabezona and Red Spanish varieties of pine- apples when planted in the bed with them. The pigeon pea was more harmful than the jack bean, and the development of the Cabezona variety was retarded more than the Red Spanish. é Cover crops make their heaviest growth and serve their purpose best when planted in spring or early summer, Nodule-forming bacteria are present in most Porto Rican soils. Where the bacteria are wanting, inoculated soil should be scattered over the field at the time of seeding the cover crop. SEA ISLAND COTTON MARKET. Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool, write as follows, under date May .1, 1916, with reference to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton:— Since our last report about 150 bales of West Indian Sea Island cotton have been sold, chiefly Montserrat 18d. to 184d., and Antigua at 17d., with a few stains at 103d. Prices. are steady, but spinners are selecting their lots very carefully. The Report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week ending May 6, 1916, is as follows:— ISLANDS. This crop has been entirely disposed of, leaving no stock here or on plantation; consequently the market is closed until the new crop is marketed. The following quotations are only nominal, but represent the closing prices paid, viz., Extra Fine 3le. to 32=203d. to 2ld. cif. & 5 per cent. Fully Fine 30c. = 20d. Riu essnerstess FLORIDAS AND GEORGIAS. Since our last circular report of April 15, there has been little change, the market remain- ing firm with sufticent demand to take the limited offerings at quotations, and exporters have been able to dispose of their holdings to advantage. The buying has been on account of the Northern Mills. The supply unsold has been very much reduced, and is firmly held. “In a limited way can buy at quotations, viz: Fancy 3]c.=52}c., landed. Extra Choice 30c.=3lic., ,, Choice 29c.=304c., ,, The exports from Savannah since April 18 were, to Northern Mills 1,052 bales, Southern Mills 470 bales, and from Jacksonville to Northern Mills 50 bales. crop ADVICES. In Carolina there has been little if any increase in the acreage on the Islands. A larger proportion ot crop than usual has been planted in prolific seed, classing Fine to Fully Fine, which is more remunerative to planters at the prices now ruling; consequently the supply of Extra Fine will be more limited. This applies partly to the crop lots of Extra Fine and above, as the small premium paid for the selected grades of Extra Extra. has induced some of the planters to return to a more prolific seed. In Florida and Georgia there is reported an increase in acreage of 10 to 15 per cent., and some more attention has been given to selection of seed. The crops in all three States are suffering from continued spell of dry weather. The stands obtained, are irregular and broken, and some replanting has been necessary. With cool nights the plants have made slow progress, and are backward, In .all sections there is urgent need of good rains, which would much improve the outlook. This report also shows that the total exports of Sea Island cotton from the United States to Liverpool and Manchester up to May 6,1916, were 754 and 443 bales, respectively. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 1916, JUNE 3, COTTON CONFERENCE. THIRD DAYS PROCEEDINGS. (Concluded. ) Pests AND DISEASES OF CorTox, AND Terk ConrRoL. In opening the discussion on this subject, the President said he thought that previous discussion had shown that cotton is not threatened with any general epidemic which is likely to be disastrous to the cotton industry as a whole. There were, however, diseases which required careful consid- eration. Before proceeding to consider West Indian pests and diseases, the President thought it would be stimulating if Mr. Ballou, the Entomologist to the Department, gave a brief account of the Mexican boll weevil and its spread in the United States. This pest was a menace to the American Sea Island cotton industry, and its steady, spread and the campaign against its spread presented features of great interest. Mr. Ballou then gave first, a short historial account of the spread of the boll weevil from Southern Texas north- wards. It was discovered in Southern Texas in 1892. The Government failed to declare a quarantine line, and since 1892 the pest has spread year by year through the cotton- growing areas of the Southern States, doing enormous damage. Every time the pest has struck a new area it has reduced the output of cotton in that area about 50 per cent. A remark- able feature is that, of recent years, the yield of cotton per acre in the infested areas has gone up, due to the introduction of better systems of cultivation—changes necessitated by the pest with a view to its control. Mr. Ballou then indicated on the map the progress of the spread of the boll weevil from Texas to Oklahoma and Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Western Florida and Georgia, with the certain prospect of its proceeding on to South Carolina. Mr. Ballou estimated that it would not be later than 1922 before the American Sea Islands which are just off the coast of South Carolina would be infested by the boll weevil, resulting in the disappearance of the American Sea Island cotton industry. Tn conclusion, Mr. Ballou pointed out the grave responsibility which would rest upon anyone importing material from America likely to carry the pest, though as a matter of fact, there was some reason to believe that in these islands the boll weevil might not assume such serious proportions as it did in the Southern States. The President in remarking on Mr. Ballou’s observations, said that the control of the boll weevil by changes in methods of cultivation was on a smaller scale paralleled by the planting of cotton in Antigua at a certain period to avoid the flowef-bud maggot. The President then: asked Mr. Nowell, the Mvycologist of the Department, to make a statement concerning the internal boll disease of eotton—a serious affection which is very widely spread throughout the West Indies, the importance of which has only recently been realized. Mr. Nowell said that this boll disease had been recog- nized in Montserrat for many years, but its exact cause had not been definitely cleared up. The unique feature about the internal boll disease was that the bolls appear on the ontside perfectly healthy, even up to the stage when they ought to be opening and showing their ripe cotton; but within, in the later stages, one or more locks of the boll contain only rotting material. Such a condition was difficult to account for, as boll diseases generally start from the outside and spread from the wall of the boll to the cotton within. It was first suggested by Mr. Robson that there was some connexion between the disease and the occurrence of cotton stainers. The experiments which had since been carried out proved that there is a necessary connexion between cotton bugs and internal boll disease. This had been demonstrated by “both Mr. Robson in Montserrat, and Mr. Harland in St. Vincent. Mr. Nowell went on to say that the disease and its transmission were of very great scientific interest. In nearly all cases examined by him there was present # particular fungus with very peculiar and distinct characters, though in some cases bacteria only were found to be present. The present information was, he said, that the disease was always associated with the fungus or with bacteria, and that the disease dees not occur unless there have been cotton stainers or other bugs sucking from the outside. The exact way in which the organism obtains access was not yet definitely known, but it was probable that it is carried by the cotton stainer. From a practical point of view, the control of the disease was obviously bound up in the control of plant-feeding bugs, especially of the cotton stainer: no bugs, no internal boll disease. Mr. Nowell added that in Barbados, where the cotton stainer does not occur, he had found internal boll disease associated with the green bug. Mr. Ballou then proceeded to make a few remarks concerning the cotton stainer problem. He had to confess that the control of cotton stainers was at present inadequate. For a considerable time certain treatments - hand collection, water and kerosene, spraying the young stainers early in the season, putting down trap heaps—had been tried with a certain amount of success, but something more was necessary “before there could be anything like satisfactory control. With regard to the life-history of the cotton stainer, Mr. Ballou said there was only one point it respect of which there was some doubt, and that is the exact place, under natural conditions, where the female lays her eggs. The cotton stairer, Mr. Ballou said, was one of the few groups of insects of which scarcely a single natural enemy was known, but recently one had been reported from Peru. As regards control, Mr Ballou thought that the destruction of old cotton bushes, and particularly the des- truction of the wild plants on which stainers feed when there is no cotton were the most likely ways of keeping down the pest. Considerable discussion then followed in connexion with these last two points. Hon. R. L. Warneford (Antigua) said that he had experienced sudden invasions of the cotton stainer, and he believed that in his district they came from trees known as Gamboge (Thespesia populnea) which grow on the seashore. Mr. Maloney said that in Nevis after the cotton crop has been gathered, stainers are seen on the physic nut tree. Mr. K. P. Pencheon (Montserrat) said that, in his opinion, the only way to destroy the cotton stainer is to destroy the wild plants on which they feed and the old cotton thoroughly, and havea close season. whether surface tillage operations would prove remunerative if performed regularly on land growing maize. The question of moisture conservation as brought about by means of a frequent breaking up of the soil surface has often been brought forward in Antigua, especially in connexion with sugar-cane cultivation. Seeds were sown in ,',acre plots at distances of 1 foot x 4 feet on February 21, and in each case two plants were left in each hole. The plots were harvested on June 16. The tillage accorded to each plot was as follows: Plot No. 1 was tilled weekly; Plot No. 2 was tilled fortnightly; Plot No. 3 was not tilled. The tillmg was done by means of hoes, and during each operation the land was thoroughly loosened. The yields obtained were as follows:—: | Caleulated Yield per plot! Calculated jyield per acre junshelled corn,| yield shelled |shelled corn, in | in bb. corn, in b. bushels. Plot No. 1 | 181 1 33; 26 Plot No. 2 | 172 | 1,290 23 Plot No. 3 124 930, 16 In converting the return of unshelled corn into terms of shelled corn, the normal local allowance of 75 per cent. is made; 56 tb. are reckoned to the bushel. The results obtained are interesting, and indicate that increased yields may be expected from lands receiving regular surface tillage. Although the yields obtained are by no means high, yet the difference between No. 1 plot and No. 3 shows an increase in favour of the former of 61 per cent. When considering the result from atrial of a nature similar to this, the actual cost of the various operations taken in conjunction with the yields obtained should not be lost sight of. In the following table the value of the cultural work is based on estates’ rates, and the cost of the tillage operations per acre subsequent to planting may be taken as follows:— Cost per acre per |Cost per acre for month, four months. Ea ae d@ £3 d. Plot No. 1 5 4 el 4: Plot No. 2 2 8 10 8 Plot No. 3 aes sis It may be pointed out, with reference to the charges given in the above table, that the work would have been more effectively performed if harrows had been used, and the cost would have been much less. In this connexion it may be stated that one man can in one day till from 3 to 4 acres with a Planet Junior harrow; for such work he would receive from ls. to ls, 6d. per day. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 187 The following calculations show the value of the produce reaped per acre, after deducting the cost of tillage:— Calculated value of corn after deduct- ing cost of till- age operations. Calculated value of corn, per acre. Sass San de Plot No. 1 De LOPG 4-19) 42 Plot No. 2 E tei ly Xe) ie Plot. No. 3 By ts 0) 3 8 0 In the above, the corn is valued at 4s. 3d. per bushel. The figures indicate that. weekly tillage gives the most economical results. DISTANCE PLANTING EXPERIMENTS. On account of maize béing grown locally as a catch crop with sugar-cane, some uncertainty exists as to the maximum number of plants that can economically be matured on 1 acre of land. As will readily be seen, this involves such factors as soil fertility, rainfall, etc, which necessitate modifications to suit different localities. Unfortunately all the plots were not planted at the same time, but in spite of this, the results are of interest. In every case two plants were left in each hole. The results obtained are given in the following table:— Yield | Date of ot un- | Calcula- | Calculated No. of | planting. |Distance. |shelled |ted yield) yield per plot. corn per|of shelled/acre of shell- plot, in/corn perled corn, in tb. jacre, in Ib.) bushels. No. 1 |Sept 22/6inx6im) 84 1,260 22 » 2 |May 9/1 ftx14tl 83 | 1,945 22 » oo |Aug 29/4 ftx4 ft} 52 780 14 5 2 ON SS Re x 4c 705 13 There was practically no difference in the returns obtained from the first two plots, but the quality of the corn reaped varied considerably. A large proportion of that obtained from plot 1 was indifferent, and the cobs could only be classed as ‘nubbins ’ ; those reaped from plots 2,3 and 4 were normally good. No good ears were reaped from plot 5—in fact nothing worth recording was obtained. It will be seen that 1 foot x by 1 foot is the best planting distance. Concerning the manufacture of hydrosulphite of soda, which is used for bleaching sugar in factories, the Jnterna- tional Sugar Journal for April 1916, provides the following interesting information. Since the outbreak of war, the salt in the form of powder appears to have been unobtainable; however, a well-known French chemist has now evolved a process which can be installed in the sugar factory or refinery for the manufacture of the bleaching agent in the state of solution ready for use. The plant is stated to be comparatively simple, and for its operation the services of an intelligent workman only, are required. The article containing the above information is accompanied by a plan of the plant. 188 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JuNE -3, 1916, GLEANINGS. Volume VII, Part 3, of the Journal of Agricultural Science, contains a series of important papers by Rothamsted investigators on the formation and translocation of carbohy- drates in plants. These are of great chemical interest, and will prove useful to investigators interested in the subjects alealt with. A review of a book called ‘The Tropics’, by C. KR Enoch, appears in the Journal of the Royal Society of Arts for March 24, 1916. This is described as containing a great amount of information, carefully put together, and as being rich in suggesitons as to the further development of the various countries described. In regard to the amount of effective arsenic in cattle dip, it is stated in the Rhodesia Agricultural Journal for December 1915, that in calculating the strength of a dip half the arsenate of soda has to be deducted, since this substance has, as far as present knowledge goes, only half the quick killing power of arsenite. A useful table showing the digestible food units and prices of feeding stuffs is to be found in the Journal of the Board of Agriculture (England) for March 1916. This list contains most of the principal tropical feeding stuffs like coconut cake, palm nut kernel cake, ground nut cake, rice meal, and cotton seed meal. Palm nut kernel cake appears to be one of the cheapest feeding stutfs, but its diges- tible food units are low, namely 90°5 compared with 145 for ground nut cake, which is one of the highest. Useful information as to the principal cultivations in the different wards of Trinidad is contained in Council Paper No. 9.of 1916. In Arima, cacao is the chief staple, with cotfee and some rubber. In Couva, sugar-cane is principally grown. Sangre Grande is well known for its cacao, though rubber is rapidly inereasing. Cacao is the cheaf crop in Montserrat as it is also in Oropuche and lia Brea. In Naparima there is about an equal area under eane and cacao, The sugar crops and exports in regard to Brazil are- dealt with in a note in The Board of Trade Journal for February 17, 1916. The sugar crop for 1914-15 amounted to 716,000 bags of sugar, of which by far the largest amount was sent to the United Kingdom, being another example of the great demand for cane sugar during the past year. The crop for 1915-16 is expected to be a late one, and smaller than the previous crop. It is reported in the Australian Sugar Journal for March 9, 1916, that the Queensland sugar crop for 1916 has been estimated by the General Superintendent of the: Bureau of Sugar Experiment Stations at about 180,000 tons, provided the remainder of the growing season is favourable. This would be considerably in excess of last year, when a drought occurred, but would fall far short of the crop for the record year of 1913. Exact figures will be available in July next, The Agricultural Experiment Station at the Kansas. State Agricultural College has issued a Bulletin (No. 205) on corn growning. This deals, amongst other matters, with the respective merits of the two methods of cultivation, namely, listing, and surface planting. The former is adapted to regions having limited rainfall and light types of soil. The latter is adapted for conditions tending towards an opposite extreme. The bulletin contains, as well, useful notes on the storage of corn, and on insect pests of this crop. An interesting article on cloves, their history and dis- tribution, appears in the Perfumery and Hssential Ort Record for January 1915. It appears that the French have done much in order to introduce this tree into different parts. of the tropics. They carried it to Mauritius and to their western colony of Cayenne. It is not generally known that the French have successfully introduced cloves into the French Congo, where the tree flourishes in several places in the Gaboon. It appears that the tree has not flourished in Cayenne. Breeders of ducks in the West Indies should procure: a copy of Farmer's Bulletin, No. 697, issued by the United States Department of Agriculture. This deals with the different aspects of duck raising, selection and methods of feeding receiving special consideration. As is well known, ducks may be fed on the rations recommended for fowls and chickens, but better results are usually secured by feeding more green and vegetable feeds anda larger proportion of mash. The bulletin is well illustrated to show the different breeds of ducks and the different kinds of houses for keeping them in. The war and its relation to rubber planting was dealt with in an interesting article in the 7idia Rubber Journal for February 5, 1916, Itis stated in this that the supply of plantation rubber will be more than doubled within the next five years. AS regards demand, it is thought that this will remain steady, the big war demands being more or less conterbalanced by the reduced luxury demand. Another article in the same journal for January 22, deals with rubber production and prices in 1915. Figures show that the world’s total production in 1915 was 146,000 tons, compared with 80,000 tons in 1910. Vou. XV. No 368 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 189 AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN GRENADA. Copy of a progress report has been forwarded to this Office by Mr. J. C. Moore, Superintendent of Agriculture, Grenada, on the work of the Agricutural Department for the quarter ended March 31, 1916. ; Operations in the Botanic Gardens were chiefly in the nature of ornamentation, and formation and preparation of nursery beds for planting. Horse beans were sown through- out a plot of land in the orchard in which budded grape fruit trees had recently been planted. The value of this bean asa soil cover and renovator, as well as for producing organic mulching material, and keeping down weeds will be referred to in the next Annual Report. In the meantime, seeds are being distributed from the experiment stations, and efforts are being made to encourage the use of this plant in Grenada. The scarcity of suitable land in'the Gardens for such nursery work as the raising of limes, budded mangoes, citrus fruits, coco-nuts, ete., has been met by the Board of Agricul- ture agreeing to the Superintendent’s “proposal to reduce the area under cacao. A plot of the younger cacao will be reserved. The work of preparing the additional nursery land has been begun by the removal of someof the cacao and immortel trees, and will be continued as is found necessary. Plants distributed during the year ended March 31, 1916, included : Limes 26,456, coco-nuts 9,689, shade trees 850, cacao 500, various economic and ornamental 362; besides 2,000 seed coco-nuts, and 630 Ib. horse beans. This consti- tutes a record distribution for plants raised in the Botanic Gardens’ nurseries, and indicates a satisfactory extension of the area under permanent crops other than cacao, in the island. Extensive preparations have been made to provide for this section of the Department's work during 1916-17, including a promising stock of about 30,000 limes, Regarding the experiment plots, in addition’ to the routine work of weeding, etc.. the limes at Morne Rouge were pruned by the Agricultural Officers. Pruning, though seldom required on lime trees, was in this instance necessary, and consisted in removing only the lower branches touching the ground soas to facilitate the gathering of the crop, mulchi2y anil sanitation operations. The sugar-cane planted at Morne Rouge in November last has made good progress and _ has, so far, satisfactorily withstood the drought. During the quarter the Superintendent attended a meeting in Grenville of the Agricultural and Commercial Society; two meetings of settlers at the Morne Rouge sugar works, and visited four estates in St Andrew’s and two in St. George’s parishes; while the Agricultural Instructor visited 213 peasants’ holdings, and made, amongst others, fifteen visits to the land settlements and experiment plots at St. Cyr, Westerhall, and Morne Rouge. The receipts on account of Land Settlements for the quarter amounted to £59 9s. lld. The land settlements accounts and records were examined by the Auditor, who expressed his appreciation of the satisfactory manner in which these had been kept since the previous examination. The weather is reported on as having been particularly favourable for most agricultural operations, the dry season not setting in until about the middle of April. POISONOUS NATURE OF CHLORATE AS A MANURE. Last December this Office was informed by the Secretary ot State for the Colonies, that it was anticipated that some 1,200 tons per annum of unrefined nitrate of potassium would be available froma certain source, and the question was raised as to whether it would be suitable as a fertilizer. An analysis of the material was enclosed, and this showed that it contained some 6 per cent. of potassium chlorate. Reference to current literature showed that such a considerable quantity of chlorate would be likely to render the material unsuit- able for use as a manure, and other uses were suggested for it. More recently the Colonial Office has furnished this Department with more detailed information obtained from the English Board. of Agriculture in the form of a report by Sir. James Dobbie, the Board’s Chief Analyst. This report includes the results of three series of experiments that were conducted in Germany in 1899, with the specific object of determining the toxic powers of varying quantities of chlorate. The first two series were made on rye. No. 1 series was with chlorate and perchlorate of potash. The general conclusions and results of this series of experiments were: (a) Plots treated with nitrate containing chlorate caused the leaves to become pale and spotted, but there were no symptoms of perchlorate poisoning; the crop showed an increase of 4 to 7 per cent. (b) Plots treated with chlorate and perchlorate without nitrate showed very few symptoms of poisoning; the plants were very weak owing to the absence of nitrate. (c) Plots with nitrate alone gave an increased crop of 31 to 33 per cent. (d) Plots with nitrate containing perchlorate gave a less crop than (c), and showed symptoms of perchlorate poisoning. The second series of experiments was with perchlorate of soda. Compared with the plots in which nitrate alone was used, the presence of 0°D per cent. of perchlorate in the nitrate reduced the crop 3 per cent’; 1°3 per cent. of perchlorate in the nitrate reduced it 40 per cent.; while with the 2°68 per cent. of perchlorate in the nitrate the crop was only one-half the size of that from the plot treated with nitrate alone. The third series of experiments was upon young plants in November. It was found that plots treated with nitrate con- taining 0-04 per cent. of sodium perchlorate were injuriously affected, but the young plants gradually outgrew the injury. With nitrate containing 2 to 3 per cent. of perchlorate, however, many plants were killed. In the case of potassium perchlorate the plants outgrew the injury even if the nitrate contained as much as 3 per cent. of perchlorate. It is therefore evident that sodium perchlorate is more harmful than potassium perchlorate, and that potassium chlorate is the Jeast harmful of the three substances. These results clearly indicate that potassium nitrate containing as much as 6 per cent. of chlorate could not be used safely upon plants. It might possibly be used to some extent in compound manures, if the proportion employed was such as to give less than 1 per cent. of chlorate in the mixture. But care would need to be exercised in the selection of constituents of the compound manure, as chlorates cannot be mixed with some substances without action. 190 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Junk 3, 1916. EXPERIMENTS WITH TROPICAL CROPS IN CALIFORNIA. The following extracts have been taken from the Report of the College of Agriculture and the Agricul- tural Experiment Station of the University of Cali- fornia for 1914-15. he information is of interest in relation to West Indian agriculture:— FERTILIZER EXPERIMENTS UPON ORANGES AND LEMONS. During the past eight years the station has been con- ducting a fertilizer experiment upon oranges and lemons at Riverside. The trees are not yet in full bearing, but already some indication of the trend is becoming apparent. With these young trees distinct effects have been obtained from the use of stable manure, from a complete fertilizer, and from nitrogenous fertilizers. Some apparent’ effect has been obtained from phosphoric acid, but little if any from potash salts, at least as far as the yield is concerned. In another area of the same type of soil it has been conclusively shown that corn, potatoes and sugar beet were increased by plough- ing down a leguminous cover crop over that which was obtained by turning under a cover crop of barley. A legu- minous cover crop supplied as much nitrogen to the soil apparently as was supplied by 1,000 Ib. of nitrate of soda. In other words, it is not only desirable to supply organic matter to the soil, but preferably this organic matter should be from a leguminous crop. These investigations have not continued long enough to justify definite conclusions, but the present indications are that steamed bone meal may be wisely added toa young bearing orange orchard if a leguminous cover crop is ploughed under annually, on soils similar to the one on which our investigations have been made. If, however, a leguminous cover crop is not used, a liberal application of nitrogen in some form of low-grade nitrogenous fertilizer, and sulphate of ammonia is indicated.* While the investigations have not thus far shown it, it may be that when the orchard gets under the strain of heavy bearing, potash will also be found useful. This, at least, has been found to be the case with crops in a humid climate. Extended experiments seem to show, beyond a doubt, that there it is possible by means of leguminous crops to keep up the nitrogen supply of the soil, but that phosphorus and potassium must be added from some other source in order to maintain a maximum production. THE BEFECT OF FERTILIZERS ON SUGAR AND ACID CONTENT OF CITRUS FRUITS. Young reports that differences in sugar and acid contents of citrus fruits under different fertilizer treatments have been found to be comparatively slight. In general, fruits from plats containing potash alone are slightly sweeter than those from other plats. Phosphoric acid plats range second, and nitrogen third, in sweetness. Fruits from nitrogen plats have uniformly shown a higher percentage of nitrogen. Navel oranges grown on sweet stock have more sugar and less acid than those grown on sour stock. SUDAN GRASS. The Sudan grass experiment, started at the University Farm, Davis, in April 1913, through co-operation with the *xcellent results have been obtained in the experiments at Riverside with dried blood, and with steamed bone’ meal ~which carries a small percentage of nitrogen, Bureau of Plant Industry, has shown this plant to be a valuable annual forage crop in subhumid sections where irrigation is not practised. In 1914, the average yield of cured hay under irrigation was 7°61 tons per acre, while the average yield under dry-farming methods was 6°61 tons per acre. Asa seed crop the average yield with irrigation was 1,643 tb., and without irrigation 1,771 tb. per acre. Additional trials are being made to determine the best methods of seeding and handling this crop. . Care must be taken in the purchase of seed, owing to the fact that there is no known method of distinguishing between the seed of Sudan grass and that of Johnson grass. CLOSE PLANTING OF EGYPTAIN COTTON. Egyptain cotton, when allowed to grow under. ordinary condition, at the Imperial Valley Experiment Farms reaches a height of 6 or 7 feet,. with large vegetative branches, which make picking difficult. Different distances of planting were tried and resulted in very striking advantages in favour of close planting. The cotton plants were smaller, with fewer vegetative branches than when planted far apart, and the yield per acre was greater, although the yield per plant was reduced. Most of the cotton was produced on the fruiting branches of the main stock, and very little on the vegetative ' branches. The same general results were obtained with Durango cotton, although the differences were not so marked. The quality of the fibre seems to be maintained by this method of planting. Zebu Crosses in Italy. Results, which are also the first reported in Italy, are given in connexion with cross- ing Zebus with the Maremma, Romagnola and Perugia breeds. The zebu bull used, belongs to the Gujerat breed, one of - the most esteemed breeds of India; it is about 34 years old and weighs 1,430. It combines an elegant shape with great robustness and remarkable agility. This bull served 113 cows between November 1912 and May 1914. Of this number only nine remained sterile, or 8 per cent; among them were some Schwyz and Dutch cows. From an examination of the characters of the crosses obtained from the male Zebu with the Romagnola and Perugia females as wellas of those from the Schwyz and Dutch dams, which some farmers have bred out of curiosity, though they had been warned that the Gujerat cows produce only enough milk for their own calves, the writer has been able to collect the following data:— 1. That in all the crosses the characters of the Zebu are dominant where the fineness of the skeleton, the abundance of dewlap, development of the ear, slope of the rump and muscular system are concerned. 2. That the coat-colour and size of horns seem recessive, 3. That in general all the crosses show remarkable agility in their movements and great robustness. 4. That they show niuch aptitude to produce flesh. 5. That they seem to possess considerable resistance to foot-and-mouth disease; this resistance seems to be due to heredity, as would appear from observations made at the Gorio dairy near Brescia, where a male and a female Zebu of the Gujerat breed which were kept together with a herd of seventy brown Alpine cows were spared by the foot-and- mouth disease. (J/onthly Bulletin of Agricultwal Intelli- gence and Plant Diseases.) Vor. XV. No. 368. VETERINARY WORK IN INDIA. Considerable progress has recently been made by the Provincial Veterinary Departments of India in educating the people to believe in the scientific treatment of animal diseases. The numbers of cases treated in hospitals and dispensaries, and by officers on tour, are steadily increasing, and in one province, the Punjab, many private individuals have come forward to establish veterinary hospitals at their own expense, while in the Central Provinces some of the cattle-owners voluntarily deposited the cost of 500 doses of anti-rinderpest serum. At first there was strong prejudice against inocula- tion, but, according to the Report on the Progress of Agricul- ‘ture in India for 1913-14, cattle-owners are beginning to look upon it with great favour, and consider it the only ‘satisfactory measure to be adopted against rinderpest. ‘Striking instances of the efficacy of the anti-rinderpest serum were demonstrated at Gaisabad and Chanda in the Central Provinces, where 7,233 cattle were inoculated with no mortality amongst them. In some of the provinces rinderpest was more widespread ‘than in previous years, ard there would have been a great Ancrease in the number of animals inoculated but for an unfortunate break-down in the supply of serum from Moktesar. Large orders for the serum were received from Egypt, the Sudan, and Rhodesia, which had to be set aside; but new centrifuges have been installed at the Imperial Bacteriological Laboratory at Muktesar, and a_ branch ‘Jaboratory at Bareilly is being expanded, by which it is hoped that it will be possible to meet the growing demand for -serum. Special endeavours have been made to improve the sheep industry in the Punjab. Breeding experiments, undertaken ‘in the United Provinces with a view to ascertain how far the fleece of the indigenous sheep can be improved, have so far yielded satisfactory results. The introduction of a merino cross has produced a very beneficial effect on both the quality -and quantity of the fleece. Similar experiments have also been conducted at Pusa. (Journal of the Royal Society of Arts.) A New Chemical Hygrometer —The following -description of a new method of determining the relative humidity of-the air is summarized in the Monchly Bulletin of Agricultural Intelligence and Plant Diseases from an -article in The Analyst, Vol. XL, No. 467, London, February 1915, from which further information may be obtained. ‘The method of measuring the relative humidity of the air by the wet and dry bulb thermometers is liable to give ‘inaccurate results under certain conditions, and for this ‘reason investigations have been led to the subject of chemical hygrometry. The present paper describes a simple apparatus ‘for determining the moisture content of the air by volume ‘measurements before and after contact with sulphuric acid, which completely absorbs all water vapour present in one contact; the manipulation is easy, and less than two minutes vis sufficient to obtain a reading. In a series of trials carried out over a period of several months, the hygrometer worked most satisfactorily and gave results in very good -agreement with those obtained by gravimetric determinations, and by the use of Regnaults’s dew-point apparatus, while ‘readings taken simultaneously with wet and dry bulb +thermometers sometimes showed wide discrepancies.’ THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 191 WEST INDIAN PRODUCTS. DRUGS AND SPICES ON THE LONDON MARKETS. Mr. J. R. Jackson, A.L.S., has forwarded the follow- ing report on the London drug and spice markets for the month of March:— The produce markets during April have been, as is always the case at this period of the year, more or less disturbed by the new Budget proposals, which, taken together with the frequent prohibition or limitation of certain imports or ex- ports by the Board of Trade, give an unsettled state to articles. containing spirit or sugar such, for instance, as tamarinds. The general tendency, however, with products that come under our special notice has been that of increased demand at advanced rates, as the following details will show. GINGER, NUTMEGS, MACE AND PIMENTO. There has been but a slow demand for ginger through- out the month, in the early part of which Sierra Leone was quoted at 44s. per cwt. At auction on the 19th, nutmegs were in fair demand at the following rates: 72’s 1s. 3d., 100’s 1s. to ls 1d., and 112’s 103d. At the same auction, mace was also in good demand at Ls. 8d. to 2s. ld. per tb. Quite at theendof the month large quantities of pimento were reported to have arrived, and sales effected at 33d. per Ib. SARSAPARILLA, At the drug auction on the 6th of the month, very limited quantities of sarsaparilla were offered, as follows: Lima 26 bales, 9 of which sold at ls. 7d. to 1s 8d. per b. for ordinary part coarse; 1 bale only of native Jamaica was offered and sold at ls. 2d. per tb. for fair red: 10 bales of Mexican were also offered, but found no buyers; grey Jamaica was entirely absent. ji KOLA, LIME JUICE, LIME OIL, CASSIA FISTULA, CITRIC ACID eat) TAMARINDS, AND CASHEW NUTS. At the first auction on the 6th of the month, kola was in good supply with 93 packages. Of these, 6 bags of good bright West Indian halves realized from 43d. to 54d. per tb. Altogether 35 packages were disposed of. At the same sale, 16 hogsheads of brown St. Lucia lime juice were offered, but none was disposed of, being limited at 3s. per gallon, which price was -maintained at the end of the month. In the middle of the month, West Indian distilled lime oil was firm at 9s. and hand pressed at 10s. Some 50 packages of Cassia Fistula were offered at auction on the 6th of the month but found no buyers, being held at 60s. per ewt. Citric acid has been advancing rapidly since our last report, rising to 3s, 10d. at the beginning of the month, and closing at 4s. per tb. East Indian tamarinds were in good supply at the first auction on the 6th of the month, 53 casks being brought forward: 30s, was the price asked, but none was sold. At the first auction also, cashew nuts were in abundant supply, some 355 packages being offered, but none sold. 3 192 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS . JUNE 3, 1916. London.—TurE New York.—Messrs. Trinidad.—Messrs. MARKET REPORTS. West Inpra CoMMITTEE CIRCULAR, May 4, 1916. ArRowrRoct—2}d. to 430. Barata—Sheet, 3s. 2d., block 2s. 2d. Beeswax—No quotations. Cacao—Trinidad, no quotations; Grenada, 79s.: Jamaica, no quotations. Corrre—Jamaica, no quotations. Copra—£34 10s. to £39. Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota- tions; Wes4 Indian Sea Island, no quotations. Fruir—No qu. tations. Fustic— £6 to £7. Gincer—Jamaica, no quotations. IsrncLrass—No quotations. Honty—40s. to 45s. Live Jurce—Raw, no quotations.; concentrated, no quota- tions; Otto of limes (hand-pressed), no quotations. Logwoop—£8 to £8 10s. Mace—7d. to 2s. 3a. Nurmecs—9d. to 1s. 2d. Prmento—3 jd. Rusper—Para, fine hard, 2/10; fine soft, 2/85; Castilloa, no quotations. Rum—Jamaica, no quotations. Gittespre Bros. & Co., April 26, 1916, Cacao—Caracas, Isc. to 16fc.; Grenada, 15fc. to lbe.; Trinidad, 16c. to 164¢.; Jamaica, 14}¢. to 1c. Coco-nuts—Jamaica and “frinidad selects,” $43-0C $45:00; culls, $28°00 to $30°00. JoFFEE—Jamaica, 94c. to 12c. per tb. oINcGER—ldc. to 18¢. per th. Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 60c.; Antigua and Barbados, 58c. to 60c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 56c. to 58e. per tb. GrarEe Fruir—Jamaica, $1°25 to $2:00. Lintes—$10-00 to $1200. Macre—4c. to 52c. per tb. Nutmrecs—22c. to 28c. Orances—Jamaica, $2°25 to $3°00. Pimento—bte. to dje. per th. Svear—Centrifugals, 96°, 6:14c;. to 6°39¢. Muscovados, 89°, 5°49¢e. to 5°74c: Molasses, 89°, 5°37c. to 5:62c.. all duty paid. to azordoN, Grant & Co., May 18, 1916, Oacao—Venezuelan, $16°40 to $16°50; Trinidad, $15-40 to $15°75. Coco-nut OrL—$1°'10 per Imperial gallon. CorrrE—Venezuelan, )2c. to 13e. Copra—$6'50 per 100 th. Dxat— No quotations. Ontons—$5°00 to 85°50 per LOO th. Peas, Sprir—$9-00 to $9-25 per bag. Porators—English $2°75 to $3:00 per 100 th, Rice—Yellow, $7'°25 to $7°50; White, $7-°50 per bag. Srear—Amei.t to $8-00 .ushed, no quotations Barbados.—Messrs. James A. Lyncu & Co., Ltd., May 17, 1916; T. S. Garraway & Co., May 16, 1916, ARROWROOT. $5:00 per 100 tt. Cacao—$16°00 to $1700 per 100 th. Coco-Nuts—$18°00 husked nuts. Hay— ‘90 per 100 fh. Manures—Nitrate of soda: $85°00; Cacao manure, no quotations; Sulphate of ammonia, $100-00 to $105-00 per ton. Motassrs—No quotations. Ontons—82°75 to $4:00. Pras, Sprit—$10°00 per 210 th.; Canada, $6-00 per 120 tb. Porarors—Nova Scotia, $3:00 to $3°75 per 160 th. Rice—Ballam,$7°30 to 7°60 per 190 tb.; Patna, no quota- tions; Rangoon, no quotations. Sucar Muscovado centrifugals, 85:00 to $5°50. British Guiana.—Messrs. Wirtinc & Ricurer, April 29, 1916; Messrs. Sanpbacu, Parker & Co. May 5, 1916. 7 5 =. aa Messrs Sanne ARTICLES. Bosse, WIEDNG {5 scr) 4 WPARiat ¥ 4 & (Coz Arrowroor—St. Vincent — $1450 Bavata— Venezuela block — == Demerara sheet —— | 68c. Cacao—Native Cassava— Cassava STARCH— Coco-nuts— Corrre—Creole Jamaica and Rio Liberian DHar— Green Dhal Eppors— Mo tassrs— Yellow Ontons—Teneriftfe Madeira Pras—Split Marseilles PLanTarns— Porators—Nova Scotia Lisbon Porarors--Sweet, B’bados Rice—Ballam Creole Tannias— Yams— White Buck Suear—Dark crystals Yellow White Molasses TimeeER—GREENHEART Wallaba shingles 5 Cordwood 18c. per th. 89-00 $18 per M. 12c. to 13c. 14¢c. to 15c. per tb. 8c. to 8he. $6°75 to $7-00 9e. to Ile. $12:00 to $12°50 24ce. to 72e. $4:00 to $4°50 $1°80 $6°00 to $650 | $3:12 $4°60 to $4-70 $5°10 to $5-20 eo 48c. to 72c. per cub. foot $4:00 to $625 per M. $1-80 to $2-00 per ton | 19¢. per tb. $24 per M. 14c. per tb. lde. \9be. to 10c. per tb. | 86°50 to $7-75 | 12c. to 14e. | $12°00 to 13-00 per bag. (210 tb.) $5°0 $6°25 to $6-60 $4°60 to $4:70 $5°10 to $5-20 | 32c. to, 5dc. per cub. foot $300 to $7 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 1s. each. Post free, 1s. 2d.; Volumes IT, TI, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII and XIV:—Price 2s.each; Post free 2s. 8d., where complete. Volume XV, Nos. 1 and 2. No. 2. (III, 2. TV, 3; and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.) Containing papers on: Review of Ten Years’ Work of the Antigua Sugar to} b=) Factory (Gunthorpes), by Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G.; The Soils of Antigua, by Dr. H. A. Tempany, D.Se.; A Method of Sponge Cultivation and its Prospects in the Lesser Antilles: With Notes on Other Possible Shallow-water Fisheries, by W. R. Dunlop; A Parasite of the Flying Fish, by Dr. W. T. Calman, British Museum (Natural History); and Report on the Prevalence of some Pests and Diseases in the West Indies during 1914. PAMPHLET SERIES. The Pamphlets dre written ina simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially adapted to West Indian conditions. present time is seventy-five. 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. 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 1912-15, in 1913-14, price 1s. each. 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 Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are out of print. GENERAL. (7) and (22) Scale Insects of the Lesser: Antilles, Part I, price 4d.; Part IL., 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. (80) Hints to Settlers in St. Lucia. Price 6d. (81) Agricultural Resources of St. Lucia. Price 3d. (82) Indoor Gardening for Schools. Price 6d. The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of 3d. for the pamphlets marked 2d.; 1d. for those marked 4d. and for Nos and for No. 72, 2d. 73 and 75; ldd. for Nos. 40, 44, 49,59, 62,63, 67 and 74. Postage for No. 71, 4d. ? ? 5 The The ‘ Agricultural News’ contains ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’: extracts Review. correspondence and from progress and A Fortnightly from official 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. VolumesIV 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. All applications for copies 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 Inpia Commirrer, 15, Seething Lane. Barbados: Apvocarr Co, Lrp., Broad Street, Bridgetown. Jamaica: Toe Epucarionat Suprty Company, 16, King Street, Kingston. British Guiana: Taz Arcosy Co., Lrp., Georgetown. Trinidad; Messrs. Murr-Marsuati & Co., Port-of-Spain. St. Kitts: Tar Braue AND Book Suppry AGENcy, BassETERRE Tobago: Mr. C. L. PLacremann, Scarborough, Nevis: Messrs. HowE.u, Bros., Charlestown. Canada: Lewis W. Cremens, 71 King Street, West, Toronto. Grenada: Messrs. THos. Lawtor & Co., St. George. St. Vincent: Mr. J. D. Bonapre, ‘Times’ Office. St. Lucia: Mr. R. W. Nues, Botanic Station. Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. Bripcewater, Roseau. Montserrat: Mr. W. Rosson, Botanic Station. Antigua: Mr. S. D. Manone, St. John’s. 7 THE BEST MANURE FOR COLONIAL USE Is Dissolved (Soluble) Guano FOR SUGAR-CANE AND GHRNERAL 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. JUST ASSOEP SELECTED WEST INDIAN BULLETIN, SFA ISLAND COTTON SEED. Vol. XV, No. 3. We make a speciality of selecting Sea Island Cotton aie ; f a fe : .|Seed for planting purposes, and solicit orders from the Containing the following papers: Two Scoliid Parasites of neighbouring Tabyaals. Scarabaeid Larvae in Barbados, by W. Nowell, D.I.C.; On ; ; Legislating Against Plant Diseases, by Francis Watts, C.M.G., : ‘ . : D.Se., F.I.C.; Notes on Trichogramma Minutum, by 8. C. Quotations on application. Harland, B.Se.; Bay Oil and the Cultivation of the Bay) Tree as a Crop Plant, by H. A. Tempany, D.Sc., F.L.C., and| THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE W. Robson: The Rise of Dominica, by Francis Watts, C.M.G., | T TED D.Se., F.1.C.; The Hitchen Bacon Factory, by J. W. Welsh;| COTTON FACTORY, LIMI ¥ A Summary of the Mannrial Experiments with Sugar-cane in | WHITE PARK, the West Indies, by W. R. Dunlop. BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. Printed at Office of Agricultura! Reporter, 4 High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados, ee YY Ai \. S\ a ‘ q&) a y as One PY at | iV [ @ S F P. | PASSENGER & CARGO SERVICES SATURDAY, JUNE 17, 1916. MAIL, FROM THE | WEST INDIES ; 4 TO | PORTS OF CALL | THE UNITED KINGDOM Azores. [ St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Dominica, ‘CANADA | ,Montserrat, Antigua, St. Kitts, | | | Bermuda, Halifax, N.S8., & St. John (N.B.) DEMERARA & PARAMARIBO | Grenada & Trinidad. | | Trinidad, Puerto Colombia, | Cartagena, Colon, Panama, | {Callao, Iquique, Antofagasta & Valparaiso. PANAMA CANAL & PACIFIC PORTS 'REGULAR MAIL, PASSENGER AND CARGO SERVICES FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM 'TO BRAZIL, URUGUAY & ARGENTINA Via Spain, Portugal, Madeira & St. Vincent. (REGULAR SATLINGS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM TO MOROCCO, CANARY ISLANDS & MADEIRA, STRAITS SETTLEMENTS, HONG-KONG, CHINA 3 & JAPAN. Head Office: 18, Moorgate Street, London. Branches at BARBADOS, Trinidad, Tobago, Demerara, Colon, Jamaica, Antilla, N2w York, Halifax N.S., Buenos Aires, Santos, Sao Paulo Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, etc. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. = = = — ——— How Ticks REDUCE THE MILK YIBLD 2 - An Important Matter for Owners of Dairy Herds CATTLE TICK FEMALE - + i] 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 led 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 ameount of milk, and was given the same feed and care for an average of 152 days, during the season most favourable to the devclopment 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 and in another by dipping. The main results of the experiment were as follows : 1. Cows carrying ticks did not hold up so well in 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. 2. At the close of the experiment the cows lightly infested with ticks were producing 1839 less miik than the cows kept free from ticks, practically 14 pints less per cow per day. 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 1% 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 74 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 $ 3.40 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. 7 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, as a 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. » 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: Has received the official approval of the following Countries: ST. KITTS: S. L. Horsford & Co. ANTIGUA: Bennett, Bryson & Co. fi AMAICA: D. Henderson & Co., Kingston. Union of South Africa, Northern Rhodesia, Brazil, Basutoland, 3 GRENADA: TET con, Haves mee : = BARBADOS: Barbados Co-operative Cotton Co., Ltd. Nyasaland, Swaziland, Southern Rhodesia, WCE) F RICATTAG AMMEN hearer ces Nesenes British East Africa, German East Africa, Portuguese East Africa, TRINIDAD: T. Geddes Grant, Port of Spain. ' ; BRITISH GUIANA: Sandbach, Parker & Co. Portuguese West Africa, Egypt, Argentine Republic, Queensland, ST. VINCENT: Corea & Co., Kingstown. NEVIS: S.D. Malone. i ‘ Wales DANISH WEST INDIES: Carl V. La Beet, St. Thomas. Se a sr SI) Oe MONTSERRAT: W. Llewellyn Wall. DOMINICA; Hon. H. A. Frampton Northern Territory of Australia. ST. LUCIA: Barnard Sons & Co., Castries. Manufacturers: WILLIAM COOPER & NEPHEWS, Berkhamsted, England. BRANCHES: Toronto, Chicago, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Buenos Aires, Monte Video, Punta Arenas, East London, Odessa, A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW OF THE IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. Vout. XV. No. 369. BARBADOS, JUNE 17, 1916. Price ld. CONTENTS. tinual contlict which will become accentuated as systems become more intensive. The planter has Daya Pace. Many enemies both animate and inanimate, The 197\Indian Sugar Industry... 205 195! Insect Notes:— Native Food Plants and Feeding Habits of the Aviculture, Hconomie 3ay Tree as a Crop Plant Cacao Thrips and Die-back in St. Vincent . 206 Colombia, Agriculture in.. 203 Cotton Stamer in St. Concerning Cotton Seed | Vincent 202 and Its Produets ... . 207|Market Reports 32 208 Cotton Conference :— |Moisture and Pressure in Proceed- Soils... Ant ea lt) Fourth Day’s oo: = cba as ings ‘ . 198 Notes and Comments Tenorents News 2s, 4... 194 ( nions, Has for Raising 201 Dominica, Development of 196 Pigs) Fishes ore ae a oes Science for Protection and Experiment Station Work Procresseeegmreue gc) ces in Florida ... 201 Sponges, Cultivation of ... 205 Fish, Poisonous Species of 205 Source of Nitrogen in Leg- Gleanings . 204) umes Science for Protection and Progress. subjects especially are learning to realize from the harm it can do, its equal possibilities for good —applied either to productive purposes or for oppos- The sting of the burn has resulted in an awakening to the ing its application for purposes of destruction. fact that we have underestimated the power of science, and consequently have neglected to use it as others have done. Agriculture is often referred to as a peaceful occupation. In itself it is not really so, but one of con- more he tries to pit his way of doing things against Nature, to adopt intensive methods, to grow things where Nature never intended them to grow, the hard- er will be the attainment of success unless he calls in the aid of science. He must study his enemy's tactics and learn to circumvent them, and even in some cases to take the offensive. None will deny that the help of science is keenly sought by the most apathetic in times of adversity: such situations could often be avoided if science were employed systematically. The importance therefore of science in agriculture is that it counter- Nature’s and secondly, that it balances Opposition to man’s control of enables him to increase production and modify plants and animals If the planter thinks of science as a means of getting his own Way, just as the engineer thinks of it in this light, he will more readily appreciate its value. { vegetation: to suit his special requirements. Outstanding instances where a nation has had to callin science in defence of its agricultural industries are to be found in the United States of America. It has had to be done in the case of the cotton boll weevil, for example. American cotton is one of the inost valuable crops, if not the most valuable cash crop, in the world. If it had not been for vigorous scientific action, its production to anything hike the present extent would have been impossible. In the United States, also, we see a strenuous conflict taking place in connexion with the Chestnut diseases, and in 194 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Jung 17, 1916. connexion with Citrus canker. These are not mere petty outbreaks affecting districts, but quickly spread- ing scourges which affect whole States. In the West Indies we have’seen, and continue to see on asmaller, but none the less important scale from the individual’s pomt of view, necessity for similar scientific action. The passing of the Bourbon cane is often cited as an event in connexion with which science came to the aid of the planter. The breeding of resistant seedling canes was of inestimable value, and if this work had not been continued year after year from that time on, it is possible that there might have been a repetition of the crisis. In regard to cotton at the present time, there is need for concerted and scientific action in order to combat the cotton stainer, which is responsible for large losses in certain islands. It was only the extreme loss suffered quite latter- ly which raised an outery for the help of science in this -connexion; and the results of investigations conducted as the outcome, tend to indicate that within a short time the losses will be considerably reduced. In this particu- lar case it is instructive to realize that the line of attack is a broad one, and not only directed upon the insect itself, Attempts have been made to evolve a particular type of plant having such habits as_ will enable it to -escape the pest,and attempts are being made to eradicate the wild plants on which the pest lives during the period when no cotton isin the fields. the trouble it is more or less useless to fight the insect by means of hand-collecting or spraying, or any such methods. A broad outlook on such a situation is the scientific outlook, and the only practical one. ‘crops. 1n limiting the tropics factors 1s In the production of -one of the important rainfall and humidity. or deficient. Enormous have most It may be either excessive areas of land brought under naturally unsuitable been cultivation with success by the application of science in regard to irrigation and drainage. Egypt would grow nothing without irrigation, and many of the low-lying tropical regions, as for instance the coast lands of British Guiana, little without drainage. Deficient rainfall can also be successfully overcome by dry farming methods, namely the use of tillage to conserve for the crop such rain as falls. Humidity of the air and soil fertility can be increased by leguminous wind-breaks and shade trees, Many of these expediencies have now become so general as to be regarded as matters of ordinary practice rather than of science. But they all originated out of ry 5 scientific research. From the nature of Another instance in which science plays a most important part in tropical agriculture is in connexion with the production of special grades or types of raw material to meet special market demands. Science has done a great deal to im- prove the uniformity of different grades of plan- tation rubber; it has great progress in a similar direction in relation to cotton. By means of breeding and selection it is possible to produce pure types of cotton possessing almost any kind of lint, and in marketable quantities. Progress and changes in the production of raw sugars are all due to the application of science The layman is too readily inclined to consider the establishment of a central factory as merely a ques- tion of capital and labour. He scarcely realizes that without much patient investigation and great ingenuity, appliances like triple etfects, refining processes, and the general chemical control of a factory would be non-existent. made The various co-operative schemes for the better- ment of agricultural conditions are all based on scientific principles. We see this in the arrangements for the supply of sugar-cane to some of the central factories of the Antigua type, and in the onion growers’ associations now operating successfully in the Leeward Islands. Economie science has also its application in land settlement and co-operative credit. The Ordinances now in force in the West Indies regarding credit on the Raiffeisen system are all based on established scientific principles. In the future it is hoped that science will enter into leyislation more generally. As already intimated. it is only when something goes wrong that the average layman appreciates science, just as medical aid is only fully appreciated From a national point of view the British Empire has only realized the power of science through its offensive application by Germany. It the aid of science in every line of industry both for protection in times of sickness. would seem.the wise course to invoke and progress, and in no line of work is it more necessary than in tropical agriculture. DEPARTMENT NEWS. At the request of the Government of Egypt, arrangements have been made through the Colonial Office for Mr. H. A. Ballou, M.Se., Entomologist to this Department, to proceed to Egypt for the purpose of advising the Egyptian Government on matters concern- ing pests of cotton. It is anticipated that this mission will occupy a year. Vor. XV. No, 369. THE BAY TREE AS A CROP PLANT. The increased interest which has arisen in regard to bay oil has led toa demand for information in a concise form regarding future prospects of the industry, best methods of cultivation to be pursued, mode of procedure likely to give best results in conducting distillations and other general points in relation to the industry. This will be found in the form of an article by Dr. H. A. Tempany and Mr. W. Robson, in the West Indian Bulletin just issued (Vol. XV, No. 3). Regarding the future demand for bay oil, it is stated that, judging from authoritative reports there does not appear to be any likelihood of the demand for the product being exceeded by the supply. In certain quarters active attempts are being made to increase consumption, and in this connexion editorial remarks made in the Perfumery and Essential Oil Record to the effect that, having regard to its delightful fragrance, considerable extension of the use of bay oil could be found in soaps and other toilet articles, is of considerable importance There appears to be an opening for bay oil in the perfumery trade as well. In regard to market values, the English price for British West Indian bay oils ranges between 10s. and 11s. per hb., ¢ & f, In St. Thomas the price is higher, but that is due toabnormal conditions of supply and demand. So far as is known, the existing supplies of leaves and oil are almost entirely derived from tiees growing in islands like St. Jan, Porto Rico and Dominica, in a state of nature. Dr. Tempany and Mr. Robson suggest that production would be more profitable if the trees were systematically cultivated and planted on plantation lines. Experiments have been made for some years on these lines in Montserrat, and perhaps the most important part of the paper under review is the description of this useful piece of work which has given rise to resultsof an encouraging nature. It is concluded from observations made as to the yield per acre year by year, that cultivation and proper planting pay. The method of establishing a bay orchard is described in some detail. The bay tree produces seed during the period June to August in Montserrat, generally in considerable profu- sion. Bay seeds very soon lose their vitality, and should be sown immediately they are taken from the berries. The most successful method of sowing is found to be in boxes, in a mixture of loam, leaf soil, and sand; though the seed can be successfully raised in suitably prepared beds. The beds, however, must be protected from the sun. Germination takes place in about fourteen days, and the nursing of the plants for the rather long period of twelve months is necessary before they are fit to be planted out into the field. It is important to provide a certain amount of shade for a limited period after transplanting. In carrying out this operation, the tap roots of the young plants should be cut with a spade or similar tool six weeks before it is intended to remove the plants, the result of which is the formation of a mat of fibrous roots near the surface. This operation is considered to be absolutely necessary where plants are to be taken directly from the beds to the fields. As regards the best situation for bay trees, any soil vary- ing from a light to aclayey loam would appear to be suitable; preferably, perhaps, the latter. Though the trees are com- paratively hardy, on wind-swept land they are not likely to be a success. On good soils, 9 feet between the rows and 8 feet between the plants will in the long run be found the most suit- able distance for planting. This gives about 860 plants to the acre. Experience would appear to indicate that a catch crop THE AGRICULTURAL 195 NEWS. of cotton or some other suitable crop can be safely taken off for the first two seasons. In handling the plantation, the idea kept in view should be to maintain the trees in bush form not exceeding a height of about 7 feet; such aconrse greatly facilitates the operation of reaping the leaves. After the first two years, cultivation expenses have proved to be very small, and have worked out, on the average, at 16s, per acre per annum. In January 1911, the plan of making monthly reapings and distillations was followed, with the idea of endeavouring to obtain reliable information as to whether the leaves yielded a higher percentage of oil, or oil of better quality, at any particular period of the year. The method of rea; ing followed is to remove shoots on which all the leaves are seen to be fairly matured, with a pair of ordinary garden secateurs, the leaves being stripped off the shoots subse- quently. Only a few shoots are removed from any one tree at a time, and nothing in the nature of stripping the trees is resorted to. It is estimated that one reaper with two women to strip the Jeaves from the branches, ought to collect 300 fb. of leaves per day, where trees are grown in bush form as ina plantation. Before dis- tillation it was the custom in this experimental cultivation to dry the leaves for three days ina covered shed. The actual yield of fresh leaves, and the actual amount of oil obtained from them steadily increased each year; for instance, the yield of oil in ounces per 100 bb. of green leaves steadily rose from 16°2 oz. in 1911 to 19°5 oz. in 1914. This increase is put down tothe fact that there was steadily increasing vigilance to ensure that only those shoots were removed on which the whole of the foliage was seen to be mature. The- yields recorded as regards oil content appear to compare: favourably with data obtained in connexion with St. Thomas. Leaving the subject of cultivating bay trees, the authors of the paper under review next consider the principal chemi- cal characteristics of bay oil. Bay oil consists of a number of hydrocarbons, of which eugenol and myrcene are by far the most important. The general average chemical and physical, characteristics of normal bay oil are recorded. It has usually been customary to adduce the valuation ot bay oils on the phenol content alone, but it is suggested’ that such a course is not altogether fair, having in view the special characters of the product. In connexion with this Mr. J. C. Umney has written in the Perfumery and Essential Oil Record. In this article he suggests that if pains were taken to bulk the oil so as to obtain a uniform product, and the oil sold with a Government guarantee that it is solely the product of Pimenta acris, the product would soon find its correct position in the market. In regard to distillation, the paper provides information to show that the operation is one which requires to be conducted with a good deal of care in order to secure a uni- form product, and to avoid waste of important constituents. In view of the fact that in the past the distillation of bay oil in the English islands has been left almost entirely in the hands of the ignorant and careless native workers, it is hardly surprising that the quality of the resulting product has frequently exhibited wide variation in composition. [This article will be continued in the next issue of the Agricultural News in regard to other matters concerning: distillation of bay oil. ] 196 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS JuNE JV, 19116. THE DEVELOPMENT OF DOMINICA. Fuss The agricultural development of Dominica during re- cent years has been one of the most remarkable events in the West Indies. This has particular reference to the lime- growing industry of the colony, the annual value of the exports of which has risen from £11,363 in 1892, to £185,895 in 1914. a An instructive article on this subject by Dr. Watts, C.M.G., Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture for the West Indies, appears in the West Indian Bulletin just issued ‘ (Vol. XV, No. 3). This article contains a dia- 30 gram, reproducedon this page, showing annual exports of lime pro- 28 ducts during the period 97 referred to above. In BER | eae order that this curve ‘set ne might be constructed 25 the different lime pro- 94 Ria ducts were expressed in terms cf concentrated juice. Upon studying 22 this curve, several immediate signs of recovery, it is plainly seen that it only took ona little more than ifs normal rate of development, -so that the effect of this disastrous period is felt for some ten years or more. ‘It may be said that this trying period cost Dominica about five years of its progress. Progress was however resumed, and continyed at about the nermal rapid rate until the year 1910. after which, for the last four years, the rate of increase was visibly slackened, thongh progress has still been maintained at a very high level. Possibly the rate of progress may be determined in these years by the increasing difficulty ex- perienced with regard to labour supply, coup- led with some increased expense in obtaining access to new lands. It is only to be expected SRaR) Was ra that a community SLRS) ee developing its lime a ae industry some seven- fold will fully employ all its available labour, points of interest can be made out. In the 2° first place it is seen 19 that the rise in the | PE | | Jana wit wish, and and am | it necessary, to attract workers from outside. A point worth remem- bering is that as a con- development in the industry begins quite 17 early in the years under jg consideration, and pro- gresses rapidly up to the year 1902. Dur- 14 ing this period the 4, general tendency of the lp ia curve representing the Bek industry is already de- 11 termined; what follows sequence of the disas- trous hurricane which struck Montserrat in Angust 1899, there was a marked influx of labourers from Mont- serrat to Dominiea at the close of that year; these labourers and their families were fami- har with the work of the in later years is a con- lime industry and form- tinuation of a purpose ® ed a valuab.e asset to already determined g upon in this early the community which vave them shelter: there period. Seeing that” is no donbt that in several years elapse be- 6 tween the time of, this way the lime indus- try secured a useful planting lime trees and the time when results # appear in the form of exports, it is to be con- cluded that the purpose was determined at some period anterior to the increase in exports. As some six years are required for the moderate development of an average lime tree, it may be assumed that Dominica determined upon its policy as a lime- growing community somewhere about the year ]S80, and that it has consistently followed it with the results indicated in the diagram. ire. 9: FROM DOMINICA, The next point that strikes one is that there is a sudden break in the curve after the year 1902, so that the output of the year 1903 is only just about one-half of that of the former year. This is explained by the drought that occurred at this time, which was followed by an alarming outbreak of insect pests, inflicting much damage upon the trees. The extent of the injuries suffered from these causes is well brought out in the diagram. Although the industry showed DIAGRAM SHOWING ANNUAL VALUE OF EXPOR impetus, which is reflect- a «ed in the increased @ 2 output Even if allowance is S OF LIME PRopUcTs made for some retard- EXPRESSED IN TERMS OF CONCENTRATED JUICE.* ing of fresh planting and expansion of lime estates owing to the difficulties alluded to, it is to be expected that the output of lime products will continue to show considerable expansion for seveal years to come, for there are large areas of recently planted trees which are steadily coming into hearing. Given a continuation of remunerative prices for lime products, the prosperity of Dominica may be expected to increase still further. The article then goes on to review the development of the cacao industry, the production of which product steadily advanced up to about 1898, after which period progress has been slow; indeed in latter years there has been a tendency *The figures in the left-hand margin of the diagram corres- pond with tens of thousands of gallons of concentrated lime juice, Vot. XV. No. 369. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 197 —_— toward a decline. The annual value of the cacao exported at the present time is about £25,000. The article concludes by calling attention to the good prospects before coco-nut cultivation, and to the measure of stability attendant on the lime industry on account of the diverse nature of the different products, each of which meets a separate demand. At the same time. diversity of industries is recommended, and in this connexion it is repeated that coco-nnts offer attractions. ECONOMIC AVICULTURE. The following notes on the value of birds in the West Indies for the control of insect pests, have been furnished by the Rey. Father Dawson, S.J., M.A.:— In these days, now that agriculture in all its branches is being reduced, more or less, to an exact science, much care and attention are necessarily devoted to the elimination or destruction of such insects as may be found injurious to economic plant life. Habits of insects are minutely studied, and such of these creatures as are found destructive to cultivation are condemned as ‘insect pests’ and relentless war is made upon them. For each separate insect pest some specific treatment is devised; traps are cunningly laid down, or poisonous drugs are mixed with foodstutts known to be palatable to the particular insect in question. Such methods, no doubt, are usefvl and necessary. Sut doubtless a campaign more in accordance with Nature’s ways might be undertaken. Most of the insect pests, if not all, are the particular prey of some particular bird, and it should be the business of the agriculturist to discover the economic importance of each bird in this respect, for the purpose of introducing and protecting such as may be useful to him. Something in this direction has already been done. Quite recently the birds of Porto Rico have been studied with this end in view, and the important information thus obtained has been carefully tabulated in a recent American publication (Birds of Porto Rico, by Alex Wetmore, Washington Government Printing Office, 1916). Many islands suffer from a paucity of birds, or birds of the right kind, because hitherto nothing has been done to encourage them to remain: they have been agriculturated out of existence. Before ancient and ill-considered methods of cultivation they have been forced to retire; they have been as it were, elbowed out. In Barbados, for instance, sixty or seventy species of birds visit the island from time to time, but of these only some fifteen species find a permanent foot- hold; and some of them have only secured this by becoming semi-domesticated. Birds require cover and convenient water. In England, artificial bowers have been constructed by bird-lovers in several places with the happiest results. The same might be done in these islands, if not for scientific and artistic reasons, at least for economic. These latter are imperative in tropical regions where insect pestsif not checked thrive mightily. There are no hard winters to kill them off. There are in many places great tracts of cultivated land on which not a tree is allowed to grow. There are doubt- less plentiful supplies of bird food in the shape of noxious insects, but the birds are only to be found on the outskirts, whereas clumps of trees, carefully selected and planted at convenient distances, and with asupply of water, would induce birds to make them their hab- jtat. There undisturbed they would build their nests and rear their voracious young, and the ground rent of their bowers would be well paid by the inestimable service they would render to the growing crops. An important question would be to consider what kinds of birds should be encouraged, or even introduced; and here one may only venture to make a few general observations. Common to most of the islands is one of the several species of boat-tails, Quiscalus, locally known as ‘black birds’, which I prefer to call ‘rudder-tails’. These birds do not visit broad fields in great numbers (where their services would be incalculable), for want of cover. They betake themselves rather to our yards and roads, feeding upon whatever they can pick up, for they are omnivorous. They might be induced to visit the fields if clumps of cabbage- palms were planted, and a tap of running water introduced. According to the account men- tioned above, all kinds of harmful insects have been found. in their crops: grasshoppers, locusts, beetles, bugs, weevils, mole-crickets, cattle ticks, ete.; whereas the amount of corn taken was negligible. Almost equally important are tyrant birds which include ‘logger heads’, qu’est ce que’il dit’, rain-bird’, ete., of which each island has its representatives. Most of these are almost wholly insectivorous, adding, however, lizards and small mammals to their bill of fare. On the other hand, however, they are not gregarious like Quiscalus, nor do they so patiently and_ persistently forage about the ground for grubs and larvae, prefer ing to cater their prey on the wing. It may be noted that Elainea (also a tyrant bird) has to a great extent aban doned its pursuit of insects, probably through stress of circumstances, and now feeds almost exclusively on seeds and. vegetables. It may be surmised that it feeds its young, at- any rate, on an insect diet. The smaller kinds of gauldings or herons deserve: encouragement, for besides fish and crustaceans, these birds. will eat great quantities of the destructive mole-cricket. But to introduce them into arable land it would be necessary to construct a shallow trench or stream, for these birds will not ordinarily stray far from water. White egrets, almost equally useful, and indispensable to rice-fields, will go farther afield. The whole family of cuckoos (Cuculidae) deserve unstinted praise, for their staple food consists of caterpillars. They should therefore be carefully encouraged and protected.. Foremost among these in these regions is Crotophaga ant, called in some places old-witch or black parrot. These birds. hunt most searchingly about trees and fields in groups from seven to twenty, and leave no stone unturned. The islands that do not possess this bird may well lament their loss, and steps should be taken to introduce it; for nothing in the shape of insect pests seems to come amiss to their rapacious maws. In broad fields they would require shelter and water; clumps of bamboos would serve their pnrpose both for cover and for nesting purposes. Well would they repay care spent upon their culture. Owls are very useful birds where rats and mice abound. The depredations of these animals in orchards is sometimes quite prodigious. Here the Barn-owl (Styx flammea), common throughout the world, might well be introduced; care being taken to provide hollow trees or wooden boxes as places of retirement. Smaller owls will teed on cockroaches, locusts, and such small harmful fry. Goatsuckers and night jars are also useful, feeding on moths and beetles. The smaller kinds of hawk well deserve attention, for they will eat mole-crickets and locusts with avidity, notably the South American sparrow hawk (Faleo Spaworius). In this case, besides trees for roosting and nesting, posts or nests should be placed about the fields from which they may ply their useful trade. COTTON CONFERENCE. FOURTH DAYS PROCEEDINGS. THE CoMMERCE OF CorrTon. The Conference was resumed on at 10 a.m. In opening this session, the President said the subject for consideration was the Commerce of Cotton. This would involve discussion concerning the methods best. calen- lated to secure reasonable prices for eotton, having regard to the circumstances of production and consumption : also difficulties that have been experienced in the past in connex- jon with the sale of cotton. Hon. hk. L. Warneford (Antigua) then read a resolution which he had been asked by cotton growers in that island to put before the Conference: ‘That the Antigua delegates to the forthcoming Cotton Conference should bring up for discussion, if circumstances permit, the long delays which frequently elapse between the date on which advices of sales of cotton are received in Antigua, and the arrival of the proceeds, The delegates are directed to enquire whether similar difficulties are encountered in other islands, and to endeavour to take some steps which may be calculated to improve conditions in respect of proceeds and account sales’. Mr. Warneford quoted one instance where 29 bales of cotton had been sold in September 1915, while up to March 11, 1916, no account sales had been received. He admitted, however, that this was an extreme case, but pointed out that there always exists a general delay. Mr. S. W. Howes (Montserrat) said the same trouble was experienced in Montserrat, but perhaps not to the same extent as in Antigua. Mr. K. P. Puncheon (Montserrat) thought that inconvenience was felt more in the case of people who Thursday, March 16, were awaiting account sales to make settlements. In his case when he had been advised of sales, he could make settlements without awaiting accounts from the British Cotton Growing Association. In Montserrat growers could draw on the merchants and no charge was made on the account sales. The position, no doubt, was different in Antigua where the grower dealt through the bank. Hon. R. L. Warneford asked what.would happen if account sales were drawn on, and in the meantime the money was remitted to Montserrat. Mr. Pencheon replied that the draft would be accepted without any hesitation. In reply to a general question put by the President, Mr. J. R. Yearwood (St. Kitts) said he also had experienced delay in the sale of cotton. The President then asked if it would be sufticient if he wrote to the british Cotton Growing Association pointing out the views expressed, and asking that attention might be given so as to minimize the delay as far as possible. It was agreed that this would serve the purpose. PRIMAGE, Hon. KR. L. Warneford (Antigua) said he had another resolution entrusted to him, which read as follows: ‘That the delegates from Antigua should draw attention of the members of the Conference to the difficulties which are experienced in recovering primage paid on shipments of cotton consigned to THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JUNE 17, 1916. the British Cotton Growing Association by growers in Antigua, and to enquire whether similar difficulties are experienced in other islands, and to endeavour to arrive at some means of ensuring a more satisfactory condition of affairs in this respect in the future’. Mr. Warneford complained that the delay in Antigua was excessive; for instance, they had just received primage for shipments made in 1913-14, while primage for shipments made in 1912 still remained unsettled. He explained that prim- age isa charge of 10 per cent., in some cases 20 per cent., additional freight.on the actual freight charged; this extra charge was recovera ble every month by the shipper. In the case of the British Cotton Growing Association, they pay the freight and they’ recover the primage, and what he complained of was delay on the part of the British Cotton Growing Association in recovering it. Mr. K. P. Pencheon (Montserrat) pointed out that primage is only charged when cotton is shipped continuously by the combined line of steamers. Mr. A. O. Thurston (St. Kitts, said he experienced no difticulty in the matter: he shipped his cotton to his agents and they made the recovery. Similarly, Hon J. 8. Hollings (Nevis) shipped cotton to his firm in London, It was finally agreed that it would be sufticient if the President wrote to the British Cotton Growing Asso- tion calling their attention to the matter, and asking them that it might be dealt with more promptly in the future. Hon. R. L. Warneford (Antigua) then read another resolution with reference to the increasing difficulties in regard to the labour supply. The President ruled that it was rather beyond the scope of the present discussion, and requested that its consideration should be deferred. Succesrep Co-opERATION BETWEEN GROWERS AND FINE SPINNners. Hon. R. L. Warneford (Antigua) then put before the Conference another resolution which had been entrusted to him, having regard to the desirability of forming a Cotton Growers’ Association in Antigua. In connexion with this resolution, the President said that, before it was discussed, he would like to put before the Conference a wider suggestion related to some extent to Mr. Warneford’s proposal. His suggestion was as to the advisability of an alliance being formed between the cotton growers and the Fine Spinners and Doublers’ Association. Premising that the Fine Spinners and Doublers’ Association were practically the sole buyers of Sea Island cotton, the President suggested the pos- sibility of something in the nature of co-operation being established between the growers and the buyers—a state in which the growers become the producing side of the business and the spinners the consuming and using side. With that object in view, the President thought that the Fine Spinners might be approached and asked if they would enter into some arrangement with the growers which would be mutually beneficial; they should inform the growers what area to be planted would meet their require- ments, and the price to be paid for the cotton would he fixed, or at least bargained over—and this was the essential point —before a single seed is planted. If the spinners refused to give prices which the growers considered reasonable, the growers would refuse to plant any cotton at all and could substitute alternative crops like sugar-cane. The position of the British West Indian islands would be strength- ened in the matter of bargaining, by the fact that “the production of Sea Island cotton is rapidly declinieg in the American Sea Islands. Eventually the West Indies might constitute the only source of Fine Sea Island cotton, and Vout. XV. No. 369. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 199 would therefore hold the monopoly. The President went on to point out other advantages that would accrue both to the spinners and the growers as the outcome of an alliance of the nature suggested, and in concluding, called attention to the fact that he was making this proposal entirely on his own authority- and not in his official capacity as Commissioner of Agriculture. He invited criticisms or amendments or suggestions in regard to his proposal. Hon. J. 8. Hollings (Nevis) thought that the President’s proposition an extremely valuable one in itself, and also as regards the results that were likely to accrue from it. He thought, however, it should not be forgotten that the British Cotton Growing Asseciation consists largely of Fine Spinners and Doublers and, therefore, their views and dealings were likely to be somewhat prejudiced in favour of the users rather than in favour of the growers. Hon. R. L Warneford (Antigua) thanked the President for the suggestion, and stated that he was prepared to fall into line whether it applied to the present crop or the one which was to follow. The President hastened to point out that he had made no suggestion as to the machinery to be provided for taking the steps to ascertain whether the Spinners and Doublers are inclined to make such a bargain. What he wished to know was whether the idea put forward appea'ed to the grower; and, if it did, what steps should be taken to give effect to it. He thought it would be best to defer any further discussion until the next day, in order to allow delegates time to think over the matter. Prices oF Corvon, The President made a few remarks in connexion with this subject, which are briefly summarized below. After the outbreak of the war there had been a good deal. of anxiety as to whether or not the Fine Spinners would be able to carry on their work. With the help of the British Cotton Growing Association the Fine Spinners were induced to agree to take the current season’s crop, and 18d. per lb. was offered for St. Kitts ordinary cotton, while it was agreed to give all other places 14d. per tb. As soon as this was announced, he made efforts to persuade the Fine Spinners to drop geographical distinctions and to base prices upon type. This the Fine Spinners agreed in principle to do, although pointing ont that geovraphical and type arrangements appeared to give practically identical results, each island seeming to have its own particular characteristics. In regard to the forthcoming cotton season, the President said that the Chairman of the British Cotton Growing Association did not advise, this year, another application for a guaranteed price; he was strongly of opinion that planters would do better by not binding themselves to minimum prices. This concluded the discussion on the commerce of cotton in regard to the present session. The President announced that the next subject which would engage atten- tion was the cultivation and manuring of cotton. ManuriaL Experiments with Corron, At the request of the President, Mr. F. R Shepherd (St. Kitts) read a paper on the results of manurial experi- ments with cotton carried on at La Guérite in St. Kitts. This indicated that the results of twelve years’ experimenta- tion showed, briefly, that under the conditions existing at La Gueérite, with a loose open soil, the application of manures to the cotton plant does not ‘exert the beneficial influence that would de expected. After this paper had been read, Dr. H. A. Tempany (Leeward Islands) said that the manurial experiments con- ducted at La Guérite for the past twelve years constitute by far the most complete investigations of the manurial requirements of cotton in the West Indies. He pointed out that the general result of similar experiments conducted in Montserrat, and in earlier years in Antigua, were the same: the effect of withholding manures compared with their liberal application is very small. He thought root range might have something to do with the results obtained at La, Gueérite. Mr. S. C. Harland (St. Vincent) then made a few remarks on manurial experiments commenced in that island in the season 1912-13. The plots were }-acre in size, and eight different series or combinations of manures were applied; the plots were in triplicate—three no-manure, and three for each combination, and in computing the results the average of each three is taken, The experiments showed that when cotton is grown on the same land for, say, three or four years, an advantage is likely to be gained by the use of manure. Dr. Tempany asked how far black boll disease was likely to effect manurial experiments. Mr. 8S. C. Harland said that in St. Vincent, cotton aphis seemed to interfere most with the plots under his control, particularly the no-manure plots. The black boll disease is also a as important interfering factor. Mr. Nowell (Imperial Department of Agricaltare) asked Me "he spherd and Mr. Harland if they could furnish any information as to the visible effect of manures upon the habit and growth of the plants. Mr. Shepherd said the no-manure plot this year in his experiments was particularly noticeable for the small size of the plants, but they averaged about forty bolls to the plaut. The pen-manure plot gave bushy plants, which grew large and. flowered well. Mr. H. A. Ballou (Imperial Department of Agriculture) called attention to the possibility of there being a parallel between aphis on cotton and thrips on cacao. The President in summing up, said the general tone of the remarks appeared to be that while manures in a general way do not seem to have produced increased yields where the soil is maintained in good condition, yet it is desirable to apply organic manures for the maintenance of tilth. (To be continued.) In a short biography of the late John Wood, Director of the Natal Herbarium, the Aew Budletim points out that it was due to him that the Uba cane became established in South Africa. It is stated that the correct name of this cane is unknown, the name ‘Uba’ represents the only letters decipherable on the damaged label attached to this variety on its arrival in the country. Mr. Medley Wood thought that the plants were introduced by Governor Charles Mitchel on his return from a visit to India in 1884-5. The cane is now very generally cultivated in Natal (see Vatal Agricultural Journal, Vol. VIII, No.3, 1905, p. 225), This word Uba may be part of the name ‘boubaya’ applied to one of the Madagas- car canes introduced to the Mauritius Botanic Garden by Dr. J. V. Thomson in 1815. This name may have found its way to India from Mauritius along with the canes sent by Captain Dick in 1827 to the Caleutta Botanic Gardens on behalf of Captain Sleeman. From cuttings of the canes, planted by Sleeman at Jubbulpur, the cultivation of Mauritius canes gradually became established in the Deccan and had reached Bombay in 1838. But if the presence of the word Uba in Natal be due to the survival of the name ‘boubaya’ in India, that name must now connote a cane unlike the one to which it was originally applied. According to Thomson, ‘boubaya’ resembled an Otaheite cane. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 1916. June 17, 200 DITORIAL NOTICES. HkEaD 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, Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Sc., F.1.C., F.C.S. SCIENTIFIC STAFF. Scientific Assistant and Assistant Editor Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture for the West Indies W. R. Dunlop. Fintomologist H. A. Ballou, M.Sc. Mycologist W. Nowell, D.I C. CLERICAL STAFF. Chief Clerk A. G. Howell. Assistant Clerk M. B. Connell. ( L. A, Corbin. Clerical Assistants , P. Taylor. Miss B. Robinson. A.B. Price, Fell. Journ. Inst. Sews ‘Typist Assistant for Publications Anricultural ‘Vor. XV. SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 1916: No. 369. NOTES AND COMMENTS. Contents of Present Issue. The editorial in this number deals with the importarice of science for both the protection and progress of industry. Interesting notes on the value of birds in the West Indies for the control of pests appear on page 197. Part of the fourth day’s proceedings at the West Indian Cotton Conference is summarized on page 198. Information relating to pests and diseases in this issue concerns the native food plants of the cotton stainer and thrips, and die-back of cacao in St. Vincent Moisture and Pressure in Soils. The latest annual report of the Chief of the Bureau of Soils. of the United States Department of Agriculture, refers to some important fresh ideas which have arisen. as a result of American research on the physical pro- perties of soils. It is stated that it has come to be recognized that every physical property of the soil affecting the growth of crops is itself determined by the moisture content of the soil, and that there is a critical moisture content characteristic of each partic- ular soil at which the aggregate of physical properties produces an optimum condition for plant growth. Consequently, the determination of this critical or optimum water content has a_ practical imporiance,,. and a comparatively quick and rapid method for its determination has been developed. The report then goes on to show how soil pressure. is related to moisture It is pointed out that if a soil containing less than the critical moisture content be further wetted, there are pressures developed which are of enormous dimensions on the surface of the individual grains as determined by theoretical calculation, and which are often of considerable magni- tude on the surfaces: of the soil mass. Pressures of 600 tb. or more to the square inch of soil mass. have been observed in the work of the past year. These observations have a considerable interest in theoretical and pratcial studies on tilth. But they have a much more direct importance to engineers and practical constructors having to deal with dams, earth-works, foundations or other like problems, where the earth is liable to continual or intermittent contact with water, The Source of Nitrogen in Legumes. Valuable information is contained in Bulletin No. 179, issued by the University of Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station, and dealing with the subject of a biochemical study of nitrogen in certain legumes. For’ experiment station workers the methods described will be found very useful and valuable, while the general reader concerned with leguminous crops will find the conclusions drawn from these experiments especially interesting. It is shown conclusively that the cowpea and the soy bean utilize atmospheric nitrogen through their roots and not through their leaves. No combined nitrogen could have been assimilated in the gas experi- ments conducted. The total nitrogen determination shows that about 74 per cent. of the nitrogen of cowpea and soy beans at the time of harvest is in the tops, while the remainder is distributed between the roots and the nodules. In the earlier periods, the roots contain a larger proportion, while later they contain a much smaller proportion. It appears that there isa larger percentage of soluble nitrogen in the tops than in the roots or in the nodules. It is stated further that fixation takes place at a very early period in the growth of the seedling—sometimes within fourteen days. It is rapid in some cases, especially with cowpeas. Plants grown under the conditions of the experiments described in the Bulletin contain no ammonia, nitrites or nitrates as measured by the most accurate chemical methods. Vor. XV. No 369, THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 201 ‘Hints for Raising Onions. The growing of onions has assumed large propor- tions as an industry in the Leeward Islands. One of the difficulties experienced in some places, especially Montserrat, is the bad germination and development ‘of the young seedlings. This appears to be due to -a fungus disease known as ‘damping off; the organism -attacks the young plantlets at the level of the soil, and the aerial portions quickly fall over and die. Recently .a leaflet has been circulated in Montserrat containing practical hints for raising onions, with a view to avoid- ing this trouble. Importance is attached to the site and the soil of the plots. The plot should be in close proximity to water, but should be well drained and not in a wet locality. Great importance is attached to the method of making the seed bed, and to the amount of seed distributed. Generally speaking, the fewer the seeds the better, and they should be well scattered over the drill. Good results have been -obtained by using 1 tb. of seed to 240 running feet of drill formed with an onion hoe, the base of the drill being at least 2 inches wide, and the seeds well scattered; but this is considered to be a maximum amount to use. The seed should not be covered deeply, say, {-to%-inch on most soils. While the preparation of the plot and the manner of planting have an important indirect bearing on the ‘question of ‘damping off’, and are probably the best means of avoiding the trouble, it is still worth remem- bering that ‘damping off’ can be lessened by sterilization of the soil. This is done by baking the surface soil by fire. A section of the onion seed beds in the Montserrat Experiment Station was treated in this way in 1915 with apparently. good results, and it is worth trying on estates where ‘damping off’ is prevalent. Another useful measure of control is the provision of shade for the beds. Coco-nut leaves are used for this purpose. qc"? + ae __ Fish Meal as Food for Pigs. More and more attention is being paid in England to the question of economizing the food supply and utilization of by-products. Some conclusive experi- ments conducted by Dr. Crowther at the Institution for Research in Animal Nutrition, University of Leeds, have brought out the fact that fish meal is a cheap and useful food for pigs. On the average, an extra 1°35 Ib. of live-weight was obtained weekly for twelve weeks at a trifling cost of barely $d. per week. The meal was used as a partial substitute for ‘sharps’, a more expensive wheat product. Although the gains obtained were satisfactory, it was thought that perhaps the meal might have imparted an objectionable taint to the carcasses of the animals. In order to see if this was the case, two pigs one of which had consumed 1 fb. of fish meal daily for eleven weeks were killed, but no exception could be taken to the general appearence, colour, or smell of the carcass, nor did cooking tests or curing indicate any disagreeable characteristics. Fish meal may therefore be regarded as a Valuable adjunct in pig feeding. Agricultural Credit in the West Indies. It has not yet been placed on record in this: Journal that a Co-operative Credit Bank Ordinance (No. 9) was passed during 1914 in British Guiana to provide for the granting of State-aid to co-operative credit banks and for the proper supervision of the same by a central committee. The end aimed at is the promotion of thrift and united action among the agricultural population of the Colony and the further- ance of agricultural prosperity. The general position therefore in the West Indies, as regards agricultural credit, is as follows. In Jamaica there exists a system of loan banks run on the princi- ples of limited lability but which are partly financed by the Government under a special loans Ordinance; in St. Vincent, St. Lucia and Trinidad legislation for the registration, encouragement and financial assistance of unlimited agricultural credit societies on the Raiffeisen system exists; and lastly, mention may be made of the Barbados Agricultural Bank which success- fully furnishes working capital for the use of estates. > Experiment Station Work in Florida. ‘There has recently been issued the Annual Report of the University of Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, for 1914. It appears from this that of the many lines of work undertaken during the year, plant — introduction received considerable attention and was continued throughout the year. The number of different kinds that have’ been brought to the Experiment Station in the last six years now exceeds 1,324. Special attention has been given to the introduction of field and forage crops. New grasses, new forage crops, and new legumes have been tested in large numbers. Fifty-one kinds of Canavalias (horse bean) have been tried. The Canavalias seemed to give promise of usefulness as a cover crop for a large portion of the State; but asa result of tests conducted, the opinion is expressed that they are not likely to make a profitable forage or vegetable crop in Florida. Another line of work-lay in the direction of experi- ments which were carried out to ascertain the amount of velvet beans that can be profitably fed to hogs for pork: production. The results indicate that the largest increase in weight will be made when the ration is composed of 3 parts of corn to 1 part of cracked velvet beans by weight. A considerable amount of data also, is said to have been secured as-to the effect of different chemicals upon the growth of citrus trees under exactly controlled conditions. These trees were planted in a greenhouse to protect them against the variations due to weather conditions. These experiments also avoided the difficul- ties encountered in the field from variations in soil, and in a large measure go to complement and supple- ment the work being done in the citrus experiment grove at Tavares. The data thus collected are said to give important fundamental information, especially as to the effect of different fertilizers in introducing the conditions known as ‘frenching’ and ‘mottled leaf in the grove. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JuNE 17, 1916. INSECT NOTES. NATIVE FOOD PLANTS AND FEEDING HABITS OF THE COTTON STAINER IN ST. VINCENT. The following notes have been prepared and forwarded to this Office for publication by Mr. W. N. Sands, F.LS., Agricultural Superintendent, St. Vincent:— The cotton stainer (Dysdercus delauneyi, Leth.) is a serious pest of Sea Island cotton in St. Vincent, and res- ponsible for much loss of crop each season. It has been recently shown by Noweli* that besides damaging lint and seed in the process of feeding, the cotton stainer enables the fungus causing the internal boll disease to enter the boll and destroy ‘its contents, either in part or whole, under certain conditions which are not yet fully worked out. It is the fact, however, that internal boll disease following the attacks of cotton stainers has assumed quite alarming proportions in St. Vincent during the past three seasons of unfavourable weather. Under these circumstances it was considered very desirable, in the interest of the local industry, that the feeding habits of the insect and its native food plants should be studied, in order that additional measures for its control, other than by hand-collecting in the cotton fields might, if possible, he devised. In St. Vincent all cotton plants have to be pulled up and burnt by April 80 in each year. As the crop is usually over by February, most of the old cotton plants are pulled up by the end of that month. Planting of the new crop 1s started in May, if the rains have come in by that time. There was no difficulty, therefore, in respect to culti- vated or wild cottons, and it was not on these that the cotton stainer was able to subsist throughout the year. An account will now be given of the investigations made during the past four months, February to May inclusive, in districts where Sea Island cotton was grown on an extensive scale. : The weather was showery throughout the period and there were no dry spells. In the Leeward and Windward districts where the work was performed, it was with difficulty that the cotton stalks could be burnt, but they were all uprooted by the end of February. The cotton stainers which were present in large numbers in the fields then migrated to trees, bushes and herbaceous plants near-by. In these places it was observed that many of the insects collected together in colonies under the leaves of plants and remained quiescent for several days, whilst others foraged abroad and eked out a precarious existence. They were seen at this time feeding on :-— Flowers of the Mango (J/angifera indica), ,, Hupatorium odoratun. ,, Black Sage (Cordia eylindrostachys). 4» 3; Horse Radish tree (Moringa pterygosperma). Fruit of Okro (//tbiseus esculentus). Maiden’s Blush (J/ormordica Charantia). ” ty eae Secretions of Scale Insects. ” 3 They were also observed on certain other wild plants in small numbers, but the larger number were seen on those given above. The tood supplied by these flowers, fruit and insects seemed to serve only as a makeshift to sustain life or complete maturity; the insect did not appear to be able * Agricultural News, Vol. XV, No. 364. > a waste paper basket. to breed upon it, for neither young ones nor mature insects in coitu were observed. In Trinidad and Tobago, the Wild Ochro (Malachra capitata) and Sida glomerata are given as food plants of another cotton stainer, D. howardi, and its variety, minor, but these plants do not commonly occur here. Attention was then directed to the two malvaceous food plants other than cotton, namely, the Silk-Cotton (Hriodendron anfractuosum, D.C.) and the ‘John Bull’ (Thesp esia populnea, Corr.). The story of the relation of these to the cotton stainer is of much interest and impor- tance. THE SILK-COTTON TREE (Lriodendron anfractuosum). This large tree was found chietly in the Leeward district on lands near to the coast, but a few trees occur in the Windward district. .At the beginning of February this tree was almost bare of leaves and only on a few trees were leaves to. be seen. No stainers were present. By the end of February most of the trees were in full flower and still no stainers were observed, but when the young bolls commenced to swell, then the insect appeared, and ina very short time swarms of mature insects in flight, both male and female, were seen’ approaching the trees from all directions and settling on the bolls. In many instances the bolls were almost covered by them. Just before this happened a certain ‘liveliness’ was noticed among the stainers on other trees and plants, and they very quickly left these for the silk-cotton trees. After feeding for some time on the silk-cotton bolls, the stainers starting mating. Young bugs were first seen at the beginning of April, and before any sound bolls were ripe. They were seen both on the ground and on the trees feeding on cracked or damaged bolls, and later on seed distributed over the ground. They did not appear to be able to feed through the thick wall of the unopened fruit in the same way as the mature insects. On the ground they were attracted to, or hunted out of, silk-cotton seed over a considerable area. To give an instance, some silk-cotton bolls were cut up in an office quite 50 yards away from a fruiting silk-cotton tree which had been recently destroyed, and pieces of the bolls were thrown into Within three days a large number of young stainers, less than half-grown and unable to fly, found out the pieces and started feeding on them. It was no uncommon sight to see scattered about the ground, often long distances from trees, bright red balls made up of young stainers completely covering and feeding on single silk-cotton seeds. It was towards the end of April that the bolls on the trees opened and the seed, surrounded by its floss, was distri- buted far and wide by the wind. At the end of May there were still large numbers of stainers to be seen hunting about for the seed, so that already they have been able to tide over a period of three months by means of the silk-cotton trees. In two montis’ time there will be food again for them in the cotton fields. A large number éf bolls picked both from attacked and unattacked trees were examined in order to ascertain whether there was evidence of internal boll disease. As with culti- vated cotton, there is no external evidence that a boll has been attacked by the insect. Internally there are prolifera- tions of the carpels. disorganized seed, and stained lint. In certain cases the state of seed and lint appeared to indicate the presence of a definite rot. In specimens forwarded to the Mycologist of the Imperial Department of Agriculture at a Jater date, the fungus causing internal boll disease of cultivated cotton was not discovered; it is possible, however that the silk-cotton bolls may subsequently be found to be Vor. XV. No: 369! THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 203 affected by the disease in wet seasons. Besides the damage described, a severe attack of the stainer may cause the trees to shed their bolls before they attain their full development. In one case nearly all the bolls on a tree were shed. These when examined were found to be completely disorganized internally. The case against the silk-cotton tree may be summed up as follows: It is a tree which, when it fruits, provides a large amount of food for the cotton stainer, and so enables the insect to feed and breed extensively, and tide over a season when it is so important that its numbers should be reduced to a minimum for the protection of the annual cotton crop, planted in May, June and July; therefore, it should be destroyed or prevented from fruiting. In some cases it is not desirable to destroy a tree, on account of its age or its usefulness as providing shade. In these circumstances. such trees can be spruned back as soon as flowers are seen. There is no danger in taking this course because the cotton stainer only feeds on the bolls. This method has been successfully adopted at the Botanic Gardens, and it is expected that some years will elapse before the trees flower again. It should also be mentioned that the silk-cotton tree does not fruit every year, and itis only a menace to the cotton industry when it does so. This article will be continued in the next issue of the Agricultural News with regard to the John Bull or Gamboge tree (Thespesia populnea) as a native food plant of the cotton stainer This tree isan even greater menace to the cotton industry than the silk-cotton tree. AGRICULTURE IN COLOMBIA. Mr. M. T. Dawe, who was recently appointed Agricul- tural Adviser to the Colombian Government, has recorded some impressions of the present condition and possibilities of agriculture in Colombia received during a journey from Santa Marta to Bogota. In Santa Marta there are two agricultural zones, a lower and an upper, characterized respectively by the cultivation of the banana and coffee. The export of bananas for the year 1915 had been estimated at 8,000,000 bunches, but it is now calculated that 2,500,000 bunches less will be exported owing to the extensive damage caused by a_ tornado. Although there is already a bi-weekly service of steamers engaged in carrying bananas to the United States and Europe, there seems to be room for considerable expansion of the trade. The rainfall in the lower zone is so irregular and uncertain that, apart from such xerophytes as Agave, cultivation on a commercial scale is practically impossible without irrigation. This zone should. be very suitable for the cultivation of Agave, in which, owing to its favourable geographical situation and facilities for transport, Santa Marta might become a formidable competitor of Tropical East Africa. Although the physical conditions are suitable for the cultivation of cotton, it is improbable that this could be profitably grown on a commercial scale, owing to the high rate of wages. Para and Guinea grass are used for pastures in the Santa Marta region. Mr. Dawe recommends the introduction of other pasture and fodder plants, and especially of the Velvet bean. 2 In the upper agricultural zone of Santa Marta cottee is the only plant cultivated on a large scale, the largest planta- tion being the ‘Cincinnati’, which has about 350,000 trees. Coffee seems to do best at an altitude of about 4,500 feet, in the Sierra Nevada. The trees are sown at intervals of about & feet, and are neither topped nor pruned. The shade tree employed is the guamo (Jaga dulcis), The average annual yield of dry coffee per tree is said to be 1 tb., and in exception- ally favourable years as much as 1$lb. The trees seem to suffer from over-shading, and better results might bé obtained by the use of species of Albizzia or Erythrina as shade trees, coupled with judicious topping and pruning. A disease affecting both the leaves and fruits of the coffee, on which it appears in the form of round blotches, is probably caused by the fungus Omphalia flavida, Cooke. It is most abundant in deep ravines and shady places. From Santa Marta, Mr. Dawe travelled by rail to Cienaga, and thence by steam-launch to Baranquilla, passing extensive stretches of mangrove swamps. Small quantities of mangrove bark are exported to New York via Puerto Rico, but there is no doubt that many thousand tons could be exported annually, if the Magdalena delta were suitably exploited. The mangrove birk destined for export, seen in Barranquilla, was divided into large pieces, whereas that exported from Madagascar and East Africa is cut into small pieces, 5 inches long and 2 inches broad. The most noticeable thing in the journey up the River Magdalena, from Barranquilla to Giradot, was the great extent of fertile alluvial land, capable of producing enormous crops of sugar, cacao, rubber and other tropical products; but the country is very sparsely inhabited, and the inhabi- tants obtain their living by cutting wood for the passing steamers, and grow no more food than is required for their own needs. : The first step in the development of this region should be the improvement of the navigable channel of the Magda- lena. The practice of cutting the trees on the river banks should be prohibited, as this leads to the washing away of the banks. The condition of agriculture in the Lower Magdalena region might be greatly improved by the establishment of a model plantation conducted on commercial lines, where sugar, cacao, rubber, cotton, maize, rice, kidney beans, ete., could be grown, and the best methods of cultivation demonstrated. Immense areas of the Lower Magdalena basin are covered with forests which might, under suitable adminis- tration become one of the principal sources of revenue in Colombia, judging from the large selection of useful.woods seen by Mr. Dawe at Barranquilla. A duty should be imposed on each tree of certain kinds that is felled, and the work of reafforestation should be taken in hand in areas where the forests have been destroyed. This is especially necessary in the Upper Magdalena region, where there is a scarcity of wood for the steamers in certain places. The estate of Santa Sofia, at Giradot, was examined with a view to its suitability as the site of an agricultural experiment station and college. The means of communication are very good, as Giradot is the junction of the railways to Bogota and the Pacific Coast, and the upper limit of steam navigation on the Magdalena. The soil of the district is of medium quality and suitable for the cultivation of Agave, but other crops would probably require irrigation. Evidence of the ravages of locusts was seen throughout the journey, and Mr. Dawe recommends the establishment of a Locust Bureau to control the pest. (Kew Bulletin ot Miscellaneous Information, No. 10, of 1915.) 204 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JuNE 17. 1916. GLEANINGS. It is stated in Matwre for April 13, 1916, that a series of popular lectures on ‘Our Tropical Industries’, describing the production of rubber, tea, coffee, cacao, sugar, etc, in the tropical Colonies, and illustrated by collections of the Imper- jal Institute, will be delivered at that institution on Wednes- days in April, May and June. Admission is free by ticket. An announcement has been made by the Colonial Seere- tary of Barbados to the effect that, in view of the shortage of muscovado sugar, as soon as 13,000 tons of this sugar shall have been exported, a proclamation under the Exportation of Foodstuffs Act, 1914, will be issued by the Governor prohibiting all further export of such sugar except under special license. Reference is made in the Durban Agricultural News for February 1916, to the standard maize grades adopted by the Department of Agriculture. It is stated that the standard grades in force are mixed samples of the principal kinds of maize grown in the country, and indicate the quality necessary to obtain the relevant grading certificates for export purposes. They do not cover only one variety of maize; mixture of varieties does not necessarily mean a poor commercial sample. The editorial in the Agricultural News tor February 12, 1916, dealt with the measurement of soil tilth, and called attention to the fact that this might be done by using an appliance devised by Mr. C. A. LeClair and figured in the Journal of Agricultural Research. Mr. LeClair has written to say that he considers the appliance could be used for this purpose, and is in agreement with the general views put forward in the editorial. This Department is having con- structed an appliance of the kind described. Some suggestions for city persons who desire to farm are given in Circular No, 24 of the Cornell University Agri- cultural Experiment Station. It is admitted that farming financially is a slow business, but farming investments are, on the other hand, safe. It is pointed out in another section that large crops do not necessarily pay. The beginner nearly always over estimates the importance of large returns per vere. Economy of land is usually much less important than economy of labour and other costs. In discussing the subject of cattle insurance in India, the Monthly Bulletin of Economic and Social Intelligence points out that an insurance society in India has to count on many more factors and risks than a similar society in Eng- land. In India, premium rates would have to be so high as to be prohibitive for the average Indian small holder. Eng- lish experience does not apply in India, first because the normal risks of cattle are much greater than in India, and secondly, because the abnormal risks due to famines and epedemies are practically unknown in England. Trenching machinery is the subject of Farmer's Bulletin No. 698 of the United States Department of Agriculture. This has reference to the construction of drains, and is of great interest; but West Indian areas are too small to afford application of such machinery. The ploughs and scoops described, however, might be found useful. In one of the ditching ploughs described a U-shaped knife does most of the cutting; the side knives just hehind the scoop keep the sides of the trench vertical. The Bulletin is profusely illustrated. In view of the results of various experiments that have been carried out in Trinidad, there seems no doubt that silk- worms can be reared successfully in that island. From a report on the subject in the Bulletin of the Department of Agriculture, Trinidad and Tobago, it would seem advisable that attention should be first directed to the mulberry silk- worm, and the eri silkworm. It is stated that these varieties have the advantage that their respective food plants grow well in the island, and could readily be planted in any desired quantity. It is suggested that the silkworm industry in Trinidad might make a valuable village industry, which could be carried on chiefly by the coolie women and children. More might be done in the West Indies in regard to the cultivation of the avocado. It should be possible to raise strains of good keeping quality which could be placed on the American market before the Californian fruit. Two pamphlets by Mr. Wilson Popenoe on the avocado have come to hand. One of these says that the supply of avocados never meets the demand in America. In the second pam- phlet, a valuable list is given of the diflerent varieties, of which there are no Jess than eighty-six, together with the characteristics of the fruits. These pamphlets comprise papers which were read before the Avocado Growers’ Association of California. It is worth noting that such an association exists. The Salisbury Oil Factory is descrided in the Rhodesia Agricultural Journal for February 1916. The nominal capacity of this factory is between 7,000 and 8,000 bags of oil seed per annum. The actual receipt so far has been approximately :. ground nuts, 10,000 bags; sunflower seeds 300 bags; castor beans, 100 bags; and 3 bags of linseed: It is evident therefore, that there is need for extension, and that it will be difficult for the factory to handle the coming season’s largely increasing production unless the plant is augmented. . Vor: XV. No, 369: THE AGRICULTURAL it NEWS. 20: WEST INDIAN FISHERIES. POISONOUS SPECIES. The British Museum (Natural History) has recently conducted, at the instance of the Governors of Jamaica and the Leeward Islands, an inquiry into the poisonous nature of fishes in the West Indies. The report on this work, by Mr. -C. Tate Regan, has just been published in the Barbados Official Gazette (June 1, 1916), from which the following information has been abstracted. The first fish referred to is the well-known barracouta, which name is a generic term for fishes of the genus Sphyraena, of which there are three species in West Indian waters. The largest of these species is a valuable food fish, but it has long been known that individual specimens may be poisonous, causing severe illness and even death. There is evidently something more in this than ptomaine poisening; it seems more likely that barracouta are poisonous when suffering from an infectious disease. It is stated that some observers say, if the fish is poisonous, white fluid runs out of the flesh when it is cut. The next fish referred to is Cavallie, a large fish of the mackerel family (Scrombridea) The flesh of fishes of this family decomposes very rapidly in thes-tropics and cases of poisoning by this species are probably due to this cause. The name Cavallie is also used to refer to fishes of the genus Caranx, some of which may be seriously poisonous at times. The flesh of these fish decompose very rapidly, but it is thought that cases are due to a poisonous secretion formed during the breeding season by the glands. The Wacks’, which belongs to this group are said to have been referred to by Schombergk as being poisonous in some seasons of the year. When they ~are suspected of being unwholesome, the reason for the suspicion being small red lumps in their gills, an experinient is tried‘tpon a duck, by giving her one of them to swallow; if at that season it is poisonous, the duck dies in about two hours. Lastly the Yellow bill Snapper, the Goat fish (of the red mullet family) and the Grouper of the Sea perch family (Salanidae) are all referred to as being poisonous at times, probably during the breeding season.” At the end of the report recommendations are made. In the first place it is recommended that the subject should be scientifically investigated, observations so far being more or less casual and not altogether reliable. The need for investiga- tion is especially important in view of the fact that many of the suspected species are stated to be sometimes edible and sometimes poisonous. The making and preservation of a collection and the proper determination of the species is one of the first steps to be taken; the habits, food, time and place of breeding, of each species should be investigated so that their relation, if any, to the poisonous character of the fish may be established Should collections be made, the British Natural History Museum would be ready to do the naming. Pending the completion of such investigations, should they be undertaken, ore can only recommend inspection of the fish offered for sale; that fishes belonging to any species suspected of being poisonous at times should be fresh; that they should be eviscerated, i.e., gut, roe, etc., thoroughly removed as soon as possible after capture, and that they should be especially suspected if they are in full roe, or in any way abnormal in colouration or condition. The Cultivation of Sponges.—Some interest has been aroused in certain quarters regarding the possibility of introducing the cultivation of sponges into the West Indian islands. TYropical Life tor January 1916 refers to an article published by the Imperial Department of Agricul- ture on the subject as being opportune, the present output of sponges leaving scmething to be desired, while a further depletion in supply must _be looked for. Referring to the same article, Mature for April 20, 1916, gives an account of the method of cultivation, and of the high returns to be expected under the favourable conditions pertaining in islands like the Caicos. It is observed that it will be surprising if this industry, apparently so profitable, needs much official encouragement. The subject has also been dealt with in the Colonial Journal, and it is understood that the matter has attracted attention in the Bahamas, as well as arousing some personal interest among residents in 3arbados and elsewhere. Steps are being taken with a view to making an experimental trial of this cnltivation. INDIAN SUGAR INDUSTRY. The following are the general conclusions in an article on the Indian Sugar Industry in the Ayricul- tural Journal of India, Vol. XI, Part 1:— Tt will be seen on a comparison of the figures of the last tive years with those of the preceding quinquenniun that subst ntial increase has taken place in the acreage under this crop in Northern India. in Bihar and pirts of the United Provinces new factories on up-to-date lines are spring- ing up and making the business pay. The Government Sugar Engineer Expert, Mr. Hulme, is able to guide the owners of prospective factories in the selection and installation of the most efficient kind of machinery. It should not, however, be supposed that results can be obtained in a short time, but now that the problem is being attacked systemati- cally from several aspects, substantial improvement in the Indian sugar industry will result in course of time. It is likely that capitalists will see their way to erecting new factories in Bihar and eastern parts of the United Provinces, as the supply of cane is reasonably assured at a price which, while remunerative to the cultivators, will also enable the factories to work at a profit. As a matter of fact there are factories in Bihar which procure good cane by purchasing in advance from cultivators, and obtain excellent results. The cultivators in the neighbourhood of such factories are saved the trouble of erushing their cane and converting it into gur. The strain on their bullocks is thereby lessened, and they are enabled to attend to other agricultural operations. In these days of specialization the cultivator should not undertake the role of manufacturer, as he is sure to doit badly. The factory owner should try to have at least some few acres under his own plantation, and then try to increase the outturn by better cultivation, more liberal use of manures, introduction of better varieties, etc. The cultivators, when they see such results, will in course of time adopt the improvements, and this will be to the material benefit of both. Nowadays competition is so keen and prices are so cut that every possible aspect has to be considered, and in many cases it is only by the fortunate discovery of a by-product that an industry is enabled to carry on. Java has everything in its favour and will certainly not lose the Indian market without a struggle, and it is therefore up to India to face the problem—-either to run the industry as a business —to make a profit irrespective of everything else, or to continue as now a state of things which cannot lead to success when put in the field against such powerful and well organized rivals. 206 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JuNE 17, 1916. PLANT PESTS AND. DISEASES. CACAO THRIPS AND DIE-BACK IN ST. VINCENT. An article which appeared in the Agricultural News for ‘September 25, 1915 (Vol. XIV, p. 314), entitled What Cacao Thrips Signify in Grenada, gave an account of the status of the cacao thrips (Heliothrips rubrocinctus) in the cacao cultivations in Grenada. The article was an abstract of a report by the Entomologist to the Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture on a visit to that island in February-March 1915, and embodied the conclusions arrived at by that officer. In January 1916, the Entomologist and Mycologist visited St. Vincent for the purpose of studying the pests and diseases of cacao, with special reference to the occurrence of cacao thrips, and the conditions which lead to its develop- ment in such numbers as to be considered a pest. The conclusions arrived at asa result of careful study of the situation in Grenada were (1) that the cacao thrips is always present on cacao trees, (2) that it increases in numbers when unfavourable conditions produce an unhealthy state in the cacao plant, (3) that the unfavourable conditions which are known to so affect the cacao as to result in the so-called attack of thrips are (a) insufficient or improper drainage, (b) root disease,(c) poor or unsuitable soil, which may be thin, overlying an impervious subsoil, impoverished by washing or by exposure to sun, (d) exposure -to wind, and (e) lack of shade. It was held by agricultural officers and planters in St. Vincent that the conclusions arrived at as a result of a study of Grenada conditions would not apply to St. Vincent, where the cacao thrips continued to give trouble as a pest of importance. In a report to the Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture, signed jointly by the Entomologist and Mycologist, on the observations made in St. Vincent, it is shown that while the circumstances of the cacao cultivations in St. Vincent differ considerably from those in Grenada, the same general state- ments apply to the conditions which result in the outbreaks of thrips in the two islands. The following is copied from the joint report of the Entomologist and Mycologist already referred to. The five estates visited are referred to by letter instead of by name. GENERAL ConpbiTIons oF Cacao IN Sr. VINCENT. Although consideration of the rainfall and topography in St. Vincent might incline one to the opinion that the conditions would be very suitable for the cultivation of cacao, it is significant that cotton rather than cacao is the crop which has made important progress in recent years. The available figures show that as much as twenty-three years ago (1893) the cacao industry*was well established and the development since that time has not been very great. Cacao has never assumed a place of great importance in the agriculture of the island; the output in normal years has remained practically stationary since 1897. Cotton, on the other hand, which requires for its suc- cessful cultivation climatic conditions which in many respects are the opposite of those most suitable for cacao, has, since its introduction in 1903 become.a much more valuable crop than cacao, and has approached the position held by arrow- root, which is the principal crop of tbe island. If the conditions existing in Grenada, which is emi- nently « cacao-producing colony and not at all a cotton locality are contrasted with those of St. Vincent, it is readily seen that in matters of climate and topography, the two islands are very similar. The one outstanding point of difference is to be found in the character of the soil. _ The Grenada soil is moderately heavy, retentive of moisture, and is underlaid at varying depths by a relatively impervious subsoil. * The St. Vincent soil is remarkably light, offering very little resistance to the passage of water. _We are of opinion, and in this we are in accord with the Agricultural Superintendent, that as a consequence of this condition of soil, the atmospheric humidity is much below what would be expected from a consideration of the rainfall statistics of the island. In other words, in spite of an abun- dant rainfall, St. Vincent presents the conditions of a relatively dry island. > We hold that these conditions explain the position with respect to cacao and cotton above referred to, and that it is indicated that in St. “Vincent cacao is being grown near to the margin of permissible dryness. In this we refer more especially to the absence of that degree of atmospheric humidity which is recognized as essential for the successful development of a cacao cultivation; but in addition to this the soil conditions are such that the roots are liable to suffer from a relatively short period of dry weather. Under these circumstances, the cultivation calls for very careful attention to such measures as tend to conserve the atmospheric humidity and the soil moisture. This indicates the necessity of providing a fairly dense top shade, of covering the soil in all open places by quick- growing plants, and. the use of wind-belts and marginal screens to prevent as far as possible air currents in cacao cultivations, and also the free and regular use of organic manures and mulches in order to make the soil more retentive. These light soils not only lose their moisture rapidly, but they possess little ability to retain plant food for any length of time, and it is necessary to maintain the soil fertility by systematic manurial treatment, by using such materials as those indicated above. 3 : Conditions av Estate A, At estate A, thrips, though present in all parts of the cacao cultivation and perhaps on every tree, were at the time of our visit nowhere particularly abundant. We are told that this insect has two periods of abundance on this estate: one in September and October, in the midst of the wet. season, and the other in April and May, in the dry season. During the past two years they have been very abundant. during these periods. The Entomologist visited this cacao in October 1912. The trees then were in good condition, having greatly improved aftera severe attack of thrips which had occurred a few months previously. In the report on this visit, pub- lished in the Annual Report of the Botanic Station, 1912-13, it was stated that this improved condition was believed to be due, in part at least, to manuring, forking, and general agricultural conditions. This improvement appears to have continued through 1913 and 1914, the severe attacks of thrips which led to the present conditions having begun towards the end of 1914 or early in 1915. The conditions which we found that were associated with, or were supposed to be the results of, extremely severe thrips attack, were (1) several patches in which trees had. died where root disease due to two species of Rosellina was found by the Mycologist: (2) groups of trees and individual trees which were dead or dying without any manifestation of disease: their failure took the form of a progressive die- back. The trees so affected had been subject to repeated severe attacks of thrips, and the dead branches were infested with. the die-back fungus, Diplodia. aut Vor. XV. No. 369 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, 207 f * The death of trees where root disease was plainly present was easily accounted for, and the attacks of thrips on such trees while they are failing is easily understood. The other condition, that in which the die-back occurs, is more obscure. These die-back trees range in size and age from small newly planted supplies to large, fairly old, established trees. We are informed that the older trees suffer repeated attacks of thrips, each attack causing a fall of leaf, and each succeeding flush of leaf being smaller than the former, both in the number of leaves and in their size. After two or three such attacks, the tips die and are pruned back to live wood, this being repeated after each later attack until nothing remains but the main stem and short stubs of the principal branches. Finally these remaining portions succumb, the roots apparently dying last of all. : Tt is quite natural perhaps for the planter to argue that this loss of vitality which results in the gradual death of the tree is due to the repeated attacks of thrips and the conse- quent loss of foliage, especially as the bark and wood of the lower portions of branches, stem, and roots remain healthy until the last. The outstanding features of this condition are these: (a) the young trees do not grow, (b) the established trees which suffer are near to trees in’ good health and often quite contiguous to such trees. Taking these points under consideration: (a) young cacao. trees in good health shonld make quick recovery after planting out, and develop at least one flush of new leaves before being attacked, if their roots are all right, and they are planted in good soil; (b) the trees suffering from die-back are in some way, or from some cause, more susceptible to thrips and Diplodia than their neighbours. It is inconceivable that adjoining trees in equally good health should be attacked in such different degrees of intensity by these pests, for thrips are always present even on healthy trees. Trees which were pointed out to us as being free from thrips were found to harbour these insects in some numbers, but on account of the vigour of the tree the insects had not increased in numbers, and had not perceptibly affected its condition. This is the normal condition of a healthy cacao tree. Thrips are always present but the tree does not suffer, and no visible etfect from their feeding is produced. When, however, the conditions are such that the tree becomes unhealthy or weak, thrips seem at once to begin to make abnormal increase in numbers, and the first dying back of tips is accompanied by the appearance of Diplodia. (To be continued.) ‘CONCERNING COTTON SEED AND ITS PRODUCTS. The Report of the Chief of the Office of Markets and Rural Organization, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1915, recently issued by the United States_ Department of Agri- culture,con‘ains amongst other important matters, information concerning the marketing of cotton seed and its products, moisture determination and analysis, of cotton seed, advan- tages to be derived from co-operative oil mills, uses of cotton- seed products, and kindred matters. This shows what is being done to make the best of the industry in the United States, and shou'd be of interest to those concerned with the cotton industry in the West Indies, as emphasizing the advantages to be secured by co-operative action in any attempts to further develop the industry in these islands. In :egard to the marketing of cotton seed, studies and investigations under this product, it is premised, are conducted primarily to determine the factors which influence or control the prices paid for cotton seed and its products, the advan- tages to be secured by producers through marketing cotton seed co-operatively or through co-operative cotton mills, and the uses to which the cotton crop and its products are devoted. The work was-begun in October 1914, and the result, so far, may thus briefly be summarized. The geograph- ical location of all cotton-seed oil mills in the United States has been determined; existing rules relating to the grading, buying and selling of cotton seed and its products have been compiled, compared, and studied with a view to working out a uniform set of rules for grades and grading Copies of State laws regarding the taxing, branding, guaranteeing, sampling and inspection of cotton-seed products as foodstuffs, as well as recent State legislation relating to the cotton-seed industry have been collected. Through the co-operation of the chemists of several cotton-seed oil mills, moisture determinations were secured on 3,623 carloads of cotton seed marketed from the crop year of 1914, and over 12,000 complete analyses of cotton seed grown during that season from points of all parts ‘of the cotton belt have been collected. These analyses show the percentage of meats, lint, oil, ammonia, and moisture content in the seed. It is pointed out for the benefit of those interested in buying and selling cotton seed, that the moisture content may be determined quickly, accurately and cheaply at the cotton-seed oil mill, and that cotton seed should be graded and stored on the moisture-content basis, as this principally determiues its keeping qualities From investigations of the corganiz+tion and operation of co-operative oil mills, as also of a co-operative compress com- pany, and of a co-operative marketing association connected with a co-operative oil mill, it has been found that certain co-operative cotton-seed oil mills properly organized and conducted, have netted the farmers about 25 per cent. more for theirseed than they could have obtained in the open market. This is a point which should appeal strongly to cotton growers in the West Indies, especially in view of its bearing to discussions at the Cotton Conference held recently in St. Kitts. One hundred and twenty-four uses have been found for cotton-seed products anl by-products, and a chart has been drafted showing their derivation. Besides the well-known culinary purposes, the by-products of cotton-seed oil are used extensively for soap and washing powders,and to some extent for making such commodities as putty, candles, insulating material, paint, composition roofing, linoleum and _ artificial leather. It his been found, too, that the process of manu- facturing vegetable lard from hydrogenated cotton-seed oil has been greatly improved and its market extended. Linters and cotton-seed hull fibre are now being used to a great extent in the p-eparation of cellulose, from which pyroxylin is manufactured. Pyroxylin is used in the manufacture of celluloid, cellodion, varnishes, artificial silk, moving picture films, ete. Collulose is also made into gunecotton or nitro- cellulose, and in the high explosives. A note in the Rhodesia Agricultural Journsl for February 1916, states that great strides have been made in Rhodesia in the distribution of Napier’s fodder, and it seems likely that they will soon be butfew farms in Southern Rhodesia on which a considerable patch of this grass is not found. There is a general concensus of opinion that in this plant one has a fodder of great value, comparable in feeding value to maize stalk roughage. Compared with sugar-cane fodder it proves to be twice as rich in protein and equally rich in carbohydrates. Napier’s fodder is also known as Elephant grass, of which the scientific name is Pennisetum purpureum. 208 MARKET REPORTS. London.—Tue West Inpia ComMitrEE CIRCULAR, May 4, 1916, ArKnowRooTt—2$d. to 43d. Batata—Sheet, 3s. 2d., block 2s. 2d. Besswax—No quotations. Cacao—Trinidad, no quotations; Grenada, 7s.; Jamaica, no quotations. Corrre—Jamaica, no quotations. Copra—£34 10s. to £35. Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota- tions; Wes4 Indian Sea Island, no quotations. Fruit—No qu.tations. Fustic— £6 to £7. Gincer—Jamaica, no quotations. IstncLass—No quotations. Honey—40s. to 45s. Link Jurce—Raw, no quotations.; concentrated, no quota- tions; Otto of limes (hand-pressed), no quotations, Locwoop—£8 to £8 10s. Mace—7i. to 2s. 34. Normecs—9d. to 1s. 2d. Pimento—3 jd. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS JUNE. 17, 1916. Barbados.—Messrs. James A. Lyncu & Co., Ltd., May 17, 1916; I. S. Garraway & Co., May 16, 1916, AkkOWROOT—3)D‘U0 per 100 Th. Cacao—$16-00 to $1700 per 100 th. Coco-nuts—$18°00 husked nuts. Hay—$1°90 per 190 fh. Manures—Nitrate of soda $8500; Cacao manure. no quotations; Sulphate of ammonia, 5100-00 to $105-00 per ton. Morassrs—No quotations. Ontons—$2°75 to $4:00. Pras, Sprir—S10°00 per 210 tb.; Canada, $6-00 per 120 fb. Porators—Nova Scotia, $3-00 to $3°75 per 160 th. Ricr—Ballam, $7°30 to 7°60 per 190 tb.; Patna, no quota- tions: Rangoon, no quotations. Sucar—Muscovado centrifugals, $5°00 to $5°50. British Guiana.—Messrs. Wrermyc & Ricurer, April 29, 1916; Messrs. SanpsacH, Parker & Co. May 5, 1916, Messrs. WIETING Messrs. SAND- Russer—Para, fine hard, 2/104; fine soft, 2/84; Castilloa ARTICLES. & Ricuter BACH, PARKER. no quotations. 5 : & Co. Rum—Jamaica, no quotations. Arrowroot—St. Vincent — $14°50 Batata— Venezuela block —— —_ Demerara sheet —— 68c. New York.—Messrs. Gittespre Bros. & Co., April Cacao—Native 18c. per tb. ; 2 Cassava— —— A) 26, 1916, Cassava StarcH— 39-00 a Coco-nuts— $18 per M. 19c. per tb. Trinidad.—Messrs. Gorpon, Grant & Co, May 18 Oacao—Caracas, 164c. to 164c.;, Grenada, 15jc. to 16c.; Trinidad, 16c. to 16jc.; Jamaica, 14}c. to 15¢.5 Coco-nuts—Jamaica and Trinidad selects, !}$45-00 to $45:00; culls, $28°00 to $30°00. JorFEE—Jamaica, 94c. to 12c. per th. GINGER—15c. to 18c. per th. Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 60c.; Antigua and Barbados, 58c. to 60c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 56c. to 58c. per th. Grave Frvuit—Jamaica, $1°25 to $2-00. Limes—$10-00 to $12°00. Mace—40c. to 52c. per th. Nurmecs—22c. to 28c. OrnancEes—Jamaica, $2°25 to $3:00. Pimento—dte. to Sze. per th. Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, G-I4c;. to 6°39c. FMuscovados, 89°, 5°49c. to 5°74c; Molasses, 89°, 5°37c. to 5°62c., all duty paid. , 1916, Cacao—Venezuelan, $16°40 to $16°50; Trinidad, $15-40 to $15°75. Coco-nut Orr—$1°10 per Imperial gallon. Correre—Venezuelan, 1}2c. to Le. Corra—$6°50 per 100 th. Daat—No quotations. On1ons—$5°00 to 85°50) per 100 th. Peas, Sprit—$9‘00 to 80°25 per hag. Porarors—English $2°75 to 83°00 per 100 Ih. Ricre—Yellow, $7°25 to 87°50; White., $7°50 to S8-00 per bag. Svear—American crushed, ne quotations, Correr—Creole DHaL— Ontons—Tenerifte Peas—Split Rice—Ballam TANNIAS— $2-88 Yams—White = TiteeER—GREENHEART $24 per M. 12c. to 18e. e 1d4c. per tb. Jamaica and Rio/I4e. to 15c. per th. 14c. Liberian 8c. to She. '9kc. to 10c. per Tb. . $6°75 to $7-00 $6-30 to $7°75 Green Dhal eee Eppors— $132 Mo assres— Yellow None ae 9c. to 11c. 12c. to 14c. $12°00 to $12°50 | $12-00 to 13-00 per bag. (210 tb.) Madeira Marseilles — = PLANTAINS— 24c. to 72c. — Potators—Nova Scotia $400 to $4°50 $5-00 Lisbon ae Porators--Sweet, B’bados $180 —_ $600 to S650 | ——— Creole $6°25 to $6°60 Buek $3°12 Sucar—Dark crystals $4°60 to S$4-70 $4°60 to $4:70 Yellow $5°10 to $d°20 $5°10 to S5-20 White — sects Molasses ae 48c. to 72c. per | 32c. to ddc. per cub. foot . cub. foot Wallaba shingles| $4°00 to $6°25 $5:00 to $7 00 per M. per M. 5, Cordwood) $1°80 to 32-00 at 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. 24.; Volumes II, III, IV, V, VI, VIL, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIIi and XIV:—Price 2s.each: Post free 2s. 8d., where complete. Volume XY, Nos. 1 and 2. No. 2. (III, 2. IV, 3; and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.) Containing papers on: Review of Ten Years’ Work of the Antigua Sugar Factory (Gunthorpes), by Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G.; The Soils of Antigua, by Dr. H. A. Tempany, ]).Se.; A Method of Sponge Cultivation and its Prospects in the Lesser Antilles: With Notes on Other Possible Shallow-water Fisheries, by W. R. Dunlop; A Parasite of the Flymg Fish, by Dr. W. T. Calman, British Museum (Natural History); and Report on the Prevalence of some Pests and Diseases in the West Indies during 1914. HANDBOOK AND PAMPHLET SERIES. The Pamphlets are written ina simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially adapted to West Indian conditions. present time is seventy-five. Suear 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; im 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 6. each. Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the Leeward Islands, in 1902-5, 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 1912-15, in 1913-14, price 1s. each. 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 Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are out of print. GENERAL. (7) and (22) Scale 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 (unbeund) ls. 5d. Bound in cloth, 2s. 3d. (72) Lime Cultivation in the West Indies. Bound in cloth, ls. 8d. (73) Root Borers and other Grubs in West Indian Soils. Price 61 (74) Cotton Cultivation in the West Indies, Bound in cloth, ls. 8d. (75) Insect Pests of Sugar-cane in Antigua and St. Kitts. Price, 67. (76) Indian Corn. Price 4d. (77) Erysipelas and Hoose. Price 2d. (78) Onion Cultivation. Price 5d. (79) Root Diseases of Lime Trees in Forest Districts. Price 3d, (80) Hints to Settlers in St. Lucia. Price 6d. (81) Agricultural Resources of St. Lucia. Price 3d. (82) Indoor Gardening for Schools. Price 6d. Price 4d. Price (unbound) 9d. Price (unbound) 9d. 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; 13d. for Nos. 40, 44, 49, 59, 62, 63, 67 and 74. Postage for No. 71, 4d. and for No. 72, 20d. The The ‘ Agricultural News’ contains ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’: extracts A Fortnightly Review. 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. VolumesIV 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. copies are to be addressed to the Agents, not to the Department. All 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 Inpra Commirrer, 15, Seething Lane. Barbados: ApvocatE Co. Lrp., Broad Street, Bridgetown. Jamaica: ‘THE EpucarionaL SurpLy Company, 16, King Street, Kingston. British Guiana: Taz Arcosy Co, Lrp., Georgetown. Trinidad: Messrs. Murr-Marsnanu & Co., Port-of-Spain. Tobago: Mr. C. LL. PLAGEMANN, Scarborough, Grenada: Messrs. ‘THos. Lawtor & Co., St. George. St. Vincent: Mr. J. D. Bonapte, “Times’ Office. St. Lucia: Mr. R. W. Nites, Botanic Station. Dominica: Mr. J. R. TH. Brincewarer, Roseau. Montserrat: Mr. W. Ronson, Botanic Station. Antigua: Mr. 8. D. Matone, St. John’s. St. Nitts: THe BrstE aND Book Supply AGENCY, BASSETERRE Nevis: Messrs. Howeut, Bros., Charlestown. Canada: Lewis W. Cremens, 71 King Street, West, Toronto. Vou. XV. No. 369. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JUNE Slit, LOG: THE BEST MANURE FOR COLONIAL USE A (fre poe Dissolved (Soluble) Guano FOR SUGAA-CANE AND GHRERAL USke TRADE MARK. APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIRECT TO:— THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL GUANO WORKS, (LATE OHLENDORFE’S) London Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C. Barbados Agents: James A. Lyneh & Co., Ltd., Bridgetown. HOST ALSSUED: ! SELEGTED | WEST INDIAN BULLETIN, SFA ISLAND COTTON SEED. Voi. XV, No. 8. We make a speciality of selecting Sea Island Cotton |Seed for planting purposes, and solicit orders from the Aine ee cnes sae 4 Pear. bso eee te Tin oe Containing the tollowing papers: Two Scoliid Parasites ot | “neig shbouring Islands. Searabaeid Larvae in Barbados, by W. Nowell, D.I.C.; On Legislating Again st Plant Diseases, by Francis Watts, C.M.G. : : . D.Sc, FLC.; Notes on Trichogramma Minutum, by 8. C. Quotations on application. Hark: and, B.Sc.; Bay Oil and ate ( inky: ation of the B ay Tree as a Crop Plant, by H. A. Tempany, D.Sc., F.1.C., and | ‘THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE W. Robson; The Rise of Dominica, by Francis Watts, C.M.G COTTON FACTORY, LIMITED, Se vy }- The itche Baco Factory vy. J. W. Tels | D.Se., F.1.C.; The Hitchen Bacon Factory, by J. W. Wel h WHITE PARK, A Summary of ce Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in | the West Indies, by W. R. Dunlo of | BRE AIOWN, BARBADOS. | ‘DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS. HAND BOONWK AND PAMPH DR SE RES: Insect Pests of the Lesser Antilles. Pp° 210, Figs. 185. Price (unbound) 1s. 3d. Bound in cloth, 2s. 37. |Lime Cultivation in the West Indies. Pp. 186, Figs. 17. Price (unbound) 941. Bound in cloth, 1s 87 Cotton Cultivation in the West Indies. Pp. 118, Figs. 35. Price (unbound) 947. Bound in cloth, 1s. 8. er Printed at Offiee of Agricultural Reporter, 4 High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados, Ly fi pe (| Ve tat | 4 i i W ) / Nal a x : T Vol axviuNows70,). SATURDAY, JULY 1, 1916. _ {One ; penny. | ae R. VM. S. P. | MAIL, PASSENGER & CARGO SERVICES FROM THE WEST INDIES | 4 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.) ‘DEMERABA & PARAMARIBO | Grenada & Trinidad. f Trinidad, Puerto Colombia, | - Cartagena, Colon, Panama, PANAMA CANAL & PACIFIC PORTS | Callao, Iquique, Antofagasta & Valparaiso. REGULAR MAIL. PASSENGER AND GARGO 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: "asi... Moorgate Street, London. Branches at BARBADOS, Trinidad, Tobago, Demerara, Colon, Jamaica, Antilla, New York, Halifax N.S., Buenos Aires, Santos, Sao Pau'o Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, etc. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. AN OBJECY LESSON IN Tick’ ERADICATION ee ee a CATTLE TICK The Illustrations given below, and the accompanying particulars, are taken from an Official publication of the United States Department of Agriculture, Bulletin No. 498. A case is on calculated that ticks may, record of a horse which in the course of a year, died from anemia re- deprive an arimal of = TICK [NFESTED: BEFORE DIPPING, August 12th, 1911. — sulting from gross tick 10! gallons of blood. WEIGHT 730 POUNDS. infestation, and from CA ees eee ; Some ticks absorb as which no Jess than much as 2 c.c. of 28 lbs. of ticks were collected. THE SAME BEAST TICK FREE: 2 MONTHS AFTER DIPPING, October 12th, 1911. WEIGHT 1015 POUNDS. The above illustrations afford an example of the benefits afforded by Tick Eradication. The animal shown, when infested with ticks, weighed only 730 pounds on 12th August, 1911. On this date the beast was completely freed from Ticks by dipping. Two months later (12th October), its weight Lad increased to 1015 pounds, the feed in the meantime remaining the same as before. ‘The total gain after being freed from ticks was thus 285 pounds in 2 months, or a daily average gain of 4; pounds. ee Ee COOPER’S CATTLE TICK DIP WEST INDIAN AGENTS: i ich. f the following Countries: ©T. KITTS: S. L. Horsford & Co. ANTIGUA: Bennett, Bryson & Co. mie neecaee (eon icral approval ¢ i tie a JAMAICA: D. Henderson & Co., Kingston. Union of South Africa, Northern Rhodesia, Crezii, Casstoland, GRENADA: Thomson, Hankey & Co. ‘ 1 ~ =o = “9 BADOS: Barbados Co-operative Cotton Co., Ltd. Nyasaland, Swaziland, Southern Rhodesia, fiadazascar, BRE KE METMGCcag, Neseat British East Africa, German East Africa, Portuguese East Africa, TRINIDAD; T. Geddes Grant, Port of Spain. c fee ; BRITISH GUIANA: Sandbach, Parxer & Co. Portuguese West Africa, Egypt, Argentine Republic, Queensland, ST. VINCENT: Corea & Co,, Kingstown. NEVIS: S.D. Malone. United States of America, New South Wales, DANISH WEST INDIES: A. Schmiegelow, St. Croix. MONTSERRAT: W. Llewellyn Wall, DOMINICA: Hon. H. A. Frampton, Northern Territory of Australia. ST. LUCIA: Barnard Sons & Co., Castries. Manufacturers: WILLIAM COOPER & NEPHEWS, Berkhamsted, England. BRANCHES: Toronto, Chicago, Sydmey, Metbourze, Auckland, Buenos Aires, Monte Video, Punta Arenas, East London, Qdessa. A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW euw Y OF THE SOTANIG IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES, “eeeem Vor. XV. No. 370. BARBADOS, JULY 1, 1916. Price 1d. 5 questionable quality are exceptionally dear. This CONTENTS. condition holds good more or less throughout the West Indies, and in fact it may be said that at the present time there is a general shortage of pig pro- Pace. Pace. ducts all over the world. Book Shelf.. ... 221\Items of Local Interest 212 ane ce ee Reports _ se 224 In the current issue of the West Indian Bulletin Reon en a. ee es 216" Uk in ee aa Boe there appears an article which describes a co-operative See rs and Die-back | Mo lasscalnee Motor Spirit bacon factory working in Bedford, in England; this Cotton Conference:. PROM vee ee es + 219 article has been published in continuation of a previous Fourth Day's Proceed- Notes and Comments 216 one of a more general character that urged the more ex- Department News aye 2iu Pigeon ee St. Vin- ais tensive production of pigs in the West Indian islands on ‘ruit Juices, Studies on ... 215 ae - ”'Pigs, The Shortage of ... 209 Gleanings ... . 5 one, SEL ae aS Hurricane Warnings... ... 210 Insect Notes:— ‘Sea Island Cotton Market 215 Native Food Plants Sugar, Reasons for High and Feeding Habits of Prices of... Bee ol lis the Cotton Stainer in Sugar-cane, Manuring St. Vincent 2 2198} of ... 216 The Shortage of Pigs. CN common with the price of other food products, that of pork and bacon is at the present time at a high level, and has been for the last two years. In the English market Canadian and American hams and bacon are over 10s. per cwb. more expensive than they were three years ago, and there is a tendency for the market to rise still higher. Locally, in Barbados, fresh pork, that is, pork from pigs grown and slaughtered in the island, is a penny a pound more expensive: lard shows a. still greater increase; while imported hams and bacon of very co-operative lines, utilizing the by-products of the crops at present grown, the pigs being ultimately converted into bacon and hams ina factory somewhat similar to that referred to above. Owing to the unsettled state of aftairs that has existed, efforts to invoke the atten- tion of capitalists have not, so far, proved successful, It would seem, in. spite of the shortage of pigs and consequent high prices, that it is not possible to attempt to meet the demand at present on a large scale. The only thing that remains, therefore, is to urge that a start should be made at the other end: that the individual planter and peasant should raise ag many pigs as possible and send them either to the local market to be sold as pork, or else make an attempt on a small domestic scale to manufacture pork, hams and bacon. Pig raising in the West Indies may take two forms. It may be conducted as it usually is, on a small scale, two or three animals being kept in stieg more or less for domestic purposes; or it may be conducted on a larger scale, where a herd of swine ig maintained. Carried out on this larger scale, pig 210 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JuLy Ie OG: raising would necessitate grazing land, and the produc- tion of special crops for feeding purposes. This system is qnite common in the Southern States where the best field crop for pigs—ground sweet potatoes nuts and cowpeas, and even grass are grown especially for the maintenance of these animals. There is no doubt that with present prices the production of pigs on this scale would pay. As regards the provision of more con- centrated feeding stuffs, it should be remembered that on sugar estates there is generally an abundant supply of molasses, and large quantities of filter-press cake —valuable for pig feeding on account of the calcium phosphate it contains—that can be obtained at very small cost. On lime-growing estates there is refuse in the form of skins and seeds; on arrowrvot estates, the refuse of the works; while on coco-nut estates, as a contemporary puts it, ‘there is plenty of room for the pigs to roam about in, and an unlimited supply of oil- cake to feed them on.’ The pig is the most efficient meat-producing machine there is. At the same time, under tropical conditions, some kinds of pigs do better than others. Further, the kind of pig to breed depends upon what product it is one’s intention to produce, and also with what food and under what conditions it is to be fed. A Jamaica contemporary says that for some condi- tions, the old-fashioned small black pig called China— distinct from the Poland-China—is the best. It is essentially a grazing pig able to utilize grass and weeds; it matures quickly but never grows to a large size. Itis distinctly a lard pig, having a large pro- portion of fat to lean. or bacon. An opposite type is the Large Black, which is essentially a pork pig and requires rich food. The Berkshire or the Poland-China—the latter an American It is no good for curing as ham ‘breed—are perhaps the best general breeds tor the West Indies. the production of hams. Above all, these breeds are the best for On several occasions information has been pub- fished in this Journal as to the method of curing hams -and bacon.* It is an industry which might be devel- oped even on asmall scale by individuals in several -of the West Indian islands. Recently a trial was made by the Government Veterinary officer in St. Vincent with regard to the salting of pork. 118 th. was killed and salted. ot A pig weighing This animal, a locally red barrow the razor-back type, gave 87} hb. #*See Aqivultural News, Vol. XV, pp. 36, 61, and 159. .) of pork. The mixture used for salting was 8 fb. of common salt, 3 tb. of white sugar, and 2 oz. saltpetre. The finished product sold readily. Appar- ently the only difference between this and the imported article was the thickness of the fat and the difference in the colour. The fat was not as plentiful, and the lean was redder than in the case of the imported pork. Thi§ experiment has been referred to im some detail in the hope that it may encourage similar enterprise elsewhere. Attempts at ham pro- duction are especially to be encouraged, and it is hoped that those who can, will experiment in this direction and make known their results. DEPARTMENT NEWS. The Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture left Barbados by the C.R.M.S. ‘Caraquet’ on June 29, for the purpose of paying an official visit to St. Lucia. Dr. Watts is expected to return by the C R.MLS. ‘Chignecto’, on or about July 12. HURRICANE WARNINGS. The approach of the hurricane season makes it desirable to publish the following information concerning the nature, and the signs which indicate the approach, of these storms in the West Indies. It is urged that instruction in connexion with this subject should be given in all secondary schools in the Wind- ward and Leeward Islands, and possibly in the primary schools as well. One or two lesSons given in each year immediately before the hurricane season should prove of real service. It is first desirable to point out the nature of a hurricane and its path of transition. With this object the diagrams below have been reproduced, having previously appeared in this Journal in connexion with an editorial on hurricanes (see Ayricultural News, Vol. VIII, p. 209). The lowest figure represents the storm during its passage throngh the West Indian islands, before it takes a sweep round to the norih or west of Cuba, into the North Atlantie (top figure). j The motion of rotation and the motion of translation may be well understood by spinning a top and giving it a counter-clock rotation. It will be seen that while the rotation may be very rapid round the centre, the top itself may remain in one spot. This rotation corresponds with the violent wind of the hurricane. By noting the direction in which any part of the edge of the spinning top is moving in relation to the centre, it will be obvious that the position of the centre is at right angles to this line of movement. Consequently ina hurricane, if the observer stands facing , the wind, the centre of the storm is on his right hand. He can trace the movement of the centre by noting the change in the direction from which the wind blows Vou. XV. No. 370. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. ial The reader will find it instructive to take a number of points on the lowest section of the diagram, which corres- ponds with West Indian conditions, and note (a) the direction of this wind (the arrows fly with the wind), and (b) the rela- tive position of the centre. Reverting to the spinning top, while it may remain spinning on one spot, it may, on the other hand, move from this; there will then be two motions: a spin and a progressive (SN HIGM LATITUDES: Velocit} along track ‘si 20 t9.30 miles per hour 5 {N°MIDOLE LATITUDES STORM RECURVING: Velocity along track 5 to 10 milas per hour NOTEF._Hnrricanes recurve about the following latitudes : June and Oct., lat. 20°to 29.N July and Sept., lat. 27°to 29° W August lat 30°to 33 N. FIN LOW LATITUDES: 5 Velocity along track, ‘about 17 miles per hour. motion; this latter is represented in the hurricane by the movement of the revolving storm from one place to another. Usually West Indian hurricanes approach the islands from the Atlantic, that is, from East or ESE, and travel towards Cuba and the American coast where the path curves northward and finally eastward, so that the storms pass out into the North Atlantic. This progressive motion across the West Indian island is comparatively slow, ranging from about 7 to 14 miles an hour. An observer, therefore, knowing the general trend of the hurricane’s path may, by observing the direction of the wind and its changes, form avery good idea of his position as regards the centre, and whether the centre is coming directly towards him, or is passing on the north or on the south side of him. If the direction of this wind remains fairly constant im a direction NNE or N, or NNW, the probability is that the centre is directly approaching. Conversely, when the wind direction remains SE, ESE and S, the centre is moving directly away. Where the motion of the wind changes from NE to ENE, E and ESE, the centre is passing on the south side of the observer. When the direction changes from NW to WNW,S and WSYW,, the centre is passing to the north of the observer. These rules apply in the West Indies only: they should be checked by making trial observations on the lowest figure: in the diagram until the matter is clearly understood. Fron» these an observer can anticipate fairly exactly what may be expected to happen, and—a matter of great importance— he is able to recognize when the centre has passed and the storm may be expected to begin to abate. The violence of the wind increases as one approaches the centre: at the centre itself there is an area of calm. When this centre passes over any particular place the direction of the wind suddenly changes, and the wind after its passing begins to blow violently from exactly the oppo- site direction from that from which it blew before: this is a feature of considerable importance in West Indian hurri- canes. The barometer falls rapidly as one gets nearer and nearer the centre, so that the barometer affords a means of marking the approach of the centre and the probable distance that itis away, while the changes in the direction of the wind afford clear indications of the line along which the centre is travelling. In judging the direction of the wind it is best to note the direction in which the lower clouds are moving: this is better than observing weathercocks or flags. It is worth noting that in the West Indies—the rule does not apply elsewhere—in describing the direction of the wind, when one employs the term south, the centre has passed andi conditions: may be expected to improve. This may be con- firmed by noting the position of the centre in relation to such winds as SSW or SE, or any in which the term south occurs. On the other hand, the dangerous position is indicated! by those wincs which involve the use of the term north, as. may be seen by noting what is implied by such winds as. NNE, or N or NE. The first indication of an approaching storm is frequently a heavy swell, breaking m heavy surf along the shore: these waves come from the direction of the centre of the: approaching storm. They may be noticed many hours, sometimes a day or two, before the storm passes. The next indication is usually some disturbance and unusual movement amongst the higher clouds, coupled with unusual light, often a coppery glare, at sunrise or sunset,. particularly the latter: the wind is then unusually irregular and putty, and the atmosphere moist and oppressive. The next indication is a fallin the barometer, and then the observer may feel certain that a cyclone is in existence. It is worth noting that cyclones may, and do, exist in which the wind is rotating with only moderate velocity: they present all the characters here referred to, save that not having violent winds they do no damage: it is only when the: wind blows violently that a cyclone becomes a hurricane. These facts are readily grasped and appreciated; a knowledge of them is of great service to West Indians, enabling them to take such precautions as are possible to- protect themselves and their property from approaching storms, and relieving their minds of great anxiety when they are able to recognize that a threatened storm has passed, to — to THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS JuLy als VSG! DOWN THE ISLANDS. ITEMS OF LOCAL INTEREST. GRENADA. According to a report forwarded to this Office by Mr. J. C. Moore, Superintendent of Agriculture, the work in the Experiment Stations in this island during the months of April and May, comprised the harvesting of nut- eddoes, horse beans, Lima and red beans; spraying limes for scale insects, preparing land for planting in June, selecting Marie Galante cotton seed for planting and distribution in Carriacou. In regard to staple crops, cacao trees have put on new growth and are flowering, and the crop is reported as good; shipments of cacao to May 31 were 68,053 bags as compared with 55,825 bags at same period last year. Limes are good, on the whole; there is a promising set of young fruit. Respecting sugar, reaping operations are still in progress, and the crop and_ prices are reported good. There is, however, room for much improvement in cultivation. The Superintendent visited six estates on agricultural inspection and instruction work; also Carriacou to arrange for starting _ademonstration plot of cotton (Marie Galante) in connexion with a scheme for improving the cultivation of cotton in Carriacou. Tne appointment of Mr. W. O’Brien Donovan on probation, as an Agricultural Instructor from June 1, on which date he is supposed to have assumed his duties, is recorded. st. vincent. Mr. W. N. Sands’s notes for May state that in the Experiment Stations, work included the planting of a plot of cane B. 147 in the new cane nursery, and the preparation of land for other varieties; experiments carried out on the control of the mole-cricket; manurial experiments with arrowroot, similar to cotton, laid out in four series and manure applied; plots of hybrid cottons sown, while 500 imported coco-nuts from St. Lucia were inspected, and 3,000 cane cuttings from Antigua fumigated. Plant distribu- tion included 202 tb. selected Indian corn, 800 potato cuttings,and § coco-nut plants. Further progress was made with the destruction of the Silk-cotton and ‘John Bull’ trees, but much work, says, Mr. Sands, is still to be done, if the cotton stainer is to be kept down. The Agricultural Superintend- ent addressed meetings of small growers at seven centres. At these meetings the present position of the markets for the products grown in each district was described, as well as the outlook for the next few months. Volumes II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII and XIV:—Price 2s.each; Post free 2s. 8d., where complete. (III, 2. IV, 3; and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.) Volume XV, Nos. 1, 2 and No. 3. Containing the following papers: Two Scoliid Parasites of Scarabaeid Larvae in Barbados, by W. Nowell, D.I.C.; On Legislating Against Plant Diseases, by Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Se., F.1.C.; Notes on Trichogramma Minutum, by 8. C. Harland, B.Se.; Bay Oil and the Cultiva- tion of the Bay Tree asa Crop Plant, by H. A. Tempany, D.Sc., F.1-C., and W. Robson; The Rise of Dominica, by Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Sc., F.I.C.; The Hitchin Bacon Factory, by J. W. Welsh; A Summary of the Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the West Indies, by W. R. Dunlop. HANDBOOK AND PAMPHLET SERIES. The Pamphlets and Handbooks are written in a simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially adapted to West Indian conditions. issued up to the present time is eighty-two. SuGar Ixpusrry. 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, in 1913-14, price 1s. each, 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 Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are out of print. 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 rect and Work Them. (65) Hints for School Gardens, Fourth Edition. Price 4d. (71) Insect Pests of the Lesser Antilles. (Handbook). Price (unbound) ls. 3d. Bound in cloth, 2s. 3d. (72) Lime Cultivation in the West Indies. (Handbook). Price (unbound) 9d. Bound in cloth, 1s. 8d. (73) Root Borers and other Grubs in West Indian Soils. Price 6d (74) Cotton Cultivation in the West Indies. (Handbook). (unbound) 9d. Bound im cloth, Is. 8d. 75) Insect Pests of Sugar-cane in Antigua and St. Kitts. Price, 6d. Price (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. (80) Hints to Settlers in St. Lucia. Price 6d. (81) Agricultural Resources of St. Lucia. Price 3d. (82) Indoor Gardening for Schools. Price 6d. 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; lid. for Nos. 40, and for No. 72, 2d. The The ‘Agricultural News’ contains ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’: extracts 44, 49,59, 62,63, 67 and 74. Postage for No. 71, 4d. A Fortnightly Review. from official correspondence and from progress and other reports; and, in fact, any information indicating what jg gomg 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. VolumesIV 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. All applications for copies 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:— London: Messrs. Dutau & Co., 37, Soho Square, W. West Inpra Commirrer, 15, Seething Lane. Barbados: ApyocatE Co. Lrp., Broad Street, Bridgetown. Jamaica: Toe Epucationan Suppry Company, 16, King Street, Kingston. British Guiana: Taz Arcosy Co., Lip., Georgetown. Trinidad: Messrs. Murr-Marswatu & Co., Port-of-Spain. St. Kitts: Tar Brete AND Book Suppty AGENcy, BsssETERRE Tobago: Mr. C. L. PLAGEMANN, Scarborough, Nevis: Messrs. Hower. Bros., Charlestown. Canada: Lewis W. Ciemens, 71 King Street, West, Toronto. Grenada: Messrs. THos. LAwtor & Co., St. George. St. Vincent: Mr. J. D. Bonanre, ‘Times’ Office. St. Lucia: Mr. R. W. Nixes, Botanic Station. Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. Brincewavrer, Roseau. Montserrat: Mr. W. Rosson, Botanic Station. Antigua: Mr. 8S. D. Maton, St. John’s. Vou, XV. No. 371. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JULY = 1916. THE BEST MANURE FOR COLONIAL USE Is Dissolved (Soluble) Guano KHOR SUGAKB-CANE AND GEBERAL USE TRADE MARK. APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIREGE T0:— THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL GUANO WORKS, (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) London Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C. Barbados Agents: James A. Lynch & Co., Ltd., Bridgetown. ViGSL. ISSUED. | SELECTED WEST INDIAN BULLETIN, SFA ISLAND COTTON SEED.| Vol. XV, No. 4. | We make a speciality of selecting Sea Island Cotton |Seed for planting purposes, and solicit orders from the | neighbouring Islands. PROCEEDINGS AT THE WEST INDIAN COTTON Quotations on application. ‘THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE CONFERENCE, 1916. COTTON FACTORY, LIMITED, WHITE PARK, PRICE 1s. each, — POST PREE, 1s, 2d, | BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. i= | DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS. BAN DBOOK SERIES Insect Pests of the Lesser Antilles. Pp. 210, Figs. 185. Price (unbound) 1s. 37. Bound in cloth, 2s. 3/. Lime Cultivation in the West Indies. Pp. 136, Figs. 17. Price (unbound) 94:. Bound in cloth, 1s. 8/ Cotton Cultivation in the West Indies. Pp. 118, Figs. 35. Price (unbound) 91.! Bound in cloth, 1 s. Sd. | Printed at Office of Agricultural Reporter, 4 High Street, Bridgetown, Barba tos, AON; We 7 é ee SEG. WEE ae S \\¥ eS aS here YS Vol. XV. No. 372.] SATURDAY, JULY 29, 1916. R. M. S. P. 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.) 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THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. : A WHAT IT Costs A COUNTRY TO Keep TICKS © ——__<¢ + THE CASE OF THE UNITED STATRS Extract from U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Bulletin No. 261. “The Cattle Tick mt its 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 $58,650,000, and the other cattle with over $124,000,000. From observation and experience I estimate that a shrinkage in value of 20% in cattle, other than dairy cattle, 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 is experienced because of the extra feed required, and the shrinkage in the flow 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 year 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-affected 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 not 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 feed 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 ve entered against the tick. With tick infestation at babyhood, there is very little chance 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 years 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.” “It is very easily seen that the annual loss sustained by the Southern States to-day must amount ray to an enormous sum—$100,000,000 ‘Seing named in the Year Book of the Department of Agriculture for 1904.” COOPER’S CATTLE TICK DIP Nas 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 States of America, New South Wales, Northern Territory of Australia. CATTLE Tick PEmALe Extract from U.S. 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 as a 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 of $23,250,000 directly chargeable to the cattle tick.” LOWER MILK YIELD. “The shrinkage of the milk production of cattle harboring many ticks will average 1 quart 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 $26,250 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 4,600 of such cattle brought South each year, at least 460 die of Texas Fever. The loss entailed would naturally 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, at the 1915 Anuual Meeting of the United States Live Stoc Sanitary Association :— 2 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 your cattle get infested with ticks they get poor. They 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.” WEST INDIAN AGENTS: ST.KITTS: S. L. Horsford & Co. ANTIGUA: Bennett, Bryson & Co. JAMAICA: D. Henderson & Co., Kingston. GRENADA: Thomson, Hankey & Co. BARBADOS: Barbados Co-operative Cotton Co,, Ltd. BAHAMAS: W.N. Twynam, Nassau. 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 Y. La Beet, St. Thomas. MONTSERRAT: W. Llewellyn Wall. DOMINICA: Hon. H. A. Frampton. ST. LUCIA: Barnard Sons & Co., Castries. Manufacturers: WILLIAM COOPER & NEPHEWS, Berkhamsted, England. BRANCHES: Toronto, Chicago, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Buenos Aires, Monte Video, Punta Arenas, East London, Odessa. Ra ee eh ad NS ery ERIS , \ AN si wD ‘FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW bi OF THE IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. NR be ae ‘ a Arve, Vous Xie Now 372: BARBADOS, PAM Ye 9! i906! Price 1d, — CONTENTS. PAGE, American Papaw and the Jamaiea, Trade and Agri- Tropical Papaya... ... 248 culture of, 1914-15 Antigua Central Sugar Fac- ‘Land Settlement in Jamaic: tory cee) tee? wee | ce wee 2oOnlemonade substitutes, for 254 Bay Tree, True and False 243 Market Reports... ... 256 British Guiana, Coco-nut Notes and Comments ... 245 Industry in . ... 245 Plant Diseases: British Possessions and The Poisoning of Weeds Foreign Countries, The angeylnees) es | ces. woes, 204 Recent Trade of ... 249 Propagation Recipes... 250 Cattle Spraying in Antigua 247 St. Lucia Agricultural and Citrus, Experiments with Commercial Society, An SOCK Sm LOcEEE tamer eoDO Address before... ... 246 Gleanings ... . 252 Sea Island Cotton Market 249 Humus Teak in Trinidad ... 251 and Water, The wee Soil-Balance of ... 247, Uniformity of Method, Insect Notes:— A Plea for Greater ... 248 An Insect Destructive West Indian Products ... 255 to Stored Maize ... 250 West Indies, The Spread of Items of Local Interest ... 244. Economie Effort within...241 The Spread of Economic Effort within the West Indies. YS> T is very seldom that we finda new economic = movement initiated in several places simul- I taneously. Before making an ettort to put any such scheme into action, records show that there is generally a preliminary period of discussion, after which one place at last takes the lead, and demonstrates, at its own risk, the success or otherwise of the scheme in hand. The island of St. Vincent has been the scene of a considerable amount of this experimental work in economic affairs, and many other islands in the West Indies have benefited by the successful demonstrations that St. Vincent has made. This island appears to have been the first in the British West Indies to undertake a definite land settlement scheme. As early as 1885, in connexion with the survey of the Crown lands bound- ary, an attempt was made to forma land settlement for the adversely by the disastrous hurricane of 1898: but in iocal peasantry. This, however, was affected 1899 the policy was continued by the Government purchasing two estates in the neighbourhood of the capital town. Siuce that time the scheme has made steady progress. not only in connexion with the inclu- sion of fresh land, but also in regard to the organiza- tion of agricultural methods amongst the occupiers. The establishment of land settlements in St. Vin- cent led, in 1905, to the purchase by the Grenada Government of two estates in Carriacou. a dependency of Grenada, and in 1910 Grenada itself began ona modest scale. At the present time the settlements in occupy 600 1911) Union Island, one of the northern Grenadines, was sold to the Grenada some acres. In St. Vincent Government and opened up for settlement under the supervision of the Commissioner of Carriacou. More recently, in 1913, St. Lucia entered upon a defin- ite policy of land settlement for peasants at Réunion estate, purchased by the Government, and over 200 acres have been allocated for settlement. As well as this, the Governments of St. Lucia, Dominica, and Trinidad have endeavoured to attract European settlers by means of affording facilities in regard to the occupation of larger areas of Crown lands on an estate scale. ‘This latter move possesses special significance Y4Ry, : 249 ats in connexion with the land settlement of ex-service omen after the war. The Government of St. Vincent has the further distinction of being the first British Crown Colony to ‘introduce legislation and machinery for the establish- ment of agricultural credit societies under the Raitfei- ‘sen system of unlimited liability. The matter had ‘been the subject of much discussion for many years previously in Trinidad, and in British Guiana. But St. Vincent was the first to take the lead, although even there it did not take place until so recently as 1913. It has to be remembered in this connexion that St. Vincent was better constituted than most other islands as an experimental ground for such a credit scheme, the peasantry being comparatively sophisti- -eated, partly as the result of the educational influence -of a properly carried out land settlement scheme. At the same time nothing would have been done had it not been for the enterprise of an energetic local ‘Government. The co-operative credit scheme has taken hold in St. Vincent and may be said to have proved very successful, considering the many initial difficulties which matters requiring mutual trust involve. In 1915, the Government of Trinidad passed a credit ‘Ordinance based on the St. Vincent one, and in the same year the Government of St. Lucia did the same. this economic effort to Dominica, while in Grenada the question of credit in kind, if not in money, is now under consideration by the Government of that Colony. Reviewing the facts outlined above, it will be admitted that St. Vincent is an island of considerable interest in regard to the history and development of State economic effort, and it will be seen that two most important schemes—land settlement and co-operative credit—first had their West Indian origin in that Colony. While St. Vincent has also moved in the direction of unofficial economic schemes, that is to say, in the direction of purely commercial organization, if is in Antigua that one finds this kind of effort in its most pronounced manifestations. The 1913 of an Onion Growers’ Association was not only establishment in an event of interest but has since proved itself to be an event of great commercial value. The co-operative method of dealing with the Antigua onion crop which this association of growers employs, has been referred to so often in these pages that it is unnecessary to Recent information indicates the spread of THE AGRICULTURAL © NEWS. 29, 1916. JULY repeat the information here. The essential point to note is that the scheme proved so successful that last year both Montserrat and the Virgin Islands formed associations on similar lines, and these associations were affiliated to the original Antigua combination. Nevis, while it may not have a definitely established association, is at any rate making efforts to develop an onion industry along the lines indicated by the Associations in sister Presidencies. This affords a clear and distinct case of the spread of economic effort, and it is of a particularly satisfactory nature because the diffusion has been confined to the units of the same Colony—the Leeward Islands. Antigua has recently established, as one result of the West Indian Cotton Conference held in St. Kitts last March, a Cotton Growers’ Association. The object of this body, which includes all the principal growers, is to regulate and deal with all matters affecting the island’s industry as a whole, and it may be prognosti- cated that similar associations will sooner or later spring up in other cotton-growing islands, especially if the Antigua Association shows that it is of material value in connexion with the progress of the industry. Looking turther ahead, if several of these associations arise, it may be expected that this will be followed by a general association for the whole of the West Indies, and one can conceive the organization of annual general meetings that should be of great benefit to so complex a business as the growing of cotton and its disposal. In concluding the subject of the spread of economic effort in the West Indies, reference may be made to what was originally an experimental project in St. Lucia. We refer to the St. Lucia Government lime juice factory, established in 1915. This was inaugurated to assist primarily the small growers of limes, but it was hoped that its successful working would prove a useful demonstration for the larger estates, in the direction of showing the advantages that accrue from steam concentration and other methods making for That this hoped for result has been achieved is shown by the fact that several estates in St. Lucia have put up similar steam plants as a result of the demonstration. increased efticiency of manufacture. Further, the demonstration has had its effect externally, for the Government of British Guiana sent a special representative last year to enquire into and report upon the working of this model factory, with the result that a factory run on similar lines has been established in that Colony. VOL: ONO Vie: PN Osi S fie THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, 243 In Dominica the work of the St. Lucia factory has been closely followed, and this has not been without influencing the minds of lime growers in that island. Lastly, reference may be made to the spread of economic effort in connexion with the sugar industry. A case in point is afforded by the establishment of central sugar factories in the Leeward Islands. It was here again that one place, Antigua, was the first to move in the matter with the establishment of Gunthorpes Factory in 1905. Its successful operations were largely responsible for the erection of a similar factory in St. Kitts in 1911, and the work of both these estab- lishments has been toa large extent responsible for the increased centralization of factory work in Barbados. The spread of economic effort in the West Indies, therefore, has originated from restricted activity in individual islands, of which islands St. Vincent and Antigua must be regarded as occupying a foremost position in this respect. An important principle can be learnt from this spread of economic movements, namely, that the value of starting a land settlement scheme or a co-operative credit scheme in St. Vincent, or a central factory or different growers’ associations in Antigua, or a model lime juice factory in St. Vincent —the value of each one is not to be gauged merely by the success of the initial undertaking, but also by the educational influence and stimulus it exerts, by force of demonstration, to hasten progress along similar lines in other places. This principle is frequently overlooked, but it is very important that it should be appreciated, especially by those who are concerned with the direction and financial support of agricultural policy, and also by those who are dubious of the valuable work applied economic science can do for the benefit of the planter and of the peasant. The instructions issued to surveyors of shipping by the Board of Trade in Circular 1572, state that the required buoyancy of life-jackets may be supplied by cork, kapok or other approved substance, but no life-jackets which depend on air compartments for their buoyancy will be accepted. The cork used in the manufacture of life-jackets should not weigh more than 12 hb. per cubic foot, and must be of good quality, cleaned, and in pieces not less than 20 cubic inches, except for shoulder or other special pockets. Kapok must be pure Java kapok, of good quality, free from seeds or other foreign matter, and well cleaned. At least 24 0z. of kapok must be in each life-jacket whose buoyancy is derived from this material. It is presumed that the term Java is used in the sense of denoting a special quality: in that case the Board of Trade would allow, it is supposed, the employment of equally good kapok produced in the British tropics. THE TRUE AND THE FALSE BAY TREE. Mr. W. C. Fishlock, Curator of the Experiment Station Tortola, has recently forwarded to Dr. Tempany, Superin- tendent of Agriculture for the Leeward Islands, an interesting note on the subject of the growth of Pimenta acris from seed. This note may be prefaced by saying that there exists. in various parts of the West Indies, in addition to the recognized type of Pimenta acris which produces the Bay oil: of commerce, a variety closely similar in appearance, but yielding an oil with a strong lemon scent and of little- commercial value. (West Indian Bulletin, Vols. IV, pp. 11% and 189; IX, p. 275). The name applied to it by Mr. Fish- lock—‘lemoncillo’—is in use in Porto Rico. A proposal was made (West Indian Bulletin, Vol. IV, p. 194) to call the variety P. acris, var. citrifolia; but as this proposal is anony- mous and unaccompanied by any attempt at description other- than of the scent, it cannot be regarded as adequate. The lemon-scented variety is common in Dominica and St. Lucia. In Tortola it is the kind commonly met with, the type being rare, whereas this condition is reversed in St. Jan. After stating that in company with Dr. Tempany he- has recently made an examination of the Bay tree plot at the- Experiment Station, Tortola, with a view of determining the number of plants of the lemoncillo variety present,. Mr. Fishlock continues:—- ‘The trees in the plot were planted in November 1914 by Mr. C. A. Gomes; they had been raised from seed care- fully picked and sown by me personally about July and August 1913. The seeds were carefully handpicked from a single tree having excellent characters, growing in the Station. This tree came from St. Jan in 1902 with some- others, and was planted by me at the Station. Only two- of the trees then planted have survived; one is a tree having good characters, and undoubtedly of the true variety; the other is unmistakably of the false or lemoncillo type. The latter tree flowers earlier than the true variety, and conse- quently, I do not think there has been cross-fertilization. ‘Upon careful examination of the plants in the plot referred to, we found that, of sixty-two living plants, twenty- two or 35:5 per cent. were of the false, or lemoncillo type. This appears to indicate that the original plant, the one- planted in 1902, is a hybrid, and that its progeny are split- ting up into two distinct types—roughly 65 per cent. coming true, and 35 per cent. reverting to the lemoncillo type. ‘There was nothing in the appearance of the plants, or the leaves, to indicate whether they belonged to the true or the false type; this could only be determined by the sense of smell. ‘These observations may help to throw some light upon a subject which has already received some amount of attention. It is, of course, of the highest importance that, in the pro- duction of a high class Bay oil, there should be no admix- ture of leaves of the lemoncillo type.’ If Mr. Fishlock’s suggestion turns out to be correct, the fact is of considerable importance where cultivations of Bay trees are being established, as in Montserrat. The lemoncillo is reported to be absent from that island, and its introduction should be carefully avoided. In islands where both varieties. occur early discrimination should be made among the seedlings, 244 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Juty 29, 1916, DOWN THE ISLANDS. ITEMS OF LOCAL INTEREST. GrenapA. Mr. J.C. Moore’s report for June states that the condition of the cacao was good, while limes were satisfactory, on the whole, and more planting was just beginning. A report on the financial condition of the Grenada Land Settlement, prepared by the Agricultural Instructor, shows results that are very satisfactory in com- parison with those of last year. The Superintendent of Agriculture gave lectures at public meetings of the Agricul- tural Society during the month. As regards the distribution of plants, it is stated these were as follows: limes 200, coco-nuts 7, grafted mangoes 4, miscellaneous 51, together with 50 tb. of horse beans. The rainfall for the month at Richmond Hill was 7:13 inches. sT. VINCENT. According to Mr. W. N. Sands’s notes for the month of June, work in the Experiment Station included the planting of selected corn and two varieties of cane (B.208 and B. 6450), as well as ground nuts, beans, American corn seed raised locally, and eight varieties of green dressing received from the Imperial Department of Agriculture. Work inthe Botanic Gardens included the grafting of mangoes and the sowing of cacao in pots. The weather during the month was favourable, and 12-24 inches of rain was recorded at the Botanic Station. Good progress was made with cotton planting throughout the island and the seed sown has ger- minated well. At Bequia and Mustique, young lime trees are making good growth. ‘Two small plots of Lima beans at Bequia gave very fair returns last season, and an extension of planting is anticipated. Shipments of sugar and molasses during the month were made to Canada. Mr. Sands adds additional notes in connexion with special efforts by the Agricultural Officers. Meetings of planters were addressed and six visits were paid to the Government Ginnery to advise on technical matters. It is stated asa fact of interest that the ‘millions’ fish sent from the Botanic Gardens last year to Bequia have become well established in the swamps at the northern end of that district. The Assistant Agricul- tural Superintendent has paid several visits to estates in the Windward district of the island. As regards the work performed by the Cotton Inspector, it is stated that this officer visited cotton districts in connexion with the destruc- tion of the native food plants of the cotton stainer. He also visited Canouan and Union Island, where he advised growers concerning the use of good seed for planting. sr. Luctra. It is stated by Mr. A. J. Brooks that the cane crop has been completed at Réunion and that attention has been given to the planting of limes, and to the budding of limes and oranges. During May. cacao was flowering freely, while limes were flowering and fruiting. It is stated that large areas are being cleared for further planting of limes. As regards the lime juice factory, the extension of the building continues and the vats have arrived from Demerara. The crop was expected to be in full swing during July and August. There is a steady extension of the area under sugar-cane. Meetings were held in connexion with agricultural banks. A special effort of the Agricultural Superintendent consisted in a journey made with the Colonial Engineer over the new road running inland from Micoud to Soufri¢re, for the purpose of gaining information as to the agricultural value of the land suitable for settlement opened up by this road. The best lands run from the Micoud end of the road, for a distance of from 10 to 11 miles, pomintca. In Mr. Joseph Jones’s items of local interest for June, it is noted that a considerable amount of grafting, budding and cultivation work was done in the nurseries at the Botanic Gardens. At the lime experiment station, operations consisted of spraying, weeding, cutlassing, manur- ing, and picking and récording the present crop. Similar work was done in the cacao experiment station. Plant distribution from the nurseries consisted of limes, 4,900; shade trees, 600; miscellaneous, 106: total 5,606. In regard to the condition of the staple crops, it is stated that the lime crop for 1916 is promising, and by now should be coming in, There was a good second flowering observable during the last few days of June. One or two forward contracts for citrate of lime have been made at favourable prices. Special efforts have included a meeting held in the Government School at La Plaine, at which ‘the possibilities of establishing an Agricultural Credit Society in the district were considered. A report on the subject will be prepared in due course for the information of the Government. With regard to agricultural instruction, thirteen applications have been received from candidates for admittance as agricultural pupils, and an examination of agriculfaral pupils and the selection of candidates were contemplated. The rainfall for the month at Roseau was 4°82 inches. This is considerably below the average for June; otherwise weather conditions were normal MONTSERRAT. Mr. W. Robson writes to say that a dry month again hampered the work in the experiment station. Tt has also hada very prejudical effect on the island’s cotton crop, particularly in the early-planted fields. Much boll shedding was reported from the Windward district. On the fields planted in May, the bad effect is not so apparent, and the absence of high winds has told much in the crop’s favour, The sales for last season’s crop ranged from 17d. to 18d — a considerable portion at the latter figure. In regard to the lime crop, Mr. Robson states that the fruit on the trees resulting from the March flowering will be very small if rains do not come at once. The dry weather has tended to en- courage the prevalence of pests and diseases. Two new types of maize were received from the Montserrat Company, obtained by them from an Experiment Station in Mexico. A trial is being made with the St. Kitts No. 542 type of cotton. ANTIGUA. Routine work has included the reaping of the variety and manurial experimental cane plots, and the planting of various plots of cotton and provision crops. A large number of sweet potato cuttings were distributed during the month. As regards the condition of the staple crops, Mr. T Jackson states that in certain parts the young cane crop is beginning to feel the effects of dry weather. It is stated not to be serious, and the appearance will soon disappear after the receipt of good rains. The reaping of last year’s cane crop was still being continued at the end of June. Small areas of cotton have been planted, and special work has included the selection of cotton seed of pedigree strain tor planting purposes. During the month a meeting of the Board of Management of the Antigua Cotton Growers’ Association was held. At the Government laboratory, three lectures were given to junior officers attached to the Agricultural Department. st. Kirvs. According to Mr. F. R. Shepherd, the prin- cipal work in the experiment station during June consisted in the planting of various plots of provision crops. As in Montserrat and Antigua, soin St. Kitts the weather was very dry during the month at the Botanic Gardens, In the country, the weather appears to hive been more favourable, especially for the reaping of the crop. Some of the valley Vor Xs. No; 372) THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, 24 1) estates had at the time of writing finished cutting. The Central Factory this season has made some 10,700 tons of sugar and it was expected that the factory would close down about the middle of July with between 12,000 and 13,000 tons. The young cane crop is well ad- vanced, and in the Northern district where there has been good rains, the plants are in excellent condition. The prospect generally speaking are very favourable as regards the sugar cane crop. The cotton crop has now been all planted, and in the Northern district the earlier cotton is bolling well. In the valley, some trouble has been experienc- ed in establishing the young cotton owing to the dry weather; there has been no soaking rain but only showers at intervals of a week orso Mr. Shepherd states that a very satisfac- tory report has been received from Mr. J. W. McConnel on the four samples of cotton lint sent to him for spinning tests. About 500 acres of cotton will be planted in St. Kitts from this strain of seed. q VIRGIN ISLANDS. Work in the Tortola Experiment Station during May appears to have consisted chiefly in the weeding of the difterent plots. A good deal of interest, says Mr. Fishlock, is being shown in the coming cotton crop. There has been quite a considerable amount of seed already sown, notably at Virgin Gorda and Jost van Dykes. During May a visit was paid to Virgin Gorda and also to Anegada. During the first part of May the weather was dry; but from the 20th onwards it became more favourable. THE COCO-NUT INDUSTRY BRITISH GUIANA. The area planted with coco-nut palms in the colony has been slowly increasing for some years, but during recent years there has been much greater activity in coco-nut plant- ing, and the continued extension of the industry may be expected. IN The coco-nut palms growing in the colony are scattered, being owned chiefly by small growers; but there are a few fair-sized coco-nut estates, and the large proprietor is paying increasing attention to the cultivation of the palm. On one estate, where coco-nut planting is being carried out on a large scale, upwards of 50,000 trees have been planted, while another property possesses 20,000 trees. The acreage in the colony under cultivation in coconuts in 1914-15 was 15,894—an increase of 1,717 acres over that of the previous year. The gradual extension of the industry is shown in the following table:— Year. No. of acres planted. 1904-5 5,140 1905-6 6,560 1906-7 6,700 1907-8 6,828 1908-9 8,315 1909-10 9,466 1910-11 9,761 1911-12 12,236 1912-13 13,698 1913-14 14,177 1914-15 15 894 A very large proportion of the acreage is still young and has not yet come into bearing. The export of coco-nuts is small in comparison with the acreage under cultivation, both for the above reason and because the major portion of the nuts is utilized in the colony in the manufacture of coco-nut oil and cattle food. There is a large consumption of coco- nut oil, especially among the East Indian section of the community, and the locally prepared product has gradually replaced the imported kinds of coco-nut oil. EXPORT OF NUTS. The export of coco-nuts during 1914-15 was 1,890,000 as against 872,000 in the previous year. The following table shows the average annual exports for quinquennial periods since 1892:— Periods. Average Annual Exports. 1892-6 80,374 nuts 1897-1901 21,892 ,, 1902-6 187,305 _,, 1907-11 526,901 _,, 1912-14 (3 years only) 1,427,644 ,, A small quantity of copra was made in the colony during the year, the export being 1,690 ewt. Better attention is being paid to the proper spacing of the plants, but the necessity for proper drainage is frequently overlooked. YIELD OF NUTS. Most of the varieties raised at the Botanic Gardens from imported and from selected local nuts are now bearing, and the seed is being distributed for planting purposes. Five- hundred and sixty-nine nuts were distributed during the year, the number being made up as follows :— 3 No. of nuts Origin of trees. distributed. From trees grown from Singapore nuts 187 ss Ws e » Trinidad nuts 56 + e ; » Tobago nuts 207 we i A 5, Selected local nuts 119 Total 569 The following returns giving the average number of nuts- per tree occurring on some of the trees growing at;the Experi- mental Fields, Botanic Gardens, are of interest:— No. of Average No. of trees. nuts per tree. Trees raised from Singapore nuts 7 123 - - ,, selected local nuts 5 91 ,, Tobago nuts 1 382 ;, Trinidad nuts 3 56 (Journal of the Board of Agriculture of British Guiana for May 1916.) Origin of trees. The effect of water in the ration, on the composition of milk in the cow, is dealt with in the Journal of Agricultural Research for April 24, 1916. In the experiments described, certain individual cows at times produced milk having an abnormal fat content. This effect was apparently independ- ent of the ration as it occurred not only with the high water content ration, but with the dry as well. A study of the data obtained in the four series shows that the watery character of the rations has no effeet upon the fat content of the milk. There was even less variation in the other milk constituents than in the fat. This indicates that rations of varying water content have no effect upon the composition of milk, 246 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Juty 29, 1916. AN ADDRESS BEFORE THE ST. LUCIA AGRICULTURAL AND COMMERCIAL SOCIETY. Before a well attended meeting of the St. Lucia Agri- cultural and Commercial Society held in June 1916, at which His Honour the Administrator of the Colony presided, an address was delivered concerning the agricultural position of the Colony by the Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture, Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G. In the course of his introductory remarks, Dr. Watts said that agricultural progress and devel- opment in St. Lucia have been subjected to conditions differ- ing in many ways from those of other West Indian islands; in consequence agriculture, at times, has appeared to suffer some eclipse, and to occupy a less prominent part in the Colony’s affairs than circumstances seemed to warrant. Dealing with events of comparatively recent times, Dr. Watts said it would be interesting to take a brief survey of them. Formerly sugar played an important part in the agriculture of the Colony, but this industry suffered in common with that of the whole of the West Indies, in the disastrous period of the early eighties. At this crisis the Colony wisely turned attention to the creation of other interests, and efforts were made to utilize the harbour and to establish a Coaling Station. How success- ful this has been, and what benefit has accrned to the Colony, was well known. But naturally, while this effort was being made, attention was diverted from agriculture, and this diversion was accentuated by the state of the sugar industry. Soon after this, another set of circumstances further diverted the popular mind from agriculture: this was the placing of a garrison in the Colony and the construction of great works tor the accommodation of very large numbers of troops. While this brought much money to the island and helped the development of the harbour and coaling stations, it retarded agricultural progress, though agriculture still remained to the Colony as a partially developed asset. Consequently, when in 1902 there came a change of policy as regards the garrison, and work was stopped and troops withdrawn, attention began to turn to this partly developed asset, and an expansion of agriculture was deemed to be a wise policy. St Lucia is fortunate, Dr. Watts went on to say, in that it possesses these diverse interests, and it is wise to exploit to the full the advantages offered by its position on the world’s trade route, its harbour and its coal depéts. These interests should be fostered and developed by all reasonable means. But St. Lucia would be unwise to neglect its agricultural assets, and that aspect appears to be generally admitted to-day. He thought, therefore, that a brief survey of these assets, and the progress made in the direction of realizing them, might profitably occupy a short time at the present meeting. Dealing first with sugar, it was pointed out that this is the old agricultural industry of the Colony. At the time of the great depression, St. Lucia, instead of turning to other crops as did Grenada and Montserrat, introduced more efficient machinery and a Usine system. Many mistakes were made in this connexion and much money was wasted: nevertheless, when the muscovado industry of neighbouring islands fell into decay and practically ceased, St. Lucia still preserved the sugar industry, which may prove capable of valuable and useful expansion in the changed circumstances of the near future. In the Colony there is a large area of suitable land for sugar cultivation, consisting of level valleys possessing a good rainfall. The industry is concentrated in hands capable of directing its policy, and so it is unnecessary to discuss details of the policy that may wisely be adopted. Turning to the cacao crop, Dr. Watts said that under the stress of the misfortunes of the sugar industry, the neigh- bouring colony of Grenada devoted special attention to cacao planting and, as a result, has become quickly prosperous. To some extent, St. Lucia did the same, but other interests diverted to a considerable extent thought, energy, and capital from agriculture. Cacao made some fair development in St. Lucia, but not to the full extent possible. Dr. Watts then went on to discuss the progress of the cacao industry as manifested by the export figures in a large diagram illustrating in an interesting manner the progress of the industry. The preliminary effort to develop the industry was due, as already stated, to the sugar crisis. The rapid growth of the industry indicated by the figures for the next few years was greatly assisted by the work of the agricultural officers under the direction of the Imperial Department of Agriculture, which had been established a year or two previously. In this connexion special mention should be made of the work of the Agricultural Instructor during the years referred to, and to the help derived from the Government nur- series. He thought the cacao industry was still deserv- ing of attention in St. Lucia, but only favourable places should be established in this crop. At the present time there is a much better knowledge existing of the pests and diseases of cacao and their control, which removes a fac- tor which has for many years interfered witha rapid exten- sion of this cultivation. More attention might be turned in St. Lucia to the employment of grafted cacao, and to the cur- ing of cacao, particularly that produced by the peasants. Proceeding to consider lime cultivation, Dr. Watts said that somewhere in the early years of the present century local cultivators began to give serious consideration to limes, as aresult of the success that had attended this industry in Dominica. For several years past there had been a large demand for lime plants from the Experiment Station, and many thousands have been distributed. The export of lime products in terms of barrels of limes was in 1914, 12 765, while in 1915, the export was 21,363. These figures may be taken as the equivalent of 180 acres and 300 acres, respectively, of well cultivated lime fields. Dr. Watts said that the Agricultural Superintendent had expressed disappointment at the results of planting, for very much larger areas than these have been planted and should be in bearing. But he thought that the results have not been so unsatisfactory, considering the indus- try was a new one, and experience has to be gained to show to what extent care and cultivation are necessary. The Government lime juice factory has proved a great success. In 1914-15 it dealt with 2,125 barrels of limes supplied by 728 vendors; in 1915-16, 3,618 bariels of Times supplied by 904 vendors. Dr. Watts said it was interesting to observe that the greater number of these vendors were small growers situated in the Castries district and Gros Islet district, which is a a self-contained area running from Castries along the Leeward Coast to the north of the island. It was important to realize that there were some 750 centres of individual effort, and each was capable of extend- ing its cultivation to a small extent, but to an extent which when taken altogether wouid mean a big increase in the total area under lime cultivation Other centres capable of development are to be found in the Soufriére district, the Micoud Heights, and in the Dennery Quarter. In connexion with this, Dr, Watts called attention to the need for more Wor 26Vi) NOs od. agricultural instructors for visiting the cultivations and advising in connexion therewith. Returning to the subject of the factory, this may be regarded as a sound business investment, while it has several indirect effects of great value in that it encourages the development of the industry, and is of importance asa model for the estates. The factory is being enlarged to double its previous capacity. Concerning coco-nuts, Dr. Watts saw considerable pos- sibilities, but there is great need for care and manuring in the early stages. The coco-nut is a plant without branching habits, and a great deal depends upon making conditions of growth favourable during its development from the seedling to maturity. The same care is not so vital in the case of branching crops like limes and eacao. There are many places around the coast ot St. Lucia, and also some inland areas very suitable for coco-nut cultivation. The last subject dealt with in this address was the activities at the Government estate, Réunion, where there exists a Land Settlement and an Agricultural Station. Three years ago Réunion estate was taken over by the Government in practically a derelict condition, but now by proper management it is in a very satisfactory state indeed. Tts value lies in several directions. It has helped in the development of a district; it has led to the inculeation of sound methods; it has increased the demand for land by the peasants; and has led to varied improvements. The develop- ment of Réunion has infused a healthy tone into the lives of the peasantry, and has been a sound investment from a strict- ly commercial point of view. It has given a new district to St. Lucia. The Land Settlement in particular has been a very great success; thirty-six lots have already been sold, and the keenness to acquire more land amongst the occupiers exerts a useful stimulus to make occupiers pay up their money in good time. The Agricultural Station itself is of great practical value even from the point of view of the plants raised for distribution; but this by no means com- prises all the useful work done. In connexion with land settlement and the peasants, Dr. Watts referred to the co-operative credit society movement. Societies have been formed in Soufriére, Choiseul, Micoud, and Dennery, and it would appear that this effort should develop and spread. Tn conclusion, Dr. Watts drew attention to and emphasized the importance of what he termed the community effort. There is ample evidence of individual activity in pressing forward agricultural developments in St. Lucia, but it is quite possible for individual efforts to manifest themselves in diverse and sometimes even in opposing directions. For a colony to make progress in the best and most economical manner it is necessary to develop common aims, and to create bovds of thought on community lines: this may well be the function of such bodies as the Agricultural and Commercial Society. Frequent nieetings to deliberate concerning matters which are of general welfare will tend to keep alive those interests which the members of the community should share in common; while stimulating individual efforts, this will direct them to common ends for the general welfare. Soundness of ideas in this connexion will greatly facili- tate the work of the Government and of the Agricultural Department, and will lead to the provision of proper facilities for doing the work required, just demands concerning the work to be done, and proper and critical appreciation of what is effected. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, 247 THE SOIL-BALANCE OF HUMUS AND WATER. The following extract, containing instructive con- siderations applicable to West Indian conditions, is taken from an address on cultivation and cover crops, published in the Monthly Bulletin of State Commis- sion of Horticulture, of California, for May 1916 :— Cultivation, meaning the stirring of a soil to accom- plish aeration and to prevent evaporation, is a practice which has been in vogue among agriculturists since the beginning of agriculture. Under the semi-arid conditions of the south-west, cultivation has assumed a more important role than in most of the sections of this country. Water has, in reality, been the limiting factor with most of the cultivated land. Thus certain cultivation was necessary to conserve this valuable element. Investigations carried on some little time ago showed that cultivations to a depth of 4 to 6 inches materially lessened the evaporation of soil moisture, and in this regard were much superior to shallow cultivation, such as is adapted to eastern humid conditions, Cultivation, in that it aerates the soil, tends to increase the oxidation of organic material. The high temperatures met with during the summer months in this State also make for the increase in the oxidation process. Thus, in the conservation of water the excessive cultivation has caused a considerable loss of organic material in many of our soils. In fact, there are many who believe that the loss of organic material by such frequent cultivation, is more serious than the loss of water caused by systems employing less frequent cultivations. As with all things, we usually find a happy medium, which is better than going to either extreme. Too frequent cultivation is extremely exhaustive of organic material; too infrequent is just as exhaustive of the irriga- tion water. The type of soil, the location and the crop will all have a bearing on the frequence and depth of cultivation. In the heavier types of soil, cultivations are usually more frequent, while the lighter soils are frequently well pro- tected from evaporation by a single cultivation after each irrigation. Cattle Spraying in Antigua.—A correspondent in Antigua writes to say that the spraying of cattle has now become general in that island, It can be safely said that 90 per cent. of the estates employ this treatment regularly. Peasant proprietors, owning one or two head of cattle, have not yet started to use it, but these small stock-owners are better able to control ticks by close personal attention to their animals. The regular use of a dip for spraying is not only found to keep the cattle free from ticks, lice, ete., but it is also found to be a reliable preventive against various diseases known as skin disease, mange, etc. Moreover, as a result of spraying, the animals improve in general physical condition, are better able to work, and they increase in value. The smaller estates use the ordinary bucket pump for spraying purposes, but a regular dipping tank for the cost of which Messrs. Cooper «& Nephews contributed £25, has been built on one large estate, and has been found to be very successful. The cattle readily become accustomed to walk- ing through the tanks, and the process gives the minimum of trouble to all concerned. Another large group of estates has a large spraying machine which has been very successfully used for some years now, and another large property proposes to instal a similar spraying machine in the near future. 428 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JuLy 29s Lae: EDITORIAL NOTICES. HEAD OFFICE — BaRBADOSs. 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.I1.C., F.C.S. SCIENTIFIC STAFF, Scientific Assistant and Assistant Editor -Entomologist -Mycologist W. R. Dunlop. H. A. Ballou, M.Sc. W. Nowell, D.I.C. CLERICAL STAFF. A. G. Howell. M. B. Connell. (L- A. Corbin, Clerical Assistants +P. Taylor. ‘Ohief Clerk Assistant Clerk Typist Miss B. Robinson. Assistant for Publications A.B. Price, Fell. Journ. Inst. BON — g) qricultural Sews “Vou. XV. SATURDAY, JULY 29, 1916. No. 372. NOTES AND COMMENTS. ‘Contents of Present Issue. The editorial in this number has regard to the spread of economic effort within the West Indies, and shows how general schemes now in operation have developed from restricted activity in one or two individual islands. On pages 246 and 247 will be found an instructive address delivered before the St. Lucia Agricultural and Commercial Society recently, by the Imperial Commis- sioner of Agriculture for the West Indies. An important article dealing with the true and the false Bay tree appears on page 243. The poisoning of weeds and trees is dealt with in an article on page 254, The American Papaw and the Tropical Papaya. According to the Journal of Heredity for July 1916, the American papaw is known _ botanically under the name of Asimina triloba, belonging to the family Anonaceaé, which includes the custard apple. Itis stated that so little is the papaw known that its very name has been stolen from it and applied, through a confusion in sound, to the tropical papaya (Carica Papaya). While this double use of the term is unfortunate, we fear that as its employment in connexion with Carics Papaya is world-wide, there is little chance of even the United States ever gaining a monopoly of its use in connexion with their northern species of fruit. The article in question gives an interesting account of the papaw tree, which, in appearance, resembles very much a cacao tree. But the papaw thrives under temperate conditions, and is not im any sense a tropical plant, though many ofits near relatives are. One of the promising fields for plant breeding, in connexion with the papaw, appears to be in hybridizing it with its close relatives, the tropical anonas—the soursop and the custard apple, for instance. These fruits are larger and finer than the papaw, but too tender to grow in the United States except in Southern California and Southern Florida. There would appear to be a good chance that they could be crossed with the papaw, and the fruit produced which would be hardy in a large part of the United States, while superior in quality to the papaw itself. So far as is recorded, this cross has never been made. The above idea of extending the range of a tropical plant by crossing it with its near relatives in a cold country is new and interesting, and there would seem to be no reason why the reverse could not be effected, and some of the more attractive fruit of temperate ° countries acclimatized by hybridization to grow in the tropics. + A Plea for Greater Uniformity of Method. The editorial in this Journal for May 6 of this year, showed the great lack of uniformity that exists in the West Indies with regard to methods adopted in the carrying out of manurial experiments with trees. The methods of carrying out, and of interpreting the result of experiments with both cacao and coco-nuts in Demerara, ‘Trinidad, Dominica, and Nevis were compared, and the conclusion arrived at was to the effect that no surprise need be felt concerning the conflicting results obtained, considering the absence of uniformity in the methods used for obtaining them. This is much to be regretted in the case of cacao especially. With crops like sugar-cane, and with coco- nuts to a lesser extent, the results of experiments in different places will always tend to disagree no matter how uniform the method, because of the wide range of conditions under which these crops will thrive. But with a crop like cacao it is different. Cacao thrives Wor, XW. Now372 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 249 -well only under a very restricted range of conditions— plenty of humidity and shelter, and a fertile and well- -drained soil being essential. Therefore it ought to be possible to obtain results in one place which are more -or less applicable to another. This could hardly be -expected with sugar-cane, for instance, which has to grow in shallow soil in Barbados with a rainfall of, say, 45 inches. in the teeth of a drying trade wind on the one hand, and ina deep alluvial soil under con- -ditions of extreme moisture in British Guiana, en the ‘other. But as has been pointed out, in the case of cacao it is different; and similar observations apply in the -case of limes and rubber. In regard to manurial and -other plot experiments conducted with such crops as these, there is good reason to believe that it would be ‘found that results of wide application would be obtained if an effort were made to employ uniform methods of -experimentation. $e ‘Land Settlement in Jamaica. Rules as to sale of lands by the Government ot -Jamaica to settlers are published in the Jamaica Gaz- ette for March 16, 1916. These provide firstly for the -appointment of a Land Board in each parish in_ which the Government owns sufficient Crown lands to justify its creation, and the duties of such Board shall be to -consider and advise the Government as to the best means of opening up Crown lands for settlement, and _as to the methods of providing means for making and maintaining roads into such Crown lands. They provide further that no more than 300 acres will be granted to one purchaser nor less than 5 acres, except in cases specially approved by the Governor, nor shall any two grants of 300 acres be allotted to run -continuously and contiguously without such approval. As far as practicable, the Governor will adopt the general principle that out of every block, say, of 1,000 acres, not more than one block of 300 acres should be sold. The value of land to be sold will be fixed by the Surveyor General in consultation with the local Land Board with the approval of the Governor. Each applicant for the purchase of land must submit a recommendation from a person of good standing to whom he is personally known. On deposit of one-fifth of the price of the land, the Surveyor General is requir- ed to cause a survey to be made of the quantity of land applied for, and possession will not be allowed to any applicant till a survey has been made defining the lot purchased. The remaining four-fifths of the purchase money are made payable in ten years by ten equal yearly instalments. Provision is made, however, that if within a period of ten years the purchaser shall have established one-fifth of his acreage in coffee, coco-nuts, cacao, oranges, or other permanent crop-producing plants, and shall have erected and maintained on the land a suitable dwelling house to the approval of the Surveyor General, he shall be released from payment of, or be refunded as the case may retjuire, one-fifth of the purchase money. Provision is also made for reservations in the conveyance from the Crown, including among others, reservation to the Government of the right to make railways and new roads,and reservation of all mines, minerals and mineral oils whatsoever as are situate and lying either above or beneath in or under the said land, and of prospecting for mines, minerals and mineral oils; also reservations to lay water pipes, and to con- struct and operate telegraph and telephone lines, and to take and use free of cost water on the said land for public water-supplies, ete, the Government paying the cost of any damage actually done to fruit trees, growing crops, or cultivated ground, in carrying out any such works. The Recent Trade of Foreign Countries and British Possessions. As might be expected in view of the war, extra- ordinary changes have taken place in regard to the imports and exports of merchandise for different countries during the past two years. The Board of Trade Journal for March 30, 1916, contains sum- mary tables giving particulars as to the total value of the exports and imports for 1915, 1914, 1915. In the case of the United Kingdom, for instance, the value of the imports rose from £601,161,000 in 1914 to £754,327,000 in 1915, while the exports fell from £525,245,000 in 1913 to £384,647,000 in 1915. Canada’s imports have decreased, on the other hand, while her exports have risen to the extent of from £77,966,000 in 1914 to £126,238,000 in 1915. This remarkable expansion is no doubt directly attributable to the increased demand for materials by England and France on account of war. The exports of the United States have risen from £431,470,000 in 1914 to the enormous figure of £726,253,000 in 1915, and this year (1916) no doubt this figure is still higher. It is hardly necessary to mention that the value of the United States exports is vastly higher than that of any other country in the world, and it indicates how great her commercial power will be in the period subsequent to the end of the war. It is satisfactory, however, to see the higher percentage or relative increase in the case of Canada, which indicates the great industrial development thatthe war has stimu- lated in this part of the British Empire. It is satisfactory, too, to notice that Indiaand Egypt, though their trades have suffered, are yet maintaining a satisfactory volume in each case. Sea Island Cotton Market. Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool, write as follows, under date June 24, 1916, with refer- ence to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton:— A fair business has been done in West Indian Sea Island since our last report, most of the sales having been delivered on the forward contract. About 200 bales have been sold, chiefly Antigua 13d. to 163d., Virgin Islands 15}d., St. Eustatius 13 to 163d, together with a few superior St. Kitts at 20d. Pnices generally are firm, 250 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Juny 29% 1916: nn attr nnn INSECT NOTES. AN INSECT DESTRUCTIVE TO STORED MAIZE. For nearly three-fourths of a century the larva of a small moth (Batrachedra rileyi), commonly known as the pink corn-worm, has been observed in the fields of the Southern States, but according to Bulletin No. 363 issued by the Bureau of Entomology of the United States Department of Agriculture, 1t was not until 1914 that this species was recognized as a_ pest. Complaints have been made of the serious damage done by this insect to stored corn. It appears that the injury is occasioned by the caterpillar, which devours the interior of the grains. The caterpillar also feeds on cotton. The great increase in the numbers of this insect is said to be due probably to the destruction of cotton bolls by ploughing them under asa remedy against the boll weevil. If the insect should be introduced into the West Indies, it is probable that it might occasion much trouble. The following is a sum- mary of the facts in the Bulletin referred to above:— The so-called pink corn-worm is not a true worm, but the caterpillar or larva of a minute moth known as Batra- chedra riley?. Attack on corn begins in the field and continues after the corn has been stored. When the stored product is husked, the infested ears show injury by accumulations of webbing and frass, or excrementitious matter. A careful inspection discloses the ‘pink worm’. The eggs are deposited in the field where the tips of the corn ears are more or less open, due to the attack of the corn ear worm. After the latter has departed the pink corn-worm continues the injury and by its work makes it easy for other insects and water to enter the ears, which eventually are ruined. From the cob or between the rows of grains the worm penetrates the kernels at the tip or point of attachment, works into the embryo or ‘germ’, which it destroys, then out- ward to the crown. ; Unlike the Angoumois grain moth and the rice weevil, which are usually to be found working in the same fields and frequently in the same ears, this ‘worm’ does not confine itself to the kernel, but attacks kernel, husk and cob alike. Also unlike most other graif pests, it appears to be confined among cereals to corn and sorghum, although it attacks, but does not seriously injure, cotton bolls which are more or less open, amd some other plants. While thus far it has proved most injurious in Missis- sippi, it ranges from South Carolina westward to Central Texas, southward to Tropical Texas, and northward to Arkansas and Tennessee. During the years 1914-15 the pink corn-worm was reported to have occasioned very considerable injury, and much alarm was felt because of its abundance in the regions mentioned. Previously, although known to attack corn, it has never been considered a serious enemy of grain. Naturally it cannot be foretold when, if ever, such an outbreak will occur, Asa preventive of injury, corn should be left in the field no longer than is absolutely necessary for drying it; the husks should then be removed as soon as possible, the poorest of the infested ears destroyed promptly or fed to swine or poultry, and the best ears fumigated with carbon bisulphide. The bins or cribs should be kept scrupulously clean, and should be fumigated before new material is stored in them. Co-operation among corn growers of as large a territory as possible where the species occurs should be secured, that future losses may be prevented. PROPAGATION RECIPES. Experiments in vegetative propagation of tropical fruits have been continued at the Lamao Experiment Station in the Philippines, as the result of which ‘propagation recipes’ are given in the Philippine Agricultural Review relative to species, amongst which the following are of interest in the West Indies :— Barbados cherry (Malpighia glabra). Use petioled, light gray to greenish, mature budwood; cut the buds 3°5 em. long; age of stock at the point of insertion of the bud unimportant. Duhat (Hugenia jambolana). Use barely mature, green or reddish, smooth, petioled budwood; cut the buds 4 to 45 em. long; age of stock at the point of insertion of the bud unimportant. Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana). Like most other tropical fruits the mangosteen is propagated from seed. It is of course self-evident that the propagation of seedless varieties or the extension of the mangosteen season cannot be accomplished until the mangosteen can be propagated asexually. However, the mangosteen is of such exceed- ingly slow growth that it will probably never be chosen as a stock until all other possibilities have been exhausted. tenerally speaking, the requirements for successful grafting or budding are about the same in related plants, and in order to ascertain the ease with which Guttiferous plants might be shield budded, a series of buds were inserted on the Palo Maria (Calophyllum inophyllum). These buds, about one half of which were petioled, all made good unions and sprouted without difficulty, which indicated that related plants would likely be ‘easy’ subjects. A few plants of the guta-gamba (Garcinia venulosa) were on hand and these were also budded, and a dozen buds of this species (Garcinia venulosa) were also inserted in Calophyllum tnophyllum stock. All the buds took and made perfect unions. Well-matured but green and smooth non-petioled mangosteen budwood was then procured and buds inserted both on Garcinia venulosa and Calophyllum inophyllum. Good unions resulted in most instances. Four months after the insertion of the buds, nearly all the buds of Garcinia venulosa and 50 per cent. of the mangosteen were still alive, but had not sprouted‘and are gradually being callused over. EXPERIMENTS WITH STOCKS FOR CITRUS. Attention is being given in several quarters to the interesting subject of the effect of the stock upon the scion. The work that has been done in this connexion in California with regard to citrus is of especial interest in the West Indies. For this reason is introduced below a short account of the results obtained, taken from Bulletin No. 267 of the University of California publications (College of Agriculture). The two stocks most.commonly used in propagating citrus trees in California arethe sweet and the sour orange. In addition to these, the pomelo (Cztrus decumana) has been employed to some extent, as has also Citrus trifoliata. The VoL. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, 251 rough lemon (Citrus limonum), and the lime are practically unknown as stocks in California; but it is stated in the Bulletin referred to, that a more extended trial and careful study of these lesser used stocks are greatly needed. Tables are given showing the average yields of fruit, and the average volumes of the trees. This latter measurement is taken as an index of the tree’s vigour, and might be similarly em- ployed in the case of manurial and other experiments in the West Indies with limes and cacao. A formula is given for finding the volume of each tree: — Volume in cubic fe cee ee oO ey cub e 4 2 c (3p — 4) Pp ) Where 12p c=circumference of tree, o=distance over top of tree, p=3:1416. With regard to a discussion of the results, a consideration of the table of comparative yields makes it clear that these data are purely indicative, and in no sense proper as a basis for definite conclusions. The yields indicated are in al) cases extremely small, even for average values. This is of course primarily due to the fact that the figures are those of the first years’ of production in the life of the trees; the very low yield ot the first year or two has naturally reduced the average for the five years to a considerable degree. Allowance must also be made for the severe cold waves of December 1911 and January 1913, which may have had their effects upon the succeeding bloom and crops. This is undoubtedly true in the case of the lemon yields. ‘It is evident, however, that there is no ground at present for recommending any particular stock for increased yield or quality of fruit of either of the oranges or the lemon used in these experiments. Such evidence could scarcely be expected at the end of the first half decade of an experiment the nature of which demands an accumulation of many years’ data as a pre-requisite for sound conclusions. Assuming a future increased annual production consistent with the increasing age of the trees, we may properly look for more differences between the yields of trees on different stocks in the averages of the next five or ten years, if such differences are to become evident under the conditions of the experiment. Moreover, any factor making for reduction in yield or quality of fruit or in size of tree which may be associated with early growth—a characteristic accredited to sovr stock for example —should disappear in the future records. ‘Conclusions regarding the superiority of any one stock for its effect upon growth are likewise wholly unwarranted at present. Attention is called to the fact that the behaviour of the orange, both naveland Valencia, has varied on the two plots in regard to the size of trees on trifoliate and the other stocks, and that in no case has the use of the former effected a marked or undesirable dwarfing. Valencia has been particularly thrifty on the trifoliate root. Indeed the most striking fact of the experiment evident to date is that Citrus trifoliata, per se, does not necessarily dwarf all species or varieties budded upon it. Where such dwarfing occurs, it is highly probable that conditions of environment are largely responsible. Further and more extensive investigation of these stocks on a number of widely different soil types is essential for a final answer to this question. ‘On the other hand, the dwarfing of Eureka lemon on trifoliate root has been so extreme and so consistent that we may justifiably regard it as highly undesirable for that fruit. ‘A point of interest in connexion with the use of Citrus trifoliata as a stock is the characterstic increase of the diameter of the trunk below the bud-union, ‘This "despite the favourable results so seems to be a constant result of the union of the compara- tively small root system, accustomed normally to develop a small tree, with the bud of a species of large growth. Such evident root stimulus appears in the trifoliate stock irrespec- tive of the variety of orange or lemon budded uponit. In the case of the latter the increase of trunk persists even when the counter effect results in the dwarfing of the tree. ‘It must be pointed out in conclusion that this Station, far obtained with the trifoliate orange as a stock for oranges, cannot recommend it at present, in view of the fact that well-defined cases are known where its use has been injurious. In the absence of further knowledge, with the limited data at hand, the use of either sweet or sour stock is, therefore, to be recommended on grounds of wide and successful experience of California growers. Where conditions are favourable for the develop- ment of gummosis, sour stock should be given the preference.’ Teak in Trinidad.—The following note on the growth of Teak in Trinidad has been received at Kew from Mr. C. 8. Rogers, Forest Officer, Trinidad and Tobago, with some interesting photographs, showing the remarkable size of the leaves and the vigour of the young trees: — East Indian Teak, Tectona grandis, was first introduced into the plantations in the Forest Reserves in Trinidad in 1913. The seeds were obtained from the Tharawaddy, Burma, through the courtesy of the Conservator of Forests, Pegu Circle. In 1913 about 143 acres were planted, 24 acres being situated in the Southern Watershed Reserve, about 7 acres in Arima Reserve, and 5 acres in the Central Range Reserve. In each locality the original forest containing no marketable timber of any consequence was felled, burnt, and lined out with stakes or pickets at 10 feet by 10 feet. So far the best results have been attained in the Central Range Reserve Plantation where 5 acres were planted 10 feet by 10 feet. Of the 2,178 pickets thirty-five were on unplan- table ground, the remaining 2,143 were sown with Teak seeds in July (18 to 24). The sowing was rather late owing to the impracticability of getting the area ready at an earlier date. In the following January (1914) 1,339 pickets, at which seeds had not yet germinated, were re-sown. At the end of March 1914, 1,758 Teak seedlings had resulted, and some of them were 6 to 10 feet high. In the following wet season the blank pickets were again re-sown. At the end of March 1915, when stock was taken, it was found that there were only twelve blanks. Some of the plants had attained a height of 23 feet and leaves were measured up to 36 inches in length by 25 inches in width, the Teak being then between twenty to twenty-one months old from the date of sowing the seeds. In October 1915, a tree was measured and found to be 32 feet high with a girth of 2 feet at ground level, and 164 inches at 3 feet, and 144 inches at 5 feet from the ground. Its age was two years and three and a half months from date of sowing. The soil is a sandy loam of Tertiary origin. The elevation does not exceed 1,000 feet. The original forest contained some trees of large size, but the more valuable species had been cut out, and the remainder were for the most part unsaleable owing to distance from a market. The normal rainfall for the district is about 115 inches, but during the last two years it has been 20 per cent. below the average, 252 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. GLEANINGS. A forecast to the maize crop of South Africa appears in The Board of Trade Journal for March 30, 1916. For the whole of South Africa an increase over the previous season’s yields of about 62,000 bags is estimated. This is of course a negligible quantity. A note in Nature for June 22 shows the large amount of potash contained in tobacco ash, namely, 20 per cent. The tobacco censumed in the United Kingdom for the year ending March 31, 1914, would give approximately 13,359 tons of ash, containing 2,672 tons of potash, which at the pre-war price of kainit would be worth nearly £51,000. In a report on the North-western District of British Guiana, for the nine months April to December 1915, it is stated that the area under cultivation shows an increase of 1874 acres for the period, the total area cultivated being 2,046 acres. The cultivation of coffee continues to receive much attention by the’ farmers of this district, and the area under this crop has been increased by 140 acres. In a report under the Food and Drugs Ordinance of British Guiana, it is stated that the low quality and high rate of adulteration of the milk offered for sale in Georgetown is very noticeable. Out of 523 samples of milk purchased in Georgetown no less than 208 were unsatisfactory in quality, whilst 131 were found to be adulterated. These figures are equivalent to 39°7 and 25:1 per cent., respectively. The Perfumery and Essential Oil Record for June 1916 reviews the Dominica lime oil history on the basis of infor- mation contained in a paper on the development of Dominica, written by Dr. Francis Watts,C.M G.,and published in the last issue but one of the West Indian Bulletin. Figures are published showing the rise in value of the exports of lime oil, which increased from £87 in 1892, to £10,138 in 1914. The following figures represent the composition of a sample of pollard (wheat by-product) sent by Dr. R. A. Stoute, Government Veterinary Surgeon, Barbados, to the laboratory of the Louisiana Experiment Station for analysis: erude protein, 15°19 per cent.; fat, 4°80 per cent.; carbohy- drates, 56°46 per cent.; crude fibre, 9°30 per cent.; water, 9°80 per cent.: ash, 4°45 per cent. This compares more or jess favourably with the compc sition ‘of rice bran. JULY oe LOG: An advertisement in the Jowrnal of the Department or Agriculture of Victoria for January 1916, concerns channel) irrigation and the prevention of seepage. The employment of open fluming as against closed piping is advocated. The material required to make 6-inch piping will make 12-inch open flumes, giving almost double the capacity, while the price is just half. This would appear to bea very satis- factory way of conducting irrigation water along level land for short distances. At a meeting of the Board of Agriculture of British Guiana on July 11, it was stated that posters had been, distributed describing common insect pests and plant diseases. of the Colony; also that the demand for these posters. seemed to be greater outside than in the Colony, and several applications have been received from abroad. There- has been another severe outbreak of the caterpillar pest on coco-nuts on the East Coast, and the Board has instructed the Pest Committee to take the matter up. In an article in the London Chamber of Commerce Journal, reviewing the occurrence in the British Empire of molybdenum ores, it is stated that specimens of minerals: from an abandoned copper mine at Virgin Gorda, Virgin Islands, were examined at the Imperial Institute in 1907, and found to contain molybdenite and molybdenum oxide. One sample represented material which would be worth concen- trating if large supplies of the ore were available for treat- ment. An extension of corn cultivation is advocated for Jamaica, in the Jowrnal of the Agricultural Society of that Colony. It is stated that the average value of the imports of corn meal for the last four years was over £50,000. Further, between corn and corn meal imported during the last four years, Jamaica averaged an expenditure of £100,000 in cash. The only advantage the imported corn meal has, is its good keeping qualities. It appears that the erection of a kiln-drier and degerminator has not yet been considered for Jamaica. The suggestion of central distillation of Bay oil in Montserrat, made by Dr. H. A. Tempany and Mr. W. Robson in the last issue but one of the West Indian Bulletin, is supported editorially in the Perfumery and Essential Oil Record June i916). That journal states : ‘Central produc- tion under scientific control would very materially advance us towards that standardization of Bay oil which is one of the conditions precedent to its enjoyment of the confidence of manufacturers of perfume and its wider adoption in com- pound odours.’ The storm damage occasioned by the West Indian hurricane, which on September 29, 1915, struck New Orleans, and which blew continuously for twenty-four hours with a velocity of 50 toa maximum of 130 miles an hour, is reported on in the Fifth Biennial Report of the Board of Curators of the Louisiana State Museum for 1915. It appears that a great deal of damage was done to the Museum, and loss was sustained amounting to over $7,000. It is stated that during the heaviest blow, windows were completely blown out, and some of the window and door frames gave way inside. Vou. XV. No. 372. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. bo or es TRADE AND AGRICULTURE OF JAMAICA, 1914-15. The report on the Blue Book of Jamaica for the year 1914-15, is issued asa supplement to the Jamaica Gazette for December 2, 1915. From this the following interesting information as regards the trade and agriculture of that colony during the period reviewed, is abstracted. The total exports for the year amounted in value to £2,904,533, being an increase of £474,326 over those of the previous year, while the imports decreased by £271,626, the total value being £2,565,820. The year 1914 was agricul- turally prolific, and notwithstanding the handicap of war conditions and the competition in the island’s principal fruit market of a phenomenally abundant crop ot home-grown fruits, the domestic exports of the year actually constituted a record, having been in excess of those of 1911 by upwards of £22,000, when from the figures are eliminated the value of re-exports. The growth of the total export trade of the colony in the forty years since 1874, given in periods of ten years, is shown to be as follows:— £. 1874 Zs me = 1,442,080 1884 3 Bs 4 1,483,989 1894 ss, se a2 2,075,689 1904 = i a 1,436.725 1914 ae Bea = 2,904,533 Figures are also given showing the trend of trade, the markets accepting the colony’s exports in each of the years specified, and the percentages falling to each, these being as follows: — 1874, 1884, 1894, 1904, 1914, per cent. per cent. per cent. per cent. per cent. United Kingdom 792 43:4 26 glee S:9) 1822 United States ga shies 573 535609 Canada cop tard: uLe7i 88 7:2 Other countries 187 12-1 14388 1337 Turning to agriculture, it is seen that the acreage returned in 1914-15, grouped under the four main divi- sions of the returns, and compared with the average of the four preceding years, produces the following: — 1914-15. Average 1910-14. ; Acres. Acres. Tilled lands 273,111 271,316 Guinea grass 172 864 148,157 Commons 566,153 513,342 Wood and ruinate 1,114,283 “1,216,256 There is thus an increase in each description of land subject- ed to some sort of care and culture, with consequent falling off in the area returned as being in wood andruinate. A further classification of the tilled lands under the particular cultiva- tion to which they are dedicated, shows that the crops and areas for 1914-15 were as follows: sugar-cane, 31,727 acres; coco-nuts, 29,731 coffee, 18,175 acres; acres; bananas, 85,854 acres; cacao, 11,081 acres; ground provisions, 63,640 acres; mixed cultivation, 28,603 acres; minor items, 4,293 acres. Compared with an average of four years 1910-14 (which is 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. In this con- nexion it is remarked that, last year (113-14), it was recorded that the cultivation of canes. coffee and cacao was on the down grade, and the figures here given show that the down- ward tendency has not yet been arrested, canes showing a further decrease of 607 acres, cotfee 4,694 acres, and cacao 634 acres. It is hoped that the very strong position of sugar in the world’s markets, and the favourable position of cacao, will result in much more attention being given to these products in the immediate future; but the indications are that coffee will continue to give way to fruit-growing. The great increase in the coco-nut area—12,000 acres—is attributed to the return to bearing of groves that were destroyed in the hurricane of 1903, and had to be replanted. Bananas show an increase of 3,790 acres over the average. Ground pro- visions show a falling off of 8,421 acres, probably due to lands being less exclusively devoted to root crops than was formerly the case; and minor items exhibit an improved acreage of 187 acres. The exports of cacao for the year achieved a record both in quantity and value, similarly the export of coco-nuts. The Panama disease of bananas has given some cause for anxiety, owing to the difficulty in securing adequate measures of quarantine among the small owners whose fields were infected with the disease. A stringent law was there- fore passed, and the staff of Inspectors has been increased so as to secure efficient control of this and other serious diseases of plants. The various plant nurseriesdistributed 145,000 cacao plants during the year, mainly to small settlers. By these agencies 340,000 cacao plants have been distributed to the peasantry during the past three years. It is recorded that the staff of the Department of Agriculture has recently been strengthened by the addition of an entomologist. —— The prussic acid content of sorghum receives attention in a paper in the Journal of Agricultural Research for May 1916. Unhealthy sorghum plants usually contain more hydrocyanic acid than healthy ones. The unhealthy condition may be due to various causes, and it is thought possible that under such conditions, the plant produces more glucosides for the sake of the stimulating hormones in it. Adequate water-supply is usually accompanied by low, and inadequate, by high, hydrocyanic acid. Amongst the conclusions arrived at by the officiating Imperial Agriculturist of the Agricultural Research, Pusa, India, in connexion with green manuring in India, is that the subject requires closer investigation than it has hitherto received. In particular, the place occupied by leguminous food and fodder crops in the rotation appears to require study, with a view to ascertaining to what extent fertility is kept up by their means. The whole subject of green man- uring in India will be found dealt with in Bulletin No. 56 of the Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa. The best commercial method of determiuing the quality of an egg is by the process of candling. This method consists in holding the egg before a bright light and looking through it towards the light. The egg should be held below the eye thus enabling the observer to note readily the size of the air cell. A Bulletin (No 353), issued by the Department of Poultry, Husbandry, of the Cornell University, contains a large amount of information on the interior qualities of eggs, and has some very fine coloured illustrations showing the candling appearance of different qualities, and the open appearance of market eggs. There appears to be agreat deal of variation in the quality of individual eggs, and this subject might receive more attention in the West Indies. 254 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. JULY 29) S916: PLANT DISEASES. THE POISONING OF WEEDS AND TREES. THE PREPARATION AND USE OF WEED-KILLER. Some valuable and detailed information on the subject of the pre- paration and use of sodium arsenite for the destruction of weeds is given by G. P. Gray in the Monthly Bulletin of the California State Commission of Horticulture for April 1916. The State Experiment Station is conducting an investigation as to the most suitable substances to use, the proper strength at which they should be applied, the time of year to obtain the best results, and the residual effect on the soil. A warning is given as to the indiscriminate and careless use of home-made and proprietary weed killers, which are usually dangerous arsenical poisons. The usual basis of weed-killers is sodium arsenite, prepared by dissolving white arsenic (arsenic trioxide)in water containing washing soda, soda ash, or caustic soda. In the case of the two substances first named it is necessary to boil the mixture to dissolve the arsenic. The proportions of the solvent to the- arsenic are given as 2 to 1 in the case of washing soda, 1 to 1 in the case of soda ash, and 1 to 2 in the case of caustic soda. A formula is given for using washing soda as follows: — Washing soda 2 b. White arsenic 1 b. Water 1 gallon It is suggested that this stock solution should be diluted to 20 or 25 gallons for use, but the actual strength required for any particular purpose must be determined by experiment. From a list of cautions necessary in dealing with these substances, the following are quoted:— Dont handle or use arsenicals without familiarizing yourself with their properties and behaviour. Dont purchase arsenicals without a reliable guarantee of the percentage of arsenic. Dont use too small a vessel for dissolving arsenic. Dont inhale the steam from boiling arsenicals. Dont breathe any of the fumes if any arsenical is accidently spilled upon a hot stove or into a fire. Dont boil water, sugar and white arsenic with any of the solvents for arsenic. Dont breathe any of the dust caused by handling powder- ed arsenicals. Dont make large quantities of stock solution in a closed room. Dont splash the solutions. Dont spray plants with poisons without taking precau- tions that they will not be eaten by live stock. Dont breathe the smoke when burning plants which have been treated. The application of the solution may be made by sprink- ling or by spraying, but the latter is very much preferable. It may be used either to kill noxious weeds outright or to prevent them when growing in waste places from seeding and thus infesting adjacent cultivated land. In some cases sufficient poison may be absorbed by the leaves and stems to kill the roots to a depth of several feet. THE KILLING OF TREES. One meets rather frequently with an enquiry as to the best means of killing a tree which for some reason is wanted out of the way, With the species most tenacious of life the operation is not. soeasy as is commonly thought. The common method adopted is ringing—the removal of a broad ring of bark or of bark and sap wood. The result depends on the nature of the tree, and is often disappointing. The removal of a ring of bark, provided that a connexion is not allowed: to reform, prevents the passage of food materials elaborated in the leaves to the roots. If no suckers are allowed to develop below the ring, the roots eventually die of starvation, but this may be a very slow process. The course of the water passing upward to the leaves is not interfered with, so that the top remains green and healthy until the roots die. When a ring of sap-wood is removed as well, the water-supply in the case of those trees with a well-defined heart wood is interrupted, and in this event the top quickly dies. With some other trees, where there is no distinct formation of heart-wood, even this method fails to bring about an early result. Large mango trees, for example, which it was wished to eliminate from cacao cultivations, have been seen to live for years after being thus treated. A writer in the Agricultural Gazette of New South Wales for March 1916, reports very successful results from. the poisoning of trees with the arsenical solution discussed above, used at a strength which may be obtained by adding 13 gallons of water to the stock solution of which the preparation has been described. A ring of, downward cuts was made low down on the trunk in such a manner as to leave a frill, and into this the liquid was poured with a watering can made with a long spout and a small exit hole. It is necessary to do this immediately, while the cut is quite fresh, to prevent the blocking of the pores in the wood with air or exuded matter. It is reported that timber thus treated all died, and mostly within forty-eight hours from the time of ringing. W.N. Substitutes for Lemonade.—Always appreciated in a warm climate, lemonade or limeade, or similar drinks from other citrus fruits are not everywhere obtainable, but good substitutes may be produced from the fruits of certain other trees and plants. Quite accidentally it was found recently that an excellent beverage, which we may call mangoade, can be inade from immature mangoes, and that it is quite equal to lemonade in its refreshing qualities, though of course, differing in flavour. Mangoade is prepared thus: peel, slice, and rinse unripe mangoes, and boil in enough water to cover the fruit; strain the mass through a fine cloth and cool; when serving, add sugar and water to taste. By planting seed from time to time throughout the year, rosellade may be had at a very slight expense at all times of the year. Rosellade is made as follows : cut the leaves and tender stems, rinse, and put in a kettle with enough water to cover the herbage after itis wilted, bring toa boil, strain and cool, Serve as mangoade. In both cases great care should be taken to boil and keep the liquids in earthern, granite, enamelled ware or glass in order to avoid poisoning caused by the contact of the strong fruit acids with metals, Ripe tamarinds may be made into a delicious cooling drink that is unsurpassed in flavour, and also they make unsually well-flavoured jelly. (Philippine Agricultural Review.) Vor. XV. No. 372. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 255 WEST INDIAN PRODUCTS. DRUGS AND SPICES ON THE LONDON MARKETS. Mr. J. R. Jackson, A.L.S., has forwarded the follow- ‘ing report on the London drug and spice markets ‘for the month of June:— The month of June opened in the Produce Markets with a quiet tone and a slow demand for produce generally, especially for those products that come under our monthly ~survey, Jamaica ginger and sarsaparilla being, perhaps, the most notable exceptions. As is usually the case, towards the end of the first half-year a much quieter tone prevailed, both in demand and in prices realized, as the following details will show. As the first auction was held on the Ist of the month and the last on the 29th, a period of five weeks comes ‘under review—a sufliciently long period to cause radical -changes both in supply and demand. GINGER, At the first auction ginger was in good demand. Some 78 bags of new crop Jamaica were disposed of, good middling fetching 115s., and good common 105s. to 107s. 6d. per cwt. One hundred and sixteen bags of Cochin were also offered, -and 16 sold at 40s. for wormy. The rest were all bought in 47s. 6d. for sound plump. A fortnight later, namely, on the 15th of the month, the offerings amounted to 16 cases of Calicut, partly wormy unassorted, native cut, which were sold at 56s. Some 600 bags of washed brown Calicut were also offered, and bought in at 52s. 6d. Washed Cochin and wormy Cochin were further offered, and bought in at 47s. and 43s. per ewt., respectively. ‘Towards the end of the month the quotations were as follows: good new crop Jamaica, 120s. to 130s.; medium, 110s. to 115s.; and common 90s. to 100s. Some 200 bags of Japan were offered -and sold without reserve at 32s. to 34s. NUTMEGS, MACE AND PIMENTO, At auction on the 28th, nutmegs were represented by 252 packages of West Indian, all of which were disposed of at from 93d. to ls. At the same auction, 160 packages of mace were offered and sold at from 1s. 5d. to 1s. 11d. per hb. In pimento there has been a drop in price since last month. At the beginning of June 3,°,d. per Ib. was quoted, and at auction on the 14th, 304 bags were offered and bought in at from 34d. to 31d. per bb. SARSAPARILLA. At the beginning of the month grey Jamaica was reported to be scarce. None was offered at auction on the 1st of the month; but of Lima-Jamaica there were 35 bales, 15 of which sold, somewhat mouldy to fair fetching 1s. 5d. to 1s. 7d. per b., while of native Jamaica only 9 bales were offered, and all sold at prices varying from Is. ld. for fair red, and ls. for dull red mixed. Thirteen bales of Hon- duras were also offered, and all sold at prices varying from 1s. 7d. to 1s, 8d. per tbh. for woody to good, and Is. 7d. for -slightly mouldy. At the last auction on June 29, the offer- ings were as follows: native Jamaica, 25 bales offered and 7 sold; Lima-Jamaica, 24 offered and 8 sold; Mexican, 25 offered and none sold. Of the 7 bales of native Jamaica disposed of, 1Id. to 1s. per tb. was paid for fair red, and 9d. to 10d. for ordinary palish. For the 8 bales of Lima- Jamaica, 1s. 3d. to 1s. 5d. was paid for more or less mouldy and Is. 7d. for fair. CITRIC ACID, CASHEW NUTS, KOLA, TAMARINDS, ARROWROOT, LIME OIL, AND ANNATTO SEED. At the beginning of the month citric acid was steady at 3s. 9d. per Ib. At the first auction 12 cases were offered, but none sold; a week later the price had dropped to 3s. 8d., and at the close of the month it stood at from 3s. 8d. to 3s. 9d. At the first sale cashew nuts were offered in great abundance, no less than 393 packages being brouzht forward, but none found buyers. At the last auction however, on the 29th, when 151 packages were offered, two were sold at 32s. per ewt. for very husky Bombay. Kola has much advanced in price during the past few weeks, in consequence, it is said, of an increased continental demand. At auction on the 1st of the month, as many as 94 packages were offered, and. sold at the following rates: West Indian, of which 5 bags were sold, fetched from 53d. for slightly mouldy, to 64d. for fair dark halves; dark Java halves fetched from 6d. to 63d., and small 43d. At the last auction on the 29th, kola was again represented by 13 packages, all of which were disposed of, 1 bag of bright, bold West Indian washed, fetched 5}d. per lb., while 12 bags of good bold Ceylon halves, realized 6d. per Ib. At auction on the 22nd, a consignment of new crop West Indian tamarinds were offered, 24s. being paid for Antigua, and 29s. for Barbados. In the middle of the month good manufacturing St. Vincent arrowroot was sold at 34d. per lb. Towards the end of the month, West Indian distilled. oil of lime was quoted at 8s. 6d. per tb., and 9s. for hand pressed. At auction on the 29th of the month, 25 bags of annatto seeds were offered, and 20 sold at 8d. per tb. The Antigua Central Sugar Factory.— Dr. Watts’s review of ten years’ work of this Government- aided enterprise is dealt with at consid-rable length in an article in the International Sugav Jowrnal for May i916. It is stated that the conclusion that financially the concern must be regarded as being ina strong position, and that it demonstrates that a well-managed sugar-ca e fsctory, working on profit-sharing lines, is a safe and remunerative colonial investment, even in times of low prices provided an adequate supply of canes is available, is very opportune, in view of the fact that the prospects of the sugar-growing colonies after the war will be much brighter, asa result of the changed opinion at home iu regard to the Empire. The article in question goes on to say that, while hardly comparing in size with the enormous factories to be found in the American possessions and in Cuba, this Antigua Central may be considered me- chanically a very well equipped one, and thoroughly repre- sentative of the best British practice for a moderate output of sugar In considering the financial side of the concern, it is noted that, after the redemption of the Debenture capital, there are to be issued to the contracting estate proprietors shares in the factory equal in number and value to the original shares in the company, and it is remarked that it must be frankly admitted that both the contracting proprietors and the investing capitalists have been extremely well looked after. 256 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. London.—TuHE New York.—Messrs. MARKET REPORTS. West June 15, 1916. Inpia ComMiTTEE CIRCULAR, Arrowroot—2jd. to 3d. Barata—Sheet, 3s. 2d. to 3s. 4d., block 2s. 6jda. Breeswax—No quotations. Cacao—Trinidad, 87/- to 89/-; Jamaica, 77/- to 84/-. Corrre—Jamaica, no quotations. Corra—£32. CorroN—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota- tions; Wes+ Indian Sea Island, 17d. to 20d. Frouit—No quv tations. Fustic— No quotations. Gincrer—Jamaica, 105/- to 115/-. IsrncLtass—No quotations. Honrty—45/6, to 63/-. Lime Juice—Raw, 2/10 to 3/13; concentrated, no quota tions; Otto of limes (hand-pressed), ‘/-. Locwoop—No quotations. Mace—7d. to 3s. Nurmecs—9d. to 1s. 2d. PimeNtTo—No quotations. Ruseer—Para, fine hard, 2/9; fine soft, 2/64; Castilloa, no quotations. Rum—Jamaica, no quotations. Grenada, 82/- to 85/-; GrutesPre Bros. & Co., April 26, 1916. Oacao—Caracas, 16$c. to 164¢c.; Grenada, life. to Lbc.; Trinidad, 16c. to 164c.; Jamaica, 14}c. to 15c. Coco-xuts—Jamaica and ‘Trinidad selects, $48-°0C $45-00; culls, $28°00 to $30°00. JorFEE—Jamaica, 94c. to 12c. per th. GincEer—ldc. to 18c. per th. Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 60c.; Antigua and Barbados, 58c. to 60c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 56c. to 58c. per tb. Grare Fruit—Jamaica, $1°25 to $2°00, . Lrves—$10°00 to $1200. Mace—40c. to 52c. per th. Nurmecs—22c. to 28c. OrancEs—Jamaica, $2°25 to $300. Pimento—bic. to 5}c. per th. Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 6°14c¢;. to 6°39c. Muscovados, 89°, 5°49c. to 5°74c; Molasses, 89°, 5°37c. to 5°62c., all duty paid. to Trinidad.—Messrs. Gorpon, Grant & Co, July 1, 1 Cacao—Venezuelan, $15°00; Trinidad, no quotations, Coco-nut O1r—$1°25 per Imperial gallon, CorrrE—Venezuelan, no quotations. Corra—S6'00 to $6°50 per 100 tb. Duat—$7 ‘00 to S7:75. Ontons—$5'00 to $5°50 per 100 th. PEAs, Sprit—$11°00 per bag. Porators—English $2°75 to $3:C0 per 100 th. Rickr—Yellow, $7°25 to $7°75; White., $7°50 to $7°75 per bag. Sucar—American crushed, no quotations, Juty 29, 1916. Barbados.—Messrs. James A. Lyncu & Co., Ltd., July 12) O65 ArRrowrRoot—$d'00 p $14°00 to $15 Coco-NvuTs er 100 tb. “00 per 100 tb. $24°00 husked nuts. ‘75 to $1°90 per 100 th. S. Garraway & Co., July 11, 1916. Manures—Nitrate of soda. no quotations; Cacao manure, quotations; Sulphate of ammonia, $105°00 to $110-00 Rice—Ballam, $7°25 to $7°38 per 190 ib.; Patna, no quota- tions: Rangoon, 1 10 quotations. Svucar—Muscoyado centrifugals, $5°00 to $5°50. British Guiana.—Messrs. Wietinc & Ricurer, June 30, 1916; Messrs. June 30, 1916. SanppacH, ParKER & Co. ARTICLES. Messrs. WIETING & RIcHTer. Messrs. Sanp- BACH, PARKER. & Co. Arrowroor—St. Vincent Batata—Venezuela block Demerara sheet Cacao—Native Cassava— Cassava STARCH— Coco-NuTs— Corrre—Creole Jamaica and Rio!| Liberian Dxaat— Green Dhal Eppors— Mo asses— Yellow Ontons—Teneritie Madeira Peas—Split Marseilles PLantTarins— Porators—Nova Scotia Lisbon Porators--Sweet, B’bados Rice—Ballam Creole Tannias— Yams—White Buck Sucar—Dark crystals Yellow White Molasses TimpER—GREENHEART Wallaba shingles s» Cordwood $65-00 l6e. per th. $20 to S24 per M.| 4c. lic. per th. $6°75 to $7-00 $132 None ie: $12°00 to $12°50 24c. to 48c. $2-40 $6°75 to $7-00 | $2-40 $2-64 $2°64 $4°50 to $d-00 $5°00 to $5-10 48c. to 72c. cub. foot $4:°75 to $6°75 per M. $2-00 to $2°40 per ton per de. per tb. 68e. 19¢c. per tb. $24 per M. l6c. per tb. l6e. _Lle. per tb. $7°50 to $7-75 89-00 to S10-00 $12-00 to 13-00 per bag. (210 fb.) $4°80 to 35°00 $6°75 to $7-00 $4°50 to $400 $5°00 to $5°10 32c. to 55c. per cub. foot $500 to $700] per M. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, ‘Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture FOR The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. THE 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 IT, IIT, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XI, XIII and XIV:—Price 2s.each; Post free 2s. 8d., where complete. (III, 2. IV, 3; and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.) Volume XV, Nos. 1, 2 and No. 3. Containing the following papers: Two Scoliid Parasites of Scarabaeid Larvae in Barbados, by W. Nowell, D.I.C.; On Legislating Against Plant Diseases, by Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Se., F1.C.; Notes on Trichogramma Minutum, by 8. C. Harland, B.Se.; Bay Oil and the Cultiva- tion of the Bay Tree as a Crop Plant, by H. A. Tempany, D.Sc., F.1.C., and W. Robson; The Rise of Dominica, by Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Sc., F.I.C.; The Hitchin Bacon Factory, by J. W. Welsh; A Summary of the Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the West Indies, by W. R. Dunlop. HANDBOOK AND PAMPHLET SERIES. The Pamphlets and Handbooks are written in a simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially adapted to West Indian conditions. issued up to the present time is eighty-two. 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; 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 Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are out of print. GENERAL. (7) and (22) Scale 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. Price 4d. 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Postage for No. 71, 4d. zand for No. 72, 2d. 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, in 1913-14, price Is. each, 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. All applications for copies 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 Inpra Commitrer, 15, Seething Lane. Barbados: Avvocave Co. Lrp., Broad Street, Bridgetown. Jamaica: THE EpucationaL Surety Company, 16, King Street, Kingston. British Guiana: THE Arcosy Co., Lrp., Georgetown. Trinidad: Messrs. Murr-MarsHatn & Co., Port-of-Spain. Tobago: Mr. C. L. PLaGEMANN, Scarborough, Canada: Lewis W. CLEemEns, Grenada: Messrs. THos. Lawitor & Co., St. George. St. Vincent: Mr. J. D. Bonanig, ‘Times’ Office. St. Lucia: Mr. R. W. Nivezs, Botanic Station. Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. Brrpcewarer, Roseau, Montserrat: Mr. W. Rosson, Botanic Station. Antigua: Mr. S. D. MAtong, St. John’s. St Kitts: THE Brete AND Book Surety AGENCY, BASSETERRE Nevis: Messrs. Howett, Bros., Charlestown. 71 King Street, West, Toronto. . See Dissolved (Soluble) Guano FOR SUGARCANE AND GENERAL USB 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. Lynch & Co., Ltd., Bridgetown.. VSS ie ISSUED. SELECTED WEST INDIAN BULLETIN, §FA ISLAND COTTON SEED. Vol. XV, No. 4. We make a speciality of selecting Sea Island Cotton |Seed for planting purposes, and solicit orders from the neighbouring Islands. PROCEEDINGS AT THE , a. WEST INDIAN COTTON | Quotations on application, THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE CONFERENCE, 1916. COTTON FACTORY, LIMITED, - | WHITE PARK, PRICE 1s. each, — POSE FREE, Is. 2d.| BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS. HANDBOOK SERIES. Insect Pests of the Lesser Antilles. Pp. 210, Figs. 185. Price (unbound) 1s. 37. Bound in cloth, 2s. 3. Lime Cultivation in the West Indies. Pp. 186, Figs. 17. Price (unbound) 94u. Bound in cloth, 1s. 8/ Cotton Cultivation in the West Indies. Pp. 118, Figs. 35. Price (unbound) 94. Bound in eloth, 1s. 87. | Printed at Office of Agricultural Reporter, 4 High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados yy Fok ¥Y VIB 1 \g NS =e ~ S) =. aE WE Ai x SS. SAM Sh SS eee \ —_-s 6 \Y Done os ~~ ‘ = iS oe > BER al} nN \ NN \ Way > } NaN w/~ ent fy / a>. Som, Wl 7 ee ie ih Wand | ul » Ve / AR \' if he ¥ i b : 2 4 Sa P i A (t & % A \ ie a 7 Bix Z wo ticks, after which they may be placed with the other cattle. COOPER’S CATTLE TICK DIP WEST INDIAN AGENTS: Has received the official approval of the following Countries: ST. KITTS: Sie aaetOre a, eaGuS : es Bryson & Co. . CA: D. Henderson o., Kingston. Union of South Africa, Northern Rhodesia, Brazil, Basutoland, GRENADA: Thomson, Hankey & Co. . ~ BARBADOS: Barbados Co-operative Cotton Co., Ltd. Nyasaland, Swaziland, Southern Rhodesia, Madagascar, BAHAMASERUEING Tavynam, Nassau British East Africa, German East Africa, Portuguese East Africa, os : pane Fort iat Sole 4 . 5 Is i : Sandbach, Parker 0. Portuguese West Africa, Egypt, Argentine Republic, Queensland, ST. VINCENT: Corea & Co., Kingstown. NEVIS: S. D. Malone. United States of America New South Wales, DANISH WEST INDIES: A. Schmiegelow, St. Croix. MONTSERRAT: W. Llewellyn Wall. DOMINICA: Hon. H. A. Frampton. Northern Territory of Australia. ST. LUCIA: Barnard Sons & Co., Castries. Manufacturers : WILLIAM COOPER & NEPHEWS, Berkhamsted, England. BRANCHES: Toronto, Chicago, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Buewos Aires, Monte Video, Punta Arenas, East London, Odessa. RIC \ ‘N SS NN LS AWS S) LLLP ps A A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW OF THE IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. Vot. XUVAL NOW allo: BARBADOS, AUGUST 12, 1916. Price 1d. — CONTENTS. PaGeE, Banana, Useful Facts Con- cerning ... Cotton Exports Wiest indiess-sm pels Cuba, Machine Ploughing in dose deen ciewe ae Ditterent Cane Varieties in Demerara, Returns PROT P Td eet aed ce Exports from Dominica, 1915 Sec tami fees, vee Fish, Plants that Stupefy Gleanings). seca ec. _< Gum and Pectin in Filter-Press Cake, Esti- MIALIOMNOleers sce Insect Notes:— Attempts at the Control of Plant Bugs... ... Native Food Plants of the Cotton Stainer in St. Vincent ... Items of Local Interest . Market Reports Notes and Comments Oils, Essential, Simple Stills for... See bhsise Onion Seed for the Lee- ward Islands... coo from the . 268 . 261! . 265| Vomiting Sickness ... Papers at the Cotton Con- ference dae! Bost, aes Pen Manure, Manufacture and Storage of ... ... Pigs, Breeding and Feed- 263 img for Bacon Fae. tory Purposes ... Plant Diseases: — A New Cane Disease in Porto Rico oes The Absence of Citrus Canker from Porto Rico St ISeEN Le | Potash Industry of the United States of America in 1915, Developments in S00N GSO! EOC | (Juarantine, and the Intro- 266 duction of New Varieties | of Sugar-cane into the United States 269 262, 265 265 270 of Purity for Milk in.. Products of the British Empire... ... 259 Virgin Islands, Work at | the Experiment Station PaGE. . 261 263 .. 267 St. Kitts, Fixed Standard . 262) .. 272) Sea Island Cotton Market . 264 Trade 264 262 ORT ad4 267 . 265 Trade Products of the British Empire. IS Deg & D SS the promotion of inter-Imperial trade, the objects being to strengthen the economic independence of the Empire, and permanently to arrest exploitation by enemy countries, Of special interest in connexion with this move- ment is the annual publication of the London Chamber of Commerce, entitled ‘Trade Products of the British Empire’, which is a statistical account of the resources of the British Empire as a supplier of foodstuffs and of raw materials for British industries, as well as being an account of foreign sources of supply. During the last few months certain products have become especially prominent in connexion with discus- sions which have taken place with a view to safeguarding Imperial trade interests. The publication under con- sideration directs attention, in this connexion, to the case of metals, oil seeds, and sugar. Arrangements have zine production of under British control, With regard to oil seeds, an export duty of £2 per ton is to be imposed on palm kernels shipped from the British West African colonies, unless the oil is to be extracted within the Empire. By this means it is intended that the palm kernel crushing industry, which was formerly almost a monopoly of Germany, shall be retained after the war by Great Britain or other coun- tries of the Empire. been completed whereby the Australia shall in future be instead of being exploited by Germany. In regard to sugar, the means whereby the Empire’s independence of German beet are to be secured have not yet been definitely formulated, but the matter is engaging the active attention of the Government. From the statistics given it would appear that, before the war Great Britain was dependent upon foreign countries for 90 per cent. of its sugar; since the war, that is during 1915, .this figure has fallen to 80 per cent., which from the point of view of inter-Imperial trade does not indicate a very marked improvement in the situation. The chief difference is that now, Lo or lo 2) ‘Great Britain is dependent upon foreign cane sugar, whereas before the war she was dependent upon foreign beet sugar. To continue to remain in such a position would, economically, be almost as dangerous as to be dependent upon foreign beet. Cuba, Java, and the South American republics are the principal sources of foreign cane sugar, and it has to be borne in mind that these countries can all produce sugar as economi- cally, if not more so, than most sugar-producing countries within the British tropics. Hence a form of preferential tariff, which it is suggested shall be intro- duced, will have not a single but a dual object, namely of protecting British cane sugar from foreign cane and foreign beet, both of which can be placed on the market at a minimum cost. Thus the position is one that possesses features of difficulty. It is satisfactory to be able to notice the very large increases in the amounts and values of the sugar imported into Great Britain during the war from Mauritius, British Guiana, and the West Indies. During 1914, British Guiana and the British West Indies sent 1,397,288 ewt., valued at £1,256,197; im 1915 these figures rose to 2,327,652 cwt., valued at £2,516,292. The increase was greater in the case of the British West Indies. During 1915, the value of the imports of sugar into Great Britain from Maunitius rose to the ex- tremely high figure of approximately £4,000,000. A large amount of this was refined sugar. These facts tend to indicate that considerable and rapid expansion of sugar production within the Empire is possible, provided there are high prices. Turning to cacao statistics, the publication under notice shows that the proportion of imports from British Possessions in 1915 was 60 per cent. by value. Imports into Great Britain from all sources have shown an increase in amount and value, particularly in the case of West Africa, which suffered a temporary set-back after the outbreak of war in 1914. The imports of cotton into the United Kingdom showed a marked increase during 1915, as also did the value of this product. The proportion from British Possessions was 27 percent. by value, of the total imports. Indian cotton shipped was less than in previous years. The United States continues to produce seven-tenths of the world’s supply. The dependence of the United Kingdom. on the United States in regard to the supply of cotton, sugar and tobacco—Cuba being regarded internationally THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Aucusr 12, 1916. as the United States—is not to be overlooked. In this connexion it is to be noted also, that a large proportion of the imports of petroleum comes from the United States, though the output from India is very considerable. It would be impossible in the space of this article to make reference to all the interesting features con- nected with the statistics under review. A few further facts of general interest may, however, be briefly men- tioned. Rubber production is, of course, chiefly under British control; 75 per cent. of the imports into the United Kingdom in 1915 came from British Posses- sions. As regards silk and indigo, it may be noted that the production of these is making rapid advances in India, where special action has been taken by the Government to increase the supply. The exports of indigo from India in 1915 were 27,306 ewt., value £896,532, as compared with 12,370 ewt., value £288,602 in 1914. In the section of the publication under notice which deals with meat products, the large increase in the quantity and value of bacon and hams imported into the United Kingdom from North America and Denmark is very noticeable, and indicates the advisability of local production as far as possible of these products in other places. Concerning miscellaneous products, reference at some length is made to the production of sponges. The demand for these, especially tor those used in the arts and industries, is stated to be constantly increasing and exceeds the supply. The United Kingdom obtains her chief supply from the Mediterranean—principally Greece—though a fair quantity comes from Florida and the Bahamas. The desirability of laying down cultivated sponge beds is referred to, for it is well known that there are several places in the British Empire, for instance in the West Indies, where this might be satisfactorily accomplished. DEPARTMENT NEWS. The Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture is expected to leave Barbados on August 24 for Antigua with the object of paying an official visit to that Presidency. Mr. W. Nowell, D.LC., Mycologist to this Depart- ment, left Barbados on August 10 by the C.R.MS. ‘Chaudiere’ for Dominica, with the object of continu- ing certain mycological investigations in that island, Vor. XV. No: 373. SIMPLE STILLS FOR ESSENTIAL OILS. With increasing attention to the production of the essential oil of Bay leaf and other essential oils, there arises a demand for a convenient type of still. In the West Indian Bulletin, Vol. 1X, p. 276, suggestions were made for simple stills, two forms being described. Both types have been in experimental use for a number of years. As the result of this experience it is found that the simple still of the first type there described is quite satisfactory in operation, but it has the defect that it soon corrodes and has to be entirely renewed. It occurs to the writer to sugyest that if the still is con- structed in segments, the corroded parts may be readily renewed at little expense and with little loss of time. Further- more, should it be required to increase the capacity of the still, this may be done by add- ing segments. A sull of the kind suggest- THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, 259 In the drawing the still is shown connected to an ‘Ideal’ condenser. As this is made of copper, it is suggested that the connexion between the still and condenser should be made by means of a short length of flanged pipe made of vuleanite, so as to obviate galvanic action which would be induced by the contact of iron and copper, and would lead to the corrosion of the still. The still is operated in the manner described in the West Indian Bulletin above referred to. A perforated grating is fixed in the bottom segment at a convenient distance from the bottom; a sufficient quantity of water is placed at the bottom of the still and the leaves or other material placed above the grating. For convenience in handling and removing, the leaves may be contained loosely in cages or baskets of iron wire; these baskets can be lifted out by means of the same hoist which is used to remove the cover, and_ this ed is shown in the accompany- ing illustration. It consists of segments formed by riveting sheet-iron to rings of angle iron, thus forming hollow drums which can be bolted together one on top of the other until can be done without waiting for the still to cool. The hoist referred to may consist of a simple wooden tripod standing over the still, and provided with a pulley and hoisting rope. a still of the required capa- city is constructed. The bolts connecting the segments can be disconnected at any time for the replacing of a segment, while the joints between the rings can be made tight in If the discharge orifice of the condenser can be placed. at a height of some 3 feet or so above the level of the water in the still, it is possible to arrange that the distilled water separating from the oil in the Florentine flask, commonly the usual manner with asbestos < or other packing. The sides of the drums may be made of sheet-iron of 4inch thickness. The bottom of the still should be made of thicker material, and may be of 4- or 2. inch iron sheet. In mount- ing the still over the fire-place. the ring with the bolts should be embedded in the mason work so as to protect it from the direct action of the fire. This will reduce the difficulty of removing the bolts when it becomes necessary to renew the bottom plate. STILL. The top of the still should also be made of {-inch to %inch iron sheet; it should be held in place by bolts and nuts (not shown in the drawing); these should be placed sufficiently close together to make a good joint, which may also be fitted with asbestos packing. A coating of blacklead on the cover will prevent this from sticking to the asbestos, and in this way the joint may be broken and renewed with- out difficulty. If the top bolts are permanently fixed in the angle iron ring they will always be in place and cannot be lost: the nuts may be winged so as to enable them to be screwed down by hand without the use of a spanner. Connexion with the condenser may be made through the side of the upper segment and near the top. This is preferable to making the connexion through the cover, for in this way the joint has not to be broken when the cover is removed, Scale, }-inch = 1 foot. used as the collecting vessel, may be conducted by a pipe directly back to the still, thus. maintaining a constant water- level in the still and obviating the risk of burning from lack of water: at the same time it automatically leads to the- recovery of any essential oil that may inadvertently escape- CONDENSER. in the waste water. To effect this, the condenser should be placed relatively much higher than is shown in the accompanying drawing: this may readily be done by lengthening the pipe connecting the still with the condenser. F.W. British Cotton Growing Association.—A. report of a meeting of the Council held on July 4, refers to the possibility that the Association will definitely co-operate with the Indian Government with a view to the improvement of the cotton grown in India. As regards. Africa, the report shows a very satisfactory state of affairs to- exist. The purchase of cotton in Lagos to the end of June amounted to 8,748 bales, as compared with 4,318 bales for- the corresponding period of last year. Similar increases are recorded for Northern Nigeria. It is mentioned that the quality of Nyasaland cotton has recently shown signs of deteriorating, and arrangements have been made for the Association to send supplies of the best quality of seed for planting purposes from Uganda. 260 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. * Aveust 125 “A916: THE BREEDING AND FEEDING OF PIGS FOR BACON FACTORY PURPOSES. It has been mentioned before in this Journal that there exists at Salisbury, in Southern Rhodesia, a large bacon factory which purchases pigs from farmers situated in that country. A similar establishment has been suggested for the West Indies, but circumstances, up to the present, have not been sufficiently favourable to enable any definite steps to be taken. In time, however, they may, and attention should be called toa valuable article which appears in the Rhodesia Agricultural Journal for April 1916, containing instructions as to the best methods of breeding and feeding pigs intended for sale at such a factory. It will be understood that a different type of animal is required for bacon purposes than for the production of pork and lard. The article in question keeps this fact well in view, and begins first of all with a description of a side of bacon, indicating the relative value of the various cuts. The bacon pig itself, when ready for the market, should possess a long, deep body, with a straight or slightly arching top, and straight underline. The shoulder should be fairly upright, joined closely to the body, and nicely rounded over the top. The body should not be any thicker through the shoulder at any point more than half way up from the underline to the top line than through points ata similar height situated between the shoulders and the ham. Des- cribed shortly, a straight-edge laid against the side from the shoulder point to near the tail should touch at every point. The ribs should spring out well from the spinal column and should make a deep-bodied rather than a round- bodied animal. The legs should be good and clean, straight- boned, while the neck should be of medium thickness with no tendency to coarseness. The average live weight of a pig intended for the bacon factory should be from 150 to 200 bb. Large and coarse pigs give only second class produce. As regards the breeds of pigs suitable for bacon, the article calls special attention to the Berkshire, the large Yorkshire, the middle Yorkshire, the small Yorkshire, the Tamworth, and the Large Black. It is stated that the Large Black appears to be admirably adapted to the climate of Rhodesia, which is sub-tropical.. Being late in maturing, this breed crosses well with the Berkshire and other early maturing breeds. Indeed, since the establishment of the British South Africa Company’s factory in Salisbury, the most satisfactory cross has been found to be the progeny of Large Black sows and Berkshire boars. The cross results in increased stamina, and increased proportion of lean meat as compared with the pure Berkshire, and earlier maturity than in the pure Large Black. After dealing with other crosses, the article goes on to consider the management of pigs, dealing with the subject as regards the boar, the sow and young pigs. It is stated that the boar should never be allowed to fall offin condition, but should never be overfed. The same applies to the management of the sow, but this animal should be provided with plenty of nutritious food after farrowing. A large amount of instruction is given in regard to the management of young pigs, and the reader interested is referred to the article under consideration for details. Turning to the feeding of the animals, it is emphasized that, as in breeding so in feeding the object must be to produce quality. Then follow some general observations on the feeding of pigs which appear worth quoting: ‘To one who wishes to become expert in the feeding of pigs or any kind of animal, nothing can take the place of daily practice and experience; at the same time a short study of the scien- tific side of the question of animal nutrition will be found to be extremely helpful. It will enable one to think and experiment more intelligently, and in most cases will materially add both to one’s interest in the work and to the profits to be derived. Science with practice is of infinite value, but one must never forget that animals are not machines, that they have individual tastes, appetites and dispositions much like human beings. The expert and successful feeder is one who can endow every animal in his care with a personality, who can watch and understand its ways and habits, and who constantly provides not only for its bare supply of food, but for its varying whims and fancies. Those unaccustomed to animals will smile at this statement, but the writer feels confident that it will be endorsed by any and every successful feeder of animals.’ Attention is then given to the nutritive ratio of different foods, that is to say, the proportion of nitrogenous substance to carbohydrates and fats. Thus when we say the nutritive ratio of maize is 1:8, it is understood that maize contains 1 part of digestible flesh-forming substance to 8 parts of digestible heat-, fat-, and energy-forming material. The proximate composition of some twenty different vegetable foodstuffs is considered, including some of those commonly employed in the West Indies, such as maize, velvet beans, ground nuts, sweet potatoes, and grass. The nutritive ratio of velvet beans is 1:2°5, while that of sweet potatoes is 1:28°8. These figures clearly indicate the relative richness of velvet beans io flesh-forming , material compared with sweet potatoes, which are very poor in nitrogen, but neverthe- less valuable in their own way in a ration for pigs. A number of sample rations are given, and one or two of these may be noted. For heavy brood sows in pig, when on moderate grazing, the following ration has been found to answer satisfactorily: sweet potatoes 6 tb., maize 1 b., ground nuts 1 tb. When very little grazing of any kind is available: skim milk 10 tb., sweet potatoes 6 Ib., maize 2 tb. When no milk is available, as will probably be the case in the West Indies, the following is suggested: maize 3 tb., beans 1 Ib., and pump- kins or other cheap succulent food up to about 10 bb. daily. For young pigs from two and a half to four months old, running on fairly good pasture, the following may be given: potatoes 2 Ib., ground nuts } Ib., maize }-tb., pumpkins 5 tb. It may be pointed out here that English potatoes and sweet potatoes differ widely in composition. The nutritive value of the English potato is 1:14°4, whereas, as already stated, that of the sweet potato is 1:28°8, which shows that English potatoes contain relatively a greater amount of flesh-forming material. So that if sweet potatoes are used in place of English potatoes, it will be necessary to increase the amount of nitrogenous foodstuff in the ration. For pigs from four to six months old, the following ration is suggested: potatoes 6 Ib., ground nuts 1ib, maize 2%, plus grazing or ample supply of pumpkins, ete. As regards crops for pig feeding, special reference is made to maize velvet beans, sweet potatoes, pumpkins (or majordas), These latter are described as being the most valuable food for pigs, and one of the cheapest means of providing succulent food. The seeds of pumpkins are very nutritious, and they tend to check the invasion of worms. These vegetables give the best results when fed raw. The sweet potato is described as an easily grown and pro- fitable crop, forming in Rhodesia a nourishing and succulent food at a time of the year when succulent food is searce. Sweet potatoes are particularly convenient for planting in small areas for pigs to harvest themselves. As regards velvet beans, this plant is described as a heavy cropper, useful Von, XV. 2No, 373. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, 261 —_— either for the grain or for green food, or for making into ensilage. If grazed, the pigs should be turned in about the time the beans are ripening. If used as a_ soiling crop, it should be cut before the beans form The beans themselves, ground into meal and mixed with maize, form a well-balanced ration, especially for ‘topping up’ pigs. They should be used sparingly with young pigs, as they are liable to be too heating. One of the best possible crops for pigs, and one which when fed in conjuction with maize produces a really good bacon, is peas, Their use tends to prevent the loss of stamina and reproductive power, which is induced by an exclusive diet of maize; but peas should not be fed alone, especially to young pigs, as they cause unthrifti- ness; they should always be used in conjunction with some starchy food such as maize or sweet potatoes. In closing this summary of the valuable article under notice, reference may be made to its concluding section on the housing of pigs. It is stated that the elaborate housing of pigs in a warm country is not only unnecessary, but to some extent, quite apart from the question of cost, undesirable. Light, air, dryness, and shelter are the principal requirements. For styes the only suitable permanent floor appears to be cement. Ina temporary sty, where the outside portion is not cemented, it is always as well to raise the bed of the covered part of the sty even as muchas 2 feet above the level of the exercise yard outside. To enable the animals to get in and out easily, a sloping way shonld be made from one level to the other. DEVELOPMENTS IN THE POTASH INDUS- TRY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, IN 1915. H.M. Embassy at Washington has forwarded an extract from Commerce Reports (Washington) of April 24, sum- marizing a Review of the developments in the potash industry in the United States in 1915, which has been issued by the United States Geological Survey. The Review states that potash salts were produced in the United States in 1915 to the value of $342,000 (about £70,300). The imports of refined potash salts in 1915 were 76,141 tons, or slightly more than 25 per cent. of those in 1915, the latest normal year of importation. Imports of potash fertilizers, kainit, manure salts, and double manure salts amounted to 20,427 tons, or only about 3 per cent. of the importation in 1913. Taking all the potash salts together, imports in 1915 were about one-tenth of the quantity normally imported. In 1915 potash was recovered, as a by-product, from the manufacture of Portland cement at Riverside (California). By-product potash from this source has yielded a consider- able revenue, owing to its aonormally high price, and in obtaining it two other purposes have been subserved: the saving of additional material to be converted into cement, and the elimination of the dust nuisance. Manufacturers of Portland cement having had their attention directed to a possible revenue from by-product potash will not be slow in thoroughly investigating their raw material. Already a company near Hagerstown (Maryland), is reported to be installing a plant for the recovery of potash salts. Potassium sulphate from alunite was first placed on the market late in October 1915, by a company at Marysvale (Utah). So far, the production has not been large owing to the incidents connected with a pioneer enterprise of this character, but, though certain foreign deposits of alunite have been worked for potash alum, this 1s the first recorded yield of potash salts as such from alunite. The product is of high grade. A plant was established by an Omaha company in the spring of 1915 at Hoffland, near Alliance, in the north- western part of the State of Nebraska, and during about half of the year the company obtained potash salts from the brine of an alkaline lake in that region. In addition to the output from these sources, potash was also obtained from kelp along the Pacific coast. Experimental work on the production of potash salts. from different sources was active during the year, and in places this experiment has been succeeded by the setting up- of plants. Operations are in progress at Searles Lake and at Keeler, on the shores of Owens Lake, California. It is reported that one company is erecting a plant near Great Salt Lake, and that another plant will soon be started at the south end of the lake. The by-product bittern has also received some attention at solar-evaporation plants at San Francisco- Bay. Great activity has been manifested in experiments for the recovery of potash from the silicate rocks, such as feld- spar and leucite, from the mica sericite and from greensand.. In many laboratories researches have been in progress, some of which, according to reports, offer prospects of profitable commercial development, if feldspars and other rocks rich in potash in sufficient quantity and purity can be found and utilized. A small quantity of potash salts was probably produced from these silicate rocks and minerals during 1915, and found its way into mixed fertilizers without intermediate- refinement. ESTIMATION OF GUM AND _ PECTIN IN FILTER-PRESS CAKE. The following is a translation of the conclusions. arrived at in an article by Dr. T. Vander Linden in Archief voor de Suikerindustrie vm Nederlandsch- Indie for April 1916, on the estimation of gum and pectin in filter-press cake:— On the basis of the toregoing, we can now give the following generally applicable prescription for gum and pectin determination in filter mud. Twenty grams of filter mud are digested for half an hour with 200 to 400 ¢.c.— according to the requirements of the nature of the material—of a mixture of 100 parts of 95 per cent. alcohol, with 20 parts of hydrochloric acid, specific gravity 1:09 (obtained by diluting acid of 1:18 specific gravity with a like volume of water). After digesting, itis filtered and washed with warm alcohol until neutral. The precipitate is then placed in a beaker and repeatedly extracted with warm water until the extract amounts to 300 to 400c.c. This extract is evapo- rated on the water bath to 40ce.c., and after cooling, the pectin is precipitated with a mixture of 300c.c. alcohol (95 per cent.) and 60c.c. hydrochloric acid of 1:09 specific gravity. After several hours’ settling the precipitate is filtered with an ash-free filter, dried at 105°C., and weighed. The precipitate with the filter is dried at 105°C. to constant weight and then reduced to ash. The weight of the precipitate diminished by that of the ash gives the weight of the pectin-like sub- stance. 262 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Aucusr 12, 1916. DOWN THE ISLANDS. SEA ISLAND COTTON MARKET. s IsLANps. As advised in our circular report of June 3, ; the crop has been practically all sold; consequently the market ITEMS OF LOCAL INTEREST. is closed until October, when the new crop will begin to come : i 4 to market. The quotations are nominal, and are based on sr. Lucia, Mr. A. J. Brooks’s report for June states prices last paid, viz:— that cacao is flowering, the lime crop coming in steadily, and reaping operations in connexion with the sugar crop are complete. Plant distribution included—limes, 3,709; oranges (budded), 25; mangoes (grafted), 3; cassava cuttings, 600; vegetable seeds, 105 packets; decorative and economic, 97, Operations in the Botanic Gardens and Experiment Stations consisted chiefly in routine work. Extension in cultivations most marked in the Dennery district is said to be due in a great measure to the prospect of obtaining a good carting road. The Agricultural Superintendent visited Soufriére, La Perle, Palmiste, and Ruby estates, whilst the Agricultural Officer visited Marquis and Anse-le-Raye. Two meetings of agricultural interest were held during the month, both of which were attended by the Agricultural Superintendent: one for the purpose of drawing up a report relating to the question of land settlement for members serving in His Majesty’s Forces; the other, held at Soufriére, for the formation of an Agricultural Credit Society. The arrival of the Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture in the island on June 29, for a stay of two weeks, is recorded. According to Mr. W. I. Howell, the several much from NEVIS. plots in the Experiment Stations suffered want of rain. From the Botanic Station, plant distri- bution during June included 4 tb. beans, 2 tb. Indian corn, 66 tomato, egg-plant, etc., and 455 tb. cotton seed. The sugar-cane crop is almost reaped, and a fair amount of the sugar made has been sold already, at fairly good prices. The young canes throughout the island are suffering much from want of rain, and growth in many of the fields has been seriously checked. The cotton crop, on the whole, is said to be very backward. Several fields have been planted, but the plants have practically all been killed by the hot and dry weather, hence there is hardly a well-established field in the island. A fair acreage is prepared, but planting is retarded by prevailing weather conditions. Provision crops have suffered similarly, as a result of the dry weather. Regular visits have been paid to the estates and peasants’ plots in different parts of the island, and advice given where required. A large number of coco-nuts have been collected at Pinneys estate, but no shipments could be made as the steamers do not take any freight. Mr. Howell also forwards a report for the quarter ended June 30, 1916, which embodies the chief items of interest for the period under review, which have already been published in previous issues of the Agricultural News The rainfall for the quarter was 6°64 inches, and for the year to date 17°55 inches. VIRGIN ISLANDS. Work in the Tortola Experiment Stations during June appears to have consisted chiefly in the preparation of land for the cotton seed farm, about 5 acres being in course of preparation; and the weeding of plots and plant- ing of selected Indian corn. Conditions haye* been favourable to growth, says Mr. Fishlock, and a good deal of cotton has been planted. The lime trees at the Station give promise of a fair yield. A visit was paid to Virgin Gorda (Sound and Valley), and also to Anegada. A mecting was held ac the first mentioned island, at which the new arrangements concerning the purchase of cotton were discussed. Extra Fine 3lc. to 32c. =203d, to 21d. cif. & 5 per cent. Fully Fine 30c. = 20d. hy FLORTDAS AND GEORGIAS. The demand has continued throughout the month of June, on account of the Northern and Southern Mills, at very steady prices, taking the limited offerings in Savannah market as well as such lots as were obtainable in the interior towns. ‘This demand has reduced very much the unsold. stock, leaving generally only such cotton as is held off the market in anticipation of higher prices, under the impression that some mills require further supply before the next crop is marketed. We quote, viz.:— ‘a 30$¢.=5]5c., landed. Fane 303 l}c., landed Exira Choice 295c.=30ke., 3, Choice 28te.=29ie., ,, Extra Fine si The exports from Savannah since June 3 were, to Northern Mills 506 bales, Southern Mills 514 bales, and trom Jacksonville to Northern Mills 1,626 bales. Crop Advices. The weather during the month of June has been generally favourable, and the crop has made satis- factory progress. The entire section has had beneficial rains, which have improved very much the outlook. Although in some instances the young plant is reported small and backward, the general condition is quite up to a good average, and with continuance of favourable weather, the new crop may begin to come to market the latter part of August and early September. Estimates sul are about 100,000 bales and upwards. This report also shows that the total exports of Sea Island cotton from the United States to Liverpool and Manchester, up to July 1, 1916, were 754 and 443 bales, respectively. COTTON EXPORTS FROM THE WEST INDIES. The following table gives the quantity and estimated value of the Sea Island cotton exported from the West Indies for the quarter ended March 31, 1916:— Colony. Quantity, Estimated value, Barbados 58,013 3,868 Sc. Vincent 156,349 Antigua 30,500 Montserrat 954,150 St. Kitts 99,810 Nevis 76,705 Anguilla 9,250 Virgin Islands 9,002 693,779 48,568 VOT eeeOV NON Oo: MACHINE PLOUGHING IN CUBA. The Director of the Cuban Agricultural Experiment Station, writing in a recent issue of the Lowisiana Planter, says that from experience covering a number of years in the tropies, he believes that most agricultural machinery used in the United States is too light for the tropics, and this applies to hoes, cultivators ploughs, waggons, tractors—in fact, to the whole list of machinery used in the cultivation of sugar-cane, or for general use on the plantations. This is the reason why many manufacturers after going to considerable expense to introduce certain tools or machines have finally failed. Every sugar plantation that has gone extensively into cultivation has its scrap heap of machines that failed chiefly because they were too light and weak. Some of these tractors with their ploughs have failed because they were put to heavy work for which they were not made, and their machinery con- demned because the tests were too rigid. This applies par- ticularly in connexion with the heavy soils of Cuba. Turning to the prospects before the more general adoption of motor power in field cultivation, he believes that with the continued development of the sugar business, there will come a consequent scarcity of pasture lands, or sugar- cane lands will become too expensive for pasturing cattle under the present system. Labour is also becoming more expensive, and it is foreseen that the labour will be one of the greatest limiting factors in - sugar pro- duction. All of these indications point to the use of machinery in all possible farming operations, and especi- ally in the preparation of land for sugar-cane planting. There is another reason perhaps more potent than any one thus far mentioned. The mills have been improved to. such an extent that they are the equal, perhaps, of those found in any country, and the processes of manufacture leave very little to be desired. A great deal of money has been spent in perfecting the manufacturing side, and the best talent has been employed in this branch of the industry. But after all is said, the sugar is made in the field, and the next great improvement must be made on the cultural side. It is nothing for a manufacturer to spend $100,000 in so improv- ing his factory that he may get 3 per cent. more yield, but he hesitates a long time before spending one-half of that sum in the field that might easily result in a 10 per cent. increased yield. Heretofore cultural operations have waited on the operations of the mills, and preparation for plantings could not be made during the harvest season, since all oxen and men were required to harvest cane and manufacture sugar. As a consequence, very little spring planting has been done, and it is usually done rather late to secure a good crop the first year. With power ploughs land can be prepared at any season of the year with but little hindrance to the other work that is being carried on. QUARANTINE, AND THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW VARIETIES OF SUGAR-CANE INTO THE UNITED STATES. Some apprehension is felt by those interested in the sugar-cane industry lest the Federal quarantine that now forbids all importations of sugar-cane will prevent further work along the line of introducing new and improved varieties of sugar-cane. The United States Department uf Agriculture recognizes, however, that in the introduction of new varieties lies one of our strongest hopes for improvements in yield, disease resistance, or other desirable characteristics of the cane. There has been provided for years by this department in its office of foreign seed and plant introduction in the Bureau of Plant Industry, an avenue through which the intro- THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, ; 263 oa Ee ee duction on a small scale can be made of promising new varieties of sugar-cane as well as other quarantined plant material and also non-quarantined plants and seeds; without exposing our home industries to the risks involved in the indiscriminate, uncontrolled introduction of varieties. Until more extensive facilities are made available for propagating such imported varieties under quarantine, limited space in the quarantine greenhouses of the department at Washington, D.C., is available for the propagation of small shipments of cuttings which officials of this department, or of any State sugar experiment station may desire to introduce. For the present, the amount of such ship- ments must necessarily be limited to a few stalks each. After such samples are propagated in quarantine long enough to make sure that they harbour no dangerous disease or pests, they may be released from quarantine and planted wherever the introducer may wish. Private individuals, learning of new varieties that seem desirable ones to introduce, should communicate with the Burean of Plant Industry of the department, or with the officials of a State sugar experiment station relative to the introduction of such variety, giving a full description of the variety in question, its origin, and where it may be secured for importation. Unless such variety is a new seedling variety, originated by some foreign experiment station, the chances are that it has already been introduced and tried, and that, if it has been found promising, it may now be available some- where within the United States, A few serions pests which are now annually doing an im- mense amount of damage to our sugar-cane crop have already been introduced. Other very dangerous pests and diseases not known to have been introduced as yet in the United States, are known to occur in foreign sugar-cane countries, making it important that measures be taken to guard against their introduction. Among the diseases which either are not yet introduced, or are not widely disseminated in this country may be mentioned the sereh, of Java, various root rots, the Queensland stripe disease, the Formosa down mildew, the iliau, and the pine-apple disease. Because cane is propagated by planting from the stalks and not from seed, it is especially difficult with this crop to make sure that the plant material does not harbour pests or diseases—hence the occasion for first growing it in quarantine. The need of the precaution of growing newly imported samples first in quarantine is well illustrated in an incident that occurred two years ago. The Porto Rico Agricultural Experiment Station desired to introduce a variety of cane from Hawaii. Officials of this department offered to assist in securing the sample, and when it arrived at Washington, they took the precaution of propagating it the first season in the quarantine greenhouse. In spite of the fact that the cane was very carefully selected and prepared for shipment by an official of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters’ Experiment Station, and of the fact that when it arrived it appeared free of pests or diseases, it developed during that season an abundant crop of the Hawaiian leaf-hopper, one of the most destructive insect pests that has ever been known to attack the sugar- cane. The Porto Rican planters, through this simple precau- tion and the subsequent destruction of this cane, doubtless were saved from losses on account of this pest, such as the Hawaiian planters once suffered. In Hawaii at one time these losses mounted into millions of dollars annually, and threatened the complete destruction of their great sugar industry. Seed of sugar-cane for use in originating seedling varieties also may be imported, through the department, from localities which are known to be free of dangerous diseases or pests. (Lowisiana Planter.) THE AGRICULTURAL NOTICES. — 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.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. ‘Ohief Clerk A. G. Howell. Assistant Clerk M. B. Connell. L. A. Corbin. ‘Clerical Assistants P. Taylor. Miss B. Robinson. A.B. Price, Fell. Journ. Inst. Typist Assistant for Publications Agricultural News Vou. XV. SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 1916. No. 373. NOTES AND COMMENTS. Contents of Present Issue. The editorial in this number deals with the natural resources of the British Empire, with special reference to those products which are of interest in connexion with the West Indies. Ingenious suggestions with reference to the construction of a simple still for essential oils are contained in an article on page 259. Useful facts concerning the banana will be found in an article on page 269. Under Insect Notes will be found an account of important observations in connexion with the cotton stainer in St. Vincent: Plant Diseases consist of two articles on diseases in Porto Rico. NEWS. Aucust 12, 1916. Papers at the Cotton Conference. The Cotton Conference number of the West Indian Bulletin (Vol. XV, No. 4) contains, apart from a report of the discussions and unprepared statements made by the various delegates, several formal papers which deserve careful study by those interested in the production of cotton on scientific lines. The first of these is a paper entitled, Some Lint Characters of Sea Island Cotton, by S. C. Harland, B.Sc., while another of much technical interest deals with the Diameters of Cotton Fibres, with Some Notes on Their Breaking Points, by F. W. Lamie; M.A., B.Sc., and S. C. Harland, B.Sc. Dr. Tempany also read an interesting note on twists in relation to fineness, while not the least valuable paper was that prepared by Mr. W. N. Sands on the Anderson Oil Expeller and Equip- ment, installed at the Government Central Ginnery, St. Vincent. It might be mentioned here that, by a mistake, in the report on the Conference it was made to appear that Mr. Harland had prepared the paper referred to, whereasthe case is that in the absence of Mr. Sands from the Conference, the paper was merely read by Mr. Harland. The same applies to a statement read, appearing on page 269 of the Bulletin. Readers interested in cotton should take note of Mr. Nowell’s remarks on the habits of growth of the cotton plant, with particular reference to the cultivation of single stalk cotton. A Fixed Standard of Purity for Milk in St. Kitts. The Order-in-Council made in the Presidency of St. Kitts-Nevis on April 15, 1916, with reference to fix- ing the standard of purity for milk under the Sale of Food and Drugs Ordinance Amendment Ordinance, 1915, has recently been amended in accordance with the recommendations of the Commissioner of Agriculture. In the original Order of April 15, the regulations had regard to the aggregate total of solids in milk, which in the standard adopted was required to be not less than 11% per cent. The feature upon which analysts largely depend in ascertaining whether milk has been adulterated by watering is that, in normal milk, the solid matter other than fat is remark- ably constant inamount and very rarely indeed falls below 85 per cent. The amount of fat may vary largely and may ruu up to5 per cent. It is therefore necessary in stipulating standards to have regard to fat and solids-not-fat separately. This has now been done in the Amended Order referred to. Milk sold in St. Kitts must contain not less than 3 per cent. of fat, and must not contaim not less than 8°5 per cent. of solids other than fat. The Order also provides that the milk must not be drawn from any diseased cow, nor must it be diluted with any other liquid, and provision is made to enforce the production of milk under as sanitary conditions as’ possible. Vor. XV. No. 373. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 265 De en — eee Onion Seed for the Leeward Islands. During the first week in August, the SS. ‘Europa’ arrived at Barbados from Teneritte and landed 950 fb. of onion seed, consigned to the Imperial Department of Agriculture, for distribution in the Leeward Islands. This large amount ofseed. which is sufticient to plant approximately 250 acres, shows the great extension in onion growing that has taken place recently in Antigua and elsewhere. The growth of this industry has largely been the result of the activities of the Antigua Onion Growers’ Association, the organization of which has been referred to on frequent occasions in this Journal. Exports from Dominica, 1915. A statementof the imports and exports of Dominica during 1915 discloses that the value of the lime products exported was £170,655, compared with £149,018 in 1914, and £142,431 in 1913. An analysis of the first total given shows it to be composed of the following items: raw lime juice, £55,276; concentrated lime juice, £53,469; lime juice cordial, £891; green limes, £48,026; pickled limes, £524; lime oils, £12,469. Other figures that may be noted are coco-nuts, the exports of which were worth £1,582; cacao £39,301; Bay leaves, £423; and Bay oil, £387. The great proportion of these products. was taken by the United Kingdom. Returns from Different Cane Varieties in Demerara. The Daily Argosy (Demerara) for Saturday July 22, contains an interesting report showing the results of the cultivation of the principal varieties of sugar-cane crops of 1915, on not less than five planta- tions, and on areas of over 20 acres of the variety. The greatest quantity of sugar per acre was given by Green Transparent, namely, 2°03 tons; this is followed by D.118, which gave, on an average, 1°98 tons sugar per acre; then by D.185, D. 419 and D.625, The Barbados varieties and the Bourbon come low down in the list. B. 208, for instance, gave on an average only 1°52 tons of sugar per acre. This variety is bracketed with D. 109. The report under notice also gives the areas under the principal varieties of cane in 1915 and 1916. The variety D. 625 is by far the most popular variety in Demerara, though B. 208 and Bourbon occupy very considerable areas. This appears rather curious, consider- ing their yield of sugar per acre is below that of many other varieties.. A decrease in 1916, however, is indica- ted in the case of B. 208. On the other hand, there was an increase in the area under Bourbon. As regards the area under other crops, a_ large decrease is_indica- ted for maize and ground provisions, while considerable increases have occurred in regard to the areas under rice, coco-nuts, coffee and limes. Feeding Coco-nut Cake on Grass. The Journal of the Board of Agriculture (England) for May 1916, publishes details and conclusions arrived at on the use of coco-nut cake asa food suitable for beef production on aftermath or other grazing. Since the outbreak of war, the shortage of linseed and cotton cakes has caused the stock-feeder in the United Kingdom to turn his attention to feeding stutts which were somewhat unfamiliar to him: Of these coco-nut, ground-nut, and palm-nut kernel cakes are now well-known examples. Recent work has demon- strated the value ot coco-nut cake for milk production, but no information was available as to the value of coco-nut cake as a food for beef production in combina- tion with grass. Hence, as is indicated above, a field trial was conducted last year on the farm belonging to the Cambridge University School of Agriculture, with a view to getting evidence on this point. The beasts used for trial, fourteen in number, were Herefords, or of Hereford type, this type of animal being chosen in consequence of the belief that they would be more fastidious about cake than some of the other breeds. The trials consisted of feeding on grass without cake; cake feeding, including coco-nut cake, on grass; cake feeding, without coco-nut cake, on grass. Tables are given showing the results. Following are the conclu- slons arrived at:— (1) These trials appear to show that coco-nut cake when suitable in price, is useful, if judiciously used, for feeding to bullocks on grass; but that it is not very palatable, and so should be gradually introduced into a mixture of more pleasing foods. (2) The writers are inclined to advise restricting the amount to 50 per cent. of the concentrated ration. They further think it should be fed with something rather binding, such as cotton cake. (3) It is believed that without some such food as linseed cake, which is known to be much liked by cattle, much waste would take place, as it seems that when coco-nut cake is fed the abundant crumb which is formed is only eaten when mixed with something very tempting, such as linseed cake dust. (4) Itis the writers’ opinion that the ration to work up to is a daily ration of 4 tb. of a mixture 3 parts of coco-nut cake, 3 parts of cotton cake, and 2 parts of linseed cake. A foot note is added in reference to (3), to the effect that subsequent to these trials, cattle have repeatedly been found to eat freely a mixture of coco- nut cake and ground-nut cake. Oe Vomiting Sickness. An important paper appears in the Annals of Tropical Medicine and Parasitnology (issued by the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine) on ‘vomiting sickness inJamaica. Investigations have shown that the majority of cases in which a reliable history, con- cerning this fatal disease, was obtainable, akees (the fruit of Blighia sapida) formed part of the last meal taken in health, and that this article of food could not be excluded ina single case. Administration of an extract of akees produced typical symptoms of the disease in three kittens and one pup. In the paper nothing is said as to the probable nature of the poisonous principle, from the chemical stand-point, 266 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, INSECT NOTES. ATTEMPTS AT THE CONTROL OF PLANT BUGS. The many etforts that have been and are being made in the West Indies to evolve a satisfactory means of control of the cotton stainer, lend a special interest to an account given of work on the closely comparable problem afforded by the tarnished plant bug, Lygus pratensis, in North America. The following particulars are abstracted from the section dealing with means of control to be found in Bulletin No. 346 of the Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station, entitled “The Tarnished Plant Bug’, by C. R. Crossby and M.D. Leonard. Although the results of the different attempts at the control of this plant bug have been largely negative, they are nevertheless of value asa guide, while there is some possibility that although unsuccessful in regard to the tarnished plant bug, some of the attempts might prove helpful in regard to cotton stainer control. It is admitted that the control of the tarnished plant bug is still an unsolved problem. Most of the remedies suggested are either inadequate to meet the demands of pratical growers, unsuited to the conditions under which the crop is grown, or impracticable in other ways As regards the experiments made with contact insecticides, it is stated first that very indifferent results were obtained with kerosene, even under laboratory conditions In the field, the greater part of the injury is done to the plant by the adult bugs, which are particularly hard to hit and difficult to kill even when struck with the spray. Pyrethrum is unsatisfactory for the same reason as kerosene emulsion, and furthermore, it is too expensive to be used on a large scale. Soap solutions have not been used successfully. Simil- arly, tobacco decoctions have given negative results as a rule. Deterrents like unslaked lime, sulphur, and ashes have proved of little benefit. Many writers, realizing the inefficiency of both contact insecticides and deterrents, have recommended catching the insects in various ways. Jarring has been tried and with success, but only ona small scale. By this method the insects are shaken into pans containing soap or kerosene. Ina large field, a fresh supply of bugs will soon take the place of those captured, The insect net and the use of sticky shields have proved unsuccessful. The Bulletin under review then goes on to consider certain experiments made in New York. This work showed first of all, that the use of insecticides like soap, nicotine and kerosene emulsion for killing the tarnished plant bug AuGust 12, 1916. is entirely out of the question. It is added that it would doubtless be feasible to kill the nymphs in this way, but they do practically none of the damage Thinking that a substance with an obnoxious smell might have a deterrent effect, plants were sprayed with a 20- per cent. solution of tincture of asafcetida diluted 1 oz. in 50 oz. of water. On the next day there was no appreciable odour left on the piants, and there were apparently as many bugs present as before. Dusting experiments were next tried, and many diffi- culties were met with. It was found ultimately, that the cheapest and simplest method was the best, namely, the use of tinned quart milk cans. with the bottom perforated with a large number of nail holes to forma kind of pepper pot. Plants were dusted by means of this with flowers ot sulphur and hydrated lime in equal parts; flowers of sulphur and land plaster in equal parts; and land plaster alone. The dusting was discontinued owing to the fact that after a short time practically all the terminals show:d some injury on both the dusted and undusted rows. In experiments with sticky shields, smeared with ‘tree tanglefoot’, it was found that the device was not sufticiently efficient to make its use worth while. In an attempt to increase the efliciency of the screen, small branches were tacked on the ends so as to stir up the bugs and cause them to take flight. The result was not successful, and the device was ultimately discarded. Thinking that some sort of suction machine corres- ponding in principle to the wellknown house vacuum cleaner might be used for catching plant bugs, a blower was used having a 30-inch fan attached to a4 h.p. gasoline engine. With this machine, it was not found possible to get enough suction over an opening 8 inches in diameter to draw in bugs resting on the hand and held at the mouth of the pipe. Even if it were possible to construct a suction machine that would draw in adult bugs from the trees, such a machine would necessarily be so heavy that it would be very difficult to mount it so that it could be drawn through the nursery rows. The proximity of the rows to one another would also give rise to difficulties. In the face of these facts it was concluded that this method of catching the bugs is impracticable. An experiment with molasses as a trap, showed that this substance offers no attractions to the tarnished plant bug. The Bulletin under consideration concludes with suggestions for future experimental work in the control of the tarnished plant bug. As this insect flies low it was thought that wire fencing of a small mesh might be used to protect nurseries from infestation. It appears that the bugs will not fly over the fence but they will crawl up it, and once they reach the top, fly down on the other side. It is suggested that a band of sticky substance like tanglefoot might be run around the top of the fence, and such a device is thought to be worthy of trial, and the writers of the Bulletin under notice express their intention of proceeding further in this direction. The last suggestion is that bagging might be useful in the case of peach seedlings, to protect the leaders from injury, It is pointed out that the damage to the tips of the laterals does not atfect the commercial value of the tree. This method therefore is not impracticable, considering that enly a limited amount of bagging would have to be done. Voy Xv, Now 373: ADDITIONAL NOTES ON THE NATIVE FOOD PLANTS AND FEEDING HABITS OF THE COTTON STAINER IN ST. VINCENT. In previous articles published in the Agricultural News (Nos. 369 and 370). an account was given by Mr. W. N. Sands, F.L.S., Agricultural Superintendent, St. Vincent, of the native food plants and teeding habits of the cotton stainer (Dysdercus delauney?, Leth.) in St. Vincent, together with suggestions for the control of the pest. The notes embodied inthis account were made chiefly in the period February to May. Since the end of the last named month to date (July 20), additional investigations have been undertaken by Mr. Sands, and the results of these are of much interest and importance, Tt was shown in the articles referred to, that the silk- cotton (Briodendron anfractuosum) and ‘John Bull’ (Thespesia populnea) trees were the chief food plants of the cotton stainer in St. Vincent in the close season for cultivated cotton, and were therefore a menace to the cotton industry. Infestations of young cotton fields have now been definitely traced to these sources. In the Leeward District, notably at the Experiment Station and Clare Valley-Questelles cotton stainers from fruiting silk-cotton trees were found in the cotton cultivations in June searching for food; fortunately, the season was a late one, and the cotton in most cases had not reached the floweringstage. However, at the Experiment Station, young bolls on May sown cotton were immediately attacked and infected with internal boll disease. At Clare Valley and other places the pest found out and fed on cotton seed and eotton seed meal, used as manure, which had not been care- fully covered over with soil. In the Windward District, a fine field of cotton planted in April was badly attacked by cotton stainers from John Bull” trees, and a very high percentage of bolls was found to be diseased internally on July 15. The early planted cotton was, therefore, already badly damaved. There were no stainers on silk-cotton trees generally in July, but they were found in the vicinity of the trees feeding on seed disseminated by the wind. On fruiting ‘John Bull’ trees at this time they were still present in very large numbers in all stages of development. In the article published in the issue of the Agricultural News of July 1, which was written in May, the following passage occurs:— ‘When it is mentioned that cotton planting was started in April close to a large number of badly infected “John Bull” trees, it will be realized that unless the tree is destroyed, it will be impossible to prevent the cotton stainer from badly damaging the valuable Sea Island cotton crop.’ Tt will be seen that this apprehension was well founded, and the outlook for the cotton crop this season in some dis- tricts is thereby considerably clouded In view of the situation, the local Government proposes to pass immediately an Ordinance which will enable the Agricultural Department to take such action as may be deemed necessary to control the pest. A full account of the measures !aken and the result will be given at a later date, but it may be mentioned here that attention will be devoted at the outset of the campaign to the destruction of ‘John Bull trees and the collection of the stainers found on them, in order that the pest may not be driven into the young cotton fields. It is proposed to use the frnits of the John Bull trees, and possibly also cotton seed and cotton seed meal, as traps in the vicinity of the destroyed trees. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. WORK AT THE EXPERIMENT STATION, VIRGIN ISLANDS. Mr. W. C. Fishlock, Curator of the Experiment Station, Tortola, Virgin Islands, has submitted a quarterly report on the work of the Station tor the period ended June 30,1916. In the first part of the period under review, there was considerable activity in connexion with the sugar, cotton, lime, and onion crops. The cane crop, so far as the Station is concerned, was brought to a closeon April 18. As regards cotton, the last shipment of lint has not yet been made, but the factory was closed for the purchase of eotton on May 27. By July 7, 100 bales, aggregating 22,228 tb. lint had been shipped. There remained in store 6 bales and 2,550 tb. of ginned cotton. The preparation of a lot of fresh land for the cotton seed farm involved considerable labour. The fresh area had to be cleared of bush and cultivated. The present block will give a continuous area of close on 8 acres, and as less than 5 acres of cotton are required,it will be possible to effect a rotation of crops. As regards the condition and progress of the experiment plots, Mr. Fishlock gives details of the cultivation work per- formed but says little concerning their condition at time of writing. The coco-nut demonstration plots received attention in the way of cutlassing and weeding. Good growth is still being maintained on this plot. {tis hoped to lessen the cost of upkeep by allowing certain selected persons to make use of the land, rent free, in return for which they will be expected to keep the plants weeded. Concerning the onion industry, it is stated that the total weight of onions sold locally and shipped, amounted to 9,094 Tb., in addition, 50 tb. were kept in the drying house as an experiment to ascertain how long onions might be kept without deteriorating. When all transactions are completed, and the accounts made up, a report on the season’s work will be sent in. Turning to the cotton industry, it is of interest to note that the Government has decided to put a profit-sharing scheme into operation with the coming crop, i.e., in November next. Notices have been issued concerning this scheme Fortunately, the planting season has, in the main, been favourable; but trade conditions in St. Thomas are bad owing to the dislocation of business caused by the war and the stopping of the Hamburg American Line of steamers, thus causing many British Virgin Island persons who had formerly found employ- ment in St. Thomas, to return home. The conditions are also very unsettled in San Domingo. This combination of circumstances has had the effect of turning the people's attention to cultivation in their own islands, and, as cotton is one of the few crops they can plant with good hope of fair returns, they are planting more freely than has been the case for some years past. It is hoped that, once they can tide over the first year and secure a sausfactory bonus, the profit-sharing scheme will prove to be all for the good of the industry. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, Aucust 12, 1916. GLEANINGS, The Curator of the Experiment Station, Tortola, has for- warded a return showing the quantity of concentrated lime juice exported from the Presidency of the Virgin Islands for the quarter ended June 30,1916. This amounted to 6 casks containing 240 gallons, valued at £50. We have been informed by the Agricultural Superinten- dent, St. Lucia, that a small patch of Columnrais coffee has been successfully raised by the Agricultural Department and that a few plants will be set out at Réunion Experiment Station for trial. This coffee was described in the Agricul- tural News. By June 30, 1914, fifteen societies with unlimited liability, had been registered in Mauritius under the pro- visions of the Co-operative Credit Societies Ordinance (1913). The aggregate working capital of these societies amounted to Rs. 125,676, of which a sum of Rs. 37,550 or less than 30 per cent. was lent by the Government. A paper in Mededeelingen Van Het Proefstation voor de Java Suikerindustrie, on the morphology of the sugar-cane, with illustrations, which is preliminary to a description of the varieties of sugar-cane, should prove valuable to the same end in the West Indies. Those engaged in the selection of the sugar-cane should give this paper their attention. ee The Agricultural Department in the Southern Provinces of Nigeria furnishes the native cacao growers with a certifi- cate when their cacao has been cured, according to the rules laid down by the Department. Where a certificate is held, the merchants have willingly given a higher price for the cacao. This practical method naturally appeals to the farmer, and has done much good. Reference to the different species of Castilloa rubber tree will be found in the Bulletin of the Jamaica Department of Agriculture (Vol. I, No. 8). There appears to be three different species in Jamaica: Castilloa Guatemaltaca, the first introduced into Jamaica; Castilloa elastica, the true Castilloa; and C. costaricana, from Costa Riea, of which there is now a small plantation in Jamaica. Conclusions as to the manuring of corn are to be found! in the Phillipine Agriculturist and Forester for January to February 1916. In Philippine soils, the use of reasonable: amounts of phosphatic manure appears to be profitable. Corn does not seem to show any sign of. preferring one form of fertilizer to another as a means of supplying the same element of plant food. Applying large amounts of commercial nitrogenous fertilizers does not pay in the Philippines, According to anarticle in the Gurdener’s Chronicle for: May 20, 1916, leaf spot on vines is closely correlated with the amount of boron compounds in the soil solution. The question has been raised, as to whether the condition of the leaves of sugar-cane grown on ‘gall’ patches in Antigua may not be caused by the same compounds. Boric acid in solution above a certain concentration is toxic to plants; when present in lower proportions it produces spotting or browning of the leaves. The price of all kinds of skins is so high at present that the Jamaica Agricultural Society is agitatmg that in time tanning might be increased to such an extent in Jamaica that it would be unnecessary to import leather. In connexion with this suggestion, the Journal of the Society reproduces some useful notes on the manufacture of leather. These- show that the defects are—the importance of drying, trim- ming and curing. Curing is done by spreading ordinary coarse salt evenly all over the hide. We have received a copy of the Jamaica Daily Gleaner for July 3, 1916, containing a map showing the level or easily accessible areas in that island which are suggested as_ being suitable for the cultivation of sugar. Altogether of first class land there is an estimated available area of 84,205 acres, and an available area of second class land amounting to 33,500 acres. This gives a total of 117,705 acres, which is a larger area than that estimated by the West India Committee in their recent investigation concerning the extension of the British Colonial sugar industry. The general result of the Woburn pot culture experi- ments and field experiments with Professor Bottomley’s ‘Humogen’ is as follows: Under conditions such as those obtaining in green-house cultivation, and where plants can be regularly watered and tended, a good preparation of humogen may produce a very marked increase in the growth of the green parts of plants and in the growing of green crops, but it will show practically no benefit in the produe- tion of grain. Under natural conditions of crops growing in the open, it has not as yet been established that, as regards the ordinary corn crops of the farm, any advantage is likely to accrue from the use of humogen when used in quantity such as a farmer is likely to be able to afford, Details as to these experiments conducted at Woburn will be found in the Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, Vol. 76 (1915). Vor Xv.) Now 3/3: USEFUL FACTS CONCERNING THE BANANA. The Banana and Its Culture in Jamaica, is the title of a useful article by the Director of Agriculture of that Colony, appearing in the /wlletin of the Depart- ment of Jamaica, New Series, Vol. I, No. 4, issued during 1911. The writer gives consideration first to the botanical aspects of the banana plant, special attention being given to the root system and the fruit system, both of which are obviously of great importance in connexion with culture and yield. As most planters will know, the banana has an extensive root system, but one that has very weak penetrative power and is exceedingly susceptible to any adverse conditions in the soil. Free drainage to a depth of 4 to 5 feet for the accommodation of the anchor roots, and a mellow tilth for the free development of the roots in the surface soil, are two conditions that are essential. Where rainfall is deficient, irrigation must he provided, as the succulent roots of the banana plant very easily perish from want of moisture. In regard to the fruiting system, it is pointed out that there are three sets of flowers, and that the number of ‘hands’ in the bunch is determined as soon as the three types of flowers on the stalk have been formed; it is therefore evident that the grade of fruit is settled at a com- paratively early period in the life of a sucker. The size of the individual ‘fingers’ may be modified by subsequent circumstances, bnt the number of ‘hands’ that a bunch shall contain is incapable of increase in the later stages of growth. The section in the article under review dealing with varieties of the banana is of very considerable interest. It shows how the millions of bananas now cultivated in Jamaica have practically all been derived from a single plant of Gros Michel, introduced into Jamaica about 1836 by John Francois Pouyat, a French botanist and chemist who settled in the Colony about 1820. It is stated that while other varieties are grown to a limited extent, the Gros Michel, for size, flavour, uniformity of bunch, and good ship- ping qualities, is superior to any other in Jamaica. Some thirty varieties of bananas have been under trial at the Hope Gardens for the past seven or eight years, and although many of these have a high reputation in India, Java and other parts of the East, they nevertheless possess, as already intimated, some defect from the commer- cial stand-point. The Chineese banana or Cavendish banana common in Barbados, is regarded as quite inferior for all commercial purposes in Jamaica as compared with the Gros Michel. It has to be remembered, however, that there are many who prefer the distinctive flavour of the Cavendish banana to that of the larger, but somewhat coarser Gros Michel. Tn dealing with banana soils, the writer draws attention to the remarkable developments that have followed the initi- ation of schemes of irrigation. In one part in the dry plains of St. Catherine, 10,000 acres of land that was formerly only of nominal value for grazing purposes, have been made to produce good crops of bananas simply by the artificial appli- cation of water. In the parish of Trelawny are found some of the richest soils in the island, but owing to the droughts that periodically occur, the bananas have been found to be apt to dry ont; but the planters have successfully overcome this difficulty by means of mulching, that is by the appli- cation of grass mulch on a liberal scale, thereby improving the moisture content of the soil. It is of interest to note this good effect of mulching in the case of the banana, since THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 269 its value has already been demonstrated in regard to cacao and limes. The reader who wishes to begin planting bananas will find full instructions given in the article under consideration. Some of the information consists of that furnished by planters themselves and can be regarded as essentially practical and, therefore, useful. Concerning the distance of planting, it appears that any departure from the usual system of 14 feet spacing, which is now generally adopted in Jamaica, does not prove advantageous in the long run. In regard to preparing holes for suckers, it is stated that fairly deep holes measuring, say, 2 feet 6 inches each, will give better results than the usual shallow hole 1 foot deep. The suckers to be planted are selected six to eight months old, when they are about 10 feet high. The information then given concerns cultivation after planting, the treatment of suckers, including pruning. Concerning harvesting methods, it is believed that instead of employing the cutter by himself, it is a better plan to have a cutter and a helper working together, the latter catching the bunch and handing it to women who are employed to carry it to a particular spot. Much interest centres round the probable return from banana cultivation, especially if the figures are such as refer to actual plantation practice. In the article under consider- ation, accounts submitted by two Jamaica planters are published, and these provide us with a good insight into the expenses and returns that may be expected. On one estate, the total annual expenditure was £2,038 14s. 4d., and the total receipts £3,635 10s. 8d. This refers to an estate of 200 acres, in an irrigated district. On another estate situated ina non-irrigated district on the north side, the total expenditure was £1,250, and the total receipts £2,668. On this estate 30 acres were planted to produce a crop the following year. There were besides 135 acres yielding fruit, of which 50 acres were plants, and 85 ratoons. These figures indicate that very considerable profits may be looked for from banana culture, especially after the plantation has become established, and provided that there isan organized system of transport and marketing, such as exists in Jamiaca. The area under bananas in Jamiaca in 1909-10 was 69,066 acres, and the value of the fruit exported in 1909-10 was something approaching 14 million pounds sterling. This shows the enormous dimensions of the Jamaica banana industry. In 1915 the value of the bananas exported was £1,490,563, the area under this crop being 86,854 acres. The weather in the neighbourhood of the Virgin Islands during July was in a disturbed condition around the 9th instant. According to the Curator of the Experiment Station, the clouds on the 8th indicated anti-eyclonie condi- tions, but by the morning of the 9th these conditions changed, and the wind blew from about north-east, with squalls of rain, the barometer being somewhat low. During the day, the wind veered from east to south-east, and in the after- noon blew quite strongly from nearly south. Heavy rain fell on the afternoon of the 10th,and thunder occurred on the morning of the 11th. The movements of the wind and the cloud indicated the passage of a cyclonic disturbance to the south- west of Tortola. The state of weather referred to was connected with the cyclone that was the cause of several days? delay of steamers southward bound at that time from New York to the West Indian islands, THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. August 12, 1916, PLANT DISEASES. A NEW CANE DISEASE IN PORTO RICO. The following account of a disease of sugar-cane not previously recognized in the New World will be read with some concern by sugar planters. It is taken from the report of the Pathologist in the Fourth Report of the Board of Commissioners of Agriculture of Porto Rico, 1914-15. Cytospora sacchari. ‘This is a comparatively new disease of cane, for which no common name has as yet been proposed. Tt was first discovered in 1912 by the former pathologist, on foreign varieties of cane at Rio Piedras, and there seems no reasonable doubt but that it was introduced with some one of these varieties, Jarge numbers of which were brought in from all parts of the world until the establishment of the plant quarantine. The only other known report of its occur- rence outside of Porto Rico is from British India, where it was described as a very unimportant disease of the stalk and deaf sheaths. To date it has been found in Porto Rico on the following cane varieties: at Rio Piedras on Barbados Nos. 7169, 6385, 1753, 8660, 7245, 3696, 3859; Demerara No. 109. Near Carolina a well developed case was found in Rayada cane, though still confined to a small area, and in the eastern end of the island, B.1355, B.3922, D.117, GC.759, and GC. 47 were attacked. The symptoms of the disease are well marked. Young shoots are killed outright, others checked in their growth, and at least the lower leaves killed. The leaf sheaths are bound firmly together about the stalk by the mycelium of the fungus, the leaf blades drooping in a characteristic manner. The exposed portions of the leaf sheaths are a dull dark-red in colour, and are covered in profusion with the fruit- ing bodies of the fungus, the long sharp-pointed necks of which project beyond the surface sufficiently to be readily seen, and give a rough sensation when the hand is rubbed over the area. During wet weather a minute yellowish globule of conidia can be seen with a hand Jens exuding from the mouth of each pyenidium or fruiting body. In addition to killing outright young shoots, the older stalks are invaded with a resulting dry rot which renders them worthless for sugar production. Because of the fact that this fungus, of no importance in other parts of the world, has been able to attack a number of varieties of cane here, and do some damage, fears have been entertained that it would become epidemic. The situation is being closely watched, and an attempt will be made to eradicate it completely in those localities where it has appeared, THE ABSENCE OF CITRUS CANKER FROM PORTO RICO. A matter of interest to citrus growers, from the same source as the above, is the report of the quarantine measures taken against citrus canker, and on the results of a search for the disease, in Porto Rico. As soon as the serious nature of this disease and the pos- sibility of its entry into Porto Rico was realized, a press notice- was issued as a warning to the growers. A quarantine measure was provided by the Board of Agriculture in Decem- ber, prohibiting the entry of all citrus material from the Gulf States. The regulation was broadened in April to include alk living plant material from the citrus-producting States, and citrus material from all parts of the United States. Great care has been taken to enforce this ruling, various packages of plants having been turned back or destroyed. Since the disease existed in Florida and other of the Gulf States for some time before it was discovered and announcement of it made, there was the possibility that during that time it might have reached the island on shipments of citrus or other nursery stock sent from infected nurse- ries. Since the disease is bacterial in its nature and very resistant toknown methods of treatment, ordinary quarantine precautions such as fumigation as practised against insects, defoliation, etc., would not have availed. to prevent its entry. Consequently the necessity arose of inspect- ing all shipments of plants to Porto Rico from the infected States, for as far back as the disease was known to have been present. The carrying out of this task was made possible by securing alist of all such shipments from the quarantine records. Then, as rapidly as possible, a careful search for canker was made on all plants included in these shipments in the various groves and gardens where they had been planted: This work has, to date, yielded no traces of canker, though certain of the plants have been examined several times. It is felt that at the present time Porto Rico is free of canker. Whether or not this freedom can be maintained, depends largely upon the attitude of the growers themselves. PLANTS THAT STUPEFY FISH. In Dominica, some years ago, fruits of a tree known locally as the Bois Bambarra, were obtained from the Pointe Mulatre estate and forwarded to Kew for identification. These, in due course, were reported to be the fruits of a species of Diospyros. Owing to the absence of complete her- barium material, it was not possible to give the specific name. This matter remained in abeyance for several years, until a specimen of Bois Bambarra flowered in the Botanic Gardens, On receipt of this material at Kew, the tree was identified as Diospyros Ehenaster, Retz. To the present, considerable doubt has existed in the minds of botanists as to the habitat of this plant. From careful enquiries made, there can be no question that Diospyros Ebenaster, Retz., is indigenous to Dominica. It occurrs in the forest as a large tree, and is fairly common near the coast on the Windward side of the island. It prefers localities in which the rainfall is ample, consequently it does not occur on the dry Leeward Coast. In Dominica the fruits of Bois Bambarra are used for stupefying fish. The fruits are collected in quantity, then reduced toa pulp, which is placed in sacks or baskets for submergence in the deep pools in the rivers. In the case of fast flowing rivers, attempts are made to divert the rush of water as much as possible away from the pools about to be poisoned. In the list of Dominica timber trees the Bois Bambarra is described as ‘a large tree 4 to 5 feet in diameter of trunk; wood tough and strong. employed for oars, mortars, pestles, etc., timber also available for inside house work.’ An interesting article on Dyospyros Ebenaster, Retz. appeared in the Kew Bulletin, No. 2. 1915. Vor. XV. No. 373. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 271 Another plant used for poisoning fish is known locally as the ‘Nivrai’*. Herbarium specimens were obtained and forwarded to the Director of Kew, who kindly furnished the following memorandum: ‘The plant received for detesmin- ation is Clibadwum Vargesii, DC. It is described by Grisebach in the Flora of the British West Indies as C. Badiert, but the former name is the corrrect one to use. ‘Greshoff, in Med. s’ Lands Plant, 1X, p. 91, mentions its use for the purpose of poisoning fish. He calls it C. surinamense, Linn., following Baker’s nomenclature in the Flora Brasiliensis; but C. swrinanense proves, on a eritical examination, to be quite different, and it does not seem to have the same properties as C. Vargesii, D.C. (C. Badverv -Griseb.). ‘Besides Dominica, the same species occurs in Trinidad, British and French Guiana, Brazil, Venezuela, Bolivia and Columbia, and on the labels of many of the specimens from these countries there is frequent inention of the use of the leaves in poisoning fish.’ A third plant used as fish poison is known locally as ‘Erb-a-Picque.’ It was identified by the Kew authorities as Neurolaena lobata, R.Br. It is recorded from Cuba, Jamaica, Martinique, St. Vincent, Grenada, Tobago, Trini- dad, Mexico to Ecuador, and the Guianas. In bygone days this plant was also used locally as a remedy for yaws. At the present it is employed in coajunc- tion with the bark of the Mammee apple (Mammea americana) for making a wash for application to animals infested with ticks. For the purpose of stupefying fish the soft stems and leaves of the two last named plants are collected in consid- erable quantities and pounded before immersion in the pools. Both the ‘Nivrai’ and the ‘Erb-a-Picque’ are mild in their effects, in comparison with the powerful action of the fruits of the Bois Bambarra. The killing of fish in rivers either by poisoning, or by the use of explosives is forbidden by law. In spite of the prohibition both means are employed to a considerable extent in the country districts. The use of plants and their fruits for this purpose, which involves a considerable amount -of labour, will probably cease in future and in their place the much too easily obtained dynamite cartridge is likely to become the sole means of effecting this unlawful purpose. (Report on the Agricultural Department, Dominica, 1914-15.) THE MANUFACTURE AND STORAGE OF PEN MANURE. At a meeting of the Antigua Agricultural and Commer- ‘cial Society held on July 7, the subject entered on the agenda for discussion was that of the manufacture and storage of ‘pen manure. By way of opening the discussion, a short address was ‘delivered by Dr. Tempany on certain points connected with this important problem. In his remarks the speaker reminded his hearers thit about ten years ago the same ‘question was discussed at a meeting of the Society by Dr. Watts, in relation to the results obtained with certain manurial experiments with cane. He pointed out that during the intervening period abundant confirmation had been forthcoming from numerous *Probably corruption of French word ‘Neuri’, meaning to deaden: to stupefy. quarters as to the paramount importance of maintaining the humus supply of soil under tropical conditions, and instanced. the statement made by Mr. A. D. Hall to the meeting of the agricultural section of the British Association in 1914. In view of the importance of organic manures, he therefore made no apology for returning to the subject, since in such an important matter it was essential that planters should endeavour to produce the largest possible amounts of organic material for manurial purposes, in the most economical and different. Those anxious to obtain information as to the relative manurial value of pen manures and other organic substances capable of being utilized for manurial purposes, would find in the report on the Experiments on Sugar-cane conducted in the Leeward Islands during the year 1914-15, and recently published, a tabular summary containing analyses. of over fifty representative samples of substances of this description; this had been reproduced with considerable additions and extensions from an earlier report. Examination of some of the typical analyses of pen manure would show the very marked variation in composition exhibited by different samples, and he put it to the meeting, that in view of the importance of the question, more attention might be paid with advantage to this matter, and that the investigation of the losses taking place in the making of pen manure under the ordinary system practised on estates would abundantly repay the expenditure of money and effort. He pointed out that under the system of manufacturing pen manure in vogue at the time, inadequate provision often existed for checking losses from the pens by leaching; more- over, in the absence of any means of checking these losses it was in possible to measure their extent. He then went on to show how it would be possible defin- itely to measure the losses which are occurring in this way, by building specially constructed pens from which the excreta of the animals kept therein, together with the bedding and the litter were removed daily and stored in a specially constructed covered receptable; the floor of the pen would be sloped and. provided with gutters and asumpit for the preservation of liquid manure; this could be pumped from time to time over the heap. If a given number of cattle were kept in this way, and an equal number stored in an adjoining pen taking care that the number of cattle experimented with were sufficient to eliminate errors due to individual idiosyneracy, and also to maintain exact equality in the matter of feeding conditions, at the end of a known period of time it should be possible to ascertain the amount of manure produced in each pen, and by careful sampling and analysis to determine the relative value of each lot. Apart from these considerations, it appeared to him that the health of the cattle would probably improve if they were not required to live over their excrement, as is frequently the case under present conditions. He alluded to certain experiments on these lines which were taking place in St. Croix, andasked that planters would give the matter serious consideration with a view to taking similar action in Antigua. In the discussion which followed. a number of planters took part, and while divergent opinions were expressed as to the magnitude of the losses which were taking place, it was generally agreed that it would be very advantageous if a series of experiments could be carried out to ascertain their exact characctes. ‘London.—Tus bo oe i bo MARKET REPORTS. WEsT June 29, 1916. InpiA ComMITTEE CIRCULAR, ArkROoWROOT—3d. Batata—Sheet, 2s. 5d.; block Qs. 2d. to 2s. 7d. Brrswax—No quotations. Cacao—Trinidad, 88/-; quotations. Corrre—Jamaica, no quotations. Corpra—£31 10s. Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no queta- tions; West Indian Sea Island, 13d. to 20d. Frvit—No quvtations. Fustic—£6 to £7. Gincer—Jamaica, 95/- to 120/-. IsmveLass—No quotations. Honey—No quotations. Lime Juice—Raw, no quotations; concentrated, no quota tions; Otto of limes (hand-pressed), no quotations. Locwoop—£8 to £8 10s. Macre—7d. to 3s. Nurmecs—9d. to Is. 2d. Pimento—£8 to £8 10s. Russer—Para, fine hard, 2/7}; fine soft, 2/5; Castilloa, no quotations. Roum—Jamaica, no quotations. Grenada, 82/-; Jamaica, no New York.—Messrs. Giutespre Bros. & Co., April 26, 1916. Oacao—Caracas, 16$c. to 16$c.; Grenada, 15$c. to 16c.; Trinidad, 16c. to 164c.; Jamaica, 14}c. to 15c. Coco-nuts—Jamaica and ‘Trinidad selects, $43°00 to $45°00; culls, $28°00 to $30°00. Jorrre—Jamaica, 94c. to 12c. per th. GuncER—l5c. to 18c. per tb. Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 60c.; Antigua and Barbados, 58c. to 60c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 56c. to 58c. per tb. Grave Frurr—Jamaica, $1°25 to $2:00, Limes—$10°00 to $12°00. Macre—40c. to 52c. per th. Noutmrcs—22ce. to 28c. Orances—Jamaica, $2°25 to $3:00, Pinento—bdte. to 5jc. per th. Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 6:14ce;. to 6°39c. Muscovados, 89°, 5°49c. to 5°74c; Molasses, 89°, 5°387c. to 5°62c., all duty paid. Trinidad.—Messrs. Gorvoy, Grant & Co., July 29, 1916, Oacao—Venezuelan, $1600 to $16°50; Trinidad, $15°25 to $15°60. Coco-nut O1r—$1°25 per Imperial gallon, Corrrr— Venezuelan, no quotations, Corra—$5°75 to $6°00 per 100 th. Duatr—No quotations. Ontons—$1°50 per 100 th. Peas, Sprit—$11-‘00 per bag. Porarors—English $6°00 per 100 th. Ricr—Yellow, $7°25 to $7°75; White., $7°50 to $7-75 per bag. Svcar—American crushed, no quotations, THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Aucusr 12, 1916. Barbados.—Messrs. James A. Lyncu & Co., Ltd., July 26, 1916; T. S. Garraway & Co., July 25, 1916. Arrowkoot—$5'00 per 100 th. Cacao—$14:00 per 100 th. Coco-nuts—$24°00 husked nuts. Hay—$1°85 to $1-90 per 100 th. Manures—Nitrate of soda no quotations; Cacao manure, quotations; Sulphate of ammonia, $105-00 to $110-00 per ton. Mo tasses—No quotations. Ontons—$3°55 to $5:00. Pras, Sprit—$11°50 per 210 tb.; Canada, $6°00 per 120 th. Potators—Nova Scotia, no quotations. Rice—Ballam, no quotations; Patna, ; no quotations; Rangoon, no quotations. Sucar—Muscovado centrifugals, $4°60 to $5-00. British Guiana.—Messrs. Wietinc & RicuTEr, June 50, 1916; Messrs. June 30, 1916. SANDBACH, Parker & (Co, ARTICLES. Messrs. WIETING & RicHTer. Messrs. Sanp- BACH, PARKER. Co. ARROWROOT—St. Vincent Batata— Venezuela block Demerara sheet Cacao—Native Cassava— Cassava STaRcH— Coco-nutTs— CorrrE—Creole Jamaica and Rio Liberian DxHAaLt— Green Dhal Eppors— Mo tasses— Yellow Ontons—Teneriffe Madeira Pras—Split Marseilles PLanTarns— Porators—Nova Scotia Lisbon Portators--Sweet, B’bados| Rice—Ballam Creole TANNIAS— Yans—White Buck Suear—Dark crystals Yellow White Molasses TiMBER—GREENHEART Wallaba shingles $65-00 l6c. per th. $20 to $24 per M. 14e. ldc. per fb. $6°75 to $7-00 $1°32 None Te. $12-00 to $12°50 24c. to 48c. $4°50 to $5-00 $5-00 to $5°10 48c. to 72c. per cub. foot $475 to $6°75 per M. » Cordwood! $2°00 to $2-40 per ton 5e. per tb. 68c. 19¢c. per tb. $24 per M. Ile. per tb. $7°50 to $7-75 39-00 to $10-00 $12-00 to 13-00 per bag. (210, tb.) $4°80 to $5-00 | $4°50 to $4-00 5°00 to $5°10 32c. to 55c. per cub. foot $500 to $7°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 1s. each. Post free, 1s. 2d.; Volumes II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII and XIV:—Price 2s.each; Post free 2s. 8d., where complete. (IIL, 2. IV, 3; and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.) Volume XV, Nos. 1, 2 and No. 3. Containing the following papers: Two Scoliid Parasites of Scarabaeid Larvae in Barbados, by W. Nowell, D.I.C.; On Legislating Against Plant Diseases, by Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Sc., F.I.C.; Notes on Trichogramma Minutum, by 8. C. Harland, B.Se.; Bay Oil and the Cultiva- tion of the Bay Tree as a Crop Plant, by H. A. Tempany, D.Sc., F.I.C., and W. Robson; The Rise of Dominica, by Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Se., F.LC.; The Hitchin Bacon Factory, by J. W. Welsh; A Summary of the Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the West Indies, by W. R. Dunlop. HANDBOOK AND PAMPHLET SERIES. The Pamphlets and Handbooks are written in a simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially adapted to West Indian conditions. issued up to the present time is eighty-two, Suear Iypustry. Seedling and other Canes at Barbados in 1900, No. 3, price 2d.; in 1901, No. 19; in 1903, No. 26; in 1904. No. No. 13; in 1902 29. 32; price 4d. each. 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 Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are out of print. GENERAL. (7) and (22) Scale 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. Seedling Canes and Manurial Experiments at Barbados, (60) Cotton Gins, How to Erect and Work Them. Price 4d. in 1903-5, No. 40; in 1904-6, No. 44;in 1905-7, No. 49; (65) Hints for School Gardens, Fourth Edition. in 1906-8, No. 59; in 1907-9, No. 62, No. 66, price 6d. each. (71) Insect Pests of the Lesser Antilles. (Handbook). Price (unbound) 1s. 8d. Bound in cloth, 2s. 3d. Seedling and other Canes in the Leeward Islands, (72) Lime Cultivation in the West Indies. (Handbook). Price 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. (unbound) 9d. Bound in cloth, 1s. 8d. (73) Root Borers and other Grubs in West Indian Soils. Price 6d. (74) Cotton Cultivation in the West Indies, (Handbook). (unbound) 9d. Bound in cloth, ls. 8d. Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the Leeward Islands, (75) tare Eee of Sugar-cane in Antigua and St. Kitts. in 1902-3, No. 30; in 1903-4, No. 36; in 1904-5, No. 42; (re India Casa Prise in 1905-6, No. 47; in 1906-7, No. 51; in 1907-8, No. 57; : ep) eee aie Tat : : Re a NOT. Nae 7) Erysipelas and Hoose. Price 2d. in 1908-9, No. 64; in 1909-10, No. 68; price 4d. each. (78) Onion Cultivation. Price 3d. (79) Root Diseases of Lime Trees in Forest Districts. Price 3d. (80) Hints to Settlers in St. Lucia. Price 6d. (81) Agricultural Resources of St. Lucia. Price 3d. (82) Indoor Gardening for Schools. Price 6d. The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of $d. for the pamphlets marked 2d.; 1d. for those marked 4d. and for Nos 73 and 15; Idd. for Nos. 40, 44, 49, 59, 62, 63, 67 and 74. Postage for No. 71, 4d, and for No. 72, 2d. Price Sugar-cane Experiments in the Leeward Islands, in 1910-11; in 1911-12; in 1912-13, in 1913-14, price 1s. each, 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. All applications for copies are to be addressed to the Agents, not to the Department. ents. The following have been appointed Agents for ise of the publications of the Department:— London: Messrs. Dutav & Co., 37, Soho Square, W. Wesr Ixpra Commirrer, 15, Seething Lane. Barbados: ApvocatE Co. Lrp., Broad Street, Bridgetown. Jamaica: Tue EpucationaL Surry Company, 16, King Street, Kingston. British Guiana: Toe Arcosy Co., Lrp., Georgetown. Trinidad: Messrs. Murr-Marsuati & Co., Port-of-Spain. St. Kitts: Toe Breve AND Book Suppty AGENCY, BASSETERRE Tobago: Mr. C. L. PuaceMann, Scarborough, Nevis: Messrs. Howett, Bros., Charlestown. Canada: Lewis W. CuemeEns, 71 King Street, West, Toronto. Grenada: Messrs. THos. Lawton & Co., St. George. St. Vincent: Mr. J. D. Bonapre, ‘Times’ Office. St. Lucia: Mr. R. W. Nites, Botanic Station. Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. BrrpgewareEr, Roseau. Montserrat: Mr. W. Rosson, Botanic Station. Antigua: Mr. 8. D. Matong, St. John’s. Vou. XV. No. 373. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. , Aucust WelelolG: THE BEST ‘MANURE FOR COLONIAL USE L = SS Batis ” Fn Dissolved = (Soluble) - Guano FOR SUGARCANE AND GHYBRAL USE. APPLY “f@" LOCAL AGENTS OR DIRECH T0:— 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. VLSEMISS OED: SELECTED WEST INDIAN BULLETIN, SEA ISLAND COTTON SEED. Vol. XV, No. 4. We make a speciality of selecting Sea Island Cotton Seed for planting purposes, and solicit orders from the neighbouring Islands. PROCEEDINGS AT THE WEST INDIAN COTTON Quotations on application. ‘THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE CONFERENCE, 1916. COTTON FACTORY, LIMITED, a WHITE PARK, PRICE Is, each, — POST FREE, Is, ai, BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS. HANDBOOK SERIES. Insect Pests of the Lesser Antilles. Pp. 210, Figs. 185. Price (unbound) 1s. 37. Bound in cloth, 2s. 37. Lime Cultivation in the West Indies. Pp. 186, Figs. 17. Price (unbound) 947. Bound in eloth, 1s. 8/ Cotton Cultivation in the Wissk Indies. Pp. 118, Figs. 35. Price (unbound), 97. Bound in cloth, As. Printed at Office of Agricultural Reporter, 4 High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados, a EY KAS a Lefa Sy cK { \ : N Vol. XV. No. 374] SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 1916. [One penny. MAIL, PASSENGER & CARGO SERVICES FROM THE WEST INDIES | i 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 & PARAMARIBO | Grenada & Trinidad. | f Trinidad, Puerto Colombia, |PANAMA CANAL & PACIFIC PORTS _ - Cartagena, Colon, Panama, Callao, Iquique, Antofagasta & Valparaiso. REGULAR MAIL, PASSENGER AND CARGO SERVICES FROM THE 1 UNITED KINGDOM TO BRAZIL, URUGUAY & ARGENTINA Via Spain, Portugal, Madeira & St. Vincent. REGULAR SAILINGS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM TO MOROCCO, CANARY ISLANDS & MADEIRA, = be STRAITS SETTLEMENTS, HONG-KONG, CHINA 3 & JAPAN. — Head Office: 18, Moorgate Street, London. Branches at BARBADOS, Trinidad, Tobago, Demerara, Co'on, Jamaica, Antilla, New York, Halifax N.S., Buenos Aires, Santos, Seo Paulo Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, etc. / THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. THE TREATMENT OF TickK-INFESTED CATTLE | = - Some Notes on Hand-:Spraying earns von Tick-destroying preparations may be applied to Cattle in three ways, namely, (1) by hand; (2) by the use of Spray Pumps; , (3) by means of the Dipping Tank. . THE DIPPING TANK is the best and cheapest meags of applying remedies when large herds arp 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 countri¢és 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 warrangin 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 necesstry 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 Ipcated 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 than a 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 be 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 an angle. A nozzle with a very small aperture should net 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 fope for this purpose. The Spraying Operation. Hold the nozzle some O55 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. ; ; 291 Home Projects in Agricul- Tobacco, Growing Wrap- tural Education ... 301) per under Shade... «DABS Further Argument for Agricultural Colleges. \EGIN Volume I of the Transactions of the 2 =U Third International Congress of Tropi- DQ Ue cal Agriculture, held at the Imperial Institute during June 1914, will be found the papers that were read on the subject of agricultural education. Taken as a whole it cannot be said that these communications lead us very much farther ahead, particularly in connexion with the Bh HD SESE question of tropical agricultural col- leges. That these institutions are needed appears to have been generally recognized at the Congress, but no suggestions were made as to carrying the idea into ettect. The outbreak of war., a month later, naturally had the ettect of causing a complete cessation of public the matter, but during the past two years, the extraordinary revelations which the war interest in has produced in regard to showing the national impor- tance of science, has tended to revive public interest in the matter, and there is every possibility that this will increase 1n the future. The relative importance to Great Britain of her tropical possessions would appear to become greater and greater the longer the war continues, and in this fact would appear to lie one of the strongest arguments for the immediate provision of better educational and re- search facilities. In the case of cotton, we observe a very ominous development of the spinning industry in the United States and the increasing home consumption of It would appear—and the matter has been openly admitted by Mires tice a Ys 1 San R7 1 the British Cotton Growing Association—that Lanca- the raw material produced in that country. shire’s supply of cotton will have to depend more and more upon production within the Empire, and this will mean a very large extension of the cotton growing In order to compete with the home con- sumption of raw cotton in the United States, this British-grown cotton will have to be produced cheaply especially in view of the further handicap of heavy freight charges. areas. 290 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. SEPTEMBER 9, 1916. Another kind of raw material which constitutes an important tie between Great Britain and the tropics is rubber. The amount of Bntish capital invested in rubber plantations is very great indeed, and no matter whether this rubber is shipped to British or American manufacturers it is of the greatest importance to main- tain high dividends by reducing the cost of production and by the prevention of undue depreciation on the -estates. In regard to sugar, also, there are signs that the economic connexion between Great Britain and the tropics will be strengthened. Political action will probably be taken to secure a larger supply of British- grown sugar than in the past; but the most satis- factory way and probably the only way of increasing the amount of British-grown sugar will be by reducing to the lowest possible point the cost of production so -as to enable the British colonies to compete with foreign rivals—both beet and cane—if necessary in the open market. In the case ofall three of these raw materials future progress appears to depend upon efficient pro- duction. Efficient production means the application of science in its widest and most practical sense—in improving soil fertility, in fighting diseases of plants, animals and man, in training labour, in introducing improved implements and machinery, in breeding better plants, in improving transport facilities, and in being methodical and economical in every direction. To carry this into effect requires an elaborate educa- tional organization, It is not sufficient to educate one -class of worker connected with a great industry and neglect another. Labour needs instruction in manual -operations and in co-operative action; the estate manager needs training in the principles and practices -of crop production, in labour management and business matters and requires further to possess a good general . knowledge of the sciences underlying the art he practises; even the capitalist whose money is invested in tropical agriculture requires a sound theoretical knowledge of matters relating to the crop in which he is interested in order that he may see the wisdom of adjusting expenditure in order to achieve maximum efficiency. A fourth class to be provided for is com- prised of the scientific expert who works in an advisory capacity with the actual producers and is generally maintained by the State. Further provision must be made for training the research worker whose ultimate duty is to investigate more or less abstract problems of science without regard to their immediate practical importance. On the work of the research student, the expert is largely fed and through him fresh information filters down to the estate manager until it eventually finds its application in estate practice. The scientific workers require specialized courses of academic study in contra-distruction to the general course of technical study needed by the planter him- self, or the specialised manual and moral training re- quired by the labourer. To provide these systems of education in the tropics it is necessary to have agricultural colleges, or at least some definite extension of the educational side of the present Government Agricultural Departments in the more advanced colonies. Considering the great diversity exhibited in tropical agriculture even in the cultivation of one and the same crop, all the functions of a college as outlined above could not be fulfilled by a single institution to serve the tropics as a whole. It would probably be found that several colleges situated in different places and affiliated to a central institution in Great Britain would answer best. The work of each in a sense would probably tend to become specialized in so far as it would have regard to one staple crop more than another. Thus one can conceive of an agricul- tural college in the West Indies becoming renowned as a centre for the study of sugar production, of another in the Federated Malay States for the study of rubber; just as in England one agricultural college is noted for its natural facilities for teaching stock farming and another for instruction in cereal production. There can be no doubt that the establishment of such institutions of education and research in the tropics would quickly have an educational influence of a far-reaching kind, and soon have the effect of strength- ening the trade relations between the tropics and the Mother Country. EXTENSION OF SUGAR-CANE CULTIV- ATION IN JAMAICA. The July issue of the Journal of Jamaica Agricultural Society contains the report of the Committee appointed to enquire into the amount of land available for sugar cultiv- ation in that colony. About 85,000 acres are regarded as being immediately capable of being put under sugar-cane. The report continues: — How much sugar can be produced from this area depends on the efficiency of its cultivation and upon the completeness in power equipment and management of the factories which would have to be erected. Assuming these to be satisfactory, the output of sugar may be estimated at from 150,000 to 200,000 tons per annum in addition to the present production, most probably the higher amount as no account has been taken of the canes Vor: XV. -No;. 375. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, 291 which may be supplied by small settlers, as they now grow 32 per cent. of those under cultivation, it is certain that they would greatly extend their operations as soon as a means of disposing of the canes profitably is established. It is very desirable that sugar cultivation should be extended on a large scale not only as a means of developing the country and of enriching its inhabitants, but for the purpose of re-establishing trade with the mother country, and of developing it with Canada, instead of depending almost entirely on trade with a foreign country. The extreme susceptibility of fruit to destruction by hurricane or even by moderate gales renders the banana industry subject to frequent and serious disasters, and the extension of sugar cultivation one of the staple crops of the world would exercise a stabilizing effect on the financial affairs of the colony. In order to ensure the best results careful organization and the command of capital are essential, and in the face of the hopeless struggle of planters in the past against the conditions brought about by the fiscal measures of the Mother country and the stimulation of beet production on the Continent by bounties, unassisted individual effort would not be capable of securing the capital required from Great Britain. The present indications are that if anytuing considerable is to be done by private enterprise it will be accomplished by American capitalists who already control the banana and coco-nut industries. {n these circumstances the committee recommend press- ing on the Government the advisability of controlling the industry by erecting Government factories, debentures being issued for the purpose, and arranging with cane farmers (large and small) to sell canes to the factories ona 4} or 5 per cent. basis plus 75 per cent. of the nett profits, after paying the working expenses, interest on capital invested, 2 per cent sinking fund, and 5 per cent. for depreciation, the remaining 25 per cent of the profits accruing to General revenue (on a sale of canes on a 5 percent. basis the planter would receive 12s. per ton for canes when the price of sugar is £12 per ton.) That such a scheme would pay with a £2 10s. prefer- ence as suggested by the West India Committee seems assured in view of the experiences of the Antigua factory where, without preference, after manufacturing 50,474 tons of sugar and having paid £19,673 in interest and £41 000 in redemp- tion of debentures and as a sinking or reserve fund, £34,113 was added by way of half profits to the prices paid for canes and a like amount paid over to the shareholders of the factory. In considering the question of a preference the Com- mittee thinks it opportune to tender a few remarks. The average sugar crops of German and Austria Hun- gary are:—Germany, 2? millions: Austria-Hungary, 1} mil- lion tons. That is 4} million tons. Even although production may have been reduced during the war, there will probably be a large accumulation of unconsumed sugar ready to be dumped on the markets of the world at the close of the war. Tf safeguards are not provided the effect of this wholesale cumping will be serious. The safeguards should be such as not merely to protect British producers against the post-war dumping, but to encourage the production of sugar in the Empire so as to render it independent of enemy production. Mr. Hughes, the Premier of Australia, suggests an agreement by the British Government to purchase from each colony up to a named quantity at a minimum price. The consumption in Great Britain is considerably over one million, and of Canada about 300,000 tons per annum. THE JAVAN SUGAR CROP, 1915. ‘Dr Prinsen Geerligs’ ‘European News Letter in the Louisiana Planter (July 22, 1916) contains the following information relative to the Javan sugar crop for the year 1915 :— ‘The area planted with cane for the year 1915 amounted to 373,515 acres against 364,380 acres in 1914, thus showing an increase of 9,155 acres or 2°5 percent. The number of active factories was 156, or the same number as in the year before. ‘The total sugar production amounted to 1,298,307 long tons, against 1,382,816 in 1914 and 1,442 884 tons in 1913. This shows a steady decrease in the total production,. notwithstanding the slightly increased sowed area. ‘This sad fact is due both to a poor tonnage and a poor rendiment, as the output of cane on an average over the whole island in 1915 was only 95,386 kilos per hectare or 38°25 long tons per acre, against 40°2 tons of cane per acre in 1914 and 41°42 in 1913. ‘The rendiment of sugar, calculated as refining crystals of 96°5 polarization in 1915 was only 9°15 per cent. against 9-28 per cent. in 1914 and 9°56 per cent. in 1913. This brings the total sugar production on an average over Java for 1915 to 8.729 kilos per hectare or 7,840 ib. per acre, against 8,512 tb. per acre in 1914, and 8,950 in 1913. Next to this amount of sugar the island exported no less. than 129,585 tons of solidified molasses, while the figure for that exportation during 1914 was 96,281 tons, and 66,809 im 1913. This shows quite a doubling of the exportation of that by-produce in two years’ time. The assortment of the sugar delivered was: white plantation sugar, 48 per cent.; refining crystals, basis 98 polarization, 35 per cent.; refining crystals, basis 99 polarization, |4 per cent.; seconds. 0:4, thirds 2'1 and fourth sugars 0°5 per cent. Half of the- production of first sugar has, therefore, been made in planta tion whites destined for direct consumption, while the other- half had to undergo a refining process before entering into consumption. ‘The total percentage of first sugars was 97 per cent. and only 3 per cent. after-products, really a very fine proportion, doing credit to the skill of the manuiacturers. One factory has made more than 25,000 long tons of sugar, three made between 15,000 and 20,000, twenty-six between 10,000 and 15,000 tons, the greater part of the establish- ments, viz. 109, produced between 5,000 and 10,000 tons, while the balance of forty-seven establishments made under 5,000 tons. The biggest output per hectare is mentioned from Sempalwadak, viz. 12,941 kilos per hectare, while the next best, which made white: plantation sugar only, the Bantoo- estate, produced 12,802 kilos of that description per hectare, equivalent with 5-10 long tons per acre. From other sources we learn the following data about the quality of the cane in that island during 1915. The percentage of sugar in the cane was again lower than in any former year, this time being only 11°63 per cent. while in the already reputedly bad year 1914 it had been 11°91. The quotient of purity of the raw juice was, however, slightly better being, on an average, 82-0- against 80-4 in 1914. The fibre content of the cane was higher than in any other year, but that may depend on the new method for determin- ing that figure, giving better values than the former ones, which were always too low. The quotient of purity of the- final molasses is slightly over 32 points, a very good result of the factory work. 292 . THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. SEPTEMBER 9, 1916, me RKLK—— THE HISTORY OF RUBBER. In Science Progress for July 1916 appears an interest- ing and instructive article entitled, An Historical Sketch of the Chemistry of Rubber. The first half of this article gives an account of the history and the introduction of rubber into domestic uses, while the latter half deals essentially with the chemical composition of rubber. The first ramours of the existence, of rubber are said to have reached Europe after the second voyage of Columbus to the New World in 1493-4. Stories were brought over to the effect that the natives used it to make playing balls, water- proof boots etc. In 1731,a French expedition led to an exhaustive enquiry into the source and preparation of rubber in Pern and Brazil and an account was communicated to the Academie des Sciences in 1751. The first chemical study of caoutchouc was published in 1763, but the substance appears to have remained a mere curiosity in Europe, until in 1770 Priestly, the discoverer of oxygen, suggested its use, under the name of India rubber, for erasing lead-pencil marks. And this for many years was the main purpose to which it was devoted. Later the French used a solution of rubber in turpentine for coating balloons but it was not until about 1825 that Macintosh discovered the solubility of rubber in naphtha, and successfully applied the solution to the fabrication of waterproof garments, from which time the modern rubber industry may be said to have commenced. The fact that rubber goods were extremely subject to the influences of the seasons nearly caused a collapse of the whole industry; this however was averted by an American named Goodyear. a chemist of Connecticut. After suffering much hardship in prosecuting his research, and even under- going imprisonment for debt, he was rewarded in 1839, by the discovery of the process of vulcanization which overcame influence of seasonal changes and adapted rubber to count- less purposes of mankind. The result was attained by heating the gum with an admixture of sulphur at a high temperature. The greatest impetus the rubber industry ever received was undoubtedly given by the reinvention in 1888 of the pneumatic tyre. An air-filled tyre for use with carriages had been patented by Thompsonin 1845, but, partly owing to faulty construction, and partly because its advantages at low speeds were not sufficient to counterbalance the high cost of the large tyres employed, the invention was allowed to drop. The advent of the safety bicycle, with'small wheels to which springs could not easily be attached, led Dunlop independ- ently to discover and patent the idea. The introduction of rubber tubing proved to be of great benefit in chemical research, since it obviously facili- tated the arrangement of communications between. various vessels. Before rubber tubing was used, a lute made of a paste of clay and linseed oil was wrapped around the glass tube connexion. The introduction later of the rubber cork was also of great service in chemical experimental work In regard to the chemistry of rubber, it is not our object in this note to deal with the subject at any length. Suffice it to say that caoutchouc is a polymer of isoprene from which rubber can be produced synthetically. Isoprene is prepared in large quantities from fusel oil, The most dramatic inci- cident in the race between the English and German firms in regard to synthetic rubber was the almost simultaneous discovery of the value of sodium as a polymerizing agent. It was found in both countries that sodium causes the change to take place quickly, and practically quantitatively, at a low temperature. While possessing the same physical proper- ties as synthetic rubbers produced by other methods, the rubbers obtained by the action of sodium appear to have a somewhat different chemical constitution. This, however. is of little concern to the manufacturer, providing the material will answer his practical purpose. As the result of the researches on synthetic rubber, it is hoped that before long it will be placed on the market. REPORT ON THE WORKING OF THE ANTIGUA GOVERNMENT GRANARY, 1915. We have received from Dr. H. A. Tempany, Superintend- ent of Agriculture for the Leeward Islands, a copy of the annual report on the working of the Antigua Granary for 1915. Under the scheme for operating the Government Gran- ary, it was arranged that cob corn should te purchased on a co-operative basis, a first payment being made for corn on delivery, while any subsequent profits after paying the cost of working expenses should be divided between the grower and the granary, in the proportion of 75 per cent. to the grower and 25 per cent to the granary. It was agreed that the magnitude of the first payment should be based on the current market price for corn, and for the first period of working this was fixed at 6s. ld. per 112 Ib, for corn on the cob delivered at the granary. The value was arrived at on the assumption that the corn cob supplied to the granary would yield, on shelling, from 75 per cent. to 75 per cent. grain with a moisture content of 16 per cent. Buying operations in this connexion commenced at the end of July 1915, and terminated in October i915. Drying proceeded till the end of October, and the whole of the corn had been disposed of by the end of December. In all 109,987 tb. of cob corn were purchased, the expenditure on purchase amounting to £298 18s. 10d. Corn was purchased from fifty-two dffferent growers. From the operation. 67,032 Ib. of kiln-dried corn were obtained the net proceeds from which realized £315 3s. 4d., or an average of 10s. 6d. per bag of 112 hb. The expenditure on working expenses in labour, fuel and materials came to £37 9s. 9d., while an additional charge of £13 17s. 10d. was incurred for bags. This does not include any charge for interest on invested capital, or for rent and insurance. It will be seen that a loss of £35 3s. 1d was incurred on the transaction, consequently no bonus could be paid. The actual shelling percentage of the corn worked out at 65 per cent.; the average moisture content of the corn when purchased was 18°3 per cent.; after drying it was 106 The actual recovery of kiln-dried grain amounted to 60°9 p cent. on the cob corn; this is very small and decidedly bel the expected yield. The average moisture content of the corn was also very high and operated in favour of the pro- ducer. These two factors are very largely responsible for the result. Corn sales extended from September until December, and as no corn was imported into the island during this period until near the end of December, it is obvious that the corn sold to the granary represents an overplus of production at the time the corn was reaped which, if the granary had not been in existence, would probably have been subject to considerable loss on storage. Won. XV. -No. 3i5: THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 293 The following is a summarized statement of the posi- tion: — Total weight of cob corn purchased 109,987 tb. Total amount paid £298 18s. 10d. Price paid Total number of persons from whom bought 52 Kiln-dried corn sold 67,032 tb. Price realized £315 3s. 4d. Average price per 112 bb. 10s. 6d. Expenditure on bags gals 17s: 10d; Expenditure on labour and materials £37 9s. 9d. Loss on transaction £35 3s. ld. Per cent. kiln-dried corn on cob corn 60:9 Moisture per cent. wet corn Moisture per cent. dry corn Moisture per cent. loss 7-7 Shelling per cent. 6s. 1d. per 112 b. GROWING WRAPPER TOBACCO UNDER SHADE. In the Philippine Agriculturist and Forester tor June 1916, are recorded the results of interesting work done in the production of cigar wrapper tobacco under shade at the College of Agriculture in the Philippines. The object of the work may be considered as the testing under shade of the native Cagayan, Tirona Hybrid and the acclimatized foreign varieties—Turkish Lowland, Vuelto Abajo, Sumatra, and Texas Cuban—to find out in a preliminary way what their respective possibilities are in the production of wrapper leaves under Philippine conditions, as compared with leaf produced in the open field. The cultures were located ona very slightly inclined piece of ground by the Molawin River, some 40 feet above the river level. The soil is rather heavy and had never been used before for tobacco, although other crops such as rice and sugar-cane had been cultivated on it; and the mere fact that it is not specially adapted for growing “wrapper markedly served to show the effect of the cheese- cloth cover. The seed used in the present work was obtained from the varieties above mentioned, the object of including so many varieties being to find out which ones would profit best by shade culture, and which would not. The seeds were sown in carefully prepared wooden flats in September 1915, and the seedlings transplanted into prepared seed beds about two months after in November at distances 4 c.c. part each way, which proved sufficient for the purpose. The shade tent was built to cover an area of 774 square metres, or about one-thirteenth of a hectare. The cloth used for cover was not of the special weave in common use in America, but the same fabric as is commonly used in the making of mosquito nets. The area under shelter was divided into six plots varying in size according to the number of seedlings available at the time of replanting. Outside the tent, check plots were laid ont corresponding to the number of plots inside. All the leaves being especially produced for wrapper, harvesting wasdone by priming, or the act of removing or gathering the leaves singly from the stalk as -they severally reach the proper degree of ripeness. Harvesting began in February 1916, and the difference in appearance of the leaves inside and outside the shade tent was so obvious that it seemed as if the outside leaves were ripening earlier; hence these were primed one or two days earlier. In the process of curing, the leaves were never exposed to the direct rays of the sun, so that the whole process followed was a cool’or natural one. The fermentation was done in Manila because, among other reasons, of lack of room and necessary materials in the College, the course adopted being that of aging first and fermentation later, which is said to be the method universally practised in America. As to the effect of shade on the quality of the crop, on the whole, Cagayan and Tirona Hybrid gave the best results, the leaves produced under shade being pronounced as ‘equal if not superior to Sumatra but never inferior.’ Turkish Low- land, Texas Cuban and Vuelto Abajo gave only fair results. Tables are given, showing that the burning qualities of only Cagayan Sumatra, and Tirona Hybrid were improved when shaded, and that there is usually a considerable increase in thé size of the leaf when grown under cheese-cloth. There is also recorded a description of work on fertilizer tests of tobacco carried out at the Agricultural College, to which the following conclusions and recommendations aré- appended: these should be of interest to tobacco growers in the West Indies: — Conclusions. (1) Looked at from the standpoint of financial returns, the largest gains were obtained from the use- of manure alone Plot (1) and legumes alone (Plot 7). (2) From the economic stand-point of the Fillipino- farmer, green manuring, using cowpeas and other leguminous. crops, and animal manuring, using horse manure and carabao. dung, furnish the cheapest material for the production of better crops of tobacco. (3) Systematic and careful application of commercial fertilizers should be carried out by every large grower so as to determine the needs of his particular soil. (5) All varieties used in the test showed a creditable response in height, vigour, and to some extent, in yield, to: the fertilizers applied. Recommendations. (1) More extensive and careful study in the fertilization work is needed (a) to obtain better production, (b) to determine when the quality of each of the different varieties we have at hand reaches its best, (c) and to some extent, todevelop the aroma and flavour of their leaves. (2) In using any fertilizing material, either commercial or natural, with the aim of increasing the yield of the crop in question, the land should be put in its best possible tilth. (3) This work should be repeated in all of the important tobacco-growing districts of the Islands. DEPARTMENT NEWS. Information has been received to the ettect that Mr.H.A Ballou M.Sc., Entomologist to this Department has arrived in Egypt. As stated ina former issue of this journal, Mr Ballon’s services have been lent to the Egyptian Government for a year in connexion with insect problems of cotton production in that country, THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. SEPTEMBER 9, 1916. CYCLONIC WEATHER IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS. In connexion with the note inithis issue, page 297, on the recent hurricane in Dominica, observations received from Mr. W. C. Fishlock of the Experiment Station, Tortola Virgin Islands are of particular interest. Mr. Fishlock’s observations first concern weather conditions of August 19 and 15 which indicated that a cyclone of wide area but low intensity passed to the south or south-west of Tortola on Sunday afternoon, August 13. Mr. Fishlock’s second set of observations refer to the night of Monday Augnst 21 and record the passing of a storm of small area but comparatively high intensity which visited Dominica the same evening. The centre of this storm appears to have passed close to the south of Tortola. Some damage was done in that island, but more in St. Thomas, while Porto Rico appears to have suffered seriously. CROWN LAND DEVELOPMENT BRITISH GUIANA. The following information is extracted from the Report on the Lands and Mines Department of British Guiana for April to December, 1915. IN CULTIVATED AREAS. The area under cane cultivation at September 30, 1915, was 75,744 English acres and under mixed cultivation (consisting of rice 4,046, cacao and coffee 146, limes and rubber 320, rubber 46, plantains 1,339, coco-nuts 1,038 acres) was 6,935 English acres, showing an_ increase on the previous year of 3,587 acres in the area under canes, but a decrease of 436 acres of the area under mixed culti- vation, RUBBER PLANTATIONS, Of rubber, 3,778 Ib. were exported during the nine months as against 1,932 Ib. exported during the financial year 1914-15, an increase of 1,846 fh. Of the amount exported the whole of the 3,778 tb. were cultivated rubber (Hevea braziliensis) from private property, the largest producer of plantation rubber being the David Young Estates, Aruka River, North Western District, now owned by the Consolidated Rubber and Balata Estates, Limited, which was responsible for 3, 655 Ib., and, in addition, had on hand at the end of December 1915, 1,197 tb. of dried rubber, which was shipped during February 1916, BALATA, The royalty collected during the nine months under report was 523,793'37. This industry, which had suffered adversely at the commencement of the war had practically quite recovered by the beginning of April 1915, and bleed- ing operations were pursued during the period as hitherto. The quantity of balata exported during the nine months was 1,188,807 bb. THE DEVELOPMENT OF RANCHING, At December 31, 1915, there were in existence thirteen permissions for grazing cattle on the Rupununi and Takutu savannahs,. The number of cattle on these ranches was estimated in the last report at not less than 10,000 and allowing for a natural increase of only 25 per cent., the number can now safely be placed at 12,500 head of all sizes, The raising of cattle on the coastal savannahs was successfully continued. The Abary Cattle Ranch Company Limited, whose land leased from the Crown is situate on the right bank Abary viver, experienced another prosperous year, and on December 31, 1915, the actual number of cattle of all ages on this ranch was 2,010 head, and 106 head had been sold during the year, so that the forecast given in paragraph 62 (b) of last year’s report on this department has been more than justified. A few more ranches run on the same intelligent business lines of this company would mean that this colony would in a few years be ina position to engage in a cattle export trade, either of live stock or canned meat, and the by-products of the slaughtered animals. ST. LUCIA GOVERNMENT LIME JUICE FACTORY. RESULTS OF PAsT SEASON’s OPERATIONS. The following are the results of the crop dealt with at the St. Lucia Government Lime Juice Factory during the period May 1914 to February 1915, as reported in the recently issued Report on the Agricultural Department St. Lucia, 1915-16. ; The factory opened on May 29 with prices fixed on a £24 basis, viz.: 3s. 9d. per barrel for ripe limes, and 6d. per gallon for raw juice testing 12 oz. Owing to the abnormal conditions created by the war, it was impossible for some months to gauge what the effect would be on the lime juice market, and the prices paid for produce, as first payment, fluctuated from 1s. 81d. to 4s. 8d. per barrel for limes, and for raw juice from 31d. 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 64 oz. 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, and the average sediment was reduced to 24 to 3 units, and in several strikes the sediment was reduced to below 1 unit. Each strike of juiee was carefully tested while boiling and again after cooling, the average test for the entire crop being 107-3 oz. citric aeid per gallon in terms of free acidity. The produce dealt with was 1,410? barrels of fruit, and 5,7152 gallons of juice, which represents a total crop of 2,125} barrels as against 326 for 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 concen- trated juice, and insuring a margin of profit to the factory, The following charges were then deducted from 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, anda sum of £50 for Government supervision, Vong, XV No: 375: THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, 295 Under these conditions the vendors received a total pay- nient of 9s. 11d. per barrel of limes, and 1s. 14d. per gallon of raw juice, this being 4s. 24d. per barrel, and 52d. 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 14*. as against £13 2s. 1d. for the year 1913-14. Results for the crop commencing June 22, 1914, and ending February 27, 1915. RECEIPTS. eS ste ds Net proceeds from sale of 44 casks concen- trated lime juice AOD iat Net proceeds from sale of 9 carboys distilled lime oil isi a} Total receipts EXPENDITURE, eS. Paid for produce 298 18 6 Deferred payment bringing produce to rate of 4s. 8d. per barrel limes and 6d. per gallon of juice Wiel SiO Factory working expenses including labour, coal, oil, packages, repairs, etc. 54 18, 9 Total expenses £528 15 9 GOVERNMENT REFUND. coe San cdl Ten per cent. interest and sinking fund on capital account of £550 for ten years from April 1, 1914 55 0 0 Six per cent. on purchase of produce ad- “vances £300 SOO) Supervision AD)! (0), 0) Value of lime oil on hand and paid to vendors in last erop 3 12 0 Value of concentrated juice on hand, ete. 2) 2) 10 Total Government refund 128 14 0 oat a al 528 15 9 Total receipts Total working expenses Government refund 128 14 0 Total expenditure £657 9 9 Profits for distribution GeO OMe 34: 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 1s. 12d. per gallon. Progress Durine 1915-16, The factory opened for its third annual crop on May 29, 1915, and closed on March 11, 1916. The crop came in with arush, and although the fattory was kept’ working during several nights to relieve the pressure, it was not possible to handle the whole of the produce offered. This strain upon the capacity of the factory was not due so much to the increase of the peasant-grown produce as to the large quantities of juice sent in by planters, several of whom would, had it not been for the high prices of machinery created by the war, have beenin possession of factories of their own, Arrangements. have been made for increasing the capa- city of the factory to enable it to deal with the produce of the peasant and of the small planter whose output does not justify the immediate erection of his own works. The produce dealt with during the year was 22,120 barrels of fruit, and 11,973 gallons of juice, which represents a total crop of 3,450 barrels, this being an increase of 1,644 barrels on the previous crop. The number of persons having business dealings with the factory increased from 728 to 903—an increase of 175. Juice extraction. An average juice extraction of 9 gallons per barrel of limes was obtained throughout the year; this was an increase of 1 gallon per barrel on the previous year’s working. The juice was, however, of a slightly lower acidity, averaging 12-2 oz. per gallon. Distilling. The still, which is constructed of wallaba staves and greenheart bottom, has given entire satisfaction throughout all three crops, and small stills of such construc- tion can, therefore, be confidently reeommended. Whether a wooden still of double the capacity will answer equally well is a matter of some importance, now that the market price of copper is almost prohibitive. A wooden still of 300 gallons capacity has been ordered to replace the small one now in use, so that in the near future the question of wooden versus copper stills will be decided. The yield of essential oil obtained was equal to 6°6cz. per barrel of limes or ‘73 oz. per gallon of juice. Concentrating. The average degree of concentration was approximately 9 to 1, and the average test of prepared jaice was 108 oz. citric acid per gallon. The quality of the juice was slightly improved upon, and the average sediment was 2°5 units. PRICES OBTAINED FOR FACTORY JUICE. The price obtained for concentrated lime jnice has been exceedingly satisfactory. Every shipment of juice from the factory has realized a much higher price than the London : market quotations at the time of sale. The average differ- ence between the two rates for the year 1914 was £10 2s. 6d. per standard pipe (108 gallons testing 640z.) in favour of the factory juice, and the maximum difference was reached in November, when an advance of £22 10s. over market quotations obtained. During 1915, the prices, relatively speaking were not so high as in the previous year; nevertheless a satisfactory difference in favour of the factory juice was maintained throughout. The average gain throughout the year was £10 Is. 8d. per standard pipe, and the maximum difference £16, being obtained in March, and the minimum, £6, in August. NEW DEVELOPMENTS, During the period under review an Advisory Committee was appointed by the Administrator of the Colony, on which the general public are represented. During the year also, arrangements were made for extending the factory. This will have the effect of relieving the pressure that was felt during the past season, THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 1916. SEPTEMBER 9, EDITORIAL NOTICES. HEAD OFFICE — BARBADOS. Letters and matter for publication, as well as all #pecimens for naming, should be addressed to the mmissioner, 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.I.C., F.C.S. SCIENTIFIC STAFF. Seientific Assistant and Assistant Editor Entomologist Mycologist W. R. Dunlop. H. A. Ballou, M.Sc. W. Nowell, D.1.C. CLERICAL STAFF. A. G. Howell. M. B. Connell. (L. A. Corbin, Clerical Assistants , P. Taylor. Ohief Clerk Assistant Clerk Miss B. Robinson. A.B. Price, Fell. Journ. Inst. Agricultural dews Typist Assistant for Publications “Vou, XV. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1916. No. 375. NOTES AND COMMENTS. Contents of Present Issue. The editorial in this number deals with the subject of agricultural colleges for the tropics. On page 292 will be found an account of the working of the Antigua Government Granary during 1915, while on page 294 willbe found the results of last. season’s work at the St. Lucia Government Lime Juice Factory. Insect Notes in this issue consist of information concerning the control of a wood-boring larva. Fungus Notes, on page 302, deal with a new fungus on the green scale, A review of a useful pamphlet on plant propa- gation will be found on page 302, Agricultural Credit Societies in Ceylon. According to the Tropical Agriculturist, there are now fifty-five registered societies in Ceylon with a mem- bership of 4,800, and a paid-up capital of a little over Rs. 25,000. The main object of these socie- ties is to help the villager by lending him money at a low rate of interest to carry on _ efticiently his agricultural pursuits. Much good has also been done by local societies purchasing and _ retailing manure to members on easy terms. During 1915 and the first quarter of 1916, about 81 tons of manure, purchased at a cost of about Rs. 8,450, have been dis- tributed among the members of twelve societies. The bulk of the manure was for paddy land. Several of the societies are interested in the improvement of paddy cultivation, and with the assis- tance of the Agricultural Society are making trials with new strains of seed, in transplanting, etc. The starting of gardens has been proposed by more than one society, and it is hoped that these will be established before long. In India the question of amalgamating the departments controlling Co-operative Credit Societies with the Agricultural Departments has been under consideration. In Ceylon the Government anticipated this idea by appointing the Director of Agriculture as the head of the Co-operative Credit movement. Owing to local and foreign disturbances this movement has not progressed as much as it should have done during the past year. It is hoped that the members of this Board will do everything in their power to increase the number of Co-operative Credit Societies, and thus help those who are in great need of assistance. D> a Scientific Research and Industrial Progress, Though not directly bearmg upon agriculture, the address delivered at Colombia University by Dr. C. E. K. Mees, and reproduced in Nature (July 13, 1916) is of general importance in that it shows the necessity for scientific research where it is desired to maintain the leadership in any line of industrial work. Referring to the modern industrial research laboratory of the United States, it is pointed out that the trivmphs which have already been won by these laboratories are common knowledge. ‘The incandes- cent lamp industry, for instance, originated in the United States with the carbon lamp, but was nearly lost to the United States when the tungsten filament was developed, only to be rescued trom that danger by the research laboratory of the General Electrie Com- pany. who fought for the prize in sight and developed first, the drawn wire filament, and then the nitrogen lamp; and we may be sure that if the theoretical and practical work of the research laboratory of the General Electric Company were not kept up the American manufacturers could by no means rest secure in their industry, as undoubtedly, later developments in electric lighting will come, and the industry might be transferred, in part, if not completely, to the originators of any improvement. Manufacturing con- cerns, and especially the powerful well organized companies who are the leaders of industry in this Von. XV. No. 375. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 297 We lo L———_— a re ee eee ‘country, can, of course, retain their leadership for a number of years against more progressive, but ‘smaller and less completely organized competitors, but -eventually they can ensure their position only by having in their employ men who are competent to keep in touch with, and themselves to advance, the subject,— -and then maintenance of a laboratory staffed by such men is a final insurance against eventual loss of its industry by any concern.’ > ‘The Mangoes of Cuba. A paper read before the American Pomological Society by Mr. Wilson Popenoe in September 1915 -contains rather interesting information concerning the types and distribution of mangoes in Cuba. As Cuba was known to possess a large number of interesting races and types, 1t was thought worth while to devote the month of July 1915—the season during which most of the mangoes ripen—to a thorough investigation -of Cuban mangoes, in order to learn as much as possible -concerning their relationship, productiveness and other -characteristics, and to bring to light choice types which might be worthy of propagation. The common seedling races, mango and manga, -are pretty well distributed throughout the island. There -are a few places, however, which possess unusually -choice types and are noted for them throughout the island. Chief among such places are Cienfuegos and. -Santiagode Cuba With the exception of the Filipino, which is found around Habana and which he has never seen in eastern Cuba, the writer says the best. mangoes -of the island are probably grown near these two cities. Dealing with the different. races and types the mango race 1s said to be by far the commonest through- -out Cuba. It seems, in fact, to be the common race in other parts of tropical America as well. The next race taking them in the order considered, is the manga’ “This race includes two distinct and widely distributed types in Cuba: ‘Mang amarilla’ is the commonest form, and seems to be a general favourite. The fruits of the ‘Filipino’ are said to be of unusually good -quality, and it is unfortunate that the trees should be unproductive. ‘Biscochuelo’ is a very distinct type and undoubtedly the best grown at Santiago de Cuba: -considered from every point of view, it would seem to be, in fact, the most desirable type in the island ot *Cuba. The need of a natural system of classification is -emphasized, as opposed to an artificial or arbitrary one, in which mangoes are grouped according to the shape -of the fruit, or some other character of this nature. Such a system, it is said, while perhaps useful, does not really meet our needs, and should be avoided. A system taking into consideration natural affinities of varieties or types, cannot, it is claimed, fail to be of great value in our study of the mango. Such a classi- fication would comprise three divisions; the first and broadest one is races; the second seedling types, several -of which may be included in one race; and the third horticultural varieties, which are propagated by budding or grafting, and of which several may be inclnded in one type. Storm Damage in Dominica. Mr. Joseph Jones, Agricultural Superintendent and Curator of the Botanic Gardens Dominica, has furnished this Office with particulars regarding the hurricane that passed over that island on Monday August 28. According to this report, from 6.30 to 7 p.m. several heavy gusts of wind passed over Roseau from the north-east. These did a considerable amount of damage. The centre of the storm that is, the calm period, lasted for twenty-five minutes, from 7 till 7.35 p.m., after which the wind blew furiously from the south-west. By 10 p.m. the storm was practically over. During the storm period the barometer fell to 29-10, Mr. Jones states that plantations in the Layou valley, Imperial Road and to windward appeared to have suffered most, and those in the northern and southern districts less so. In many cases the crop which prom- ised to be a record one is believed to be practically lost. It is fortunate that during the three weeks before the storm, pickings of fruit on al! estates were very heavy, butalarge part of the ripening crop and the second crop which was on the trees has disappeared. The rainfall in Roseau during the night was 490 inches. In the country districts the fall was much heavier. Considerable damage was done to cultiva- tions and roads, and several bridges were washed away by the overflow of rivers. The death roll as far as is known to date is fifty- seven. Among the killed are Mr. and Mrs, William Davis of Concord Estate. Mr. Davis was a well known Dominica planter. Mr. Jones states that the Botanic Gardens has suffered much more than in the hurricane of 1915, Although fewer trees are down, the general injury is much greater. Very few trees have escaped damage completely and many are reduced to mere stumps. The most serious effect of the storm from the point of view of the Agricultural Department lies in the fact that the cacao and lime experiment plots have suffered considerably. On three of the lime plots the fine well matured trees are all down, and only about half-a-dozen will survive. It will be remembered that continuous manurial experiments are being conducted on these plots and this storm damage constitutes a very serious disturbing factor in regard to obtaiming satisfactory results. Mr. Jones in his report -adds a few remarks in regard to the repair of the damage done particularly in relation to lime cultivation. Where the lime trees are blown over but still retain a firm root-hole of the ground, a rapid renewal by means of suckers is possible, while the old portion of the trees, will under careful handling keep on producing fruit. In places where the lime trees are torn up out of the soil by the wind, or washed away by the flooded rivers, new plantings will be necessary. Much sympathy is to be felt for Dominica in its present adversity, but theré is little doubt that with vigorous local action the set-back will be only temporary, THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. SEPEMBER 9, 1916 INSECT NOTES. THE CONFROL OF A WOOD-BORING LARVA. In view of the occurrence of the wood-boring moth Duomitus punctiter, Hamp. in the West Indian islands, and the damage done by it toa wide range of shade and fruit trees (see Agricultural News, Vol. XIII, p. #28) the following details as to the methods of control available should be useful. They are taken from an account of a closely related species of similar habits given by L. O. Howard and F. H. Chittenden in Farmers’ Bulletin No. 708, of the United States Department of Agriculture:— ‘The protected and concealed manner of life of this borer, as shown by the life-history, which will apply in the main to borers in general, renders it very difficult of treat- ment by means of insecticides or other direct manures. The most efficacious remedial measure consists in cutting off and destroying attected branches, and in the injection of bisulphid of carbon into the holes or burrows where the larvae are at work. ‘Twigs or branches which, by their wilting or by the presence of burrows showing accumulations of frass or sawdust-like castings at their entrances, indicate the presence of this borer, should be carefully searched out, the smaller ones pruned away and the larger ones cut back, and the amputated portions promptly burned. The stubs should be coated, preferably with grafting wax, to prevent the entrance of other insects or the spores of decay-producing fungi, although coal-tar preparations containing mineral substances are in somewhat general use for this purpose. After wind- storms the affected branches which have fallen to the ground and those which remain attached to the tree should be collected and burned. Wherever trees show that they are past recovery it is best to take them out and promptly destroy them. The word “promptly” is used advisedly, since this insect, as previously stated, frequently migrates from one twig or branch to another. ‘In the case of young and rare treesand others which show only a few larval burrows in the bark, bisulphid of carbon is the best remedy and one which has been in general use against the present species in the public parks of New York City. It is injected into the openings of the burrows, and the openings are immediately afterwards closed with various substances. For this injection a mechanic’s long-spouted oil can of small size may be used on large trees, but against a related species the writers have made very good use of a small glass syringe, such as may be purchased at drug stores for about 10 cents. These glass syringes are most serviceable, because the exact amount bisulphid may be seen when drawn into the syringe, and because there is no threading to be injured by the reagent. Metal syringes may also be used, but it is more difficult to measure the exact amount, and the bisulphid acts on the leather packing. Rub- ber syringes are not serviceable because of rapid corrosion. About a teaspoonful of the liquid bisulphid is sufficient for each borrow. ‘For stopping the holes after injecting the liquid, putty and moist clay, advised by some, have been found practically useless, Grafting wax, on the other hand, gives perfect satisfaction. Coal-tar is less advisable but may be substi- tuted for the latter, or the holes may be closed by inserting a wooden plug and breaking or sawing it off even with the trunk. In any case the stopper should be tight, to exclude water from rains, which might tend to produce decomposition of the surrounding wood or invite the entrance of other insects, like carpenter and other ants and secondary borers, of which there are many species, and injurious fungi. ‘It is possible to reach and destroy many larvae by fore- ing a copper or other pliable wire into the channels. This is a well-known borer remedy. It is impossible, however, by this means to kil] the insects in all cases, owing to the length or crookedness of the burrows. Bisulphid of carbon should then be used. ‘To what extent electric or other bright lights are service- able as an agency in the destruction of the moths of this borer has not been definitely determined, but they possess a certain value. A method frequently advised consists in placing shallow pans around electric-light poles in and about parks to attract the moths. The pans are partially filled with water, and a small quantity of kerosene is poured into them. The moths flying against the globes drop into the pans and are promptly killed when they come in contact with the oil. In this way many males can be destroyed. ‘In large parks the destruction wrought by this borer annually is an important item, and it will be found profitable to establish a system of inspection consisting in the employ- ment of park keepers and boys and others who may be engaged at lower wages to keep a constant lookout for evidences of borer attack on valuable trees. In 1893 a New York entomologist spent two months in fightinng this insect alone in the city parks of New York, collecting wagon loads of limbs and branches and destroying the contained larvae and pupae. ‘If valuable trees are to be protected, the insect should not be allowed to breed in useless growth. The borers in such trees should be destroyed or the trees promptly felled and burned. Care should be exercised in transplanting trees and fertilizers should be‘used in order that the trees may be always thrifty, the better to withstand attack. This also means protection from the attack of aphides, scales and defol- jators such as the white-marked tussock moth and the fall webworm, and keeping them free from disease. ‘Finally, in the control of this species promptness and thoroughness cannot be too strongly emphasized. The bisul- phid of carbon remedy should always be used where - applic- able, and the inspection system advised should be instituted in all public parks and,on city streets infested by this pest. Individual owners of valuable trees should become acquainted with the pernicious nature of this borer, and united action should be secured with neighbours whose trees suffer from the ravages of the pest.’ Vo. XUV eNOS ods PROGRESS OF AGRICULTURE IN INDIA. Though somewhat belated, the report on the progress of agriculture in India for 1914-15, issued by the Agricul- tural Adviser to the Government of India, contains a large amount of valuable information and shows the extent to which both the Imperial and Provincial Agricultural Depart- ments in India have extended their activities during recent years. This report is further of interest in the West Indies in that the general nature of the organization of the Agri- cultural Departments in these islands is parallel to that in India, though, of course, the West Indian organizations are relatively small. Nevertheless, in both the West Indies and India similar agricultural problems have to be faced: they only differ in degree. As regards the results obtained at the Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, reference is made first to the field experiments dealing with the maintenance of soil fertility under double cropping. In regard to chemistry, the conclu- sion of the work on soil temperatures is referred to, as is also the work on the ‘clamping’ of sugar-cane. In regard to botany, work with wheat has been continued, while the results of the indigo experiments so far undertaken seem to point to the fact that the problem of wilt is solved. Impor- tant work has been accomplished in regard to fibres. After referring to the mycological and entomological work, reference is made to the studies conducted in agricultural bacteriology, which has concerned bacterio-toxins in soils. The inhibition of nitrification in water-logged soils was found to be due rather to the action of toxins resulting from certain classes of bacteria which thrive under these conditions than to lack of oxygen merely. It was found that germination in a water-logged soil was interfered with owing to the rapid reduction of nitrate which takes place under such conditions, and it seems probable that the toxins produced under these conditions would not only affect the germination and growth of seedlings, but also alter the character of the soil complex so as to promote reduction of nitrates to nitrites for just so long as this abnormal character persisted. Turning to progress in the Provinces, it is learnt that in Bombay, besides progress in the work on some of the special crops like cotton, sugar-cane and fruits, considerable advance has been made in effecting improvements in general farming matters, as for instance, the more extended use of the iron plough, In Madras, the most notable events of the year were the admission of twice the usual number of students to the agri- eultural college asa result of the institution of the new courses, and the holding of an agricultural and _ trade conference in Madras. The activities of the Department during the year were mainly directed towards the selection and distribution of seed of the best varieties of crops, more especially rice and cotton, the two most important crops of the Presidency. In the Central Provinces, the Department has continued to make great progress in the development of co-operative organization referred to in previous reports not only for demonstrating improved methods, but also for the production and distribution of a large quantity of seed. In Bengal, the work of the Department suffered most owing to paucity of expert staff. Useful work is, however, being done on rice and sugar-cane and date palms. Among THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 299 the crops of the United Provinces, wheat, cotton, and sugar- cane continue to receive most attention during the year. Reference is made to an effort to produce a variety sf sugar- cane possessing qualities fitting it for general cultivation in different parts of the Provinces. In Punjab, the activities of the Department were mainhy concerned with the demonstration and sale of improved implements, and with the spread of improved wheat and cotton seed. The remaining and greater portion of the report deals with progress made in the study of crops and special subjects. The detailed information will prove useful for reference but scarcely needs further attention in this article. It may be pointed out in conclusion, that much of the most valuable work accomplished in India is the result of investigaton in economic botany as exemplified by the production of Indian wheats and fruit. The need for extending economic botanical research in the West Indies is clearly indicated; if this were effected, it would soon lead to valuable results Scarcely a single crop in the West Indies has been specifically investigated from a general botanical standpoint. Tobacco Fertilizer from Indigo Plant.—The residue of the indigo plant, after the extraction of the indican, known commercially as indigo, is used in the Karachi district, and probably also in other parts of India, asa fertilizer for the tobacco, says the United States Consul at Karachi in a recent report. This substance is known locally as ‘seeth.’ The roots of the tobacco plant require free access to air, and seeth breaks up the ground in a way which allows the air to penetrate. Experiments have been made recently by the Agricultural Research Institute at Pusa with the object of securing better results from the use of seeth. The substance his been used for years by the natives, but little scientific work has been done in India until the last ten years. The experiments so far indicate that tobacco soil in which seeth and bits of broken tile or broken chatties (baked clay water-jars) are mixed, produces better crops than soil under no special treatment. The cost is moderate, and the results achieved warrant the extra expense. A plot of tobacco land near Pusa was treated in this way nine years ago, and has shown marked superiority over adjoining plots ever since. Indigo, adds the Consul, has had a remarkable ‘boom’ since the war began, and the amount of seeth available as fertilizer has increased accordingly. (Journal of the Royal Society of Arts.) Grenada Prize Holdings Competition.—The Reports of the Judges on the 1915 Cacao Prize Holdings Competition held in various parishes have been received, and the following features of interest are herewith extracted In the parish of St. George’s the results of the competition do not appear to have been very satisfactory; there were fewer entries, and the work shown was not equal to last year’s standard. A similar report has been made by the Judges in St. John’s and St. Mark’s. In St. Patrick, the work on the whole was good, with the exception of drainage, which was very faulty. The forking and bedding was found to be good, and most peasants used pen manure. The sum devoted to prizes in each parish amounted to about £25. This year the Grenada Prize Holdings Competition is being pushed more actively by the officers of the Agricultural Department: this has been facilitated through the appointment of a second Agricultural Instructor. 360 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. SEPTEMBER 9, 1916. GLEANINGS. According to a note in the Hxperiment Station Record Vol. XXXTV No. 9, the partial substitution of cassava flour in the ordinary grain rations for dairy cattle in Mada- gascar resulted in an increased milk and milk fat yield and in a greater Jive weight of the animals so fed. According to a note in the Queensland Agricultural Journal for June 1916, the lime fruit is not widely appreciated in Australia. The Journal, however, reproduces certain information emanating from the Imperial Department of Agriculture for the West Indies, apparently with the idea of popularizing the fruit as much as possible. We regret to have to call our readers’ attention to an error in calculation which appeared in the editorial in the last issue of the Agricultural News. On page 274, second column, four lines from bottom, 224 should read-448. This also affects the argument which follows, based on the erro- neous figure. The influences of lime on corn is dealt with in Sod Science (Vol. I, No. 5.) Under the conditions of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, the application of ground limestone at the rate of 2 tons per acre, increased the yield of shelled corn by about 10 bushels, and of stover by 432 Ib. per acre, as compared with the yield from a similar series of unlimed plots. According to German investigations summarized in the International Review of the Science and Practice of Agricul- ture (February 1916) the first litter of a young sow generally contains more males than females, whilst in the later litters there are more females Generally after the fifth litter the females predominate. In 135 litters the numberof young was greater than 10; in 181 litters it was less than 10. A considerable number of interesting economic and deco rative plants were introduced intoSt. Lucia during 1915-16, Amongst these were the marking nut (Semecarpus anacar- diwm), the juice of which is mixed with quicklime and then used for marking linen. A small tree known as Bilimbi (Averrhoa Bilimhi), bearing acid fruits 3 inches long was also introduced; it is used in pickles and preserves, and makes excellent jams. The addition of certain salts like sodium chloride and sodium sulphate to certain Californian soils was observed to produce an impervious condition. An investigation, described in the University of California Publications in Agricultural Sciences, showed that the condition seems to be closely associated with the direct addition or absorption of sodium, thereby producing in the soil a new silicate complex of “a colloidal character The Report of the Agricultural Department and Experi- ment Station for the Virgin Islands for 1915 is referred to in a note in Mature for June 1, 1916, and special reference is made to Onion Growers’ Associations in the Leeward Islands. The note concludes: ‘from the reports of the various islands, itis clear that the Imperial Department of Agriculture is. making every effort to, extend the scope and foster the progress of agriculture in the West Indies.’ According to the report on the Agricultural Department. of St. Lucia 1915-16, Pencil Cedar (Juniperus barhadensis) has done remarkably well in the Colony. The whole of the ninety-five plants made good progress during the year and. may now be regarded as established. The plants are well branched, and of an average height of 3 feet. J. bermudiana. does not appear to be quite as robust under the same condi- tions as the former species. J. pachyphloea, with its silvery appearance, is by far the most ornamental of the three species, but unfortunately it is the most delicate. According to the Durban Agricultural News, an excel- lent manure is produced by mixing filter-press cake with one- third of fish manure. This is done on the north-coast of Natal. The land is ploughed, harrowed, and then generally the filter- press cake applied alone. The land is left untouched for about four months, at the end of which time the fertilizer is ploughed in and about one-third of the quantity of fish manure is placed on the ground, after which planting is commenced. On this basis it is estimated that the filter-press cake is worth about 10s.a ton, whereas formerly it was worthless. A formula has been devised for determining the daily ploughing capacity of tractor ploughs based on the results of different ploughing tests, and having special referrence to the- relation between break and drawbar horse power, depth of ploughing, actual hours of work, etc. Detailed information will be found in the Experiment Statcon Record Vol. XXXIV, No. 9, p. 891. This formula‘shculd prove useful in compar- ing tests made in different countries; but it is important that those who conduct the tests furnish in their reports the requisite data in order that the formula may be generally employed. The cultivation of drug plants receives attention in the Agricultural Gazette of New South Wales for May 2, 1916, and reference is made to the shortage of atropine derived from several plants of which the chief temperate country ones are the Deadly Nightshade (Atropa Belladona) and Henbane (/Zyoseyamus niger). It will be remembered that in the last issve of this Journal, attention was called to a recent importation by the Imperial Department of seed of //yoscya- mus truticus, the Egyptian and Indian Henbane, which is reported to yield a higher percentage of drug than the temperate country plants, Vor. XV. No: 375: THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 301 DOWN THE ISLANDS. ITEMS OF LOCAL INTEREST. st. vincent. According to the Agricultural Superin- tendent’s report, work in the Experiment Station and Botanic Gardens during the month of July involved chiefly planting and cultural operations. he following plants were distri- buted: selected corn 95Ib., coco-nuts 59, papaw seed 3oz. Concerning staple crops, Mr. Sands says the weather was season- able and crops were making good progress in St. Vincent. In the Grenadines, on the other hand, the weather was dry and crops were suffering. On the 25th an Ordmance termed the Cotton Stainer Ordinance was passed by the Legislative Council and assented to by His Honour the Administrator on the same day. A credit system of supplying small growers with cotton seed for planting was inaugurated at the Grovern- ment cotton ginnery. The Agricultural Superintendent visited the Windward District from July 14 to 17. During this visit an inspection of canes at Colonarie estate was made. Moth borer and mealy-bug were present in and on canes in places, but the damage being done was not severe. The mealy-bug was being extensively attacked by the ento- mogenous fungus, Aspegrllus flavus. In the Georgetown district the distribution of the cotton stainer and its effect on early planted cotton was studied. The Ordinance referred to above was passed with the object of empowering the Agricultural Department to take the steps deemed necessary to control the cotton stainer pest, and Mr. Sands states that operations consisting in the destruction of ‘John Bull’ trees and the collection of the stainers found thereon were com- menced on the 26th, in several districts. st. Lucra. Mr. A. J. Brooks writes to say that during the month of July the following plants were distributed: limes 9,100, decorative and ornamental 38, cassava cuttings 500, vegetable seeds 99 packets, budded oranges and grape fruit 71. Work in the Botanic Gardens included the erection of a new entrance gate on the western boun- dary, for use of pedestrians only, As regards staple crops, cacao is said to promise well, the lime crop is coming in fast, and sugar-canes are making good growth. Extension in lime cultivation continues, The Imperial Commissioner addressed a meeting of the Agricultural and Commercial Society on July 10, on which date he returned to Barbados after a stay of twelve days in the island. During his stay Dr. Watts, accompanied by the Agricultural Superintendent, visited Laborie, Vieux Fort, Micoud Dennery and Castries. The peasant-grown produce presente,d at the Government Lime Juice Factory has increased for the time being, says Mr. Brooks, to the total exclusion of produce from the large estates. HOME PROJECTS IN AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION. It is the aim of Bulletin No. 546, issued by the States Relations Service of the United States Department of Agri- culture, to give suggestions towards making the home farm or estate a more definite factor for agricultural students in instruction through what is known as the Home Project Plan. In recent years progressive teachers of science have made an effort to break away from text-books and formal laboratory work and adapt their teaching to the environment of their students. Students have been assigned special problems at home which would involve the principles studied. These problems were called Projects. When electricity was studied in a certain school one student was given the wiring of his father’s house as a project in which he could apply the principles learned. Another student made a study of the ger- mination of seeds and other problems involved in his home garden in connexion with a study of plant growth A general extension of this idea in relation to practical agriculture is what the Bulletin advocates. It continues by pointing out that a dis- tinction should be drawn between a Project and a simple exercise used as a Practicum to illustrate some principle, or for the purpose of increasing skill in some operation of farm or shop A Project, to be worthy of the name, should involve skillin many operations and the application of a number of principles. To accomplish this it should cover a branch of farming that will extend over a comparatively long period of time. The’testing of seed corn may be cited as an example of the simple laboratory exercise performed at school. The stringing of seed corn would be a suitable home practicum, the aim of which would be to enquire skill in the useful operation. The growing of an acre of corn would involve both of these operations and many others, hence it would be a worthy project. At the end of the Bulletin are given outlines of project studies. As an example, reference may be made to the Pig Project Study outline. The student is supposed in pursuing these projects to ask himself a number of questions. In the case referred to the questions run thus: Shall I raise pigs for my project! And as subsidiary questions—Do I like pigs! Is this section suited to the profitable production of pork? Do pigs fit in well with the farm management plan? Is cholera or any other disease likely to prevent profits?! Other leading questions are: What shall be my aim in raising pigs? How shall I get a start! Can I give breeding animals proper management ! How shall I care for young pigs? How shall I fatten my pigs for market? and so on. It will be obvious that the object of these courses of study is to enable the student to combine business experience with his academic studies in order that he may eventually become trained to take up practical farming without the usual period of apprenticeship which has formerly been found necessary. It is of interest to record the fact that in the West Indies, the Cadet System instituted by the Imperial Department of Agriculture, whereby the student while continuing his scientific studies at the local secondary school, spends the larger portion of his time at the Botanic Station doing agricultural work, is somewhat parallel to the American idea of Home Projects. It is possible that in the West Indies, arrangements might be made for students whose parents are connected with estates to take up such home projects as growing an acre of corn or cotton, or keeping pigs, etc., as suggested in this Bulletin. A somewhat remarkable note appears in the Wealth of India condemning in wholesale fashion the Anderson Oil Expeller in the Indian oil pressing industry. It is stated that this equipment has been imported into India on the advice of Government.experts, but in no case has this machinery been found to give satisfaction. These unfavourable reports are reproduced in the Wealth of India from apparently a native publication, and it would seem, considering the successful work of the Anderson Oil Expeller in the United States and locally in the West Indies, that the statements regarding its inefficiency in India are exaggerated if not unfounded. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. SEPTEMBER 9, 1916. FUNGUS NOTES. A NEW FUNGUS ON THE GREEN SCALE. A fungus hitherto unrecorded and as yet undescribed has heen found on examples of the green scale, Coccus viridis (L.canium viride) infesting lime twigs forwarded from Montserrat to this Office for examination. Two lots of material have been received from the Curator: the first collected by Mr. Morland at Olveston, the second by Mr. Robson himself. The fungus is not externally visible, but the insects are seen dead and discoloured at all stages of growth. Under the microscope the fungus is seen to be developed almost entirely within the body wall of the insect, the most character- istic feature being the presence of large numbers of pearshaped conidia. These renew themselves by putting out a long and very slender tube, at the end of which an expansion is formed which receives the. contents-of the original conidium. The tube is typically straight for the first part of its course, with a double bend, approaching to an S near the extremity. The secondary conidium is of the same form as the first. Some of the conidia have been seen to have doubled their length by the development of a blunt-ended cylindrical protrusion of quite definite form. At one stage abundant closely-set simple or bifurcated conidiophores bearing terminal spherical conidia have been seen arising within the body of the insect from a mat of hyphae. Specimens and sketches of the fungus have been sub- mitted to Professor R. Thaxter, of Harvard University, who has kindly replied to the effect that the fungus is of great interest, and undoubtedly a primary parasite, more nearly related to Empusa Present’, Nowak. (Entomophthorae) than to any described form. The same form was received by him from Cuba a number of years ago but was not described, and it does not seem to have been mentioned by any writer. Professor Thaxter suggests an attempt to cultivate the fungus on artificial media with a view to its use in scale insect control. Empusa Freseni, the fungus above referred to, is reported by Thaxter to occur on Hemiptera and aphides in the United States and in Europe, and by Johnston on certain mealy-bugs in Porto Rico. (J, R. Johnston, Pull. 10, Bd. of Comm. of Agr.. P.R.) The last mentioned hosts are found dead, blackened, covered with a whitish coating, and easily crumbling to pieces. A closely related species Hntomoph- thora pseudococe?, Speare, is described as having considerable economic importance as a parasite of the pink mealy-bug of sugar-cane (Pseudococcus calceolariae) in Hawaii. CANAL: Speare, Bull. 12, Hawatian Sugar Planters’ Associa- rion.) Infested insects are recognizable by their chalky white appearance and the brittleness of the _body wall. This fun- gus has been successfully grown in artificial cultures. - ‘With regard to green scale itself, it is of interest to note that Dr. Coleman, Director of Agriculture, Mysore, address- ing the United Planters’ Association of Southern India (Proc. U.P.A,, 1915) discussed the usefulness of a fungus of the same nature a$ the one under consideration, which occurs on that insect in the Indian coffee plantations. He reported that in comparison with the familiar white fringe fungus (Cepha- losporium lecaniz) on the same host, the fungus referred to appeared to be more capable of development and spread in comparatively dry seasons. It will be interesting to learn what part the fungus found in Monsterrat plays in the control of green scale. Seeing that it is also reported from Cuba it seems probable- that like other scale-destroying fungi it will be found to be general in its distribution in these islands. Its inconspicuous method of growth would sufficiently account for its having previously escaped attention. Where numbers of the immature insect are found brown and dead, its presence may be suspected and a microscope used for its detection. W.N. PLANT PROPAGATION INSTRUCTION. A copy has been received of a valuable hand-book, by Mr. P. J. Wester, Horticulturist in charge of the Lamac Experiment Station in the Philippines, issued by the Director of Agriculture as Bulletin No. 32 of the Bureau of Agriculture. This publication will be found of much interest and use by agricultural officers and planters in the West Indies, especially as the latter are now turning their attention more and more to raising their own planting material. The Bulletin deals with plant propagation in all its practical aspects. The contents consist almost entirely of practical instructions so that a summary of the information is almost impossible; a brief survey of the chief subjects dealt with, however, may serve a useful purpose. These include an account of plant and propagation sheds, nursery accessories, the propagation from seed and the rearing of stock plants, propagation by budding, propagation by layering and marcottage, propagation by graftage, brief directions for the vegetative propagation of tropical and semi-tropical fruits, brief directions for tree planting and orchard management, an account of shade trees and orna- mental plants. diseases and insect pests, spraying and formulas for fungicides and insecticides, lists of tropical fruits in the Philippines, tables showing distances for planting, tables showing the number of plants, set at given distances, required for one hectare, and lastly, tables of weights and measures. In dealing with the principles of plant propagation it is stated that ‘Plants perpetuate and reproduce themselves by means of two methods: (a) sexually, or from seeds or spores, which is the method most commonly employed by plants in their wild state, and (b) asexually or vegeta- tively, when reproduction is effected without the aid of generative organs of the plants, or by the propagation of a growing or vegetative part, such as (1) by means of runners above the ground, as for instance the strawberry; (2) by underground runners, commonly called ratoons, as in several species of grasses, the pine-apple, ete ; (3) by tubers, bulbs, or rootstocks, as for instance the yautia or gabe, and the banana; (4) by stolons, such as certain grasses, Chlorophylum ela'um, ete.; (5) by aerial bulblets, produced in the axils of the leaves, as in the several species of. Dioscorea, or as in the sisal hemp plant in the flower stalks in the pine-apple the bulblets grow out among the Jeaf scales immediately under the fruit, when they are commonly called slips; (6) by roots like the sweet potato; (7) by the- Vor. XV5 No} 375. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, 303 formation of germinative tissue, such as in certain tubes of the genus Dioscorea or in the leaves of the Begonia. These are natural means of propagation. In the section giving brief directions for the vegeta- tive propagation of tropical and semi-tropical plants, the following notes are extracted as being of interest and instruc- ‘tive:—- Avocado, Persea americana. Use tender to mature, but green smooth, petioled budwood; eut the buds 35 to 4:5 centimetres long; age of stock at point of insertion of bud unimportant. Cacao, Theobroma cacao. Use non-petioled, matured, brownish or grayish budwood that has been of slow forma- tion, of current or last year’s growth; cut the buds 4 to 5 centimetres long; insert in stock at a point approximately the same age and appearance as the scion. Camia, Averrhoa Carambola. Use non-petioled, fairly mature brownish or grayish, still-downy budwood; cut the buds 3°5 to 4°5 centimetres long; age of stock at point of insertion of bud unimportant. Cashew, Anacardiwm occidentale. Use non-petioled mature budwood which is turning grayish; cut the bud 4 to 4:5 centimetres long; insert the bud in stock at a point of approximately the same age and appearance as the scion. Coffee, Coffea spp. Propagated by cleft grafting in Java. The scions are made from upright growths, not the branches, in order to produce trees of normal growth, well- matured, green and smooth, 5 to 7°5 centimetres long and inserted in the stock where it is already brownish and rough 15 to 25 centimetres above the ground; tied with unwaxed ‘tape and narrow glass tubes placed over the grafted plant to prevent entrance of rain-water into graft. Excelsa, Liberian and Abeocuta coffee are considered the best stocks. Experiments under way at Lamao Experiment Station indicate that shield budding will be successful if mature, green, smooth non-petioled buds are used, and are entirely covered with waxed tape. Lime, Citrus limetta. See Orange. Congenial stocks are sour orange, orange, rough lemon, pomelo, calamondin. Mango, Mangifera indica. Use non-petioled, mature smooth green budwood from the first, second or third flush; cut the buds 4 to 4°5 centimetres long with ample woodshield; insert the buds in stock at a point approximately of the same age and appearance as the scion. Orange, Citrus aurantiwm. Use fairly to well-matured petioled, green and smooth perfectly spineless and round budwood; cut the buds 2°5 to 4 centimetres long; age of stock at point of insertion of bud unimportant. Congenial stocks are: sour orange, rough lemon, pomelo, lime, cala- mondin. Papaya, Carica Papaya. Propagated by cleft grafting and side grafting. Make grafts preferably not more than 10 centimetres aboveground, in stocks preferably 20 to 30, not more than 50 centimetres high, or more than 2°5 centi- metres in diameter at point of union; in the cleft graft, if there is any considerable hollow in stock, make the cleft to one side of it; in the side graft make the incision entirely outside of the hollow; make scions from sprouts about 7 centimetres long of old papayas; trim off nearly all leaf blades, leaving the petioles. Perform work late in the afternoon and keep plants shaded. Tamarind, Tamarindus indica. Use petioled, well- matured brownish or grayish budwood, cut the buds 3°centi- metres long; age of stock at point of insertion of bud unimportant. GRADING BY LAW IN THE PHILIPPINES. For more than ten years .according to the Philippine Agricultural Review (Vol. 1X, No. 1. 1916) there has been an increasing amount of dissatisfaction on the part of manu- factures both in the United States and Great Britian with abuca fibre or Manila hemp. This was largely due to there being no uniform system of grading the fibre in existence. With a view to remedying the situation, an Act was passed providing for a Government system of inspection, grading and baling. The defects in the methods employed prior to the enactment and enforcement of the fibre-grading law, were directly traceable to the following causes: (1) the lack of fixed and accepted standard grades; (2) the inadequacy of the prevailing methods of grading the fibre and of designating the grades ; (3) the lack of any authoritative control over the operation of the grading establishments, and (4) the more or less general ignorance of the producers as to the quality of their product. To remedy the above state of affairs, the fibre-grading law and the regulations authorized by it embody the follow- ing provisions: (1) the establishment of fixed standard grades for each of the chief commercial fibres exported from the Philippine Islands; (2) the requirement that every grading establishment shall grade and prepare fibre for export in accordance with the established standard and with the regulations; (3) the institution of a system of inspection of all graded fibre, and supervision over all grading and baling operations to enforce compliance with the regulations; and (4) the institution of an educational campaign among the producers for the purpose of improving the methods of production and preliminary preparation of the fibre. The provisions of the fibre-grading law and _ the subsequent regulations authorized by it were adequately en- forced during the past year. Standards of quality were designated and defined, and every bale exported from the Philippine Islands since the date on which the law and regulations went into effect, bears the name of the grade of the fibre contained therein, the name of the grader, the name of the district or province where the fibre was produced, and other marks and data of indentification. In dealing with the cattle supply of the world the opin- ion is expressed in the Geographical Journal for July 1916. that among the countries likely to come to the fore in the future, Brazil is probably to be placed in the front rank of all, the plateaus of the southern interior offering exceptional advantages. The stock of horned cattle is said already to reach 30 millions, and cattle-rearing among other farm industries is being wisely encouraged by the Government. The States of Sao Paulo, Rio Grande du Duel, and Rio de Janeiro have installed meat-freezing plants, and the results of the first consignments to Europe have been successtul. Among the French colonies, Madagascar and French West Africa should be capable of sending large supplies of frozen meat to the mother country. In France herself, a reform of the industry, and its special cultivation in the regions naturally most favourable. to cattle rearing, should lead to improved results. London.—Tue New York.—Messrs. Trinidad.— Messrs. 304 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. SEPTE MBER 9, 1916, MARKET REPORTS. West InpIA~ COMMITTEE CIRCULAR, July 27, 1916. Arrowroot—2hd. to 22d. Barata—Sheet, 3s. 54d.; block 2s. 94d. Brreswax—No quotations. Cacao—Trinidad, 82/-; Grenada, 73/- to 78/-; Jamaica, full rates. Corrie—Jamaica, no quotations. Coprsa—£31 5s. to £32 5s. Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no queta- tions; West Indian Sea Island, 15$d. to 20d. Fruit—No quvtations. Fustic—No quotations. Gincur—Jamaica, no quotations. Ismyciass—No quotations. Honey—No quotations. Lime Juice—Raw, 2/6 to 3/6; concentrated, £25; Otto of limes (hand-pressed), no quotations. Logwoop—No quotations. Mace—4d. to 3s. Nutrmres—9d. to 2s. 8d. Pimento—No quotations. Russer—Para, fine hard, 2/10; fine soft, no quotations; Castilloa, no quotations. Rum—Jamaica, no quotations. GiuLesPig Bros. & Co., April 26, 1916. Oacao—Caracas, like. to 16}c.; Grenada, 15$c. to 16c.; Trinidad, 16c. to 164c.; Jamaica, 14}c. to ldc. Ooco-nuts—Jamaica and Trinidad selects, $48-00 $45°00; culls, $28:00 to $30°00. JorrEE—Jamaica, 94c. to 12c. per tb. GINGER—15c. to 18ce. per th. Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 60c.; Antigua and Barbados, 58e. to 60c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 56c. to 58c. per hb. Grare Freir—Jamaica, $1°25 to $2-00, Limes—$10-00 to $12°00. Mace—40c. to 52c. per th. Nurmrcs—22c. to 28c. Orancres—Jamaica, $2°25 to $3:00. Pimento—die. to 5jc. per th. Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 6°14¢;. to 6°39c. Museovados, 89°, 5°49c. to 5°74c; Molasses, 89°, 5°37c. to 5'62c., all duty paid. to Gorpon, Grant & Co., August 17, 1916, = Oacao—Venezuelan, $17°00 to S17 $1700. Coco-nut O1r—$1°25 per Inaperial gallon. Corrre— Venezuelan, no quotations. Corra—$d°50 per 100 th. Daat—No auotations. Onrons —$4°00 per 100° th. Peas, Sprit—$11°00 per bag. Porators—Eneglish $2°25 to 2°60 per 100 tr. Ricr—Yellow, $7°50 to $7°75; White., $7°50 to per bag. Svear—American crushed, no quotations. 25; Trinidad, $16°50 to Barbados.—Messrs. James A. Lyncu & Co., Ltd., August 23, 1916;T.S. Garraway & Co., August 22, 1916, ARROwROOT—$5 ‘00 per 100 th. Cacao—$14:00 to 315-00 per 100 th. Coco-nuts—$24°00 husked nuts. Hay $1°85 to $1-90 per 100 tr. Manures—Nitrate of soda, no quotations; Cacao manure, quotations; Sulphate of ammonia, $105°00 to $11£0-00 per ton. Mo .asses—No quotations. Ontons—$3°'69 to $5:00. Pras, Sprit—$9-65 per 210 th.; Canada, $6°00 per 120 fb. Porators—Novya Scotia, no quotations. Rice—Ballam, $7°55 to g7'75; Patna, no quotations; Rangoon, no quotations. Sucar—Muscovado centrifugals, $4°60 to $5°00. British Guiana.—Messrs. Wietinc & Ricurer, July 31, 1916; Messrs. June 30, 1916 SANDBACH, ParKER & Co. Da Messrs. Sanp- Messrs. WrETrNG | ARTICLES. eon! BAe eae Arrowroot—St. Vincent) —= 5c. per th. Batata— Venezuela block —— a2 Demerara sheet $65-00 68e. Cacao—Native 12c. per th. 19¢c. per fh. Cassava— —= Cassava STarcH— —— — Coco-nuts— $20 to S24 per M. $24 per M. CorrrE—Creole 12c¢. 16c. per th. Jamaicaand Rio) 15c. per th. lGe. Liberian Ile. per tb. DHat— $6°75 to $7-00 $7°30 t Green Dhal See ; ees Eppors— $1°32 _—s Morassss— Yellow None —_— Ontons—Tenerifte Zhe | $9-00 to $10-00 Madeira Peas—Split Marseilles PLANTAINS— Porators—Nova Scotia Lisbon Porators--Sweet, B’bados| xice—Ballam Creole TanNIAS— Yams— White Buck | Sucar—Dark crystals Yellow White Molasses TiakER—GREPNHEART Wallaba shingles ” Cordwood| $12-00 to $12°50 24c. to 48c. $2°40 7°00 to $7°25 $2-40 $2°64 $2-€4 $4°50 to $460 $5°00 to $510 48c. to 72c. per cub. foot $4°75 to $6-75 per M. $2°00 to $2-40 per ton | $12°00 to 13-00 /per bag. (210 fb.) $4°80 to $5-00 | $6°75 to $7-00 i £5 $4°50 to $4-00 $500 to $d-10 32c. to 55c. per cub. foot $800 to $700 per M. 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 ls. each. Post free, 1s. 2d.; Volumes II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII and XIV:—Price 2s.each: Post free 2s. 8d., where complete. (IIT, 2. IV, 3; and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.) Volume XV, Nos. 1, 2 and No. 3. Containing the following papers: Two Scoliid Parasites of Scarabaeid Larvae in Barbados, by W. Nowell, D.I.C.; On Legislating Against Plant Diseases, by Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Se., F LC.; Notes on Trichogramma Minutum, by 8. C. Harland, B.Se.; Bay Oil and the Cultiva- tion of the Bay Tree as a Crop Plant, by H. A. Tempany, D.Sc., F.I.C., and W. Robson; The Rise of Dominica, by Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Sc. F.I-C.; The Hitchin Bacon Factory, by J. W. Welsh; A Summary of the Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the West Indies, by W. R. Dunlop. HANDBOOK AND PAMPHLET SERIES. The Pamphlets and Handbooks are written in a simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially adapted to West Indian conditions. issued up to the present time is eighty-two. Sucar 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; m 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, in 1913-14, price 1s. each 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 Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are out of print. (FENERAL. (7) and (22) Scale Insects of the Lesser Antilles, Part I, price 4d.; Part IL., 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. Price 4d. (65) Hints for School Gardens, Fourth Edition. (71) Insect Pests of the Lesser Antilles. (Handbook). Price (unbound) Is. 38d. Bound in cloth, 2s. 3d. (72) Lime Cultivation in the West Indies. (Handbook). Price (unbound) 9d. Bound in cloth, Is. 8d. (73) Root Borers and other Grubs in West Indian Soils. Price 6d_ : (74) Cotton Cultivation in the West Indies, (Handbook), (unbound) 9d. Bound in cloth, ls. 8d. (75) Insect Pests of Sugar-cane in Antigua and St. Kitts. Price, 64. Price (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. (80) Hints to Settlers in St. Lucia. Price 6d. (81) Agricultural Resources of St. Lucia. Price 3d. (82) Indoor Gardening for Schools. Price 6d. 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, and for No. 72, 2d. The The ‘ Agricultural News’ contains ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’: extracts A Fortnightly Review. 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 TV 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. All applications for coptes 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 Depa?tment:— London: Messrs. Dutav & Co., 37, Soho Square, W. Grenada: Messrs. THos. Lawtor & Co., St. George. West Indra Commiries, 15, Seething Lane. St. Vincent: Mr. J. D. BonApre, ‘Times’ Office. Barbados: Apvocats Co. Lrp., Broad Street, Bridgetown. St. Lucia: Mr. R. \W. Nivezs, Botanic Station. * Jamaica: THe Epucationan Surrty Company, 16, King Dominica: Mr. J. I. H. Brmpcewarer, Roseau. Street, Kingston. Montserrat: Mr. W. Rowson, Botanic Station. British Guiana: TuE Arcosy Co., Lap., Georgetown. Antigua: Mr. S. D. Mstong, St. John’s. Trinidad: Messrs. Murr-Marsnati & Co., Port-of-Spain. St. Kitts: THE Brete ND Book Suppty AcGENcy, BasSETERRE Tobago: Mr. C, L. PLacEMANN, Scarborough, Nevis: Messrs. How, Bros., Charlestown. Canada; Lewis W. Cremens, 71 King Street, West, Toronto. Vou. XV. No. 375. eo THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. @ Serremper 9, 1916, THE BEST MANURE FOR COLONIAL USE —_ ees 8 ‘ Dissolved (Soluble) ‘Guano FOR SUGAR-CANE AND GENERAL USE. TRADE MARK. | APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIRECT P10: THE ANGLO- CONTINENTAL GUANO won (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) London Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C. Barbados Agents: James A. Lynch & Co., Ltd., Bridgetown, WOST! ASSULED, SELECTED WEST INDIAN BULLETIN, SEA ISLAND COTTON SEED. Vol. XV, No. 4. We make a speciality of selecting Sea Island Cotton Seed for plantmg purposes, and solicit orders from the neighbouring Islands. PROCEEDINGS AT THE er Sf WEST INDIAN COTTON Quotations on application. THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE CONFERENCE, 1916. COTTON FACTORY, LIMITED, ae tality WHITE PARK, PRICE Is, each, - POST PREE, 1s, 2d. BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS. HANDBOOK SERIES. Insect Pests of the Lesser Antilles. Pp. 210, Figs. 185. Price (unbound) 1s. 3d. Bound in ecloti., 2s. 37. Lime Cultivation in thc West Indies. Pp, 136, Figs. 17, Price (unbound) 947. Bound in cloth, 1s. 8 Cotton Cultivation in the West Indies. Pp. 118, Figs. 3%. Price (unbound) 9d. Bound in cloth, 1s. 8d. Printed at Office of Agricultwra! Reporter, 4 High, Street, Bridgetown, Barbados, / \S {One penny. Vol. XV: No. 376.) — SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1916. R. M. S. P. 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. 8., & St. John (N.B.) ‘DEMERARA & PARAMARIBO . | Grenada & Trinidad. ( Trinidad, Puerto Colombia, , Cartagena, Colon, Panama, ; | Callao, Iquique, Antofagasta & Valparaiso. IREGULAR MAIL, PASSENGER AND CARGO SERVICES FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM TO ‘PANAMA CANAL & PACIFIC PORTS 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 2 & JAPAN. Head Office: 18, Moorgate Street, London. Branches at BARBADOS, Trinidad, Tobago, Demerara, Colon, Jamaica, Antilla, New York, Halifax N.S., Buenos Aires, Santos, Sao Paulo Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, etc. + THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. THe Life History ; OF THe CaTILe Tiek SSS SS SS GATTLE Tick PERLE The impo Aance of accurate knowledge on this subject lies in the fact that, before methods of eradication can be carried out intelligenthy and success- fully, itis necessary to know the life history of the tick, and the in{luence of temperature, moisture, and other climatic conditions on the various stages of its existence. In the following notes, whenever the term “tick” or “cattle tick” is used it refers to the one species, Margaropus annulatus, the common Oattle Tick, wyhich is so preyalent throughout the West Indies. Only “4 part of the development of the tick takes place on the animil host; the rest of the development occurs on the pasture occupied by the host. DEVELOPMENT on the GROUND Since each female lays an enormous mass of eggs { at one spot, thousands of larve will appear in the THE ENGORGED FEMALE. In tracing the life course of time at the same place, and will ascend the history of the cattle tick it will be convenient to begin - near-by vegetation and collect on the leaves and other wit'o the large, plump, olive-green female tick. about half parts of plants. This instinctof the seed ticks to climb aya inch in length, attached to the skin of the host. upward is a very important‘adaptation of Nature's to During the last few days spent on the host, she has increase their chances of reaching their host. If the increased enormously in size, as a consequence of vegetation upon which they rest is disturbed, they drawing a large supply of blood. become very active and extend their long front legs upward in a divergent position. waving them violently in an attempt to seize hold of a host. The seed tick during its life on the pasture takes no food, and consequently does not incr@ase in size, and unless it reaches a host to take up the parasitic portion of its development, it dies of starvation. The endurance of seed ticks is very great, however, as they have been found to live néarly eight months, even during the colder part of the year. DEVELOPMENT ON CATTLE “SEED” TICKS. The parasitic phase of develop- ment begins when the larve® or seed ticks reach a favour: ble host, such as a cow. They erawl up over the hair of the host, and commonly attach themselves to the skin of the escutcheon, the inside of the thighs and flanks, and to the dewlap. They at once begin to draw blood, and soon increase in size. THE NYMPH. In oa few days the young tick changes from a brown colour to white;and in from 5 to 12 days sheds its skin. The new form has eight legs instead of six and is known as a nymph. SEXUALLY MATURE TICKS. In from 5 to IL days after the first moult the tick again sheds its skin and When fully engorged she drops to the ground, and at onee, especially if the weather is warm. begins to search for a hiding place on moist earth beneath leaves or any other litter which may serve as a protection from the sun and numerous enemies, or shield her from unfavourable conditions. The female tick may be devoured by birds, or destroyed by ants, or may perish us a result of unfavourable conditions, such as low temperature, absence or excess of moisture, and many other conditions ; so that many female ticks which fall to the ground are destroyed before they lay eggs. EGG LAYING. Egg laying begins during the spring. summer and fall months in from 2 to 20 days. and during the winter months in from 13 to 98 days after falling tothe ground. The eggs are small. elliptics shaped bodies, at first of a light amber colour, later changing to a dark brown, and are about one-fiftieth of an inch in length. As the eggs are laid they are coated with a sticky secretion which causes them to adhere in clusters and no doubt serves the purpose of keeping them from drying out. During egg laying, the mother tick gradually shrinks in size and finally is reduced to «bout one-third or one-fourth her original size. Egg laying is greatly influenced by temperature, being retarded or even arrested by cold. It is completed in from 4 days in the summer to 151 days, beginning in the fall. uring this time the tick may deposit from a few hundred to more than 5,000 eggs. After egg laying is completed the mother tick has fulfilled her purpose and dies in the course of a few days. “SEED” TICKS. After a time, ranging from 19 days in the summer to 188 days during the fall and winter, the eggs begin to hatch. From each ‘egg issues The Female. The female tick at the time of a small, oval, six-legged larva or “seed” tick, at first moulting is slightly larger than the male. She never amber coloured, later changing to a rich brown. The FEMALE shews much activity, seldom moving far from her “seed” tick, after crawling slowly over and about the caoneee) original point of attachment. She still has to undergo shell from which it has emerged, usually remains more most of hergrowth. After mating. the female increases or less quiescent for several days, after which it shows very rapidly in size, and in: from 21 to 66 days after and females are with certainty distinguishable for the first time. The Male. The male tick emerges from his skin as a brown, oval tick. about one-tenth of an inch in length. He has completed his growth and goes through no further development. Later he shows great activity, moving about more or less over the skin of the host. great activity, especially if the weather is warm, and becoming attached to a host asa seed tick, she becomes ascends the nearest vegetation, such as grass, other fully engorged and drops to the pasture, to start again herbs, and even shrubs. the cycle of development by laying eggs. SUMMARY OF LIFE HISTORY To sum up; on the pasture there are found three stages of the tick—the engorged female, the egg, and the Jarva or seed tick: and on the animal host are also found three stages—the larva or seed tick, the nymph, the sexually mature adult of both sexes, and in addition the engorged female. (The above is an extract from a Bulletin issued officially by the United States Department of Agriculture, entitlea— “ Methods of Exterminating the Texas Fever Tick.”) i COOPER’S CATTLE TICK DIP WEST INDIAN AGENTS: i ici t ies: ST. KITTS: S. L. Horsford & Co. ANTIGUA: Bennett, Bryson & Co, Has received the official approval of the following Countries Sk. Herston a ca nea Union of South Africa, Northern Rhodesia, Brazil, Basutoland, GRENADA: Thomson. Hankey & Co. re DOS: Barbados Co-operative Cotton Co., . Nyasaland, Swaziland, Southern Rhodesia, Madagascar, BOTS En Sy ialiieyaais, Nassec. j 3 s st Africa TRINIDAD: T. Geddes Grant, Port of Spain, British East Africa, German East Africa, Portuguese Eas 5 TROND AD ee. te oe Portuguese West Africa, Egypt, Argentine Republic, Queensland, ST. VINCENT: Corea & Co., Kingstown. NEVIS: S.D. Malone. Jni i “New South Wales DANISH WEST INDIES: A. Schmiegelow, St. Croix. United States waAmerite, hag y MONTSERRAT: W. Llewellyn Wall, DOMINICA: Hon. H. A. Frampton, Northern Territory of Australia. ST. LUCIA: Barnard Sons & Co., Castrles. Manufacturers : WILLIAM COOPER & NEPHEWS, Berkhamsted, England. BRANCHES: Toronto, Chicago. Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Buenos Aires, Monte Video, Punta Arenas, [East London, Odessa. becomes sexually mature. It is at this stage that males - - RW ate ee RIF Se Gl) L2 —~ = \2 A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW OF THE IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. Vor. XV. No. 376. BARBADOS, SEPTEMBER 23, 1916, Price ld. CONTENTS future had been dominated by the pressure of necessity, and energies had been centred on finding the best Pace. Pace. manner of getting through the troublous times without Accra Cacao Output for How Hawaii Helps Her being overwhelmed: the problem had been—How to 1915... s,s» =, SIS) Farmersto Market their == carry on? Now with the relief from dread, there was Agricultural Situation in Produce)... ... «~.. dd ; : ; ‘the Philippines, The ... 312 E a danger that men might be content to continue to Bac Fees) bapa appse Cie) Insect Notes:— Ren | Sika cer “ae : u : acon Factory, Salisbury 31! follow this poliey—which was no policy—that of mere Bookshelf § cacy sea) cee Oly, Cacao Industry, Gold Coast, Origin of, Campaign Against Food Plants of the Cotton Stainer. ... 313 Cotton:— Composition of the Cotton Plant and Manuring 310 Department News... ... Departmental Reports ... 4 Food Plants of the Cotton Stainer in St. Vincent, Destruction of ... ... 319 Gleanings.) sec s=5 OLG |Items of Local Interest ... ? The Dispersion of the House-Fly Java Fibre Conference of 1911 nad i Market, Reports a} Notes and Comments ... 312 Plant Diseases:— A Rot of Hevea Stems...318 Safeguarding the Future by Sound Agricultural Policy 305 St. Lucia Land Settlement 310 Science and Practice in American Farming Polo Solomon Islands, British, , Trade and Exports of the 312 Safeguarding — the Agricultural Future Policy. by Sound URING ——e, missioner of an official visit to the Leeward Islands this month, the Imperial Com- Agriculture (Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G.) delivered an instructive address before a well attended meeting of the Antigua Agricultural and Commercial Society, at which His Excellency the Governor presided. After referring to the prosperous conditions now obtaining in Antigua as the result of large crops and high prices, and to the pleasant experience of meet- ing the Society under such conditions, Dr. Watts pointed out that in former times their outlook on the carrying on, being content to deal with the problems of the day as they arose. It seemed to him that prosperity, or the relief from immediate economic danger, lays upon the men of the community the duty of looking forward, of using the means of the present to safeguard the future, the duty of framing a definite policy, or series of policies, to ensure welfare in times to come. The framing of policies might be regarded as the work of individuals or the work of communities. Now, while undoubtedly the efforts of individuals were all- essential to progress, these efforts must be directed to common ends if communities were to advance and pros- per. It would be readily seen that individual eftorts might be very vigorous and active, but those eftorts might be directed in different ways, they might clash and be to each other: one party might overpower another and no real progress might result. What needed was the of individual effort to ends of common interest. It required the formation of a sound public opinion. opposed was direction Now in such work as this Dr. Watts thought institutions like the Antigua Agricultural and Com- mercial Society could play a most important part, and it was gratifying to feel that this Society was actually playing such a part and making its influence felt throughout the community; that associated with the Agricultural Department, it was moulding public -306 opinion and diffusing knowledge upon which sound opinions might be formed. Dr. Watts then congratulated the Society on the success which had attended the various co-operative movements in Antigua, mentioning the good work -done by the Antigua Onion Growers’ Association, and the influence that the Cotton Growers’ Association and Lime Growers’ Association might be expected to have - on the industries involved. Continuing, he emphasized the fact that in fram- -ing sound policy for the immediate future, sound ‘public opinion was essential; but that implied sound thinking on the part of leading men in the community: no one, not even the most brilliant leader, acted - entirely on his own initiative: he was the product of his surroundings: he was the man who had the courage and the energy to give form and expression to what many were feeling and thinking. Hence it followed that to produce sound opinions, even in leaders, im- plied the inculcation of sound ideas in the community _from which the leader sprung. In agricultural matters, therefore it followed that to have sound policy dictated, we must have sound knowledge disseminated. This led the speaker at ‘once toa point that was worth pressing on the meet- tion. ing’s attention—sound agriculture means sound instruc- It did not always follow that this instruction must be formal: successful planters, successful leading men, were constantly arising who had received little formal instruction; but if one looked carefully at these men, one would find that they had the ability to derive and apply information gleaned from informal sources. That did not however imply that they would not have ‘greatly benefited if the information they wanted could ‘have been presented to them in amore readily available form, but it did imply that many who might be able to use the information and who, being informed, might help to advance the welfare of the business in their hands, miss the opportunity for lack of help and well arranged information. If therefore we wanted progress, we must see to it that we give instruction to those who in due time will have the work of the community in their hands. This, added Dr. Watts, Jed to a plea—which -should be a demand—for the providing of facilities for proper teaching. The speaker then referred to the facilities existing in Antigua for agricultural instruction. He alluded to the Grammar School, the Botanic and Experiment “Station, and pleaded for further facilities for research THE AGRICULTURAL SE eS ROE ero eS a NEWS. SEPTEMBER 23, 1916. sovement which had ¢ 2 laboratory and ', spoke of the ericultural varions work. He made reference to the m been inaugurated for the erection 0 workshop at the Grammar School, and , various experiments conducted by the A Department. Mention was made of the - publications issued by the Imperial Departnvent pa Agriculture and the opportunity afforded by these of obtaining information of an educational and practieal value. He did not think however, that the opportunities existing in Antigua for obtaining information were sufficiently appreciated, and utilized, and he indicated how agricultural , investigations might be used as a means of providing material for instruction. Continuing, he said he would leave aside the ques- tion of agricultural teaching in all its forms, and turn to the question of the moment—the framing of sound policies for immediate and future application. For this it was essential that one thought about problems— that we set aside the idea of just carrying on. Many things confronted those present, but the speaker thought he might be allowed to indicate one or two which seemed to him to be worth considering, leaving untouched a long array of subjects which might claim their attention. As regards the manufacture of their staple product, sugar, much care and thought had been bestowed of late years on the perfection of this, and they were rapidly attaining to a sound position in this connexion. The manufacture of sugar in respect to a large part of the crop was carried on with a very high degree of skill, and with the minimum of Joss. Antigua was now well informed on this point; it was realized from experience and local demonstrations what could be done, and it only remained to round off the story by complet- ing such plans as would lead to all the sugar of the island being properly manufactured. Sound policy and sound public opinion had arisen in this respect, and there was good ground for thinking that things might go well. But it was often remarked that where the manufac- ture of sugar was well conducted,the growing of the sugar was often imperfectly done. Dr. Watts was not at all sure that in Antigua at the present moment, there might not be some danger in this respect; it might be felo by some that the development of the sugar industry was ensured because marked progress had been made in one aspect of the industry. There might, however, be lacking, a policy in respect to the other aspect, that of growing. Vor. XV. No. 376, THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, 307 So far as one could see, there was good reason for hoping that the sugar industry would be relieved of some of the disabilities under which it has lab ured for generations past, and that it might meet with fair play in the world’s market. There hope that the prices obtained for sugar would be such as, coupled with the improvements effected in manufac- ture, would make the industry a remunerative one. was reason too to One must not, however, overlook the fact that so soon as things begin to adjust themselves after the war, there would be keen competition in the sugar produc- tion: competition was being vastly stimulated by the high prices now prevailing. Cuba, Hayti, San- Domingo, Porto Rico—to name Important sugar-produc- ing countries near at hand—Java, Hawaii, the Philip- pines and parts of South America were all being stimul- ated, while new countries including large areas in Africa were being induced to devote attention to the industry. Nor must we overlook the influence of Germany and Austria, yreat sugar-producing countries now held in check by the war, but which sooner or later may be busily at work endeavouring to regain something of their lost supremacy; and while their sugar may be, and we trust will be, excluded from British and Alled countries, they would make strenuous etforts to force their sugar upon such markets as might remain open to them. This might have the ettect of lowering the general price of sugar. In any case West Indian planters would do well to exert themselves to the utmost to gain all such advantages as might be open to them; and to this effect Dr. Watts felt that they would be well advised now to give much thought to matters pertaining to sugar-growing: to create a sound policy in this regard. The speaker asked as to what aspects of sugar- growing may thought be directed. There seemed to be several. First came the question of manuring: this had had very long and careful attention at the hands of the Agricultural Department, and certain very definite conclusions had been arrived at. Dr. Watts then gave details of the various ques- tions in connexion with the manurial requirements of sugar-cane that had been worked out by the Agricul- tural Department from time to time, pointing out the need for organic manures and, under certain conditions, artificial nitrogenous manures for ratoon canes. He brietly touched on the new series of manurial experi- ments started by the Agricultural Department, and indicated that as the majority of the canes grown in Antigua were weighed, the study and analysis of these weights by planters would yield valuable information, Questions pertaining to stock, the manufacture of pen. manure, and the growing of green dressings were dealt with. He pointed out that the rotation of crops had not received sufficient local attention. It was indicated that the many problems connected with the tilth of the soil could only be dealt with by agricultural officers with difficulty, but that they could be more readily studied by planters themselves, because the work of the latter brings them into close association with the land. Dealing with stock raising, the speaker said that it was now acknowledged that scientific inbreeding of stock was practical for the improvement of herds. Without sufficient knowledge, however, this might lead to considerable harm being done. He indicated some lines of work that might well have consideration. When speaking about sugar-cane pests and diseases,. he alluded to the present position as regards the hard back grubs (Lachnosterna sp.). These were apparently not doing much damage at the moment. The fact that their depredations were not strikingly noticeable was: probably due to the good weather that was being experienced, ‘These pests are root trimmers, and when the weather is such as toallow vigorous plant growth, roots are formed rapidly and these take the place and. perform the functions of those destroyed by the grubs. A spell of dry weather would possibly show up the damage done by these pests. He reminded his audience of the value of trap crops of maize, and the value of crop rotations in connexion with controlling these pests. Dr. Watts spoke at length on the question of pig raising, and pointed out the present shortage of pork and bacon in the world’s markets. It was not suggested. that pigs should be penned, but that they should be: allowed to run in enclosed areas in fields. These could be planted with food crops, and the herds moved from place to place in the field. If this system were adopted, it would however be necessary to provide strong movable hurdles. He indicated that bacon curing was possible in the West Indies, seeing that with the aid of refrigerating machinery, the difficulties due to climate may be readily overcome. Continuing, he thought, that by way of conclusion. he might say that the main points he wished to impress to-day were that real, steady progress would be the outcome of definite conscious thinking, directed towards. the framing of a definite policy in connexion with each agricultural problem; that a time of relative prosperity should be the time when this effort to frame sound policies should be most readily and fully exerted: it was wrong to regard it as the time when things might take care of themselves, DOWN THE ISLANDS. ITEMS OF LOCAL INTEREST. st, Lucta, Mr, A. J. Brooks reports that work in the Experiment Stations in the month of August was similar to that in the month previous; in addition various ornamental plants were put in. Plant distribution included the following: 6,200 lime plants, 10 ornamental, 450 cassava cuttings, and 106 packets vegetable seeds. In the Botanic Station, the work on improvements to roads and entrances was continued. As regards staple crops, cacao gives promise of a good crop; the lime crop is characterized as very heavy, while sugar-canes are said to be making good growth. The extension of lime cultivation continues. The Imperial Commissioner in passing through St. Lucia on August 24, visitted Government House and discussed matters of agricultural interest with His Honour the Administrator and the Agricultural Superin- tendent. In returning from Dominica on August 22, the Mycologist of the Imperial Department (Mr. W. Nowell) made a short visit to the Castries Gardens and discussed with the Agricultural Superintendent general matters relating to plant pests and diseases. An item of work in contemplation mentioned by Mr. Brooks is the enlargement of the Government Lime Juice Factory. In additional notes having reference to this matter, the Agricultural Superintendent states that owing to the great increase in the peasant produce presented at the Government Factory, it was not possible to accept any juice from planters throughout the month. This juice is being stored, and it is hoped to be able to handle it as soon as the rush is over. On _ several occasions it has been found necessary for the staff to work throughout the night in order to cope with the daily purchases of limes. Thirty-five casks of concentrated juice were prepared during the month, and now await shipment. The Ellis oil engine has not proved equal to the continuous strain, and breakdowns have occurred. A Crossley engine is expected from England shortly, and this will relieve the situation. Further exten- sion of the building has been undertaken to accommodate the large locomotive boiler that is expected to be delivered from England in-November. The new boiling vats and _ still which arrived recently have been erected, and are used for storing raw juice pending the arrival of the steam coils, etc. The following Agricultural Credit Societies have been formed and duly registered: Dennery, Souffritre, Choiseul, and Micoud; others are in course of formation and will be registered shortly. Towards the end of the month weather conditions became abnormal. Heavy rains were experienced on Monday the 28th, particularly at the northern end of the island, where the various estates registered from 2 to 4 inches ina few hours. The rivers rose rapidly, and some estates suffered damage from flooding, which carried away the lime crop that had fallen on the Sunday. One estate is said to have lost 200 barrels of fruit, and another suffered heavily by having a large number of lime trees washed away. MONTSERRAT. Mr. W. Robson writes to say that similar results have been obtained in the Experiment Stations with seeds of the ajowan plant as with seeds of the Bay tree; in unprotected beds they refuse to germinate, but shaded, they grow well. Experiments are in progress to counteract the damping off disease of onion seedlings, Plant distribution during the month of August comprised the following: lime plants 2,900,Bay plants 2,430, sweet potato cuttings 900, fruit trees 10, white velvet beans 8 hb. Seven distillations of Bay leaves are recorded for the THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. SEPTEMBER 23, 1916. month, making a total of 4,000 Ib. of leaves reaped to date from Chateau plot for 1916. Three hundred and seventy pounds of onion seeds were received and distributed and much more, adds Mr. Robson, could have been sold. The reaping of the cotton manurial experiment plots in the Botanic Gar- dens has commenced. Concerning staple crops, it is stated that, ample rains having fallen, the cotton crop, on the whole, has seldom looked more promising, one estate at Windward having already made 200 tb. of lint per acre. On the main area at Leeward, picking bas just commenced, and dry weather is desirable to facilitate reaping. So far there has been a remarkable freedom from pests and diseases; cotton | stainers do not seem to be very numerous anywhere: attacks of worms have been mild—a contrast to last year. The lime crop suffered severely from a dry June, and the limes being reaped are small. Fields hitherto healthy and vigorous do not at present look so, Concerning this, Mr Robson suggests a connexion between the unhealthy appearance of the limes and the attempt to develop a large crop on an insufficient rainfall. The rainfall has suited the area planted in ground nuts, which at present look promising. Areas in corn are badly infested with what appears tobe the corn stalk borer. The rainfall at Grove Station was 8°81 inches, well distribu- ted. On several occasions the weather had been threatening and very high wind occurred on the evening of the 28th. Little damage seems to have been done to crops. anticua. According to Mr. J. Jackson’s report, work in the Experiment Stations during the month of August was of a routine nature. The following plants were distributed: coco-nuts 72, miscellaneous decorative 135, economic 8, onion seed 949 tb. of which 376 tb. were distributed in Antigua; and 2,000 sweet potato cuttings. A consid- erable amount of nursery work has been done during the month, numerous Bay and Eucalyptus plants having been raised. Concerning staple crops, Mr. Jackson says the young cane crop continues to improve; its condition is equal to or per- haps slightly better than it was this time last year. Onion seed has germinated well in some places. Approximately 65,250 tb. of cotton was obtained from last year’s crop. The quantity of crystals manufactured to date at Bendals factory was 2,500 tons; at Gunthorpes, 11,600 tons. Two visits were made to English Harbour by the first assistant in connexion with agricultural instruction; the total quantity of selected seed distributed to date was 4,605 Ib. Good weather for crops in general has been experienced during the month, the rainfall being 5°69 inches; for the year, 34°96 inches. st. kirrs. The Agricultural Superintendent reports planting and reaping operations in the Experiment Stations, and the distribution of 375 tb. white velvet beans, and 30 tb. Rounceval, during the month of August, while in the Botanie Gardens general routine work was carried on. As regards staple crops, Mr. Shepherd states the old cane crop is still being reaped on a few estates in the northern district. The young cane crop, generally speaking. is well advanced and healthy. With a continuance of the present favourable weather, the prospects:for the next season are very promising. On two estates in the northern district cotton is being picked and ginned with good returns. The younger cotton in the valley district is bolling well and some promising fields are to be seen. ‘The acreage in cotton has been reduced, but actual figures are not to hand. The cotton is healthy and, so far, the worm has not appeared. Visits were made to Nevis during the month and coco-nut cultiv- ations at Pinneys inspected, and experiments laid out concerning lime requirements of soils. The rainfall for the month was 8:24 inches: for the year, 37°62 inches. Vou!) XV. «Now376. ON THE AGRICULTU- DOMINICA; LEPORT RAL DEPARTMENT, 1915-16. The Botanic Gardens suffered considerable injury during the year from severe storms in August and September 1915. This necessitated extra work in connexion with repairing the damage done. In regard to work in the nurseries, the report states that the distribution of plants has been main- tained, though the number sent out was less than in former years. The report then furnishes notes on plant importations. The seeds of Pouwteria suavis, a fruit tree of Uraguay, two plants Joboticaba a fruit tree of Brazil, some new mangoes, and seeds of an Achras from British Honduras, which yields chicle gum, were safely rezeived and attended to. In the plot experiments at the Botanic and Experiment Stations extensive trials with green dressings have been continued and interesting remarks are given on the value of green dressings iu young lime cultivation where the trees are widely planted and have not yet filled in. After referring to the cessation of the tapping oper- ations on Castilloa rubber trees as well as to the thrifty character of the Robusta coffee grown at the Station, the Report gives an account of the latest results in connexion with the grafted cacao plots. The investigation into the identity of Dominica grasses and sedges was continued during the year, with the kind assistance of the United States Department of Agriculture, and a list of the species so far determined is given in this Report. The succeeding section concerns progress in the chief industries. In spite of the fact that the climatic conditions during 1915 were unfavourable, the output of lime products was satisfactory. But on the estates, as in the gardens, damage was caused by the storms of the 1915 hurricane season If the weather had been favourable, the output, which was 390,000 barrels of fruit. would have exceeded the record crop of 1913, which was 391,000 barrels of fruit. In regard to the relative amount of the different lime products exported, the quantity of raw juice and, to a less extent, of concentrated juice exceeded that shipped the previous year. There was a falling off in the shipments of fresh limes and of citrate of lime. As to total value of the lime products exported, there was a total decrease in value amounting to £12,626, The actual figure for 1915 was £174,405, : Concerning cacao there has been for some years a falling off in the industry, which is to be regretted. Progress in connexion with coco-nut cultivation is satisfactory. An important section of the present report deals with manurial experiments with limes and eacao, Experiments with limes have been in progress only three years, but the plots show very clearly, that the application of complete manures and of mulching is attended by great benefit to the trees as well as by a remunerative increase in crop. It is estimated that the application of complete artificials yields a clear profit amounting to £12 per acre. Experiments are in progress with young trees as well as matured ones, and there are additional experiments being carried on to compare THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, 309 — the relative value for manurial purposes of cotton seed meal! and grass mulch. An interesting line of investigation is that designed to ascertain whether grass can be profitably grown on adjacent waste land to serve for mulching purposes at a profit. The manurial experiments with cacao have been in progress much longer than those with limes, and the results have been repeatedly referred to in past volumes of the Agricultural News, and have been studied in detail in the West Indian Bulletin. Suffice it to say that the application of mulch and of dried blood with phosphates and potash is attended by very considerable profit. A useful appendix to this account of manurial experiments is a table giving the chemical composition of pen manures and allied manures suit- able for mulching, etc., produced or commonly used in the Leeward Islands. The next section of the report gives an account of the work accomplished in the chemical laboratory. At the beginning of the year under review the chemical work carried on in the Leeward Islands was reorganized, and branch laboratories were established in Dominica and St. Kitts under the advisory control of the central laboratory in Antigua. The section under review is an account of the first year’s work This has consisted principally in analy- tical work in regard to lime products. The need for- improvement in the manufacture of concentrated juice is indicated. The value of steam concentration not only in regard to less sediment but in connexion with reduction of loss of acid is shown by the results of two experiments conducted in a steam plant. Several manures were analysed during the year, and the composition of meat bone meal and Swift brand 003 were found to be satisfactory. An investi- gation was conducted also into the milk supply of Roseau, the chief town. The composition of the milk appears to be- very satisfactory. A novel line of investigation had regard to the concen-- tration of lime juice by freezing. It has been found that raw lime juice when frozen and treated in a centrifugal can be concentrated without affecting its properties as a beverage —a most important fact. If the juice is treated once only, the acid content may be increased from about 13 oz. per gallon to over 20 oz. per gallon. If this be- refrozen, a juice containing 30 oz. per gallon can be obtained. The low testing juices can be converted into citrate of lime, thus eliminating all losses except those of handling. This process enables a very considerable saving to be made in freight, charges and packages amounting to between 40 and 60 per cent., the actual amount depending upon whether- the juice is frozen once or twice. A large number of analyses were conducted to deter- mine the ratio of citric acid to free acid in lime juices. The results obtained will be found of value. The section under- review concludes with a report on the waters of Dominica, the published analyses having been made at the central laboratory in Antigua. Work connected with insect and fungus pests has happily not been as considerable as is generally the case in other- islands. The root diseases of lime trees appear to occasion the most serious trouble, and agricultural officers are always on the look out for their occurrence, and ready to give advice as to the necessary control measures to be taken. The principal section in the concluding portion of this report concerns agricultural instruction in the Botanic Gardens. To show the practical nature and value of this work, extracts from the diary of one of the pupils are _repro- duced together with a report on the work, by a leading planter. These statements make it evident that the Garden provides a training for would-be overseers equal if not. superior to any obtainable elsewhere in the West Indies, 310 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. SEPTEMBER 23, 1916. THE ORIGIN OF THE GOLD COAST CASAO INDUSTRY. In the ‘Round the Empire’ notes in the April number of United Empire, it was stated that the cacao industry of the Gold Coast was founded in 1879 by a native of Accra who brought some cacao plants and pods from Fernando Po, made a small plantation, and four years later sold the cacao pods in the neighbouring villages; it was added that the first shipment of Gold Coast cacao, consisting of 80 bb., was made in 1891. These stattments, it is learnt from a note in the United Empire for August, were based on information contained in an Annual Report on the Colony for 1902 and on information in a book Le Cacaoyer by Chevallier, pub- lished in 1908. Mr. Brandford Griftith now writes to the United Empire with the object of dispelling the idea that the introduction of cacao into the Gold Coast was due toa native. From 1884 to 1888, Mr. Griffith was frequently in Akwapim, and he was much interested inall economic products and took some trouble to enquire into the coffee pests and had there been any cacao in the district he thinks it would have come to his knowledge. He goes on to say that at the end of 1886 or early in 1887 (just after the cable had been laid to Accra) his father, the late Sir William Brandford Griffith, who was then Governor, introduced cacao into the Gold Coast. He procured some pods through the cable superintendent at San Thomé, planted some of the seedlings at Aburi, which was then the Government sanatorium, and distributed the rest amongst natives in the Akwapim hills. This, adds Mr. Griftith, was the beginning of cacao planting on the Gold Coast, and Mr. Grittith well remembers seeing and handling the original pods from which the huge cacao industry has sprung, the magnitude of which will be grasped by reference to our article on the Accra Cacao Output for 1915 which appears on page 318 of this issue of the Agricultural News. The Curator’s report from Dominica for the month of August shows that operations of a routine nature comprised the work in the Experiment Stations for that period. The Botanic Gardens were severely injured by the hurricane of the 28th, and it will require considerable time to remove the fallen trees and prune the damaged ones. Plant distri- bution comprised: 4,962 limes, 300 cacao, 500 coffee, 49 budded citrus, 3 grafted mango and 8 miscellaneous, making a total for the month of 5,822. Produce shipped to London included 5 bags cacao, 2 bags kola nuts, and 1 bag nutmegs. COMPOSITION OF THE COTTON PLANT, AND MANURING. The Huperiment Station Record, Vol. XXXIV, No 2, contains a note showing the analysis cf cotton at four stages ot development, namely, to the first form, the first bloom, the first open boll, and maturity. The cotton plants were grown under various fertilizer treatments and compared with a standard fertilizer consisting of 468 Ib. of acid phosphate, 36 Tb. of muriate of potash, and 130 Db, of nitrate of soda per acre. ‘The obvious indications of these results, as compared with those yielded by application of the standard fertilizer, are that substantial diminution in amount of either of the principal ingredients of the plant’s food, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, or nitrogen, involve (1) substantial reduction in the weight (dry matter) of the plant in its entirety and in the several periods of growth, particularly after setting of the form, and (2) the increase in time period from form to bloom, from bloom to open boll, and in the maturing of the plant. The proportion of ash to dry matter at any stage of growth or relative amonnts of nitrogen and mineral ingredients does not appear to be seriously affected by the amount of the food supply. This would seem to indicate the important fact of the absence of a power in the plant to store food in any particular period of growth beyond the needs of the plant for the period.’ A study of the effect of various fertilizers on the fat content of the seed produced in these experiments showed that ‘the season affected notably the weight of the seed and the fat content; a similar effect is noted in the total weights of dry matter produced. The fertilizer seems, however, to affect the relative fat content. Assuming the product from the standard fertilizer to be “normal,” it appears that lack of phosphorus diminishes notably the storage of fat and of potassium and nitrogen to some but a lesser degree.’ ST. LUCIA LAND SETTLEMENT. The progress of the land settlement on Réunion estate in St. Lucia is shown by the following statement, reproduced from the Report of the Agricultural Department, St Lucia, 1915 16:— SWEET porTato still remains the favourite crop, and so long as it continues to be the most profitable, it is desirable that no serious change be made. ‘The price realized on the spot varied from 4s. 6d.to 6s. per sack, and in Castries from 6s. to 9s. 6d. This settlement is fast becoming a productive centre for the Castries market, which is not fully realized except per- haps when the coasting boat temporarily ceases her daily calls, and then the shortage of provisions is keenly felt. Choiseul, owing tots arable light dry soil, is the chief productive centre of the island for sweet potatoes, and some idea may.be formed of the extent of the provision industry in this district when the records show that 2,777 sacks of sweet potatoes, 1,319 bunches of plantains and bananas, 764 baskets of mixed vegetables, and 13 barrels of dry peas were conveyed to Castries from this district during the year by the coasting boat alone ; and if records were obtainable show- ing the amounts shipped by sloop and canoe, this total would be easily doubled. Many of the small areas in other districts which formerly grew provisions have during the last two years been planted with limes, and in the course of a few years these areas will no longer be available for the production of vegetables. It is therefore necessary for the general welfare of the island. that there should be at least one large centre on the leeward side of the island capable of producing and maintaining a steady supply of provisions to Castries. The efforts of the Agricultural Department at Choiseul are therefore chiefly directed towards the developing of the present provision industry, by extending the areas under cultivation, and by the introduction of new and more prolific varieties rather than encouraging the eultivation of permanent or orch crops. ard Vot. XV. No. 376, SUGAR-CANE. New varieties of cane were introduced from Barbados and St. Kitts in 1913, and were carefully grown at the Agricultural and Botanical Station. The varie- ties giving the best returns under the existing conditions at Choiseul were distributed free during the year to the Land Settlement holders. The cane grown was crushed and manu- factured into sugar at the Agricultural Department’s sugar works on the usual system of sharing. cassava follows sweet potato in order of importance, and attention has been paid to the introduction of new varie- ties from Montserrat. Eleven new varieties were obtained, and after careful trials, cuttings of the two best yielders were distributed for general planting. OTHER CROPS such as peas, beans, yams, Indian corn, coco-nuts, cottee, limes and cacao are being grown in suitable situations. Continuous assistance and advice have been regularly given by the officers of the Agricultural Department. DISTRIBUTION OF FREE PLANTS, EFC. The following list shows the number of plants and cut- tings distributed free during the year:— Sweet potato (cuttings) 5,000 Cassava 5,500 Sugar-cane - 11,000 Coco. nuts (plants) ... non 24 Limes 5 ae ne 50 Cotfee s au 308 Qf Banana (suckers) 500 TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION. Owing to the Settlement adjoining the Agricultural and Botanical Station, it has been possible to render greater assistance to the Land Settlement holders than would other- wise have been possible. The labour to work this Station is drawn as far as possible from the families working holdings under the Land Settle- ment Scheme. When the Agricultural Superintendent is satisfied that a holding is planted and weeded and requires no further attention for the time being, the owner is employed in the Agricultural Station. : This enables him to be taught the proper tillage of the same soil, growing the same kind of crops as their own lots, and under the same climatic conditions. It also provides them with ready money for their general maintenance while their own crops are maturing. As soon as their own holdings require attention they are sent back, and others taken on to fill their places at the Station. THE JAVA FIBRE CONFERENCE OF 1911. The proceedings, published in three volumes, of the Java Fibre Conference held in July 1911, have been received, and the attention of readers interested in such crops as cotton, kapok, agave, Manila hemp, ramie, and jute may be called to these important sources of infor- mation. An especially useful paper on the classifica- tion of Agaves was read at one of the meetings, and the paper, because of its West Indian bearing, will be reproduced in an early issue of the West Indian Bulletin, together with additional information furnished to this Department by the author. The following are brief summaries of three papers read on Javan kapok, pine-apple fibre, and cotton. It will be remembered that Javan kapok is the first grade ‘commercial standard recognized all over the world. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS TT 311 KAPOK, Kapok is a good secondary crop for the native popula- tion, but measures must be taken to prevent stealing and picking of unripe fruits. Skiseine } European estates bared on che cultivation of kapok may be profitable, but the profits are usually small. It is recom- mended that kapok cultivation may be combined with cacao, coffee, ete. or with cattle rearing. The consumption of kapok for several purposes is increasing all over the world, and, so far as can be seen, there is no fear of overproduction. The exports of kapok from other tropical countries are as yet unimportant, but officials in other countries, where kapok may be grown, are encouraging its production so that in future competition may be expected. It is therefore recommended by this congress, that measures be taken to prevent any falling off in the quality of - Javan kapok, in order that it may retain its reputation as the most valuable and best prepared kapok in the markets of the world. PINE-APPLE FIBRE, As regards the production of pine-apple fibre, the general conclusions arrived at were :— It isfound that well prepared fibre also made by the natives, is suitable for many purposes The demand is as yet irregular and there is no established market, but it is expected that a market for pine-apple fibre may soon be developed. It is found, thanks to the experts, that the fibre has “many good qualities, so that it merits attention, and it may become of commercial importance in European industries. Before a just conclusion may be reached, we must awaits (1) the results.of several experimental plantations in differ- ent parts of the Archipelago. (2)Trial in the preparation of the fibre for market. COTTON CULTIVATION IN PALEMBANG. The following shows that the agricultural author- ities in Java are alive as to the difficulties confronting the production of cotton:— {t will be an important advantage to the cotton cultiv- ation in Palembang to make regulations as at Lematang-Ilir (that is reserve for cotton grounds suitable for it). Lands for cotton must not be permitted to be over-run with alang-alang. In regions where cotton is growing or may be grown profitably, fields should be reserved for seed gardens. Sufficient positive data for making satisfactory estimates cannot be obtained. If the native cotton cultivation in Palembang is left to itself, the industry is not likely to expand. The prospects are favourable for native cotton cultiv- ation in Palembany if European capital comes in for instal- ling gins and buying the product. Native cotton cultivation may be encouraged by giving demonstrations, and by organizations for farmer’s banks. The prospects for European cultivation of cotton are not unfavourable, especially if carried on in connexion with other crops. (Mixed farming). There are no figures for making estimates regarding European cotton cultivation in the Dutch East Indies. Some difficulties regarding labour may be expected. The prospects for European cultivation of cotton may be more favourable if the Government and those interested in cotton combine— (1) for securing information. (2) for establishing a cotton experiment station. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS SErpremBer 23, 1916. 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 vohe cover. Imperial Commissioner of Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Sce., -Agriculture for the West Indies F.1.C., F.C.S. SCIENTIFIC STAFF. Scientific Assistant and Assistant Editor Entomologist -Mycologist W. R. Dunlop. H. A. Ballou, M.Sc. W. Nowell, D.I.C. STAFF. A. G. Howell. M. B. Connell. (L- A. Corbin. "4 Taylor. CLERICAL Chief Clerk _Assistant Clerk ‘Clerical Assistants Miss B. Robinson. A.B. ma Fell. Journ. Inst. ‘Typist Assistant for Publications Agricultur: al ae Vou. XV. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1916. No. 3 NOTES AND COMMENTS. ‘Contents of Present Issue. The editorial in this issue consists of an address delivered before the Antigua Agricultural Society by the Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture. On page 309 will be found a review of the annual report of the Dominica Agricultural Department for 1915-16. An interesting account of how a Government may assist in marketing colonial produce will be found on page 315. A review of an interesting book on the chemistry -of plants and animals is to be found on page 317. Insect Notes concerns the dispersion of the house- tly while under Plant Diseases is an article on a rot of Hevea stems, The Agricultural Situation in the Philippines. A comparison of the present agricultural situation in the Philippines with the situation existing ten years ago clearly shows that there has been a remarkable degree of progress when one takes into account exist- ing economic and social conditions. The purpose of an article in the Philippine Agricultural Review, Vol. IX, No. 2, is to describe briefly the more important lines of development in Philippine agriculture during the past decade. and also to show in what measure this develop- ment is being promoted by the work of the Govern- ment. In the course of this article notes are given con- cerning the development of the rice, corn, coco-nut, sugar, tobacco and fibre industries The value of the annual exports of sugar have increased over 100 per cent. in the last ten years, while in the case of tobacco the increase has been 100 per cent. in the last five years. In regard to rice, much larger returns are now obtained per acre, while a thoroughly organized . corn campaign in connexion with seed _ selec- tion has had an even more pronounced effect in regard to this industry. As pomted out in the last issue of the Agricultural News there has been some dissatisfaction on the market side of the manila hemp industry; but the introduction of the grading law has now re-established this industry on a thoroughly satis- factory footing. In regard to pests and diseases, the Philippine Government has carried on several vigorous campaigns against rinderpest, locusts and the coco-nut bud rot. The ‘public services’ division has been responsible for useful seed selection and distribution work, fibre inspec- tion and for carrying on the food production campaign immediately following the outbreak of the European war. On the educational side, the Government has done a large amount of work by means of co-operative demonstrations and by organizing in each province and municipality a co-operative agricultural society. During the past ten years the investments of capital in Philippine agriculture have been small, and Government appropriations have been limited. That there has been progress, however, and a marked degree of progress, is cle: arly demonstrated by the information contained in the article under review. And it should be added that the tropics as a whole owes a debt of gratitude to the Philippine Government for furnish- ing the necessary funds for the valuable research that is being carried on by the Bureau of Education. Trade and Exports of the British Solomon islands. In Colonial Reports Annual (No. 869) for 1914-15, is presented the Report of the High Com. missioner on the British Solomon Islands Protector: ate, for 1914-15, From this the following information, which should be of interest to readers of the Agricul tural News, is abstracted. Vor. XV. No. 376. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 313 The production of copra, the principal item of export, is steadily increasing. Coco-nut plantations that were established some eight years ago are in bearing, the average crop being up to the most ‘sanguine expectations. A falling otf of the produce trom native trees has resulted from the fall in price of copra, -as the natives, not understanding the cause of the -drop in price, were reluctant to sell, and preferred to let the nuts rot on the ground rather than accept the lower price offered by traders. As regards ivory nuts, another important item of -expont, it is stated that the closing of the market for this item has been a serious blow to the Protectorate. Ivory nuts are grown extensively throughout the -group, and the export provided a profitable hving for -a number of small traders. Prior to the outbreak of war the price paid was £11 per tom. At the present time there must be many hundreds of tons goimg to waste: even at the reduced price of £6 to £7 the industry ~would find employment for many, and quite £20,000 in -value would be realized annually. The loss of this item of trade has not been made good by any other utem. Another item of export is bananas. The prices rrealized on the fruit shipped have been very encourag- ‘ing, and that fact, it is submitted, should induce other ypersons, besides the few growers in the eastern part of the group, to take up the cultivation of this highly iremunerative product. The cultivation of cotton has been abandoned, mainly owing to the scarcity of suitable cheap labour ‘to gather the crops. The Protectorate has been found to be well suited ‘for raising cattle, and many plantations have herds grazing among the coco-nuts, thus saving a great num- ‘ber of labourers in the clearing of undergrowth. ‘Science and Practice in American Farming. An editorial of a very enlightening character appearsin the Experiment Station Record (Vol. XXXIV, No. 2) on the subject of extension work, that is, the educational movement to disseminate the results of experiment station work and put them into actual practice. When the extension legislation was being considered in the United States, confident predictions were made as to its great value, and it was even sug- gested that a point has been reached when experiment station workers could afford to pause in their labours in acquiring exact information, and devote more time to disseminating it and ‘helping the public to catch up.’ The right course is to continue both; it is as well, however, to recognize this fact, that experimental work may tend to run ahead and leave those it is intended to help along, in the back ground. One pauses to think of this, more especially as the idea emanates from the United States, where the obligation of the work of the experiment stations in promoting agricultural advancement and improving farm practice has from the very first loomed large on the horizon of the station workers. If in the United States the danger is recog- nized, there is probably good cause for expecting it to exist in other countries. We may think of science as the relation of cause and effect. Itis this knowledge of cause and effect which enables us to construct and construct with con- fidence. Practice is only effect; it seldom takes cause into account. We can never be certain that practical operations will produce the same effect because we de not fully understand the forces operating to produce the effect. This is where practical experience breaks down, and especially so im agriculture. The great value of extension work les in explaining the inner meanings of practical experience, thereby enabling us to conduct practical work with greater confidence in regard to achieving the desired results. Campaign Against Food Plants of the Cotton Stainer. In the Gleaning’s page of this issue reference is made to the Ordinance passed on July 25 in St. Vincent to make provision for the eradication of the pest known as the cotton stainer by means of cutting down the native food plants of the pest which are chiefly the silk cotton tree and ‘John Bull’ (Thespesia populnia). This work was commenced the day following that on which the Ordinance was assented to and a report has been received from the Agricultural Superimtendent, Mr. W. N. Sands, on the progress made during the period July 26 to August 31. The magnitude of the work, which is very considerable, will be appreciated by referring to the details published on page 319 of this issue. It will be noticed that while the Government is meeting the necessary expenses, chiefly connected with labour, the planters themselves are actively co-operating with the Agricultural Department in order that these trees which harbour a pest that is a menace to the cotton industry may be entirely eradicated. For the information of those readers who have not followed the history of the cotton stainer problem in St. Vincent it may be briefly explained that the staimer is responsi- ble for infecting unopened bolls with a fungoid disease and that while there isa strict close season for cotton growing in St. Vincent the stainers have been observed to carry over only too successfully on certain wild plants notably the trees mentioned above, namely, the silk cotton tree and John Bull. The preseut campaign is an interesting example of the practical value of scienti- fic observation and reasoning supported by strong Gov- ernment action in saving a staple crop from destruction by disease, THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 1916 SEPEMBER 23, INSECT NOTES. THE DISPERSION OF THE HOUSE-FLY. Effective control of the house-fly is a world-wide problem of the greatest importance, intimately associa- ted with the maintenance of public health. wo papers in the American Journal of Eecononuie Entomology (Vol. 9, No.3) add considerably to the knowledge required to achieve this end. The first paper deals with the subject of the migratory movements of the fly, and the following is asummary of the data and results obtained in an extensive experiment In a city, the built-up portion of which was about 14 miles square, 387,877 marked flies were liberated from four release points. The release points were so located as to give an idea of the possible spread of flies from breeding areas variously situated in relation to the city as a whole, and each representing different conditions. A total of 1,056 flies were recaptured at seventy-eight stations, which varied from 50 to 3,500 yards from the point of release. This was the greatest distance at which recaptures were attempted. The results indicated that under conditions which are favourable, flies may spread from any given breeding ground to all parts of a city, even one of considerable size. Also that they may not only cross a city offering abundant feeding and breeding areas, but may even leave it and cross open eountry to points considerable distances beyond its limits. The full possibilities of dispersion were not determined, due to the relatively small size of the city, but the fact that the flies spread from release points on one border to points on the opposite side, indicates a possible radius of 2,333 yards (11 miles), and that flies even traversed the entire city and crossed open country to points beyond, justifies the belief in a still greater radius. The actual territory over which flies were recovered in the city was about 2 square miles, but possible dispersion over a territory of from 5 to more than 12 square miles was indicated. While the results of this investigation are of general application to Montana cities and towns, it is problematical to attempt to apply them to more thickly populated areas, where sanitary measures are more easily and more generally applied. Control measures mean fewer flies and fewer feeding and breeding areas, but does this mean a larger or a smaller radius of dispersion for what flies there may be? SUMMARY OF DEDWCTIVE RESULTS. House-fly dispersion (the spread of house-flies from their breeding grounds and the factors controlling it) may be considered as a problem concerning short periods of time or as one of seasonal significance. The factors which control dispersion are mainly, if not entirely, external stimuli. As regards their effect on the radius of distribution, these stimuli may be termed znevting (e.g., odours from feeding and breeding grounds), or inhzbit- ing (e.g., low temperature, rain). Inciting stimuli give rise to tropic reactions, movements to and from, and consequently have a direct effect on distribution. Inhtbiting stimuli indirectly affect distribution, because of resulting periods of inactivity on the part of the fly. These stimuli, both inciting and inhibiting. form a com- plex set of external forces, each of which varies in intensity and duration. The adult life of the housefly is esseatially devoted to two purposes, feeding and reproduction. Hence, it is evident that when dispersion is considered as a problem of long periods or of seasonal duration, the stimuli from feeding and breeding areas are those of the inciting stimuli which act most continuously and for the greatest portion of a fly’s life, and are the most important ones to control. Temperature is a constantly present stimulus, but may be inciting or inhib- iting. When dispersion is considered for short intervals, other stimuli than those from feeding and breeding areas may assume greater importance. These stimuli may be inciting or inhibiting, and under normal conditions have but minor significance as seasonal ‘factors. Cities or localities undoubt- edly occur, however, in which unusual physical or meteoro- logical conditions are present with but slightly varying inten- sity during a complete season, and consequently what would ordinarily be a stimulus of minor importance may become one of major seasonal importance (e.g., strong wind blowing con- stantly from some direction, long continued rain, etc.). By conducting dispersion experiments with a sufficiently - large number of flies for a sufficiently long time, and by cov- ering a sufliciently large territory, it seems likely that a limit for fly dispersion, under’city conditions, could-be determined which would be of more or less general application. The length of time would have to -be at least equal to that of the average length of house-tly life. DesTRUCTION OF LARVAE. The second paper concerns the breeding habits of the fly. It was found that the development of eggs and ‘larvae in manure was inhibited by all strengths of hydrochloric acid: though the pupae develop from both acid and alkali which is prohibitory to the eggs and larvae. Manure stored in bins was found not to be a good place for the breeding of flies, due to the growth of mould. It has been found possible to destroy the larvae of the domestic fly by merely turning the inner parts of the pile over the fresh manure which contains larvae. The heat generated by the manure, as well as the gases which are formed during fermentation are very fatal to the larvae when they are exposed tothem. ‘This is aresult of much practical importance owing to the simplicity of this method of control. DEPARTMENT NEWS. The Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture returned to Barbados on September 20 by the C.R.M.S. ‘Chau- diere’, after having paid an official visit extending over: a month to the Leeward Islands. Vou. XV. No. 376. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 315 HOW HAWAII RS TO MARKET THEIR PRODUCE. In the West Indies, Antigua atfords the best example of an island where the Agricultural Department assists in the marketing of locally grown produce. In this connexion reference may be made to the Antigua Onion Growers Association, to the Government Granary and, to a less extent, to assistance rendered by the Department in connexion with the sale of cotton. In the American tropical territory of Hawaii, a great deal more than this has been done to develop the production by the establishment of a territorial market, under the supervision of the Hawaiian Experiment Station. Mr. E. V. Wilcox, of the States Relations Service, gives an account of what has been done in an interesting article in the Yearbook of the United States Department of Agriculture for 1915. In this he says that prior to the establishment of the market, fruits to be obtained in Honolulu were mostly imported, and the same held good to a large extent in the case of vegetables. When it was asked why Honolulu markets were not properly supplied with tropical products, the farmer replied that the dealers apparently did not want such produce, or at any rate would not pay enough for it to give the farmer a profit; while the dealer replied that either the produce in question could not be profitably grown in the territory, or the farmers were not sufliciently industrious to engage in any special line of agriculture. To understand how such a situation arose necessitates a study of the economic history of the territory. It is sutti- cient here however, to indicate the action which the territorial legislature took to remedy it and to bring about a develop- ment of diversified agriculture. In 1909 a Commission recommended the establishment of the territorial market, and in 1913 this market, which had been in existence for two years, was brought under the supervision of the Hawaiian ‘Agricultural Experiment Station. The difficulties attendant on the production and sale ot produce by the amall estate owner were considerable until this market began operations. In the first place they could not individually produce large enough (quantities of material to secure reduced freights. Moreover, the individual small farm could not be allotted to different crops in such a manner as to pring about a steady supply. The worse feature ot all from a standpoint of the small farmer was that no market informa- tion was available in any of the local newspapers. Another serious difficulty was furnished by the uneven nature of the land, the prevalence of insect pests and fungus diseases, the unusual heaviness of the soil, and poor roads. {n fact the whole field of diversified agriculture in Hawaii, was until quite recently neglected by reason of the intense interest in the production of sugar. There was alSo to be faced compe- tition with produce shipped from the United States and the Orient: peanuts were imported in large quantities from China and Japan, beans from the mainland, corn from Seattle and Manchuria, oranges, grape fruit, carrots, beats, asparagus, potatoes, and various vegetables, as well as cold storage, chickens and turkeys from California, and onions from Texas and Australia. Therefore without any information as to the actual condition of the Honolulu market, it was practically impossible for the farmer to prevent glutting the market by making a shipment to Honolulu. The first work of the territorial market was the encour agement of organizations among farmers. Great difficulty in this respect was met with because of the great diversity of races and languages, English itself being by no means a uni- versal language as itis in many other cosmopolitan places. Through the medium of pigeon English, however, the universal business language of the Orient, and by enlisting the interest of representatives of various races, quite satistac- tory co-operative associations have at last been formed in the various farming communities. The simplest form is a mere voluntary organization of farmers who pool their produce and ship it in common in the name of the organization to the territorial marketing division. One association on the island of Maui is composed exclusively of American farmers. Their main crop is pme-apples. They were induced to take up land in this locality by contract with the local cannery, which agreed to take their pine-apples on a sliding-scale system regulated by the price of canned pine-apples. Unfortunately after the arrangement had been made the price of fresh fruit was reduced one-half or more, and the farmers were brought face to face with a new emer- gency; but a movement was at once started to establish a co-operative cannery for handling the fruit of the com- munity; the first crop’ was sold fresh to the territorial marketing division. In a neighbouring community, corn, beans, cabbage and poultry are the main products for sale. The community does its business through an elected manager, who makes shipments to the territorial marketing division for sale in Honolulu or for reshipment to San Francisco. In order to keep the farmers in the different islands intormed as to prices and demands, a market letter is circu- lated, printed in different languages. On their side, the farmers have been induced to supply the division fortnightly with information as to the kinds and amounts of produce which they are likely to have in the near future for shipment to Honolulu. This system of mutual exchange of infor- mation tends to prevent the flooding of the market. As the result of the establishment of the Hawaiian territorial market, the demand for local produce in Honolulu has greatly increased in every direction. This not only applies to fruit and vegetables but to the supply of poultry and meat. Little Indian corn is now imported, and the reader will remember that efforts are being made to reach a similar position in Antigua, in the West Indies. One good effect of the co-operative marketing has been that the steamship companies have taken greater care and provided better facilities for the transportation of perishable produce. Simultaneously, the farmers themselves have graded and packed their produce in a more satisfactory manner than previously. In the course of the article from which this information is obtained, reference is made to a recent shortage of onions which are derived from the Bermuda crop. This stimulated local production, satisfactory prices were obtained, and no difficulty was experienced in shipping onions from Honolulu to San Francisco. Similarly with sweet potatoes; while from time to time it has been found pofitable to ship dry beans. In order to facilitate business on the American Pacific Coast, the Hawaiian territorial market has a branch market in San Francisco. Its main business thus far has been the handling of fresh pine-apples, but in the future it will no doubt be concerned with the disposal of other products. 316 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. SEPTEMBER 23, 1916, GLEANINGS. As the result of an investigation at the University of Illinois it has been shown that dolomite up to 40 per cent. proves beneficial to plant growth. The results indicate that dolomite and magnesian limestone will not be detrimental as applied. in agricultural practices. Increasing the size of application increases the calcium and magnesium contents of plants. Details of the investigation will be found in the Journal of Agricultural Research, Vol. VI, No. 16. It is interesting to learn that in Canada the use of formalin by the farmers themselves for disinfecting seeds has enormously increased of recent years as the result of educational eftort. During 1915 approximately 20,000 farms in Ontario treated their seed grain this spring with formalin as a protection against smut. Ontario druggists so far this year have sold to farmers about 4,650 gallons of formalin compared with 1,175 gallons during the whole of 1915. On July 25, 1916, an Ordinance was passed in St. Vincent to make provision for the eradication of the pests known as the cotton stainer by means of cutting down the native food plants of the pest which are chiefly the silk-cotton tree and ‘John Bull (Zhespes'a populnia). Where substantial damage is occxsioned compensation is allow for. An offence against this Ordinance, namely obstructing or impeding the agricultural officers in the execution of their powers, makes the offender liable to a fine not exceeding £20, or in default of payment, imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months. An article in the Agricultural Gazette of Canada deals with the interesting subject of home garden contests conduc- ted on farms in Ontario. The main reasons for their institu- tion are that the pupils having reached the required age, are capable of undertaking more than is called for by the children taking part in ordinary school gardens; secondly, as is well known, a garden is far too uncommon on the average farm. The writer goes so far as to say that a greater number of veg- etables are to be found in the back-yard gardens of Canadian cities and towns than can be found on the average farm. The report of the Education Department of Trinidad and Tobago says that the present expensive system of nature study in the primary schools does not allow a satisfactory attainment of the results that are desired. The Senior Agricultural Instructor and the Junior Agricultural Instructor paid dwing 1915 nearly 400 visits to the different schools, and in many cases practical instruetion to pupils was given. [t is difficult to understand why, with this skilled attention, school gardening is not progressing satisfactorily as is desired. In many colonies this branch of education does not receive any expert attention and supervision. A correspondent, of the India Rubber World writing- from Germany on the rubber trade in that country states- that the manufacture of synthetic rubber in Germany has been placed on a basis that is com- mercial under existing conditions. He states that many experts go so far as to predict that, before the end of the war such progress will have been made that Germany will be able to produce this material when peace is re-established, in com- petition with the natural product, and at such prices as to displace crude rubber partially, if not entirely. They predict. for the rubber plantation the same fate that befell the culti- vation of indigo. The Indian Forest Records (Vol. V, Part VII) contains- an interesting note onthe economic uses of Rosha grass- (Cymbopogon Martini, Stapf.) in India. The paper is chiefly of interest in the West Indies in that it shows that approxi- mately 20 per cent. more oilcan be obtained from a steam plant than from a direct fire still when using thoroughly sun- dried grass. Again, when using steam distillation with dry and green grass 100 per cent. more oil was obtained from the latter for the reason that the oil has not time to volatilise out of the green grass. The consumption of fuel when using a boiler is somewhere about 100 per cent. less than that required for a direct fire still These results should interest workers in lime oil and bay oil distillations in the West Indies but they require careful criticism. The Agricultural Journal of the Department of Agricul- ture Bihar and Orissa (Vol. III, No. 2) contains an interesting article on the Indian cultivator’s method of storage of seeds and of seed testing. The latter is a very crude and simple affair. The media which he selects for sprouting seeds are the very watery leaf-stalks of such plants as the plantain. The stalks are cut into convenient lengths and then partially split open to place the seeds inside in contact with the moist fresh cut surface. The leaf stalks are then tied up and kept in a moist place. Usually sixteen seeds are taken. When the germination goes below ten. the seed is considered to be bad. It is customary with cultivators to test their wheat, gram, barley, oats, peas, and lentil seeds in this way before- sowing. The effort though crude is very creditable. A note appears in the International Review of the Science- and Practice of Agriculture (February 1916) of a soil sampler for soil bacteriologists. The sampler consists of a brass tube 11 inches long, with one end made into a cutting edge. This cutting edge is so made that the soil is not appreciably compacted when the sample is taken. The end having the cutting edge is furnished with a tight fitting brass cap 2 inches in height. The open end, plugged with absorbent cotton, makes the sample complete. In using the apparatus the complete sampler is first sterilized. It is then taken into the field, the cap is removed, the driving head is inserted above the cotton plug, andthe sampler is driveninto the ground to the desired depth. It is then pulled out, the cap is flamed. replaced, and the sample is ready to be taken to the laboratory This sampler is easily sterilized, easily kept clean, easily manipulated, and durable, Vout. XV. No. 376. S . (CSS EG a= = SS I ORGANIC AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTRY. By J. S. Chamberlain, Ph.D., Professor of Organic and Agricul- tural Chemistry in the Massachusett Agricultural College. New York: The Macmillan Company, 1916. While intended primarily for use in agricultural colleges, this book, treating of the chemistry of plants and animals, should be appreciated by all those interested in the higher branches of agricultural work. The arrangement of the subject-matter is new; no hard and fast line is drawn between the chemistry of plants and that of animals, and this enables the reader to grasp the fundamental inter relationships that exist between these two classes of living organisms. The first section deals systematically chemistry of the more important organic compounds found in plants and animals. Beginning with hydro- carbons, the principles of substitution and of isomerism are explained, the latter phenomenon being exhibited by two compounds of identical composition, such as the propyl iodides, which have distinctly different properties. The cyanides and amides are then discussed, followed by a section dealing with the simple alcohols. This is followed by information concerning the higher alcohols, and attention is called to glycerine as an aleohol possessing three hydroxyl groups. with the Chapter III concerns the oxidation products of alcohol, namely aldehydes, and the fatty acids formed from these. A note is given on oxalic acid, which is a polybasic acid. The derivatives of alcohols and acids, namely esters, are then dealt with ina very clear and interesting manner. These esters are exactly analagous to metallic salts, the organic radicle taking the place of the metal. Thus instead of lead acetate we have ethyl acetate. Esters of the lower acids and lower alcohols are pleasant smelling, volatile liquids (hence the name ethereal salt). It is probable that the odour of fruits is due to the presence of esters. Some of these, like pine-apple essence, apricot essence, and pear essence have been produced synthetically. Information is then given regarding waxes, fats and oils. When an alcohol neutralizes an acid, thereby forming an ester, the process is termed esterification; and when in the decomposition of a compound the addition of water is invol- ved, the process is known as hydrolysis. Hydrolysis and esterification are extremely important processes. In dealing further with fats and oils the different chemical and physical eonstants used for purposes of distinction are referred to. In Chapter V dealing with mixed compounds, an interest- ing account is given of stereo-isomerism or space-isomerism, illustrated by the three forms of lactic acid, and this is used to lead up to the use of the polariscope. The theory of the symmetrical carbon atom is then explained, and after dealing THE AGRICULTURAL ‘NEWS, 317 with malic and tartaric acids, this chapter concludes with a brief note on citric acid, which for students of tropical agricultural chemistry we consider inadequate owing to the importance of this compound. Chapter VI deals in a very clear manner with the amino acids, proteins, urea, and uric acid. A list of the principal amino acids is given, and the physical classification of the proteins outlinec. The subject of the hydrolytic decom- position of proteins is then dealt with to show the produc- tion of amino acids as cleavage products. An instructive section is devoted to the polypeptides, the study of which has thrown much light upon the composition of the proteins. The study of uric acid leads to consideration of purine, and this in its turn brings us to a consideration of the com- position of the active constituents of cacao, coffee and tea. Structural formulae are given for these substances, namely theobromine and caffein. Chapter VII deals with the carbohydrates in the usual clear and scientific manner which characterizes this text-book. Various sugars and starches and celluloses are referred to, and the chapter concludes with a treatment of unsaturated com- pounds, The next part of the book, Section 2, is physiological, and begins with a treatment of the subject of enzymes and enzy- matic actions, thus striking at the outset a fundamental note in both plant and animal physiology. Even the general reader will read with interest the author’s account of enzymic action, in which reference is made to the zymogens—1other substances from which enzymes are formed—and the co-enzymes and anti-enzymes which regulate enzymatic action, The chapter which follows deals in a general way with the composition of plants and animals, special attention being given tothe gen- eral similarity between plant and animal cells. A_ straight- forward account of animal food and nutrition, digestion and absorption follows in Chapter XI. Space is devoted to an account of hormones, which have received much attention from physiologists in recent years. The following chapter deals with animal metabolism, that is, the changes under which the food goes after it has been absorbed into the animal system. This chapter again is of general interest. On account of their agricultural importance, milk, blood and urine are specifically dealt with in a chapter to themselves. Plant physiology begins in Chapter XIV, and the subject has reference principally to photosynthesis or the production of sugar in the green leaf through the agency of sunlight. Then follows information on fats and proteins leading to a statement of the nitrogen cycle. The remaining portion of the book is more economic than the previous part. Space is given to a consideration of the occurrence and uses of important constitutents in agricul- tural plants. In this connexion tropical products are not overlooked. Interest from the tropical standpoint attaches to the information given regarding alkaloids, essential oils, terpenes, and tannins. The last Chapter, No. XVII, concerns animal foods and feeding. Food values are discussed and their determination in calories explained. Information is given as to the energy and food requirements of man and animals. It will be realized from the brief account that has been given of the contents of this book, that it covers a range of studies intimately associated with the successful production of plant products and their utilization for feeding and manufacturing purposes. Always a fascinating subject, organic chemistry in relation to agriculture, as treated in this book, will be found especially so even by those who have received but little previous training in the subject. 318 PLANT DISEASES. A ROT OF HEVEA STEMS. In Bulletin 25 of the Department of Agriculture, Federated Malay States, Mr. A. Sharples, Mycologist to the Department, gives an account of a disease of Hevea hrasili- ensis, due to the fungus Ustulina zonata, Sace. The discus- sion of its methods of attack has considerable general interest in connexion with the care of trees in the tropics. The fungus has attained prominence during the last two years as the cause of a disease affecting mostly rubber trees over ten years old. The fungus is commonly found working on the collar, where it causes a typical dry rot, not as a rule extending far up the stem. The diseased wood on exposure is found to be dry and tindery like touchwood, in advanced cases falling to pieces under the pressure of the fingers. The disease is found on old plantations in every part of the peninsula; the fungus does not favour any special soil conditions as does the Fomes which is the cause of the root disease previously most familiar in the country. The fungus is not confined in its attacks to the roots or collar, and the observations in the bulletin under notice refer mainly to its presence in the stem. It appears to bé strictly a wound parasite, and Sharples traces back the causa- tion of the present epidemics in plantations over ten years old to the thinning out of trees originally closely planted In this operation bruises on the bark of the standing trees from contact with the branches of those which are being felled can hardly be avoided. Another type of predisposing injury is seorching of the bark caused by leaf fires. Into such wounds boring beetles (Xyleborus) enter and set up a condition which leads to infection by the fungus under consideration. The laticiferous layer, contrary to the opinion of some previ- ous investigators, is said to afford little protection against borer once the outer layer of cork has been injured. The pene- tration of the fungus is assisted considerably by the insects, which bore the wood in all directions and carry the infection with them. There is no lack of spores of Ustulina in the clearings. ‘The fungus is one of the principal forms occupied in the des- truction of Hevea stumps and logs left in the plantations after thinning out; so that it is much more abundant after this process than before. The general occurrence of this disease is held to justify a much increased expenditure on the removal of stumps from young clearings. In the case of stumps too large to be taken out, the author advocates separation of the main roots where they reach toa position some 2 feet below the surface. This with a view to preventing fungi spreading along the roots. A similar measure, the digging of a trench round a big stump, has sometimes been adopted in the West Indies against Rosellinia disease, but has usually been undertaken too late. If thorough clearing has not been carried out before, a strong recommendation is made that it should be attended to at the critical period of thinning. With reference to the development of this and other diseases as the plantations age, it is pointed out that ‘rubber planting conditions with regard to disease may be totally different ten years hence from what. they have been up to date Hevea has been remarkably free from serious diseases, but it appears possible that the troubles indicated ave cumulative, and the future cannot be left to look after itself’ For estates undertaking energetic measures of sani- tation the future is held to be assured, and at a cost ‘absurdly small. in comparison with the capital value of the clearings. W:N: THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. September 23, 1916. THE ACCRA CACAO OUTPUT FOR 1915. The increase in the cacao exports from the Gold Coast Colony during 1915, as compared with those of the previous year, viz., 24,390 tons, or 46 per cent. in quantity, and £1,457,592, or 66 per cent. in value is due principally, so far as the increase in ynantity is concerned, to the fact that new areas came into bearing during last year. No part of the increase can be said to be due to the large proportion of the 1914-15 crop that was exported in 1915, as quite as much of the 1915-16 crop will be exported in 1916. The Accra exports accounted for 14,199 tons, or 58 per cent. of this increase. This was due partly to the extension of the railway and the consequent diversion to Accra of some. of the crop that formerly used to go to Addah for shipment but a large portion of it too, was due to new areas coming into bearing. Some of, the cacao that formerly went to Winnebah was attracted to Accra by the keener competition there among buyers and the consequent higher prices, and some of the crop that formerly went to Coomassie is s1id to have been simiarly attracted to Accra by the extension of the railway to Koforidua. Seccondee accounted for only 9,983 tons, or 24 per cent. of the increase. This was due. partly to new areas coming into bearing and partly to the increased yield of the trees. Winnebah and Cape Coast showed but small increases in their exports. At the beginning of the year it was feared that the- shortage of tonnage calling at the ports of the Colony would have a very bad effect on the local cacao market, but as the result of representations made by the Government, the shipping companies made such arrangements that, although. delays in obtaining ships were not infrequent, yet the whole cacao output was shipped, or was being exported, with little or no loss to anybody when the year closed. Prices, with trifling Huctuations at times showed anupward tendency throughout last year At the beginning of January (1915) the local price was as low as 11s. per load of 60 tb., but by the end of that month it had risen to 14s. 6d. ta- 16s. 6d. At the end of April it stood at 30s. to 33s. which price continued, with some fluctuations, up to November, when it fell to 25s. to 30s., and this was maintained to the end of the year. In reference to this, it is interesting to- note that whilst the average f.o.b. value of the 1914 exports works out at £4148 per ton, the corresponding figure for 1915 was £47°25 per ton. This is due solely to the market fluctuations and in no way to any improvement in the quality. Meanwhile, the relative value of Gold Coast cacao inthe Home markets, according to the Comptroller, does not give much reason for jubilation. At the end of 1913- it Sold at 56s. per ewt. as compared with 70s. for Trinidad, 62. for Grenada, 85s. for Ceylon, and 66¢. for Eenador. At the- end of 1915 the market reports show that the Gold Coast rates in the Home market were 67s. 6d. to 83s., as against 92s. to 96s. for Trinidad, 85s. to 95s. for Bahia, and 925, 6d. to 94s. 6d. for Guayaquil. For all Mr. Archer’s disappoint- ment, it is generally agreed, however, that whilst the increase in the output of cacao from the Gold Coast is one of the wonders of the cacao world the price it has all along sol@ at and is still realizing leaves very little to be ashamed of, (Tropical Lfe.) Vout; XV. No. 376. Oh uae aa fr PN 8 A APs aw Ni \ Ze Fe Ry rr Ae SSIES = THE SALISBURY In a previous issue of the Agricultural News (Vol. X1V, p-118), the working of this bacon factory of Rhodesia will be found described, together with certain suggestions concerning the establishment of a similar factory in the West Indies. In the West Indian Bulletin (Vol. XV, pp. 207-11) the Hitchin Bacon Factory at Bedford in England is described, and those interested in the matter of these factories will find a compari- son of the information presented in the two references of value. The Salisbury bacon factory, which has recently been given further attention in the Rhodesia Agricultural Journal for June 1916, was originally intended to handle twenty-five pigs a week, but at the present time an average of seventy pigs is killed weekly, which, it is understood, has been made possible by the addition of an extra drying room. BACON FACTORY. Certain features of this factory not mentioned in the previous reference, are well worth calling special attention to. A special spur from the main railway line runs into the factory yard, by which means the pigs are delivered direct from the station of dispatch without any second handling. ‘This reduces to a minimum the loss incident to the transport of animals by rail, and ensures their being received in a condition almost as good as when they left home.’ The conveyance of the pigs in the factory itself is done in an efficient manner, and care is taken tosave the blood and other by-products; but the method of killing the animals by sticking appears to be somewhat crude compared with the use of the captive belt pistol employed in the Hitchin Bacon Factory in England. Sticking is cheaper, perhaps, but less, humane, and certainly a more unpleasant process for the operator. After the cleaned carcase is skinned and weighed, it is od in the chilling room to prevent the cooling off of the > from being too rapid. After a period in the chilling ‘e carease is cut up and shaped into bacon and ham. ? plate F the article under consideration it would seem that the sys, tem of feeding, and the quality of pig handled in Rhodesia are . Vty Satisfactory. No particular breed seems to p, ‘tter suited for Rhodesia than another; any of ‘lish breeds, if looked after properly, give ' the half bred Kaffir pig that appears to be noticeably be the standard Eng good results. It ix be disappointing, . wae it has been found that for firmness As regards feeding, od quality, nothing surpasses the of flesh and all-round go =e - a * pigs that have been fed on a ae ac Bee nce ced supply of milk. Where mi), < results can be obtained by using " ot eae ¥ ene A feed consisting almost wholly ©... wii 2 Rene x produced excellent bacon, On farm Saat ie nee lucerne 1s obtainable, first class pigs & “ee ae z ie i h he boiled roots have been fed, and meal — FEE the ee z boiled mess. Good results follow from m eral ay ao ae mixed as possible, by the use of peas, a? °°22% foe potato tops, and buekwheat, THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, 319 DESTRUCTION OF FOOD PLANTS OF THE COTTON STAINER IN ST. VINCENT. Some general remarks in connexion with this campaign will be found in the Notes and Comments page of the present issue. In the following article the details forwarded by Wr. Sands in connexion with the work so far achieved are placed on record: On July 26, the Assistant Agricultural Superin- tendent started to destroy John Bull trees (Thespesia populnia) at Edinboro, the services of a prison gang being placed at his disposal. It was found that the insect could be readily collected on heaps of the fruits of the John Bull tree and then burned. At this place all the John Bull trees, some hundreds in number, have been destroyed, as well as several large silk cotton trees. At the end of the month the gang reached Kingston valley. On July 31 Mr. Sands left for the windward district to start work there and obtained the voluntary assistance of several planters to act as Inspectors under the Ordinance. On his way to Georgetown, Mr. Sands instructed the Cotton Inspector to commence operations in the Biabou district. He started work at once and stayed with the labour gangs throughout the period. Arrangements were also made for the Georgetown district to be cleared. In the country, all the estates have been cleared by their owners. The scheme has planned out well as each district has been dealt with under the direction of an Inspector and the whole area has been effectually cleared. Some idea of the work accomplished in the district from Stubbs to Colona- rie can be obtained from the following records: at Stubbs 101 large John Bull trees, 1,649 saplings and one silk cotton tree were destroyed ; at Biabou and Bridgetown 1,566 large John Bull trees and numerous saplings, at New Ground, Lowmans and Chapmans 2,584 large John Bull trees and numer- ous saplings; at Union, 962; at Colonarie, Mount Grennan, Sans Souci, Gorse, 600 were destroyed. ~The greater part of the windward district therefore has been cleared. On August 16 the campaign was started in the Leeward district. On this day the inspector started with his gangs of axemen at Lowmans. All the silk cotton trees here were cut down and the work was continued through the district system- atically dealing with trees at Rylands village and elsewhere to Buccament valley. Seventy-seven large trees and several small ones were felled during the period under review. Mr. Sands says that he finds there are a far larger number of silk cotton trees in the Leeward district than he had expected, so that the necessity for starting the felling operations at the present time is evident. The cost of labour has been found to be very reasonable in view of the large amount of work that has been accom- plished to date. During the early part of the third week in August, a cyclonic disturbance was reported by the Havana weather bureau as having formed to the south of the island of Santo- Domingo, then having taken a direction that would carry it across Jamaica, and possibly make it touch Cuba. Fortun- ately its touch here was light, for while it did result in a few hours of rather high wind and rains over most of the island, the only damagethat was reported was the carrying down of some of the telephone and telegraph wires in Pinar del Rio Province. No damage of consequence was done to to any of the cane, either by the wind or the rain, and the present outlook is for a continuance of weather that will be favourable to the growing crop. (Lowisiana Planter), London.—THE New York.—Messrs. 320 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. SEPTEMBER 23, 1916. MARKET REPORTS. WEsT August 10, 1916. InpIA CoMMITTEE CIRCULAR, Akkowroot—No quotations. Batata—Sheet, no quotations; block, no quotations. Bezswax—No quotations. Cacao—tTrinidad, 53/-; Grenada, 68/- to 73, -. Corree—Jamaica, no quotations. Copra—No quotations. Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota- tions; West Indian Sea Island, no quotations. Frouir—No quvtations. Fustic— No quotations. Gincer—Jamaica, no quotations. Isryciass—No quotations. Honey—No quotations. Lime Jurce—Raw, 3/- to 3/6; concentrated, £23; Otto of limes (hand-pressed), no quotations. Locwoop—No quotations. Mace—No quotations. Nurmecs—No quotations. Prmento—No quotations, Rurerr—Para, fine hard, no quotations; fine soft, no quotations; Castilloa, no quotations. Rum—Jamaica, no quotations. 81/6; Jamaica, Gittespre Bros. & Co., April 26, 1916. Oacao—Caracas, 16$c. to 164c.; Grenada, ldfc. to 1é6c.; Trinidad, L6c. to 16}c.; Jamaica, 14}c. to 1c. Goco-Nuts—Jamaica and ‘Trinidad selects, $43-00 $45:00; culls, $28°00 to $30°00. CorrEE—Jamaica, 94c. to 12c. per tb. Gincer—ldc. to 18c. per fb. Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 60c.; Antigua and Barbados, 58c. to 60c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 56c. to 58c. per th. Grave Fruir—Jamaica, $1°25 to $2-00. Limes—$10°00 to $1200. Macr—40c. to 52c. per th. Nurmecs—22c. to 28c. Orances—Jamaica, $2°25 to $300. Pimento—5dtc. to 5jc. per fb. Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 6:14c;. to 6°39¢. Muscovados, 89°, 5°49c. to 5°74ce; Molasses, 89°, 5°37c. to 5°62c., all duty paid. to Trinidad.—Messrs. Gorpon, Grant & Co., September 2, 1916 Cacao—Venezuelan, $16°25 to $1640; Trinidad, $16-00 to $16°50. Coco-nut Orr—$1°23 per Imperial gallon. OCorrer—Venezuelan, L3c. to 14e, Corra—$5‘50 per 100 Th. Drat— $700 to 87°25. Ontons —$3'50 per 100 fh. Pras, Sprit—$11°50 per bag. Porarors—English $2°25 to $250 per 100 fb. Rice—Yellow. $7°50 to $7°75; White, $7°75 per L bag. Sucar—American crushed, no quotations Barbados.—Messrs. James A. Lyncu & Co., Ltd., Sep. tember 6, 1916; T. S. Garraway & Co., September 5, 1916. ArrowRoor—$d‘00 per 100 th. Cacao—$14-00 to $15°00 per 100 Th. Coco-NutTs $24°00 husked nuts. Hay—S$1°75 to $1:90 per 100 tt. Manures—Nitrate of soda, no quotations; Cacao manure, quotations; Sulphate of ammonia, $105°00 per ton. Morassrs—No quotations. Onrons—$3°25 to $5-00. Peas, Sprit—$9°65 per 210 tb.; Canada, $6-00 per 120 th. Potarors—Nova Scotia, $5°25. Rice—Ballam, $7°55 to S775; Rangoon, no quotations. Sucar—Muscovado centrifugals, $4°60 to $5°00. Patna, no quotations; British Guiana.—Messrs. Wietinc & RicurEr, August 31, 1916; Messrs. June 30, 1916. SaNDBACH, PARKER & (Co, ARTICLES. Messrs. WIETING & RIcHtTer. Messrs Sanp- BACH, PARKER. & Co. ARRowRooT—St. Vincent Batata—Venezuela block Demerara sheets Cacao—Native Cassava— Cassava STARCH— Coco-NuTtTs— CorreE—Creole Jamaica and Rio Liberian DxHaLt— Green Dhal EppoEs— 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 Suear—Dark crystals Yellow White Molasses TimbeR—GREENHEART Wallaba shingles) », Cordwood 310-00 $65-00 12c. per fb. $20 to ld4e. ldc. per th. 7°00 to $7°25 31-20 None 2ke. de. $12-00 to $12°50 24c. to 48c. $4°00 to $4°50 | — $2°40 $7-00 to $7-25 $ $2-64 $312 $4°50 to $4°60 $5°00 to $d°10 48c. to 72c. per cub. foot $4°75 to $6°75 per M. $2-00 to $2°40 per ton $24 per M. 68c. 19c. per fh. $24 per M, 16c. per hh. l6c. lle. per th. $7°50 to $7-75 $900 to $10-00 $12°00 to 13-00 per bag. (210 tb.) $4°80 to $5-00 $6°75 to $7:00 $4°50 to $4:00 $5-00 to Sd°10 32c. to 5dc. per cub. foot $5°00 to $7-00 per M, SS se a a A x 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, VI, VII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII and XIV:—Price 2s.each: Post free 2s. 8d., where complete. (III, 2. IV, 3; and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.) Volume XV, Nos. 1, 2 and No. 3. Containing the following papers: Two Scoliid Parasites of Scarabaeid Larvae in Barbados, by W. Nowell, D.I.C.; On Legislating Against Plant Diseases, by Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Se., F1.C.; Notes on Trichogramma Minutum, by 8. C. Harland, B.Se.; Bay Oil and the Cultiva- tion of the Bay Tree asa Crop Plant, by H. A. Tempany, D.8Sc., F.1.C., and W. 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Branches at BARBADOS, Trinidad, Tobago, Demerara, Colon, Jamaica, Antilla, New York, Halifax N.S., Buenos Aires, Santos, Sao Paulo Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, etc. ¢ THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. bt Various MBtTHops OF Tick DESTRUCTION In the compilation of these notes, reference has been made to many sources of information, but particularly fo an article which appeared in the “ Bulletin of the Jamaica Department of Agriculture,” Vol. 1, Number 3, from CATTLE Ti+- which much of the following matter is quoted, almost textually. - ramauz ¢ HAND PICKING, This is a primilive method and absolutely ineffective, on a large property, for keeping down ticks. Only the engorged females cffer themselves as objects for removal by the hand of the operator. A certain proportion of engorged females drop off in the pastures, or the road- side, or in the cattle pen. A certain number fail to be destroyed by the fingers or heel of the picker, and the result is that a great many more ticks . survive than are picked off the bodies of the cattle. This method is largely responsible for the tick pest retaining its most virulent form. TARRING. This was the remedy recommended by Professor Williams as a result of his mission to Jamaica in 1896. One part of Tar to three parts | of boiled linseed oil was recommended. In many instances the result of its too thorough application was that the animals so treated became asphyxiated through a blocking of the pores of the skin. This tar remedy, howeyer, or variations of it containing sour orange juice, carbolic acid, kerosene oil and other fearsome remedies, are still widely used in Jamaica. A boy with the paint pot daubs a smear of the tick-dressing only on such portions of an infected animal as appear to him to be in pressing need of treatment; but to cope properly with the tick pest, every spot on the surface of every animal must be reached by the tick destroying agent. While a few score of engorged ticks are hastily brushed over on a cow's flank or thighs, there may be hundreds of larval ticks all along the spinal region, on the poll, and in fact on all parts of the body, undergoing development. Unless all these ticks are killed, and-not merely 60 or 70 per cent., the complete eradication of the ticks is out of the question. * So long as Cattle breeders keep to the tar brush, so long will the tick plague wax fierce and flourish. BRUSHING. Brushing with a tick-destroying wash represents a fairly efficient means of treating tick-infested cattle, but is attended with some risk. The bulk of the remedies used for “ brushing“ are coal-tar emulsions of the type of Jeyes’ Fluid. None of these preparatiens will kill ticks unless used at a strength that is very liable to strip the skin of the cows under treatment ; in no case do they give a high efficiency of tick-destruction. It is perfectly certain that brushing is not a good method, and will not solve the tick problem so as completely to abolish ticks on a property, because it is not capable of complete or perfect results, nor is it free from risk of injury to the animals treated. Many pen-keepers are entirely satisfied with their results from brushing, because they haye not really made accurate observations of the tick mortality resulting from their operations. © ‘STARVATION METHOD. This is a sure and inexpensive method, but can only be applied by the owner of a large herd who has a permanent pasture and two or threé other.fenced fields which have not been pastured by cattle for a year or so. It consists in keeping the cattle off the infested pasture for a period of twelve months or more, until the young ticks are starved out. The cattle are taken from the tick-infested pasture and placed on tick-free land; before young ticks hatch from the eggs laid in this first tick-free field by the female ticks on the cattle when moved {rom the tick-infested pasture, the cattle are moved a second time on to another tick-free field. {GRASS BURNING. If burning is done at the right time, it cannot fail to kill immense numbers of the young “‘ seed ticks ; but it is the common : experience that “ burnt” pastures very quickly again become heavily tick-infested. This is due to the fact that the tick-eggs on the ground are not des- i troyed, and no doubt many female ticks escape the effects of the fire by hiding in cracks and crevices, or under stones, or logs of wood, etc. Grass- ~ } burning, even when carried out at the proper time, will not completely eradicate ticks, it will only redice their numbers, and that only temporarily. ‘HAND SPRAYING. Spraying by means of one or other of the many types of hand-pumps or syringes is, if very carefully and thoroughly done, a very effective method of treating tick-infested cattle : but it is slow, unpleasant work, and, moreover, yery wasteful of the wash. The elficiency of hand spraying may be said to be in direct proportion to the care and thoroughness with which the operation is conducted; for this reason, it should never be entrusted to natives or negroes without effective supervision. —¢ MACHINE SPRAYING. The principle of machine spraying is the passing of the animals through a short tunnel, lined with piping, through holes or jets in which, a tick-destroying fluid is sprayed at them from the floor and from all possible angles by means of a pump. There can be no dou st that, next to dipping, machine spraying is by far the best method of treating tick-infested stock ; but it is not by this means absolutely ceriain that all ticks will be destroyed, as, however ingenious the arrangement by which the wash is sprayed from “‘all points of the compass,” ticks deep down in the ears, or under the tail, or in the “ brush” of the tail may not be reached. But where expense, or some other obstacle, precludes the employ- ment of. a dipping bath, a spraying machine is by a long way the most efficient substitute. The machine manufactured by William Cooper & Nephews is the latest and cheapest form of Spraying Machine. ‘ DIPPING. The only really completely effective method of treating ticky cattle, horses, &c., is to pass them through a swim dipping bath ; the process is i absolutely automatic ; it is quick ; it is economical ; it is absolutely efficient, as, at the first plunge at the entrance, or during the process of swimming through the tank, every veale tick is brought into contact with the tick-destroying fluid, even if deep down in the ears, or under the eyes, or beneath the root of the tail. Dipping is very economical of wash, as, with a proper draining floor or pen, every drop of surplus wash flows back into the tank and isusedagain. The first-cost of a tank is comparatively high, but its low cost of operation, its simplicity, its efficiency, and its permanency, more than compensate for the extra initial expenditure, The great advantage of dipping over spraying or hand-dressing lies in the fact that the throroughness of the treatment under all conditions is practically assured, as it is not dependent, to any degree, on the care exercised by those in chargeof the work ; the cattle dip themselves. No other method can approach dipping in efficiency, and in this connection it should be remembered that, even if, by some other method, you kill 75% of the ticks, great and small, on your animals, you are only “ suppressing” the ticks, and are still far from solving the problem of complete eradication. A method that will kill 100% of the ticks is worth to a Cattle owner ten times as much as a method that will kill only 90%. The truth of this will be apparent after two years of faithful and systematic operations. With dipping, the efficient treatment of tick-infested Cattle becomes a verv simple matter and camnlete tick aradiratian hanamar » mn- bikie COOPER'S CATTLE TICK DIP WEST INDIAN AGENTS: i i i ies: KITTS: S. L. Horstord & Co. ANTIGUA: Bennett, Bryson & Co. Has received the official approval of the following Countries: ST. KITT. MR on Spee UA? Bennetts, Union of South Africa, Northern Rhodesia, Brazil, Basutoland, GRENADA: Thomson, Hankey & Co. BARBADOS: Barbados Co-operative Cotton Co., Ltd. Nyasaland, Swaziland, Southern Rhodesia, Madagascar, AH AMA EEEerynam, Nassain TRINIDAD: T. Geddes Grant, Port of Spain. @ritish East Africa, German East Africa, Portuguese East Africa, re D2 Memes: "ort of Spain Portuguese West Africa, Egypt, Argentine Republic, Queensland, ST. VINCENT: Corea & Co., Kingstown. NEVIS: S.D. Malone. ‘ Wal DANISH WEST INDIES: A. Schmiegelow, St. Croix. Bhited Staaeprecrica, Same n Wales, MONTSERRAT: W- Llewellyn Wall, DOMINICA: Hon. H. A, Frampton. Northern Territory of Australia. ST. LUCIA: Barnard Sons & Co., Castries. Manufacturers: WILLIAM COOPER & NEPHEWS, Berkhamsted, England. BRANCHES: Toronto, Chicago, Sydney, Melhourse, Auckland, Buenos Aires, Monte Video, Punta Arenas, East London, Odessa. ee A Se aaaiTN REVIEW OF THE IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. forced Vor. XV. No. 377. BARBADOS, OCTOBER 7, 1916. Price 1d. CONTENTS. destroyed must be conserved, and so one is to attack the problem in other directions. It is PaGE. PAGE. Agricultural Prospects im Dominica, Green Dre-sing _ Montserrat pete o26)) . Crials tim . 327 Agricultural Returns in Fiji, Crop Experiments it in 333 ‘Great Britain . 329 | Gleanings ... 332 Agriculture in the North- | | House Fly,in Rel: ation to the ern Grenadines ... 334) Pen Manure Heap 321, 351 Antigua, New Aoricultural | Insects as a Source @ } Instruction Work i in, ... 385; Human Food. 329 Book Shelf... 338 Logwood Industry, Future ook one . wee DOOD f .. 330 Cacao, C ‘uléivation of nee ery) i Markes! Reports Sidon 336 Gal ya Gre wpe Fruit de Ok Notes anamOmenm conte " 308 Ss U re ee eee oe OS | St. Lucia, Exports from... 331 | Sugar-cane, Growth of the 323 . 326) Sugar Industry of Cuba, 324) Notes on Cotton Notes:— Cotton in Fiji Department News ... cd ee Sea Island Cotton Market 326 | Transformations in the Cuba, Progress of Sugar Sweet Botato ... ... 327 Production in : 331 | We-t Indian Products ... 335 The House-Fly in Relation to the Pen Heap. come to Manure ERIODICALS wD) hy tainfin several instances important information relating to the house-tly problem. this has already been noted in the Agricultural News (see last issue, p. 314). The whole subject, however, seems to have a sufficiently important agricultural aspect to justify a more general and lengthy treatment recently hand con- At the outset one may justly emphasize the fact that agriculture, or rather the maintaining of live stock, is responsible almost entirely for plagues of flies. If manure, in which flies breed, were rigorously destroyed there would be but few flies. Being indispensable for the maintenance of soil fertility, manure far from being Some of the duty of planters, and all those who keep animals, either in the town or country, for business or for pleasure, carefully to consider what ways and means of control there are. In the first place it should be mentioned that recent work tends to show that the house-fly breeds in manure or refuse heaps near to dwellings to a far greater extent than in manure heaps in the open country, for the flies are attracted to the search of food. The methods of control in relation to the pen manure heap, therefore, which are described below are more particularly important under domestic conditions rather than under those purely agricultural. On the other hand, pen manure under field condi- tions breeds large numbers of stable flies, Stomoxys caleitrans, which are dangerous both to equines and to The problem of controlling the breeding of flies dwellings in man. in manure is, therefore, a very general one. In regard to methods of control, recent work in South Africa* has indicated the practical value of poison bait. The bait employed consisted of 1 tb. arsenite of soda, and 2 gallons of molasses in 10 gallons of water. Its exposure in open receptacles was not found desirable on account of danger to children and animals. A safer method was devised based upon the well-known fact that when branches are removed from certain trees that have firm foliage, the leaves, although they wither, remain flat, fairly smooth and do not PMP aah Such branches were used as: ‘carriers °C. W. Maly, M.Sc., inthe South African Journal of Science, June 1915. 322 (certain Acacia spp. were found to be suitable trees) and on these the arsenite of soda bait was exposed in strategic situations, ie. over manure heaps or other breeding places, in and around buildings or anywhere where flies tend to congregate, Experiments conducted at various centres gave very satisfactory results. Reduction in the number of flies was apparent at the start. This method of fly destruction indeed proved to be so successful that it ihas been systematically taken up by the municipal authorities in Capetown and by the South African Army Medical Corps authorities. The important principle to bear in mind is the idea of attracting the flies to their breeding places and killing them there before they gain entrance into the house. Thus the duty of fly destruction falls upon those who are responsible for the accumulation of manure or refuse, and not upon the householder who at present wages a more or less ineffective campaign indoors with fly-paper and similar contrivances. In connexion with the manure heap, there is -still another method that might be followed. Refer- ence to the last issue of the Agricultural News (p. 314) will show that it has been found possible to destroy the larvae of the domestic fly by merely turning the inner parts of the pile over the fresh manure which contains larvae. The heat generated by the manure, as well as the gases which are formed during ferment- ation are very fatal to the larvae when they are exposed to them. The simplicity of this method of control renders it of considerable practical importance, -and it should be employed in conjunction with the use of the poison bait described above. Several observations of interest have been made ‘eoncerning fly breeding and manure constituents. In South Africa 16 noticed that numerous flies apparently feed on certain specks on the straw and litter in On observation it was found that the surface of this straw was suffi- Was coarse the manure. close ciently smooth and hard to serve as a_bait-carrier. It was therefore decided to vary the method described above and sprinkle the bait lightly over the manure itself. This was accompanied by satisfactory results, ‘but it was not found advisable to dispense with the leaf carriers. been made in Paris* with the obiect of determining the constituents of Other observations have ¥E. Rouband, Jniernational Review of the Science and Practice of Agricullu e, Year VII, No. 2, p. 188. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Octoper 7, 1916. horse manure favourable to the deposition of eggs. Eggs do not appear to be deposited in the unmixed dung and urine-soaked litter of cattle, goats and pigs. These excreta, however, may become suitable material for the development of flies after the addition of such a secondary fermenting substance as wheat bran. Mixing cow and horse excreta, and feeding wheat bran to animals render the resulting manure liable to infestation by larvae. The foregoing information embraces the principal’ facts known reyarding the control of fly breeding in the refuse and manure heap. We may now saya few words in connexion with the sanitary side of the ques- tion of fly control with a view of emphasizing its importance. Reference to the house-fly merely as a nuisance is inadequate, for, the domestic fly, like the mosquito, is more than a nuisance—it is a source of danger for it carries the germs of disease. The dissem- ination of typhoid is largely attributed to flies, and in this connexion it is important to prevent flies obtain- ing access to milk, which forms an. excellent culture medium for most pathogenic organisms. Flies, there- fore, are particularly dangerous in the vicinity of dairy cows, and under these conditions the employment of the poison bait method of control should be systematic. Another disease the transmittal of which is credited to the house-fly, is infantile paralysis. In this disease the patient exhibits a discharge from the mucous mem- brane of the nose and flies, if not screened, tend to settle and then disperse with the infection to another person who may be healthy. In New York this is believed to be the principal form of dissemination during the epidemics of infantile paralysis that some- times occur in that city. Besides the house-fly, the manure heap breeds, as already stated, the dangerous stable fly, Stom- oxys caleitrans, which carries the fatal equine disease ‘Mal de Caderas’. This disease broke out a year or two ago in British Guiana; it is com- mon throughout South America. This affords addi- tional evidence of the obligation of the agriculturist and stock breeder in the matter of controlling flies It should be remembered finally that flies are able to travel quite long distances; the dispersion of marked flies over an areaof from 5 to more than 12 square miles has been observed. Thus the manure heap is not only a source of danger and annoyance to the immediate neighbourhood but to a much larger territory as indicated by the observation just quoted. along the lines laid down in this article. Worm exuv Nos ii. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 323 THE GROWTH OF THE SUGAR-CANE. On several occasions attention has been called in this Journal to the desirability of greater observation work in connexion with the growth and development of the sugar-cane. The work required should have regard to measurable characters, as, for instance, rela- tive root growth under ditferent soil conditions and with different varieties. Records would also be useful concerning the rate of growth of the stem under differ- ent conditions and the rate of leaf development. The cane plant on account of its habit of growth affords good material for making such observations, and it should be easy to establish correlations which might be useful in selection work. The Louisiana Planter (for September 2) gives this idea consideration editorially, and some of the remarks made on the subject are reproduced below: - Under the most favourable circumstances of sugar-cane growth snch as frequently characterize the growing seasons in Louisiana in July and August, when there is ample sunshine and rainfall, the growth of sugar-cane in the height of the rounded part of the stalk sometimes reaches two or three joints per week. The joints grown under such favour- able conditions are generally of good diameter, say from 1} to 14 inches and of good length, say from 4 to 6 inches, and are apparently much finer canes than are generally grown in the tropics where, while the yields in toial weight may be larger, the canes are frequently slender and short-jointed. We believe that Louisiana has developed as fine or finer cane culture than practised elsewhere in the cane-sugar world. The fact of the matter is that in the tropics cane grows with such freedom that the planters become somewhat indifferent to its condition and any bad work may perhaps be redeemed by supplying new plantings where the planted cane has died out. This has led to some indifference as to cultiva- tion on the part of the tropical sugar planters so long as they secure adequate supplies of sugar-cane for their great central factories. We do not now recall any sugar-cane experiment station work wherein the progress of the growth per day or week or month has been recorded, and it would seem to afford an excellent opportunity for some research work in that direction. By its means the growth of sugar-cane per week could be identified with the rainfall in the same locality per week and the whole season of active growth, thus coming under careful observation, we might find that certain varieties of cane grew more rapidly under given conditions than other canes, all of which would gradually lead to the utilization of the most successful and doubtless the best types of cane for our various soils and conditions. Sugar planters have at times marked a given point on the growing end of the sugar-cane by tying a string around it and by driving a stake alongside the cane of the same height as the mark. This would give the growth per day or per week, or per month of the single instance under observation. If the work were carried on more extensively we would likely find the greatest growth of the cane in the periods of the greatest amount of sunshine and that cloudy days would give less active growth. It is on this account that the Hawaiians claim that their irrigated plantations, where they have no rainfall whatever and _pre- sumably but few clouds, and do have almost constant sunshine, give more profitable returns than those plantations in Hawaii where there is nearly if not a full supply of rainfall sufficient for the growth of the cane crop. A writer discussing this matter some months ago, stated that by inserting a needle horizontally in the growing part of the cane, by which he means what we call the bud or soft, top joint of the cane, holes are made through all the leaves, sheaths and internodes, which will serve as points from which to measnre the growth of the various parts with respect to the outer sheath, which has ceased to grow. In order to examine into these results the leaves are removed one by one and the displacements of the holes in the different parts of the stalk can be measured with respect to the small hole formed by the needle in the outer sheath. Observations indicate that the elongation of the sheath occurs later than the growth of the leaf; that the internode at the extremity of which the leaf grows, begins to elongate when the growth of the entire leaf is almost finished. There seems to be a growth at the base of this internode which has not yet reached its maximum growth when the upper portions have already reached theirs. These determinations. are made by the measurements hereinabove referred to and it would seem likely that much valuable data could be secured by such research work in our experiment stations. NOTES ON THE SUGAR INDUSTRY OF CUBA. The following facts concerning the cost of production of sugar in Cuba are taken from an article in the International Sugar Journal. It is possible that in the future the price of cane sugar will be determined largely by the cost of production in Cuba; hence information on the subject is of more than passing interest. Most of the cane in Cuba is bought by the factory on a sliding scale dependent on the current price of sugar. With cane at 5 per cent., and sugar at 3c., the cost of a ton of cane is $3, f.o.b. cars. In régard to the cultivation expenses in western Cuba, it is stated that the cost of a ton of cane f.o.b. railway cars in western Cuba works out on an average at something like $2°13 per ton. The value of land in Cuba varies according to the situ- ation and fertility; in eastern Cuba, where there remain the most extensive tracts of new land, the price starts at about $5 per acre and may reach $25 under special conditions. Concerning harvesting expenses, it is stated that the- price paid for cutting and loading into bullock carts is about 60c. per ton; the hauling to the railway siding ccsts, on an average, 45c. per ton, including the transfer to the railway waggon. The cost of manufacturing sugar varies with the size of the factory, its efficiency, and with the percentage of sugar in the cane; itlies all the way from $6 to $12 per ton, the former figure referring to the larger factories when the yield. is high and the latter under adverse circumstances of small output and small yield. As regards cost of factory, it is said that the rough rule for the establishment of a central, applicable to normal times, is to allow $15 per bag capacity, to include factory, land, houses, oxen, railway system, carts, etc., but not including the establishment of the crop. On examination of the above data it will be seen that Cuba is essentially a country of extensive, as opposed to intensive work in both field and factory; an analysis of the cost of production shows that the harvesting expenses form the largest individual item and demonstrate the advantage Cuba possesses in its proximity to the United States market; and finally, reveals that the cheapness of production is largely- due to the absence of any expense or intensification. 324 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Ocroser 7, 1916. SN (505860080080 ———eaesaaQQnna ES Le nna FRUIT CULTURE. CALIFORNIA GRAPE FRUIT AND ITS FUTURE. On account of the poorreputation of California grape fruit as a whole, which has led many people to doubt the advisa- bility of extending the culture of this crop in California, Mr. A. D. Shamel, of the United States Department of Agri- culture contributes to the Monthly Bulletin of the California State Commission of Horticulture, a useful discussion and review of the present position, the main features of which will prove of interest to citrus growers in the West Indies. The early plantings of grape fruit in California were of Florida varieties which were selected without much knowl- edge of their adaptability to California conditions. It is only in recent years that any real knowledge has been developed of the comparative value of several varieties for that State. Of the varieties fruited so far, one, the Marsh Seedless, stands out clearly as particularly adapted for California conditions and is of genuine commercial value. It is becoming more and more evident that the grape fruit tree planted on rather light, porous and sandy soils produces fruit of superior commercial quality, colour, and texture of rind to those planted on the heavier clay soils. That there is a relation between the character of the soil and the commercial quality of the fruit can hardly be doubted. As regards the marketing of the fruit, it is said that an early variety is needed, producing fruit which will ripen from October until February for California markets, and this is one of the achievements worthy of the serious attention of citrus breeders and propagators. Under proper conditions, the late grape fruit can usually be held in storage for some time with constantly improving flavour and little loss of weight from shrinkage. These conditions are, first, a uniform, cool temperature; and, second, a uniform condi- tion of humidity of about 90 per cent. Proceeding next to a discussion as to the correct mame of the fruit, reference is made to the American name of pomolo which was given to this fruit. The author agrees that grape fruit, being more commonly used than pomolo and better established in the public mind is now a more logical one than pomolo, Reference is made to the fact that Swingle regards grape fruit as Citrus grandis. After describing the different varieties, in which refer- ence is again made to the Marsh Seedless, the writer proceeds to deal with the subject of the distribution of plantings. In 1915, 600 acres of grape fruit trees were in bearing in California and 1,100 additional acres of trees were under five years of age, from which it is estimated the California output will be more than doubled in the coming five years. The area under cultivation in Florida is very much greater, something like 60,000 acres, while large areas also exist in Porto Rico and Cuba, both of which places make large ship- ments to the States annually. A comparatively small but rapidly increasing export of grape fruit to the United States from Jamaica and some other foreign grape fruit growing sections is evident from the observations and figures available for study. In considering the grape fruit situation in California, it has to be borne in mind that Florida or foreign grape fruit is no longer admitted into California on account of the danger of the introduction of insect pests and fungus diseases through this means. Second, the period of ripening of the Californian Marsh Seedless grape fruit is during the summer months when no other known district has a ripe crop avail- able to supply the great Eastern markets. For these and other reasons, it is believed that California has an opportu- nity to develop a strong grape fruit industry provided only the best possible grades of grape fruit are produced and provided the fruit is allowed to ripen before picking. The relation of composition and other characteristics to quality of grape fruit has been investigated by the Bureau of Chemistry of the United States Department of Agriculture, through the laboratory of by-products, located in Los Angeles. The figures published in the present article show clearly the difference in acid and sugar content between California and Florida grape fruit. There is considerably more acid (about 2°3 per cent.) in the California fruit than in the Florida which has approximately 1°5 per cent. The sugar in the Florida fruit is also greater (nearly 8 per cent.) than in the California fruit (7 per cent.). In the succeeding section reference is made to variability of the Marsh Seedless varieties. Some trees have been found to produce habitually fruits containing large numbers of seeds, In some cases this heavily seeded characteristic was found to be correlated with a rough, thick rind and an undesirable shape of fruit. It is said that this type has since been proven to have originated from bud mutations. It has been unintentionally propagated through the absence of any care- ful system of bud selection based on individual tree performance records. Itis important that the standard and valuable type of Marsh Seedless should be isolated in propaga- tion by bud selection based on individual tree performance records. The writer in conclusion makes a few remarks in regard to the pruning of grape fruit trees, which may be of interest to readers in the West Indies:— ‘The principle of pruning grape fruit trees is not fully settled. So far as the writer’s observations have gone, the best method of pruning for young trees is to lay the founda- tion for strong tops by careful heading, not allowing all of the main branches ftoarise at one point, and by some careful thinning of the new growth from time to time. It is prob- ably a good plan to cut out most of the distinctly marked sucker growth and when necessary to remove the dead branches. When the period of maximum production begins to wane, it now seems probable that it may be best to cut off the old tops and grow new ones; in other words, renew the trees. If the type of tree and fruit is not exactly desirable, the time of tree renewal is the proper period for topworking by rebudding, so that the new tops will be produced from buds instead of from sprouts.” DEPARTMENT NEWS. Dr. J. C. Hutson, B.A., Ph.D., at present reorganize the logwood industry and to placeit on a sounder basis. This can best be done by the establishment of further logwood extract factories in Jamaiea and Belize, and though the existing processes are ‘secret’ it should be within the powers of many of our chemists to devise means for extracting the essential product of the logwood tree for shipment in an economical form. There must be no more peaceful penetration of 3ritish Colonies by foreigners to the extent of controlling what might be valuable industries, and provided that security against cut-throat competition is granted by the Mother Country by preferential treatment, there is no reason why a really flourishing logwood industry should not be built up in Jamaica, British Honduras, and elsewhere. An interesting article concerning the utilization of oil- seed for human food appears in Z'ke Times (Trade Supple- ment) issued in September 1916. It is pointed out that Great Britain and France practically command the present supply of oil-seed, but that in certain quarters the United States is deflecting supplies to that country where there are indications of a growing industry in the manufacture of mar- gerine. Special reference is made to the deflection of copra produced in the British Pacific Islands from Sydney to San Francisco. The article concludes by urging that the allied countries should take action to maintain their supplies of raw material and develop industries by means of them. Vou. XV. No. 377. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 331 SUGAR INDUSTRY. PROGRESS OF SUGAR PRODUCTION IN CUBA. The data given in the notes on page 323 of this issue refer to the crop of 1913-14., Since then some twelve new houses have been erected, all of which have had at least a crusher and 12-roller outfit installed, and one of which has been designed from the start for crusher and 15-roller. With the present high prices there has been imported into Cuba much new machinery, and several of the older milling outfits have been torn down and the less efficient trains been converted into 12-roller tandems. The outstanding feature in Cuban development during the last three years has been the extraordinary interest, in some cases amounting to a mania, for electrification, Of the advantage of the centralization of all the small units in one power producer there can be no doubt; but many engineers look askance at the electrification of the grinding plant; there is no centralization here, but rather a. decentralization with a double conversion of power and its consequent losses. In Western Cuba there is an increasing interest shown in the use of fertilizers, in the possibilities for irrigation, and in the use of mechanical as opposed to manual cultivation of the cane. Exports from St. Lucia.—The Agricultural Superintendent of St. Lucia (Mr. A. J. Brooks) has forwarded the following returns showing the exports of produce from St. Lucia for the periods January 1 to August 15, 1916 and 1915: Jan. 1 to Aug. 15 Jan. 1 to Aug. 15 1916 1915 Bay oil galls. 231 24 Cacao cwt. 10,397 10,961 Coco-nuts No. 61,271 59,232 Copra cwt. 53 62 Honey hb. 28.512 28,120 Limes bris. 2,334 564 Lime Juice raw galls. 1,080 1,083 - » eonctd. 3,157 5 858 Lime Oil hs 90 297 Logwood tons 790 377 Molasses galls. 68,076 a Rum Pons 14,456 9,389 Sugar ewt. 87,028 90,931 Syrup or Fancy Molasses galls. 1,565 The satisfactory increase of bay oil will be noted. It is likely that this item will become an important one in the exports in the near future as the local factory is now being enlarged to undertake the manufacture of bay rum on a large scale. Some idea of the extension in this business may be obtained trom the fact that the Management is now spending annually something over £1,500 on the purchase of fresh leaves from the peasants in the Choiseul, Laborie and Gros Islet districts. A second factory for the manu- facture of bay oil has recently been opened in Castries. The lime exports for the period under review would have been much greater if shipping facilities had been better. A considerable quantity of juice is stored awaiting shipment. Information has been furnished by the Agricultural Superintendent, St. Lucia, to the effect that 218 casks of concentrated lime juice and 72 carboys of lime oil were shipped from St. Lucia by the S.S. ‘Catalina’ on September 28. It is understood that the total would have reached 260 casks but a few were ‘short shipped’. The foregoing is a record shipment for St, Lucia, and indicates that good progress is being made in the lime industry. Included in the above shipment of concentrated lime juice were 45 casks shipped by the Goverment Lime Juice Factory. This quan- tity constitutes a record for the Factory. The House-fly in Relation to the Pen Manure Heap.—lIn the Veterinary Series of the Review of Applied Entomology, Vol. IV, pp. 108 and 109, a sum- mary is given of a paper appearing in the Journal of Agricultural Science, describing some experiments on the house-fly in relation to the manure heap. The object of the work was to test the fly-breeding capacity of the pen manure heap in the open as distinguished from heaps close to dwellings, and to ascertain how far it is true that all manure heaps, wherever placed, breed flies. Records of the experiments are given ia the original paper in detail and the following general conclusions are stated to have been reached. ‘The house-fly will breed in large numbers in stable refuse stored close to dwellings, the controlling factor being the dwellings rather than the stable refuse, the latter providing a breeding place for flies visiting the house in search of food: the open farm manure heap far from houses is but little frequented by house-flies: spent heaps under rural conditions produce practically no flies at all; the farm heaps though producing hardly any house-flies are a prolific source of Stomoxys calcitrans and for the protection of farm animals all such heaps should be specially treated; when the farm dwellings and buildings adjoin one another, the danger is even greater especially if dairies and other food- preparing departments are in proximity to farm refuse. Town manure heaps should be far more strictly regulated than at present. In addition to S$. caleitrans which, though regarded as chiefly a pest of horses, is a serious pest of man, Museu autumnalis, De G., is a great nuisance in houses, entering attics and disused apartments in enormous numbers in autumn So-called hibernating house-flies are almost invariably of this species. No difficulty was found in breed- ing this fly from cattle dung found in fields. For further information on the subject of the house-fly see Insect Notes in the last issue of the Agricultural News and the editorial in this issue. GLEANINGS. The successful introduction and spread of the algaroba tree in Hawaii has interested, according to the Hawavan Forester, many in other parts of the world where similar -climatic conditions exist. It is stated that this has been -evidenced by requests for algaroba seeds from parts of South Africa, Southern Australia, China and Madagascar In the St. Lucia Gazette for July 29, 1916, a notice is published prohibiting the importation into that colony from Antigua of any equine unaccompanied by a certificate signed by the Government Veterinary Surgeon of Antigua that -such animal] is not affected with Hpzzootie lymphangitis nor been in the neighbourhood of the disease for three months previous to embarkation. A copy has been received of the rules for the govern- ment and protection of the Botanical Station, Castries, St. Lucia, made by the Governor-in-Council under the authority of Section 2 of the Botanical Station Ordinance, 1890. These rules consist of by-laws designed to regulate vehicular traffic and the conduct of visitors. Anyone acting contrary to the rules is liable on conviction toa penalty not exceeding £2. According to a report in the International Sugar Journal the ash of banana stalks and skins contains a large ‘percentage of potash with practically no soda. The percentage of potash is approximately 50. It is suggested that in view of the present great shortage of potash salts, municipal bodies should set aside all vegetable refuse from the markets, so that ‘they could be treated for the recovery of this constituent. A similar suggestion might be borne in mind in the West Indies. A short article on the recent development of German agriculture, in Vature for August 17, 1916, shows that the two chief factors in the recent remarkable development of German agriculture are her settled economic policy and her well-thought-out system of agricultural education. The demand for well educated managers is greater than in England and scientific knowledge as regards soil fertility is more skil- fully applied. As well as this, Germany is fortunate in that she has not only immense deposits of potash salts, but also vast areas of light soils able to give abundant returns from these manures when skilfully applied. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 1916. OcrosErR 7, As the result of a discussion between the Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture for the West Indies and the Superintendent of Agriculture for the Leeward Islands, in regard to the advisability of importing cane plants into Antigua from Trinidad on account of the prevalence of froghopper (Zomaspis sp.) in that Colony, the Government of Antigua, acting on recommendations put forward, has issued a Proclamation under Ordinance 4 of 1897, prohibiting the importation of cane plants or parts of sugar-cane into Antigua from the island of Trinidad. The Proclamation is dated September 27. An interesting table giving the sugar crops of the world for 1913-14 to 1915-16 appears in the International Sugar Journal for August. The total cane sugar crops for the world 1915-16 was 10,583,079 tons, an increase of nearly a million tons over the average of the past years. It is worth observing that Peru, Argentina and Brazil are now producing between them over half a million tons of sngar annually. Nearly all countries show an increase in production, one exception is Java but this was due to an unfavourable season. On the whole high sugar prices had been reflected all over the world in increased production. The report of the British Cotton Growing Association on a meeting held on September 5, refers to the distribution of cotton seed in Lagos for planting the 1916-17 crop. Up to date, 765 tons of seed had been sent out, which points to a considerable increase in acreage anda large crop. There has been considerable difficulty in getting cotton shipped from West Africa this year, but the Imperial Government has rendered great assistance in regard to improving matters. It is reported that good cotton has been received from the Sennar Provinces of the Soudan where the lands are _period- ically inundated by the overflow of the Blue Nile in flood times. Under the recommendation of Colonel Cotton who owns extensive properties in the Leeward Islands, Messrs. R. W. Hobbs & Sons of Gloucestershire have forwarded an illustrated catalogue of their dairy shorthorns with the idea that these cattle are the best dual purpose animal for improving beef and milking qualities in West Indian stock. The firm refer- red to are well-known pedigree animal breeders and have won first prizes atall the leading shows. A special feature of their business is a guaranteed mulk supply department, where milk is collected and bottled under the most asceptic conditions and sent to London to be sold for consumption by children and invalids. It has not yet been definitely mentioned in this journal thatthe Imperial Department of Agriculture for the West Indies has issued in card forma useful table of analyses showing the composition of pen man id allied organic manures commonly employed in these islands. The substances refer red to include cotton-seed meal, cacao husks, seaweed, pigeon pea stems, sweet potato vine, mahogany leaves and pods, bat guano, grass used for muleh and many other substances of a similar character. The table besides giving a percentage composition of these substances states the number of pounds per ton they contain of phosphoric acid. potash, nitrogen, organic matter, water and ash. Those who are interested in the important ‘and essential matter of maintaining the humus supply in the soil should find *his table of value. Vot. XV. No: 377. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, 333 =| al | THE PRINCIPLES OF AGRONOMY. By Franklin @. Harris, Ph.D; and George Stewart, B.S. Vew York: The Macmillan Company, 1915. Price 6s. nett. A characteristic feature of this text-book of field cul- tivation is that it is illustrated throughout with excellent photographs of farm crops, implements and operations. The book is designed for schools giving more than one course in agriculture; its study should probably precede instruction in horticulture or animal husbandry. A knowledge of botany and chemistry, although not presupposed would assist in a better understanding of some or perhaps all of the chapters. An interesting part of the book of general interest is that dealing with the physical properties of soil and especially Chapters IX and X concerning the water of the soil and the control of soil water. This latter aspect of soil physics is exceedingly well treated, and information concern- ing irrigation, drainage and dry farming is adequately illustrated with original photographs showing various systems of water control. Most of the crops dealt with belong to the temperate zone. Cotton, however, and sorghum, together with provis- ion crops like sweet potatoes receive attention. ‘The last part of the book (Part IV) dealing with field management is original in its scope and treatment, and will prove suggestive -to the general reader. CROP EXPERIMENTS IN FUJI. Some interesting results are recorded in the report of the Superintendent of Agriculture, Fiji, for i915, having refer- ence to plot experiments with certain crops that are also grown commonly in the West Indies. Planting at different distances was tried with both maize and peanuts. In the ease of maize better yields were obtain- ed with wider planting, namely 4 feet by 3 feet, than with closer planting, namely 4 feet by | foot. In regard to peanuts the difference between the results obtained from different methods of planting was not nearly so pronounced as in _pre- vious experiments of the kind, the decrease being 2°8 per cent. and 8°3 per cent. respectively, of the 3 feet by 1 foot method for the 3 feet by 2 feet and 3 feet by 3 feet plots. The experiments with sisal hemp have indicated that the distances in use (8 feet by & feet) do not give the plants room for the best development. While greater distances seem desirable, it has to be remembered that an increase of planting distances reduces the number of plants per acre. As regards time required for maturing, a plot planted with sisal hemp in the middle of 1912 had some plants ready for milling at the beginning of the year under report. On this plot again the distance used was 8 feet by § feet and the plot consisted of 920 plants (1°35 acres). The report under review then gives some information concerning coco-nuts. It is stated that some of the coco-nut palms planted in December 1907 fruited during the year; it is added that one palm carried seventeen young nuts though no nuts actually matured during the year. Considering that these palms are now eight years old, the fact that they have just begun to bear does not appear from West Indian exper- ience to be a particularly satisfactory result. On good soil coco-nuts may be expected’to come into bearing in five years. In December 1914 a gale struck Fiji and damaged the lime trees in the Nasinu station. Most of the fruit was blown off the trees, though the trees themselves were not seriously hurt. The fruit that remained was used for seed purposes. Plots of onions were started during the year. It is stated however, that germination was an absolute failure and that the plot was abandoned. SUBSTITUTE FOR SUGAR. One of most important demands for sugar in Great Britain is for jam making, and the recent necessity for economy together with high prices have led to sugges- tions being made in regard to the employment of substitutes. A statement has appeared in the public press, says the Gardener's Chronicle, that benzoate of soda may be used. The English Board of Agriculture, however, has called attention to the fact that this substance is quite unsuitable and has warned the public against its use. Serious consequences might result from any attempt to substitute this substance for sugar, Another suggestion is that regarding the employ- ment of glucose in place of sucrose (eane sugar). This suggestion emanated from the Board of Agriculture, and has met with a certain amount of approval. There seem to be difficulties however, about the purchase of the necessary syrup. That glucose is largely used in the wholesale manufacture of jam, says The Times, is vouched for by a leading manufacturing company, but sugar merchants in Mincing Lane appear to doubt whether its use would find favour in the domestic production of jam. Under the heading of Rubber Stratagems of the Blockade, the India Rubber World for September 1 gives some astonish- ing facts concerning devices arranged to pass through contra- band rubber to Germany. It is stated that rubber has been found in the guise of rusty iron toys, sponges, and the inside filling of various articles, from tinned meats to broom handles. On one ship 4,000 packages, supposedly bread for British prisoners in Germany, were found to contain | bb. of rubber each. Another vessel carried 17 tons of coffee beans in 250 sacks in which large quantities of crude rubber were concealed. One item of a miscellaneous cargo consigned to a neutral port consisted of many sacks of onions of excellent appearance, but when the examining officer selected one at random and dropped it on the deck. it bounded back into his hand. 334 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Ocroper 7, 1916. AGRICULTURE IN THE NORTHERN GRENADINES. Mr. W. N. Sands, Agricultural Superintendent, St. Vin- cent, has recently forwarded two reports, one by the Assistant Agricultural Superintendent (Mr. C. 8 Harland, B.Se.) on a visit to Bequia, Canouan and Union, and the second by Mr. Sands on a visit to Balliceaux and Battowia paid by himself and Mr. Harland conjointly, Particular attention was devoted to questions connected with the cotton stainer, and some interesting information was obtained. In Bequia, the “John Bull’ tree (Thespesia populnea) does not grow, but silk-cotton trees are abundant. Observa- tions show that if silk-cotton trees were destroyed and the perennial cotton carefully pruned back as soon as picking is finished, there should be little trouble with internal boll disease, which at present exists to a considerable extent. The destruction of old cotton plants ought to be vigorously enforced as it is allowing leaf-blister mite to become prevalent. In regard to the general condition of crops, it is said that they are backward. Theexperimental plot of corn planted last September was a useful demonstration and much needed to make the people realize the importance of good cultivation. Following the cultivation of corn on this plot, Bengal beans were planted: these grew well and quite preven- ted the growth of weeds—again a useful demonstration, It is suggested that a permanent experimental plot be established. In Canovan Mr. Harland discovered the interesting fact that some years ago the owner had destroyed large numbers of silk-cotton trees with a view to controlling the cotton stainer and the result had been remarkable as is shown by the fact that the percentage of stained cotton shipped from Canouan is considerably less than 1 per cent. The general condition of corn and cotton in Canouan is better than in Bequia, but the crops have been much retarded by droughts. As regards the island of Union it was observed that the internal boll disease is never troublesome in any district except the Chatham district where there are Jarge numbers of silk-eotton trees. In this island it is obvious that the cotton stainer is able to use perennial cottons to carry them over from one season to the next. The general condition of crops is reported to be poor, lack of rain or rather lack of a proper distribution of rain being the chief cause. It is possible that advantage will be taken in future of the credit system of sale of Sea Island cotton seed which has been inaugurated in connexion with the St. Vincent Government Cotton Ginnery. The report on a visit made by Mr, Sands and Mr. Har- land to Balliceaux and Battowia contains items of natural history of some interest. The places mentioned are small islands of the northern Grenadines owned by a private individual, They le east of Bequia and south-south-east of St. Vincent. They had not been previously visited by officers of the St. Vincent Agricultural Department. 6 Balliceaux, the southemmost and larger of the two. islands, was visited first, It is devoted solely to the rearing of large and small stock and poultry. A considerable portion of the land is therefore under pasture. All cultivation is carried on on the sheltered southern slopes of the island. The chief crops are Sea Island cotton, Indian corn and peas of various descriptions. The cultivated area is estimated at 36 acres. The soil is described as being a very rich loam, the fertility being due no doubt to the guano formed from the droppings of the large flocks of sea-birds which have made and continue to make this island their home. Sea Island cotton has for a number of years past given excellent returns, and the report states that the young crops look very promising. Flat cultivation is practised, and although the plants are widely spaced, about 5 feet each way, Mr. Sands was told that they would eventually cover the ground. In regard to cotton, several interesting observations were made in connexion with insects, and it is hoped that specimens will be collected and forwarded for examination, As no silk-cotton or ‘John Bull’ trees appear to exist on the island, a search was made for other native food plants of the cotton stainer, and the chief ones found proved to be the wild ochro (Jalachra capitata), 2 herbaceous plant which does not occur commonly in St. Vincent. Another food plant seen was the cultivated ochro. The control of the cotton stainers in this island would seem to present Jittle difficulty. The leat-blister mite was seen on a few young plants and the infestation was traced to old cotton stalks which had been overlooked last season, Predaceous insects were well repre- sented and the manager has promised to collect and forward specimens for identification. Of leguminous crops, the black-eye pea is the chief one. cultivated, but the Lima and bonavist beans were also noted. The growth and bearing of the black-eye pea were particularly good. Papaws and water-melons were abundant. The report states that the remarkable size and healthiness of the papaw trees were very striking, and the possibilities of the manu- facture of papain should be considered by the owner of the island, Some facts are givenin relation to wild cats that are worth noting. The position is as follows: Some years ago cotton and corn were being eaten by rats and mice and domesticated cats were introduced to catch the vermin. The eats eventually became wild and took to the rocks and ‘bush’. Here they bred rapidly and became so numerous that they threatened to destroy nearly all the bird-life on the island by their depredations on nests with young birds. They also destroyed the valuable ground and other lizards. So alarming did the situation become that the manager applied to this Department for a remedy as he feared that noxious insects would increase and destroy his crops. The use of strychnine was advised. The poison was laid down and satisfactory results were obtained. Vor XV. No: 377, WEST INDIAN PRODUCTS. DRUGS AND SPICES ON THE LONDON MARKETS. Mr. J. R. Jackson, A.L.S., has forwarded the follow- ing report on the London drug and spice markets “for the month of August:— The month of August, even in peace times, is always a slack business month, as it is indeed the holiday month of the year. And though, on account of the war, no general holiday has been observed, business has more or less been affected in the drug and spice trades, as well as in other branches of commerce. But though the quantities of individual products dealt with have been restricted, prices generally have shown but little change since our last report. NUTMEGS, MACE AND PIMENTO. At the spice auction on Angust 16, 267 packages of West Indian nutmegs were offered and sold at an advance on previous rates of 1d. to 14d. per th. At the same auction 150 packages of West Indian mace were also offered and sold at advanced prices. Pimento also realized higher prices at the beginning of the month, but at auction on the 16th it was slightly easier; 56 bags of fair quality being disposed of at from 23d. to 27d. At the close of the month, however, it was stated that some sales had been effected at 31d. per bb. SARSAPARILLA, At the auction on the 24th of the month sarsaparilla was fairly well represented by 6 bales of grey Jamaica, 37 of mative Jamaica, 15 of Lima, and 20 of Mexican. All the grey Jamaica was disposed of at 1s. 10d. per Ih. Of the 37 bales of native Jamaica 9 bales only met with purchases at 10d. per tb. for palish red, and partly sea damaged, and 9d. for inferior yellowish, and grey; of the’15 bales of Lima, 2 only were sold, fetching 1s. 7d. per h., none of the Mexican was disposed of. CITRIC CASHEW NUTS, ACID, LIME OIL, LIME JUICE, KOLA, ANNATTO, CASSIA FISTULA AND ABROWEROOT. At the beginning of the month citric acid was firm at 3s, 2d. per b., but towards the middle of the month it had dropped to 3s. to 3s. 1d., at which rate it stands at the time of writing. At the beginning of the month also West Indian distilled oil of lime was offered at 44, and hand pressed at 9s. per ib. at which figures it stands at thetime of writing. In the middle of the month raw Jamaica lime juice was in fair demand at 3s. 6d and Dominica at 3s. per gallon. Kola was in good supply at auction on the 24th of the month when 116 packages were offered, and only 26 gold, fair Ceylon halves fetching 547. per tb. and 9 bags of West Indian 6d. to 647d. per ‘ashew nuts were also well represented THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. J aS | at auction on the 24th of the month by 176 packages, 22 only being sold, 17%. being paid for wormy and husky nuts. At this auction also 47 packages of annato seed were offered but failed to find any buyers, Fourteen packages of Cassia Fistula pods were also offered with a like result, Arrowroot was stated at the beginning of the month to be in increasing demand, manufacturing St. Vincent fetching from 27d. to 3d. per bb. The following extract from an article on the Port of London, in the Vimes Trade Supplement, will be of interest in zonnexion with our usual monthly article on drugs and spices. The article says: “The drug depart- ment at the Authority’s warehouse in Cutler street is dis- playing exceptional activity as the result of the war. An increasing quantity of high class drugs is arriving from abroad, and in dealing with these the experts are very much in evidence, That their duties are efficiently performed is testified by the fact that it is most unusual for consignees to carry out for themselves these sorting and grading operations. In no other port of the country is such care and skilled knowledge applied to such an extraordinary variety of commodities as in the Port of London. Indeed, the excel- lence of this side of the Port’s work is traditional, and vast quantities of goods are consigned to London simply to secure the benefit of the ‘hall mark” which the examina- tion and classification by the Authority confers.’ THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE IN JAMAICA. The adverse circumstances that have affected the banana industry, the staple industry of Jamaica, during the past three or four years has led the Director of the Department of Agriculture, in his annual report for the year ended March 31, 1916, to diseuss possible changes in the industries of tha island which may occur in the future. The occurrence only recently of another hurricane that has resulted in the com- plete destruction of the banana crop, makes the remarks of the Director even more pertinent, and points to the grave economic condition in which the island has been placed. In the course of his observations the Director points out that during 1915-16, shortage of tonnage was severely felt particularly, as bananas require a large amount of shipping in proportion to the sale value of this product. Banana planters have suffered such severe losses that the mortgaging of estates is becoming general and many are considering the revision of the major industry, bananas, in favour of sugar. The prospects before the expansion of the cane-sugar industry in Jamaica have been shown through an enquiry of the West India Committee to be very great; and the fact that this crop is largely resistant to the effects of hurricane of moderate intensity should lend encouragement to the idea of extending the area under this crop. The scheme is supported by the fact that the demand for Jamaica rum is likely to extend as a result of its use in the British forces, As regards cacao avd coconuts, during 1915-16, it is stated that the former fetched high prices, while coco-nuts have been in good demand. Logwood has been in great demand at very lucrative prices. An encouraging trade in high class Jamaica cattle with Cuba developed during the year, and some of the leading breeders of draught and beef cattle exported to Cuba valuable consignments of stnd animals. London.—Tue New York.—Messrs. 336 MARKET REPORTS. West Inprta ComMITTEE CIRCULAR, September 7, 1916. Arrowroot—No quotations. Sheet, 3/5 to 3/5; block, 2/10, Beeswax—No quotations. Cacao—Trinidad, 78/6 to 84/-; Grenada, 78/- Jamaica, $1)-. to 82/6. Corrie—Jamaica, no quotations. Copra—£28 15s. to £29 15s. Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota- tions; West Indian Sea Island, 16d. to 21d. Frouir—No quvtations. Fustic— No quotations. GinceR—Jamaica, no quotations, IssycLass—No quotations. to 84/-; Lime J uice—Raw, 2/9 to 3/-; concentrated, £23; Otto of limes (hand-pressed), no quotations. Logwoop—No quotations. Mace—8d. to 2s. 8d. Nurmrecs—10d. to 1s. 2d. Prento—No quotations. Ruspsper—Para, fine hard, 3s. no quotations. Rum—Jamaica, no quotations. 3$d.; fine soft, 3/-; Castilloa, GituesPiE Bros, & Co., September 16, 1916. Cacao—Caracas, 16}c. to 164c.; Grenada, 15jc. to 1é6c.; Trinidad, 16c. to 164c.; Jamaica, 13}c. to 14c. Coco- nuTs—Jamaica and Trinidad selects, $42-0C $45-00; culls, $23°@0 to $25°00. Corrrr—Jamaica, 10c. to 12c. per tb. Gincer—lbdc. to 18c. per th. Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 624c.; Antigua and Barbados, 60c. to 62c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 58c. to 6le, per th. Grare Fruit—Jamaica, $3°75 to $5:00, Limes—$3'75 to $4°50. Macr—47c. to 52c. per th. Nourmecs—17c. OrancEes—Jamaica, $3°50 to $4°75. Pomento—5e. per hb. Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 5°52c; Muse ovados, 89°, 4:77c¢.; Molasses, 89°, 4° 645c. all duty paid. to Trinidad.—Messrs. Gorpon, Grant & Co., September 21, 1916. Cacao—Venesuelan, $1575 to $16°00; Trinidad, $16-00 to $16°26. Coco-nur O1r—$1°18 per Imperial gallon, Correr— Venezuelan, Lose. to 14e. Corra—$5°25 per 100 th. Daat—$7 ‘00 to $7°25. Ontons —$3°50 to $4°00 per LOO th. Pras, Sprit—$11°50 per bag. Porarors—English $2°75 to $3:00- per 100 iin: Rice—Yellow, $7750 to $7'75; White, per bag. Scucar—Ameriean crushed, no quotations. 7°50 to $775 THE AGRICULTURAL . NEWS. Barbados.—Messrs. JAMES A. Lyncu & Co. tember 20, 1916; T. ber 19, 1916. Ocroper 7, 1916. ArKrowRoot—$5'00 per 100 fh. Cacao—$14°00 to $15°5 0 per 100 tb. Coco-nuts—$24°00 husked nuts. Hay—$1°'75 to $1-90 per 100 tr. Manures—Nitrate of soda, no quotations; Cacao manure, quotations; Sulphate of ammonia, $105-00 per ton, Mo tassrs—No quotations. Ontons—$3°25 to $5:00. Pras, Sprir—$9-65 per 210 th.; Canada, $6:00 per 120 t. Porators—Nova Scotia, $4°69 to $6°50. Ricre—Ballam, $7°35 to $7 -45; Rangoon, no quotations. Sucar—Muscovado centrifugals, $4°60 to $5:00, Patna, , Ltd., Sep- S. Garraway & Co. , Septem- no quotations; British Guiana.—Messrs. Wierinc & Ricurer, August 31, 1916; Messrs. SanpsACH, PARKER & Co, ie 7 _. |Messrs. Sanp- Messrs. Wit ARTICLES. & Ricuter, |BACH, Pargup. A as Co. ARROWROOT—St. Vincent $10-00 Batata— Venezuela block — Demerara sheet $65-00 Cacao—Native 12c. per fb. Cassava— as Cassava STARCH— —— Coco-nuts— $20 to $84 per M. CorrrE—Creole Jamaica and Rio Liberian Daar— Green Dhal Eppors— Mo tassres— Yellow Ontons—Teneriffe Madeira Pras—Split Marseilles PLaNnTAINs— Porators—Nova Scotia Lisbon Porators--Sweet, B’bados Rice—Ballam Creole Tannias— Yams— White Buck Suear—Dark crystals Yellow White Molasses TiImbER—GREENHEART Wallaba shingles Cordwood ” | 14c. ldc. per tb. $7:00 to $7°25 None $12°00 to ‘g12- 50 24c. to 48c, $4°00 to $4°50 $2°40 $7°00 to 87-25 $144 $2-64 | $3°12 } $4°50 to $460 | $500 to ee #0: 10 | 48c. to 72c. per cub. foot $4°75 to $675 per M. $2°00 to $2°40 per ton NO QUOTATIONS. ai i e - 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, XII, XIII and XIV:—Price 2s.each: Post free 2s. 8d., where complete. (III, 2. IV, 3; and V, 2. and 3 are out of print.) Volume XV, Nos. 1, 2 and No. 3. Containing the following papers: Two Scoliid Parasites of Scarabaeid Larvae in Barbados, by W. Nowell, D.I.C.; On Legislating Against Plant Diseases, by Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Se., F.1.C.; Notes on Trichogramma Minutum, by 8. C. Harland, B.Sc.; Bay Oil and the Cultiva- tion of the Bay Tree asa Crop Plant, by H. A. Tempany, D.Sc., F.1.C., and W. Robson; The Rise of Dominica, by Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Sc. F.I.C.; The Hitchin Bacon Factory,.by J. W. Welsh; A Summary of the Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the West Indies, by W. R. Dunlop. HANDBOOK AND PAMPHLET SERIES. The Pamphlets and Handbooks are written in a simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially adapted to West. Indian conditions. issued up to the present time is eighty-two, Suear Inpustrry. 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, Mo. 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, in 1913-14, price 1s. each, | 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 Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are out of print. GENERAL. (7) and (22) Scale Insects of the Lesser Antilles, Part I, price 4d.; Part I1., 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. Price 4d. (65) Hints for School Gardens, Fourth Edition. (71) Insect Pests of the Lesser Antilles. (Handbook). Price (unbound) 1s. 3d. Bound in cloth, 2s. 3d. (72) Lime Cultivation in the West Indies. (Handbook), Price (unbound) 9d. Bound in cloth, 1s. 8d. (73) Root Borers and other Grubs in West Indian Soils. Price 6d. (74) Cotton Cultivation in the West Indies. (Handbook). (unbound) 9d. Bound in cloth, 1s. 8d. (75) Insect Pests of Sugar-cane in Antigua and St. Kitts. Price, 6d. ; (76) Indian Corn. Prive 4d. (77) Erysipelas and Hoose. Price 2d. (78) Onion Cultivation. Price 3d. (79) Root Diseases of Lime Trees in Forest Districts. Price 3d.° (80) Hints to Settlers in St. Lucia. Price 6d. (81) Agricultural Resources of St. Lucia. Price 3d. (82) Indoor Gardening for Schools. Price 6d. Price The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of $d. 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 and 74. Postage for No. 71, 4d. ‘and for No. 72, 2d. The - The ‘ Agricultural News’ contains ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’: extracts A Fortnightly Review. 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, All applications for coptes are to be addressed to the Ayents, not to the Department. { ? ; Agents. 2 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. Lawntor & Co., St. George. West Inpra Commrrrer, 15, Seething Lane. St. Vincent: Mr. J. D. Bonaptg, ‘Times’ Office. Barbados: Apvocats Co. Lrp., Broad Street, Bridgetown. St. Lucia: Mr. R. W. Nixes, Botanic Station. Jamaica: Toe Epucationan Suppty Company, 16, King Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. Bripcewater, Roseau, Street, Kingston. Montserrat: Mr. W. Rosson, Botanic Station. British Guiana: Tar Ancosy Co., Lrp., Georgetown. Antigua: Mr. 8. D. Mauone, St. John’s. Trinidad: Messrs. Murr-Marsuaun & Co., Port-of-Spain. St. Kitts: Tan Biste AND Book Supety AGENCY, BASSETERRE Tobago: Mr. C, L. Puacemann, Scarborough, Nevis: Messrs. Howkxt, Bros,, Charlestown. Canada: Lewis W. Cremens, 71 King Street, West, Toronto. ; Vou. XV, No. 377. THE AGRICULTURAL ye a Ye THE. BEST MANURE FOR COLONIAL USE. OcroserR 7, 1916, Seas, Dissolved (Soluble). Biiarsc FOR SUGAR- gape AND GI ENERAL 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. JUST ISSUED. : SELECTED WEST INDIAN BULLETIN, SEA ISLAND COTTON SEED.| Vol. XV, No. 4. We make a speciality of selecting Sea Island Cotton = Seed for planting purposes, and solicit orders from the neighbouring Islands. PROCEEDINGS AT THE WEST INDIAN COTTON Quotations on application. THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE CONFERENCE, 1916. COTTON FACTORY, LIMITED, gages WHITE PARK, PRICE 1s, each, = POST PREE, ls, 2, BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. | DEPARTMENT PUBLICATION Ss. HANDBOOK SERIES. Insect Pests of the Lesser Antilles. Pp. 210, Figs. i185, Price (unbound) 1s. 3¢. Bound in eloth, 2s. 37. Lime Cultivation in the West Indies. Pp. 186, Figs. 47. Price (unbound) 91. Bound in cloth, 1s. 8d. Cotton Cultivation in the West Indies. Pp. 118, Figs. 35. Price (unbound), 9d. Bound in eloth, 1s. 8d. emer oa rr ret rn Printed at “Office of Agricultural Reporter, 4 High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados. eg ee he a “= Oy — VI “Vol. XV. No. 378.) MAIL, PASSENGER & CARGO SERVICES FROM THE WEST INDIES TO PORTS OF CALL THE UNITED KINGDOM | Azores. at Recent, Bt ae unica, ANADA ontserrat, igua, St. Kitts, ec |Bermuda, Halifax, N’ 8. & St. John (W.B.)} IDEMERARA & PARAMARIBO Grenada & Trinidad. [ Trinidad, Puerto Colombia, PANAMA CANAL & PACIFIC PORTS | Cartagena, Colon, Panama, f UNITED KINGDOM TO BRAZIL, URUGUAY & ARGENTINA Via Spain, Portugal, Madeira & St. Vincent. REGULAR SAILINGS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM TO M@®ROCCO, CANARY ISLANDS & MADEIRA, STRAITS SETTLEMENTS, HONG-KONG, CHINA 3 & JAPAN. aa Head Office: 18, Moorgate Street, London. Branches at BARBADOS, Trinidad, Tobago, Demerara, Colon, Jamaica, Antilla, New York, Halifax N:S., Buenos Aires, Santos, Seo ‘Paulo fio de Janeiro, Madrid, etc. |, @HE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Do CatTite Ticks ARPFECT Hipp VALUES? | \ The above question was addressed to a number of Chicago hide and leather dealers, and their replies printed below will doubtless convince the most sceptical that the cattle tick works very definite injury to hides in the Southern fick- infested areas of the United States, and the same thing applies, of course, wherever ticks are found, b This injury is far greater than the average cattle owner realizes—they bite the skin, and the injury this effects shows up very plainly, and causes a break in the grain of the finished leather. This occasions a serious depreciation in values, chiefly because tick-injured hides cannot be used for high-class work. Their market value is thus considerably reduced, and lower prices rule. a The only remedy is to eradicate the tick, and, fortunately, this is by no means difficult. { Dipping or spraying with a reliable arsenical Cattle Dip will destroy all the ticks and so overcome this injury. TICKS CAUSE LOSS OF $1.26 PER HIDE Extract from Farmers’ Bulletin, No. 569, on “ Tick Fever,” issued by the United States Department of Agriculture. “The presence of the tick among the cattle of the South not only lessens the value of the cattle on the hoof, but causes the grading of hides that have been infested with ticks as No. 4 quality. The same hide, if free from tick marks, would grade No. 2. The difference in price between these two grades of hides is 3 cents a pound. As the hide of a southern steer weighs about 42 pounds, the presence of the tick in the hide causes a loss in the hide alone of more than $1.26 a hide. ‘ “Tt has been shown that the cost of eradication is only about 50 cents a head, so that if Cattle owners make a joint systematic campaign to eradicate the tick, the increase in value of the hide alone would pay for the cost of tick eradication, and leave a net profit of about 70 cents a hide.” Ticks are the cause of very Meavy loss in a number of different ways, but the letters which follow show how serious # the leakage of profit arising from Tick Damage to Hides. 5 Ticks Reduce Value 337% : “Cattle Ticks have a very deteriorating effect upon hides and calfskins, particularly calfskins. We do not buy many Southern hides or skins on Aécount of the ticks, but when we do get Some here we are obliged to sell them for No. 3 stock at about one-third less price than good Northern stock frce from ticks. This does not apply so much to heavy hides for sole leather purpose but for all light hides and calfskins, it renders them altogether useless, for all kinds of leather.” JOHN MILLER & Co. Price 2c. to 2}c. Lower “Tn regard to cattle ticks, they damage the hides so badly that very few of them can be sold in this market ; and when they are, the price is from 2 to 2} cents. lower than price of our Northern and Western hides. This reduction is largely due fo tick damage, though partly to poor take- off. {handle very few Southern hides on account of ticks.” J. M. BOND. Value Reduced 2c. per |b. “The Southern hide, which is generally a ticky hide, is sold in this market at about 2c. a pound less than similar hides free of ticks.” BOLLES & ROGERS, Ticky Hides Worth 10% Less “We buy large quantities of hides, but as we require a very good quality, it being used for fancy leathers, we are unable to use Southern hides, as they contain so many cattle-ticks. These ticks show an abrasion upon the grain of the hide. In other words, we cannot make smooth grain leather out of hides with ticks in them and we regard Southern hides with such imperfections worth fully ro per cent. less than from is cote y ay" are teles "* districts where there are no ticks. H. ELKAN & Co. Damages 2c. to 2}c. per lb. “As to the difference in value between the ticky hide and a non-ticky hide, I wish to say that we figure a ticky hide jto be, at least, 2 to 23c. less in value. In general a Southern hide has not the value of a Northern, Eastern or Western hide, even if they are not ticky they are entirely of a different nature, too thin and spready.” GUS DREYFUSS 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 States of America, New South Wales, Northern Territory of Austratia. Reduce Value Ic. per lb. ~ “Re the effect of cattle ticks upon the price of Southerh hides. They damage the grain of the hide to a very large extent, and reduce their value at least 1c. per pound.” —! ISAAC WEIL & SONS. Worth tc. to Ic. Less per hb. “From our experience we have found that ticky hides are quite inferior to our good quality stock, originating from points outside of the South, and tanners, without exception, are very averse to take hides of this descrip- tion, and in buying them reduce prices a full half to a cent a pound.” “ ADLER & OBENDORF, Inc. Tick Damage 1 to 2c. per tb. “Ticky hides from the Southern States are certainly an inferior article to the quality that is produced in the North. The difference in prices varies according to the season and weights, but the damage done by the tick probably amounts to rc. to"2c. per pound, or from soc. to $1.00 per hide. This pertains chiefly to the hides suitable for upper leather. On the heavier branded hides for sele leather, the damage is less consequential.” CHARLES FRIEND, & Co., Inc Damages Ic. or More per Ib. “Cattle ticks are a very serious defect on hides, and the hides we buy from Southern points, where the cattle run ticky, do not bring within } to 1c. a pound of Northern hides, for certain grades of heavier leathers, while on upper leather that comes out of calf kip and light cow hides, there is even a larger spread in price.” LAPHAM BROS. & Co. Ticky Hides make Poor Leather “ Ticky hides, or Southern hides, do not sell for as much money as the Northern hides. These ticky hides, when unhaired, are all spotted and make a very poor Jeather and most tanners refuse to buy any Southern hides at any price.” |e EMERY & Co. Ticks Make Black Spots on Leather “Ticks on cattle make black spots on the leather and are cause of considerable loss in value, I should think fully 3c. to 4c. per 1b.; on an average Ic. to 2c. per lb. would bea fair differemce, I should say, on the ) prices paid for hides.” FRANCES M. POTTER 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. BAHAMAS: W.N. Twynam, Nassau. TRINIDAD: T. Geddes Grant, Port of Spain. BRITISH GUIANA: Sandbach, Parker & Co. ST. VINCENT: Corea & Co., Kingstown. NEYis: S. D. Malone, DANISH WEST INDIES: A. Schmiegelow, St. Croix. MONTSERRAT: W. Liewellyn Wall. DOMINICA: Hon. H. A, Frampton ST. LUCIA: Barnard Sons & Co., Castries, Manufacturers: WILLIAM COOPER & NEPHEWS, Berkhamsted, England. BRANCHES: Toronto, Chicago. Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Buenos Aires, Monte Video, Punta Arenas, East London, Odessa. tes oo a OCTOBER 21, 1916. VOTep NOV NOMS OMS: BARBADOS, Price ld. CONTENTS. crop. While there will undoubtedly be a shortage im ; the amount of North American flour available for Pace. PAGE. Insecte Notes:— A Secale Insect Pest of Citrusand Its Control 346 Items of Loeal Interest ... 347 Antigua and St. Kitts, Weather Conditions and Sugar-cane Prospects | in, ae . 339 Antigua Onion Growers’ | Lime Juice from Trinidad ae Neacciation: 1915-16 in 1915, Exports of wee 049 Report ofthe ... ... 349| Leeward Islands, Agricul- Auximones and Bacterized | tural Administrationand ve Pentima 349 | Research in the .. 345 pene a Soe eS eee Market Reports ... ... 352 Bay “Rum Industry of Notes and Comments ... 344 the Danish West Indies 349 thi T : ‘ Philippines, Blight-proof Chinese Vinegar as a Co- A: = C aculant + 349 Cottee in the ... O45 Souemm ners tig ce! Seeds, Prophesying the Life Duration of .. dol Cotton Notes:— Sea Island Cotton Market 342 Departmental Reports... 343 | St. Lueia, Restrictions on Plant Importations into 341 Sugar Production in Cuba 344 yminica, ri iX- ; De pate Manurial K Sugar-cane, Methods of periments with Lime aT. a an neee eee 2 Measuring Growth in reesin eee aeeness O41 ; eT) = = : ‘ theieeeniser sce) wee OD Flour, West Indian Sub- : . a EEK . oer | Sugar-cane Crop in Bar- ROUTES IKONS Sag logs doo BOY, 3 : 25] Gicnmnes 348 ACOSHMMREMEN seed sices | csia sD 5 Tortola Onion Growers | aos ‘ Green Manures and Ger- Association ... ... ... 340 mination se» «2. «-- 049! Turks and Caicos Islands, Hurricane in the Virgin Trade and Industries of, Islands and St. Thomas 345| 1915 tes ... o44 West Indian Substitutes for Flour. — 0 6 ® KPORTS have recently reached the West MASH Indies to the effect that this vear’s wheat SSK crop in the United States is relatively the lowest on record in relation to the demand: that this will seriously dimimish the amount available for export, and that consequently, the prices of flour, already well above the normal, may be expected to rise to a point that will restrict the consumption of the usual quan- tities in these The situation is further aggravated by an alleged shortage in Canada where, in the North-West, the prevalence of a disease known as srust’ has occasioned considerable losses in this year’s islands. export at reasonable prices, the recent fall in the price of wheat in England, and the attendant facts of the case indicate that the price of wheat is being influenced by market manipulations and not merely by a shortage in supply; and it would appear unwise to view the situation, which by market adjustments may right itself, with too much alarm. The fact remains, however, that North America is the only source of flour for the West Indies, and that have lately arisen in connexion with submarine warfare off the east coast of the United States will not tend to lessen the cost of flour or indeed of any other article shipped to these islands from North America. Already insurance rates are stated to have risen. the circumstances The whole situation, therefore, while not definitely alarming, does call for a certain amount of preparedness. The lines along which action should be taken have been outlined in sent from this Department to the respective Governments in the Windward and Leeward Islands, as_ well as in circular letters to the Agricultural Officers in the different islands. It has been suggested that attention should be directed to the cultivation in larger quantities ot certain crops which can be partially substituted The principal ones enumerated are Indian communications for Hour. corn (maize), Guinea corn, cassava, and sweet potato, In regard to Indian oorn, attention may be called to an editorial in Indian acrop inthe West Indies, where it was urged that more corn should be grown to take the place of the large amount which is at present imported. From the point this Journal* on corm as = *Vol. XTI (1913), No. 292, p. 209. 338 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Ocroper 21, 1916. -of view of cultivation, this crop possesses many advan- tages: it occupies the land but a short time, and so can be grown as a catch crop; if the seed is properly selected and planted fairly close in well manured soil, it is -a very prolific crop, while the cost of the cultural opera- tions are small. Indian corn furnishes a grain which is a _ valuable ‘food for man and for his domestic animals, and its leaves and stalks form a useful stock food. The grain -contains all the elements of a perfect food, and in some respects it is superior to the other cereals. It possesses, -compared with other cereals, an average protein content, -a high fat content, and an average content of carbo- hydrate, while the proportion of crude fibre is small— -smaller than in the case of wheat. In its digestibility also, Indian corn compares favourably with other cereals. The number of pounds of digestible matter in 100 tb. of maize grain is somewhat higher than in high grade wheat flour, the digestible protein alone being lower, in the proportion of about 8:9. Freshly ground -corn produces a palatable meal of good flavour and of excellent food value, but owing to the presence of a large amount of oil it does not keep well. This renders degermination necessary. In regard to keeping -qualities, the grain itself presents difficulties in this respect, though these can be easily got over by methods which will be referred to later on in this article. At ‘this point the reader may be referred to Pamphlet No. 76 on the subject of Indian corn, issued by this Department in 1914. The various forms of Guinea corn are but little used -as food, except perhaps in Barbados. Considering the ease with which this crop is grown and the considerable yield of grain obtainable from some of the varieties, this is to be regretted. The neglect arises from several causes; some little trouble is necessary to separate the grain; the grain is very subject to insect attacks; and the grain is often wrongly regarded as too coarse a food for general consumption. If the best kinds were grown and suitable threshing and winnowing machines and small mills were introduced, considerable extension of the use of this grain as a human food would doubtless - follow. The sweet potato is already grown extensively in all the islands, forming the principal vegetable of It is particularly valuable on account. of the short time required to reach maturity. On the other hand, sweet potatoes do not keep well. In this -respect yams, though they take longer to grow, have the advantage in that they can be stored for much the people. longer periods. The keeping of such crops can be got over‘ina general way by converting them into meal. Cassava meal.is an excellent foodstuff and suitable as a partial substitute for wheat. The production of cassava meal is chiefly carried on in the Windward Islands. Cassava itself requires a friable soil, and where this condition obtains, the cultivation of any of the excellent strains to be obtained from the Experi- ment Stations—particularly in Montserrat—is to be strongly recommended at the present time. In connexion with all the foodstuffs referred to above, it will be noticed that difficulties crop up in every case in regard to storage. On the whole, it may be said that the home-grown foods of the West Indies are ofa perishable nature and must be consumed soon after they come to maturity: they cannot, like the imported foodstutts, be readily stored. The difficulty as regards corn can be overcome by adopting a process of drying. Means for effecting this have been introduced into Antigua and St. Vincent, where the respective Governments have established kiln driers capable of dealing with large quantities of grain, and on a co-operative basis. The work of the Antigua granary has been fully described in this Journal,* and the methods employed in St. Vineent are similar, though ana rather larger scale. Further rises in the price of flour will doubtless have the ettect of stimu- lating the cultivation of corn and consequently increas- ing the business of these establishments, for which at present there is ample scope. The object of drying corn is principally to sterilize it. Insect life and fungi are killed, while the grain But it is important to realize that drying, and its sterilizing effect are futile, particularly as regards weevil attacks, . unless adequate storage protection is available afver- wards. In Antigua, vermin-proof storage tanks have been installed. itself loses a considerable amount of its moisture. Under all circumstances, arrangments must be made in this connexion, The drying of corn on a small scale for home use might be effectively accomplished in an ordinary domestic oven, and on a moderately large scale in a baker's oven. After some little experience it should be an easy matter to: regulate the heating so that the temperature remained in the neighbourhood of 150° F. for an hour or so.. The extent to which the door is left open would assist in adjusting the temperature. It would be well it these suggestons were brought directly *Vol. XIIL (1914) No. 315, p. 162; Vol. XIV (1915), No. 334, p. 53, No. 335,.p. 75 Vot: XV. No. 378 > THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 339 to the notice of householders in order that they may be prepared to act upon them if necessary. Most of the foodstuffs referred to may be stored satisfactorily in the form of meal. Undried corn will not give meal of good keeping qjalities unless the germs, which contain a high percentage of oil, are first removed from the grain. Whole meal from dried corn will keep, however, for a considerable ; fie time. Reference has been made to cassava meal. The art of making this is well worth studying by those who are not familiar with the process. It is carried on largely in Grenada, St. Vincent, St. Lucia, and Dominica, and showld be more widely introduced into the other West Indian islands. In closing these remarks on possible substitutes for wheat flour, reference may be made to the importance of rice. The cultivation of this crop is a large industry in Trinidad, and in British Guiana. It is not grown to any extent in the smaller islands, but rice grown in British Guiana is imported into the West Indian islands, and from that point of view it is desirable, in view of the possible shortage of wheat, that the production of rice in British Guiana should be maintained, if not extended, not merely for the benefit of British Guiana alone, but for the good of all the colo- nies in the West Indies. WEATHER CONDITIONS AND SUGAR. CANE PROSPECTS IN ANTIGUA AND ST. KITTS. In the following notes an account is given of the progress of the cane crop in Antigua and St. Kitts since the beginning of the current year. The information has partic- ular reference to the effect of weather upon the crop, and a final statement is made as to future prospects. Last January it was reported from Antigua that the cane growing in the island continued to improve, though some of it appeared a little unpromising, the result of the attack of brown hardback grubs. Nearly 5 inches of rain fell during the month. In February, 1°95 inches of rain fell. In March it was reported that the stand of young canes obtained was not as good as that of the previous year. This was regarded as being due to the heavy rains experienced during the time of planting in the previous November. Rainfall for the month, 2°25 inches. A more favourable report on the young cane crop was received for April. It was reported as rapidly improving, as a result of 4°93 inches of rain received during the month. In the next month, May, it was reported that the young canes continued to improve. Good growing weather was experienced during this month, the rainfall being 5°54 inches. During June the weather was drier, the precipitation being 2°52 inches; in certain parts of the island the ‘young cane crop was reported as showing signs of the. effects of dry weather, but it was realized that these symptoms were not serious and would soon disappear on the receipt of rain. This happened by the end of July, during which month 7:29 inches of rain fell; the young cane crop in most districts of the island looked healthy and was making good growth which, it was pointed out, had not been seriously retarded. since planting took place. The crop continued to improve during August, the rainfall for which month was 5°69 inches. At the end of this month the condition of the crop was reported to be equal to or perhaps slightly better than it was at that time last year. Up tothe end of August the rain- fall received since the beginning of the year was 34:97 inches. During September rainy weather was experienced, and conditions were favourable for the rapid growth of cane. The rainfall figures given above refer to the Botanic Station records. The distribution throughout the island, however, was, on the whole, generally satisfactory, and as will be seen from the above observations, from a weather point of view conditions were markedly favourable for the growing cane crop. There is, therefore, every prospect of high yields on the reaping of the growing crop early next year (1917). The following observations relate to St Kitts. In January of this year it was reported that the young cane crop was growing well and that the necessary supplies were being put in.. Rainfall for the month, 3°53 inches. In February the young cane crop was still being supplied where- necessary, and in some districts was well advanced as the result of a continuation of rainy weather (3°62 inches). A very favourable report to the effect that the young cane- crop was growing rapidly and that the plants were strong and healthy was issued at the end of March, during which month there were falls of rain amounting to 313 inches. In April, however, the weather became drier (1°52 inches); but the young cane crop was stated to be looking well as a whole, though rain was much needed, especially in the- valley district. In May the weather became wetter, as shown by a total rainfall of 5°84 inches. The young cane crop at the end of this month was well advanced and presented a very healthy appearance. The report supplying this information concluded with the remark ‘that with the present weather prospects for next season are very hopeful.’ Satistactory- growth continued during June; by the end of this month. the young cane crop was well advanced, especially in the northern or windward district. According to the report, at the end of June the prospects generally speaking were very favourable. During July the early part of the month was dry, but the fine rains in the middle of the month made a great improvement in the young cane crop and the pros- pects for next season were regarded so far as being excellent. Rainfall fer the month 8°27 inches. The crop by the end of August was still further advanced and everything pointed to good crops next season. Rainfall for August 8°24 inches. The report at the end of September was as follows: ‘The condition of the cane crop at the present time is all that can be desired and there are no signs of any disease.’ Rainfall for the month 4:40 inches. The total rainfall up to end of September was 41°64 inches. The rainfall up to the end of August was 37°62 inches, compared with 34°97 inches in the case of Antigua. It should be pointed out that the St. Kitts rainfall returns like those for Antigua were those taken at the Botanic Station. These stations are situated in the Crier parts of the respective islands, so that the average precipitation over the whole of each island may be taken as being greater than that recorded for the Botanic Stations. It is satis- factory to be able to conclude by stating that up to the time of going to press no damage has been occasioned to sugar-cane in these islands by storms, though during the past hurricane season (July to October) cyclones have passed in the vicinity of Antigua and St. Kitts. 340 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Octopsr 21, 1916, REPORT OF THE ANTIGUA ONION GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION, 1915-16. During the year under review, the operations of this Association have been carried on along exactly similar lines to those followed during the previous season (see Agricultural News, Vol. XIV, No. 351, p. 324). During the present season’s work, twenty-eight estates eontributed onions to the undertaking, the total gross weight of onions purchased in this way amounting to 301,318 bb. For the season 1914-15, the total weight of onions purchased was 186,198 tb., so that the work of the season under review represents an increase of 115,620 ib. in the total amount of produce handled, that is to say, the volume of the work has increased by roughly 66 per cent. It became necessary an acount of extension in volume of work to enlarge the premises and to effect general repairs ; in connexion with this there was an expenditure of £20 Os. 3d. In relation to constructional charges, a further sum of £8 9s. was refunded to the Government in counexion with the advance of £27 Os. 4d. made at the commencement of the 1914 crop. In relation to the purchase of onions, the total amount expended on the first payment, at the rate of le. per Ib., amounted to £628 15s. 9d. The financing of the Association was arranged for by advances through a local firm of merchants in accordance with simular arrangements made last year ; for the redemption of these advances £180 15s. 2d. was expended. The charges for labour amounted to £93 17s. 10d.; expenditure for crates amounted to £250 13s, 43d. After paying all expenses, the total sum of money available to be distributed among growers amounted to £555 14s. or at the rate of 88}c. per 100 Ib. of onions delivered; this is a considerable improvement on the results of the previous season when the bonus paid amounted to 51e. per 100 tb. In relation to the financing of the Association, arrange- ments were concluded for drawing against shipments to New York at the rate of 80c. per crate shipped; in addition, prior to the commencement of the season, a judicious advertizing eampaign on a small scale was inaugurated, whereby it was rendered possible to dispose of a portion of the crop on a firm order basis. In this way 371 crates were disposed of during the past season. The total number of crates shipped amounted to 5,353, Shipments were made to the following points: Martinique, Trinidad, Barbados, Demerara, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenada, New York, Halifax, and St. John. The two largest intercolonial markets are Trinidad and Barbados: the largest proportion of the onions were shipped to New York. The West Indian markets during the year proved decidedly remun- erative, but the New York market after opening very strongly fell away badly early in March; this was due, it is under- stood, to unseasonable weather and difficulty in handling produce. The Association’s Board regrets to report that consid- erable difficulties have again been experienced in relation to shipments to Canada; out of one shipment of 400 crates, 270 were washed overboard and lost during a storm; the remain- ing 130 crates have not yet been accounted for by the party to whom they were consigned. The Board is endeavouring to get proper representation in Canada, and to effect insurances oa cargo carried to Canadian ports. In relation to shipments to New York, it should be added #hat satisfactory arrange- ments were made for insurance during the season. This led to the average price obtained per crate during the season being somewhat low, namely, 31°50. In relation to details of working, the entire season lasted for ten weeks, namely, from February 12 to April 15. The average number of hands employed, including two overseers was fifty-five, the maximum in any one week being seventy- one. The continued growth of the Association is a matter for great satisfaction, and the effect of the work done is being felt in the rapidly increasing orders for onion seed, in the formation of similar associations in other places in the Leeward Islands, and by information coming to the knowledge of the Board from various sources that the Association’s work is becoming widely known and recognized in the various ports to which shipments are made. A large amount of credit is due to Dr. H. A. Tempany, Superintendent of Agriculture for the Leeward Islands, and his staff who have been responsible for the secretarial work and financial details; also to Mr. T. Jackson for his personal supervision of the onion house. The Executive Committee of the Association, which met each week during crop, consisted of Messrs. A. P. Cowley (Chairman), *R. 8. D. Goodwin, N. Scott-Johnson, T. Jackson, and H. A. Tempany. It is to be regretted that ill effects have been felt owing to the existence of a few growers in Antigua who still remain outside the Association; such competition merely has the effect of being productive of loss to both sides. It may be added finally, that the system of fortnightly cables regarding the onion markets in Barbados and Trinidad has been maintained, and acknowledgement is due to the Association’s representatives in those two colonies for the assistance they have rendered. TORTOLA ONION GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION. A copy has been. received of a similar report on the Tortola (Virgin Islands) Association. The membership of the Association is now 113 as against twenty-nine at its inauguration on September 23, 1915. Out of the total membership, ninety-two sent in onions to the curing house, The total quantity received was 11,633 Ib. This gave after drying and curing 9,118 bb., or a loss of about 21°6 per cent. This loss is attributed.to a considerable proportion of the onions being reaped before they were fully ripe. It is hoped that this will be avoided in future. The expenses of curing, shipping, etc., amounted to 81°30, and the onions sold for $324°94. A first payment of le. per Ib. amounting to $116°33 was made. A final payment of le. per tb. will now be made, making the total payment to members of $232°66. A balance of $10:98 has been carried over. The average price received per crate was $1°89. This is regarded as unsatisfactory, and can be attributed to the ship- ment to the United States of 60 crates when the market was unfortunately glutted. Better results can be looked for next season as the West Indian markets will be more closely followed; this will be facilitated by the intended affiliation of the ‘Tortola Association with other Leeward Islands Associations. ; It is mentioned in the report that a great deal of disap- pointment is felt by members over the small returns obtained from their crops; it is pointed out, however, that yields can be considerably increased by careful attention to cultivation, ete., and after experience has been gained. In the Experiment Station, }-acre yielded 3,188. of dried onions. At 2e. per lb. this gives $63:76 or at the rate of $191:28 per acre. From this it will be seen that under market garden conditions, very handsome returng-can be obtained, which compare Vout. XV. No. 378. - THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 34] favourably with those of other crops. It may be noted chere that most of the growers in Tortolatare peasants, whereas in Antigua most of the members are planters with extensive properties. It will have been observed in reading this and the foregoing article that the total payment in Tortola was rather higher than that made by the Antigua Association MANURIAL EXPERIMENTS WITH LIME TREES IN DOMINICA. The results obtained over a period of three years at the Lime Experiment Station, Dominica, are published in ‘tabular form in the Annual Report on the Agricultural Department of that Presidency for 1915-16. A study of these figures indicates, the progress made by the trees in the various plots since the experiment was laid out. The yield during the first year was very low on all the plots; there was a substantial increase in the second year, -and a further increase during the year under review. The uneven nature of the plots, for the reasons given in the opening paragraphs of this report, and the short time during which these experiments have been running, make it inadvisable to draw definite deductions as to the manurial requirements of lime trees. It will be necessary to carry on the experiments for a considerable number of years, and probably to extend them in certain directions to obtain reliable data. Three or four facts are, however, so outstanding when the results of these experiments are examined, both with regard to their crop returns and ‘the general appearance of the trees that even at this stage it is justifiable to bring them to the notice of those interested. 1. Without the application of manures the yield of lime trees is small, and the trees themselves present the appear- ance of having scanty foliage, lacking in colour, and the growth of new wood is sparse. 2. In these experiments the application of a complete manure containing nitroyen, phosphoric acid, and potash increases the yield per acre to such an extent that with limes selling at 3s. 6d. per barrel, and the manure costing £5 per acre, an increase of 110 birrels was obtained over the no-manure plot, which at the same valuation yielded a profit of £12 per acre. Furth-rmore, the appearance of the trees on the complete-manure plot is all that can be desired. 3-, The application of a manure containing nitrogen and phosphoric acid, but having no potash, while increasing the yield of fruits toa marked degree over the no-manure plot, leaves something to be desired when compared with the complete-manure plot. In normal times the additional cost of supplying potash is amply repaid by the increased yield obtained. 4. The application of a mulch consisting of 5 tons of grass per acre per annum is producing a steady improvement in the yield of the trees and in their general appearance. It is realized by the officers responsible for these experi- ments that in many ways they are not altogether satistactory. The acreage available is much too small to carry out a really efficient series of experiments. All that is claimed for them is that they are reliable indications as to the benefit to be derived by adopting a reasonable system of manuring. No attempt is made, for instance, to demonstrate that one form of phosphatic manure is superior to another, or that one form of potash is preferable to another. Such fine points would require a large number of duplicate plots to yield reliable results. There are other important data which could be made available if we had a sufficient acreage at our disposal. In these experiments the formula selected for the manures is one containing 54 fb. nitrogen, 72 phosphoric acid, and 84 fb. potash per acre, and this amount is added annually to the complete manure plot. This formula was selected because it was considered that its cost, which is about £5 per acre, is as much as is likely to be expended on manures in Dominica. It is highly probable that by increas- ing the quantities of the manures higher yields may be obtained. It may here be mentioned that in Porto Rico, on orange groves, no less than 62 Ib. nitrogen, 131 tb. phosphoric acid, and 200 Ib. potash per acre are frequently supplied with profitable results. Again in this experiment the manure is applied once a year, usually in the month of May or June. Many planters maintain that the correct ‘season for applying manures is in November or December. The only way to settle this question is to lay out experiments. In the meantime it may be suggested for the benefit of those who make liberal appli- cations, that the best course to follow is probably to apply one half in June and the other half in November. Additional experiments with lime trees are in progress in Dominica, and these will receive attention in a future issue of this Journal RESTRICTIONS ON PLANT IMPOR- TATIONS INTO ST. LUCIA. In view of the notice recently published (St. Lucia Official Gazette for September 23) imposing certain restrie- tions on the importation of Citrus plants from America and some adjacent countries, it will be useful to state for general guidance the conditions» under which seeds and plants are admitted to the Colony. All plants and seeds imported are submitted by the Customs authorities to the Agricultural Superintendent who inspects them, and disinfects them in such a manner as he deems adequate. Should plants on arrival be considered to be infected with any pest or disease that may be a source of grave danger to the Colony, he may destroy the plants. Should there be suspicious circumstances as regards pests or diseases, he may require that the plant be planted in some safe place where he may inspect it from time to time and take such steps as he thinks fit to control any pest or disease that may be present. The Government has the power to prohibit the importa- tion of any particular plant from any country where a dangerous disease occurs in connexion with that plant: such a course is taken in regard to (a) coco-nuts from Trinidad, Tobago, Jamaica, Cuba or any part of Central or South America (see Officoal Gaze'te, Oct. 29, 1910); (6) banana plants from Trinidad, Tobago or any part of Central or South America (see Official Gazette, October 29, 1910); (c) cacao plants from South America. (See Official Gazette, April 4, 1902.) Similarly, no Citrus plant (orange, grape-fruit, ete.) may be imported from the United States of America, Cuba, Porto Rico, Jamaica, Hayti or San Domingo. Under the regulations just issued, no rooted plant or plant in earth may be imported from any of the places just mentioned unless they are accompanied by a certificate from the proper authority in the country in question certifying that citrus canker does not exist in the district from which the plants are taken, and that the disease has not existed there for a period of not less than two years, previously. Persons ordering plants from any of those places should instruct the firm from whom they are being purchased to obtain and forward the necessary certificate with the plants. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. OcroseR 21, 1916. COTTON. SEA ISLAND COTTON MARKET. Messrs. Wolstenholme and“Holland, of Liverpool, write as follows, under date September 18, 1916, with reference to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton:— Since our last report no business has been reported in West Indian Sea Island cotton, owing to the stock being exhausted. New Crop Floridas in Savannah are commanding full prices. The Report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week ending September 16, 1916, is as follows:— IsLaNpDs. As the old crop has been entirely disposed of, leaving no stock whatever, and as the new crop will not begin to be marketed before next month, you see that until then quotations would be only nominal. The prices will be governed very much by those ruling at the time for Georgias and Floridas. FLORIDAS AND GFoRGIAS. The demand continues on account of the Northern and Southern Mills taking all offerings. The buying atall interior markets being active, very little cotton has been shipped to Factors in Savannah for sale. The quality of the receipts has consisted principally of Fancy, rendering it difficult to buy Extra Choice, the small percentage of the grade being frequently sold along with Fancy at the same price. With larger receipts this coming week we hope we may see an easier market, or at least a steady one, with better offerings. We quote, viz:— GEORGIAS AND FLORIDAS. Fancy 32¢. =33ke., landed. Extra Choice 3]c. to-314 = 32hc., to 33c. ,, Choice No stock. The exports from Savannah for the past week have been 50 bales to Northern Mills, 60 bales to Southern Mills, and from Jacksonville to Northern Mills 612 bales. crop Apvicks. Although the weather has been generally favourable during the past week we have only to confirm our previous advices. This applies especially to the Island crop. American cotton was first introduced into the Punjab in 1884 when Upland Georgian seed was tried. The crop grew well but survived only in the form of stray plants mixed with the native cottons. It was reintroduced in 1902, and in 1903 experiments were made with acclimatized seed at Lyallpur, but it was not until 1905 that the work was taken up systematically by the Department of Agriculture. In 1911 the area under American cotton was less than 10,000 acres, and in 1914 it was not less than 70,000 acres. It is now well established that the yield of American cotton is, un the average, better than that of the native varieties, and the evitical period in its adoption is now passed. The plant has established itself by a sort of natural selection, unsuitable types having been largely eliminated by pests. The Agricul- tural Department has also helped by obtaining the support and co-operation of local ginners and of exporters, who have done much by issuing pure seed and securing good prices at the auctions. One of the great difficulties is the mixing with native cottons that occurs, often due to the fault of the ginners and spinners. (Monthly Bulletin of Agricul- tural Intelligence and Plant Diseases, February 1916.) ~~ CHINESE VINEGAR AS A COAGULANT. Mr. E. J. Eaton, Chemist on the staft of the Department:- of Agriculture, Federated Malay States, contributes the following to the Department’s Journal for July:— Enquiries having been received ve the use of Chinese vinegar as a coagulant, samples of this substance were purchased on the local market in Kuala Lumpur, and have been investigated in the Chemical laboratory. Chinese vinegar Jike English and other continental vinegars consists essentially of a dilute solution of acetic acid, but whereas the English malt vinegar is brown, Chinese vinegar is colourless. Chinese vinegar is probably prepared by the acetic fermentation of alcohol from rice, hence its colourless nature. The following results were obtained on analysis of samp- les purchased from different Chinese shops in Kuala Lumpur. The price per gallon of pure acetic acid calculated on the acid. content of the samples® examined is also given; this has been calculated from the ataount of Chinese vinegar bought for 10c., and based on the strength of the samples. These prices are approximate, since larger quantities of the vinegar could no doubt be purchased more cheaply. It is practically certain however, that if a demand arose for this vinegar as a coagulant, the price would increase considerably. It will be seen that the prices do-'not compare at all favourably even with present. ruling prices of glacial acetic acid, at, say, $45 per demijohn (43 gallons approx.) which is equivalent to: about $10 per gallon. No coagulations have yet been made by me with this vinegar, but it may safely be stated that its: coagulating power willbe similar to acetic acid of a similar strength, and that the rubber coagulated with it will be similar to acetic acid coagulated rubbers. Cost per gallon Ref. No. Amount pur- Acetic acid calculated for pure chased for 10.c. per cent. acetic acid. 1 Mid 15 107Z 2°6 $3620 2 164 ,, 56 17°31 3 224, 4:05 17°55 4 Sy, 6:2 14:33 5 NO} - cingha 4:8 21°38 6 165: 135 3-9 25°64 7 Nisha 55 4°2 22°49 The Geographical Journal contains an interesting paper entitled the Synthetic Method of Determining Geographical Regions. As regards agriculture, it is said that the productive areas of the chief crops serve useful geographical boundaries, These divisions not only indicate the regions where the particu- lar crops are largely obtained, but they correspond with the complex climatic conditions which favour the various crops, and also with the economic and social conditions which are partly the cause and partly the effect of the particular forms of agriculture; this last point may be illustrated by the well- known connexion between cotton cultivation and the employment of negro labour in the United States, with its many social and political consequences. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 343 JAMAICA: REPORT ON THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1915-16. In the last issue of the Ayricultural News a note appeared containing references to some of the general observations contained in this report, more particularly in connexion with the suggested partial substitution of sugar- cane for banana cultivation in the Colony. The present review will be used to bring forward some of the special information likely to interest our readers. Concerning diseases of animals and plants, it is stated that no animal has re-acted to the tuberculin test during the past four years, and the Government herd at Hope Station may therefore be regarded as quite free from any taint of tuberculosis. ‘Tick fever cases were few and slight, and the dipping tank has been in regular use, the results of which are described as having been truly remarkable. It is said that as soon as the cattle get accustomed to the tank, they learn to take care of themselves and the work of dipping becomes easy and quick. The liquid used consists of arsenite of soda (80 per cent.) 2 tb., paranaph 3 tb. per 100 gallons costing 1s. 5d. on a basis of war prices. In regard to plant diseases, there was an unfortunate outbreak of Panama disease of bananas in Portland, where the disease has been present fora long time. The disease has not been found in any new parish during the year. In regard to the work in the Public Gardens and Nurseries, some remarks appear concerning grape-fruit seedlings. It is sometimes stated that grapefruit do not come true from seed. There is evidence in this report to the contrary. Quite recently a grower of these fruits in one of the western parishes voluntarily informed the Department that of 500 seedlings obtained from Hope Gardens in 1901-2, enly one tree is not true to type. The distribution of plants during the last three years from the nursery shows a distinct increase. During the year under review over 20,000 cacao seedlings, 6,500 citrus, and 64,000 cane cuttings were sent out as against 7,600, 581, and 24,000, respectively, for the previous year. An interesting fact recorded is that a banana seed was obtained at the Hope Gardens from one of the varieties of bananas sent from Kew, and efforts are being made to raise a seedling. The seed appeared to be fully developed, but it is well known that the seeds of Musae are very slow in germination, and it is pointed out that it will take some time before the success or failure of this attempt to obtain a seedling banana is determined. Regarding coco-nuts, the expotts of nuts for the year were 2 million less than in 1914, when a record of 29 million nuts was established. The sugar-cane experiments conducted by the Jamaica Department of Agriculture receive ‘attention in the report of the Superintendent of field experiments. It is believed that the new Jamaica varieties promise well and that. there are two really good canes in the series J.70, J.71, J.72, J.73, J.74. The fact that these canes are very similar in appear- ance is mentioned, but the two best canes are not. White Transparent is still regarded the best cane, however, in Jamaica; and it is the one which is recommended with confidence to meet most of the planter’s demands. As regards the manuring of the sugar-cane, emphasis is laid upon the importance of supplying the soil with humus. Experiments are to be modified with a view to increasing the area of the plot. Information presented concerning the manurial work is not very definite in this report. An experiment designed to show the effect of artificial manures On coco-nuts was arrested by dry weather. Further on in the report a statement appears to the effect that the cultivation of sisal is proving satisfactory. Only one weeding a year has been found necessary, and the only other operation in respect of this crop was the renewal of young suckers of which there were but few, and the supplying of the established acreage, wherever grown plants were available for that purpose. A nursery has been estab- lished at the Stud Farm, Lititz, with bulblets of both sisal and henequen received from the Hope Gardens. While Cauto cotton has yielded moderately well in the experiment station, all trials with Sea Island cotton have proved unsuccessful. Concerning agricultural education, it is reported that the agricultural work of the Farm School, Hope, is now one of the most efficient and well organized branches of the work of that institution. In the Government laboratory a considerable portion of the work has to do with official analyses in connexion with public health, ete. The agricultural investigation concerned soils and subsoils, fertilizers, cane juices, feeding stuffs, tan- ning materials, arsenical cattle dips, and insecticides. Fur- ther determinations of the tannin content of mangrove barks were made, and in many, of the samples there was over 25 per cent. tannin. The determination of the percentage of fat in twenty-one samples of fermented and unfermented cacao, supplied by leading planters and merchants, resulted in the average of 45°8 per cent., the maximum being 49°4 and the minimum 41°1; only one sample contained less than 44 percent. It is of interest to note that the preparation of thymol powder has been discontinued, as the price of this sub- stance has become prohibitive. There was distributed 2,103 oz. of this antiseptic during the year. ‘his is of interest in connexion with the suggestion by the Imperial Department of Agriculture that ajowan plants which yield thymol might be usefully grown in the West Indies. That this plant (Carum copticum) is suited to the conditions of soil and climate is shown by the successful production of seed in Grenada and St. Lucia. In Jamaica there is no doubt much spare land in the hills that might usefully support this wild plant, and yield a product which would be of immediate value in a colony like Jamaica with its important stock- raising industry. DEPARTMENT NEWS. Mr. Abdul Rahim Khan, State Technical Scholar, United Provinces, India, arrived in barbados from England on October 17. Arrangements have been made with the Department through the India Office to enable Mr. Khan to study sugar cultivation and manufacture in the West Indian islands under the direction of the Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture. Mr. Khan has spent the past three years studying sugar techique and the manufacture of machinery in Glasgow. After two weeks in Barbados, he proceeds to Antigua for three months. Mr. Khan expects to remain in the West Indies until next May. 344 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. EDITORIAL NOTICES. HEApD OFFICE — BARBADOS, Letters and matter for publication, as well as all Bpecimens for naming, should ‘be addressed to the Commissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture, Barbados. p All applications for copies of the ‘Agricultural News’ and other Departmental publications, should be addressed to the Agents, andnot 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 Entomologist Mycologist W. R. Dunlop. H. A, Ballou, M.Sc. W. Nowell, D.1.C. CLERICAL STAFF. A. G. Howell. M. B. Connell. (L. A. Corbin. | P..Laylor. Miss B. Robinson. Miss W. Ellis. : A. B. Price, Fell. Journ. Inst. Chief Clerk Assistant Clerk Clerical Assistants Typist Assistant Typist Assistant for Publications Agricultural dlews Vou. XV. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1916. No 378. NOTES AND COMMENTS. Contents of Present Issue. In view of the probable contimuation of the rise in the price of wheat, the editorial in this issue deals with the question of possible substitutes for flour that can be more extensively produced in the West Indies. This issue contains important information in con- nexion with weather conditions: see pages 339, 345, and 350. A suggestive article will be found on page 350 dealing with methods of measuring growth in sugar- cane, A review of reports on the Leeward Islands Onion Growers’ Associations will be found on page 340. OctosER 21, 1916. Sugar Production in Cuba. Some facts and figures concerning the production of sugar in Cuba appeared in the last issue of this Journal. These indicated the low cost at which sugar is being produced in that country: Modern Cuba tor August reproduces ‘the followmg general observations. on the subject:— ‘As long as great areas of virgin forest remain untouched she can easily maintain her position as the greatest and cheapest sugar producer, without material change in existing methods. In the older sugar districts, which to-day contain a larger share of the capital invested in this business, forest lands no longer exist. Here all these basic agricultural problems must be faced and solved if the next period of low prices, sure sooner or later to follow, the present war inflation. is not to be followed by the disastrous collapse of many heavy investments It only takes a hasty trip through Camagiiey and Oriente toshow with what feverish rapid- ity Cuba’s remaining forests are being cut down and planted to cane. At the present rate, less than a generation will see the end of them. The entire island must then settle down to a study of cane agriculture. The importance of its problems are, there- fore, sufficiently great to make it the duty not only of the mill owner and colono, but of every person in any way connected with the sugar industry to give. them most thoughtful consideration. : rr + Trade and Industries ot Turks and Caicos Islands, 1915. Colonial Reports—Annual (No. 889) constitutes a report on the Blue Book of the Turks aud Caicos Islands for the year 1915. From this the following particulars are gleaned concerning the principal industries. The sponge industry showed a falling off to the extent of £1,280,,due, it is said, to the war now being waged in Europe. On the other hand, it is mentioned with gratification, that artificial culture of sponges continues to make satisfactory progress. Mr. George Silly, the lessee of Chalk Sound (Blue Hills, Caicos Islands), was able to report that at the close of the year 1915, his work in this direction extended to upwards of 250,000 cuttings, chiefly of the ‘reef’ variety. The take of ‘wool’ sponges has almost reached vanishing point, a condition of affairs for which no one seems able to ascribe a reason. It is suggested that it would be both interesting and valuable to have the. matter investigated scientifically. An advance of 84,cents per tb. in the American market stimulated reaping operations in connexion with the sisal industry, and resulted in an increase of £1,580, in the exports under this head, as compared with 1914. Not the least interesting among the sudsidiary marine products of the Caicos Islands is the export of conchs to the neighbouring’ republic of Haiti. This trade, which for some years had wavered between £500 and £700 per. annum in value, reached its maximum during the year under review, when over one million conchs, valued at £1217, were shipped from the ent ane Mare Toor Von. XV. No. 378. Dependency. The lobster-canning industry shows a slight falling off in the value of produce exported, but, on the other hand, ‘sea shells’ hitherto a waste product of the conch industry, for the first time finds a place among exports from the Dependency. _ Considerable interest was shown by peasant proprietors in the Caicos Islands in connexion with the cotton industry. Samples of the cleaned staple, grown in these islands, were submitted to London brokers and were favourably reported on. Difficulties in the way of shipping, owing to the war, at present prevent immediate results in this respect, but 1t is anticipated that with the cessation of hostilities, a development of the cotton industry will undoubtedly follow. Hurricane in the Virgin Islands and St Thomas. During August, the hurricane that caused such considerable damage in Dominica passed the Virgin Tslands on the 13th instant to the south or south-west of Tortola, and no harm resulted. This good luck has not been maintained, for according to a recent telegram from St. Thomas, the hurricane of October 9 which caused widespread destruction at the Danish Islands of St. Thomas, St. Jan, and St. Croix, was equally disas- trous in its effects at Tortola. There being no cable communication with the Virgin Islands, details as to the damage done have not yet had time to come to hand, but judging by analogy, the situation in ‘Tortola must be very grave. The population is chiefly composed of peasant cultivators and fishermen, and it is to be expected that most of these have lost their present means of subsistence. Help has no doubt by now been rendered by St. Kitts, and Antigua. The first indications of this hurricane, which appears to have been the most violent one experienced for many years in the West Indies, were shown by rough seas and a falling barometer on October 7. On the 9th, in the Danish Islands, the barometer was falling rapidly with heavy squalls from thé north-east, and by the afternoon the glass was as low as 28:02. The wind increased in intensity until between 7 and 8 p.m. when there was a lull. Atter about an hour the wind blew with redoubled strength from the west and later from the south, accompanied with a deluge of rain. The damage to house property in St. Thomas is described as enormous, and the shipping also suffered to a very grave extent. The damage in the neighbouring island of St. Croix, which is of greater agricultural importance, is estimated at about $1,000,000. The present hurricane season in the West Indies has been one of unusual activity. “The United States weather Bureau at Washington which maintains observation stations in some of these islands will no doubt find it desirable to issue a special report on the subject. —a ee _ Agricultural Administration. and Research in the Leeward Islands. A report has recently been issued on the work of the Government laboratory and the office of the Superintendent of Agriculture for the Leeward Islands, THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, 345 1914-15 and 1915-16. Tris discribes in a clear manner the functions and scope of the laboratory and the wide range of duties attendant on the oftice of Superin- ~ tendent of Agr‘culture. Besides the chemical examin-- ation of a large number of samples of widely different character, special investigations have been carried on chiefly in connexion with soil problems. As well as: this the routine work of sugar analysis in regard to the sugar-cane experiments has been continued, as usual. All this work has been done under considerable pressure on account of abolition of the post of Assistant Chemist. At the same time the appointment of Chemical Assist- ants in the sister Presidencies of Dominica and St. Kitts has relieved the central laboratory of a certain amount of routine work. Additional lines of activity having arisen in con- nexion with the office of Superintendent of Agriculture, amongst which may be mentioned the direction of the work of the Government Central Granary and the secretarial and financial work of the Antigua Onion Growers Association, the successful administration of the Agricultural Department during the period under review is desiring of credit. In connexion with the work of this office, useful investigations have been made in regard to insect pests. Special visits to and reports: were made on the islands of Redonda and Barbuda, besides the customary visits to the neighbouring Presidences of the Leeward Islands Colony. In conclusion the report indicates the accomplish- ment by a single ofticer of a very large amount. of’ useful and diversified work. Blight-proof Coffee for the Philippines. Twenty-five years ago, the coffee disease then sweeping over the entire East visited the Philippines and destroyed, according to a note in the Journal of” the Royal Society of Arts, a flourishing industry as far as production for export was concerned. Since that time, it is stated, the cultivation of coffee in the islands has been confined to one or two mountainous districts, where the altitude was sufficient to exclude the blight. In these localities almost every house has had its cotfee patch, and on them, despite careless methods of cultivation, an excellent quality has been grown. The quantity of this product has been inconsiderable, however, from a commercial point of view, and coffee has never again taken a place of any importance in the list of Philippine exports. There has never seemed, however, any conclusive reason why a blight-proof stock should not be successfully intro- duced, as had been done in Java and Ceylon, with the result of rehabilitating the coffee industry of those countries to a great extent, though they had originally been almost as hard hit as the Philippines. According to the Manila Daily Bulletin, experiments with this end in view have been somewhat numerous,and not long ago it was announced that measures would be taken to import a supply of the robusta variety of cottee plants for distribution, from Java. 346 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, Octoser 21, 1916. INSECT = NOTES. A SCALE INSECT PEST OF CITRUS AND ITS CONTROL. A serious pest of lemons in Sicily is the scale insect Chrysonphalus dictyospermi. This was record- ed in the West Indies as early as 1899, and has more recently been identified on West Indian material sent to Dr. Berlese at Florence. This pest appears to be fairly wide-spread in the West Indies, but it does not occasion any serious damage as it does in Sicily. It is interesting to record the fact that Dr. Berlese has found parasites onthe seale sent from the West Indies, but these have not yet been fully identified. Perhaps the most important part of the investigation by Del Guercio and Malenotte in connexion with the pest, an account of which is reproduced below from the Review of Applied Entomology (Vol. IV, Ser. A, Part 4), is that concerning methods of control. These possess an importance as regards the treatment of scale insects generally. C. dictyospermi was first discovered in Italy in 1895 by Berlese on Pandanus graninifolia in the Botanical Garden at Florence, but the present severe infestations are due to importations from France along the Riviera, whence they have spread to southern Italy. The various stages of this scale are described in detail. The number of males is twice that of the females, or even more, especially on the fruit. Tables are given to show the influence of the seasons on infestation. The temperature has a great influence on the number of Jarvae which emerge from the shields at the period of maximum emergence, an abrupt fall diminishing the number and an abrupt rise increasing it. A very high temperature in July, when the temperature rose to 104° F. at 1 p.m., hastened the dessication and the fall of a large number of adults which had been sprayed with a 5 per cent. solution of colloidal polysulphide of calcium. In autumn the varying frequency and quantity of rain explains the different results yielded by colloidal polysulphide sprays. In the months of February, March, and nearly the whole of April, no larvae were seen to emerge even on heavily infested plants. This observation was in apparent conflict with the presence of young larvae, but these were all born in the previous November and December. Larvae which attach themselves from mid-November onwards develop so slowly that the first moult has not taken place after a month, whereas only twelve to fifteen days are necessary with June larvae. Oviposition begins from late in April to early in May, but proceeds very slowly and the clusters never contain much more than about fifteen eggs, and may therefore often pass unnoticed. This species is certainly oviparous, but if the shield of a female be raised, it will be seen that most of the larvae have already hatched. The fact that more larvae than eggs are usually found beneath the shield accounts for the belief that the species is viviparous. Observations on Coccids of genera allied to Chrysomphalus show, however, that a species which is usually oviparous may occasionally produce living young, especially towards the end of the oviposition period. Observations on the speed with which the larvae of C. dictyospermi spread, show that they do not move far from the centre of infestation; they have a tendency to climb, especially if they happen to be on the trunk and larger branches, and if the lower portion of the foliage is infested, this is largely due to larvae falling from infested parts above; larvae which fall to the ground perish. External causes are therefore responsible for the spread of this pest from plant to plant. Infestation is strongest on the leaves and fruit, and also occurs on young shoots and on various parts of the flower, the larger branches and the trunk being immune. The principal causes of the spread of the insect are pruning, gathering the crop, irrigation, rain and wind. Pruning carried out when the scale is very active is more dangerous than in winter. The best plan is to prune in winter, either letting the prunings dry where they fall, or removing them to a distance of several. yards from plants still uninfested. In the case of lemons, which are also pruned at seasons other than winter, the prunings must be left where they fall, so that infestation may be restricted to the plants already attacked Gather- ing the fruit is usually done in winter, except in the case of lemons, limes and some oranges. The danger is therefore chiefly present in these latter cases. Irri- gation of the citrus plantations is less dangerous than appears at first sight, and it is only in cases where a larva is carried by the water and thrown on a trunk around which there is no ring of foam that it is able to ascend the plant; infested leaves may, however, be carried by the water. Gentle rain falling on mobile larvae washes them down to the lower portions of the plant. A heavy rain reduces the number of larvae by washing them down to the ground, where they perish, but may carry infested leaves to considerable dtstances. Wind must however be held to be the most important agent in diffusion. Branches isolated by rings of cotton from the infested portion of a plant were. found to be infested*after a certain time if the wind was blowing. The importance of wind carriage is evident from the fact that plants sheltered from the wind are the most strongly infested, as a larger number of larvae are left on them. Strong wind and rain together act by carrying the larvae in the rain drops, as has previously been noticed by Del Guercio in the case of Ceroplastes sinensis, D.G. A list of fifty-six food-plants is given, including the following:— Acacia longifolia, A. vetinoides, Arbutus andrachno, Callistemon sp., Citrus aurantium, C. deliciosa, C. Limonum, C. sinensis, Cycas revoluta E riobotrya japonica, Buonyius europeus, BE. japonicus, Ficus stipulacea, Hedera helix, Kentia sp., Melaleuca sp., Metrosideros sp., Muhlen- beckia platyclados, various species of palms, Pandanus graminifolia, Phornuum sp., Strelitzia reginae, and Zea mays. Observations on these plants show that C. dictyospermi can develop and attain maturity on them. The Coccid was seen on some other species, but though the larvae became attached on them, they died at a certain stage probably because the juices were not suitable. This was noticed on the grape viae, peach, and apricot, which in Sicily are cultivated promiscuously with citrus plants. C dictyosperme was never observed on them when they were at a considerable distance frem the citrus trees. They are therefore not true hosts and may be transported without any risk of spreading infestation... Nor is there any risk in the transport in winter of deciduous plants of which the leaves alone are subject te attack. It was fourd that the natural mortality among larvae in favourable ‘conditions amounted to 5 per cent. before fixation. In late autumn, however, especially in rainy weather, eggs which had dried up and dead larvae were observed under the mother’s shield. After fixation early in June, larvae fifteen to twenty days old showed a natural mortality of 5 to 10 per cent. Later on, the adult female mortality was 2 per cent., increasing to 15 per cent. in October and 25 per cent. late in November, at which time the mortality of adult males was 40 per cent. and that of larvae and nymphs 19 per cent, These figures were allowed for in estimating the value of insecticides. ' Von. XV. “Nos 378: . THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 347 The economic importance of C. dictyospermi, in Italy, varies in different regions ; at the present time the extensive citrus groves of Sicily and Calabria are ‘the most menaced. This pest was introduced into Italy without its natural enemies. None have been found either in Liguria or Tuscany, and during 1915 and 1914 the authors noticed very few endophagous or predaceous species in Sicily. According to De Gregorio, Aphelinus silvestri1, De Greg., exercises useful control. The predaceous species destroy not more than 10 per cent. of the adult Coccids, and the endophagous species are even less efficient, for only one Chalcid nymph was found in about 30,000 Coccids examined. In America, Aspidiotiphagus citranus is a parasite of C. dictyospermi, while Aphelinus chrysomphali is reported to be useful in the Iberian peninsula. Cultural methods of control include pruning aud defoliation. Pruning is valuable because a properly pruned tree offers less’shelter to the Coccid against unfavourable climatic factors, and green pruning directly diminishes the number of the scales. Some growers have thought that complete defoliation is equivalent to suppressing infestation, but this cannot be the case, as infestation is not confined to the foliage DOWN THE ISLANDS. ITEMS OF LOCAL INTEREST. GRENADA, Work in the Experiment Stations in August, the Superintendent of Agriculture writes to say, was chiefly of routine nature. The general condition of all the stations is reported as satisfactory on the whole, showing much improvement cn Jast year. In the Botanic Gardens improve- ments in the nursery grounds were carried out; other oper- ations comprised planting, grafting and budding. Plants distributed included 8,677 limes, 1,041 coco-nuts, 4 grafted mangoes, and 56 of other varieties. As regards staple crops, the prospects of the 1916-17 cacao crop, Mr. Moore says, are very promising indeed. The crop year ending September 1916 promised to be the largest on record. Lime planting on estates and holdings was making good progress. Spraying experiments for Bourbon Aspidiotus on coco-nuts have been undertaken. The weather during the month was rainy and very hot. ST. VINCENT. Mr. N. Sands, reporting for the month of September, a the reaping of selected corn planted in the experiment stations, which gave a calculated average yield per acre of 9,865 Ib. of corn on the cob. This corn was planted on banks 4 feet apart, plants ata distance of 1 foot apart on both sides of banks. Other work in the experiment stations included the collection and destruction of cotton stainers in cotton plots. — Plant distribution for the month was as follows: cane cuttings 1,794, grafted mango plants 3, sweet potato cuttings 300, guava plants (South African) 12 onion seed 9 1b, Indian corn 30. Tuo the Botanic Gardens, operations were of a general routine character. In regard to staple crops, the corn (maize) crop continued to make good progress, and was particularly free from insect attack. The cotton crop also made fair progress. On many estates hand collecting of cotton stainers, when found, was practised. The black-eye pea crop turned out satisfactorily on several estates. Annexed to this Report is a report on the work performed in connexion with the destruction of food plants of the cotton stainer during the month of September. It appears from a table appended to this report, that the number of large ‘John Bull’ and silk- cotton trees destroyed to September 30 was 9,390 and 446, respectively, while the sum paid out for the work performed from July 28 to September 30 amounted to £74 10s. It is estimated that the total cost for work performed and reported will not exceed £80. The Agricultural Superintendent visited the Leeward and Windward Districts—Kingstown to Richmond and Kingstown to Overland; a number of estates were visited and the work of destroying ‘John Bull’ (Thespesia populnea) and silk-cotton trees was inspected. The Assistant Agricultural Superintendent visited Ratho Mill, Glen and Prospect estates in connexion with cotton and corn investigations. The weather was rather drier than usual about the middle of the month. The rainfall recorded both at the Botanic Gardens and Experiment Station was 8°31 inches. pominica. Mr. Joseph Jones writes to say that during the month of September efforts were made to restore order in the lime experiment station after the hurricane. Damaged trees have been pruned and uprooted ones removed; so like- wise in the cacao experiment station where, close exami- nation reveals the fact that many of the plots are so consider- ably damaged that the anticipated year’s results will be much disturbed. For the first time since the establishme t of the Botanic Gardens there was no distribution of plants during the month. Many thousands of plants, however, are ready for immediate distribution and have to be cared for; in addition, arrangements have to be made for a continuous supply, consequently the nurseries are much congested. In the Botanic Gardens sutisfactory progress has been made in clearing the wreckage after the hurricane. Efforts are being made by circularising planters to estimate approximately the damage caused by the recent hurricane. The districts in the island most seriously affected by the hurricane are in course of being visited. Concerning pests, Mr Jones says the presence of root disease (Rosellinia) on Para rubber and the Nicaraguan shade tree was observed for the first time. Beyond the testing of samples of lime juice sent in by planters, the work in the chemical laboratory is for the time being suspended. The weather was normal; rainfall for the month 6°20 inches. st. Kirrs. Mr. F. R. Shepherd reports plant distribution for the month of September to have been as follows: ornamen- tal 12, sweet potato cuttings 300, cassava cuttings 2,200, Para beans 35 tb., white velvet beans 50 tb., and 300 suckers of Agave (sp. canta/a) sent for planting in Anguilla. In the Botanic Gardens general routine work was carried on. Touching staple crops, the reaping of the old cane crop still continues ona few estates in the northern district. The young cane crop is well advanced for the time of year, and the prospects for next season continue to be very hopeful. The condition of the cane crop at the present time is all that can be desired, and there are no signs of any disease. The cotton crop has been considerably reduced, the area for this season being about 600 acres. In the northern district two estates have practically finished picking their crop, and have made good returns; but estates in the valley district are only now beginning to pick. Meetings of the Agricultural Society were held on the 5th and 15th instant, respectively. Results of experimen's with sugar-cane varieties were submitted by the Agricultural Superintendent at the meeting on the 5th, and the Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture, who was present at the meeting on the 15th, addressed the meeting, after which a Resolution was passed approving the policy of the British Empire Producers’ Association, and suggesting subscriptions from estate owners and others. The rainfall for the month was 4°04 inches; for the year 41°64 inches. 348 THE AGRICULTURAL GLEANINGS. We have been informed by the Agricultural Department in St. Lucia that garden fétes are to be held on October 19 in the Botanic Gardens at Castries and also at the Agricul- tural Station, Choiseul, in aid of the British Red Cross Society. The distribution of plants from the Experiment Station, St. Lucia, during September was as follows: limes, 3,450; oranges (budded), 6; decorative and economic, 24. There were also distributed 10 packets of vegetable seeds and 4,000 cassava cuttings. It appears from the Cyprus Agricultural Journal for July 19, 1916, that some experiments have been made to find out whether Sakellarides and Sea Island cotton can be satisfac- torily grown in Cyprus. It is stated that the Sea Island seemed a much hardier plant than the Sakellarides but gave much the same yield. The Sea island stood the cold better ‘but took longer to ripen. The Sea Island gave a smaller proportion of lint to seed than Sakellarides, namely, 98 b., as against 108 tb. from 315 tb. of unginned cotton, It is stated in the Wealth of India for June 1916 that the Government of Madras has sanctioned the starting of three coco-nut experimental stations on three distinct types of soil at present bearing this crop. It is also proposed to lease two suitable plantations for the study of cultural and manurial problems. The area under coco-nuts in the Presidency of Madras is approximately 794,000 acres; thus this experimental work would appear to be fully justified, and the results obtained will be followed with interest in other parts of the tropics. A rather remarkable form of adulteration is described in the Agricultural Bulletin of the Federated Malay States for June 1916. It has been found that starch is sometimes added to rubber latex with a view to increasing its weight. The starch can be easily detected by boiling the rubber in dilute hydrochloric acid and subsequently in pure water and by créping it on a small experimental ecréping machine with hot water. From a sample by this treatment, the loss which probably consisted almost entirely of tapioca or sago starch was 50°9 per cent. NEWS, OcropER 21, 1916. The influence of pen manure and water upon the bac- terial activities ofthe soil is dealt with in a paper in the Journal of Agricultural Research for September 4, 1916. The ammonifying power of the soil is increased with the, manure applied up to 25 tons of imanure per acre, but the- greatest increase per ton @f manure was obtained in soil receiv- ing 5 tons. The application of manure to a soil in- creases also its nitrifying powers. The application of irri- gation water to a fallow soil apparently depresses its nitri- fying powers. The shipments of coco-nuts from Dominica have aver- aged for the past four years a little over } million nuts yearly, but it is pointed out in the Report.of the Agricultural Department for 1915-16, that as the local consumption is considerable. it is probable that the annual production of nuts is over the million mark. Considering how com- pletely dependent Dominica is upon lime cultivation, it is important that every effort should be made to extend the area under coco-nuts. A fair amount of progress is stated to have been made of Jate in establishing new areas. Under the heading of Molasses versus Gasolene, the Louisiana Planter for September 9 makes reference to the motor fuel produced by the South African Natalite Motor Spirit Company, which has already received attention in a former issue of this Journal. It is said that the enterprise shown in Natal in regard to this form of utilizing molasses will stimulate similar, efforts in the West Indies. It will be remembered that the volatility of this fuel is increased by converting some of the alcohol into ether, while the corrosive action of the fuel is overcome by the use of an alkali. Mention is made in the Jourval of the Royal Society of Arts (September 8, 1916) of the great »pportunity for increasing the production of cement in the Federated Malay States. In Selangor during 1915. 8,825 tons of limestone were quarried and 5,725 tons of cement manufactured, all of which was used locally with the exception of 712 tons exported. The statistics show that cement to the value of £40,000 was imported in 1915, but that is much below the average for the Federated Malay States, which is nearer £80,000. Cement is imported into the Straits Settlements to the annual value of over £200,000. New editions “have been published of two agricultural chemistry. The first is Dr. E. J. Memoir on Soil Conditions and Plant Growth. The Experi- Station Record~ states that a new chapter on the relatio.ship between the micro-organic popula‘ion of the soil and the growth of plants, and numerous sections dealing with recent developments of other parts of the subject have been added. The second book is the Chemistry of the Garden, described as a ‘primer for amateurs and young gardeners, by H. H. Cousins. This book hts been reprinted eight times since _ its ‘rst issue in 1898. This new edition receives a brief review in Vature for August 24, books on Russell’s ment Vot. XV. No. 378. BAY RUM INDUSTRY OF THE DANISH WEST INDIES. The Perfumery and Essential Oil Record for August 1916, contains interesting information concerning the bay rum industry in the Danish West Indies, and other matters. According to the American Vice-Consutat St. Thomas, the cultivation of the bay tree and the extraction of the oil from its leaves provide for the island of St. John its most important industry; and the distillation of this oil, and its subsequent manufacture into bay rum furnish for the sister island of St. Thomas its only article of local manufac- ture and the most important of all its imports. Approxim- ately 4,000 quarts of bay oil are produced in St. John annually, the greater part of which is sent to St. Thomas, from which it is estimated there is manufactured for export purposes about 60,000 cases of 12 quart bottles each of bay rum. The St. Thomas bay rum, which is considered the best on the market, is sent to all parts of the world. The greater part, however, is exported to Jamaica and Panama, whence it is transhipped to the countries on the West Coast ef South America. Although bay trees can be grown over the greater part ef the island of St. John, only about 50° acres are devoted to its cultivation. The pickings of the first few years should yield about 25 tb. of leavesto a tree annually, but after the tree has reached its maturity, at least 100 tb. can be counted on, provided weather conditions are favourable. A bay tree reaches maturity when about ten years of age, and under ordinary circumstances will continue to bear leaves for fifty, sixty, and seventy years. According to the opinion of experienced growers, three pickings a year bring in the best yield, and create conditions that favour the superior quality of the leaf At present bay leaves sell for Idec. per tb., but in normal times the price is 2c. The price of the oil ($4°50 per quart) is considerably less than that ordinarily received, and because of the slack market in St. Thomas, where the oil is usually sent, and the failure to find buyers abroad, large quantities of the leaves are being allowed to go to waste. The retail price of bay rum in St. Thomas is 25c. a quart. No Customs duty is levied on any article of export from these islands. Exports of Lime Juice from Trinidad in 1915.—According to the Perfumery and Essential Oil Record (August 1916), the total exports of lime juice from Trinidad and Tobago amounted to. 16,192 gallons, valued at £4,735, during the year 1915, as compared with 5,874 gallons valued at £2,655, in the preceding year. Exports of lime juice to the United Kingdom last year were valued at £4,038, and those to the United States at £603. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 349 Green Manures and Germination.—The following note on this subject is taken from the Experiment Station Record (Vol. 35, No. 1):— The results of a series of laboratory studies indicate that green manures may seriously injure the germination of certain seeds. This is believed to be brought about by the action of certain parasitic fungi, the development of which is favoured by the décomposition of the green manure plants. As a rule oil seeds are easily damaged, while starchy seeds on the contrary are quite resistant. Cotton seed and soy beans seem to be extremely sensitive to conditions resulting from green manuring, and the germin- ation of flax, peanuts, hemp, mustard, and clover is reduced somewhat by the presence of decomposing plant tissue. The damage to oil seeds from green manuring seems to be confined largely to the first stages of decomposition, and experimental evidence seems to indicate that two weeks after green manure is added, it does not cause any injury to the seeds. Small applications of calcium carbonate seem to increase the injury to germination. The rate of germination was found to determine to a certain extent the degree of injury, slow germination being marked by a high percentage of diseased seedlings. Auximones and Bacterized Peat.— Protessor Bottomley’s bacterized peat, referred to on several occa- sions in this Journal, is being independently investigated at the Rothamsted Experimental Station, and the results when. published will prove an interesting comparison with the fol- lowing obtained by Professor Bottomley himself and noted in the Hxperrment Station Record (Vol. 34, No. 4):— In experiments to discover a bacterial test for plant-food accessories in soils (auximones) it was found that when the phosphotungstic acid extract from 1 gram of bacterized peat is added to a normal nitrifying culture solution inoculated with nitrifying organisms and the whole incubated at 26° C., a thick scum is formed on the surface of the liquid. Further tests showed that the scum is due to the presence and specific action of the auximone from the bacterized peat. An examination of the scum showed that it consists of two predominant kinds of organisms. uamely, a thin bead rod form and a spindle-shaped form. When grown separately in a nitrifying solution plus auximone, the scum did not appear. Tests of a number of soils, including loams, clays and gravels, showed that all yielded the scum, the best growth being obtained froma virgin loam. It was found that the rate of growth and thickness of the scum showed a progressive increase with the quantity of auximone present above acertain minimum. Tests of fresh and well-rotted stable manure showed that the quantity of auximone present inereases with the progressive decomposition of the organic matter of the manure. Further results brought out by the experiments indicated that the organisms which form the scum require no organic carbon for their growth, and are similar to the nitrifying organisms and sulphur and iron bacteria in that they can assimilate atmospheric carbon dioxid by the process of chemosynthesis. They can not live on nitrates, but must obtain their nitrogen from an ammo- nium salt, and they are not destroyed by heating. According to the Barbados Weekly Jllustrated, the cotton factories im that island have been unable to obtain a regular supply of seed for making oil and cake from the neighbouring islands owing to the scarcity of schooners and sloops, and so they have sent a mariner to the United States to purchase a schooner which will be used principally in trans- porting cotton seed from the Northern Islands to Barbados, 350 METHODS OF MEASURING GROWTH IN THE SUGAR-CANE. It was suggested in the last issue of this Journal that a useful purpose would be served if observations could be made concerning the rate of growth of the sugar-cane. Such observations would be valuable as an index of the effect of weather changes during the season’s growth, and if carried on systematically over a number of seasons, we might obtain a clearer idea than is possessed at present, as to what is the ideal sequence of weather conditions for high yields and early maturity. From a practical point of view the observa- tions would probably be of greatest use as a means of comparing accurately the growth of different varieties; the data might be expected to show to what extent weather conditions determine differences in yield apart from soil conditions and the constitutions of the different varieties. A rough idea of the effect of weather changes can be obtained by examining a sugar-cane that is fully matured. In most cases it will be observed that the distances between the nodes or joints are not uniform; two or three may be close together, while at another point the length of the internode may be above the average. These differences are due to the effect of \ weather, principally rainfall. Taking a cane that has been grown under comparatively normal and uniform weather conditions, it should be possible to deduce with a fair degree of accuracy what the rate of growth has been. This can be done by dividing the number of joints into the number of weeks during which active growth has been in progress. Knowing the length of a joint we are then able to express the rate of growth in inches per week. . The direct measurement of the rate of growth in the sugar-cane is not an easy matter. Suggestions have been made from time to time but they present difficulties when attempts are made to put them into practice. The apical growing region is inaccessible for measurement purposes. The rate of growth in the different internodes varies from a maximum rate in the apical bud to zero in the mature internodes. It is not easy to decide, therefore, what method of measurement to adopt, particularly for comparative purposes. One possible line of procedure is in connexion with rate of leaf development, or in other words, the rate of unfolding of the terminal bud. It should be possible to note at specified intervals of time the number of leaves that have unfolded, and this would no doubt be found proportional to the rate of growth. To what extent the development of the leaf and its period of functional activity is correlated with the develop- ment of the internode to which itis attached, is not definitely known. Probably the internode continues to grow after its leaf has ceased to function. Very few observations appear to have been made. Nor has the question of the period of functional activity of different-leaves been enquired into, It would be interesting to know how long different cane leaves function. The period is probably dependent upon moisture conditions. To come back to the main point of measuring cane development, a method that possesses practical possibilities is the following. Suppose one wishes to compare the rate of growth in, say, six different canes. Select in each case a not fully developed internode nearest to the surface of the soil, in a very young plant or, say, 1 foot above the surface in an older plant. Measure the distance*between the two nodes by means of a pair of dividers and record the measurement in tabular form as shown above. In order to expose the nodes, it will probably be found necessary to cut a_ slit in the enveloping leaf-sheath. Repeat the observation ut the end of every week, As well as the first internode THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Ocroper 21, 1916. just referred to, the one above together with all that may be accessible may also be measured, and the figures recorded in the same way. In subsequent weeks, as the cane grows, still other internodes may be measured, and at the end of two or three months a set of observations will have been obtained and recorded after the manner indicated by a few hypothetical cases shown below. 3s Weeks. SOS. Don Cemeere) | 660-2 ee | | | Oe | a = Phy Se SS ae a | 8 | | | 7\0 95) sa ae ae 5 6) | See |\ | Sar oo teammee ) -3.(5, | ates aie ae | 4 Rees tae 2 (iam | 3; [5 [2 [es Cae: 4 | | y Eee 3 44 la le 5 6. | DIENER MAES ER These results should show the rate of expansion of the particular area under observation in each cane. They would also indicate the'time when growth ceases in any one node, and possibly bring out some of the adverse effects of unfavourable weather. It will be understood that the methods suggested are only put forward tentatively with a view to their being tested as to their practicability. Others will no doubt suggest themselves to the plant observer interested in the matter. We may now turn from the stem growth to root growth. To measure root growth in the cane plant is practically impossible, but there are certain aspects of root development that will allow of useful observations being made. Varieties differ in regard to the extent of their root system. Presumably varieties characterized by having a large number of canes to the stool and hence an extensive rhizome below the soil, will have a wider root range than plants with a few canes to the stool. Varieties with extensive root systems may be expected to make unusually heavy demands upon the immediately available water-supply in the surface soil, and such varieties might be expected to be susceptible to even short periods of dry weather. Actual observation shows this to be the case in regard to the well-known variety B.1753. As far as we know, there have been but few obser- vations made in connexion with the relative root range in different varieties. THe matter is important and should receive the attention of those engaged in experiments with sugar-cane. In concluding, it ought to be more definitely stated, that the principal object if’*making the observations suggested above is to determine as far as possible the influence of weather conditions upon growth, and to find out to what extent the constitution’of certain varieties renders them less susceptible than otheis. To achieve this end careful Vor. XV.- No: 378: THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 351 meteorological observations are required, and as this condition is fulfilled at all the experiment stations in the West Indies, “it may [be expected that at those where the sugar-cane is grown, preliminary observations will be instituted in regard to the growth and development of that plant. ty THE SUGARCANE CROP IN BARBADOS. In connexion with the note published in this issue reviewing the weather conditions and crop prospects in Antigua and St. Kitts, the following extract from an article in the Barbados Agricultural Reporter will be wead with interest:— The rainfall in Barbados for September was somewhat irregular. The month opened propitiously, and for the first ~week there was a rainfall of about 2 inches. After this there were fifteen consecutive days of dry weather with very hot ‘suns, during which time vegetation began to feel the lack of moisture. It seems that at this time of the year the earth grows dry more quickly than during a dry spell in the earlier months. A very welcome change came on on the 26th, and from the 27th to the last day of the month there was an average rainfall of 3 inches. As far as we have been able to ascertain, no part of the island has recorded less than 5 inches for the month of September. This, following on the large number of wet days in August, would have been sufficient for the growth of every crop if it had been well distributed, The leeward parishes recorded more rain during Septem- ber than did the parishes situated in the central, eastern and southern parts of the island. At District ‘E’, the rainfall was 8°71 inches, and at Holetown it was 7:95. October so far (up to the 7 inst.) has been dry. The sky has been very clear and the sun very hot. Rain is again needed in order that there may be no check in the growth of the crops to be reaped in 1917. It is also required to enable the planters to proceed steadily with the preparation of their fields for the planting season which is but eight weeks off, and in some districts only six weeks. The dry days during September were very helpful in assisting planters to get rid of weeds and grass both in the preparation land and. in the fields where the canes have not yet covered the ground. There is still, however, a good deal of weeding to be done before it can be said that the land for the coming planting season presents that appearance which is so desirable. The fields have practically all been ploughed or forked, but there is still some cane-hole digging to be done, anda few of the planters tell us that they are somewhat backward with this work. On the whole, however, there is no need for anxiety, although in some districts the demand for labour exceeds the supply. Turning to other topics, the article in due course refers to the question of manuring. As much pen manure as possible, and sheep manure at the rate of 2 tons per acre have been applied on many estates. As regards the storage of pen manure, the article says:— Of recent years several estates have erected spacious and well-covered pens, but there are still a large number of estates where very inferior structures are used. Advantage should be taken of the present good prices not only to improve machin- ery, but to effect every necessary improvement. A good deal is being done for the improvement of the sugar manufac- ture. It is as imp» rtant to pay the utmost attention to every- thing that will improve the yield in the field. We have noticed on one or two estates that some pasture land is being broken up and _ will be put under canes for the crop of 1918. This is expensive work, but with the prospective high prices for the next two or three years, it is expected that the return will justify the outlay. Pasture land is, however, a very valuable asset to an estate, and the reduction of it should not be lightly decided on. As regards the shipment of this year’s crop, 16 is stated:— The exportation of sugar and molasses still continues. Duging the fortnight ended September 28, 801 tons sugar and 2,077 puncheons molasses were shipped. This brings the total shipment of this year’s crop up to 47,148 tons sugar and 84,844 puncheons molasses, as compared with 26,571 tons sugar and 53,235 puncheons molasses at the corres- ponding period of last year. Tn conclusion it may be stated that with a continn- ation of rains in November and December, next year’s crop promises to be a record one in yield per acre, and this, together with the fact that there is some extension in the acreage under canes and every prospect of high prices, the position of the Barbados planter is an exceedingly good one. Prophesying the Life Duration of Seeds.— A note appears in the Jnternational Review of the Science and Practice of Agriculture for March 1916, on a method -of pro- phesying the life duration of seeds. The writers suggest that the viability of seeds decreases with rise of temperature and moisture content of the seed, and that it is due to the slow coagulation of the proteins of the plasma of the embryo. The time temperature formula for the coagulation of protein: T= a—b log Z, in which T= temperature, Z=time in min- utes, and a and b are constants, has been found applicable as a temperature life duration formula for seeds. The Yearbook for 1915 of the United States Department of Agriculture contains an interesting article on the production and handling of grain in Argentina. This is of particular interest in connexion with the editorial in this issue of the Agricultural News. Notwithstanding the fact that about 70 per cent. of the corn grown in the world is produced in the United States, the surplus for export has decreased in recent years to such an extent as to permit importations of this cereal. These importations have been made chiefly from Argentina, which is the principal corn- surplus-producing country of the world. It is considered likely that Argentina will continue to send corn,to the United States, especially in years of decreased production. This together with the fact that Argentina is taking a place of ever increasing importance in the production of grain, chiefly wheat, for export to the European markets, makes a discussion such as the one in the article referred to of considerable interest and importance. 352 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. ‘London.—Tue MARKET REPORTS. West Inpra CommittTEE CIRCULAR, September 21, 1916. ARkROWROOT—No quotations. Batata—Sheet, 3/3; block, 2/24 to 2/10. Breswax—No quotations. Cacao—Trinidad, 84/- to 85/-; Grenada, 73/- to Jamaica, 82/6. Corree—Jamaica, no quotations. Copra—£31. Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota- tions; West Indian Sea Island, no quotations. Fruit—No quvtations. Fostic—No quotations. Gincer—Jamaica, 82/- to 120,-. IsrycLass—No quotations. Honty—No quotations. , Lime Jurce—Raw, 3/3; concentrated, £27; Otto of limes (hand-pressed), no quotations. Logwoop—No quotations. Mace—8d. to 2s. 8d. Nutmecs—10d. to 1s. 2d. PimeNto— No quotations. Ruseer—Pazra, fine hard, 3s. 3$d.; fine soft, 3/-; Castilloa, no quotations. Rum—Jamaica, 5/6 to 5/7-. 80/-: New York.—Messrs. Girtespre Bros. & Co., September 16, 1916. Cacao—Caracas, 16}c. to 164c.; Grenada, 1d5gc. to 16c.; Trinidad, 16c. to 164c.; Jamaica, 13}c. to 14c. Coco-Nuts—Jamaica and ‘Trinidad selects, $42°00 to $45-00; culls, $23°00 to $25°00. Correr—Jamaica, 10c. to 12c. per th. GincER—lb5e. to 18c. per tb. Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 624c.; Antigua and Barbados, 60c. to 62c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 58c. to 61e. per th. Grave Frurr—Jamaica, $3°75 to $500. Limes—$3°75 to $4°50. Mace—47e. to 52c. per tb. Nurmucs—17c. Orances—Jamaica, $3°50 to $4°7a. Pimento—be. per tb. Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 5°52c; Muscovados, 89°, 4°77c.; Molasses, 89°, 4°645c. all duty paid. Trinidad.—Messrs. Gorpon, Grant & Co., September 21, 1916. Cacao—Venezuelan, $15°75 to $1600; Trinidad, $16°00 to $16°25. Coco-nut Om.—$1°18 per Imperial gallon. Corrre—Venezuelan, 13sec. to 14c. Copra—$d'25 per 100 Th. DxHat—$7 00 to $7°25. Ontons —$3°50 to $4°00 per 100. th. Peas, Sprir—$11°50 per bag. Porators—English $2°75 to 33°00 per 100 tb. Rice—Yellow, $7°50 to $7°75; White, $7°50 to 9-75 per bag. ; Srear—American crushed, no quotations. Ocroser 21, 1916. Barbados.—Messrs. James A. Lyncn & Co., Ltd., Octo. ber 4, 1916; T. S. Garraway & Co., 2, 1916. ARROWROOT—$5°00 per 100 th. Cacao—$14:00 to $1550 per 100 tb. Coco-nuts—$24°00 husked nuts. Hay $1°75 to $1-90 per 100 hr. October Manvures—Nitrate of soda no quotations; Cacao manure, quotations; Sulphate of ammonia, $105°00 per ton. Morasses—No quotations. Ontons—$3°25 to $4°50. Peas, Sprit—$9°65 per 210 tbh.; Canada, $6°00 per 120 th. Porators—Nova Scotia, $4°57 to $6°50. Rice—Ballam, $7°35 to $7°45; Patna, Rangoon, no quotations. Sucar—Muscovado centrifugals, $4°60 to $5-00. no quotations; British Guiana.—Messrs. Wietinc & RicuTER, Septens- ber 30, 1916; Messrs. SANDBACH, PARKER & Co, — smu, _|Messrs. Sanp- z, Messrs. WIE ARTICLES. & Rane BACH, PaRKER.. & Co. ArrowrRoot—St. Vincent $10-00 Batata— Venezuela block — Demerara sheet $65°00 Cacao—Native 12c. per fb. Cassava— — Cassava STARCH— —— Coco-nuts— $20 to $24 per M. CorreE—Creole 14c. Jamaicaand Rio| 15c. per th Liberian Le. DHat— $7:00 Green Dhal — Eppors— $1-20 # Motasses— Yellow None A Ontons—Teneriffe 2ke 2) Madeira 4c. a Pras—Split $12-00 to $12°50 Et Marseilles —— 5 PLantarns— ? 24c. to 48c. o Porators—Nova Scotia $4°00 to $4°50 fo) Lisbon A Porators--Sweet, B’bados Rice—Ballam Creole TANNIAS Yams— White Buck Svuear—Dark crystals Yellow White Molasses TimbeER—GREENHEART Wallaba shingles », Cordwood $2-40 $6°00 to S6°50 $1-44 $2°64 $3°12 $4°50 to $4:75 $500 to $5°10 48c. to 72c. per cub. foot $4°75 to $6°75 per M. $2-00 to $2°40 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, ls. 2d.; Volumes JI, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII and XIV:—Price 2s.each: Post free 2s. 8d., where - complete. (III, 2. IV, 3; and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.) Volume XV, Nos. 1, 2 and No. 3. Containing the following papers: Two Scoliid Parasites of Scarabaeid Larvae in Barbados, by W. Nowell, D.I.C.; On Legislating Against Plant Diseases, by Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Se., F.1.C.; Notes’ on Trichogramma Minutum, by 8. C. Harland, B.Se.; Bay Oil and the Cultiva- tion of the Bay Tree as a Crop Plant, by H. A. Tempany, D.Sc., F.I-C., and W. Robson; The Rise of Dominica, by Francis Watts, C.M.G., D.Sc., F.I.C.; The Hitchin Bacon Factory, by J. W. “Welsh; A Summary of the Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the West Indies, by W. R. Dunlop. HANDBOOK AND PAMPHLET SERIES. The Pamphlets and Handbooks are written in a simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially adapted to West. Indian conditions. issued up to the present time is eighty-two, Sucar 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 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, Nos 86; 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, in 1913-14, price 1s. each 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 Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are ont of print. GENERAL. (7) and (22) Scale 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. Price 4d. (65) Hints for School Gardens, Fourth Edition. (71) Insect Pests of the Lesser Antilles. (Handbook). Price (unbound) Is. 3d. Bound in cloth, 2s. 3d. (72) Lime Cultivation in the West Indies. (Handbook). (unbound) 9d. Bound in cloth, 1s. 8d. (75) Root Borers and other Grubs in West Indian Soils, Price 6d. , (74) Cotton Cultivation in the West Indies. (Handbook). Price (unbound) 9d. Bound in cloth, ls. 8d. (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. (80) Hints to Settlers in St. Lucia. Price 6d. (81) Agricultural Resources of St. Lucia. Price 3d. (82) Indoor Gardening for Schools. Price 64d. Price The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of 4d. 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. and for No. 72, 2d. The. ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’: extracts contains The ‘ Agricultural News’ A Fortnightly Review. from official correspondence and from progress and -other reports; and, in fact, any information indicating what is going 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 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. All applications for copies are to be addressed to the Agents, not to the Department. ; Agents. 5 The following have been appointed Agents for the salé of the publications of the Department:— London: Messrs. Dutav & Co., 37, Scho Square, W. West Inpra Commirrer, 15, Seething Lane. Barbados: Apvocate Co. Lrp., Broad Street, Bridgetown. Jamaica: Toe EpucationaL SuppuyCompany, 16, King Street, Kingston. British Guiana: Tan Arcosy Co., Lrp., Georgetown. Trinidad: Messrs. Murr-Marsnatt & Co., Port-of-Spain. St. Kitts: THE BrsLe AND Book Suppiy AGENCY, BASsETERRE Tobago: Mr. C. L. PLacEmanyn, Scarborough, Nevis: Messrs. Hows.t, Bros., Charlestown. Canada: Lewis W. Cimmens, 71 King Street, West, Toronto. Grenada: Messrs. Tos. Lawior & Co., St. George. St. Vincent: Mr. J. D. Bonapig, ‘Times’ Office. St. Lucia: Mr. R. W. Nuvss, Botanic Station. Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. Brmycewarer, Roseau. Montserrat: Mr. W. Rosson, Botanic Station. Antigua: Mr. 8. D. Maton, St. John’s. [ Vou, XV. No. 378. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Octover 21, 1916. : THE BEST MANURE FOR COLONIAL USE gemeey fw, Na re t2 Dissolved Soluble) Guano FOR SUGAR- “CANE AND GENERAL USE TRADE MARK. APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIRECT TO:— THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL GUANO WORKS, (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) London Agency: Doek House, Billiter Street, London, E.C. ~' Barbados Agents: James A. Lyneh & Co., Ltd., Bridgetown. JUST ISSUED. | SELECTED | WEST INDIAN BULLETIN, SFA ISLAND COTTON SEED. Vol. XV, No. 4. We make a speciality of selecting Sea Island Cotton SIL | Seed for planting purposes, and solicit orders from the PROCEEDINGS AT THE | neighbouring Islands. WEST INDIAN COTTON te Quotations on application. THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE CONFERENCE, 1916. COTTON FACTORY, LIMITED, WHITE PARK, PRICE ls. each, — POST FREE, Is. 2d. | BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS. HANDBOOK SERIE™. Inseet Pests of the Lesser’ Antilles. Pp. 2410, Figs. i185. Price (unbound) 1:.} 34, Bound in cloth, 2s. 3d. Lime Cultivation in the West Indies. Pp. 136, Figs. ‘7. Priee (unbound), 9d. Bound in cloth, 1s. 8d. |Cotton Cultivation in the West Indies. Pp. 118, Figs. 35. Price (unbound); 9d. Bound in cloth, ts. 87 paul Ls an ; ies i ee neem sae em Printed at Office of Agricultural Reporter, 4 High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados, Vol. XV. No. 379.] SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1916. - MAIL, PASSENGER & CARGO SERVICES FROM THE WEST INDIES TO PORTS OF CALL ae UNITED KINGDOM Azores. | (St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Dominica, ‘CANADA Montserrat, Antigua, St. Kitts, | |Bermuda, Halifax, N. S., & St. John (N.B.) [DEMERARA .& PARAMARIBO Grenada & Trinidad. | Trinidad, Puerto Colombia, - Cartagena, Colon, Panama, | Callao, Iquique, Antofagasta & Valparaiso. | REGULAR MAIL, PASSENGER AND CARGO SERVICES FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM TO | ‘PANAMA CANAL & PACIFIC PORTS BRAZIL, URUGUAY & ARGENTINA Via Spain, Portugal, Madeira & St. Vincent. MOROCCO, CANARY ISLANDS & MADEIRA, La | STRAITS SETTLEMENTS, HONG-KONG, CHINA 3: & JAP&N. f ges Head Office: 18, Moorgate Street, London. Branches at BARBADOS, Trinidad, Tobago, Demerara, Colon, Jamaica, Antilla, New York, Halifax N.S., Buenos Aires, Santos, Sao Paulo . ’ Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, etc. 1 a a THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. lip Hi» ) KS : ah: THE IMPORTANCE OF KILLING TICK WORKING CATTLE > ° | In many countries the main use for a is for haulage or other working purposes, and the object of these notes is to emphasise the fact that in the case of working cattle, it is especially true that the presence of ticks means a constant money loss to the owner. A consideration of the following CATTLE TICK facts will make it abundantly clear that it is cheaper to kill ticks than to feed them. Mage TICKS ARE BLOOD-SUCKERS, ,While maturing, each tick abstracts a definite amount of blood from an animal, and to that degree injures it. The quantity of blood abstracted is many times the weight of the ticks when grown, for these represent only that part of the solids and fluids which may be converted into the tissues of the tick, the remaining solids and fluids being rejected. The amount of blood taken by a single tick may be relatively small, but the total amount drawn by theusands of ticks on one animal cannot fail to be injurious. 4 If each tick represents but a dram of blood, a few over 1,000 would represent 8 pounds of blood; it is possible that each tick absorbs more than a dram of blood. = Hence it is no matter for surprise that according to the statement of a reliable authority, blood up to 500 lbs. in weight may be taken by ticks from the body of a single animal in the course of a year. A CONSTANT DRAIN ON THE SYSTEM. The presence of any considerable number of ticks on cattle is clearly a great drain on the animal economy, increasing the amount of feed required by each animal, and demanding a greater expenditure of energy on the part of the animal in obtaining, digesting, and assimilating this additional amount of food. In consequence of this drain, the rate of putting on flesh in the case of beef cattle is reduced, and the amount of milk produced by dairy cattle is diminished; and in the case of working cattle the only result can be a greatly reduced working power. EVIDENCE FROM THE UNITED STATES. The following figures illustrate very clearly the effect upon the constitution and general welfare of cattle of long-continued exposure through many generations to tick infestation. Although these figures refer to beef cattle, the facts they illustrate apply equally to working animals. AVERAGE WEIGHTS OF BEEF CATTLE: Tick-free States : Wyoming 985 lbs. Idaho 966 lbs. Montana 938 Ibs. Tick-infested States: Florida 340 lbs. Georgia 419 lbs. Louisiana 471 lbs. Alabama 500 lbs. Mississippi 550 Ibs. TICKS MEAN REDUCED WORKING POWER. Cattle whose vitality is reduced by tick-infestation cannot give the same returns in work as clean healthy cattle. It is as if one hada 5 horse-power engine and allowed it to get so dirty that at least 2 out of the 5 horse-power is required to overcome the friction of the working parts, leaving only 3 actual horse-power available for performing work. The cattle have to eat sufficient to feed the ticks before their own bodies receive any benefit ; if the ticks are numerous, the feed will not suffice for both animal and ticks, and loss of condition will result. In an experiment designed to secure information on this point, a herd of cattle were divided into two lots, one of which was infested with ticks and the other kept free from ticks. Both lots were fed in exactly the same way, yet the tick-infested cattle lost an average of 9 lbs. in weight, whilst the tick-free cattle gained an average of 44 lbs! ‘ TICKS MEAN SHORTER LIFE. Although no definite experimental evidence on (the point is available, it is certain that working cattle, if their vitality is kept at a low point by gross tick-infestation, not only do less effective service, but would also be much more susceptible to diseases of all kinds, and would thus be shorter-lived. In the tick-infested area of the United States the death-rate amongst cattle is nearly three times greater than in the tick-free area. IN TIMES OF DROUGHT. In the West Indies there are times when green food and even molasses are not available as cattle food. The pastures are at their poorest, and not only are unable to maintain in condition the animals intended for the butcher, but also are inadequate for supporting the general herd. . In the face of such conditions, largely unavoidable, it becomes all the more necessary to free the cattle from ticks, which, as already stated, drain their bodies of blood and seriously reduce their vitality. When food is scarce, none can be spared for the feeding of ticks and it must all be used for the benefit of the cattle. { The case for keeping working cattle may be summed up in three lines :— Ticks consume the Blood of Cattle. Decreased Blood Supply means Decreased Vitality. Decreased Vitality means Decreased Working Power. ; IT IS CHEAPER TO KILL TICKS THAN TO FEED THEM. i COOPER’S CATTLE TICK DIP WEST INDIAN AGENTS: Has received the official approval of the following Countries: ST. KITTS: = 2 parece’ be sa Bee cua: Besos Bryson & Co. : le nderso 0., ingston,. Unien of South Africa, Northern Rhodesia, Brazil, Basutoland, GRENADA: Thomson, Hankey & Co. Nyssalaad, Swaziland, Southern Rhodesia, Madagascar, mayo APES Niven. Cotten eas Ltd. @ritish East Africa, German East Africa, Portuguese East Africa, Stl bd ~~ Gee etd pact ee : $ an ach, arker 0. Portuguese West Africa, Egypt, Argentine Republic, Queensland, ST. VINCENT: Corea & Co., Kingstown. NEVIS: S. D. Malone. DANISH WEST INDIES: A. Schmiegelow, St. Croix. altos States et mmeerice, Nemaeonth Wales, MONTSERRAT: W. Llewellyn Wall, DOMINICA: Hon, H. A. Frampton. Northern Territory of Australia. ST. LUCIA: Barnard Sons & Co., Castries. Manufacturers: WILLIAM COOPER & NEPHEWS, Berkhamsted, England. BRANCHES: Terento, Chicago, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Buenos Aires, Monte Video, Punta Arenas, East London, Odessa | | OF THE sew GAR IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. — ——; Vou. XV. No. 379. BARBADOS, NOVEMBER 4, 1916. Price 1d. CONTENTS. Experiment Station Record,* issued by the States Paes. Pace, elations Service of the United States Department. Agricultural Department | Interesting Expedition ... 361 The article describes the thoughts and impressions in Grenada, Work of :.. 358] Items of Local Interest ... 365 Antigua and St. Kitts Cen- | Lime Trees, Eftect of tral Factories, 1916, Re- Mulching on... view of the . 356| Market Reports Barbados, Agricultural Con- | Notes and Comments ... ditions in... ... . 365) Papain, Commercial, Pre- Book Shelf i. .e- 363] _paration of ade Cotton, Nyasaland, Alleged | Plant Diseases :— 360 OD 63 Depreciation of... ... 360 The Dyimg of Citrus Department News ... ... 357 Trees: A Comparison 366 Egyptian Sheep ... 361) Peasant Instruction in Experiment Station Work- Grenadgeeemeee. oc. --. OO er, The .- ... od3! St. Kitts, Last Season’s Gleaninestre ess) ses) s-0 004 Weather Conditions in 355 Horse Bean, A Pest of the 363 | ®ea Island Cotton Market 567 New | Silkworms of Africa... ... 365 . 360! Sugar-cane Wax F Insect Notes:— | Virgin Islands Hurricane, A Seale Insect Pest of |. "Theva cc. Citrus and its Control 362. West Indian Turtles Imperial Institute, Council of the The Experiment Station Worker. United States, a distinguished agricultural scientist from England was impressed more than any- thing else with the energy and ability with which the American Experiment Station workers get over the farmers’ difficulties: research were considered open to criticism; but the energetic methods of attacking and getting over, or else around the farmer's practical problems were viewed with unqualified admiration. Something of the spirit and atmosphere dominating this work is well brought out in an editorial im the In some instances the results of produced during an official tour of imspection, in the States of the South and West. ‘No one can come into personal contact with the station workers on the field of their activity without being impressed with their zeal and industry. They are an unusually busy group of men, keen and alert, and with a zealous interest in the problems of the region which is blind to personal hardship or self- sacrifice. There is something remarkably fine in the spirit of the service, of accomplishment, which ties these men to their field, particularly in the newer country where the appeal seems especially strong.’ Accompanying the investigation and extension work of the service is a considerable amount of teach- ing, and the article goes on to say that workers often find themselves loaded with more work than they can prosecute as they would like to, and are led by their enthusiasm to work under unusually high pressure. In such cases workers need protection from themselves and their friends. Sometimes station workers need protection in other directions, namely, against unfair critics and unknowing or self-seeking factions. Association. The Lime Growers’ Association intends to start business in a very small way in the first instance, and to confine its attention to commercial experiments in the packing, handling and shipment of green limes. It is hoped eventually to work up an export trade in fruit and vegetable produce. With the object of facilitat- ing such developments, a central board for co-operative organization has been formed, comprising one representative each fromithe onion, cotton and lime growers’ associations, and. two from the Agricultural-and Commercial Society. Vor. XV. No. 379. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 365 DOWN THE ISLANDS. ITEMS OF LOCAL INTEREST. MONTSERRAT. According to the report of the Curator (Mr. W. Robson) for September, work in the experiment stations consisted of reaping operations. Plants distributed comprised 3,050 lime plants, 4,650 Bay plants, 10 tanger- ines, and 15 hb. fleshy pod beans. Three distillations of Bay leaves were made in the Botanic Gardens. Regarding staple crops, Mr. Robson considers that the return of cotton per acre will be above the average: the weather since the middle of September has been ideal for reaping. The price paid at present for peasants’ seed-cotton is 4d. per tb., not more than 3d. having been paid in any previous year. There does not seem to have been much loss of cotton through pests or diseases, and cotton stainers are not reported anywhere to be very numerous. Results from ground nut trials on estates are considered fair, There. were considerable complaints from onion growers about the damping off of seedlings, and in many cases a partial failure to get the plants past the seedling stage. Experiments carried out in the Station in connexion with damping off do not promise to be very conclusive. The examination of the progeny of the selected cotton was commenced, about 200 plants being examined for lint length. Dr. Watts the Imperial Commissioner visited the island from September 3 to 8, and addressed a representative meeting of planters at the Court House on the 6th. The rainfall at Grove Station was 5°54 inches Most Of the rain fell during the first nine days of the month, with only one good shower of 84 parts on the 26th. antigua. Mr. T. Jackson reports plant distribution for the month of September to have been as follows: coco-nuts 27, coffee 24, cacao 19, mahogany 12, decorative 46. A considerable amount of routine work in the nursery has been performed and large numbers of Prosopis, Eucalyptus, Bay seedlings, etc., have been raised: onion seeds planted have germinated well; beds, borders, lawns, etc., have received necessary attention. The young cane crop continues to improve, although at the present time rain is required. Orders for 1,000 coco-nuts have been received. Fairly large order for vegetable seeds has also been received and forwarded to the United States of America. In regard to pests, grubs of hard back beetles have been attacking onions in nursery beds; attempts have been made to control the pests with carbon bisulphide emulsion. Leaf-blister mite has been attacking cotton, while attacks of caterpillars have been experienced in some localities. The rainfall for the month*was 2:90 inches; for the year 37°87 inches. Rain is required throughout the island at the present moment. Appended to this is a short report on agricultural instruction work for the month of September. Nevis. Mr. W. 1. Howell writes to say that during September the plots in the Experiment Stations have been kept weeded, and are in good order. The following plants, seeds, etc., were distributed from the Station: 19,850 sweet potato cuttings, 11,450 cassava cuttings, 110, black-eye peas, 6 ib. eddoes, 150 onion slips. The cane crop, on the whole, is looking very promising, and a good return is expected throughout the island. The cotton crop throughout the island has improved and picking has begun in some places, but the returns will be poor. Cotton worms attacked many fields but they were kept in check by poison. Eighty-three pounds of onion seeds were imported and supplied to growers. The germination, on the whole, was very good, and about 10 acres will be planted in onions this season, Cotton stainers made their appearance in a few fields, and the growers were advised to destroy the stainers at once. A meeting of planters was held on September 14, at which an address was delivered by Dr. Watts the Imperial Commissioner. The first meeting of the Nevis Onien Growers’ Association was held on September 20. Several meetings 7e a Central Factory for Nevis were also heid during the month. The: rainfall for the month was 2°00 inches; for the year to date 41°70 inches. rorToLaA. Mr. W. C. Fishlock’s report for the month of September mentions a continuation of work commenced in the Experiment Stations previously, coupled with manurial, cultural, and planting operations. Touching staple crops, all the cotton he has seen appears to be in good condition : no serious damage appears to have been done by wind. Canes also promise well. Regarding pests, he says, Batocera, in considerable numbers has been reported from Cappoons Bay: it is now reported as attacking avoeado pears and mangoes. Weather is reported as good. Rain fell in measurable quantity on twenty-four days of the month, the total record fall being 5°48 inches; average for the month for previous fifteen years is 4°80 inches. A cyclonic disturbance passed to north-east on the 20th inst., while an account of the destructive hurricane of October 9, is given on page 355 of this issue. Agricultural Conditions in Barbados.—A statement as to the progress of sugar-cane cultivation in Barbados is contained in the Agricultural Reporter of that island for October 21. The cane crop is described as being well advanced and in excellent condition, with the exception perhaps that fields of B.376 show a tendency to trail, under the influence of heavy rains and wind. In at least half a dozen parishes arrows are now to be seen which is not to the liking of the planters, more especially in the case of B.376. The variety Ba 6032 is sending up spikey blades as though it meant to flower, but actual flowering very seldom occurs. The greater part of the black soil area is under B.6450 and Ba 6032. For some weeks past the principal work on the estates has been the application of manures, and weeding. This latter operation has been troublesome this year owing to the heavy and persistent rains, which have stimulated to an unusual degree the rapid spread of devil’s grass and other weeds in newly planted fields. The corn crop has been a large and plentiful one this season, and at the time of writing several fields of this cereal are still outstanding to be broken in. Early yams are gradually being placed on the market, though nowhere in the island are as many vegetables planted as in past years, the result, it is supposed, of the present high price of sugar. S eaEnEE EERE iy A paper appears in the Journal of Agricultural Research, Vol. V1, No: 24) on bacteriological studies of the soil subjected to different systems of cropping for twenty- five years. Continuous corn and wheat with no additions of manures or chemicals have brought about a relative low oxidizing power in the soil complex. The addition of manure materially raises’ the oxidizing power, especially under continuous corn and wheat. The addition of com- mercial fertilizer brings about a condition similar to that of manure, though perhaps less marked. 366 PLANT DISEASES. THE DYING OF CITRUS TREES: A COMPARISON. An old and difficult question, which has arisen in many countries, is raised in relation to Queensland conditions in an article by Mr. A. H. Benson, !irector of Fruit Culture in that State. (Queensland Agricultiral Journal, May 1916.) It concerns the dying out of citrus trees under circumstances which do not afford any but obscure indications of the reason for the failure. That there is a broad similarity in the underlying causes of these losses in different places is beginning to appear. In Queensland as in other countries similarly affected, attention has first been given to the soil conditions. A careful chemical and biochemical survey has been conducted by Mr. F. Smith, of the Chemical Branch of the Department of Agriculture. The conclusions reached are, briefly, (1) that it is not possible to assign unfavourable soil or environmental conditions as primary causes; (2) that it is possible to recognize, in conditions unfavourable to normal vigorous or healthy growth, causes contributing to suscep- tibility to disease; these may be physical, viz. deficient drain- age, water-supply, or aeration; chemical, viz. deficiency of the elements of plant food; and biochemical, viz. disturbances of the normual activities of bacteria in the soil, upon which the presentment of adequate aud acceptable forms of food supply to the plant depends; (3) an important contributory factor is considered to be heavy bearing with consequent con- stitutional predisposition to disease. Commenting on this report, Benson concludes that the dying of citrus trees in certain districts cannot be due to unfavourable soil conditions, since no marked difference is revealed between the soils on which trees have died and those of virgin lands or unaffected orchards. Resuming consideration of the general question, the author admits that heis unable to show what is the cause or what are the causes of the trees dying; but he is of opinion that it is a very complex matter indeed, and is probably due to various agencies acting more or less collec- tively and bringing about the results that have been experienced. The discussion of these causes which follows is of sufficient interest, in the parallels it affords with certain experiences of lime growers in the West Indies, to be quoted verbatim: — Although the majority of the trees that died were in full bearing, and possibly some of them may have reached their natural end—in other words, died of oldage, this does not apply in all cases, as older trees are still living where much younger ones have died out. At the same time, the question of old age must be considered, as we have no definite information respect- ing the longevity of citrus trees in this State to enable us to say exactly how long they are likely to live; and, further than that, there is the probability that the age to which the trees will live depends largely on the soil in which they are planted and the climatic conditions under which they are grown. The more even and regular the conditions of growth the longer the tree is likely to live, and the more it is subjected to sudden and extreme changes the sooner, in all probability, it will begin to fail. The climate of many parts of this State is undoubtedly trying to citrus trees, though they certainly stand very rough treatment and recover when conditions become more favourable. Long dry spells frequently produce a stagnation of growth which is succeeded by an excess of growth when the ground has received a good soaking, and these rapid changes tend to weaken the constitution of the tree and impair its longevity. These remarks are borne out by actual experience, as the districts in which the greatest losses have taken place have irregular reinfalls, whereas in those districts where the rainfal] THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Novemper 4, 1916. is fairly regular therethave been practically no losses, even of trees that are much older than the majority of those that have died out where the rainfall is not se evenly distributed through- out the year. Tam therefore of opinion that one of the most important. steps towards increasing the longevity of citrus trees is the maintenance of a sufficient supply of moisture in the soil at all times to permit of the proper and regular development of the tree. This in districts where the rainfall is uncertain and irregular, can only be brought about by judicious irrigation, which must be given as soon as the trees show signs of the w nt of moisture, instead of putting it off, in the hope of rain coming, till they haye become seriously injured. The main object is to obtain an even growth and to keep the trees in a healthy condition the whole time. I have, there- fore, to advise that, where trees show signs of dying out, systematic irrigation, to provide a regular supply of moisture to- the soil at all times when needed, be carried out wherever practicable. Where water is not available, these growers will have to depend on thorough cultivation, which will enable the trees to stand moderately dry spells without serious injury, but which will not stand the strain of a drought. This regularity inthe growth of citrus trees is undoubt- edly one of the causes of the trees dying, but it is not the only one, although its effect on the vitality of the tree may be such that it renders it u»able to throw off or resist fungus diseases which always accompany the dying out of citrus trees. In other words, the irregularity of growth may be the prime factor: that leads eventually to the death of the tree. If this is so, then the importance of maintaining even conditions of growth cannot be overestimated. The overmanuring of the trees with highly stimulating fertilizers, which has taken place in some orchards where there has been serious loss,—may also possibly account for such loss, as heavy manuring is apt to produce abnormal growth, and unless the manure has been applied at frequent intervals, the growth is irregular; and, as I have previously pointed out, irregularity in growth is conducive to the matnring of the constitution of the tree. Great care should therefore be taken in the use of such manures to see that the trees do not receive an overdose at one time and lack food at another; small and frequent applications are therefore preferable to heavy dressings at longer intervals. Insufficient drainage, which frequently accounts for the dying of the roots of citrus trees, cannot be held responsible for the death of many of the trees, as they were growing in soil possessing perfect natural drainage, in which there would be no possibility of stagnant water accumulating round the roots, though it is probable that, in some instances, it has been a contributing factor, and where such is the drainage would certainly prove beneticial. In nearly every instance in which the trees have died there has been more or less gumming—sometimes of the branches and sometimes of the main trunk at its junction with or near the soil, and very frequently both forms of gumming are met with. Usually the roots are badly affected and are killed outright, but in other cases the roots, or at any rate a part of them, are perfectly healthy, and all of the tree above the ground is dead. case The main idea set out in this extract may be compared with an opinion expressed by R. E. Smith concerning citrus die-back on a certain type of soil in California: ‘The disease appears to be brought about in some manner through an irregular food supply, resulting form irregular water-supply which trees get'in this soil unless irrigation is particularly well carried out.’ Coming now to a, comparison with experience in the Lesser Antilles, it should be stated first of all that the type of failure met with here is almost invariably die-back, of branches or roots or both. Gummosis is comparatively rare. If the failure is to be regarded as the end result of adverse conditions and not of, the action of any specific parasite, the manner of it is not of first importance. Moreover, die-back is described as causing considerable and extending loss in Queensland, taking many forms and attacking every- part of the tree both above and below ground. : Vor. XV. No: 379: There are two broad classes of trouble with lime trees in these islands, for both of which, as regards the causes believed to be responsible, close comparisons may be found in the account of the Queensland experience above. In the drier islands, of which Montserrat is most con- spicuous in view of its definite lime industry, it has been so common as almost to amount to a rule, for lime trees once they have been sucessfully established, to grow and bear well for afew years, and therto bein to die back. On outstanding twigs and branches the leaves curl up and drop, the fruit yellows prematurely and shrivels and the branch dies, usually without any attempt tg develop new foliage. A Colletotrichum on the twigs, and a Diplodia on the branches may extend the injury beyond the point it would otherwise reach, the latter especially being able to get into a main branch from a side shoot and eut off supplies co the branch system above the junction, byf these fungi cannot be regarded as the primary cause of the die-back. During a wet season recovery takes place to some extent by the development of branches from below the injury, but in many cases the loss is not balanced by this process, and progresses year by year until the tree is killed. In Montserrat a similar sequence of events has been traced upon the roots, due to the infestation by weakly parasitic fungi of the wood of roots which lack sufticient -vigour to cover up the wounds make by soil grubs of the Hxzophthalmus and Diaprepes type. The seasonal nature of the affection, and the fact that it does not occur in the same form in the islands with no pronounced dry season, show its relation to water- supply, but it cannot be regarded as a. simp’e drought effect, since the trees will grow well for a period of years, and then fail, under conditions not more severe, anil at a time when younger trees are flourishing. It may in fact be regarded in the manner suggested by Benson, as a question of the reduc- tion of longevity under conditions of irregular growth. Put- ting the period of life under these circumstances at roughly ten years, we find from examples atforded by old plantations that in Dominica it may be multiplied in fertile soils at least by three or four. The second class of trouble is One which can be seen most clearly in Dominica, where it is free from complications as to water-supply, but, examples of which have emerged from other factors in Montserrat and elsewhere. It has to do with another type of irregularity, that of food supply. The clearest cases are exhibited where chemical manures have been used and have stimulated rapid growth which owing to their lack of residual effect has been left for a period unsupported. This has resulted in a die-back very. similar in its effects to that already described, and when the two are combined the results are particularly fatal. Experience points to the danger, in situations liable to long spells of dry weather, of adopting any measures which lead to sudden accessions of growth. As regards the effect of heavy bearing, referred to in F. Smith’s report above, parallels are-also to hand. In August of this year Mr. W. Robson. Curator of the Botanic Station, Montserrat reported that following a dry June lime trees had received a marked set-back, and suggested a connex- ion between this and the attempt to develop a large crop on an insufficient rainfall. The writer had“independently reached a similar conclusion with regard to a group of lime trees under observation in Barbados. In the eatly months of this year these trees were very healthy and vigorous, and began to develop a very heavy crop. About June, the weather being dry for a period. very many branches with half-grown fruit shed their leaves and died. The branches which were bare ‘but not yet dead when rains ensued, revived and put out THE AGRICULTURAL 367 NEWS, new foliage. This is of course only a special case of the die- back already described, but the point of interest is that the trees would probably not have suffered at this time had they had not been bearing heavily In view of the considerations set out above, the striking results obtained some years ago in experiments conducted by this Department in Montserrat are signifi- cant. Vigorous cultivation; of selected plots led to very active growth and the production of large crops for a season or two, but these results were followed by an equally striking decline, which was rather accelerated than checked by the application. of manure, and ended inthe ruin of the trees. “The statement of the trouble as arising from the intolerance of citrus trees for irregular conditions does not solve the question as to its cause, and by tending to refer it to the inherent constitution of the plant, seems to place it in a large class of problems at present insoluble It is impor- tant, however, as permitting a varied set of experiences, common, as has been shown to such widely distant countries as Queensland and the West Indies, to be brought into relation with each other and expressed in a general formula. The measures which have. been recommended by this Department may all be regarded as tending to smooth out as far as possible the irregularity of the conditions in the drier islands. They comprise the conservation of soil moisture by heavy coverings of vegetable mulch, the conservation of atmospheric humidity by close shelter, and the use of pen manure as the fertilizer with the slowest and most regular action, W.N. SEA ISLAND COTTON MARKET. Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool, write as follows, under date October 2, 1916, with reference to the of West Indian Sea Island cotton:— sales The only business done in West Indian Sea Island cotton since our last report is a sale of 25 bales Stains at 124d. Owing to the high prices at which Sakalarides Egyptian is ruling, good West Indian should be worth 20d. to 21d, The Report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week ending September 30, 1916, is as follows:— ISLANDS. The receipts to date being only 64 bales, the Factors have not sampled any of it, and will not offer any cotton for sale until the stock is larger, therefore the market has not opened. FLORIDAS AND GEORGIAS. The demand continued very active throughout the week, both in Savannah and in all the interior markets, taking all offerings at very full prices, and at the close of the week the Factors in Savannah refused to sell under }-cent to 1 cent advance. The interior was also dearer, and }-cent advance was freely paid, the buying being on account of the Northern and Southern Mills. The general feeling is bullish, there being some specula- tive demand in expectation of higher prices ruling. The future of prices depends upon the mills being able to sell their production on a basis of current or even higher prices, 5368 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. NovempBer 4, 1916, MARKET REPORTS. London.—Tse Wesr Inpra Commirree CIRCULAR, October 5, 1916. Arrowroot—2hd. to 4d. Batata—Sheet, 3/3 to 3/6; block, 2/34. Bezeswax—No quotations. Cacao—Trinidad, 84/- to 85/-; Grenada, 72/6 to 73/-; Jamaica, no quotations. Corrre—Jamaica, 65/-. Corpra—£32. Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no queta- tions; West Indian Sea Island, no quotations. Barbados.—Messrs. James A. Lyncu & Co., Ltd., Octo. ber 18, 1916;T. S. Garraway & Co., October 16, 1916. ARROWROOT—$5 U0 per 100 th. Cacao—$14°00 to $15°50 per 100 tb. Coco-nuts—$24°00 husked nuts. Hay—$1°75 to $1°90 per 100 tb. Manures—Nitrate of soda, no quotations; Cacao manure, quotations; Sulphate of ammonia, $105-00 per ton. Mo.asses—No quotations. Ontons—$3°25 to $4°50. Pras, Sprit—$9-65 per 210 tb.; Canada, $6:00 per 120 fb. Potarors—Nova Scotia, $4°25 to $6°50. Rice—Ballam, $7'35 to $7745; Patna, no quotations; Rangoon, no quotations. Sucar—Muscovado centrifugals, $5°00 to $5°25. Fruir—Bananas, £17 per ton; Oranges, Jamaica, 16/- to 18/- per case. Fustic— No quotations. Grycer—Jamaica, nu quotations. IscnGLass—No quotations. Honey—Jamaica, 35/- to 45/-. Lime Jurce—Raw, no quotations; concentrated, £22; Otto of limes (hand-pressed), no quotations. Logwoop—No quotations, Macre—6d. to 2s. 2d. British Guiana.—Messrs. Wierinc & Ricurer, Septem- ber 30, 1916; Messrs. SANDBACH, ParKER & Co, October 20, 1916. j 5 = Messrs. Wrerrne |Messrs. _ Sanp- Nurmaes—djd. to Is. 2d. &, Prantvo—3id. bo Sh. y SEU & Ricnter. (PACH EASaEe- Ruseer—Para, fine hard, 3s. 23d.; fine soft, 2/11; Castilloa, " tes 0. no quotations. iat y R hse ae nat 3/11 to 5/7. ARROWROOT—St. Vincent 310-00 | $12-60 Batata— Venezuela block — sete Demerara sheet $6500 68c. Cacao—Native 12c. per tb. 140. per fb. New York.—Messrs. Gitiespiz Bros. & Co., October Gassava— ok es | eae, Cassava STARCH— 10, 1916. Coco-nuts— $20 to $24 per M.| $24 per M. Cacao—Caracas, 14}c. to 14jce.; Grenada, be to 15}c.; Trinidad, 143c. to 15c.; Jamaica, 11 jc. to 3c. ; Correr—Creole 4c. Coco-nuts—Jamaica and Trinidad selects, $42°0C to Jamaica andibue 15c. per tb. | ne - ge $43-00; culls, $20°00 to $21°00. Tiberian Te: | Be 5 CorreE—Jamaica, 9c. to 12c. per th. Dan 87-00 eaeen = eae Gincer—l4$c. to 174. per fb. Green Dhal aaa oa Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 634c.; Antigua and Barbados, 60c. to 634c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 60c. to 62c. per th. | Grave Fruir—Jamaica, $2°75 to $3°50. Eppors— $1-20 eed Lumes—$4°50 to 35°00, Mo asses— Yellow None pales Macr—45e. to 5lc. per tb. Ontons—Teneriffe Qhe. | enemy, Nutmecs—l6c. to 17c. Madeira de. | 4e. to 4he, OrancEs—Jamiaica, $1°50 to $3°26. Pras—Split $12-00 to $1250 $12-00 Pomento—de. to De. per to. Suear—Centrifugals, 96°, 6°02c; Muscovados, 89°, 5-27c.; Marseilles = — Molasses, 89°, 5°145c. all duty paid. PLANTAINS— 24c. to 48c. Porators—Nova Scotia. | $400 to $450 | $4-75 to $6-00 Lisbon == | Porators--Sweet, B’bados $2°40 ey Trinidad.—Messrs. Gorpon, Grant & Co., October 5, Rice—Ballam | $6°00 to $6-50 ne Creole — $5°50 to $6-00 1916. TANNIAS— $144 pare Yams— White , $2°64 ——— Cacao—Venezuelan, $15°50 to $15'65; Trinidad, $15°25 to Buck $3°12 = S15-75. Suear—Dark crystals $4°50 to $4-75 $4°50 to $4:60 Coco-nut Om—$1'15 per Imperial gallon. Yellow $500 to$d°10 | $500 to $5°10 CorreE—Venezuelan, L5c. to 16c. White — = Copra—$5°50 per 100 th. Molasses TiMBER—GREENHEART 48c. to T2c. per | 32c. to 5dc. per DHat—$7 ‘00 to $710. Ontons —$4'50 to $5°00 per 100 tb. cub. foot cub. foot Peas, Spuir—$11°50 per bag. Wallaba shingles) $475 to $675 =| $5-00 to $7-00 Porators—English, $5°00 per 100 tb. per M. per M, Rice—Yellow, $7°50 to $8°00; White, 37°50 to $7-75 ,, Cordwood) $2-00 to $2°40 aS per bag. per ton Suear—American crushed, no quotations. Bs: _ THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, Pi Le ow ve Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture FOR The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. THE WEST INDIES. A Quarterly Scientific Journal. 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St. Kitts: Tak Brste anp Book Supriy AGENCY, BASSETERRE Tobago: Mr. C. L. PuacemMann, Scarborough. . Nevis: Messrs. Howe, Bros., Charlestown. Canada: Lewis W. Cirmene, 71 King Street, West, Toronto, = —_ Vou. XV. No. 379. THE AGRICULTURAL NEW, a . November 4, 1916. THE BEST MANURE FOR COLONIAL USE Bisbee |. Po 1 Dissolved (Soluble) Guano FOR SUGARCANE AND GEBEPRAL USE ®e TRADE ee y MARE. : APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIREOT TO:— THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL GUANO WORKS, (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) London Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C. Barlados Agents: James A. Lynch & Co., Ltd., Bridgetown. TO BE ISSUED SHORTLY. WEST INDIAN BULLETIN, SELECTED Vol. XVI, No. 1. Containing the following apers: Report on the Prevalence of Some Pests and Disez sea 7 the West Indies during 1915, SEA ISLAND COTTON SEED, by H. A. Ballou, M.Sc., and W. Nowell, D.LC.; Rosellinia | a ; Root Diseases in the Lesser Antilles, by W. Nowell, D.I.C.;| We make a speciality of selecting Sea Island Cotton The Shedding of Flower Buds in Cotton, by S. C. Harland,|Seed for planting purposes, and solicit orders from the | B.Sc.; Notes on Resistance to Leaf-Blister Mite with Special | neighbouring Islands. ‘Reference to Budded Cottons, and to Cotton Hybrids, by : : . S. C. Harland, B.Sc.; On the Genetics of Crinkled Dwarf Quotations on application. Rogues in ad Island Cotton, by S. C. Harland, B.Sec.; The West Indian Cotton Confererce, 1916, by W. Lawrence Balls, THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE Se. D., and John W. McConnel. Endex and Title page for Volume XV will be issued with | COTTON FACTORY, LIMITED, this number. 5 WHITE PARE, PRICE 1s. each. — POST FREE, 1s. 2d. | BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. | DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS. | HANDBOOK SERIES. | Insect Pests of the Lesser Antilles. Pp. 210, Figs. 185. Price (unbound) 1s. 3d, Bound in eloth, 2s. 3d. Lime Cultivation in the West Indies. Pp. 186, Figs. 17. Price (unbound) 92. Bound in cloth, is. 8d Cotton Cuitivation in the West Indies. Pp. 118, Figs. 35. Price (unbound) 9d. Bound in cloth, As. 8a. | i Printed at Office of Agricultu! Reporter, 4 High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados, y ‘ J . —™ Tend rpg "Te é > ep. bo j SS wow Na =e f Nw » iN Ad) Law 2 ra hs y Ke NS ~( Kar< SN PETE —w >, ' VARY "7 Na go Ev sel y, y : hey ; wa = Al Ar ULM SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1916.‘ [One_ penny. R. M. S. P. MAIL, PASSENGER & CARGO SERVICES Vol. XV. No. 380.] FROM THE WEST INDIES THE UNITED KINGDOM Azores. (St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Dominica, , Montserrat, Antigua, St. Kitts, | |Bermuda, Halifax, N. S., & St. John (N.B.) DEMERARA & PARAMARIBO | Grenada & Trinidad. | | Ua TO | PORTS OF CALL ‘CANADA | ( Trinidad, Puerto Colombia, , Cartagena, Colon, Panama, | Callao, Iquique, Antofagasta & Valparaiso. [REGULAR MAIL, PASSENGER AND CARGO. SERVICES FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM TO | PANAMA CANAL & PACIFIC PORTS BRAZIL, URUGUAY & ARGENTINA Via Spain, Portugal, Madeira & St. Vincent | REGULAR SATLINGS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM TO | MOROCCO, CANARY ISLANDS & MADEIRA, 2, ve! STRAITS SETTLEMENTS, HONG-KONG, CHINA 2? & JAPAN. | Head Office: Hiss, Moorgate Street, London. | Branches at BARBADOS, Trinidad, Tobago, Demerara, Colon, Jamaica, Antilla, New York, Halifax N.S., Buenos Aires, Santos, Sao Paule Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, etc. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. lpePays-™ -TO ERADICATE Ticks! > The Results of Tick Eradication work in the United States. + CATTLE TICK Sd . vramale A vigorous co-operative campaign for the eradication of the cattle tick in the South and South-West States of North America, has been in progress since 1906, the work being conducted jointly by the Bureau of Animal Industry of the United States Department of Agriculture and the State and county authorities. 220,000 square miles (an area greater than France) has already been completely cleared of ticks. An effort has recently been made to seeure direct evidence from the cattlemen and farmers concerned as to the results of the work. For this purpose a circular letter embodying the following questions was widely distributed among the stockmen and farmers in 1] different States. The questions asked were :— What has been the average increase her head in the value of cattle in your county since tick eradication began in 1906? What, if any, has been the average per cent. increase in the weight of the cattle since tick eradication began ? Express in percentage the average increase in grade or quality of the cattle since ticks were eradicated ? Approximately what per cent. of cattle died annually of fever in your county before tick eradication began ? . What is the prebable per cent. of increase in milk production of dairy cows due to the absence of ticks ? Slightly over 1,000 replies were received in all. The following isa summary of these replies, taking each question in order :— 1. AVERAGE INCREASE in VALUE of CATTLE SINCE TICK ERADICATION BEGAN in 1906. asone Alabama be $7.70 Arkansas or $8.31 California AAs $15.00 Georgia See $8.00 Mississippi... 9.00 North Carolina 8.30 & Oklahoma ae 8.20 South Carolina 9.25 Tennessee... $10.94 Texas See $13.79 Virginia awe $13.28 Average of 11 States - $9.76 NOTE.—$2.50 should be deducted from the above increases as representing the general rise in the value af cattle which has taken place throughout the country, and which cannot, therefore, be said to be due to the eradication of ticks, 2. INCREASE IN WEIGHT OF CATTLE. The averages for the States ranged from 11 per cent. in Texas to 23 per cent. in Mississippi, and the average per cent. of gain ror the entire tick-free territory was 19.14. In other words, the cattle as a whole are considered to be about one-fifth heavier than before tick destruction was commenced. 3. INCREASE IN QUALITY OF CATTLE. The lowest State average was 16 per cent. for Georgia, and the highest 31 percent. for Mississippi. The average for the 11 States was 26.91 per cent., which means that the cattle in the tick-free sections at present are rather over one-fourth better in grade or quality. This is proof, if proof were needed, that the unprofitable “scrub” animal and the tick go together, and that when the latter is banished, and not until then, is the influx of pure bred animads on a large and profitable scale possible. 4. ANNUAL LOSSES BEFORE TICK ERADICATION. There is practical unanimity in allowing that considerable losses were caused by Tick fever before the inauguration of the tick eradication work. The figures range from 9 per cent. in Georgia, to 15 per cent. in Mississippi and North Carolina, and the average for the 11 States is 13 per cent. This is a trifle over one-eighth of the total cattle. It requires but little imagination to see what a serious handicap to the cattle industry of the South an annual loss of this magnitude must be. Some idea of its extent may be had by taking the census figures for cattle in 1910. According to these there were in round numbers 15,000,000 cattle below the Tick quarantine line, with a valuation of slightly over $270,000,000. One-eighth of this sum is $34,000,000, which represents roughly the annual loss from deaths alone, not counting the depreciation im numerous other ways, such as stunted growth, discrimination in markets, shrinkage in milk production, etc., all of which will more than double the amount named. 5. INCREASE IN MILK PRODUCTION. The owners of dairy cows in the region cleared of ticks are evidently well satisfied with the results of the work, since 95 per cent. of the replies admit there was an increase, usually very substantial, in the yield of milk. The lowest estimates are from Alabama and Georgia, these two States averaging 15 per cent. increase in each, while the highest average, 25 per cent. increase, is from North Carolina, closely followed, however, by 24 per cent. each in Mississippi and Oklahoma. The average for the 11 States is 23 per cent., which is a gain of nearly one-fourth in the total Milk yield. ’ It is easy to see what a great advantage this would be if it could be applied to all the ticky cows in the South. The additional milk would in the aggregate be worth many millions of dollars. IT IS CHEAPER TO KILL TICKS THAN TO FEED THEM. COOPER’S CATTLE TICK DIP WEST INDIAN AGENTS: Has received the official approval of the following Countries: ST. KITTS: S. . Horsford & Co. ANTIGUA: Bennett, Br, $99 & Co. Union of South Africa, Northern Rhodesia, Brazil, Basutoland, a at ali ated ype Nyasaland, Swaziland, Southern Rhodesia, Madagascar, mdiaaagst Ore aey oe le peace Ltd. British East Africa, German East Africa, Portuguese East Africa, TRINIDAD: T. Geddes Grant, Port of Spain. Portuguese West Africa, Egypt, Argentine Republic, Queensland, ST. VINCENT: Corea & Co, Kingstown. NEVIS: S-D. Malone. United States of America, New South Wales, DANISH WEST INDIES: A. Sciimiegelow, St. Croix. f ; MONTSERRAT: W. Llewellyn Wall, DOMINICA: Hon. H. A. Frampton. Northern Territory of Australia. ST. LUCIA: Barnard Sons & Co., Castries. Manufacturers: WILLIAM COOPER & NEPHEWS, Berkhamsted, England. BRANCHES: Toromto, Chicago. Sydrey, Melbourne, Auckland, P=enos Aires, Monte Video, .Purta Arenas, Ezst London, Odessa. eZ Ey. SS ee f is UrA A nat “A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW OF THE IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. ———— Vor. XV. No. 380. BARBADOS, NOVEMBER 18, 1916. Price 1d. CONTENTS. power be utilized on the land to the greatest possible extent. PAGE. PaGE. | Notes and Comments ... 376 Agricultural Development Pigs, Breeding and Feed- in the Federated Malay States O08 One|. ng Of Seem Scoe -dagn tes) Barbados, Grp Jonditions | Plant Diseases :— Pe rat) in 371 Rosellinia Root Dis- <+y Bombay % “Experimental eases In the Lesser *** Work in 379 | Antilles Bae rocets? BotanicG: ardens, “A U iseful }(Jueenslavd, The Sugar- Rnciionore es ase notD)| Cane Ineeeestiness be-. OUL 3ritish Cotten Growing | Rhodesia, Crop Experi- Association ce: 374 ments in 383 Department News ... 373 | Rhodesia, Dev elopment of 378 Dominica, Record Shipment |St. Vincent, The Govern-;21"°8 of Lime Juice Products ment Granary "381 Vincent, Working of the Anderson Oil Expel- ler 5 -- Jol Scientific Research, Tmpor- | tance ofto the Industries 376 Se v Island Cotton Market 374 from Gleanings ... Insect Notes:— Methods of Controlling White Grubs in Amer- ica 000 378 The Price: of Flour vee Ola ww est Indian Products _ oo ete Motor Cultivation, Stimu- lation of by the War ... 36 ays ; Teneo Lal terete (PG la of Tent on eee Cc ting | West Tada Fo. rd BEE by Freezing... ... ... 379} Cassava Flour ... 373 Mangrove Wood ... .. 381 {| Guinea Corn as Huma an Market Reports ... 384 al Food . OTe, 9 | The Stimulation of Motor Cultivation by the War. ITH the growing scarcity ‘of labour in /“ Kuropean countries, there has arisen the RIE necessity to make the most effective use of all available labour-saving implements-and machines in agricultural operations. One result has been. the giving of greater attention to motor ploughing,—on one side by the farmers, on the other by the manu- both sides being anxious for as for commercial reasons, that facturers, national as. well mechanical A movement, stimulated by such urgent circum- stances, is not likely to be barren in its results. The the truth of the statement that necessity leads to invention; and it would well worth while for West Indian planters to take cognizance of what is being effected, and what will be effected in regard to the substitution of mechanically produced power for human and animal the land, in Great Britain and other Euro- pean countries. war has demonstrated in numberless ways seem po wer on From information published by the English Board of Agriculture* it is evident that agricultural societies institutions are closely investigating the subject in different parts of the country. The Royal Agricul- tural Society has issued estimates of the cost of motor and ploughing based upon figures supplied by farmers who are actually using the machines and have had satisfactory results. There are two principal types of machine in use: the motor tractor, and the motor plough. In the motor tractor, as the name implies, the engine is separate from the plough it draws; in the motor plough the two are united to form one machine. The advantage of the tractor is that it can work other than ploughing, for instance, haulage on roads and_ for driving threshing maehines. It has a disadvantage not possessed by the motor plough, in that it requires more than one man to operate it. The tractor appears also to be more expensive to run, the total cost per acre for the tractor on light land being about 6s, compared with approximately 5s.in the case of the motor plough. In consiegaae these figures it must be be used _ for motor Te youn nal of the Board of Agr aire (Ena: ind and Wales), Vol. XXXII, Nos. 3 and 6. 370 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. November 18, 1916. borne in mind that the price of petrol ‘in England is very much above the normal under present war conditions. Tractor and motor trials at Stirling, in Scotland, have given very satisfactory results, particularly in respect of the latter. The Highland and Agricultural Society reports on the Wyles motor plough as follows: ‘The 11-b.h.p. Wyles motor plough did excellent work on both types of land [heavy and light]. It required only one attendant, took two furrows, and was adjustable to various widths and depths. It was the only implement that succeeded with a two-furrow plough on the hill (gradient from 1 in 10 to 1 in 21) on the light - land’ This ability to work on inclines is important as regards the West Indies. As pointed out ina recent publication* which draws attention to results obtained by farmers in Illinois, U. S. A., one of the most important points in ‘connexion with the purchase of a tractor or motor plough is to obtain one of suitable size for the farm on which it is to be used. A. farm of 140 acres is the smallest upon which the smallest tractor in common use, the two-plough outfit, may be expected to prove profitable. In this connexion we may refer the reader to anote that appeared in this Journal? describing a recently invented motor plough for light work, suitable for small or medium holdings. It costs £120, and weighs with ploughs included only 840 tb., develops 3 to 4 h.p. and does 3} acres in ten hours. But it will not do deep ploughing, nor is it suitable for heavy land. The Wyles motor plough referred to above costs about £175, and from all available sources of information would appear to be the most satisfactory machine on the market at the present time. Associated with this plough is an interesting and instructive instance of agricultural co-operation. Last year, owing to the scarcity of labour and horses and the increase in the number of small holdings at Pinvin, in, Worcestershire, the members of the local agricultural co-operative society found it almost impossible to get their ploughing done by neighbouring farmers as in the past. The society decided, therefore, to take steps to purchase a Wyles motor plough to be used co-operatively by the members, and approached the Worcestershire County Council with a view “to obtaining aloan of £175 for the purchase of the plough, Although they fully sympathised with the proposal, the County Council decided that in present circumstances they could not see their way to make the necessary loan, and the Society, ¥ Buperiment “Station “Record, Vol, 35, No. 3, p. 292. +Vol, XV, No. 365, p. 142. therefore, had to obtain the money from other sources; £92 10s. was raised by subscription and £96 from friends of the movement, the latter sum being treated as loan share capital. After paying for the plough, a stock of petrol, and for certain labour in preliminary trials, there was an adverse balance of £2 11s. 9d. The plough was not obtained in time for the autumn ploughing in 1915, and in theearly part of 1916 the weather was too bad to allow ofits being used very much. From the work carried out, however, the Society are satisfied that the enterprise will be successful and profitable to the members. Whether similar arrangements could be etfected in the West Indies is a point for consideration. Co-operative ploughing in St. Croix was tried, and, it is believed, with some success. Being less dependent upon weather conditions, co-operative ploughing from a practical point of view ought to be more easily arranged in the tropics than in a northern country, and two or more planters whose properties adjoin might find investment in a machine profitable and convenient. One objection toa universal employment of the motor plough would be the reduction of stock and, conse- quently, the amount of pen manure available for the fields. Many planters, however, who use mules would, in view of the present high price of these animals, find a tractor that could be used for ploughing and haulage a useful substitute. -As to the cost of motor cultivation in the West Indies, there is one aspect of fuel supply that should not be overlooked. It was pointed out in this Journal* that aleohol can be easily prepared from molasses, and that with certain treatment the alcohol can be used instead of petrol as a fuel in the ordinary oil engine. On large groups of estates associated with a central factory it should be possible to obtain this fuel at a price much below that of petrol and so make motor ploughing at once a paying operation. The production of Natalite, a motor spirit obtained from molasses, was described in this Journal a short time ago, and it was stated that the addition of ether to the alcohol, together with a small quantity of alkali, the former increasing the volatility of the mixture and the latter neutralizing acids produced on combustion, produces a fuel which is equal in value if not superior to petrol. The whole question, therefore, of employing motor cultivation in tropical countries, particularly sugar-cane countries, is worthy of definite attention. In the first place it has been shown that progress in the matter of * Vol. XIII, No, 310, p. 81. Vou. XV. No. 380. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, 37I constructing suitable machines is being made under the stimulus of war: in the second place their employment is becoming more extensive from the same cause, and in one instance at least, this has led to a successful demonstration of co-operative ownership. The last fact to be noted is that alcohol from molasses might be used for fuel instead of petrol, thereby securing a cheap and locally-produced article. CROP CONDITIONS IN BARBADOS. In the Agricultural Reporter of Barbados for November 4,a statement is given as to weather conditions, and the progress of sugar-cane cultivation in that island during the month of October and up to the above-mentioned date. It is shown that the total rainfall for the year to date exceeds that of 1915, between 70 and 75 inches having been recorded in the Scotland district. In spite, however, of the very heavy and continuous rains, there has not been any serious flooding or damage to crops, and a remarkable feature noted, has been a continued absence of thunder and lightning, and, since October 10, of high winds. The cane crop has made excellent progress, and, as far as the Keporter’s knowledge goes, is very free from disease of any kind. The length of cane is all that could be desired at this season of the year, and planters everywhere are express- ing satisfaction with the condition of the crops. The plant canes are both thick and well advanced. B.6450 particularly is attracting attention. This cane is said to grow very rapidly at this stage, and its vigour is conserved by its almost absolute freedom from arrows. Opportunity is taken to correct an erroneous statement in a previous report in regard to the variety Ba.6032 sending up spikey blades as though it meant to flower, but actual flowering very seldom occurring. . ‘It is now quite evident,’ says the Aeporter, ‘that this cane will arrow freely as a plant cane if planted early, and as aratoon, when the old crop is removed early in the reaping season.’ This is said to be the experience as regards both the black and the red soils. The variety is spoken of by some planters as an excellent and grateful cane The rains have been excessive for some of the lowlying fields of ratoons in the heavy soils. These had a late start and were not strong enough to make headway against the excessive moisture. As the result of the heavy rains, cultivation is in a backward condition for next season’s crop. On several days during the month of October no ,work of any kind could be done, and this has considerably increased the difficulty of subduing the rapidly spreading devil’s grass and other weeds. It is said that one factor that has contributed to backwardness in the preparation, is the shortage of labour in the cane fields, which made it necessary to utilize farm- labourers in the reaping of the crops. This also is said to haye prevented a more extensive use of bush from the gullies and hillsidesin the making up of pen manure by spreading on cattle pens, or turning in direct to the soil as a green dressing. The new seedling canes B:6450., Ba.6032, and Ba.7924 are being advertised for sale at 30c. per hole, and B.H. 10 (12) at 50c. per hole or 75c. per 100. The last mentioned, it_is stated, isa cane that does not arrow; it bunches well and stands up firmly. THE SUGAR-CANE IN QUEENSLAND. The Annual Report of the Bureau of Sugar Experi- ment Stations in Queensland is abstracted as follows in the Hxperiment Station Record (Vol. 35, No. She This report reviews the progress of the cane-sugar industry of Queensland and the production of cane and sugar in 1915. The experimental work carried on at the Central Sugar Experiment Station at Mackay, the Southern Sugar Experiment Station at Bundaberg, and in other parts of the State, is briefly noted. Experiments were conducted to determine the best system of treating ratoons. The different treatments included leaving the trash on the ground and allowing the cane to volunteer, burying the trash between the rows, shifting the trash in every other space between the rows and cultivating the cleared spaces, and burniog the trash and opening the middles with plough and subsoiler toa depth of from 16 to 18 inches. Under the conditions of a severe drought, leaving the trash gave the best results, but the preceding year, when conditions were normal, burning the trash ard giving deep cultivation, which is the station method, proved most profitable. It is concluded from the results that ploughing under trash in the ratoons does not pay. The results of a variety test showed that Q.813 ranked first in sugar content followed by Q.990 and Q.137. Experiments with canes from the Queensland Acclimatization Society were continued, and the second ratoon crop was harvested. Badila Seedling and Hybrid No. 1 gave the- highest percentage of pure obtainable cane sugar. Different cultural methods compared resulted in the highest total yield of plant crop of 1914 and the first ratoon crop of 1915 on the plat giving cultivation with broad hoes, and on the one cultivated with a light drill harrow fitted with straight sharp tines. Ina test to determine whether cane sets cut from arrowed canes have a prejudicial effect on the germination and subsequent yield, it was found that the cane from arrowed cane sets not only produced a greater stand of cane but also a greater yield Analytical tests to determine the commercial value of a number of generally grown varieties showed that HQ. 426 and Badila gave much better yields of pure obtainable cane sugar than Goru, Cheribon, Malabar, and Otamite. Early or late planting apparently had no effect on the average sugar content of Cheribon, Malabar, and Otamite, while in the other three varieties, the late planting gave better average analyses. In a second test HQ. 426 and Badila also ranked first. The Mackay station laboratory reported tables of analyses showing the quantities of lime, potash, phosphorie acid, and nitrogen removed in crops of cane of the weight grown. It was shown that more potash is removed than nitrogen, lime, and phosphoric acid. At the Southern Sugar Experiment Station at Bundaberg, planting cane in rows 5, 6 or 7 feet apart showed that the closer planting produced the better yields. It was further found that planting tops only gave much better results than planting middles or bottoms and middles. The results of cultural tests were in favour of subsoiling, but the cost was too high to be profitable. Cane volunteered through trash, owing to a dry season, gave the largest margin of profit, but this method is not advised, as under normal conditions culti- vation usually gives much better results. Analyses of burnt canes indicated that the cane did not depreciate to any extent during the first forty-eight hours, after which the glucose content began to increase rapidly until the tenth day, wien it had increased almost twenty times as much as in the original. The loss in weight of cane and in the purity of the- Juice was also considerable. WEST INDIAN FOOD SUPPLY. THE PRICE OF FLOUR. In connexion with the continued rise in the price of flour* Jetters were addressed by this Department to different West Indian Governments calling attention to the need for encouraging the cultivation of substitutes for wheat. Com- munications have now been received in answer to these letters, stating what action 1s being taken to safeguard the commu- nity in certain colonies. In St. Vincent the Government has caused the available storage room to be filled with kiln-dried corn, and it is stated that bin space can be provided at small cost, for 250 to 300 bags of corn, should this be necessary. The communication from St. Vincent adds that a good deal of locally grown corn is being sent to Barbados, which is regarded as being unwise in view of the present situation. The attention of planters is being directed to the matter in the press, and already two or three large growers of corn have erected bins to hold their produce. In Montserrat the Government has drawn up a Circular letter, which has been printed and circulated to both large and small planters, informing them as to what are the circumstances of the situation. In addition it is intended to distribute posters calling attention to the high price of flour and to the importance, particularly as regards the peasants, of growing local substitutes. In Antigua it is understood that the Government has referred the matter to the Agricultural and Commercial Society which is taking the necessary action. In answer to the letter addressed to the Government of Grenada, this Department has been informed that the Government of that Colony has taken action by getting into touch with the Agricultural and Commercial Society and the District Boards, with the view to getting the labouring classes warned and advised to plant ground provisions and as much corn as possible, so as to be prepared to meet the situation in the event of their finding it impossible to purebase flour. At the same time the clergy have been requested to urge upon the people the importance of planting provisions. ided to this the Agricultural Instructors have been directed to make the situation known as widely as possible, and to give practical encouragement to the planting of foodcrops by the distribution of seedlings and plants where necessi'y. While the situation in regard to the price ot wheat flour is not at present definitely alarming, it does call for a certain amount of preparedness, and from the above information it will be seen that the various Governments are quite alive to this fact. Tt is obviously important to take a matter of this kind well in ‘and at the earliest opportunity, belated action, however vigourous, being entirely without effect. In connexion with the above article it may be noted that public attention has been called to the matter in St. Lucia and St. Vincent by the local press. The Vozce of St. Lucia reproduces the substance of the editorial on West Indian Substitutes for Flour (Agricultural News, for October 31), while the St. Vincent Sentry after calling attention to the general features of the present situation reproduces, at the request ofthe Government, the Circular letter addressed to the Governments of the Windward and Leeward Islands, as mentioned above. *See editorial on ‘West Indian Substitutes for Flour’ in Agricultural News, for October 21; also article on ‘Guinea Corn as Human Food’, in the next column. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. November 18, 1916, GUINEA CORN AS HUMAN FOOD. As explained editorially in this Journal for October 21, the attention of various West Indian colonies has been called by the Imperial Department of Agriculture to the tendency towards further rise in the price of wheat flour. It was suggested that efforts should be made locally to extend the area under such crops as will serve at least partially as substitutes for flour, and in this connexion specific reference was made to Guinea corn (Sorghum vulgare). Enquiries have since been received concerning the methods of cultivating this crop and the methods of prepar- jng the grain as human food An attempt is made to supply the information in the present article. In the first place it may be pointed out that the three great advantages that Guinea corn possesses as a food crop are: (1) that it is very drought-resistant, and is therefore a more dependable’ crop than Indian corn (maize); (2) that it possesses a high percentage of albuminoids, being higher than Indian corn, and equal to wheat flour in this respect: and ('3) containing a low percentage of oil and moisture, it keeps well. ° These are obviously very important characteristics. DIFFERENT VARIETIES. There appear to be three principal varieties under culti- vation in the West Indies: the ordinary native type; the red Suinea corn or Dhurra; and the Mazzagua Guinea corn. In Jamaica the red Guinea corn has been found more drought- resistant than the native type; whilein St. Kitts, Mazzagua has been found to produce longer ears and larger grain. A careful comparative study of the different types is needed. CULTIVATION, In Barbados, Guinea corn is planted ina similar way to Indian corn, four seeds being placed in each hole. Nicholls in his “Tropical Agriculture’ says the seed is sown in furrows, or drilled in 3 to 4 feet apart. The seedlings should be thinned so that they may be less than 12inches apart in the rows. This probably refers to the method of cultivation in Africa. In St. Kitts, Mazzagua is planted about July or August on 3-feet banks, each seed | foot apart in the row. PESTS AND DISEASES, The principal objection to the cultivation of Guinea corn is the loss of grain occasioned by birds. It has been pointed out in Jamaica, that if Guinea corn were more gener- ally cultivated, the loss would be distriouted, and therefore felt less by the individual. Birds can be kept off to some extent by an image of cloth and paper, that is by the so-called ‘scare-crow’, according to experience in Jamaica. Guinea corn is also attacked by the corn ear worm (Laphygma trugiperda). The; small grey moths infest the ripening heads of grain, sometimes completely spoiling them. This form of injury has-been reported from Nevis in an experi- ment plot containing a very close-headed variety of Guinea corn. The only method of prevention in such a case as this is the cultivation of a kind with a very open head. HARVESTING, When the corn has arrived at maturity, which takes four to five months (Nicholls), or a little over three menths Vout. XV. No. 380. jn the case of the Dhurra variety (Journal of the Jumaica Agricultural Soceity, XVIII, p. 344), or according to Shepherd | Report of Agricultural Department, St. Kitts-Nevis, 1913-14) five months for Mazzagua, it is harvested by cutting -off the ears near the top of the stem, and then carrying them in baskets to the house or shed. The ears are kept in heaps for a few days, and afterwards they are spread on the floor of the building, and the grains are threshed out by means of a flail. Threshing may effectively be done by means of the machines used for threshing broom corn. Winnowing machines might possibly be introduced with advantage into districts where sufficiently large areas of the corn are under cultivation. % YIELD. It is stated that 50 bushels of corn per acre may be -considered a good average yield. Thereturn per acre from plot experiments at St. Kitts with Mazzagua varied between 25 and 35 bushels per acre. In one of these trials, ‘the plants grew toa great height, andthe weight of the -seed made the stalks bend over until they almost reached the ground.’ Te PREPARATION FOR FOOD. While Guinea corn is used throughout the West Indies as stock food, both as regards the grain and the fodder, it is -chiefly in Jamaica and Barbados that’ the value of the grain is appreciated as food for man. As already pointed out, Guinea corn, from a chemical stand-point, is a more valuable human food than Indian corn on account of its high nitrogen content, but it has colour anda certain distinctive flavour which would require getting accustomed to before it could be agreeably used as flour in the place of wheat. Moreover, Guinea corn flour cannot be used for making raised bread, due to the fact that gluten is absent from the protein in this grain. It might however be used in this way mixed with an equal quantity of wheat flour. The customary way of using Guinea corn in Barbados is in the form of a meal. The threshed grain is screened and ground up in an ordinary hand mill like a coffee mill, such as is employed in the case of Indian corn. As already intimated, Guinea corn meal has one great advantage, in that it keeps well. As regards preparation for table consumption, the most common dish containing this meal is cous-cous, prepared in a similar way to maize cous-cous. There would seem to be no valid objection to employing Guinea corn in making cakes and biscuits, and, as already mentioned, mixed with wheat flour, in making bread In Jamaica, Guinea corn flour is used for making porridge. This article may be concluded "by quoting the following remarks from Farmers’ Bulletin (No. 686, United States Department of Agriculture) on the uses of sorghunr grains. This says: ‘A varied diet is desirable: Sorghum grain can be and should be used as human food Doubtless it will be used to some extent whenever it can be produced and sold at a figure which will make it profitable to dealer and con- sumer alike.’ This refers to the United States. The idea in the West Indies is not to grow Guinea corn primarily as a cash crop, though this might prove remunerative, but rather as an emergency crop to take the place especially in the poor man’s dietary, of an imported article cf food, of which the price is continuing to show a steady tendeney to rise. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 373 Cassava Flour.—Mr. W. Robson, Curator of the Experiment Station, Montserrat, has furnished this Office with a sample af cassava farine prepared in that island. The farine is a dry crisp meal and has the important character- istic of keeping almost indefinitely. On the snbject of cassava farine, the Jowrnal of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (Vol. XVIII, p. 512) says that where there is any difficulty in selling cassava roots promptly and profitably, they should be made into farine. It correctly describes the farine as looking like coarse oatmeal, while it is almost as palatable. From a chemical stand-point farine has not a very high food value on account of the small percentage of protein it contains. Consumed, however, with more nitrogenous food such as beans and peas, it should be very valuable. It is stated to be more digestible than wheat flour or corn meal, for in the ordinaay process of manufacturing, which is simply heating the grated cassava (after the juice has been. pressed out as in making cassava cakes) on a hot plate, a large proportion of the starch is transformed into dextrin. This change is similar to what takes place when a slice of wheat flour bread is made into toast. From a general point of view properly made cassava farine should prove a useful substitute for some of thé wheat flour which is at present consumed in these islands. A copy has been received of the Annual Report of the Board of Agriculture of the Bahamas, for 1915-16. In this it is stated that there is a marked improvement generally in agriculture to be reported for this year owing to various causes, among which are generally speaking good rainfalls, inclination, to return to farming on account of the war conditions and the continued encouragement given by this Board both educationally and practically to the small farmers. This is shown by the increased exports of farm and planta= tion products, as well as by the improved supplies in local markets. The experiments carried out last year by the Board to demonstrate the possibility of growing Sea Island cotton in the Colony have not proved a success both on account of local conditions and low market values in England. They have therefore been discontinued, and the cultivation of this product this year must be reported as very small. DEPARTMENT NEWS. The Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture left Barbados on November) 8 by the 3.S. ‘Guiana’ for a short visit to Antigua with the object of conferrmg with the Governor of the Leeward Islands on certain official matters connected with that Presidency. Dr. Watts returned to Barbados by the C.R.M.S, ‘Chaudiere’ on the [5th instant. Mr. W. Nowell, D.LC., Mycologist on the Statf of the Imperial Department of Agriculture left Barbados on November 16 by the C.R.M.S. ‘Chaudiere’ for St. Vincent, with the object of continuing investigations in that Colony in regard to diseases of cotton. Mr. Nowell is expected to return to Barbados on November 29, 374 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. November 18, 1916, COTTON. SEA ISLAND COTTON MARKET. Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool, write as follows, under date October 16, 1916, with reference to the sales} of West Indian Sea Island ecotton:— Since our last report only a few odd lois of West Indian Sea Island cotton have arrived, which have been sold at prices varying from 14d. to 21d. P.S.— Sakel Egyptian has advanced very rapidly, and the best quality is worth 23d. to 24d. Weare afraid this will not be maintained, but if it should be, good clean West Indian should be easily worth the same price The Report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week ending October, 14, 1916, is as follows:— ISLANDS. Receipts for the week were 80 bales, and total to date 176 bales. Factors are not as yet offering their receipts, nor naming prices, preferring to delay doing so until the movement is larger. The market, therefore, has not yet opened, and we are unable to give quotations. GEORGIAS AND FLORDIAS. The demand has been very general with advancing prices, taking all offerings both in Savannah and at all interior points. Consequently the market closed strong on a basis of Extra Choice 38c., Fancy 39c., with Factors unwilling sellers except at a further advance. The buying has been general on account of Northern and Southern Mills as well as on speculation, resulting in an advance of over 3c. during the week. Notwithstanding this, there is a general feeling that prices will advance further, which encourages speculation and parties having stock on hand to ask higher prices. The future of prices will depend on the ability of the mills to sell their production ona basis of the high prices current. We quote, as follows: — GEORGIAS Fancy 38hc. to 39c =40c to 403c. Extra Choice 38c. to 384c, = 394¢, to 40c. with Factors holding higher. AND FLORIDAS, landed ” The exports from Savannah for the week were, to Liverpool] 250 bales, Northern Mills 4,284 bales, South- ern Mills 369 bales, and from Jacksonville to Northern Mills 2,211 bales. BRITISH COTTON GROWING ASSOCI- ATION. The one hundred and fifty-second meeting of the Council of the British Cotton Growing Association was held at the Offices, 15, Cross Street, Manchester, on Tuesday, October 3, Mr. W. 8. Kinch occuping the Chair. Interesting facts were brought forward, though largely in relation toa different type of cotton to that produced in the West Indies. west arricA. The purchases of cotton in Lagos to September 23 amount to 9,198. bales, as compared with 5,852 bales for the same period of last year, and 15,486 bales for 1914, The purchases of cotton in Northern Nigeria to August 31, amounted to 10,522 bales, as compared with 531 bales to August 31, 1915, and 518 bales for 1914. There has been considerable difficulty in shipping cotton from West Africa, but through the kind offices of the Govern- ment, and of the West African merchants, arrangements have been made for the Association to be given preference in respect of shipments of cotton, but not of cotton seed. As a result of these arrangements, shipments are now coming forward more satisfactorily, and it is anticipated that the whole of last season’s crop will have been shipped to Liverpool by the end of March next. Various reports have been received dealing with the increased quantities of cotton produced in the Zarja District during the past season. The Director of Agriculture for the Northern Provinces states that it is certain that more than one factor was responsible for the large influx of cotton at Zaria from January to March last, the chief causes being:— A. The plentiful rains of 1915 resulted in an abundant harvest, causing the° local value of all produce to fall considerably, but the Association maintained a minimum price of lid. per tb. for cotton and consequently the bulk of the crop was sold to them. B. The lower prices offered by merchants for ground nuts consequent upon the war accentuated the local fall in values, and resulted in there being less money available in the North for purchasing Zaria cotton. C, The increased use of cotton goods of English manu- facture in the districts served from Kano is gradually resulting in a reduced local demand for raw cotton. D. The constant demand maintained for cotton on a cash basis by the Association during the past five years has not been without its effect on the natives” minds, though the poor crops of 1913 and 1914 have hitherto prevented this fact from becoming apparent. The only serious competitor of cotton as a cash crop in the Northern Provinces is ground nuts. The labour in grow- ing and marketing an acre of ground nuts is considerably more than that involved for a similar area of cotton, and at £10 per ton the cash return is also more. The complexion of things, however, is entirely altered when the price of ground nuts (decorticated) drops to its present level of £5 per ton. The whole question resolves itself into one of mak- ing the cropas remunerative as possible, .and this can best be achieved by subsisting an improved variety of cotton for the one now generally in cultivation, and so increasing both the yield per acre and also the price per hb. The present season’s crop so far promises to exceed th® past one, bothas regards the ordinary native crop, and also: in respect of the improved varieties of long staple cotton. UGANDA, There is a considerable accumulation of baled cotton in the interior of Uganda owing to the shortage of available steamers on the lake, and the delays on the Uganda railway. This is a very serious matter, as it involves a con- siderable amount of capital being locked up in cotton. The question has been taken up with the Government, and there is reason to believe that the position will shortly improve, and that the cotton will all be cleared for shipment in about two to three months’ time. The reports regarding the growing crop in Uganda continue satisfactory, and it is estimated that the crop will amount to about 40,000 bales, which is about the same figure as in the: year prior to the war. Vou. XV. No. 380. NYASALAND. It was reported that the acreage under cotton grown by Europeans is the largest yet planted in the Protectorate, namely 29,578 acres as compared with 24,006 in the previous year. With regard to the European crop prospects, lower temperatures during the month of March have seriously reduced the crop in the Highlands, and the Luchenza crop was severely attacked by insects. The pros- pects on the Lower River are considerably above the average and showed marked improvement on last year, but even allow- ing for good crops in this area, the output p'r acre from the total European acreage is likely to be below the average. As regards the native cotton crop, the distribution of seed to native: was never larger than in the present season, and as the greater part of the crop is grown in the warmer districts, it has not suffered to the same extent as the European crop on the Shire Highlands. The native crop should give a total somewhat similar to 1913-14, when the record native crop of 1,198 tons of seed-cotton was harvested. This would be a most satisfactory result, considering the great demands on native labour for military transport, and the reduced staff of the Agricultural Department for'A general supervision of the crop. ———<—— A USEFUL FUNCTION OF BOTANIC GARDENS. In his letter of transmittal to the Report on the Agricul- tural Department, Dominica, for 1915-16, the Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture refers as follows to the scheme of instruction carried out in the Gardens:— ‘The instruction of pupils at the Botanic Gardens continues to be carried on in a satisfactory manner. To show the nature of the field work done by the pupils extracts from the diary of one of them are reproduced in the present publication, as well as the report on the work, by the Hon. J. C Macintyre. These statements make it evident that the work done is of great practical value both to the pupils, and to the Presidency.’ 7 The extracts referred to are given below in order that the general reader may obtain some idea as to how Botanic ‘Gardens and Experiment Stations may be utilized for the purpose of giving sound practical instruction, fitting the pupils for positions on estates afterwards. It should be added that the pupils receive theoretical instruction each Saturday, and they are also periodically examined by the Imperial Department of Agriculture. The diary runs as follows:— ~ April. —Pruning lime trees in the new Lime Experiment plots in the valley. Opening holes for lime plants; preparing rosin compound, and spraying nurseries. Tapping Castilloa rubber trees; tarring posts for fences. May.—Spraying citrus and ornamental plants; preparing insecticides; sowing cacao seeds; preparing bamboo pots; pruning cacao trees. Topping hedges; pollinating vanilla flowers; collecting material for mulching cacao plots. June.—Preparing for application of manures to cacao manurial plots at the station, weighing different manures per plot, and per tree. Applying manures. Gathering seeds of green dressings; budding lemons on sour orange stocks. Pruning cacao trees; applying manures to lime experiment plots; tarring gates in experiment plots; picking cacao and removing suckers. July.—Sowing iime seeds. Planting cuttings of shade trees; sowing seeds of green dressings through coco-nut plot. ‘Topping hedges; applying manures; tapping Castilloa rubber rees; preparing insecticides, and spraying nurseries. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 375 August.—Lining out for planting lime plants in new Experiment Station. Spraying lime plants; picking and suckering cacao; preparing a fungicide and applying to seedling limes. Potting cacao seedlings; spraying lime plants and transplanting lime seedlings; preparing stock solution of rosin compound; budding lemons on sour orange stocks: applying lime to heavy land. : September.—Transplanting lime seedlings; sowing seeds of green dressings in the nursery; trimming hedges; spraying lime seedlings; suckering cacao; potting cacao seedlings. Preparing Bordeaux mixture; planting lemon grass on poor soil to produce mulch for experiment plots. Dressing cacao trees for ‘canker’. Poisoning wood-ant nests in cacao cultivation. Preparing seed boxes and sowing seeds. October.—Potting cacao seedlings. Sowing seeds of green dressings, suckering cacao and treating wounds on cacao trees with tar. Weeding and mulching young coco- nuts. Tarring posts exposed to weather. Surveying and enclosing two new cacao manurial plots ; mulching Para rubber trees ; preparing bamboo pots ; removing moss and other epiphytes from citrus trees. Mulching young limes planted in experiment plots. Lifting and transplanting sour orange stocks for budding.. Tapping Castilloa rabber trees; transplanting lime seedlings. November.—Transplanting lime seedlings; sowing seeds of tangerine, mangoes, and avocado pears. Weeding borders and trimming hedges. Picking vegetable seeds; potting cacao seedlings. Planting hedges of Acalypha. Planting cuttings of Ghiricidia maculata. Picking and suckering cacao. Weeding green dressing plots. December.—Transplanting lime seedlings; sowing seeds of ornamental plants in boxes; preparing stock solution of kerosene emulsion; spraying limes and cacao. Potting cacav seedlings. Picking cacao; sowing lime seeds in beds; weed- ing lemon grass plots; spraying cacao for attack of thrips. Sowing cacao seeds. Poisoning wood-ant nests. January.—Pruning dead wood in lime trees Suckering and picking cacao. Preparing stock solution of kerosene emulsion; spraying limes and cacao. Weeding green dressing plots. Preparing seed boxes and sowing lime seeds. Tap- ping Castilloa rubber trees; sowing seeds in boxes. February.—tTransplanting lime seedlings. seeds. Picking and suckering cacao. Gathering seeds of green dressings. Preparing stoek solution of rosin compound. March.—Transplanting lime seedlings. Dusting lime seedlings with sulphur and lime. Applying manure to cacao. Spraying citrus nurseries. Sowing lime seeds; trimming hedges; mulching and spraying young limes in new experi- ment plots. Preparing seed boxes and sowing cacao seeds. Pollinating vanilla flowers Preparing stock solution of ‘scalo’. Pruning lime trees in the Experiment Station. Sowing lime Record Shipment of Lime Juice Products from Dominica.—One of the heaviest shipments of lime juice products made from Dominica went forward in the 8.S. ‘Savan’ which left Roseau for London on October 27. It consisted of 244 hogsheads and 939 casks containing 49,760 gallons of concentrated lime juice, 234 drums, 30 pipes, 361 puncheons, 116 hogsheads and 214 casks containing 88,680 gallons of raw juice. The shipment aiso included 646 cwt. of citrate of lime, and packages containing 890 gallons of distilled oil and 170 gallons of hand-pressed oil. 376 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Novemser 18, 1916, 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.Sce., 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.1.C. CLERICAL STAFF, Chief Clerk A. G. Howell. Assistant Clerk M. B. Connell. (L- A. Corbin, Clerical Assistants + P. Taylor. eee Miss B. Robinson. Miss W. Ellis. A. B. Price, Fell. Journ. Inst. Typist Assistant Typist Assistant for Publications Agricultural jtews Vou. XV. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1916. No. 380. NOTES AND COMMENTS. Contents of Present Issue. Some of the reasons why the employment of motor cultivation in the West Indies should be given greater attention ure set out in the editorial to this number. On pages 372 and 373 will be found information pertaining to the situation that has arisen on account of rises in the price of flour. An interesting note on the importance of light in the germination of seeds appears on page 377. On page 381 the working of the St. Vincent Government Granary and of the Anderson Oil Expeller of St. Vincent are described. A note on the breeding and feeding of pigs is given on page 383. West Indian Archeology. A review appears in Nature for September 28 of T. A. Joyce's ‘Central American and West Indian Archeology’ (London: Philip Lee Warner. Price 12s. Gd. net). The last hundred pages of the book are devoted to the West Indies, and while the matters. dealt with are not directly pertinent to agricultural affairs, they are of sufficient scientific interest to justify reference in these columns. ; It is stated that the original stock of the whole Archipelago were Arawaks from the Northern Conti- nent, and were in turn followed by the more bellicose Caribs, who at the time of their discovery were in possession of the Lesser Antilles and fast extending into some of the greater islands. They had a patri- archal system, with caciques or small chiefs. A tie of friendship was the mutual exchange of their names. They practised the couvade. The Arawaks were armed with sword-clubs and javelins hurled by means of ornamented spear-throwers. The chief weapon of the Caribs was the bow. The male prisoners were eaten. There is no evidence that stone weapons were used, the blades of stone found being tools. Charms were made of wood and stone, images of man and animals. Inter- esting are the stone collars which are said to be the translation into stone of originally a wooden hoop, a tree fork bent and fixed by bandages into this shape. It is said that the enclosing of a spirit in such a circle is connected with tree worship. This book should be read by West Indians interested, as many are, in Carib implements. The Importance of Scientific Research to the Industries. According to C. A. Jacobson, of the University ot Nevada, the popular attitude of mind towards the value of scientific research is the same in the United States as it was in Great Britain before the war. Writing in Science (September 29, 1916) he says: ‘As a nation we are not sufficiently appreciative of the value to industry of research in pure science. In order to credit certain experimentation, we must see a well-established connexion between the work in hand and the end sought. The Effect of Light on the Germination of Seeds. An interesting publication dealing with the ger- mination of seeds has been issued as Bulletin 159 of the Agricultural Experiment Station of the University of Minnesota. It is stated that practically all the grass seeds andsome of the flower seeds dealt with during 1914-15 were tested in a sunlight germinator. It has been found that many of the grass seeds germinate best in the light. The results obtained from this germinator have been’ very promising and experimental work will be continued in the hope of determining more accurately the real advantage of light germinations. In connexion with the same sub- ject, a note in the Jnternational Review of the Science and Practice of Agriculture for April 1916 is of even greater interest. It is concluded, as the result of care- ful investigations, that blotting paper is the best medium forthe germination of most Gramineae. Contrary to the opinion of Nobbe, light is absolutely indispensable to the germination of certain species. A change of temperature from 20° to 30°C. (20° for eighteen hours and 30° for six hours) has proved favourable in many cases. A constant temperature of 20°C., with absence of light is favourable to very few species. A constant temperature of 30°C. is unfavourable to most species. It is believed that in the case of several species of grass, the germination faculty should be studied under different sets of conditions. Studies on hight and temperatureas related to the germination of seeds have been conducted with nine species of Onagraceae, one of Hydrophyllaceae, and two of Scrophulareaceae. It is stated in the Experiment Station Record (Vol. XXXV, No.3) that in the first group, three different germination types may be dis- tinguished as regards their relation to light and temperature. The second division is characterized by a low germinability optimum and by the injurious action of high germination temperatures, the favouring action of temperature change, and the unfavourable action of light at extreme germinating temperatures. In the third group, the seeds require stronger light at: low temperatures. ‘Temperature variations also favour germination, especially when regular, giving the most marked results when the lower daily temperatures were maintained for longer periods than were the higher temperatures, a Agricultural Development in Federated Malay States. As will be observed from an article in the Chamber of Commerce Journal for Septenber 1916, Mr. E. S. Hose, Acting Director of Agriculture, has written an interesting report on agricultural development in the Federated Malay States in 1915. Although rubber cultivation reaches its highest point of excellence on the plantations of Malay, Mr. Hose does not confine himself to rubber planting only, but ranges over a wide field of tropical agriculture, and the possibility of introducing new forms of cultivation into the Malay States. Among the products that have received the attention of the department during the year under review were, the African oil palm, camphor, cinchona,. tea, coffee, ipecacuanha, cotton, fibres, wild ginger and cardamoms for paper making, croton oil, eucalyptus,. cocaine, Brazil nut, date palm, ground nuts, ete. It is stated that in a field near the department at Kuala Lumpur, a number of oil palms in bearing for the past two years gave a yield of from 35 to 45 fb. of nuts each palm per annum. Cinchona did well in Gunong Angsi at an elevation of 1,000 feet, and about 2 acres of tea have been planted at about 2,500 feet on Gunong Angsi, and the growth so far has been excellent. Statistical tables appended to the report show the agricultural acreages of the Federated Malay States alone, on estates over 100 acres in extent, in 1915, to be as follows: rubber 499,479, coco-nuts 54,822, coffee 4,312, other cultivations 1,234, making a total of 559,847 acres. Excluding the Straits Settlements (from which the statistics had not come to hand when the report was written) but including other States of the Peninsula under British protection, there were, at the end of the year, 703,535 acres under rubber on estates of 100 acres and over; 82,250 acres under coco-nuts; and 6,085 acres under coffee. The export returns of the Commissioner of Trade and Customs show that 44,523 tons of rubber were exported from the F. M.S. in 1915. Mr. Hose concludes that the total rubber export of British Malaya is over 68,000 tons. From the stand-point of market prices, producers of plantation rubber have little cause to complain of the position of the industry during the year 1915. Among the more important problems of the rubber industry in Malaya that are said to call for immediate attention are, briefly—(1) the combating of fungus pests on older estates ; (2) the consideration of methods of coagulation in view of the almost prohibitive price of acetic acid ; (3) the adoption of such methods of treating rubber as will result ina uniform rate of vulcanization, or, in other words, in the standardization. of plantation rubber. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, NovemMBer i8, 1916. INSECT NOTES. METHODS OF CONTROLLING WHITE GRUBS IN AMERICA. The records of investigations on the white grub (Lachnosterna spp.) in Wisconsin, abstracted in the Review of Applied Entomology (Vol. IV, Ser. A, Part 7), are of interest in connexion with the efforts to control this pest in the West Indies. Collection of the adults appears to be the most effective method of control, and the statements regarding the situation of the traps in regard to light, ete, should be noted. In the experiments carried out in Wisconsin in 1914-15 in connexion with Lachnosterna, the factors considered were: (1) the determinations of conditions; (2) the crops most seriously damaged with and without rotation; (3) the species present and the habits, life-history, distribution and means of contro), Lanterntraps were used to collect the beetles. They consisted of the Coleman gasoline are lantern, from 300 to 400 candle power, set into galvanized refrigerator pans, 5 inches deep and 24 inches.in diameter. The pans were filled about two-thirds full of water and } pint kerosene was poured on this and renewed when necessary. Perforated skimmers were used to remove captured insects. Results were obtained relating to the distribution of species over a comparatively limited area, the optimum temperature for flights, and the most favourable location and arrangement of light traps. Seventeen out of the nineteen species known to occur in Wisconsin were taken in the traps. ZL. fusca was most widely distributed and dominant at Lancaster and Dodgeville. L. rugosa was dominant at the north-east stations, and L. ¢tmplicita at Ripon. Males only of L. gibbosa and L. nitida were attracted to the lantern, and L. tristis only to a slight degree. Several species disappeared at the stations furthest to the north-east, while Z. rugosa, L. dubia, and L. grandis increased in numbers. L. dubia emerged very early, before May 21 at Dodgeville, and to the extent of 92 per cent. before this date at Baraboo. Flight was found to cease almost entirely at 62° F. Large pans were found to be desirable; the number of beetles caught in a pan placed by the side of the central pan towards the origin of flight was twice as great asin a pan placed behind the light. At the Lancaster station flight was always from the north- west towards the south-east. Traps near the margin of woods or close to a fringe of trees were most successful. At Lancaster, more than 440,0U0 beetles were taken during the summer, and the maize crop was not noticeably injured. The smallness of the damage may have been due to the destruction of many beetles by diseases, and the frequent and heavy rains. The cost for fifteen light traps was from Is. to 1s. 3d. a day. The numbers of inales caught exceeded the number of females. This is the normal condition, and if, as has been suggested, the beetles are polyandrous, there may be an advantage in catching a larger number of males. Females of the more common species formed a larger percentage of the catch in the early part of the season than did males, In the biological experiments undertaken to investigate the habits of white grubs, glass cages were used in which earth was placed between two vertical glass plates less than }-inch apart. The cages were shielded from the light except at the moment of examination. By regulating the distance between the plates Jarvae of any size could be viewed from at least one side, ‘The results were as follows: (1) No daily migra- tion was observed; movements and feeding occurred only in warm weather, activity reaching a maximum during the heat of the day; the optimum temperature was between 60° F. and 65° F. (2) The food apparently consisted entirely of the roots of plants. (3) Larvae were reared from May 5 to July 18 in soil without apparent food; the soil was then allowed to dry, and:on October 22 two Jarvae were alive and active, starvation’ methods for control are therefore useless. (4) Poisoned bran mash was not eaten by the larvae and was thus of no value. (5) Sodium arsenite, into which grass roots were dipped before planting, resulted in the death of 22-2 per cent. of larvae in four days; no injury to the grass was observed. Corrosive sublimate used on one plant caused a inortality of 50 per cent., but the plant died, since the roots were entirely eaten. (6) Kerosene emulsion and Black Leaf 40,.at the ordinary strengths, were useless. (7) Creosote acted as a repellent and did not injure the treated plants. In the contol pots a mortality of 15:9 per cent., due to bacterial and other diseases, was observed. Results in connexion with temperature and nature of food supply seemed most significant. THE DEVELOPMENT OF RHODESIA. Information of interest to the West Indies is from time to time derived from agricultural activities in Rhodesia, and it will perhaps prove instructive to give an account of the general agricultural conditions in that country. These are well described in a paper on the Development of Rhodesia from a Geographical Stand-point, appearing in The Geographical Journal for October 1916. The stock-raising, agricultural, and horticultural indus- tries of Rhodesia*have hitherto been mainly confined to regions situated on the plateaux at an altitude of not less than 3,500 feet. Nothing has as yet been done to develop those portions of the territory which, owing to their low elevation, possess a more tropical climate. Agricultural development is moreover, for the present for obvious reasons, practically contined to districts which are situated not more than 25 miles from a railway. Stock-farmers can, of course, go further afield. Both Northern and Southern Khodesia are first-rate stock countries, but the extent of th» areas in Northern Rhodesia suited for stock-raising is necessarily limited by the distribution of the tsetse fly. Fortuuately the Barotse Valley on the upper Zambesi and the Middle Kafue are both free from fly, and are capable of carrying very large herds. In Southern Rhodesia the best cattle districts for ranching purposes are to be found in Matabeleland, which in Lobengula’s time was heavily stocked. Mashonaland is also a good cattle country, but ewing to its higher rainfall it is generally more suitable for the fattening of stock and dairying than for ranching. The chief grain centres of the territory oceur in Southern Rhodesia, in the vicinity of Salisbury, notably on the Gwebi Flats, and in the Mazoe Valley, and in the Victoria District. In Northern Rhodesia the best grain districts are to be found in the Kafue neighbourhood. Maize Vor. XV. No. 380. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 379 a ee eee EE is the staple crop grown by the Europeans, but rice and various varieties of millet are produced in great quantities by native cultivators. Ground nuts and sun flower seeds are beginning to be produced on an ‘increasing scale for the manufacture of oil. Tobacco grows everywhere, but its success from a commercial stand-point entirely depends on cost of production. Its prospects in Mashonaland, and in the vicinity of Fort Jameson are encouraging. It is probable also that in a few years’ time Southern Rhodesia will export citrus fruits on a large scale to Europe. Apples have been tried with varying success, and may in time succeed in the vicinity of Inyanga. Owing to the distance which intervenes between Rhodesia and the markets of the Union, Rhodesia has already been compelled to face the problem of export and to promote co-operation between procucers with this object. A large tonnage of maize has already been exported. Considerable quantities of tobacco have been sold on the London market, and experimental shipments of oranges have been’ made successtully. The export of meat and other cattle products is receiving attention, and one looks forward with confidence to the day when Rhodesian chilled meat will be exported to this country via one of the West Coast ports. But before this can occur large herds must be built up and the standard of local cattle improved. This will take time, but meanwhile there is every reason to expect that a considerable export of canned meat will take place, and possibly also of dairy products. So far reference has been made only to the possibilities in more elevated regions. In the future. when the Salisbury Railway reaches the Zambesi, there is little doubt that a number of valuable products of a more tropical character, such as cotton, sugar, sisal and other fibres, rubber, and oil seeds, will be raised by planters in the lowlying regions which abut on the Zambesi and Laungwa Rivers and their tributaries. As regards wild rubber, a number of rubber-producing plants of the genus Landolphia are met with over considerable areas in Northern Rhodesia. They include several species of rubber vines and of bushes which produce root rubber The quality of rubber produced is excellent, and the payability of the industry depends entirely on the density of distribution of plants and the cost of transport. The British South Africa Company has established a steam factory, at Chambesi, which started work just before the war broke out but which, owing to the shortage of labour brought about by the military operations on the Northern Border, has been temporarily closed down. It had, however, been at work sufficiently long to enable samples of the product to be sent home and to supply data in regard te costs of production. As the result of this preliminary information, it may be stated that the production of rubber is likely to become one of the staple industries of Northern Rhodesia. a Experimental Work in Bombay.—We have been furnished with two annual reports on experimental work at agricultural stations in Bombay. In régard to that dealing with the Nadiad Agricultural Station, reference may be called to the experimental work with cotton in which consid- erable attention has been given to Cambodia Concerning oil seeds the yield per acre of a number of varieties of castor seeds is given together with the percentage of oil. The results of selecting castor seed are also given, The second publication describing work at the Surat Station deals with experiments with cotton, oil seeds (ground nuts), and certain manurial experiments. CONCENTRATING LIME JUICE BY FREEZING. An interesting piece of investigation, which may lead to results of practical importance, has been carried out by the Agricultural Department, in Dominica. During 1915-16, the Commissioner of Agriculture for the West Indies brought to the notice of the Dominica Department an interesting article on the concentration of cider by freezing, which appeared in the )’ear-Book of the United States Department of Agriculture for 1914 In this experiment it was shown that it was possible to concentrate cider by this process to one-fifth of its bulk without altering its properties as a beverage. ; It was suggested that experiments be conducted to determine the behaviour of raw lime juice when treated in a similar manner. It is obvious that if raw lime juice, which is shipped for cordial purposes, could be concentrated without changing its essential properties, there would be a very considerable saving in freight, packages, and other charges. The phenomenon that solids in solution can be concen- trated by freezing the liquid and removing a portion of the ice formed has been known for a long time, and in the reverse way this has often been made use of in obtaining drinkable water from sea-water, In this case it is the frozen portion which is saved, the amount of sodium chloride which it contains being so small as to make it moderately drinkable. Numerous experiments were conducted during 1915-16 to ascertain how lime juice behaves on freezing, and the results obtained are discussed in the Report of the Agri- cultural Department, Dominica, for 1915-16 The raw lime juice throughout the experiments was placed in a receptacle of block tin ora ylass jar, which was packed round with a freezing mixture of salt and ice, which reaches a temperature of between — 5° and — 10° C. In a short time the juice becomes cooled to a temperature of between —1° and—2° C. Shortly after it will be found that ice has separated on the side of the jar, and on continuing the process this layer gradually thickens until later a core of juice remains and finally a solid mass is formed. The sides of the receptable are now warmed, and the solid mass slips out on to a basin where it is cut up with a knife into pieces of suitable size to enable their being readily placed inside the basket of the centrifugal machine. The centrifugal is whirled round for a few minutes, and throughout these experiments the whole was melted in stages of known volumes. The capacity of the centrifugal machine was such that only 500c.e. of juice could be“conveniently handled The general conclusions arrived at are given in the Report, and are as follows:— 1. Raw lime juice when frozen and treated in the centrifugal can be concentrated without affecting its properties as a beverage. 2. If the juice is treated once only, the acid content may be increased from about 13 0z. per gallon to over 20 oz, per gallon. 3. If this be refrozen a juice containing 30 oz. per gallon can be obtained. 4. The low testing juices can be converted into citrate of lime, thus eliminating all losses excepting those of handling. 5. This process enables a very considerable saving to be made in freight, charges, and packages, amounting to between 40 and 60 per cent., the actual amount depending on whether the juice is frozen once or twice. 380 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. NovemBer 18, 1916, GLEANINGS. Statistics of coconut cultivation in the Malaya Penin- sula show that there were 82,250 acres under coco-nuts in 1915, exclusive of the Straits Settlements. The area for the Federated Malay States in 1915 was 54,822 acres, as against 58,027 acres in 1914. Bulletin No. £12 of the Agricultural Experiment ‘Station, Kansas, deals with the subject of Soudan grass. It is stated that this grass makes a very palatable hay and that feeding results have been uniformly good. Soudan grass promises to replace a considerable portion of the millets and sorghum sowed for hay purposes in Kansas. In connexion with the information given in recent issues of this Jourual as to the control of the house fly, it may be noted that Farmers’ Bulletin No. 754, United States Department of Agriculture, deals with fly traps and their operation. Different kinds of traps are illustrated, special ones having been designed for manure heaps Infectious abortion in cattle is dealt with in Cureular No. 29, Michigan Agricultural College Experiment Station. It is considered possible that calves may become infected through milk from infected animals. Certain results tend to indicate that children or adults may be affected by the consumption of raw milk containing the abortus bacillus. Farmers’ Bulletin No.7 15, United States Department of Agriculture, deals with the measuring and marketing of woodlot products, and should prove of interest to forestry and land settlement officers in the West Indies. A section js devoted to cordwood, and rules are given for the measure- ment of timber that has been felled, and for the estimation of standing timber. An article in the Empire Review on the romance of logwood states that the logwood tree is ripe for cutting in ten to fifteen years, although sometimes it is as well to leave it to mature fora longer period. ‘The outer layers of the woodare white, soft and worthless for any purpose other than the fire. No special machine has yet been invented for removing this outer wood, The development of rubber cultivation in Burma has been very considerable during the last five years. According to the India Rubber Journal; 310,2400b. of rubber was exported in 1911-12, but this gradually rose to 1,285,984. in 1915-16. Experience shows that large areas in Burma are suitable for rubber cultivation, and it is considered that an estate in full bearing should yield not less than 350 to 400 th of rubber per acre. Under the heading of Three Types of Commercial Vanilla in Tahite, the Lxperiment S’ation Record for August 1916, notes that the type called Mexican vanilla is V.planifolia, and that the type called Tahitan vanilla is closely related thereto, but that the type which has been provisionally called V. tzare!, and which is thought to have appeared there five or six years ago from an unknown source, may be a variation or a hybird. It is said to possess qualities of commercial value. Several experiments have been carried out in Burma, in association with the Imperial Institute, with a view to the production of Tepary beans, which are more suited to the United Kingdom market than those usually grown in Burma. This bean is chiefly grown in the Southern States of America, and in Mexico. The beans grown in Burma have been proved to possess a high food value and have given good yields. It is expected that Burma will export considerable quantities of this bean in the near future. Two main series of experiments have been conducted with dynamite in Dominica, (1) to determine the effect of explosions of the soil among established lime trees, and (2) to determine the effect.of using dynamite in making holes for planting. After a period of two years, it is stated, in the report of the Agricultural Department, that no advantage is to be observed in the treated trees in the first experiment, and the dynamited rows show no advantage whatsoever over the ordinary spade-made holes. The Incorporated Chamber of Commerce of Liverpool Magazne for August 1916, contains a report of the annual meeting of the African Trade Section. This is of interest in connexion with the deflection of trade inoil nuts from Germany to Great Britian owing to the war. It may be noted that oil nuts are the source of glycerine which finds an important use in ‘the manufacture of high explosives. Vegetable margerine for human consumption is also prepared from palm kernel oil, but the most important commerciat product is soap. According to the Haperiment Station Record, feeding experiments have been described in which laboratory animals (dogs and hens) were given bread made from mixtures of finely ground seaweed and wheat, rye, and _ potato flour. During baking the characteristic odour of the seaweed disappeared, and the bread was found to possess good qualities. In another note~in the same publication the composition of seaweed is given as follows: protein from 5 to 6 per cent.; fat from 0-9 to 2°2; starch from 84 to 13:9; crude fibre from 54 to 64; ash from 18°3 to 23-4; and potassium chloride from 2°5 to 6°35 per cent. The material is found desirable as a supplementary feed for poultry, grow- ing swine, and horses. The subject of nitrogen bacteria and legumes is dealt with in Bulletin No. 94 of the University of Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station. ‘The Bulletin clearly shows the importance‘of bacteria to legumes, one of the most convincing pieces of evidence being that shown in Plate I, where red clover is seen to be undeveloped ina sterilized soil containing no nitrogen, while in an unsterilized soil containing no nitrogen the growth is luxuriant.; The investigations also furnish conclusive proof that infected sweet clover soil can be used for inoculating alfalfa fields. It appears that proper inoculation is important for the cultivation of the soy bean. ee ea ani ae VoL. XV. No. 380. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. THE GOVERNMENT GRANARY, ST. VINCENT. The rules for the purchase of corn by the Govern- ment Granary in Antigua were published in the Agricultural News, Vol. XIV (1915), No. 341, p. 169. Tt was stated that deliveries would be accepted on the co-operative plan of part cash payment and _ later distribution of bonus, for cash in full direct; or the eorn would be accepted merely for kiln-drying. By the first plan a prelimimary payment of 2s. 6d. per bushel of shelled corn was offered, to be followed by distribu- tion of the net profits less 25 percent. This latter plan, with certain differences in prices, is also followed at the Government Granary in St. Vincent, where acorn drier and storage accommodation have been installed. In the St. Vincent Government Gazette for September 30, 1916, the rules are stated thus:— 1. Only good yellow corn will be*purchased. 2. Corn will be bought on a profit-sharing basis as follows:— (a) Lots in lesser quantities than 25 1b. of corn on the cob or 20 Ib. of shelled corn will not be bought, except from those persons who have previously sold corn during the then current season. (4) Corn will be paid for at the rate of 3s. 4d. for every 100 ib. of first grade corn on the cob or $d. per b. for shelled corn. This price is subject to market fluctuations. (c) Any profits after paying all.expenses will be divided by way of bonus, 75 per cent. to sellers and 25 per cent. to the Ginnery. (d) All corn brought for sale on the profit-sharing system must be clean, sound, and well sun-dried. Corn on the cob must have the husk removed. Second grade corn will not be accepted under any conditions. 3. (a) Corn will also be received at the Ginnery for shelling and drying at a charge of 4}d. 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 4d. per bushel of 56tb. (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 arrangement with the Manager within the capacity of the machinery. Any kiln-dried corn left at the Ginnery for more than ove week will be charged for thereafter at the rate of 1d. per cwt. per week. (e) Kiln-dried corn will not be stored for more than a fortnight. 4. Shelled corn will be ground into meal at the rate of $d.per gallon. In connexion with the price of drying the corn, St. Vincent charges 4)d. against 6d. in Antigua, but the Antigua charge varies according to the market price of corn. In general the rules for both granaries are much the same, and presumably the charges vary with market prices in both cases. It is hoped that planters, both large and small, will continue to make increasing use of these granaries. It is highly desirably to produce as much locally grown corn as possible. There is a strong tendency to neglect corn on account of, for the time being, the higher cash value of sugar-cane. WORKING OF THE ANDERSON OIL EXPELLER IN ST. VINCENT. The Agricultural Superintendent, St. Vincent, (Mr. W. N. Sands), has forwarded figures showing the result of the working of the Anderson Oil Expeller at the Government Cotton Ginnery, St. Vincent, for the 1915-16 crop. The amount of cotton seed crushed was 320,714 Ib. or 143:18 tons. This comprised both Sea Island and Marie Galante seed, some lots of which yielded poorly, while others yielded well. Itis stated that a ton of good Marie Galante seed yielded over 40 gallons of crude oil, whereas some Sea Island gave far lower returns. Ina general way, it would appear that the percentage of meal obtained was up to expectations, but the oil appears rather below the average. In connexion with the inferior oil and foots (3) only 540 tb. was unsaleable. A local soap maker bought this oil. The linters (4) are below the average, and this is of interest. The working loss (5) was 6°51 per cent. This would indicate seed with a high percentage of moisture. The figures actually obtained and those arrived at by calculation based upon average yields inthe United States (see Cotton Seed Products by Lamborn, p. 36) are as follows:— U.S.A. (Per cent.) (1) Meal with hulls 254,066 tb. =79°22 per cent. 82°80 (2) Crude oil—good 43,256 ,, =13°49\=13:°98 14:10 (3) ,, inferior and foots 1,565 = -49/f per cent. (4) Linters 92 = 329 re 1:15 (5) Loss in working 20,900 = 6°51 re 1:95 100-00 100-00 (6) Meal per ton of seed 1,774 (7) Crude oil—good per ton 302°12 bb. A number of experimental trials have been made during the season to reduce if possible the dark colour of the erude oil, and those indicated that the heat of the tempering apparatus should not exceed 130°F. The temperature eventually applied to crushed seed before it entered the expeller was 120° F. The result of reducing the temperature of the tempering apparatus is not stated, but information on this point has been asked for. Mangrove Wood.—Several attempts have been made recently to induce railway companies to use the wood of the mangrove (Lekizophora Mangle, 1.) tor sleepers, but as the mangrove is usually a small tree, it is likely that greater success would attend the introduction of the wood if it could be utilized for sunie purpose where timber of smaller dimensions is in demand. Mangrove wood might be used successfully for pit props and other mine timber since the wood is both strony and durable; it is, however, heavy, a disadvantage where freight is concerned. As the sleepers in question were shipped from West Africa, it might be possible to import a cargo of the smaller-size wood cut to suitable lengths for trial for pit props. The weight of the wood appears to range between 48fb. and 65lb. a cubic foot. (Kew Bulletin of Miscellaneous Information.) : THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. November 18, 1916, PLANT DISEASES. ROSELLINIA ROOT DISEASES IN THE LESSER ANTILLES. The following is a summary of an important paper by Mr. W. Nowell, D.1.C., Mycologist to this Department, on Rosellinia root diseases, which appears in the current number of the West Indian Bulletin (Vol. XVI, No. 1):— Several species of the genus Rosellinia give rise to a well-defined type of root disease in numerous countries of the world, temperate and tropical. The fungus kills out cultivated trees or shrubs in patches, and often infests the soil and destroys practically all .vegetation with which it comes into contact. In the Lesser Antilles, Rosellinia diseases occur in Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and Grenada; they are unknown in the remaining islands of the group, which have drier climates, The range of hosts is an exceedingly wide one, embracing practically all the impgrtant cultivated and semi- cultivated plants, but the cultivations most affected are those of cacao (in all the islands), coffee (in Guadeloupe and Martinique), limes (on new clearings in Dominica), and arrowroot (in the interior districts of St. Vincent). The disease on cacao is usually caused by the species Rosellinia Pepo, and in most cases at the present time, the fields being well established, is communicated from the roots of dead or dying shade trees, especially breadfruit, avocado pear, and pois-doux. Another species as yet unidentified, is believed to attack cacao in certain localities. The disease on limes and coffee is caused by R. Pepo or R. bunodes, indifferently. The first cases in new clearings are usually associated with forest stumps left to decay, especially those of certain special trees. Subsequent cases arise from the spread of the fungus from tree to tree along the roots, or by infection from surface soil rich in decaying vegetable matter, which readily becomes infested in damp and shaded sitnations. An infested tree may be killed gradually by the pro- gressive investment of the roots, or rather quickly by the destruction of the bark around the collar, The fungus penetrates both bark and wood. Conidia are produced with great readiness wherever the mycelium emerges into the open; perithecia occur later, and especially in the case of A. Pepo their formation may be long delayed. Much can be done to prevent outbreaks of the disease by measures directed towards exposing to wind and sun the soil, the bases of the trees, and any logs or other dead material lyingabout. Cases which arise may be restricted by these measures and by the provision of a close system of trenches to prevent root contact, Treatment by excision and exposure is successful in the early stages of infection, but in practice these are hardly ever detected. Periodical surveys would Save many trees. Infested trees should be flamed and then promptly removed, all roots dug out and burnt, the soil limed, and the situation exposed as much as possible. All adjacent trees should be isolated from each other by trenches. DOWN THE ISLANDS. ITEMS OF LOCAL INTEREST. sr. LuctA. Mr. A. J. Brooks’s report for October states that the rainfall at the Botanic Gardens, Castries, was 21-82 inches. The maximun fall was 3°34 inches on the 2Ist, while rain fell on twenty-six days. The rainfall at the Agricultural and Botanic Station, Choiseul, was 11-35. Work in the Experiment Station has included the planting of lime seedlings for 1917, the budding of oranges, and the planting of provision crops. In the Botanic Gardens, work was retarded by the heavy rainfall. Observations relating to the staple crops show that at the time of writing there was a good cacao crop but this was late in some districts. The lime crop slackened during the month Extension in lime planting continues. As regards sngar, it is stated that the canes are now arrowing and there is a good stand through- out the island. Thirteen casks of concentrated lime juice were prepared at the Government Factory during the month and 11 carboys of distilled oil await shipment. The new Crossley 5} h.p. oil engine gave every satisfaction during its trial run. Further. soil shrinkage tests have been made in connexion with cacao cultivation A meeting of the Good Shepherd Catholic Friendly Society was held in Castries on October 22, attended by the Inspector of Agricultural Credit Societies. It was decided to form an agricultural credit society, limited to members of the former society, and to advance money for agricultural purposes to its members from itssurplus funds. The agricultural officers in St. Lucia devoted special attention during October to peasant cultivations, urging the planting of ae ground provisions. sv. kirrs. In Mr. Shepherd’s report for October it is stated that work in the Experiment Station largely consisted in planting provision crops and.in picking cotton from selected plants and from the manurial plots. During the month 12,000 sweet potato cuttings were distributed. The Garden suffered severely from the strong southerly gale of October 9 and 10. On the estates the more advanced sugar-canes suffered worst, B.147 being the variety damaged most. This variety seems very susceptible to damage owing to its vigorous growth. Insome instances the damaged canes have been used for planting purposes. Generally speaking, however, the heavy rainfall for the month (15°59 inches in the Valley district and 19:0 inches “in the Northern Discrict) has done much good, and the present condition of the cane crop is all that can be desired. It appears that cotton suffered much more than the cane, particularly along the coast. Appended to Mr. Shepherd’s observations isa summary of the work conducted during October at the Government Chemical Laboratory. This included the examination of eighty- one samples of cotton lint, the partial analysis of three samples of soil, and the analysis of seventeen samples of milk from the Inspector of Police. On sixty-one- of the cotton samples, lint length, available fibre, and ginning out-turn were determined; on the other twenty samples, lint length and ginning out-turn only, were ascertained. Vor. XV. No. 380. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS ist} ies) oe THE BREEDING AND FEEDING OF PIGS. In the issue of this Journal for August 12, 1916, an cabstract appeared of an article published in the Rhodesia Agricultural Journa! for April 1916, containing instructions as to the best methods of breeding and feeding pigs intended for sale ata bacon factory. Inthat part of the article dealing with the feeding of the animals, rations were given in which succulent food was substituted for skimmed milk. Several of these rations were composed of sweet potatoes, maize and pumpkins, and were regarded as of considerable interest in connexion With the feeding of pigs in the tropics. Undoubtedly the substitution of vegetable products for skimmed milk is an important matter in regard to the feeding of pigs in the West Indies. In a subsequent issue of the Rhodesia Agricultural Journal (August 1916), an editorial note appears in which it is stated that the article in the April issue of that journal referred to above, has been severely criticised. The remark is made in this letter that any farmer who has not a sufti- ‘ciency of skimmed milk to give his pigs had ‘better get rid of them and leave pigs alone.’ The Rhodesia Agricultural Journal maintains that satisfactory substitutes for milk in pig rations are known, and, better still, they are actually being used in Rhodesia with excellent results. Another statement is made in the letter that it does not pay to feed pigs on marketable produce. ‘This statement is not borne -out by the experience of any other pig-raising country of the world, nor, as the Journal points out, by the experience of Rhodesian breeders either. It would appear that the criticisms on the article are unfounded, and that reliance may be placed upon such tropical provision crops as sweet potatoes, ground nuts, maize, rice, and succulent food for the successful feeding of pigs, while the employment of skimmed milk is not necessary. Crop Experiments in Rhodesia.—The Rhodesia Agricultural Journal for August 1916 contains the results of crop experiments at the Government Farm in that country. Some of these are of interest in the West Indies. Distance planting experiments with ground nuts, velvet beans and cowpeas have been carried out. Ground nuts drilled 36 inches apart yielded the best (520 tb. per acre). Velvet beans also yielded best at the same distance, giving 1,900 fb. of hay and 372 tb. of seed per acre. In connexion with the harvesting of velvet beans, the irritation caused by the black hairs on the stalks and pods was obviated by cutting the crop about 6 or 8 inches above the ground, leaving the bunch of pods round the base (the main crop) when these were well formed, but the remainder on the runners were just set or still only flowers. The vines or tops were gathered in small heaps to dry, and later on carted away. Interesting experiments have also been conducted with Guinea grass (Panicum maximum), and also with Soudan grass (Andropogon sp.). Both of these grasses have given signs of great promise in Rhodesia. Soudan grass appears to be very resistant to climatic changes. A copy of a Proclamation prohibiting the importation into the Presidency of Antigua of cane plants and parts of the sugar-cane from the Colony of Trinidad has been forwarded to this Office by the acting Governor. This legislative action has been taken with the object of preventing the introduction into Antigua of the sugar-cane froghopper (Tomaspis sp.’. WEST INDIAN PRODUCTS. DRUGS AND SPICES ON THE LONDON MARKETS. Mr. J. R. Jackson, A.L.S., has forwarded the follow- ing report on the London drug and spice markets, for the month of September:— The month of September opened with very little interest either for-spices or drugs, antl with very slight variations in bulk or prices from those reported upon for August. Though August and September are the normal holiday times in years of peace, the war has to a certain exteat modified these customs, though they have, perhaps not been so strictly observed this year as they have been in the previous years of the war. Spices have in particular been slow of demand. The following are the principal details. GINGER. At the first spice auction on September 6, ginger was in fair demand at from 44s. to 46s. for washed Cochin, and 40s. to 42s. for wormy; no Jamaica was offered at this auction but a week later, 16 bags of common small Jamaica were offered and disposed of at 82s.; some 570 odd bags of washed Cochin were offered and bought in at 47s., and 168 bags of limed Japanese were also offered and bought in at 40s. Pimento has been in slow demand throughout the month at 3£d. per hb. SARSAPARILLA, At auction on the 21st, sarsaparilla was represented by 35 bales of grey Jamaica, 13 of native Jamaica, 20 of Mexican, and 8 of Lima. Of the first, 9 bales were disposed of at from Is. 9d. to ls. 10d. per it. for fair quality, and ls. 7d. for rough and damaged. The whole 8 bales of the Lima-Jamaica were disposed of at 1s. 6d. per tb., but none of the native Jamaica nor the Mexican found buyers. ARROWROOT, LIME JUICE, LIME OIL, CITRIC ACID, ANNATTO, AND KOLA. At the beginning of the month ordinary manufacturing St. Vincent arrowroot was quoted at 2d. to 3d. per tb., and fine manufacturing at 34d. Lime juice at the beginning of the month was offered at 2s. 9d. per gallon for fair raw West Indian, but a week later it rose to 3s, 3d. to 3s. 6d., in con- sequence of a large Government order having been received, together with the effects of the hurricane in Dominica. It was further announced, however, that some 400 or more packages, principally from Dominica, had recently arrived. There has been a quiet demand for lime oil during the month, fair West Indian distilled being quoted at 8s. per Ib. in the early part of the month, but later on this article was also affected by the Dominica calamity. In the early part of the month citric acid was again declining, being obtainable at 2s. 10d. per Ib., and at the close of the month it had dropped to 2s. 8d. Annatte seed was. in good supply at the auction on the 21st when 60 packages were offered, only 15 of which were disposed of, fetching 9d. per tb. for fair Madras, the remainder (fair Jamaica) being held at ls. per tb. At the same auction, Kola was represented by 378 packages, only 63, however, finding purchasers, bold Java halves fetching 6d. per tb., and bright Ceylon halves 6d. to 64d. 384 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. NovemsBer 18, 1916, _ Barbados.—Messrs. JAMEs London.—Txe New York.—Messrs. Giuueseie Bros. & Co., MARKET REPORTS. West INDIA CoMMITTEE CIRCULAR, October 5, 1916. ArRowroot—2hd. to 43d. Batata—Sheet, 3/3 to 3/6; block, 2/3. Berswax—No quotations. Cacao—Trinidad, 84/- to 85/-; Grenada, 72/6 Jamaica, no quotations. Corrze—Jamaica, 65/-. Copra—£32. Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota- tions; West Indian Sea Island, no quotations. Fruit—Bananas, £17 per ton; Oranges, Jamaica, 16/- to 18/- per case. Fustic—No quotations. Gincer—Jamaica, nu quotations. Isrnciuass—No quotations. Hongty—Jamaica, 35/- to 45/-. Loe Jurce—Raw, no quotations; concentrated, £22; Otto of limes (hand-pressed), no quotations. Logwoop—No quotations. Macre—6d. to 2s. 2d. Nurmrcs—5 $i. to 1s. 2d. Pimento—3¢d. to 3hd. RusseR—Para, fine hard, 3s. 24d.; fine soft, 2/11; Castilloa, no quotations. Rum—Jamaica, 3/11 to 5/7. to 73/-; October 20, 1916. Cacao—Caracas, 14}c. to 14fc.; Grenada, 15c. to 15}c.; Trinidad, 15c. to 15jc.; Jamaica, 11jc. to 12}c. Coco-nuts—Jamaica and ‘Trinidad selects, $42°0C to $43:00; culls, $20°00 to $22°00. Corrre—Jamaica, 9$c. to 11$c. per tb. Gincer—l4$c. to 174c. per tb. Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 65c.; Antigua and Barbados, 60c. to 63c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 45c. to 62c. per tb. Grape Fruit—Jamaica, $200 to $2°50. Limes—$4°50 to $5°00. Mace—4be. to 51c. per th. Nutmecs—léc. to 17e. OrancEes—Jamaica, $1°75 to $2:28. Pimento—bde. to 54c. per th. Suear—Centrifugals, 96°, 6°27c; Muscovados, 89°, 5‘51c.; Molasses, 89°, 5°39c. all duty paid. Trinidad.—Messrs. Gorvon, Grant & Co., October 19 1916, Cacao—Venezuelan, $1500 to $15°50; Trinidad, $15-00 to $15°60. Coco-xut O11—$1-08 per Imperial gallon. Corrrer—Venezuelan, L5c. to 16c. Copra—$b5'75 per 100 Tb. Dxat—No quotations. Ontons —$4'50 to $5°00 per 100. th. Peas, Serit—$11°50 per bag. Porators—English, $500 per 100 th. Rice—Yellow, $7°50 to $8°00; White, $7°40 to per bag. Svuear—American crushed, no quotations. $775 AY .byncH ce (Coe Ltd., November 1, 1916; T. S. Garraway & Co, October 30, 1916. ARROwROOT—$5‘00 per 100 th. Cacao—$14°50 to $15°50 per 100 th. Coco-nuts—$24°00 husked nuts. Hay—$1°75 to $1°90 per 100 te. Manures—Nitrate of soda. no quotations; Cacao manure, quotations; Sulphate of ammonia, $105°00 per ton. Motassrs—No quotations. Ontons—$4°75 to $5:00. Pras, Spirit—$9°50 to $9°65 per 210 tb.; Canada, $6:00 per 120 te. Potators—Nova Scotia, $4°25 to $4°75. Rice—Ballam, $6°30; Patna, no quotations; Rangoon, no quotations. Sucar—Muscovado centrifugals, $5°00 to $5-25. British Guiana.—Messrs. Wietinc & RicuTer, October 31, .1916; Messrs. SANDBACH, October 20, 1916. Parker & Co, 7 Messrs. Sanp- Messrs. WretInc ey ARTICLES. Ge TSS BACH, aL é 5 ARrRrowrRoot—St. Vincent $10-00 $12-00 Barata— Venezuela block — ae Demerara sheet $6500 68c. Cacao—Native 12c. per tb 14c. per th. Cassava— 96c aise Cassava STARCH— — = 3 Coco-nuts— $20 to $24 per M.| $24 per M. CorrEe—Oreole ld4c. 16c. per tb. Jamaica and Rio 1dc. per tb. 17c. to 18. Liberian lle. 13¢. Drar— $6°50 to $7-25 $650 ¢ 2 Green Dhal —- eri 1 Eppors— %6e oe. A Motasses— Yellow None —— Ontons—Teneriffe 2c. ee Madeira 4e. 4c. to 44c Peas—Split $12:00 to $12°50 $12-00 Marseilles — — PLANTAINS— 24c. to 48c. Potatrors—Nova Scotia $4°00 to $4°50 $475 to $6-00 Lisbon Potators--Sweet, B’bados RickE—Ballam $2°16 $6°00 to $6°50 Creole — $5°50 to $6° Tannias— 2°88 fish! a Yams— White $2-88 sa a8 Buck $3°12 —— Suear—Dark crystals $4°50 to $5°10 $4°50 to $4-60 Yellow 35°00 to $510 $500 to $5-10 White 37-00 Molasses , =. TiImBER—GREENHEART 48c. to 72c. per | 32c. to 5dc. per cub. foot cub. foot Wallaba shingles} $4°75 to $6°75 $5°00 to $7°00 per M. per M. s, Cerdwood| $2:00 to $2°40 aes 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 ls. each. Post free, 1s. 2d.; Volumes IT, IIT, IV, V, VI, VU, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV and XV:—Price 2s. each; Post free 2s. 8d., where complete. Volume XV, No. 4. (IIT, 2. IV, 3; and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.) Containing a full account of the Proceedings of the West Indian Cotton Conference, 1916. HANDBOOK AND PAMPHLET SERIES. The Pamphlets and Handbooks 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 haye only a limited circulation, The number issued up to the present time is eighty-two, 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;im 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;-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 1912-15, in 1913-14, price 1s. each, GENERAL. (7) and (22) Scale 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. 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The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of 47. 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. 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. VolumesIV 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. All applications for copies 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. Dutauz& Co., 37, Soho Square, W. West Inpia Commirrer, 15, Seething Lane. Barbados: ApvocatE Co, Lrp., Broad Street, Bridgetown. Jamaica: THe EpucarionaL Suppty Company, 16, King Street, Kingston. British Guiana: THE Arcosy Co., Lrp., Georgetown. Trinidad: Messrs. Murr-Marsnaty & Co., Port-of-Spain. St. Kitts: THe Brae AND Book Suppry AGENCY, BAssETERRE Tobago: Mr. C, L. Phacemann, Scarborough, Nevis: Messrs. Howse, Bros., Charlestown. Canada: Lewis W. Curmens, 71, King Street, West. Toronto. Grenada: Messrs. THos. Lawtor & Co., St. George. St. Vincent: Mr. J. D. Bonaprg, ‘Times’ Office. St. Lucia: Mr. R. W. Nivzs, Botanic Station. Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. Brrpgewarer, Roseau. Montserrat: Mr. W. Ropson, Botanic Station. Antigua: Mr. 8. D. Matong, St. John’s. Vou. XV. No. 380. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. NovemBer 18, 1916. THE BEST MANURE FOR COLONIAL USE J SEES Dissolved (Soluble) Guano FOR SUGAR-CANE TRADE AND GHNERAL USE. APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIRECT TO:— THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL GUANO WORKS, (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) London Agency: Barbados Agents: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C. James A. Lynch & Co., Ltd., Bridgetown. JUS WEST INDIAN BULLETIN, Vol. XVI, No. 1. Containing the following papers: “Report on the Prevalence of some Pests and Diseases in the West Indies during 1915, by H. A. Ballou, M.Sc., and W. Nowell, D.1.C.; R osellinia Root Diseases in the Lesser Antilles, by W. Nowell, D.L.C.; The Shedding of Flower Buds in Cotton, by S. C. Harland, B.Sc.; Notes on Resistance to Leat-Blister Mite with Special Reference to Budded Cottons, and to Cotton Hybrids, by 8. C. Harland, B.Se.; On the Genetics of Crinkled Dwarf Rogues in Sea Island Cotton, by S. C. Harland, B.Sc.; Wes Indian Cotton Conferevce, 1916, by W. Lawrence Balls, Sc. D., and John W. MecConnel. The | |THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE Index and Title page for Volume XV will be issued with this number. PRICE 1s. each: _POST BREE: esd 22) i) i! te e- a SELECTED SEA ISLAND COTTON SEED. We make a speciality of selecting Sea Island Cotton Seed for planting purposes, and solicit orders from the | neighbouring Islands. Quotations on application. COTTON FACTORY, LIMITED, WHITE PARK, BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. WANTED IN GOOD CONDITION:— 1) 10 H.P. x60 bb: boiler preferably horizontal, with or without fittings. 2) A donkey pum 3) 2 cast iron tayc hes 4} feet x 2} feet and 5 feet x 2} feet inside measurement. 4) Small circular or band saw with table complete to cut 6’ wood. 8 A small hydraulic oil press. 7) 100 feet of I steel 4°x4'x5 Particulars and prices I'.O.B. St. Lucia to Imperial Department of Agriculture, A 500 gallon per hour steam apomp, gunmetal. Barbados. Printed at Office of Agricultural Reporter, 4, High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados, Bi f SS QS ee a ; ESS Ze a, WA Tol. XV. No. 381.] SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1916. [One penny. R. M. S. P. 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 & PARAMARIBO Grenada & Trinidad. [ Trinidad, Puerto Colombia, |/PANAMA CANAL & PACIFIC PORTS , Cartagena, Colon, Panama, Callao, Iquique, Antofagasta & Valparaiso. = aL REGULAR MAIL, PASSENGER AND CARGO SERVICES FROM THE f 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, Demerara, Colon, Jamaica, Antilla, New York, Halifax N.S., Buenos Aires, Santos, Sao Paulo io de Janeire, Madrid, etc. THE AGRICULTURAL. NEWS. - * THE IMPROVEMENT of NATIVE CATTLE in the WEST INDIES Adverse Effect of Ficks The Urgent Need for Dipping Tanks ree 4 Me CATTLE TICK FaMALe Extract from an article by The Director of the Jamaica Department of Agriculture, peblished in No.8 Vol. II of the “ Bulletin” of the Department. “Until quite recently very little had been done to control the cattle ticks in Jamaica, beyond the application of “Tar and Oil” as a smear to congested areas of large ticks. The intensification of non-tropical blood in the herds, with the consequent increase in the hair of the animals and the tenderness of their skins, resulted in a serious increase in the tick-pest under the inadequate system of control generally prevailing on the pens. The consequence has been that the breeding of high- class beef cattle became commercially unprofitable owing to the serious loss of calves from tick-infection and the slow maturation of the fattening gangs. By the introduc- tion of cheap cattle from Central America about 20 years ago, the blood parasite of Tick Fever was introduced into Jamaica, and the tick-pest became not merely a sucker of the blood and a depreciator of the vital forces of our cattle, but an actual propagator ‘of a parasite which destroyed the whole blood system of a susceptible animal so as to cause it the most serious loss of condition, or even to die of ‘red water.’ When this disease first spread in Jamaica very serious losses of cattle were incurred, and the best bred beef stock were the most susceptible to the disease. By the control of the ticks within reasonable limits, and the natural im- munisation of the’ cattle that survived the attacks of the parasite, the cattle industry surmounted this attack, but the deteriorating influence has remained, and even ‘immune’ cattle suffer severely from partial destruction of the blood system when badly infested with the ‘grass lice,’ which is the stage of the tick in which the fever parasite is inoculated into the animal with fresh virulence. In the first degree, therefore, the improvement of our beef cattle in Jamaica has been hampered by the tick problem, and secondly by the wide, spread prevalence of the fever parasite wherever cattle are bred in the Island. The finest breeds of beef cattle are the most susceptible to the tick-infestation and the least resistant to the fever parasite. This fact explains the miserable animals that have frequently resulted from the use of English Shorthorn Bulls of the finest breeding on a native herd of cattle. The half-breds have remained stunted and unthrifty with long staring coats,and in many cases have proved vastly inferior to their dams on which it was sought to effect improvement by the prepotent and pre-eminent qualities of the premier breed of British Cattle, the Shorthorn. It has been found for example, that under ordinary commercial conditions, of management, 80 per cent. of the Hereford Calves have died; whereas, under the same con- ditions, only 10 per cent. of the progeny of the ordinary tropical cattle with a basis of Zebu blood failed to mature. The tick-problem, therefore, lies at the root of the improvement of our Beef Cattle in Jamaica. Since the visit of PRoressor NEWSTEAD in 1910, pen- Keepers have largely, developed the spraying of cattle. One proprietor reports that consistent spraying has enabled him to prime his steers for the butcher in six months’ less time than under former conditions of tick-control: The use of Dipping Tanks is undoubtedly indicated to be the best solution, of the tick-problem, and Jamaica should now resolutely follow the example of South Africa, Australia, and the Southern United States in this direction. It has been demonstrated at the Hope Farm that a Tank, as designed by Mr. A. H. Ritcute, Government Ento- mologist, can be erected at a cost of £25 for labour and materials, which is capable of dealing with a large herd of cattle. It may be safely asserted that no large enterprise in the rearing and fattening of high-class beef cattle in jamaica can be adequately equipped without a Dipping Tank, and it is hoped that a wide extension of dipping will very shortly be taken in hand by all the larger proprietors of cattle in the Island.” rc ED 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 States of America, New South Wales, Northera Territory of Australia. WEST INDIAN AGENTS: ST. KITTS: S. L. Horsford & Co. ANTIGUA: Bennett, Br, son & Co. JAMAICA: D. Henderson & Co., Kingston. GRENADA: Thomson, Hankey & Co. BARBADOS: Barbados Co-operative Cotton Co., Ltd. BAHAMAS: W. N. Twynam, Nassau. TRINIDAD: T. Geddes Grant, Port of Spain. BRITISH GUIANA: Sandbach, Parker & Co. ST. VINCENT: Corea & Co., Kingstown. NEVIS: S.D. Malone. DANISH WEST INDIES: A. Schmiegelow, St. Croix. MONTSERRAT: W. Llewellyn Wall. DOMINICA: Hon.H. A. Frampton. ST. LUCIA: Barnard Sons & Co., Castries. ri Manufacturers: WILLIAM COOPER & NEPHEWS, Berkhamsted, England. BRANCHES: Teresto, Chicago, Sydmey, Melbourne, Auckland, Buenos Aires, Monte Video, Punta Arenas, East London, Odessa. MEG ra > wy % LZ ————— NN fe fen! : Zh == . . —_= ‘ ge oes yh. aa A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW i OF THE IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. eas Vor. Xv. No: 381. BARBADOS, DECEMBER 2, 1916, Price ld, —— CONTENTS. a good tilth, but that does not teach us anything: ib Pras Pace. gives us no definite clue as to what the roots of Bacteria in the Soil, The Silk Camp, A ... . 391 different crops require, or whether air supply might Enemies of: ... ... 399 | Soil Ventilation, Construc- Book Shelf Sechout|| tive sé 385, 392 California Orange Groves, Sponge Cultivation in the Improvement of ... . 394 Bahamas, Improvement Cotton :— of tee eee oe Re OUe Changes in Cotton Seed Sudan Grass and Johnson During Storage... ... 390 Grass, Distinguishing Cotton Exports from th Characters of Seeds West Indies a2.) O90 of 395 Sea Island Cotton Mar- Suoate ce 390 en : - LES oes oc Ps ; Lod The Colouring Matter of Department News ... ... 399 Capeeinices 329 ; es 898 _ Cane Juices .- ++. 389 Hipage Publications aa Thelshadwiomthe Sugar. xS oe aie: * »QQ G eae oe he It aT : cane in India ... 88 re: é eric "e ny x 1 : "Cade a a erie ue 395 The Sugar Crop in qosececes Pee aesos Re Porto Rico and Santo Grenada, Progress of Land Domineo 389 Settlement in... ... 397) ae Items of Local Interest ... 398 Weather:— Market Reports ... cas 400 Crop Conditions in Bar- Manchester and the West bados 387 Indian Cotton Confer Be, Heavy Rainfall in the ence Ash aeh kao Wah mimdias 87 {otes and Comments 392 i x Notes and Comments ses 3 Hunneaeeeiaen soe) in Philippines, Testing of Oil- Daminiea ; 387 Bearing Nuts in The ... 394) eeie Mas) Root Systems and Leaf- West. Indian Exhibit at Areas of Corn and the the Canadian National Sorghums ... 2 394 Exhibition ese | sas OOe Constructive Soil Ventilation. g& HEN considering the composition and struc- P : I ture of a fertile soil we are very apt to overlook the fact that air is a constituent part just as essential as water or plant nutrients. Air supply has never taken definite shape in soil science to the extent water-supply or plant-food supply has, and consequently, an important field of investigation appears to lie practically untouched. It is true that drainage in relation to soil ventilation is appreciated as well as methods of cultivation that go to produce not be more scientifically adjusted to suit the roots of different crops and the beneficial bacteria that function under similar conditions in If under certain circumstances it were found to be desirable, it should the soil. be quite practicable to supply the soil with air by more direct means than by cultivation or drainage, just as we know it is practicable to supply the soil with plant food in the form of chemicals instead of relying upon weathering and the decay of organic matter. These considerations suggest a new aspect of land culture, Soil Ventilation—a definite branch of agricultural engineering associated with Drainage. namely, Construetive Before proceeding to enlarge upon this idea, 16 will be well to consider what evidence exists to justify it. Lhe importance or soil ventilation has been brought out prominently by the observations of Howard in India. He has pointed out that crops undoubtedly differ greatly in the amount of air their roots require. In India, for example, Gram requires a great deal of air, and only a moderate amount of water. In some parts of the country the conditions both natural and artificial are such that the roots get plenty of air. Here this particular crop thrives. But in other places where, for instance, irrigation conditions obtain, Gram Howard maintains that the proper provision of air to the soil is all that is necessary for extending the cultivation of this useful crop. The facts are the same in regard will not grow successfully. See Bulletins Nos. 52 and 61, Agricultural Research Insti. tute, Pusa; also Agricultwral News, Vol, XIV, No. 352, p. 337, 386 to the cultivation of Indigo. This crop is largely cultivated on the higher levels in rice-growing ‘districts. The occasional flooding of these higher levels due to the rise of the riversis the cause of the low yields obtained in India compared with those -obtained under drier conditions in Java. The two crops just referred to are of course leguminous, and the detrimental effect of insufficient airis partly due to the limited supply of nitrogen available for fixation by the nodules on the roots. But that is only partly the reason; bad aeration has a general retarding influence upon root development. Howard has noticed this even inj the case of wheat, which is a crop that can be successfully grown on very heavy land. Experiments conducted at Pusa show that the best-grown wheat can be raised only on_ soil that is well aerated. Lastly, rice which grows in swamps is unable to thrive without a supply of oxygen for root development. This is obtained through the surface film of algae and other green organisms on these soils. Certain cultural operations after harvest also help to conserve a store of oxygen in the soil subsequent to the arrival of the rains. Other crops in other parts of the world are equally susceptible to anaerobic conditions in. the soil. In regard to cotton, we know that this plant thrives best on soils of open texture, and thatthe principa] cause of boll shedding is root asphyxiation, proved by Balls in Egypt and fully supported by observations in the West Indies. “That may be because cacao is naturally a deep-rooting plant and the clay offers mechanical resistance to the Cacao is extremely sensitive to clay. extension of the roots; butit is also hkely to be due to the fact that a clay soil contains less air than a light It is not merely a clay subsoil but a clayey surface soil that has an adverse effect on the growth soil. of cacao. Coco-nut trees are very sensitive to inadequate They will thrive only ,on land that is well No effect is produced on the roots by the presence of water: aeration. drained either naturally or artificially. harmful coco-nuts will thrive in saturated soil provided the water is continually moving. This is a very significant fact concerning the physiological importance of soil aeration. In view of all these facts, which come within the range of observation of the planter himself, it will be admitted that soil aeration demands greater attention han it has received. The significant fact is, that air is the limiting factor to the efficiency of water-supply. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, at oy —{h 1916. DECEMBER Beyond a certain point, water is wasted in the soil if it is not aerated. Turning more particularly to the physiology of roots, it is very desitable to know more concerning their respiration. Respiration has been studied almost exclusively in regard ‘to the parts of the plant above ground, and the generalizations have been extended to apply to the roots. But it does not seem justifiable to assume that the manner in which roots breathe under the complex conditions, both chemical and physical, of soil environment is the same, and follows the same laws as those parts of the plants exposed to the com- paratively simple environment of the atmosphere. There is probably a difference in the rate of respiration of the roots of certain plants, and as already suggested in this article, the growth of certain crops might be stimu- lated by the artifical ‘mtroduction of air into the soil. Constructive Soil Ventilation as an established branch of agricultural engineering presupposes success- full researches into the air requirements of roots and soil organisms. The desirable conditions in different cases having been determined, it should then be possible to establish them. : The methods of +etfecting soil aeration artificially would come within the province of the engineer. Possibly one method, would be to lay down porous ventilation pipes through which air could be introduced In orchard cultiyation vertical tubes might be introduced near the trees and air pumped down them periodically. In the light of soil aeration better use might be made of soil explosions with dynamite, to aerate clayey subsoils especially, if necessary, under pressure. Investigation might show that an alteration in the percentage composition of the soil atmosphere would in circumstances: — for example, a high proportion of oxygen might prove beneficial, or in some eases the removal of an excess of prove advantageous some carbon dioxide. There is also the question of the possible value of introducing gases other than those that norm- ally constitute the air of the soil. A matter for speeula- tion is whether liquid air could be usefully employed as a soil fertilizer. Finally, more might be done to bring about a better state of aeration in certain circumstances by meuns of methods of cultivation. The forking of orchard soils. is still a matter of some controversy, and the true value of . 79.) re ives } restioati ip } this operation requires investigation. The ploughing of the soil in coco-nut plantations gives good results, but its relation to soil aeration is not generally recognized, Vor. XV. No. 381. The full appreciation of the importance of soil aeration would no doubt lead to the invention of special imple- ments, designed with the special object of introducing air into the soil. THE WEATHER. HEAVY RAINFALL IN THE WEST INDIES. From all quarters reports arrive regarding the heavy rains experienced during the end of October and the first half of November. From St. Vincent, Mr. Sands states that the phenomenal rainfall of the twenty-three days, October 21 to November 12, has been the cause of a great deal of damage to lands and crops throughout St. Vincent and the Grena- dines. The prolonged and heavy rains were probably unequalled in magnitude in the history of the Colony. The total rainfall measured at the Botanic Gardens was 36:17 inches. Of this 10°57 inches were recorded -for the last eleven days of October, and 25-60 inches for the first twelve days of November. It is stated that the rainfall in other parts of the island was almost as heavy as this, judging by the nature of the reports of loss and damage which had been received. The effect has been to cause soil washing, landslides and damage to roads. It is feared that the cotton crop has suffered to a grave-extent, the loss of crop being put down at something like 50 per cent. The arrowroot crop has also suffered, while ground nuts, as might be expected, have suffered seriously. Sugar-cane seems to have been affected least of all. From Montserrat Mr. Robson writes: ‘I have to report that very excessive rains have been experienced in Montserrat for the month of October, ending last night (October 29) in a fall of 7°59 inches chiefly between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. The total rainfall at Grove Station for the month to date is 18°87 inches. The excessive rainfall has put a somewhat different complexion on the outlook for the cotton crop, and although it promises to be a fair one, picking has been very seriously hampered by the wet weather.’ In the Virgin Islands as well as in St. Lucia have somewhat similar conditions prevailed. The wet weather in the latter island has been responsible for a good deal of black pod amongst cacao. As mentioned in the article in this issue on crop conditions in Barbados, the estates in that island have been handicapped as regards preparation of the land by the heavy falls of rain. The wet weather has also been responsible for landslides of 2 serious nature. HURRICANE DAMAGE IN DOMINICA. The Curator of the Botanic Gardens, Dominica, has submitted for the information of this Office, a copy of a report by the Assistant Curator (Mr. G. A. Jones) on his visit to different parts of the island, having for its object the ascertaining of the damage sustained by estates and the peasantry during the hurricane of August 28 last. It would appear from the Report that the southern end of the island, which is the great lime-producing portion, escaped with but slight damage. The chief loss was from the heavy falling of fruit, and the insufficiency of labour THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 387 and facilities to deal with such an emergency, thus resulting- in the rotting of many barrels of limes. The loss from this cause is also general throughout the island. The: estates in the interior of the island have suffered considerably, but their powers of recovery under these conditions are so- great that inside of five years conditions should be once more normal. According to the report, only three estates can be said to have \suffered very severely, and even then the losses of two are covered by insurance, while the third has a considerable acreage of young limes soon coming into bearing. Thus, on the whole, the damage occasioned by the storm, while quite serious, would appear to be rather of a temporary than of a permanent character. CROP CONDITIONS IN BARBADOS. In continuation of the statement regarding weather and crop conditions existing in Barbados, referred to in the Jast issue of this Journal, the Agricultural Reporter for November 18 mentions that the weather during the preceding, fortnight, so far, has been the wettest for the year; in no- part of the island was the rainfall less than 7 inches. As a result of this abnormal precipitation, practically every form of work was brought to a standstill, except the procuring; of fodder for the live-stock and the carting of litter to keep. the stock pens in habitable condition. Weather like this has not been recorded for twenty years past, when the rainfall for the month of November 1896, reached 33 inches. In St. Andrew and St. Joseph parishes, landsides have occurred:. about 6 acres of land in St. Andrew slid away, carrying with: it one of the bridges on the main road of that parish. These’ conditions, along with a shortage of labour referred to in the previous report, have been a source of much anxiety, and it will require several weeks of fair weather to enable the planters to make headway. There has been a welcome change in the weather how- ever, since the 13th instant, and no time has been lost in taking in hand every necessary form of: work. Farm-yard manure which had been buried in the cane holes is being: turned out to make room for the cane plant, and planting: has commenced in several districts. Most of the estates are cutting their own plants either from fields of plant canes or from. ratoons. In addition to the work. incident to this time of year, several estates are improving their roads by widening them, or by making extensive repairs. This has been found necessary to facilitate the carting of canes to the factories, The cane crop for |917, itis stated, has had ideal weather: it only needs light rains now to keep it ina healthy condition until it has quite matured. A fortnight of dry weather, it is thought, would do all crops good and enable them to develop under the most favourable conditions. The appearance of the Lisbon yam crop is all that could be desired. Horn and Oriental yams are being sold at $2°40 per 100 tb. and there is said to be a fair supply in the market. Nut eddoes are being sold at 4c. per tb. Pota- toes continue to be retailed at one cent per lb., but the quality is said to have deteriorated, not in consequence of the abnormal rainfall, but that they are being reaped before they have reached maturity. The shipment of sugar during the fortnight ended November 9 was regarded as a large one for the time of year, the exports being 2,290 tons of sugar and 1,096 puncheons molasses. This brings the total shipment of the year’s crop up to 51,316 tons sugar and 89,062 puncheons molasses, as compared with 27,634 tons sugar and 53,874 puncheons of molasses at the corresponding period of last year, 388 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. DeEceMBER 2, 1916, THE STUDY OF THE SUGAR-CANE IN INDIA. There has recently been issued by the Imperial Depart- ment of Agriculture in India an account by Dr. C. A. Barber, Government Sugar-cane Expert, Madras, of his studies on Indian sugar-canes at the Cane-breeding Station at Coim- batore. This deals with observations on the methods of raising, and characteristics of sugar‘cane seedlings, and discusses some correlations existing between morphological characters and sucrose in the juice.© While in the West Indies this publication in respect of its details will interest principally experiment station workers with sugar-cane, there are nevertheless many matters which will prove interesting to the general reader. The first piece of successful work accomplished at this newly-founded cane-breeding station in India was the pro- duction in that country of seedling canes. This appears to have been repeatedly attempted, and the reason for previous lack of success seems to be that almost all the efforts were madé in North India. Flowering of the sugar-cane is rare there, and, when it occurs, there is generally sterility in the male organs. The flowering of the sugar-cane decreases steadily in India as we proceed north and west, until it disappears entirely. Flowering at Coimbatore occurs from October to December. A study of the best method to induce flowering has resulted in the discovery that it depends chiefly on the time of planting. The best planting time for obtaining arrows is generally about November. As this is not the best time for general cane planting on the station, ‘arrowing plots’ have been instituted, planted in November, and these have been attended with marked success. As in the West Indies, certain years appear to be better for arrowing than others. For protection against foreign pollen, the arrows are covered by fine muslin bags outside bamboo or iron cages, such as is done in Java work. Cageing must be done before emergence of the inflorescence from its sheath, as some flowers have been seen to open their anthers before pro- trusion. It seems as if thereis some ground for assuming prepotency of the pollen in cane flowers, although this has not been definitely settled. The sources from which cane arrows have been obtaincd are various. Ani increasing number of canes have lately been induced to flower on the station itself, and the farm is thus becoming independent. The pollen is now being sent from a distance by post, by the use of small gelatine capsules, and appears to retain its vitality longer than expected. Sugar-cane seed has also been tested and has proved to keep good for a number of months, The collected arrows are chopped up and spread over an intimate mixture of finely powdered horse manure and river sand placed in shallow pans. After watering and keeping the pans in the full sun the seedlings begin to appear on the fourth day, but in some instances have been known to germinate. only after a full month. At six months they are planted in pits for study. At first these pits were large, and there was some suspicion that the generous nature of the environment reduced. the sugar content of the plants, so the pits have now been made smaller. It is interesting to record that the land on the farm is slightly saline in character, and green dressings, especially Dolichos lablab, have been found a useful treatment for improving the soil In India it takes eighteen months for the seedlings to mature, and it takes three years before a seedling is ultimaiely distributed for planting purposes. But it is generally wiser to refrain from sending out cuttings until tests have been made for two or three years longer. The vitality of the seedlings of different parentage have been found to vary a good deal. In some cases such as ‘Java’, the fertility of the arrows appears to be very great, but the seedlings are so delicate that they die in thousands when very young. The seedlings cbtained by crossing cultivated canes with wild grasses are characterized by excessive vigour. An enumeration of the various seedlings obtained eaeh year is given in the paper. There has been a good deal of variation in the parentage each year, owing to the particular canes flowering. The idea constantly aimed at is to obtain crosses between the various North Indian canes and thicker, better, tropical ones, with the object of producing varieties capable of being grown in North India under ryots’ conditions. Success so for has not been great on account of the dependence on simultaneous flowering of the desired parent. The current flowering season (1915), however, promises very well, as a large number of indigenous canes and introduced tropical ones are flowering together on the farm. Most of the former have infertile stamens, which is considered a further augury of ultimate success. The sucrose content of the seedlings raised at the Indian sugar-cane breeding farm has steadily increased during the- past three years. During the current harvesting season, the sucrose in many seedlings has been very high, and about 250, which have produced over 18 per cent. of sucrose in the juice, have been selected for growing on. It is of interest to record the fact that the highest figure was in a seedling raised from B.208, which recorded 25°4 per cent. sucrose in the juice. The variations in the morphological characters of the seedlings have been carefully noted, with the object of correl- ating them with richness of juice. General habit appears to be of the greatest use in classification of seedlings, as it has proved to be with varieties of cultivated cane. In connexion with correlations dealing with seedlings of common parentage, it is important that such correlations should be detected early in the life of the seedlings, so as to avoid rearing useless plants; but there are special difficulties in the way, and the principle has been adopted of trying first to find such correl- ations in mature canes at crop time, and later, to attempt to correlate infant and mature characters. The first step alone has been tried at present, and the following correlations have been studied between mature characters and sucrose in the juice, the results being given in the summary table appended in the paper: correlation between the amount of sucrose in the juice and various leaf and cane measurements (width, length and module, or length divided by width) and colour of cane, and correlations between leaf width and thickness of cane, tillering power and total weight of seedling. In the studies of the colour of cane, the interesting fact has come to light that, in coloured and striped canes used as parents, approximately half of the seedlings are green. This appears to be true of the coloured parents in 1912-14, although there may be a larger proportion where the parent itself is green, Vot. XV. No. 381. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 389 THE SUGAR CROP IN PORTO RICO AND SANTO DOMINGO. The Louisiana Planter (October 7) publishes the following interesting information regarding the -extension of sugar production in’ Porto Rico and Santo Domingo:— The press telegrams have given complete statistics of the sugar production in the island of Porto Rico for the -season just closed. The data have been compiled by the Insular Treasury Department, which shows that the island’s sugar output was 483,590 short tons. As the sugar statistics of the world generally are now kept in the long English ton of 2,240 tb., or the metrical ton of 2,220 Ib., the -data given by the Insular Treasury Department are a little -ambiguous. Regarded in this way the crop would amount to 431,777 long tons, as against 308,178 long tons last year -and 325,000 long tons the year before, The extraordinary increase of over 123,000 tons makes an increase of about 40 per cent. in a single year, and would be record breaking for almost any sugar country on earth. The value of the Porto Rico sugar crop to the producers is said to be about 53 millions of dollars. We note, however, that thé quota- tion given is 54c., and presume that from that the cost -of transportation to the mainland is chargeable, and that the net price received would be but little, if any, over 5c. THE SUGAR CROP IN SANTO DOMINGO. We have recently received from the American Consul- -General in Santo Domingo some interesting data concerning the production of sugar there. The sugar in Santo Domingo is packed in bags, the average weight of which is stated to be about 310 tb., and to make the calculations comparable with the rest of the sugar world, 7 bags can be estimated for a ton, and we find that the present expected grand total of the three leading districts amounts to 1,033,000 bags, or say, 148,000 long tons, for the probable crop of 1916-17, which of course is now only an estimate. .The actual crop of the year 1915-16 closing, was 877,769 bags or 125,400long tons. The crop of the previous year was 752,287 bags, or say, 107,469 long tons. These figures show a constant inerease which is very suggestive as to the immediate future. Santo Domingo lies between Cuba and Porto Rico, and there is no particular reason why Santo Domingo should not increase in its produc- tion almost as rapidly as Porto Rico; and the crop of Porto Rico now exceeds 400,000 tons. Our advices from Santo Domingo are to the effect that all the plantations except one have increased, in their output. The high prices obtained in the United States helped to make this season one of the best experienced in recent years. The disturbed political conditions during the last few weeks of the grinding season were about the only unsatisfactory feature of the season. One new estate, San Jose, will be producing this coming season. Another estate, San Luis, estimates its next output at about twice the size of the season now closing. This increase is attributed toan enlarged area under cultivation. Various other plantations are expecting increases in their output of from 30 to 40 per cent. Sugar-cane has been exported from La Romana plantation to Porto Rico, and the entire output during the season of 1915-16 amounted to about 140,000 tons, The estimate of the new crop is about 180,000 tons. It is not stated whether these are long tons or short tons, or the sometimes so-calle] ton of the Cubans of 100 arrobas of 25 Tb. each. that compound. THE COLOURING MATTER OF CANE JUICES. An article appears in-the Louisiana Planter for October 7, 1916, written by the Research Chemist, Louisiana Experiment Stations, on the subject of the colouring matter of cane juices. The following are the main conclusions. These will interest readers concerned with the production of white sugars:— 1 The eyes and tops of sugar-cane contain polyphenols which pass into the juice. 2 Traces of iron are suflicient for the production of a very dark colour in such juices. a 3 Reducing agents, such as SO, and hydrosulphites are only temporary remedies. The dark colour returns on oxidation or cooling of juices and syrups. 4 The dark shade of plantation white sugars, increasing in storage, is:due to traces of phenol iron compound. 5 ’ —, items of local interest, 2, 3, 39, 77, the West Indies, 241. 102 132, 164, 212, 244, 276, 347, The stimulation of motor cultivation 398 420 by the war, 369. —, lime oil history, 252. The war and cotton production, 17. — marurial experiments with lime Trade products of the painish Empire, trees In, 341. 257. —, milk, composition of, 159 —, products shipped from, 428. —, rainfall im 1915, 120. reve: ue of, 407. 301, — in Tonga, 105, p) —, shipment of lime juice products from, Egzs, quality of determined by process of 375. —. shipments of coco-.uts from, 348, . storm damage in, 297, 310, 387. — water, report on samples of, 2 Donkeys, Barbados, 158. — in St. Kitts and Anguilla, 159. Drug plant for the West Indies, a new, 287. Dry- salting bacon and hams, 36. Duck raising, 18. Duhat (Zugenia jambolana), 250. Durian seeds, experiments in shipping, 116. Durio zibethinus, 116 Dynamite experiments, candling, 253. Egypt, cctton plant in, canons of, 38. | Egyptian cotton, close planting of, 190. _— sheep, 361. Electricity and plant growth, 413 Elephants, anthrax in, 43. Endemic plants, 108. 137, England, agricultural returns in, 329. —, crop yields in, 425, Ensilage tanks, 169. Euzymes of cacao, 60, 149. Epimys [Mus] rattus (black rat), 90. 'Epizootic Lymphangitis in Antigua and | Barbuda, 15. ‘ Erb-a-Picygue ’ “Eniodendron anfractuosum tree), 202, 267. Ng Wale (New olaena lobata), 271. | Essential oils, simple stills for, 259. E. Eucalyptus Boormanni, 123. — buprestium, 123. East Indian teak (Z'ectona grandis), 251. — capitellata, 123. Economie aviculture, 197. |-— citriodora, 123. Editorials :— — coriacea, 123 Atadistance, 1. = crebra, 28. Constructive soil ventilation, 385. |— Deanei, 123. Cotton-seed meal as a manure, 273 — fasciculosa, 125. Do soil explosions pay /, 81. — yoniocalyx, 123. Further argument for agricultural —_ megacarpa, 123. colleges, 289. — microtheeca, 28 Humidity and the growth of crops, 33.. — obtusifolia, 123. Land settlement after the war, 97. — paniculata, 28. Method in manurial experiments with — pleurocarpa, 123. trees, 145 — tereticornis, 123. Modern views regarding plant disease Kuealyptus in Dominica, 123. legislation, 177. —, used as wind-breaks, 28. Notes on transpiration in the | eas lena mexicana, 155. cane, 417. Eugenia jambolana (Duhat), ¢ 250, iBapatoniur odoratum, 202. Examinations, agricultural, 29, 45. Exhibition, Barbados annual, 8. —, awards at, 22 Planning of field experiments, 113. Progress and changes, 161. Safeguarding the futnre agricultural! policy, 305. Science for protection and progress, 193. The bad germination of seeds, 225, The experiment station worker, 353. The house-fly in relation to the pen by sound — in Formosa, 25. Exococtus specnliger, 63. Experiment station work ia Florida, 201. Experimental work in Bombay, 379. Experiments with stocks for citrus, 250. manure heap, 321. Export association formed in Canada, 45. The measurement of tilth, 49. Exports from Dominica, 1915, 265, ‘The principles of crop production, 65, — seta liuciay soll The spread of economic effort within. Enfleurage system of scent extraction, | West Indian aencaies for flour, 337. | Education, agricultural, home projects in, ;— (silk-cotton | eae |—, crop experiments in, | | Exports from the Gold Coast, 280. Extraction of ground-nut oil, 406, Ve Faleo Spaworius (Sparrow hawk), !97, Feathers of the flying fish, 63. Federated Malay States, agricultural development in, 377. rubber exports from,. 92. Feeding experiments on horses sugar and meat meal, 117. — with seaweed, etc., with 580. /— humming birds, 55. — of pigs, 383. — stuffs, digestible food units and prices of, 188. — value of palm kernel cake, 28. Fermentation of cacao, 51,100. — ce fee, 100. — tobacco, 101. Ferns, Hawaiian, at New York Botani- cal Garden, 428. —, motor plough demonstrations in, 117.) Fibre in the Belgian Congo, 121. — industry of Mauritins, 61. | Ficus benjamini 180. | — elastica, 74. —sp:, (4. | Field selection of Indian corn 69. ‘Fiji, cotton in, 326 banana trade with Australia, 333: —, West Indian cotton in, 85, Filter-press cake and fish manure, 300; —, estimation of guin in, 261. — pectin in, 261. Fish meal as food for pigs, 201. —, plants that stupefy, 270. —, West Indian, poisonous species, 205. Fishing at Trinidad, Ordinance to regu- late, 421. Fieas on dogs, eradication of by dipping, 159, Florida, experiment station work in, 201, , production of thymol in, 233. | Flout cassava, 373. —, price of, 372. F.y traps and their operation, 380. Fiying fish, copepod parasite a situ, 63, —, feathers of, 63. Food value of the jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) 28. Foodstuffs, Canadian, 408. — in St. Lucia, maximum price of, 396, Foreign countries and British possessions, recent trade of, 249. Forest bulletins, interesting, 28, Formalin, use of, for disinfecting seeds, 316. Formosa, exhibition in, Fowls, Plymouth Rock, Islands, 159. Franee, motor plough demonstrations in, Lie 428, 2h Ze in the Virgin 438 Freight facilities, possible improvement|Green dressing trials in Dominica, 155, offi: French weed (Commelyna sp.), 57 Frost, Henry W. & Co., 6, 22, 86, 102, 119, 133, 151, 167, I'S1, 215; 326, 342, 367, 374, 390, 406, 419. Fruit-grading machine, Newton, 14. Fruit jnices, studies on, 213. — preserving, ete., 115, —, tropical, in the Philippines, improve- ment of, 116. Fruits, citrus, sugar and acid content of, etfect of fertilizers on, 190 Fungus Notes :— (see Plant Diseases). 327. — manures and germination, 349. 54, 70,| Grenada, agricultural activities in, 189. — — cadetships in, 395. —, exports of cacao and spices from, 12. —, introduction of Jack Spaniard into, 10. —, items of local interest, 77, 132, 164, | 212, 244, 276, 347, 398, 420. — land settlements, 13. —, peasant agriculture in, 180. --, — instruction in, 361. — prize holdings competition 299. —, progress of !and settlements in, 397. Fureraea gigantea (aloe ‘ Malgache ’), 61.) — scholarship, 184. aloe’), 61 Future of logwood (Haema‘orylon cum- pechianum), 330. G. Gamboge or seaside Mahoe (Z'hespesta populnea), 182. Garcinia mangostana (Mangosteen), 250, — vennlosa (guta-gamba), 250. ‘Genetics’, 156. German agriculture, recent development of, 332. — anid Portuguese cacao, 9. Germinating coco-nuts, 153. Germination and green manures, 349, — of seeds, etfect of light on, 377. Ginger lily (Hedychium coronarium), 60, 283. Ginger on the London market, 31, 62. 111, 143, 175, 191, 239, 255, 431. Goats, anthrax in, +5. —, Barbados, 158. — in Barbados, improvement in, 108. Gold Coast cacao industry, origin of, 310. —, exports from, 280. Golden apple (Spondias dulcis) [Cythe- rece}. 116. Gossypium peruvianum, 4. Gossypol, 25 Grading by law in the Philippines, 303. Grain of tobaeco leaf, 428. — production in Argentina, 351. —, sorghums, value and use of, 396. Gram (Cicer arietinum), acid. secretion of, 79 Granary, Government, Antigua, report on working of, 292 _. * St. for purchase of corn by, 381. Grapefruit, California, and its future, 324. Grass, Sudan, 190. Grasses of Dominica and St. Lucia, 325. var. Willemetiana (‘creole) —, work of the Agricultural Department in, 358. |Ground-nut oil, 227. — —, extraction of, 406. Growth im the sugar-cane, methods of measuring, 350, — of the sugar-cane, 523. Guamo (Inga dulcis), 203. Guinea corn (sorghum vulgare) as human food, 372. Gum in filter-press cake, estimatien of, 261. Guta-gamba (Gareinia venulos), 250, Gymnasio n. nudipes, 219. H: Haematoxylon campechianum (logwood), 123, 330. Hams, curing of, 61. _—, dry-salting, 36. Hanoverian or brown rat (JZus norveyi- Mus decumanus), 90. Hawaii, (levelopments of the hog industry in, 364. —, trade and commerce of in 1913-14, 9, Hawaiian farmers helped to market their ' produce, 315, — soils, 89. Hay made from Sudan grass, 380. Hedges and wind-breaks. 28. Hedychium coronarium (ginger lily) 60, 283. Hemp industry in Mexico, 150. Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger), 300. Heritiera minor, 28. Hibiseus sabdariffa (Roselle or sorrel), 108. High sugar prices, the reason for, 217. Hints for raising onions, 201. History of rubber, 292. Hog industry in Hawaii, development of, 364. cus = Vincent, rules) Hog plum tree (Spondias lutea), 74. Hog-raising in Cuba, 404. Hogs, feeding velvet beans to, 284. maize-fed in the United States, 156, —, velvet beans as food for, 201. Hologniscalus brichypterus, 219. Home projects in agricultural education, 301. Honduras, agricultural conditions in, 233. Horse bean (Canavalia ensiformis) in Grenada, 108. Horse-mint (Monarda punctata), 233. Horse-radish tree (Moringa pteryyosper- ma), 202, 218. Horses in St. Kitts and Anguilla, 159. —, sugar and meat-meal fed to, 117. House fly, control of, 380. —, in relation to the pen manure heap, 331. Human food, insects as a source of, 329, —, utilization of oil-seed for, 330, Humming birds, feeding, 55. “ Humogen’, 263. Humus and water, s9il balance of, 247. Hurricane at Dominica, 297, 310 387 — St. Kitts-Nevis, 355 — St. Thomas, 345. 355. — Tortola, 355. . relief of sufferers, 412 — in the Virgin Islands. 345, 355. of August 1916 at Jamaica account of, #12. — warnings, 210. —. West Indian, of September damage occasioned by, 252. Hurricanes, West Indian, notes on, 277. Hutson, Dr. J C., Acting Entomo’ogist, 399. Hybrid bongainvillaea, 235, Hydrosulphite of soda, manufacture of, 187. Hygrometer, chemical, a new, 191. Hyoscyamus muticus, 287, 300, 421 — niger, 287, 300. 1915, I Imperial Bureau of Entomology, Director of 10 — Department of Agriculture, publica- tions of, 104, 393, — Institute, new council of the, 360. Importation of animals from Antigua and Barbuda into St. Lucia prohibited, 15. Improvement of the sugar beet, 155. Incense trees in the West Indies, 407. India, area under different crops in, 172. cattle insurance in, 204. . oil-pressing industry in, 108. progress of agriculture in, 299. —, seedling sugar-canes in, 44. —, study of the sugar-cane in, 388. , Sugar factory development in, 104. tea cultivation in, 44. , veterinary work in, 191. Indian corn, 221. —. field selection of, 69. —, influences of lime on, 300, —, manuring of, 268. Indian methods of seed testing, 516. Indian sugar-canes, studies in, 34. — ee industry, 205. —, development of, 223. Tita crop of 1915-16, 125. natural versus synt hetic, 172! -— plant, tobacco fertilizer from, 299. —, West Indian (Indigofera Anil), 155. Indigo-yielding substances in plants, 44. Indigofera Anil (West Indian indigo), 155. — suftruticosa, 155. Indoor gardening for schools, 75. Tadustrial research in the United States, 239. — school, British Guiana, 169. Infectious abortion in cattle, 380. Tufiuence of pen manure and water upon bacterial activities of the soil 348. + Tnfusorial earth as a manure, 47. Inga dulcis (Gnamo), 203. Insect Notes :— Acrolophus sacchari(stool moth larvae), . 410. Alabama argillacea (cotton worm), 68. Alurnus marginatus, 228 Amerrhinus pantherinus, 228. Argentine ant, intercepting. 420. Argyroploce rhyncias (‘Pois sabre’ borer) 90. — schistaceana (sngar-cane white borer), 90. Aspidiotus sacchari (root scale), 410, 426. Aulacaspis pentagona, 110. Banana weevil (Sphenophorus sordidus = Cosmopolites sordida), 123. Barred-winged onion ily (Chaetopsis aenea), 170. Batocera rubus, 74, 90. Batrachedra rileyi (pink corn worm), 250. Blissns lencopterus (chinch hug), 430 Brassolis sophorae (coco-nut buttertly), 106 122. Brown hard back (Lachnosterna pat- ruelis\, 68 — (Lachnosterna sp.), 170. — — — (Phytalus smith), 90, 410. — locust (Schistocerca pallens), 426. Butterfly injurious to coco-nut palms in British Guiana, 106. Cacao thrips (Heliothrips rubrocinetus) in St. Vincent, 206, 222. Castnia daedalus, 228. “4 — licus (giant moth borer), 122, 410, 426. Ceratitis capitata (Mediterranean fruit. fly), 10. Ceroplastes sinensis, 546, Chaetopsis aenea (barred-winged onion fly), 170. Chinch bug (Blissus leucopterus), 430. | Chrysomelid beetle (Myochrous arma- tus), 426. Chrysomphalus dictyospermi, 346, S415) 362. 439 Insect Notes (Continued) :— Coceus viridis (Lecanium viride), 302. Coco-nut butterfly ( Brassolis sophorae), 106, 122. Colaspis fastidiosa. 26. Conocephaloides maxillosa (green grass- hopper), 426. Control of a woed-boring larva, 298. Corn-ear Se (Laphygma frugiperda), 171, Ase , and the Paris tarel mixture, 171. — leaf weevil (Myochrous armatus), 26. — beetle (Myochrous denticollis), 26. Cotton lachnopus, Anguilla (Lachnopus valgus), 75. —, Tortola (Lachaopus curvipes), 74, 75. Cotton stainer, 182, 183. —, campaign against plints of 313, 316, 319. —, Ordinance for eradication 316, 319. —, food plants and feeding | habits of, 202, 218, 267. Cotton worm (Alabama argillacea), 68. | Criddle mixture, 58. Cryptorhynchus corticalie, 110. Damage done by termites or white ants, 282: green food of, Diaprepes abbreviatus (sugar-cane root borer), 75. — spengleri (root borer weevil}, 74. Diatraea canella (small moth borer), 426. — saccharalis (small moth borer), 122, 158. 168, 426. — striatalis neice 90. Dispersion of the house-iiy, Duomites punctifer, 298. Dyscinetus barbatus, 45. — bidentatus (small black hard back), | 410. Dssdercus delauneyi, — howardi, 202. — minor, 202. j Eutermes haitiensis, 252. Lxophthalmus esuriens (sugar-cane root | borer), Leeward Islands, 68, 75, 109. | Flower-bnd maggot, 74, 182 Frog-hopper (Temaspis Alavilatera), | 426. — (Tomaspis sp-), 332. Giant moth borer (Castnza lacus), 122, 426. Grass-hopper (Conocephaluides mavril- losa), 426. — control, 58. Grass-looper (Mocis repandz), 426. Green bng (Nezara viridula), 126. Heliothrips rubrocincta (cacao thrips), 110, 206, 430. } Hard back grubs (Lachnosterna sp.), spotted borer), 202, 267. 307. | Hard backs, dangerous, +2. Insect Notes (Continued ):— House cockroach (Periplaneta austrar lasiae), 68. Insect pests in British Guiana, 122 Mauritius, 90. Insects attacking onions, 154, 170. — of the Virgin Islands, 74. Lachnopus enrvipes (cotton lachnopus), Tortola 74, 75. — valgus (cotton lachnopus) Anguilla 75. Lachnosterna dubia, 378. fusca, 378. gibbosa, 378 ‘ grandis, 378. implicita, 378 nitida, 378 patruelis, 42, 68. rug: sa, 378. sp. (brown hard back), 170, 219, 307 — — (white ;,rub), 90 — spp., 378. Laphygma frugiperda (corn ear worm), 175 372. —- (rice worm), 426. we moth borer (Castnit licus), 410. Leaf-blister mite of cotton, dispersal of, 186. Lecanium viride (Cocus viridis), 302. Lesser moth borer (Diatraea sacchara- lis), 168. Leucotermes tenuis, 282. Ligyrus ebenus (reddish-black hard back), 426 — rugiceps, 45, 170. -— tumulosus, 42, 43. Longicorn beetle (Phelematium femor- ale), 90. Lygus pratensis (tarnished 265 Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capi- tata) in Bermuda, 10. Megilia maculata (spotted lady-bird j154, Method of controlling white grubs in America, 378. Mexican boll weevil, 182. Mocis repanda (grass-looper), 426. Moth borer of sugar-cane j(Diatracs saccharalis), 138. Musca autumnalis, 331. Myochrons armatus (corn leaf weevil), 26, 426. — denticollis (corn leaf beetle), 26. Nezara viridula (green bug), 126. Onion caterpillar (Prodenia sp.), 170, — fly (Tritora flexa), 170. — maggot (Pegomyia cepetorun), 170, —, remedies for root maggots,§170, — thrips (Thrips tabaci), 154. Orthezia proelonga, 426. Pegomyia cepetorum (onion maggot), 170. — insciceps (seed-corn maggot), 170, Periplaneta australasiae (house cock. roach), 68. Pests of sugar-cane in British Guianas 410,426. plant bug) Insect Notes (Continued): — Pest of the horse bean, 363. — — — orange tree, 282. | Phelematinm femorale — (longicorn, | beetle). 90. Phy ialus smithi, 42 43, 90, 410, 411 Pink corn worm (Batrachedra rileyt', 250. ‘Pois sabre’ borer (dr yyroploce thyn-| cias), 90. | Poisoning of crabs, 155. | | Poultry tlea (Sarcopsylla yallinacea), | 90. | Prodenia commelinae, 75. | — sp. (onion caterpillar), 170. | Reddish-black hard back (Ligyrus) ebenus), 426. | Rhinoceros beetle (Oructes tarandus), | 90. | -- — (Strategus titanus), 74 | Rice worm (Laphygua frugiper du), | 426. Root borer weevil (Diaprepes spenglert), 74. | Root scale (Aspidrotus sacchari), 410. | Sarceepsylla gallinacea (poultry flea), 90 Scale insect pest of citrus, and its con- trol, 346, 362. Schistocerca pallens (brown locust), 426. Seed-corn maggot (Pegomy ia fusciceps), 170. Sesamla nonagrioides (sugar-cane_ pir k | borer , 90. Sing or Palut (Verontcella occidentalis) 138. Small black hard back (Dysc/netus _ bidentatus), 410. — moth borer (Diatraea canella and D. sacchavalis) 122, 426 Spotted lady-bird (Magilla maculata), 154. Spraying for ticks in Antigua, 159. Sphenophorus sordidus = Cosmopolites sordida (barana weevil), 123, Stable fly (Stomorys calcitrans), 321 322, 331. Stomoxys caicitrans (stable fly), 52', 322, 331 Stool moth larvae (dA crolophus sacchar?), 410. Strategus anachoretus, 43. — titanus, 42, 43, 74. Sugar-cane beetle (Ligyrus ruyiceps), 170. — borer, fighting with parasites and poisons, 138. — froghopper (Z'owaspis sp.), 383. —, pink borer (Sesamia nonagrioides), ’ —, root borer (Diaprepes abbreviatus), | 75. — —, Leeward Islands ( Hxoph- thalmus esuriens) 68, 75. — spotted borer (Diatraea striatalis), — white borer (Aryyroploce schista- coun), IC, 440 cE < — == SX a s L | Insect Notes (Continued) :— lav hurricane of August 1916, account o Tarnished plant bug (Lygus pratensis), 412. 266. —, land settlement in, 249. Ternites or wood ants, 426. |—, lime-growing industry in, 44- Thermesia gemmatilis, woolly pyrol —, population of, 12. 363 —, school gardening in, 54. Thrips tabaci (onion thrips’, 154. |, sugar-cane cultivation in, extension of, Tick (Amb/yomma sp.), 90- 290. Ticks (Amblyomma variegutum) YO —, trade and agriculture of 1914-15, 253. -— (Argas persicus), 90. Java fibre conference of 1911, 311. — (Margaropus annulatus, var. dero-|— seedling canes in the Argentine, 124 luratus), 90. Javan sugar crop, 1915, 291. — (Rhivwephalus evertsi), 90. | John Bull or Gambove (Thespesia popul- — (Rhipicephalus sanquineus), 90. nea’, 202, 203, 218, 267, 313 316, Tomaspis ‘flavilatera (froghopper), #26. 319, 334, 347. — sp. (froghopper), 332, 383. | Johnson grass and Sudan grass, distin- Tortrix citrana, 285. guishing characters of seeds of, 395. Tritoxa fl-xa (onion fly), 170. Juglans insularis, 52. Trichogramma minutwn, £22. Juniperus barbadensis (pencil cedar), 300. Veronicella occidentalis (slug or palut),, — bermudiana, 300. 138 _-— pachyphloea, 300. White grub (Lachnosterna sp.), 90. Woolly pyrol moth (7'Zermesia geimma- tilis), 363. Insect Parasites: — Aphelinus chrysomphali, 347. K. — silvestrii, 347. Aspergillus flavus, 301. Aspidiotiphagus citrinus, 347. Campsomeris (Dielis) dorsata, 168. Cepbalosporium lecanii, 502. | Kapok, 311 Ceraphron beneficiens on sugarcane — tree, domestic value of, 9. pink borer, 90. Kiskadee (Pztangus sulphuratus), 106, Chalcis annulata, 106. Kokia roeki, 285. Dielis dovsata, 411. Kokio tree, 92. Empusa Fresenii, 302. Kola’on the London market, 31, 62, 111, Entomophthora pseudococei, 302. 143, 175, 191, 239, 255 287,335, 383, Pseudococcus calceolariae. 302. 451 Salpingogaster nigra, 426. Kukui nut (A/ewrites moluccana), 69 Sargus sp., 426. Tachinophyta, 138. Tiphia parallela, 42, 43, 90, 168, 411. Trichogramma minutum (pretiosa), 168. Trichogramma pretiosa, 138. L. Insects as a source of human food, 329. Insurance of cattle in India, 204. Lagerstroemia parviflora, 28. International Veterinary Congress tenth Land settlement for sailors and soldiers, anc last report, 107. 157. Tron in plants, immobility of, 396. — — in Grenada, progress of, 397. Irrigation at Vere, Jamaica, 172. | — — — Jamaica, 249: — channel, 252. — ——— Sf, Lueia, 310) - in Antigna, 287. |__ settlements, Grenada, 15, — of sngar-cane, 220. |— — in Queensland, proposed, 24. Isle of Pines, natural vegetation of, 284. | Leeward Islands, agricultural administra- Italy, Zebu crosses in, 190. tion and research in, 545. - —, onion seed for, 265. Legislative Council, St. Lucia, Adminis- trator’s opening address to, 143. Legumes and nitrogen bacteria, 380. J. —, source of nitrogen in, 200. Leguminosae, distribution of, 44. Jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis), food Lemon grass (Cymbopogon coloratus), 82. value of, 28. Lemonade, substitutes for, 254. — Spaniard. introduction into St. Lucia Lemoacillo, 243. and Grenada, 10. Lemons, fertilizer experiments upon, 190. Jamaica, agriculture in, the future of, 335, Lessoas on tomatoes for rural schools, —, Chinese banana in, 424. 427. —, extension of corn cultivation in, 252, Life duration of seeds, 351. 441 — = —~s } Lifejackets, required buoyancy of, 243. Machine ploughing in Cuba, 263 Light, effect of on germination of seeds, Mahoe (see ‘John Bull’ tree). 3TT, Mahogany (Swietenta Mahagoni), 123. Lightning, effect of on coco-nut palms, 84. Maiden’s blush (Mormordica Charantia), Lima bean experiments in Montserrat, 202. 175, Maize, experiments on manuring of, 396. Lime burning in small pits, 107. Maize, nutritive value of new and old, — cultivation in Sierra Leone, 425. 124 — Growers’ Association, Antigua, inau- — show at Antigua, 152. guration of, 364. Maize-ted hogs in the United States, Lime-growing industry in Jamaica, 44. 156. Lime juice, clean concentrated, production Malachra capitata (wild ochros), 20 of, 224. Malaya, rubber production in, 28. —— —, concentrating by freezing, 379, Malp‘ghia glabra (Barbados cherry), 250. | 429. ‘Mammee apple (Mammea americana), — —, exportsfrom Trinidad in 1915,, 271. 349. Manchester and colonial sugar, 153 — — factory, Demerara Government, — —- the West Indian Cotton Dike Conference, 393. — — -—, Government co-operative, Manganese, action of, under acid and suggested for Trinidad, 412. neutral so 1 conditions, 428. — — —, St. Lucia, 41 Government, 294.) 159. | | | | — — onthe London market, 62, 111, Mango ( Mangifera indica), 202, 303. 143, 175, 191, 239, 287, 335, 385, 431.) Mangoade, how to prepare, 254 — — products, record shipment from Mangoes, classification of, 52. Dominica, 375. — of Cuba; 297 — products, exports from Dominica, 196, —, preserved, 20. — oil history, Dominica, 252. price of, 423. Manihot dichotoma, 108 — — on the London market, 31, 62,)— heptaphylla, 108. 111, 143, 175, 191, 239, 255, 335, 383, — piauhyensis, 108. 431 Manufacture of pen manure, 271. — trees, effect of mulching on, 358. Manure, infusorial earth used as, 47. — — in Dominica, manurial experi- —, storage of, 21 ments with, 341. Live Stock Notes :— quality of tobacco, 236 Barbados donkeys, cows, and goats, 158 Manurial experiments with lime trees in Barbuda stock farm, 159. Dominica, 341 Berkshire and Tamworth boars in the Manuring cacao in British Guiana, 149. ‘Maravg’ (Artocarpus odovatessima), 116. Virgin Islands, 158. Montserrat, agricultural prospects in, 32! Mange on dogs, eradication of by dipping, /—, experiments with Lima beans in, 175. |—, items of local interest, 2, 39, 103, 365 Mangosteen (Garcinia manyostana), 250 — -—, Juxury. trade restrictions and) Mangrove wood, use of for pit props, —, value of coco-nut husks as, 44. Live stock, co-operative insurance of, 229. Manures, influence of ou composition and Milk in St. Kitts, fixed standard of purity for, 264. — — the tropics, composition of, 223. —, legal standard for, 139. Millet breeding for drought adaptation, 83. Milling of rice, 172 Mimosa pudica, 427 Moisture in soils, 200. Molasses as a manure, 254. —, motor spirit from, 219. — versus gasoline, 348. | Molybdenum ores in Virgin Gorda, 2% Monarda punctata (horse-mint), 233. Monkey apple (dnona palustris glabra), 6 req —, bay tree experiments in, 23. —, close season Ordinance for cotton in, 168. —-, date for planting cotton in, 70. —, cotton selection and seed supply in, 497. 7 b) 133, 180, 212, 244, 276, 308, 365, 398, 420. —-, papain from, 117. Moringa pterygosperma (Horse-radish tree), 202, 218. Mormordica Charantia (Maiden’s bush), 202. 2 | Morphology of the sugar-cane, 268 Morus alba, 358 : Moth bean (Phaseolus aconitifolivs), 101. Motor implements in Mauritius and Cuba, 131 — plough demonstrations in England and France, 117. — — for light work, 142 -= —, the coming of, 22. — spirit from molasses, 219 Mouse or rat trap, an ingenious, 256. Mulberry forest, 391 Horses and donkeys in St. Kitts and Marine industries, new, for the West| Mulching, effect of on lime trees, 358. Anguilla, 159 Live stock observations in St. Vincent, | —- Indies, 185. — of the Bahamas, 412. 159. Market Reports, 16, 52, 48, 64. 80, 96, 112, 128, 144. 160, 176, 192, 2 224, 240, 256, 272, 288, 304, 320, 336, 352, 368, 384, 400, 416, 432 | Lodoicea Seychellarum (Coco-de-Mer), Martinique, agricultural prospects in, 107. 279. Matté tea production in southern Brazil, — — trade cf St. Vincent, 158 Plymouth Rock fowls at Tortola, 158. Spraying for ticks in Antigua, 159 Logwood (Haematorylon campechianum),, 409. 123. | Mauritius, fibre industry of, 61. — cultivation on waste land in St. Lucia,) —, motor implements in, 131. 95. | Measurement of soil tilth, 204, 252. —, export from British West Indies) — prohibited, 60. —, the future of, 330. —, trial shipments from Mauritius to, 248. _ United Kingdom, 140. Louisiana, nitrogenous manures for sugar-- 283. cane in, 131. — timber, 380 | Meat, preservation of, 55. ‘Method, plea for greater uniformity of, | Mexican methods of tapping Castilloa, Microscopic parasites of plants, 364. — sugar-cane, 430. | 5 Mules, fertility of, 393. Mung bean (Phaseolus aureus), 101. Mus norvegicus= Mus decumanus (Hano- verian, or brown rat), 90. Musa Cavendishii, 424. N. Napier’s fodder or Hiephant grass (Pen- niselum purpureum), 207. Natural colour in plants, preservation of, 409. Nature study in Botanic Gardens 24. Navel orange, Bahia. origin of 361. Neurolaena lobata (Erb-a-Pieque), 271. Nevis, agriculture in, 59, 411. Milk adulteration in’ British Guiana, —, encouragement of cotton cultivation M. By) in, 165. —, cows’, effect of water in the ration, on! —, items ot Jocal interest, 3. 39, 103, Mace on the London market, 31, 62, 191, composition of, 245. 255, 335. -—, Dominica, composition of, 139. 164, 180, 215, 262, 276, 365, 398, 421, 442 New York Botanical Gardens, of ferns from Hawaiian Islands at, 428. Newfoundland, timber resources of, 108 Newton fruit-grading machine, | 4, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic, 9. Nicotine as an insecticide, effects of, 423 Nightshade (Atropa Belladonna), 300. Nitrate of soda, possible shortage of 92 Nitro-benzol and ground-nut oil, 60. Nitrogen bacteria and legumes, 380. — in legumes, source of, 200. ZT Panicum elephantipes, 426. |Papain, commercial preparation of, — from Montserrat, 117. Papaw, American, 248. — cultivation and preyaration of papain, | < 236. | Papaya tropical 248 Paper, manufacture in Cuba from sugar-| cane megass, 156 358 Nitrogenous manures for sugar-cane in) Paspalum gracile, 426. Louisiana, 131. ‘Nivrai’ (Cibadiwm Varyesi), 271. Northern Grenadines, agriculture in, 334. | ‘Notes on West Indian Hurricanes,’ 277. |— virgatum, 426. collection Panama hat palm (Carludovica palmata), Pigeon pea (Cajanus wndicus), 181. —, factors affect- ing the Ecokine of, 284. Pigeon peas export from St. Vincent, 213. Pilocarpus racemosus, 405. Pimenta acris 195, 245. —_ —, var. 2itrifolia, 243. Pimento on the London market, 143, 175, 191, 239, 255, 287, ' Pine-apple fibre, 311. | Pine-apples from the Azores, 277. /Pipiri or Hawk beater (7'yrannus rostra- tus), 218. 31, 62, 335, Pasteurization of cream for butter-making | | Pitanyns sulphuratus (Kiskadee), 106. Nutmegs on the London market, 31, 62,/— instruction in Grenada, 361. 111, 143, 191, 255, 335. Nyasaland cotton, alleged depreciation of, 360, =, — industry in, 8&6 0. Obeah cult in the West Indies, 71. Obituary :— Ule, Prof. Ernest, 108. Uchroma Lagopus (Bois flot), 74. Oil-bearing nuts, testing of in pines, 594, Gil nuts, deflection of trade trom Germany | to Great Britain, 380. — of the ground nut, 227. Oil-pressing industry in India, 108 Oil seed, utilization of for human 330. Oil-standards, ylang-ylang, 60. Oils, essential, simp'e stills for, 259 Okro (Habiscus esculentus), 202 Onion Growers’ Association, Report on, 1915-16, 340. —, Tortola, 1915-16, 340. industry in the Virgin Islands, 35. — seed tor the Leeward Islands, 265 Onions for exhibition, 140. —. hints for raising, 201. Orange groves, California, of, 394. Oranges, fertilizer experiments upon, 190, Ordinance to regulate fishing at Trinidad, 421. Oreodoxa oleracea (Cabbage palm), Oriental species of beans, 101. Pp 31]. 28. » =e Palembang, cotton cultivation in, Palm kernel cake, feeding value of — trade of Sierra Leone, 421. Palmetto, utilizing in the United States, | 235, Palo Maria (Calophyllum' 250. the Philip-| | Peradeniya school of agriculture, 108. food, Antigua, | — Report on, 106. inophullum), 95. | Peasant agriculture i in Grenada, 180. |Peasants, agricultural instruction for, 280. | Peat, bacterized, exaggerated statements, concerning, 233. Pectin in filter-press cake estimation of, eel | Pen manure, manufacture of, 271. —, — storage of, 271. Pen manures, composition of, 332 Pen-manure heap and the house-fly, 331. Pencil cedar (Juniperus Larbadensis), 300. Pennella exocoeti, 63. Pennisetum purpureum (Napier’s fodder, or Elephant grass), 207, Persea americana, 305. Petroleum oil, crude, export trom Trinidad, | 46. | Phaseolus aconititolius (moth bean), 101. | -— angularis (adsuki bean), 101. |— aureus:(mung bean). 101. calearains (rice bean), 101. lunatus (Barbuda bean), 79 mungo (urd bean), 101. semierectus, 101. | Philippine bananas, 284. — Islands trade of, 1914-15, 99. | Philippines, blight-proof coffee for, 345. |—-, grading by law in. 305, | |—, improvement of tropical aellG: —, testing of oil-bearing nuts in, fruit in, | 394. improvement | —, the agricultural situation in, 312. | Photographic illustrations in agricultural | science, 409. Phyllostachys bambusoides, 46. — benonis, 46. |— puberula, 46. |— quilioi, 46. | Pig, raising pedigree, profitable, 108. Pigs, best crops to grow for, 91. | —, breeding for bacon factory purposes, 260. (ae of oes) /—, feeding for bacon factory purposes, 260. i—, — of, 383. —, fish meal as food tor, 201 }— 1n Cuba, 234, | —, pasturing on rape, 125, | —, scarcity of in Barbados, 156 Plant breeding in Cuba. 52. Plant Diseases and Fungus Notes :— Bacillus coli, 228. Burgundy mixture, 84. — Cephalosporium sacchari 14. Cercospora personata, 5. Chart of tropical plant diseases, 78. Citrus canker, absence from Porto Rico, 270. — in Florida, 142. Colletotrichum faleatum, 14. Cordyceps sp. on larvae of Cryptorhyn- chus corticalis. 110. Corticium LEN: lilacino-fuscum, roseum, 258, --- salmonicolor, 258 —, zimmermanni, 238. Cytospora sacchari in Porto Rico, 270. Die-back of cacao in St. Vincent, 206, 238 38, 222. Disease of alfalfa 414. Dying of citrus trees: a comparison, 566. Effect of sulphur on crops, 78. Eimpusa, a new, on green seale 3 Entomogenous fungi in St. Vin 110. Eremothecium cymbalariae Fungus on cacao thrips, 430 Gloeosporium mangiferae=Gloecospor ium gloeosporioides, 94. Internal boll disease of cotton, 182, 183. Leaf spot on vines, 268 Lime seedlings, — of Cuba, notes on, - of 1916, relief of sufferers, 412. —, items of loca] interest, 77, 164 | —, silkworm industry in, | Tropicé alc rops, \Tyrannus rostratus = = == — «= Tortola QOuion Growers’ Association, report on, 1915-16, 540. Trade and agriculture of Jamaica, 1914-15, 253. -- — exports of the British Solomon Islands, 312. _ — industries of Turks and Caicos Islands, 1915, 544. — of foreign countries and British pos- sessions, recent, 249. Philippine Islands, Zanzibar, 1914, 137. Transformations in the sweet potato, 327, Transfusion of sap, 27. Transpiration in the sugar-cane, observations on, 56. Trenching machinery, 204, Trinidad Agricultural Credit Ordinance, 140, 172 —, cacao budding in, 100. , crude petroleum oil, export from, 46, —, exports of lime juice in 1915, 348. —, financial position of, 287. , fishing at, Ordinance to regulate, 421. —-, Government co-operative lime juice factory suggested for, 412 —, rice-planting operations 10, 204, = 1914-15, 99. Duteh Societies 995 299, , teak in, 251. |iEeipsacum dactyloides, 155, experiments with in Cali- 190 fornia, | a . ~ “7. - . |— fruit in the Philippines, improvement of, 116 — sanitation, 105. Tropics, botany in the, 404. Turks and Caicos Islands, shallow-water resources of, 281. is trade and indus- 1915, 544. use of in Porto Rico, West Indian, 357. (‘Pipiri,’ or ? tries of, Turmeric, Turtles, 364, Hawk- beater’), 218. (U); Uba cane, 199. Uganda, cotton industry in, {127 Uniformity of method, plea for greater, 248. ‘United Empire’, and Canadian-West-In- dian political union, 409. United Kingdom, imports of cedar into, 87. United States, corn colture in, 412. == Department of Agriculture, 411. == —, industrial research in, 239. = — potash industry, developments of, 261. 1 . quarantine, and introduction of new varieties of sngar-cane into, 263. -—, utilizing palmetto in, 235, 446 Urd bean (/ haseolus mungo), 101. Use of soil moisture, 26. Vi Vanilla, commercial, in Tahite, 380. —, curing, 4. — onthe London market, 31. Vanilla planifolia, 380. -— tiarei ,330. Vegetable growing for Canadian markets, 124. Velvet beans as food for hogs, 201, 284. Venezuela cultivation of sisal (Agave stsalana) in, 236. Vere, Jamaica, irrigation scheme, 1 Veterinary report, British Guiana, 279. — work in India, 191. | Veteveria zizanoides, 82. Vinegar, Chinese, as a coagulant, 342. Virgin Gorda, molybdenum ores in, 252. Virgin Islands, agricultural activities in the, 173. 72 Berkshire and Tamworth boars 396 W. Wales agricultural returns in, 329. —. crop yields in, 425. Waste land and logwood, 95. Water and humus, soil-balance of, 247. —, D minica, report on samples of, 235. — losses from plants and soil, 94. Watts, Dr. Francis, 79, 246. —, address to St. Vincent, 11. : —, simple stills for essential oils, 259. Wax sugar-cane, 357. Weather conditions in Antigua, 339. = — St. Kitts, 339. West Africa, cotton industry in, 86, 127. West Indian archwology, 376. ‘West Indian Bulletin’, Vol. XV, No. 3, 168. West Indian Cotton Conference (see Cot- ton Conference). ’ 393. in St. Kitts, 72. West Indian cotton in Fiji, 85. — on the Liverpool mar- ket, 22, 28, 54, 70, 102, .167, 181, 215, in, 158. — —, ccoco-nut cultivation in, 35. | — —, cotton seed farm in, 35. | — — cyclonic disturbance near, 269. | — —, — weather in, 294. — —, experiment station work at, 267. hurricane in, 345, 355. . items of local interest, 3, 135 180, 245, 262, 277, 365, 421. —, ovion industry iv, 35. —, plant distribution in, 35. —, Plymouth Rock fowls in, 159. Vitamines, 121. Vitis caribaea, 52. Vitus vinifera, 355, Vomiting sickness, 265. | Vuleanizability of plantation rubber, 415, 251, 249, 278, 326, 342, 367, 374, 406. = — exhibit at the Canadian National Exhibition, 592. — — fisheries, poisonous species, 205. — hurricane of September 1915, damage occasioned by, 252. — hurricanes, notes on, 277. —- sour grasses, botanical indentity & 79. of, 1 — — turtles, 357. West Indies, a new drug plant for, 287. agricultural credit in, 201. QQ IS Vuleanization of rubber without sulpbur, and Manchester, | West Indies and the British Cotton Grow- ing Association, 71, 86. —, avocado cultivation in, 204. —, cotton exports from, 70, 262, | | —- ae — growing in, 172. —, exports of Sea Island cotton | frem, 133. —, heavy rainfall in, 387. —, incense trees in, 407. —, manuring sugar-cane in, 216. —, new marine industries for, 185. —, obeah cult in, 71. —, production of thymol in, 233, —, sugar mills in, American views on, 425. —, the Ajowan plant (Carum copticum) in, 136. ‘West Indies in Canada’, 72. |White cedar (Tecoma leucorylon), 123. | Wild ochro (Malachra capitata), 202, 334, | Willow (Casuarina equisetisolia), 123. | Wind-breaks, 28. Wolstenholme and Holland, Messrs. 22, | 938, 54, 70, 102, 151, 167, 181, 215, 231, 249, 278, 326, 342, 367, 374, 406. | Wood, John, 199. | Working of steam boilers, 61- | Wrapper tobacco, growing under shade, 293. Wrightia tinctoria, 44. i NG | Yeast-fodder, 37. Ylang-ylang cil-standards, 60. ‘ 2 Z. | Zanzibar, trade and agriculture of, 1914, heraleirie ‘Zebu crosses in Italy, 190. 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 ls. each. Post free, 1s. 2d.; Volumes II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV and XV:—Price 2s. each; Post free 2s. 8d., where complete. Volume XV, No 4. (III, 2. IV, 3; and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.) Containing a full account of the Proceedings of the West Indian Cotton Conference, 1916. HANDBOOK AND PAMPHLET SERIES. The Pamphlets and Handbooks are written in a simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially adapted to West Indian conditions. issued up to the present time is eighty-two. Sucar Inpustry. 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Snugar-cane Experiments in the Leeward Islands, in 1910-11; in 1911-12; in 1912-13, in 1913-14, price 1s. each, 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 eirculation. The number Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are ont of print. 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. Price 4d, (65) Hints for School Gardens, Fourth Edition. (71) Insect Pests of the Lesser Antilles. (Handbook). Price (unbound) ls. 3d. Bound in cloth, 2s. 3d. (72) Lime Cultivation in the West Indies. (Handbook). Price (unbound) 9d. Bound in cloth, Is. 8d. (73) Root Borers and other Grubs in West Indian Soils. Price 6d (74) Cotton Cultivation in the West Indies. (Handbook). (unbound) 9d. Bound in cloth, ls. 8d. (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. (80) Hints to Settlers in St. Lucia. Price 6d. Price (81) Agricultural Resources of St. Lucia. Price 3d. (82) Indoor Gardening for Schools. Price 6d. The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of }d. for the pamphlets marked 2d.; ld. for those marked 4d. and for Nos 73 and 75; lid. 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. All applications for copies 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 InpiA Commirrer, 15, Seething Lane. Barbados: Apvocatr Co. Lrp., Broad Street, Bridgetown. Jamaica: THE EpucationaL Suppry Company, 16, King Street, Kingston. British Guiana: Toe Arcosy Co., Lrp., Georgetown. Trinidad: Messrs. Murr-MarsHatu & Co., Port-of-Spain. Tobago: Mr. C, LL. PLaGEMANN, Scarborough. Grenada: Messrs. THos. Lawtor & Co., St. George. St. Vincent: Mr. J. D. Bonaptz, ‘Times’ Office. St. Lucia: Mr. R. W. Nixes, Botanic Station. Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. BrrpGewarter, Roseau. Montserrat: Mr. W. Roxsson, Botanic Station. Antigua: Mr. 8. D. MatonE, St. John’s. St. Kitts: THE BrsLE AND Book Supply AGENCY, BAsskTERRE Vevis: Messrs. HoweEtt, Bros., Charlestown. Canada: Lewis W. Criemens, 71, King Street, West, Toronto. Vor. xv. No: 38: THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. DECEMBER pa 1916. THE BEST MANURE FOR COLONIAL USE ES Dissolved (Soluble) Guano FOR, SUGAR-CANE AND GHRNERAL 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. Lynch & Co., Ltd., Bridgetown. JUST ISSUED. | | WEST INDIAN BULLETIN, - SELECTED Vol. XVI, No. 1 Containing the following papers: Re ort on the Prevalence of some Pests and Disez ee in the West Indies during 1915, SEA ISLAND COTTON SEED. by H. A. Ballou, M.Sc., and W. Nowell, D.I.C.; Rosellinia | Root Diseases in the Lesser Antilles, by W. Nowell, ID) IEO. 3) We make a speciality of selecting Sea Island Cotton The Shedding of Flower Buds in Cotton, by S. C. Harland, | Seed for planting purposes, and solicit orders from the B.Sc.; Notes on Resistance to Leaf-Blister Mite with Special | neighbouring Islands. Reference to Budded Cottons, and to Cotton Hybrids, by : ; 5 5. C. Harland, B.Se.; On the Genetics of Crinkled Dwarf Quotations on application. Rogues in Sea Island Cotton, by 8. C. Harland, B.Sc.; The West Indian Cotton Conference, 1916, by W. Lawrence Balls,| THRE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE Sc.D., and John W. McConnel. Index and Title page for Volume XV will be issued with COTTON FACTORY, LIMITED, this number. WHITE PARK, PRI CE ah each, - — POST FREE, 1s. od. BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. | DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS. ELAIN D BOOK SE Rik=S: Insect Pests of the Lesser Antilles. Pp. 210, Figs. 185. Price (unbound) fs. 3d, Bound in cloth, 2s. 3d. Lime Cultivation in the West Indies. Pp. 136, Figs. 17. Price (unbound) 92. Bound in cloth, 1s. 87. Cotton Cultivation in the West Indies. Pp. 118, Figs. 35. Priee (unbound) 9. Bound in cloth, 1s. 87. Printed at Office of Agricultural Reporter, 4, High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados, a WGN 000 NN 5 00258 4 Capes otal pe eetes were " eu Sere eee pone prerersey whee me WA a hare bese mbes Ufertibesr ep ee sroels une “sess / leet orient enere s Ql ee ner ere ee enaialhisdiarsdenal sail . Pere » A indebabeeeptods 1 ane bee 3 5eeareeert igeHTtinet Hi = e ss dO Ay J «as F ssiidhiaiaidie aa jeer + pot rh