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PROSPECTUS

THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH
INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA

(Sanctioned by the Government uf India,
Revenue rind Aorictiltnrfil Department)

CALCUTTA
SUPERINTENDENT GOVERNMENT PRINTING. INDIA

I gog

, It 7^10'

fOr

PROSPECTUS

THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH
INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA

{The Prospectus is subject to sncJi alterations as may
fro^n time to time he ordered.)

I. PREFATORY.

'T^HE Agricultural Research Institute and College, Pusa, owes its
-*■ inception to the generosity of Mr. Henry Phipps who in 1903 placed
at the disposal of Lord Curzon, then Viceroy and Governor General of
India, a donation of £20,000 ^which he afterwards raised to £30 000)
with the request that it might be devoted, to some object of public utility
in India, preferably in the direction of scientific research. Part of this
donation was devoted to the construction of a Pasteur institute at Coon-
oor in southern India, and it was decided that the balance should be
utilized in erecting a laboratory of agricultural research which, it was
hoped, would form a centre of economic science in connection with that
occupation on which the people of India mainly depend. This conception
was subsequently enlarged, and the Government of India have now con-
structed a college and research institute to which a farm of some
1,300 acres is attached for purposes of experimental cultivation and de-
monstration.

In 1903, when the research station was sanctioned, it was intended
to combine it with a college which should give a general agricultural educa-
tion and should serve as a model for the few agricultural colleges and
schools of very unequal merit which then existed in India. Recently,
however, this conception of the functions of the Pusa College has under,
gone a material change. It is now recognised that the first and most
essential condition of any permanent improvement in the agricultural
methods of this country is the widest possible diffusion of an organised
knowledge of scientific and practical agriculture, and at the same time
it is desired to make the country as far as possible self-supporting in the

2 PROSPECTUS OP THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

matter of development of agricultural training and research. A compre-
hensive scheme for the promotion of agricultural education throughout
India, has accordingly been drawn up, as the result of which it is hoped
that every important province will soon be provided with a fully equipped
college where students will for three years receive practical and scientific
education in agriculture. The position which the Pusa College is intend-
ed to occupy in relation to this general scheme is that of a higher teach-
ing institution. Its main object is to enable students who have passed
with distinction through a course of a provincial college, by means of a
post-graduate course in one of the specialised branches of agricultural
science, to qualify for the higher branches of agricultural work,

2. THE PUSA ESTATE.

The estate consists of 1,300 acres, of which 400 are arable, 400 are
pasture ; nearly all the field crops of the plains can be grown there. The
farm buildings are up-to-date, and herds of breeding and milch cattle
are maintained. There are complete arrangements for the manufacture
of indigo and the curing of tobacco. Poultry breeding is being carried
on ; there is a large and well-laid- out orchard and botanical garden.
Every facility for the practical teaching of agriculture and agricultural
subjects has been provided. The students' laboratories are extensive,
well lighted and equipped ; there is a library for the use of students.
The students' hostel is complete, and there is ample accommodation for
70 students. Waini, on the Bengal and North-Western Kailway, is
the nearest railway station. It is six miles from the college by a good
road. There is a telegraph and post office within the estate.

3. CONSTITUTION AND STUDIES.

1. CONTROL. — The Col'ege is under the general supervision of the
Inspector- General of Agriculture in India and is under the direct control
of the Director of the Research Institute and Principal of the College.

2. STAFF.— T\\Q superior staff of the College consists of —

1. The Principal.

2. The Imperial Agricultural Chemist.

3. The Imperial Mycologist.

4. The Imperial Entomologist.

5. The Imperial Economic Botanist.

6. The Imperial Agriculturist *

• The post of Imperial i\gnculiuiist has Lcen temporarily atsoibtd in the pest of
Director and Principal.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA. 3

7. The Imperial Agricultural Bacteriologist.

8. The Second Imperial Entomologist.

3. COURSE. — The ordinary College course extends over two years,
and the students will be trained in one or other of the following sections
of agricultural science, no students being trained in more than one sec-
tion at a tune : —

1. Agricultural Chemistry,

2. Economic Botany.

3. Economic Entomology.*

4. Mycology.

5. Agricultural Bacteriology .f

6. Agriculture.

4. SYLLABUS. — In the absence of experience of the class of
student likely to be received, it is impossible to lay down a permanent
syllabus of the training in each subject. The syllabus that follows is
tentative and is subject to the condition that time will not be wasted in
taking students over ground that is already familiar to them.

I. —Agricultural Chemistry.

(Two years' course.)

(i) A course of lectures and laboratory practice of the same type as
laid down in the Standard Curriculum for Provincial Colleges.

(ii) A course or courses of lectures in advanced chemistry which shall
follow such lines as have an important bearing on agricultural science.
Each student will then take up a particular line of investigation suggested
to him by the lecturer. At the end of the course each student will write
an essay embodying the whole of his work, and the results positive or
negative he can deduce therefrom.

II. — Botany.

(Ta/o years' course.)

{First year.)

{i) Physiology of Plants.- — The course will be mainly practical and
will be based on Darwin and Acton's Physiology of Plants (Cambridge
University Press).

* The entomological course will be for one year only.

t As the appointment of Imperial Agricultural Bacteriologist is now vacant, instruction
cannot be provided at present in Agricultural Bacteriology.

4 PROSPECTUS OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

The work will illustrate the effect of various condition"^ on plant
development and will include —

(a) Respiration.
(6) Assimilation,
(c) Nutrition.
{d) Transpiration.
(e) Growth.
(/) Movements.

{ii) The Improvement of Plants. — The lectures will deal firstly with
the principles underlying the modern development of plant- breeding,
such as Mendel's Law and Mutation, and secondly with the particular
methods adapted to Indian conditions, and this part of the course will be
supplemented by field work.

The subjects treated will be —

{a) Evolution, Variation and Mutation.

(6) Selection.

{Hi) The Principles of Indian Fruit Growing. — The course will in-
clude—

(a) The general management of a modern fruit garden.
(6) Special processes, such as Propagation, Pruning and root-
pruning. Weathering,
(c) Disposal of the produce.

In the case of students who show special aptitude for work in Econo-
mic Botany and who are likely to become qualified to undertake original
work, the course will be extended to two years.

{Second year.)

In general this second year's work will deal with the practical applica-
tion of the principles of plant improvement, and a general knowledge
will be given to students of the planting, cultivation and imjirove-
ment of plants which are of special economic importance in their respec-
tive provinces.

Institute and college, pusa. 5

III. — Entomology,

(One year's course.)

{i) Collecting, pinning, setting.
(m) Classification. How to use text-books.

,, How to use the collection.

(Hi) Anatomy of cockroach or other form.

Comparative anatomy as shown by dissection, mouth

parts, etc.
Terms used in classifying.
(iv) Classification and terms used in each order.
{v) Actual identification and revision of the collection.
(vi) Biology and life histories — general, special and details
(vii) An account of each family in order.

{viii) Pests : — first general, then special by order, then special by
crops.
(ix) Complete list of the injurious insects in India.
{x) Preparation of leaflets and lecture course for the province,

with exhibition collection of insects of that province.
(xi) Useful insects (lac, silk, apiculture).
(xii) Beneficial insects and birds.
{xiii) Preventive and remedial measures.

IV.— Mycology.

(Two years' course.)

1. A Revisionary Course in Plant Anatomy and Physiology. — Time —
two to three months.

Anatomy. Histology of the cell and tissues. Anatomy of the

root, stem, and leaf.
Physiology of nutrition.

2. General Mycology. — Time — six months.

Definition and characters of the fungi.
Structure of the Thallus —

(a) Vegetative portion, mycelimn, rhizomorj^ha, sclerotia.
(6) Reproductive portion ; sporophores ; spores ; germination.

Life habits of fungi.

Dissemination.

Polymorphism.

Food of fungi, saprophytes, parasites.

6". PROSPECTUS OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Symbiosis.
Heteroecism.

Specialisation of parasitism.

Classification. The study of the six main groups of fungi with
examination of types.
3. Pathological Mycology. — Time — 15 months.
Causation of disease by fungi. Infection.
Eiiects of parasitic fungi on plants.
Diagnosis of disease : symptoms of fungus attack.
Prevention and treatment of fungus diseases of plants.
Predisposition of plants to disease : immunity.
Factors of disease. Epidemics.
A general study in field and laboratory of the princip)al fungus diseases
of crops in India.

A more detailed study with experiments of a selected fungus disease.
If possible, the student should accompany a trained assistant in a
field enquiry for the purpose of giving him practice in independent ob-
servation and collecting information.

V, — Bacteriology. ^=

A short course in bacteriological methods, preparation and ster-
ilization of media and the cultivation of bacteria. , ,.

Students who have passed through this training satisfactorily will
take part in the research work of the laboratory under supervision.

VI. — Agriculture.

Special instruction will be given in the management of field and
garden crops and orchards, and in the use of agricultural machinery,
tools and implements and in cattle, sheep and poultry breeding.

As a temporary measure to assist the provinces which are not in a
position to train their own men as suj)erintendents of farms or for other
positions requiring a practical agricultural education, a course in general
agriculture will be given.

5. TERMS. — The terms for students are as follows : —

Autumn Term— Yvom 1st June to 15th November.
Vacation — From 16th November to 5th January.
Spring Term — From 6th January to 31st March.
Vacation — From 1st April to 31st May.

* As the appointment of Imperial Agricultural Bacteriologist is now vacant, instruc-
tion cannot be provided at present in Agricultural Bacteriology.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUS A.

6. CERTIFICATES.— Fov the present it has been decided not
to hold periodical and final examinations, but certificates signed by the
head of the section and countersigned by the Principal, will be presented
to students who have passed through the College course with credit.

4. ADMISSION RULES.

1. Accommodation. — The total number of students that can ordinarily
be admitted in each of the following sections every year is as follows : —

Agriculture

Agricultural Chemistry

Mycology

Entomology

Botany ,

Agricultural Bacteriology*

8
8
8
8
4

The number of studentships to be allotted each year to the respective
provinces as well as the number of nominations, if any, to be made by
the Principal, will be decided by the Principal before the 1st April,
after consultation with the provincial authorities as to their require-
ments, and communicated to the Local Governments and A Vninis-
trations concerned.

2. Students. — There will be three classes of students—

{i) Students nominated by a local Government or an administra-
tion.
{ii) Students deputed by a Native State, on the nomination of

the Inspector- General of Agriculture in India.
(iii) Private students.

3. Students nominated by a Local Government or Administration
should ordinarily be men who have passed with credit through a provin-
cial agricultural college, or are graduates of an Indian University or
possess a degree or diploma of approximately the same standard granted
by any other educational institution.

4. Students deputed by a Native State may be admitted on the
application of the State concerned, provided that accommodation is
available. Applications should be addressed, in the first instance, to the
Inspector- General of Agriculture in India, Nagpur, Central Provinces, and
should reuch him before the 15th March. The nomination of such
students is made by the Inspector- General of Agriculture in India, and

* As the appointment of Imperial Agricultural Bacteriologist is now vacant, inptruc-
tion cannot be pjovided at present in Agricultural Bacteriology.

8 PEOSPECTUS OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

his nomination should reach the Principal before the 1st April, as pro-
vided in Rule 1 above.

5. Students of class (ii) above will be required to pass a satisfactory-
test to be applied by the chief of the section concerned at Pusa.

6. {i) Priva'e Students. — Private students may be admitted by the
Principal provided that accommodation is available. Candidates for
admission should be not less than 19 years of age, and should submit
their applications to the Principal before the 1st April in each year.
Ordinarily only candidates will be admitted who have the same qualifica-
tions as are prescribed for students nominated by a Local Government
or Administration in Rule 3 above, and such candidates may also be
required to pass the test mentioned in Rule 5 above.

(ii) A private student must attach to his application (a) a certifi-
cate of age, (6) a health certificate signed by a Civil Surgeon testifying to
the candidate's physical fitness for such out-door work as is required to
be done in the Agricultural Department, (c) a certificate of good moral
character from the Principal of the Agricultural College from which he
graduated or from any one else of influential position. The certificates
(b) and (c) must bear a date within six months of the date of application
for admission into the College.

(iii) The Principal may relax any of the conditions imposed under
rule (ii), should he consider it desirable.

(iv) The names of those private students who succeed in obtaining
the College certificates will be entered by the Principal in a register to be
kept for the purpose, and will be communicated to the Directors of Agri-
culture in the various provinces so that these private students may be
offered employment if their services are required. The names will also be
published in the Gazette of India and in provincial Government gazettes.

7. It will be'at the discretion of the Principal with the advice of the
scientific officer in charge of the section, to declare at any time the unfit-
ness of a student for training and to require his removal from the
College. M

8. The'expenses of a student at the College, will, it is estimated, not
exceed Rs.''25 per mensem. But the following sums will approximate-
ly be required for the purchase of books : —

Rs.

Agricultural Chemistry ....... 15

Eoonoinio Botany ........ IT)

Entomology ......... 22

Mycology ......... 25

Agricultural Bacteriology ....... 15

Agriculture ......... 15

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA. 9

10. Local Governments will be left to make students whom they
depute to the College such allowances and grants as they think fit.
In the case of students already in Government service the allowance
should not exceed the pay of their grade, and in the case of other
students they should not exceed Es. 50 a month.

11. Caution money and initial deposits will not be required from
students nominated by Local Governments, except in the case of students
required to undergo training at the College at their own expense, who
must deposit with the Principal a sum of Rs. 50 to meet the initial cost
of books and in addition Rs. 50 as caution money.

5. DISCIPLINARY RULES.

1. The Director and Principal is charged with the general control of
the students, the housing and domestic arrangements, and the mainten-
ance of discipline, and he will from time to time issue such rules and
regulations as may be necessary to secure these objects. All the corre-
spondence relating to the training of students should be addressed to the
Director and Principal, Agricultural Research Institute and College,
Pusa, Bengal.

2. (^) Quarters. — The Principal will allot to students on arrival such
quarters as may be available. The College quarters are tenable during
the whole period of the student's course. For the present no rent will
be charged for the quarters, but the Government of India reserve the
right of withdrawing the concessions from all or any class of students
entering the College hereafter.

{ii) Students must make their own arrangements for meals. Sep-
arate dining rooms will be provided for different castes and religions,
and meals will not be allowed in quarters without the consent of the
Principal.

(m) Every student will be responsible for articles placed in his
charge. In case of loss or damage arising from carelessness he may be
called upon to pay.

{iv) Students will not be allowed to keep dogs. Horses and cattle
cannot be kept without the permission of the Principal.

{v) No student may leave the estate premises without the permis-
sion of the Director and Princij)al. No student may be absent from his
quarters after 10 p.m. without the permission of the Director and Prin-
cipal.

3. Library. — The use of the library will be allowed subject to the
library rules.

10 PROSPECTUS OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE, PUSA.

4. Books and Instruments. — The list of books required by students
of each section will be published by the Principal from time to time.
Apparatus and other laboratory requirements will be provided free,
but students using them will be responsible for their safe custody and
return.

5. Leave. — During the course of instruction no student may leave
Pusa without the order of the Principal. Subsidiary rules regarding
leave will be made by the Principal from time to time.

6. Holidays. — ^Such of the usual gazetted holidays as are allowed will
be notified from time to time.

7. Punishments. — Students are liable to the following punishments
which may be imposed by the Principal : — ■

Entry in conduct register.
Stoppage of leave or fine.

Removal or dismissal from the College. An extract of the order
of this kind passed by the Principal shall be forwarded to
' the Local Government or Native State concerned for infor-

mation.

CALCUTTA : PRINTED BY SUPDT. GOVT. PRINTING, INDIA, 8, HASTINGS STREET.

REPORT

OF THE

Agricultural Research Institute
and College, Pusa

C Including Report ot the Imperial Cotton Specialist J

1907=09

CALCUTTA
SUPERINTENDENT GOVERNMENT PRINTING, INDIA

1909

Price As. 4-'

REPORT

OF THE

Agricultural Research Institute and

College, l^usa

(Including Report of the Imperial Cotton Specialist)

1907-09

CALCUTTA
SUPERINTENDENT GOVERNMENT PRINTING, INDIA

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Page

I. Introductory ......... 1

1. Agriculture ......

2. Botany ......

3. Agricultural Chemistry

4. Mycology . . . .

5. Entomology ......

6. Cotton

(a) Selection and Distribution of Seed

(6) Introduction of Superior Indigenous

Varieties and Better Methods of Cultivation 15

(d) Trials of Exotic Varieties .... 16

7. Tree Cottons 18

II. — Report of the Director, Agricultural Research Insti-

tute, Pusa ......... 19

1. Charge

2. Staff

3. Scientific Work

4. College, Grounds, Roads, etc.

5. Students ......

6. Publications ....

. 21

7. Library .....

. 21

8. General Health of the Station

. 21

III. Report of the Imperial Agriculturist

. 23

1. Charge and Establishment .

. 23

2. Training .....

. 23

3. Cropping and Character of the Seasons

. 23

4. Special Crops under Experiment .

. 25

(a) Sugarcane ....

. 25

(6) .lute .....

. 26

(d) Tobacco ....

. 26

5. Manurial Experiments on Wheat

. 26

6. Green Manuring; ....

. 27

7. Permanent Mannrial and Rotation Experiments

8, Permanent Pasture Experiments .

0. lireeding .....

10. General Improvement of the Estate

11. Programnae for 1909-10

IV. Report of the Frnporiai Economic Botanist

1. Charge of Office ....

2. Teacfiing and Training
f». VVh(!at Investigations
4. Fruit .

5. Fibres

0. Oil Seeds

7. Minor Investigations

8. T<)\)H(-cM

9. Programme for 1909-10

(1) Training

(2) Plant Breeding and Plant Improvement

(3) Fruit Experiments

(4) Minor Investigations .

V. Report of the Imperial Agricultural Chemist

1. Charge ....

2. Introductory
8. Met(!orology

4. Rainfall ....

5. Evaporation

0. Drainage ....

7. lioss of Water from Soil

8. \Vat(^r r(H)uir('d Ny Plants

9. Availahh; Phint Food in Soils

10. Soil Gases ....

11. Black Cotton Soil

12. Other Investigations
I'i. General Analytical Work
14. Students ....
IT). Esiahlishinent
10. Programme for 1909-10

VI. Report of the Imperial Entomologist

1. Training ....

2. Estahlisliment
8. Buildings ....

Page.
27

27
28
29
29

31
31
32
35
35
35
35
35
36

36
36
37
37

39
39
39
39
39
39
40
41
42
42
43
43
43
43
44
44
44

47
47
48

4. Provincial Work

5. Correspoudeuce

6. Researcli

7. Sericulture .

8. Lac

9. Insect Survey

10. Demonstration

11. Publications .

12. Conclusion

13. Pro^rraiuine for 1909-10

VII. Report of the Second Imperial Entomologist

1. Cbar^'e and Establishment

2. Training

3. Work (jn Publications

4. Entomological Work

5. Correspondence

6. Conclusion

7. Programme for 1909-10

VIII. Report of the Imperial Mycologist

1. Charge and Establishment .

2. Laboratory ....

3. Training ....

4. Organisation

5. Research Work

6. Sugarcane Disease

7. Palm Disease

8. Disease of Citrus Fruits

9. Wilt Disease

10. Mulberry Disease of Kashmir

11. Ginger Disease

12. Other Diseases of Plants

13. Silkworm Disease .

14. Programme for 1909-10

IX. Report of the Imperial Cotton vSpecialist

1. Charge ....

2. Tours .....

3. Collection of Varieties .

4. Distribution of Seed

5. Identification and Valuation

6. Programme for 1909-10

Page.

48
49
49
51
52
52
53
54
55
55

57
57
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61
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69

77
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LIBRARY

NEW YORK

BOTaM. aL

REPORT

OF THE

AoTiciiltural Researcli Institute and

College, Piisa

{Including Re'port of the Imferial Cotton Specialist )

1907-09

INTRODUCTORY.

rp HE reports of the Director and heads of sections of
-*- the Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, and of the
Cotton Specialist for the years 1907-09, are herewith
published. The period ends on the 30th June 1909.

The Institute was opened for advanced students only in
July 1908. Before this 22 probationers came from various
provinces for technical training in various sections, to
adapt them for work of a very practical kind in the pro-
vinces concerned.

It has been definitely settled that Pusa shall chiefly
be a higher teaching institution with post-graduate studies
principally for selected graduates of provincial agricul-
tural colleges and distinguished science graduates of
Indian universities. Arrangements have, however, been
made, for the time being, to give in agriculture, economic
botany and entomology, short courses particularly in regard
to the practical application of these sciences to every-day
agriculture or horticulture in India. I attach great value

2 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

to these practical courses. A prospectus of the Pasa
College has, for general information, been published.

Before I review in short detail the work done at Pusa,
there are a few features of this Institute which I wish to
clearly define. The first refers to the general suitability
of Pusa for the central research and experimental
station for the whole of India. Pusa is a magnificent
estate of over 1,300 acres, bounded on three sides by a loop
of the little Gundak river. The soil is deep alluvial and
is capable of growing successfully nearly every rain crop
which can be grown in the plains of India. With irriga-
tion from wells or from the river, it can grow successfully
the majority of the more important garden crops. We
have arranged for all necessary means of irrigation from
the river and from wells, also for dealing with many im
portant crops. The rainfall of Pusa and of Behar is
generally secure , otherwise the district could not main-
tain its population of 900 to 1,100 per square mile. Pusa
is situated in the heart of intensive agriculture which is
largely controlled by a community of indigo planters.
Agricultural improvements through their influence, can be
brought to the notice of ordinary cultivators in a manner
which is unique for other parts of India. This was one
reason why Pusa was selected as the central research
station. Mr. Coventry, an experienced indigo planter
and an extensive experimentor in agricultural problems,
was selected as the Director. He has very particular
opportunities of spreading very far afield the results of
the research work and of the practical field enquiries which
are undertaken at Pusa.

We have at Pusa the Phipps' laboratory, a two-
storied building, well-equipped with a laboratory for each
branch of agricultural science and a physical laboratory.
The main building also includes a library, museums for
the various sections and the necessary lecture rooms.
Quarters have been provided for the European and Indian
staffs. There are recreation grounds, and I am glad to

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1907-09. 3

say that the European staff, assistants and students are
keen on sports. A hostel with accommodation for 70 stu-
dents is provided, also a well-equipped hospital and dis-
pensary.

All sections were very badly housed at Pusa in tem-
porary laboratories for some time. The head of each
section now rejoices in having a well-equipped laboratory
with all necessary fittings and apparatus. The Institute
is served by water-power and electric installations.

The amenities of the estate have been much improved
in many ways. A new approach avenue to the Institute
has been constructed, and the lawns surrounding the college
building have been laid out under irrigation and sparsely
planted parklike with trees and ornamental shrubs. The
scrub and jungle growth on the estate has been mostly
cleared, thus making preparation for bringing waste land
under cultivation. The unsightly brick-fields near the en-
trance to the estate, have been levelled and are now under
cultivation with suitable ordinary crops. An area of some
150 acres has been reclaimed for arable cultivation. Prac-
tically the whole of the estate is now under grass or cultiva-
tion.

It has been proved in the past that the Pusa estate is
capable of growing very fine timber trees in the avenues
and elsewhere; consequently we are endeavouring to im-
prove the attractiveness of the estate by planting and pro-
tecting young trees in the pasture areas, along the front-
age of the river and in the avenues. The existing teak,
shishum, bamboo, and mahogany avenues are an object
lesson to many parts of India. We even expect to improve
upon these. The fruit orchards and botanical area are
now attractive features. A large vegetable garden is
maintained. Many suitable trees on the riverside land
have been inoculated with lac.

Nineteen students in all the various sections were admit-
ted for training in 1908-09. In regard to the scientific
and practical teaching in the lecture rooms, in the labora-
tories and in the fields at Pusa, my chief desire is that it

4 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

should be a means of helping, in a very practical way, the
ordinary or improved agriculture of this country. I wish,
therefore, to attract, from provincial agricultural colleges
and from other colleges, students of high class ability who
have been reared on the land.

Many of such students are usually poor and cannot
afford the expense of an advanced course in research work.
Government have spent of late years large sums on the de-
velopment of agriculture, and I am confident that Indian
gentlemen generally interested in the work will do their
share. There is perhaps no direction in which there is
more scope for liberality of the most useful kind than in
the founding of scholarships for students at Pusa.

I refer below to some of the work done in each section
at Pusa and by the Cotton Specialist. A full review of
each report is not required here.

Agriculture.— M.V. E. Shearer, Imperial Agriculturist,
has done much useful work for the Department. He was
absent on privilege leave from 2nd July to 30th September
1908, when his duties were carried on by the Director.

Permanent manurial and rotation experiments were
laid down last year on two blocks of 9 acres each. The
land selected for these experiments has been tested and
found sufficiently uniform for the purpose.

Permanent pasture experiments were laid down in the
monsoon of 1907. It is very important to know the best
conditions in various parts of India under which pastures
can, on practical lines, be properly established and improv-
ed. This is the aim of the Pusa experiments, and it is
believed that the results will be of very wide application,
especially as similar grass experiments have been under-
taken in some provinces. Already there is a decided
change in the character of the hcrl)age in some of the
manured plots at Pusa.

Arable areas which are likely to be suitable for the
extension of experimental work in the future, are being
treated uniformly in regard to cultivation and cropping.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1907-09. 5

The more important crops under trial at Pusa include
wheat, barley, oats, maize, rice, various pulses, oil- seeds,
sugarcane, jute, tlax, and tobacco. Efforts are being made
to obtain and acclimatise the best indigenous and foreign
varieties of these crops. Cotton varieties have been given
up, as nearly all are unsuitable to Behar.

Perhaps the most important line of work in the Agri-
cutural Section at Pusa, refers to the breeding and rearing
of farm live stock. A very select herd of Montgomery
cattle, the premier milk breed of India, is maintained. A
record of the milk yield of each cow is kept. It is hoped
Lo raise the milking standard (which is now very high)
by selection on the basis of these records, and to breed
these cattle of one colour and of one type. I draw atten-
tion to an interesting illustrated note which will appear
in the October number of the Agricultural Journal of India
for 1909. It refers to a large and remunerative export
trade in Indian cattle which has recently arisen. Probably
no Indian breed will meet the requirements of this foreign
demand better than Montgomery cattle. They are useful
for milk, for work and for beef, and in South Africa,
in the Southern States of America and in the Straits Settle-
ments they must prove useful, because pure and half-bred
Indian cattle have been found to thrive well in these parts
and are not affected bv flies and ticks in the same disastrous
way as local cattle.

Last cold weather 80 Bikanir ewes were purchased.
These are a white-fleeced breed with a high reputation for
yield and quality of wool. They are being crossed by
dumha rams to give them hardiness and obtain improve-
ment in the crosses as mutton and wool sheep.

Poultry breeding is now conducted on a fairly large
scale. During the last year 19 breeding pens of fowls re-
presenting 10 pure breeds and 3 crosses, have been main-
tained including turkeys, geese and ducks. The experience
so far gained indicates that the breed of fowl fully
suited to India will have to be developed by crossing.

6 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

With this aim in view various experiments are being tried
at Pusa. Many enquiries are leceived for pure bred birds
and for eggs for hatching. The farms in several provinces
have been supplied with birds, and large orders are being
booked from private individuals, chiefly in Madras and
Burma Some of the pure and cross breeds reared at Pusa
are being tried experimentally in the hills to determine
how they stand the climate.

Botany. — Mr. Howard has done a great deal of useful
work for the agriculture and horticulture of India.

He continued to be in charge of his section at Pusa
except when he was on leave for six months from August
8th, 1907, to February 8th, 1908, when Mr. R. J. D.
Graham, Supernumerary Economic Botanist, carried on the
work of the section.

The most important work done by Mr. Howard during
the period under report is in relation to wheat. He has
nearly completed the botanical survey of the wheats of
India. The results are given in the first section of his
book. Monograph on Indian Wheats, now in the press.
Samples of wheat were sent to Mr. Humphries in England
for milling and baking tests, the results of which are pub-
lished in a bulletin. At Pusa several promising wheats have
been isolated by selection and are now being tested for
yield, agricultural characters and grain qualities.

The plant-breeding work in wheat is now being con-
ducted on a fairly large scale, and the separate cultures,
many hundreds in number, extend over several acres.
The main objects of this hybridization work are to im-
prove the grain, straw and rust resistance of the Indian
wheats. Considerable progress has been made in the in-
vestigation into the influence of soil, climate and moisture
on the character of the grain in wheat.

Fruit cultivation on an extensive scale has been success-
fully established. Most of the fruit trees are coming into
bearing. The fruit experiments at Pusa have already

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1907-09. 7

yielded results of considerable practical importance. They
have proved the suitability of the soil and climate in Behar
for growing certain important varieties of fruit.

Preliminary experiments with high class fruit regard-
ing sun-drying, evaporating and refrigerating, have been
carried out. A method was devised and successfully tested
for sending peaches long distances by rail in India.

During the past year a considerable amount of pre-
liminary work was accomplished by Mr. Howard on oil
seeds of the genus Brassica, and a general study of the oil
seeds of India will be undertaken.

The races of both Nicotiana rustica and Nicotiana
tahacum isolated at Pusa, have been studied. Arrangements
have been made with the Peninsular Tobacco Company
of Monghyr to conduct experiments at Pusa to ascertain
the best varieties and the best means of growing tobacco
suitable for the manufacture of cigarettes.

Selection experiments with flax, Hibiscus canabinus
and Crotalaria juncea, were continued, and some promising
races isolated.

Three varieties of sisal hemp {Agave rigida sisalana)
have been established on a small scale.

Progress has been made in the investigation work with
barley, ganja and opium. The study of the varieties of
cassava has been completed, and Mr. Hector is preparing
a final report on this subject.

Agricultural Chemistry. — Dr. Leather held charge of
this section till 14th April 1909, when he went on leave,
and the Supernumerary Agricultural Chemist, Mr. Annett.
was appointed to officiate for him. Very few samples
of agricultural materials are now sent up by provincial
departments for analyses, as these departments have now
their own chemists. An appreciable reduction has also
taken place in the number of samples received from
Native States, the Forest and Irrigation Departments and
private persons. Dr. Leather had, therefore, more time for

8 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

original research and for larger investigations of im-
por'vance to Indian agriculture generally.

The work in the pot-culture house has led to im-
portant field experiments, the results of which are likely
to benefit cultivators at least in Behar in a very substantial
way. These field experiments are devised to show that
phosphatic manure can with economy and great advantage,
be used for certain soils and many crops, particularly in
parts of the Gangetic alluvium and especially in Behar.

The Imperial Agricultural Chemist has a very im-
portant investigation in progress on the effect of soil or
manure on the composition of certain seeds. The results
already obtained are remarkable. In conjunction with
the Imperial Entomologist, Dr. Leather is investigating
the prevention of injury by weevils to wheat and other
grains when stored in bulk. This enquiry is of great
importance, particularly as it is probable that the American
" elevator system " of storing grain may be introduced into
India at least on an experimental scale. Mr. Annett has
conducted an interesting enquiry into the cause of the dark
colour of the black cotton soil. The results of this enquiry
are about to be published.

Mycology. — Dr. Butler held charge of this section till
31st March 1909, when tlie Supernumerary Mycologist, Mr.
W. McRae, M.A., B.Sc, was appointed to officiate for him.
Mr. McRae arrived in India after deputation for six
months to the laboratorv of Professor von Tubeuf at
Munich. The transfer of the laboratories to the Phipps'
building has greatly facilitated the work of this section.

Dr. Butler should be congratulated in regard to the
practical application of his work to the ordinary conditions
of Indian agriculture.

'Hie requirements of provincial departments still con-
tinue to make heavy calls upon the time of the Imperial
Mycologist. Collections are being accumulated and worked
out with such voluntary assistance as can be got outside

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1907-09. ^

India. Duplicate collections will be as far as possible
supplied to provincial departments which already have
mycological assistants.

The fungi hitherto recorded from India have been in
great part identified, and the information has been made
readily accessible.

The research work includes the examination of the life-
history and general biology of parasites and their effects
on the attacked plants.

The wilt diseases of cotton, indigo, pigeon pea and gram
were selected for special study, and the results already
obtained will largely help Indian agriculture. A memoir
on the work is now in the press. The experiments at the
Poona farm to raise a strain of pigeon pea resistant to
the wilt disease, have been in progress for four years and
are promising well.

Renewed experiments were made to elucidate the
methods of infection of the red-rot disease of sugarcane
which in India has been for a considerable period a very
disastrous disease to this important crop. It is hoped
that the new results will be published during the year, and
advice of importance given. The study of the life-history
of other sugarcane parasites has not yet reached the
publication stage.

Dr. Butler inspected the palm disease operations in
the Godavari delta in September and December 1907 and
in January 1909. Successful inoculations with the para-
site were secured during 1908, and a further study of its
life-history was made. The campaign against this disease
has been particularly successful, and is still being pro-
secuted earnestly by means of the special staff sanctioned
by the Madras Government. I must note the fact that the
results of this enquiry by Dr. Butler are so valuable to
India that they are equivalent to saving the cost of his
section to India for many years to come.

The Imperial Mycologist visited Travancore in Sep-
tember and October 1907 to investigate^ the cocoanut palm

10 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

disease that had broken out in that State. A report on
that disease has been published.

The Imperial Mycologist visited Kashmir in 1908
during the months of July, August and September, and
enquired into diseases of mulberry and of imported fruit
trees. The result of part of this work has been published,
and recommendations made for dealing with mulberry
diseases. The problem is very important, as many poor
people in Kashmir derive much benefit from the silk
operations and from the cultivation of good kinds of fruit.

Dr. Butler will complete in a short time the text of
a book on Indian plant diseases. It will be of great value
to students of agriculture in India.

Entomology. — Mr. Lefroy held charge of this section
during the period under report. His indomitable energy
appears throughout the work of his section. He continued
to direct the work of entomological assistants in the prov-
inces, but their number is still only 13, which is quite
inadequate to make an appreciable impression upon the
agriculture of India. A beginning only has been made.

The teaching of entomology at the provincial agricul-
tural colleges and also at demonstrations and at shows has
made fair progress.

Attention has been given in provinces to the study of
the life-histories and habits of injurious insects.

In the Punjab the effects of cotton boll- worm and its
parasites has been closely watched.

The work on the insects of the plains of India was con
tinned.

Assistance was given to firms dealing with mohtva, with
brush-making and with cheroots in regard to insects
damaging these articles.

Valuable results have been obtained in the cultivation
of m-silk during the past year on a small scale at Pusa,
and it is intended to continue this as the basis of a small
cottage industry in several parts of India. This industry

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1907-09. H

is being taken up in Tirhoot and Gujarat. The purely
experimental work on ^W-silk is almost completed. The
cultivation of mulberry silk has been taken up.

The question of tussar silk is also being investigated.

The cultivation of lac was continued at Pusa as a
demonstration to students and for much wider practical
application in villages. Some owners of indigo factories
in Behar have taken up lac cultivation on a fairly large
scale. These men were supplied with seed and informa-
tion, and their assistants were trained in lac culture.
Assistance was also given to the Bikanir State in regard to
the possibilities of lac culture there.

Mr. Lefroy has started apiculture with a few stocks of
European bees to determine how far they thrive in the
plains of India.

The Supernumerary Entomologist, Mr. Mason, visited
the various centres at which army stores are baled and
stored, to investigate the occurrence in clothing, etc., of the
destructive insect Anthrenus vorax. On the completion of
this enquiry recommendations were made for better baling.
Mr. Mason continued the enquiry into the value of insect
eating birds.

The general collection of insects of India apart from
the purely economic one, has been completely arranged.

Enquiry into the question of preventing the introduc-
tion of fungus and insect pests by importation of plants
and seeds was made in order to devise remedial measures

The text-book on Indian Insect Pests continues to in-
crease in popularity. Its translation in Bengali has been
prepared.

Mr. Lefroy's great work on Indian Insect Life has been
issued.

A series of excellent coloured plates with short printed
explanations illustrating injurious insects, have been issued
for use in agricultural colleges, museums and farms and at

l2 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

exhibitions and shows. This series will be continued and
will cover silk, lac, bees and beneficial insects.

The best methods of preparing exhibits of injurious
insects for shows are also being tested with a view to find
out the class of exhibits that most appeal to the public.
Further, a series of lantern slides in colour are being pre-
pared in order that lantern lectures may be given at such
shows.

Mr. Hewlett, Second Imperial Entomologist, arrived
at Pusa in December 1907. He has undertaken the in-
vestigation of those biting flies of whose habits little or
nothing has been hitherto known in India. With a view
to obtain materials for this enquiry, sets of apparatus and
copies of the bulletin on biting flies, have been issued to
persons and associations likely to render help. In this
connection Mr. Hewlett is in complete touch with special
officers of the medical and veterinary departments. He
arranged in February 1909 an exhibition of all kinds of
blood-sucking and parasitic insects for the pathological
section of the Bombay Medical Congress, and read a paper
on the habits of sand flies. He has ascertained the life-
histories of nearly all the mosquitos which occur in Pusa,
and has found two species of fish which are capable of
destroying large numbers of anopheles larvae. A report
on the natural enemies of mosquitos was furnished to the
Director of Agriculture, Bengal.

A comprehensive investigation of the several species
of fruit flies which attack mangoes, peaches, etc., is in pro-
gress. The life-histories of several of these have been
worked out, and methods of destroying the mango fly have
been tested with success. An attempt to check the annual
attack of these pests on the peaches grown at Pusa, was so
far successful this year that the period of severity was
postponed; thus the Imperial Economic Botanist was able
to complete certain experiments.

Mr. Froggatt, Entomologist to the Government of New
South Wales, visited Pusa in June 1908, to obtain informa-

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1907-09. I3

tion regarding the fruit flies in India, the Australian fruit
flies being related to those found in India. Specimens
have, therefore, been supplied to him.

Arrangements have also been made with Professor
Silvestri to supply parasites of some of the South Indian
species in the hope that they may be utilized against the
olive fruit fly, a species which inflicts great damage in
Italy.

Specimens have been lent to the Indian Museum,
Calcutta, in connection with the revision of nomenclature of
various groups of Indian diptera. A large representative
collection of tabanidse has also been lent to the British
Museum to assist in like manner the revision of that family
now in progress.

Mr. Howlett contributed to Indian Insect Life the por-
tions relating to Diptera and the sections on Mallophaga,
anoplura and cimicidae.

A memoir on sand flies is under preparation in colla-
boration with Dr. Annandale of the Indian Museum.

Mr. Howlett controls the work of the artists at Pusa
and is endeavouring to raise the standard of illustration
work which is a most valuable part of the publications of
the Imperial department.

Cotton. — Cotton continued to receive a great deal of
attention from the agricultural departments. Mr. G. A.
Gammie who has done much useful work in cotton, was
appointed Imperial Cotton Specialist in December 1907.
His report is separately published with those of the heads
of sections at Pusa. It is unnecessary to minutely review
it here. The co-ordination of the experiments that are
being conducted on this crop, will now be possible, and Mr.
Gammie's advice in the improvement of cotton ought to
prove of great help to the department. The principal lines
of improvement attempted have been {a) selection and dis-
tribution of cotton seed, {h) introduction of superior indi-
genous varieties and better methods of cultivation, {c)
hybridization and {d) trial of exotic varieties,

14 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

(a) Selection and Distribution op Seed. — The distri-
bution of seed of selected pickings from cultivators' fields,
has been in progress for more than four years in several
provinces, but without any marked result. This is hardly
surprising, for such selection, v^hile no doubt supplying
sound seed, is, properly speaking, no selection at all, since
the fields ordinarily contain many varieties mixed together.
It is by separating types and continued plant-to-plant se-
lection that real improvement can be effected. This line of
v^ork is now being followed on Government experimental
stations with very encouraging results. On the Surat
farm, the different types found mixed in Khandesh cotton
have been isolated and have been sown separately to deter-
mine the comparative value of each. Similar experiments
are in progress in Madras. At Akola in the Central Prov-
inces promising work is in progress in the separate cultiva-
tion of the four distinct varieties of cotton which are now
grown mixed by the ryots under the names jari and kati
'cllayati. Of these the malvensis seems to be a distinctly
superior variety, and special attention is being directed
towards selection from it.

Eight cotton seed farms were worked by private
agencies in the Central Provinces in 1908 under the
guarantee of the provincial department against loss. Such
farms have been in existence for the last four years. They
grow the ordinary jari and hani varieties of cotton, but are
situated in districts which have special reputation for the
high quality of their cotton. The seed of first and second
pickings is purchased by the provincial department at more
than market rates for distribution. In course of time
when the selection now going on at the experimental sta-
tions has borne fruit, these farms will become useful agen-
cies for the distribution of improved strains of seed. The
ultimate object is to establish a number of such farms in-
dependent of the department, but receiving, when required,
assistance in the provision oi seed, trained staff or advice.
In the Punjab, Bengal and United Provinces, selection of
cotton seed is in progress.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1907-09. ^5

(b) Introduction of Superior Indigenous Varieties
AND Beter Methods of Cultivation. — ^There has been a
marked extension of this line of work, especially in Bombay
and Madras. The introduction of Broach cotton into the
Dharwar district has been attended with considerable
success. This cotton is superior to the locally grown
Katrifta variety not only in quality, but also apparently in
average yield per acre and in lint percentage. In 1908
sixteen thousand pounds seed of Broach cotton from
Navsari were sown in these parts in addition to some of the
seed of this crop grown locally in 1907. Steps are being
taken to get the people to cultivate it properly and to adopt
a cleaner system of picking. Some efforts were made to
introduce Broach cotton under irrigation in the Deccaii,
but owing to faulty cultivation and irrigation on the part
of the cultivators, the experiments were not successful.
Attempts have been made to improve the quality of Broach
cotton in northern Gujarat by introducing seed of the
superior Navsari variety from the south of the district.
In the Tinnevelly district of Madras the karungani variety
has been found to be superior in quality and yield to the
uffam variety. Arrangements were, therefore, made by
the provincial department to sell pure karungani seed
sufficient to sow about 8,000 acres in 1908. This work was
partly helped by the grant from the British Cotton Grow-
ing Association. The Madras Agricultural Department
has also made successful efforts to improve the ryots' me-
thods of cotton cultivation. Expert cultivators are sent to
teach the use of the country drill and bullock-hoe and to
demonstrate the value of improved cultivation. Imple-
ments are supplied free of cost and expert labourers are
sent to help the growers. The advantages of the drill are
becoming widely appreciated, and in all 1,000 acres of
private land were sown with the drill last year, and many
ryots have learned to use the drill.

16 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

some new ideas which, however, require confirmation. The
crosses at the Siirat farm have been found to be undergo-
ing considerable variation. Although their lints have a
relative advantage in quality over the ordinary Surat
cotton, the ginning percentage is steadily falling. (The
percentage has fallen from 36-9 to 30-3 during the last five
years.) The crosses have not yet been grown on a sufficiently
large scale to properly test the outturn per acre. The lints
of 21 hybrids grown on the Surat station were valued from
5 to 10 per cent, above fine Broach. At Dharwar some
encouraging results have been obtained by crossing inter se
newly introduced varieties from America and Egypt.
Work on similar lines is being done in the Central Prov-
inces and Madras, but until the hybrids show greater
stability it is impossible to estimate their value.

{d) Trials of Exotic Varieties. — Trials of exotic
varieties on Government farms and in cultivators' fields
were continued. It is disappointing to have to record a
set-back in the expectations previously formed regarding
Egyptian cotton in Sind. Up to 1907 the area under this
cotton was increasing, but last year, owing to the short
supply of water till long after the proper sowing season,
the area decreased, and the quantity and quality of the
produce much deteriorated. Further, on account of faulty
methods of cultivation, careless picking and admixture of
leaves and dirt, the produce was so inferior that great
difficulty was experienced in disposing of it. There were
no bidders at the three auctions held in November, December
and January last. The cotton was ultimately sold to
a Bombay firm who wanted it for a particular trade purpose
and paid only Rs. 9 per maund for ahassi and Rs. 8-6-0 for
metafifi as against a minimum of Rs. 11 per maund secured
in the previous year.

The average outturn per acre of Egyptian cotton in
Sind has been during the last four years much lower than
that of the hardier indigenous variety and much less than
was originally expected. This is mainly due to bad

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1907-09. ]_7

cultivation on the part of the ryots who do not follow the
instructions of the agricultural department. Unless culti-
vation is improved and sufficient flow irrigation is obtained
as early as March-April, there is no likelihood of Egyptian
cotton being established as a general field crop in Sind.
The Government of Bombay are taking steps to secure these
conditions. It is disappointing, however, to record that
this year (1909) no sowings in Sind of Egyptian cotton
have been made on account of the difficulties of water
supply.

Some promising results have been obtained from the
trials of American and Cambodia cottons in parts of the
Southern Maratha country.

The area sown with American cotton in the Jhelum
colony of the Punjab increased in 1907, but on account of
the scarcity of labour due to the epidemic of plague, the
area was restricted last year. There has been, however, no
large decrease in the number of cultivators growing this
cotton. Arrangements were made last winter to dispose
of the produce by auction as is done with Sind-grown
Egyptian cotton, and the results were most satisfactory, the
cultivators obtaining an adequate price for their produce.
The trials with Egyptian cotton in the Punjab have not
yielded any satisfactory results. The Economic Botanist
has now imported a new variety which he considers better
suited to the Punjab.

Acclimatised American cotton was successfully grown
in 1907 by many cultivators in the Aligarh district of the
United Provinces, and there was a large increase in the
demand for seed for the next year's crop. It is anticipated
that the quantity of this cotton will soon be sufficient for
putting it on the market on a commercial scale and the
prices offered will determine whether it will be permanent-
ly established in these provinces.

In the Central Provinces and Bengal hurhi cotton (an
acclimatised variety of American type) has continued to
give successful results. Efforts are being made to extend

13 REPORT CF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE.

the area under this cotton and to improve the quality and
outturn by selection. In the Central Provinces arrange-
ments v^ere made during 1908-09 to secure a large supply
of seed for distribution. It is a good cropper in districts
of fairly heavy rainfall, yields a high percentage of lint of
good quality and is comparatively immune to wilt.

In Madras and Burm^, experiments with Egyptian
and other varieties of cotton are in progress.

Tree Cottons. — Further trials with tree cottons have
confirmed the opinion which I have previously expressed,
viz., that they will never enter into regular cultivation in
India. The experiments made by Messrs. Shaw, Wallace
and Company with this class of cotton have generally
failed. The cliief centre of their operations was the Mour-
bhunj Farm. One hundred and seventy acres were plant-
ed out with perennial cottons in 1907. In the succeeding
year this area was increased to about 300 acres. In August
1908 the plantations were inspected by me in company
with the Director of Agriculture, Bengal, and a report was
submitted to Government. The experiments had failed
and therefore have been abandoned since March, 1909,
Some success has been obtained with the Bourdon variety
in the Bombay Presidency and favourable results have been
obtained here and there in Assam and Burma, but the place
of tree cottons as a field crop in Indian agriculture is very
limited.

J. MOLLISON, M.R.A.C,

Inspector General of Agriculture in India.

Simla;
The 5th August 1909.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR, AGRICULTURAL
RESEARCH INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA,
FOR THE YEARS 1907-09.

(B. Coventry, Esq.)

1. Charge. — The Director returned from nine months'
combined privilege leave and furlough on 27th November
1907, and for the remainder of the period under report, was
in charge of his office.

2. Staff. — The European scientific staff of the Institute
consisted as follows :^ —(1) The Imperial Agriculturist with
one Supernumerary, (2) The Imperial Agricultural
Chemist with one Supernumerary, (3) The Imperial Eco-
nomic Botanist with one Supernumerary, (4) The Imperial
Entomologist with one Supernumerary, (5) The Second
Imperial Entomologist and (6) The Imperial Mycologist
with one Supernumerary. Mr. C. J. Bergtheil, Imperial
Bacteriologist, who for the last five years was on deputa-
tion with the Bengal Government carrying on investiga-
tions connected with indigo manufacture, joined his
appointment at Pusa on the 1st April 1909, after the
expiry of his deputation, but soon after (28th June)
relinquished his post. Mr. F. M. Howlett, B.A., Second
Imperial Entomologist, arrived from England on the 23rd
November 1907 and commenced his investigation on
diftera. Mr. G. P. Hector, M.A., B.Sc, arrived on the
14th January 1908 and took up the post of Supernumerary
Economic Botanist in succession to Mr. R. J. D. Graham,
M.A., B.Sc, transferred to the Central Provinces. Mr. W.
McRae, M.A., B.Sc, Supernumerary Mycologist, arrived on
the 28th March 1908. Mr. W. Roberts, B.Sc, Supernum-
erary Agriculturist, was deputed to Bombay Presidency in
April 1908 to assist the Deputy Director of Agriculture,
Mr. A. G. Birt, B.Sc, Supernumerary Agriculturist, was
in May 1908 transferred to the Agricultural Depart-
ment, Eastern Bengal and Assam, as Acting Assistant

c 2

20 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Director of Agriculture. Mr. E. Holmes-Smith, B.Sc,
Economic Botanist-designate of Burma, arrived from Eng-
land on the 7th October 1908 to undergo training under the
Imperial Economic Botanist, and Mr. G. C. Sherrard, B.A.,
Supernumerary Agriculturist, arrived from England on the
19th November 1908. Drs. J. W. Leather and E. J. Butler
proceeded on leave from the 15th and 1st April 1909 respec-
tively, and Mr. H. E. Annett, B.Sc, Supernumerary Agri-
cultural Chemist, and Mr. W. McRae, Supernumerary
Mycologist, were appointed to officiate in the posts of Im-
perial Agricultural Chemist and Imperial Mycologist re-
spectively.

3. Scientific Work. — The scientific work of the Insti-
tute during the period is indicated in the reports of the
various sections.

4. College, Grounds, Roads, etc. — The College building
has been taken over from the Public Works Department
and has been fully occupied by the various sections. The
spacious compound surrounding the College has been laid
out; a general improvement in the condition of the roads
and avenues has been introduced. Nearly 150 acres have
been added to the cultivated area.

5. Students. — The College was opened for students
in July 1908. The number of students admitted during
the year was 19. Of these, 2 came for training in
practical agriculture, 2 in economic botany (one for a
special course in fruit pruning and weathering), 2 in
chemistry, 7 in entomology, 3 in mycology and 3 came for
a general course in agriculture. Seven students left
after completion of training; one left on account of ill-
health, and one was recalled to his province before comple-
tion. The student from the Central Provinces who came
for a training in entomology died before completing his
course. In addition to the training in the agricultural
sciences above referred to, special classes have been opened
to give a short industrial training in subjects such as lac
cultivation and sericulture, and there are now 2 students

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1907-09. 21

receiving a course of instruction in the latter subject. In
the coming year it is intended to enlarge these special
industrial trainings by the addition of more subjects such
as fruit-growing, poultry-management, dairying, etc. It
is hoped that these short courses will assist in reviving
several old industries and promoting new ones which may
profitably be worked as cottage industries.

6. Publications. — Much assistance has been given by the
senior members of the staff in the preparation of publica-
tions. Special mention should be made of Dr. Leather
who has had charge of the photographic department, of
Mr. Maxwell-Lefroy who supervised the passing through
the press of all the illustrations connected with publica-
tions, until he handed over the work to Mr. Hewlett, and of
the latter gentleman who, during the last year, has not
only been responsible for the preparation and publication
of illustrations, but has also assisted much in seeing the
printed matter through the press.

7. Library. — The library contains over 6,000 volumes.
The transfer of the books from the old building to the new,
their arrangement and cataloguing have taken up a good
deal of thought and time, and I am greatly indebted for the
assistance that has been given in these matters by Dr. E. J.
Butler, Mr. H. Maxwell-Lefroy and Mr. A. Howard. A
new catalogue, revised and corrected up to 31st December
1908, is in the press.

8. General Health of the Station. — The general health
of the station has been good. There was an outbreak of
chicken-pox and acute ophthalmia amongst the inenial
establishment in April 1908. In March 1909, there were
four cases of confluent small-pox among the subordinate
staff; all recovered, and by prompt disinfection and isola-
tion further spread of the disease was stopped. In the
hospital, relief was given to 5,716 cases of whom 190 wc^re
indoor patients. The number of cases treated amongst
European otficials and their families was 226. The opera-
tions performed numbered 171 of which 14 were major.

REPORT OF THE IMPERIAL AGRICUTURIST
FOR THE YEARS 1907-09.

(E. Shearer, M.A., B.Sc.)

1. Charge and Estahlish7rient. — The Imperial Agricul-
turist was absent on privilege leave from 10th September
to 4th October 1907, and from 2nd July to 30th September
1908, when his duties were carried on by the Director; for
the rest of the period under report he was in charge of his
section. Mr. A. G. Birt, Supernumerary Agriculturist,
worked in the section until 8th June 1908, when he was
deputed to Eastern Bengal and Assam to officiate as
Assistant Director of Agriculture. Mr. G. C. Sherrard
joined the section as Supernumerary Agriculturist on 20th
November 1908. There have been no important changes in
the subordinate staff. Excellent work has been done by Mr.
Judah Hyam, Veterinary Overseer, who has been in charge
of the breeding herds, Mr. Gulabbhai Desai and Mr.
M. Ikramuddin, Farm Overseers, and Mr. Ziauddin Hyder,
fieldman in charge of the poultry.

2. Training. — Four men from Eastern Bengal and
Assam have completed courses of two years, nine months,
six months, and three months, respectively, in practical
agriculture. Of these, two are now in charge of experi-
mental farms, one is a fieldman and the other who is a
graduate in agriculture of Cornell University, United
States of America, is temporarily in charge of the Dacca
experimental farm, but is intended for the post of Agri-
cultural Supervisor in his province. Two students sent by
the Punjab Agricultural Department for the general course
in agriculture, remained under training. Mr. Gore, Man^
ager of the Salvation Army's farm in Gujarat, came for a
short practical course last cold weather.

3. Cropping and Character of the Seasons. — The
general cropping followed the same lines as in previous

24: REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

years, being chiefly determined by the requirements of the
breeding herds. Areas which promise to be suitable for
future experimental work, have been treated uniformly
with regard to cultivation and cropping, the produce of
each acre weighed separately and the lands otherwise kept
under close observation. Two blocks of 9 acres each were
selected as suitable for the permanent manurial and rota-
tion experiments referred to below.

The rainfall for the year 1907-08 was 32-35 inches (the
normal being about 45 inches) and was badly distributed.
There was a long break in the rains in July and August,
and from the latter part of September till early January
there was no rain. Cold weather sowings were made
under very dry conditions, but the rains in the latter
part of the cold weather were good. Notwithstanding
the generally unfavourable conditions, the crops both
kharif and rabi were excellent. The rainfall from the
1st of June 1908 to the 31st of March 1909 (which covers
the kharif and rabi cropping seasons) was 18-23 inches.
The monsoon arrived a full month later than usual and was
very scanty, but kharif crops turned out to be little under
the average. Rabi sowings, however, were made with
very short moisture, and as practically no rain fell till the
crops were in ear, the yields were reduced to less than Jth
of the normal. The experience of the last two years
would seem to fix the minimum rainfall with which good
kharif and rabi crops can be successively grown on the
same land, as somewhere between 20 and 30 inches, if
moderately well distributed. A considerable proportion
of the rainfall is lost by surface drainage in heavy falls, so
that the actual crop requirements are comparatively small.
But it is only on very fine grained soils, such as the north
Behar alluvium, where evaporation can be reduced to a
minimum by suitable cultivation, that full advantage can
be taken of the actual rain absorbed by the soil, and again
suitable cultivation presupposes good cattle and efficient
moisture-conserving implements which in this part of
India are in the hands of few.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1907-09. 25

4. Special Croups under Experiment. — These included
(a) sugarcane, {h) jute, (c) flax, and {d) tobacco.

{a) Sugarcane. — Experimental work on sugarcane is at
present confined to determining the best varieties and the
best conditions as regards cultivation, manuring, planting
and irrigation. The results obtained will have only a
local application, and it is recognised that the present
work must either pave the way for larger investigations
on this important crop, or, if local conditions are found to
be unsuitable, work on the crop will be abandoned altoge-
ther. In the course of the last five years a large number of
thick and of thin varieties of cane from all parts of India
have been under trial. With regard to the thick varieties
it has been found to be impossible, even with liberal
manuring, to obtain the heavy crops grown in the best cane
tracts, the maximum yield hitherto obtained being 35 tons
of stripped canes per acre. The length and thickness of
the individual canes are satisfactory, but the stools are
deficient in tillering power, and the fact that many, from
various causes, succumb altogether during the growing
season, is further evidence of rather low vitality. The
thin varieties, on the other hand, in most cases tiller ex-
tremely well, and with an application of oil cake or farm-
yard manure equivalent to lOOtb of nitrogen per acre, and
with one or at most two waterings after planting, can, in a
normal season, be depended on to give yields of 30 tons of
stripped canes per acre. This, considering the compara-
tively low expenditure on the crop, is quite a satisfactory
return. Various sugar factories have been established in
Behar in the last few j^ears, and these deal almost entirely
with thin canes. Provided the difficulty is overcome of
securing from a moderate distance a sufficient supply of
canes to keep the mills going, there appears to be no reason
why these should not prove a success.

(h) Jute. — Forty-four varieties of jute were grown on
an area of 8 acres in 1907 and gave an average yield of 16|-
maunds of fibre per acre, the season being no better than

26 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

the average with regard to moisture conditions. At one
time there seemed to be a fair prospect of jute being grown
in Behar on a large scale, but the difficulty of obtaining
sufficient labour at the time of retting, the fall of the
abnormally high prices of three years ago to their normaJ
level, and the fact that in a very dry hot season like that of
1908 the crop may be a complete failure, has discouraged
further cultivation. The Fibre Expert to the Government
of Eastern Bengal and Assam has taken over the collection
of varieties for classification and selection, but otherwise
the crop is no longer grown at Pusa.

(c) Flax. — The results of the experiments with flax
continue to be promising. In the rabi season of 1907-08
the yield and the quality of the flax straw were quite good,
and there seems to be little reason to doubt that when the
requirements of the crop are properly understood, flax will
be capable of being successfully grown in Behar.

(d) Tobacco. — Zimmer's Spanish tobacco was grown on
an area of 5 acres in the cold weather of 1908-09 for
experimental curing in the curing house, but at the critical
moment the expert assistance promised could not be
obtained. In any case, owing to the unfavourable seasonal
conditions, the crop was considerably below the normal both
in yield and in quality.

5. Manurial Experiments on Wheat. — In the cold
weather of 1907-08, calcium cyanamide and calcium
nitrate were compared with sodium nitrate, Indian
saltpetre, sulphate of ammonia, rape-cake and farm-yard
manure as fertilizers for wheat. Owing to an attack of
white-ants and the late application of the manures in a
rather dry season, the results of the experiment were
somewhat inconclusive, but calcium cyanamide and calcium
nitrate proved as effective as any of the other manures
except rape-cako. The readiness with which the latter
manure becomes available as plant food, even under fairly
dry conditions, is remarkable.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1907-09. 27

6. Green Manuring. — Green manuring has been very
successful, especially in the case of lands newly reclaimed
from jungle. By green manuring such lands, they are
immediately brought into a condition of high fertility,
whereas under ordinary conditions moderate fertility is
only obtained after two or three years' cultivation. Sann-
hemp is a crop ordinarily employed for ploughing in. It
grows rapidly and gives a large bulk for ploughing in
about the middle of the monsoon, and becomes sufficiently
decomposed before the sowing of the succeeding rahi crop
to avoid danger of the land drying out from being too
loose. The effects of green manuring are very marked in
the two following crops and are discernible for two or three
crops more.

7. Permanent Manurial and Rotation Experiments. —
These were laid down last year according to the scheme
described in the Proceedings of the Board of Agriculture,
held in February 1908. It will be after some years only
that the results obtained will have their full value. The
kharif yields varied, on the whole, very consistently with
the doses of manure applied, thus showing that the land
selected was sufficiently uniform for the purpose. The
rahi sown plots were so poor as in most cases to be incap-
able of being harvested.

8. Permanent Pasture Exferiments. — Owing to the
ever-increasing contraction of grazing areas in India, it is
of importance to know the best conditions under which
good pastures can be established and maintained. That
good pastures can be grown in many parts of India there is
little doubt. An area of 80 acres of unmanured pasture
at Pusa was found sufficient to supply all the green food
required by two hundred head of cows and young cattle for
six months in the year while yielding quite a substantial
amount in the remaining six months. Consequently, a
series of permanent pasture experiments was laid down in
the monsoon of 1907 according to the scheme described in
the Proceedings of the Board of Agriculture, held in

28 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

February 1908, and it is anticipated that interesting and
valuable information will be obtained. Already there i.s
a decided change in the character of the herbage in some
of the manured plots.

9. Breeding. — The Montgomery herd of cows con-
tinues to do well. The high milking qualities of this breed
are year by year becoming more appreciated, and dealers
from distant parts of India now carry off large numbers
from the half-yearly fairs at Amritsar. Out of the Pusa
herd of 39 cows, 16 have given over 4,000tb each of milk in
their last lactation period (under a year in each case), and
of these five have given over 5,000fb each, one has given
6,300fb and another just under 6,0001d. When it is re-
membered that the average yield of milk in some of the best
dairying districts in England, is said to be under 5,000ib;
and with a considerably lower percentage of butter fat
than is found in the milk of the Montgomery breed, it is
possible to realise what a valuable asset India has in the
latter. At Pusa there is now the nucleus of what promises
to be a very fine herd, and the work of raising its milking
power by selection based on the milk records, is probably
the most important at present in hand in this section.

The local herd of cattle is still maintained on behalf
of the Bengal Government. How far it is likely to prove
useful is still uncertain. This year there was considerable
difficulty in disposing of all the young bulls even at com-
paratively low prices. This may have been due to the
scarcity of fodder in the district. There can be little
doubt, however, that if the herd is to be fully successful, it
must be transferred to the Bengal Agricultural Depart-
ment whose officers alone are in close touch with the dis-
tricts which the herd is intended to benefit.

During last cold weather 80 Bikanir ewes were pur-
chased. These are a white-fleeced breed with a high re-
putation for yield and quality of wool. The change from
the arid conditions of the Bikanir desert to the moist
climate and new food of Behar, induced a severe attack of

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1907-09.

dysentery from which 30 died in a short time. The re-
mainder, however, are now doing well. They are being
crossed by a diimha ram by which means it is hoped to
obtain greater hardiness, constitution and earlier matur-
ity. Attention will also be paid to maintaining the quality
of the wool by careful selection.

Poultry breeding is now conducted on a fairly large
scale. During the last year there have been 19 pens of
fowls representing 10 pure breeds and 3 crosses. It is
too soon yet to say how the imported fowls will do. The
difficulties of disease and pests incident to the introduction
of Western live stock of any sort into India, have had to be
faced, and they have been formidable. In the light of the
experience already gained, arrangements have been made
which will obviate some of the difficulties encountered.
Again, many of the more recently produced breeds of fowl
are partly of Eastern origin, and for this reason and because
of the greater vitality which has resulted from their mixed
origin, adapt themselves with greater readiness to Indian
conditions. The great fecundity of fowls, as compared
with larger animals, is another factor in their favour.
But, while there will always be a demand on the part of
fanciers for pure breeds, there is little doubt that the
breed of fowl fully suited to India will have to be built up
in India, and with this end in view various crosses are
being tried at Pusa.

10. General Improvement of the Estate. — Fully 100
acres have been added to the cultivated area. Much still
remains to be done in the way of reclamation, but the back
of the work has been broken, and as soon as sufficient work-
cattle are obtained, this kind of work will soon be brought
to a conclusion.

11. Programme for 1909-10. — The permanent manu-
rial and rotation and the permanent pasture experiments
will be continued. Experimental work on flax will be
continued. Work on sugarcane will be continued. Barley,
maize, sorghum, cow-pea, rice and castor varieties will be
tested.

30 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE.

Breedino^ work will be further extended. Selection in
the Montgomery herd on the basis of milk records will be
continued. It is anticipated that the Bengal Agricul-
tural Department will take over the herd of local cattle.
Sheep breeding will be continued on the lines indicated in
the report. The breeding and distribution of fowls will be
continued.

The training of students will be continued. Attention
will be paid to the general improvement of the estate.

REPORT OF THE IMPERIAL ECONOMIC
BOTANIST FOR THE YEARS 1907-09.

(A. Howard, M.A., A.R.C.S., F.L.S.)

Charge of Office. — The Imperial Economic Botanist
held charge of this section during the period under review,
with the exception of six months from August 8th, 1907,
to February 8th, 1908, when he took combined leave on
account of illness, and Mr. R. J. D. Graham, M.A., B.Sc,
Supernumerary Botanist, was placed in charge of current
duties. While on leave he visited the various botanical
gardens and experiment stations in Ceylon and spent some
time at Peradenia, the head-quarters of the Ceylon Agri-
cultural Department. He is indebted to Dr. Willis, the
Director, for special facilities in studying the work and
organisation of his department. Some new ideas were
obtained which he hopes to make use of in India. Visits
were also paid to some of the leading cacao, rubber, and
tea estates in the island. Some work on geographical dis-
tribution was done at Newara Eliya, a paper on which it is
hoped to publish shortly in England.

2. Teaching and Training. — The teaching work of the-
section commenced on October 1st, 1908, with two students
from the Central Provinces. One of these was sent for a
special course on the principles of fruit growing, the other
for a general course of training in economic botany to
fit him for the duties of first assistant to the Professor of
Botany at the Nagpur Agricultural College. Both these
students did excellent work and profited very considerably
by their stay at Pusa. Two students from the mycologi-
cal section attended the course of lectures and practical
work on physiology in this section. During the present
session two students from ihe Punjab have joined the
section for a general course, and at least two more students

32 KEPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

are expected in October next for the special course on the
principles of fruit growing.

In addition to the external students, three super-
numerary botanists have received training in the period
under report. Of these Mr. R. J. D. Graham, M.A., B.Sc,
left in February 1908, to take up the post of Economic
Botanist in the Central Provinces. Mr. G. P. Hector,
M.A., B.Sc, Economic Botanist-designate of Eastern
Bengal and Assam, arrived at Pusa on January, 22nd.
1908, and remained under training. Mr. E. Holmes-Smith,
B.Sc, Economic Botanist-designate of Burma, joined the
section on October 12th, 1908, for six months' training in
economic botany. This period has since been extended.

Mr. Abdul Rahman Khan, formerly Manager of the
Lyallpur Farm, joined the section as an assistant on
October 11th, 1908, and has undergone a special course of
training since. He has worked well, has made a good
deal of progress and has shown considerable aptitude for
the work of plant breeding.

3. Wheat Investigations. — Considerable progress has
been made with the investigations on Indian wheat.
The quality of the wheat produced in India is a question
of the greatest importance, both from the point of view of
local consumption, and also of the export trade. Little
attention, however, seems hitherto to have been paid to
this matter. It appeared likely, both from the appearance
of the grain and also of the nitrogen percentage, that
some of the pure culture wheats at Pusa and Lyallpur
were markedly superior in quality to the ordinary soft
whites like Muzaffernaggar largely grown for export.
Accordingly the co-operation of Mr. A. E. Humphries, a
past President of the Incorporated National Association
of British and Irish Millers and the highest authority in
the Empire on the milling and baking properties of wheats,
was secured with regard to the wheats of India. An
arrangement was at the same time made with Dr. Leather,
Imperial Agricultural Chemist, for the necessary analyti-
cal work to be done at Pusa. The first set of samples for

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1907-09. 33

milling and baking tests were sent to England after the
wheat harvest of 1908, and Mr. Humphries' report more
than bore out the expectation that India can grow high
grade wheats. This report was submitted for publication
in the form of a bulletin in September last. Although
several of the Punjab samples were superior to Muzaffer-
naggar white, Mr. Humphries considered that one of the
Pusa selections, No. 6, was distinctly the best wheat. The
publication of the bulletin has attracted a considerable
amount of attention, and it was submitted by the Direc-
tor of the Punjab Agricultural Department for the
opinion of the Incorporated National Association of
British and Irish Millers. The council of this association
unanimously supported Mr. Humphries and Imperial
Economic Botanist, and a full account of the proceedings is
to be found in the Miller of May 3rd last, and was reprinted
in the Indian Trade Journal of June 3rd, 1909. A second
set of 28 samples of wheats was sent to England for testing
during the present year.

Intimately associated with the quality of wheat is the
question of the influence of such conditions as soil, climate
and moisture on the grain characters. It w^as found in
1908 that the sam.e sample of Muzal'fernaggar wheat sown
at Lyallpur, Muzafi'ernaggar and Pusa, gave rise to grain
markedly differing in appearance, analysis and milling
and baking qualities. In order to investigate this subject
further, and also to discover experimentally a scientific
basis for a scheme for wheat distribution in the Indu-
Gangetic plain, this work has been considerably extended
during the past rahi season in collaboration with Mr. H. M.
Leake, Economic Botanist to the United Provinces. The
co-operation of other officers of the agricultural depart-
ments was obtained, and experiments were successfully
carried out at the following stations : — Pusa, Bankipore,
Dumraon, Partabgarh, Cawnpore, Orai, Alighar, Meerut
and Lyallpur. Mr. Evans has promised to assist next rahi
at Hoshangabad. The results of this year's work will be

34 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

published as soon as Mr. Humphries' report has been
received.

The botanical survey of the wheats of India was
completed during the last year, and an account of this
work forms the first section of the book, Monograp/i on
Indian Wheats, now in the press. The report on the
detailed agricultural survey of the wheats of the Punjab
was completed during the year, and for this work the
thanks of the Local Government were received through the
Director of Agriculture, Punjab. A similar survey of the
wheats of Bengal was completed during the year, and the
results of this work will be published after the next rabi
harvest. Bengal apparently possesses some wheats new to
science.

Perhaps the most important section of the wheat inves-
tigations is that concerned with selection and hybridiza-
tion at Pusa. Several promising wheats have been isolated
by selection and are now being tested for yield, agricul-
tural characters and grain qualities. The plant-breeding
work is now being conducted on a large scale, and the
separate cultures, many hundreds in number, extend over
several acres. The main object of this hybridization
work is to improve the grain, straw, and rust resistance
of the Indian wheats. The results already obtained are
of the very greatest promise.

During the progress of the wheat investigations at
Lyallpur, a comparison was made between the wheats of the
Punjab and those of the United Provinces. The superior-
ity of the former in vigour and straw characters was most
marked. Accordingly during the past year a set of the
types of Punjab wheat was placed at the disposal of the
Economic Botanist, United Provinces, for growth at
Cawnpore. The result surpassed expectations. These
wheats showed a marked superiority over the other wheats
cultivated at this station, and Mr. Leake has arranged to
continue the testing of these wheats in the United Prov-
inces. Besides the report on the Punjab wheats and the

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1907-09.

bulletin on the milling and baking tests, two publications
on this crop have been completed during the year. A
memoir on The Varietal Characters of Indian Wheats has
been published. Three papers on wheat dealing with the
results obtained in the harvest of 1909 are in preparation.

4. Fruit. — The fruit experiments at Pusa have already
yielded results of considerable practical importance, but
it was impossible to find time to write during the last year
a second report giving an account of these results. It
is hoped, however, to take up this work shortly. Good
crops of oranges, limes, custard apples, peaches, plums,
guavas, and loquats were grown, and the litchis and man-
goes are coming into bearing. Preliminary experiments
on sun-drying, evaporating and refrigerating, were carried
out, and a method was devised and successfully tested for
sending peaches long distances by rail in India.

5. Fibres. — Selection experiments in the case of flax
fatwa {Hibiscus cannabinus) and sunn-hemp {Crotalaria
juncea) have been continued, and some promising races
isolated. Three varieties of sisal-hemp {Agave rigida
sisalana) have been established on a large scale.

6. Oil Seeds. — During the year a considerable amount
of preliminary work was accomplished on the cultivated
oil seeds of the genus brassica, and the study of the oil
seeds of India will be considerably developed during
future years.

7. Minor Investigations. — The study "of the cassava
varieties has been completed, and Mr. Hector is engaged
in the preparation of a final report on this subject. He
has completed the botanical examination of the Pusa pas-
ture experiments, and the final report has been submitted.
The work on ganja, barley and opium has been continued.

8. Tobacco. — A good deal of attention has been paid
during the year to tobacco. The races of both Nicotiana
rustica and Nicotiana tabacum which have been iso-
lated at Pusa, have been studied. A memoir summing up

D 2

36 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

the work 'on the yellow flowered tobaccos of India {Nicoti-
ana rustica) has been submitted for publication, and a
second memoir dealing with the classification, description
and biology of the races of Nicotiana tahacum, is in pre-
paration. The method of growing this crop by furrow-
irrigation, was further tested and improved during the
year. Arrangements have been made with the Peninsular
Tobacco Company of Monghyr, to conduct a series of
experiments at Pusa to ascertain the best variety and the
best means of growing tobacco suitable for the manufac-
ture of cigarettes. This work will be conducted in colla-
boration with one of the experts of the company.

9. Programme for 1909-10: —

(1) Training. — The teaching work of the section will be
continued on the lines laid down in the prospectus of the
Institute.

(2) Plant-Breeding and Plant Improvement. — The
following crops will be studied : — Wheat, tobacco, barley,
oil seeds and fibre plants.

{a) Wheat. — The botanical and agricultural survey
of the wheats of Bengal will be completed on
the lines adopted in the investigations on the
Punjab wheats. The production of improved
varieties by selection and hybridization, will be
continued as well as the investigation of the
factors influencing the quality of the grain.

(b) Tobacco. — The botanical survey of the Indian
tobaccos will be completed.
. (c) Oil-Seeds. — The study of the oil-seeds of India
which has been carried on on a small scale
during the past year, will be extended on lines
similar to those adopted in the investigations
on wheat.

(d) Barley. — ^The work on this crop will be con-

tinued.

(e) Fibres. — The collection and investigation of

fibre yielding plants will be continued.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1907-09. 37

{3) Fruit Experiments. — The permanent experiments
on the culture of Indian fruits will be continued on the

lines laid down in the first report.

(4) Minor Investigations. — The economic importance
of the male plant in ganja cultivation and the problem
of the inheritance of sex, will be determined. The study
of cassava as a famine food will be continued in collabora-
tion with Imperial Agricultural Chemist.

REPORT OF THE IMPERIAL AGRICULTURAL
CHEMIST FOR THE YEARS 1907-09.

(J. W. Leather, Ph.D., FJ.C, E.C.S., ard H. E. Annett,

B.Sc, M.S.E.A.C.)

1. The Imperial Agricultural Chemist held charge of
this section till April 14th, 1909, vvhen he proceeded on
leave, and Mr. H. E. Annett, B.Sc, M.S.E.A.C, Supernu-
merary Agricultural Chemist, was appointed to officiate for
him. Mr. Annett acted as Agricultural Chemist at the
Poona Agricultural College from August 13th to November
22nd, 1908.

2. The several subjects which are under investigation
may be conveniently referred to as follows : —

3. Meteorology. — The usual meteorological records are
kept by this section and forwarded monthly to the
Imperial Meteorological Department.

4. Rainfall. — A self-registering rain gauge was fitted
up at Pusa and used during the monsoon of 1907 in order
to obtain some information regarding the rainfall per
unit of time. This is wanted in connection with the esti-
mates of the amount of rain water which runs off the land
during heavy rains. The instrument was one which was
fitted up by the Imperial Agricultural Chemist locally, and
yielded only approximate data, and a more exact instru-
ment will be necessary; but such data as wxre obtained
show the heaviest falls during the monsoon of 1907 to be
under 2" per hour. The monsoon was, however, a very
weak one and included only one really large fall.

5. Evaporation. — An evaporimeter has been experi-
mented with in order to determine the amount of water
which evaporates from free surfaces of water. The results
so far have not been very satisfactory.

40 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCfi

6. Drainage. — Records from all the four drain gauges
were maintained. In the monsoon of 1907, these differed
only markedly in the amount of surface drainage which
was greater from No. 1 than from the others. Never-
theless the No. 1 gauge probably yields the most reliable
data. Nos. 2 and 4 had grass on them and were expected
on this account to behave differently from Nos. 1 and 3.
The rainfall was sufficiently heavy on two occasions to
cause an overflow from the pipe fixed at a nominal 2" above
the ground level, and the amounts' that ran off were 0-5"
during a 4'' rainfall and 3-5" during a 7" rainfall.
The amount of water which percolated was 7-5". The
rainfall was 40-3" during the j^ear (October 1906 to
September 1907), and the amount which evaporated during
the twelve months was accordingly 28-8". These are the
quantities measured from No. 1 gauge.

The data of the drain gauges at the Cawnpore farm
and the samples of the drainage water from them, are pro-
vided for this section by the courtesy of the Director of
Land Records and Agriculture, United Provinces. The
four years' data obtained from these gauges, show that the
evaporation there amounts to between 14" and 20" in
extreme cases, and that the average is approximately l7"
per annum. Hence the amount lost from the Pusa soil
is considerably greater than at Cawnpore. This result
is probably fully explained by the fact (referred to below)
that the Cawnpore soil contains less maximum water per
cubic foot than the Pusa soil.

Regarding the constituents which are dissolved in the
drainage water, the total amount of nitrogen (as nitrate)
in the drainage water was 201b per acre from the bare
tallow soil and -04^ from that growing grass. This
year maize is being cultivated on gauges Nos. 2 and 4
m place of grass. The Cawnpore gauge soil which is
maintained fallow, continues to yield large amounts of
nitrate. This varies, however, a good deal with the rain-
fall and also with the depth of the gause. Over a series
of years these gauges are yielding approximately equal

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1907-09. 4.]^

amounts of nitrate, but it is not all washed out during
the same season; up to the present the deep gauges yield
large amounts in a very wet year, whilst the shallower
ones, although yielding also more in a year of heavy rain-
fall than in one of small precipitation, fall short of the
deep gauges in this respect, and then recover their position
in a year of short rainfall. The data are, however, meagre,
and in any case the subject is closely related to that of the
period when nitrates are principally formed and their sub-
sequent disposition in the soil, a subject which, though
understood fairly well for European conditions, is far from
being so for Indian soils.

The monsoon of 1908 was such a weak one that practi-
cally no drainage was recorded from any of the four
gauges. The rainfall this year up to June 30th has been
considerably above the average. Up till May 31st, 1909,
5-15" of rain fell. In June 28-96" fell. Percolation
began in gauges Nos. 3 and 4 (the 3' gauges) on June 10th,
after 12-31" of rain (reckoning only June rainfall) had
fallen. In the 6' gauges, Nos. 1 and 2, percolation began
on the 11th and 12th June respectively.

Much trouble is caused by the burrowings of various
insects into the gauges, and probably largely from this
cause gauge No. 2 (a 6' gauge) has leaked considerably,
and part of the drainage water from this gauge has had
to be ignored.

7. Loss of Water from Soil. — The data relating to the
first year's records of the amount of water in the soil
at Pusa during the dry season 1906-07, and the deductions
made therefrom, have been published as a memoir, No. 6,
chemical series. The views put forward in that memoir
have been supported by further experiments in the field,
the results of which are about to be published.

In order to gain experience of other soils, similar
records have been kept at the Cawnpore Agricultural
Station, and through the courtesy of Mr. C. Rudston
Brown, at Bhatowlia Indigo Factory in Behar, in addition

42 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

to another series at Pusa, determinations of the amount of
water present in the soil having been made monthly
throughout the dry season 1907-08. The latter season
was unusually dry at Pusa, so that the soil here was desic-
cated to a greater extent than generally happens. After
reviewing the data of the two seasons, it was found that
too much weight had been placed on the effect of atmo-
spheric humidity in the first method of calculating the rate
of loss, and that the latter can be accounted for by the effect
of temperature in addition to the special characteristics
of the soil. The calculated values agree very closely with
those found. The data for the Cawnpore soil show it to
possess a marked difference from the Pusa soil in the
amount of water present at the conclusion of the monsoon,
for this quantity is only about 161b per cubic foot, where-
as the Pusa soil contains about 25tb. Moreover, during
the season it lost water only to a depth of three feet as
against seven feet at Pusa.

The soil at Bhatowlia was selected, because it is a
coarse sand for more than 10 feet. This soil only con-
tained about 5tb water per cubic foot at the conclusion
of the monsoon.

8. Water Required by Plants. — An investigation of the
amount of water transpired by plants, was commenced in
1907 by the pot-culture method. In the following cold
weather one field experiment was made in conjunction with
the latter, and it was found to yield data in close corre-
spondence with those obtained from the pot-cultures. Dur-
ing the last year the pot-culture investigation was extend-
ed so as to include (a) a larger variety of crops and (b) a
number of essentially different soils, and in conjunction
with this a series of field experiments with various crops
was carried out. The data which have been obtained have
been put together in a memoir which will shortly be
published under the title of " The Water Requirements
of Crops in India."

9. Available Plant Food in Soils. — This investigation
continues to occupy a part of the time of the section, but

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1907-09. 43

is much more complicated than some of the other works.
The phosphates form the chief objective, because of the
importance which the more perfect valuation of this group
of constituents in soils would possess. The only area in
which field experiments have been made up to the present
in conjunction with the laboratory work, is in Behar. The
soil of a large part of Behar is, so far as one can tell from
laboratory tests, greatly deficient in readily assimilable
phosphates, and field trials were made during the monsoon
of 1907 and the following cold weather. The former
yielded doubtful results, but the latter yielded, with one
exception, considerable increases due to superphosphate.

10. Soil Gases. — Closely allied to the study of the
assimilable plant food in soils, is probably a more perfect
knowledge of the nature of the gases in soils and their
quantity. Such information as we possess regarding this
subject is but meagre, and since the Indo-Gangetic allu-
vium offers an exceptionally suitable material for the work,
an investigation in this subject was commenced. The
results obtained have been embodied in a memoir entitled
" The System Water, Calcium Carbonate, Carbonic Acid."

11. Black Cotton Soil. — An investigation into the
nature of constituent or constituents of this soil which
occasion its peculiar colour, was undertaken by Mr.
Annett, Supernumerary Chemist. The results obtained
from this investigation are about to be published.

12. Other Investigations. — Chief among these is a
determination of how the composition of the various crops
grown on the permanent experiment plots at Pusa, varies
with different systems of manuring.

In conjunction with the Imperial Entomologist, some
work has been done with the object of freeing stored wheat
grain from weevil.

13. General Analytical Work.— The number of samples
of agricultural materials which are sent by the provin-
cial departments for general analysis, is now practically
nil. The chief calls on the laboratory for this purpose

44 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

are made by Native States, the Irrigation Department
and private persons. The number of such specimens
examined is about Jth of what it formerly v^as. This
section of the work is now nominal and does not seriously
interfere with other work.

14. Students. — Three students, two from the Punjab
and one from Eastern Bengal and Assam, attended for a
course in general chemistry from October 1908 till
March 1909. These were all students taking the general
course in agriculture. In June 1909, one student came
to be trained as Analytical Assistant to the Agricultural
Chemist of Bengal.

15. Establishment. — Mr. J. N. Sen, M.A., senior
laboratory assistant, was, on the opening of the College
in July 1908, appointed teaching assistant. Mr. D. B.
Darab Sett, B.Sc, resigned his appointment to take up the
post of Senior Assistant to the Agricultural Chemist,
Burma. Mr. S. C. Kar took his M.A. degree at Calcutta
University. Mr. D. N. Chatterjee, B.A., B.Sc, and Mr.
C. S. Rama Aiyer, B.A., were appointed Junior Assistants.
All the establishment have worked well and given great
satisfaction.

16. Programme for 1909-10. — The programme of work
for the coming year is chiefly a continuation of that de-
scribed in the foregoing report which may be briefly sum-
marised as follows : —

(1) Maintenance of drainage records.
{2) Determination of the rate at which water is lost
by soils.

(3) Ascertainment of the water requirements of

plants.

(4) Investigation of the work on the availability of

plant food in soils.

(5) Investigation of the nature of the dark colour

of black cotton soil.

The investigation of nitrification in Indian soils will
be taken up if possible.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1907-09. 45

The effect of soil or manure on the composition of
certain seeds is an investigation which has been in pro-
gress tentatively and will be extended if considered de-
sirable.

The prevention of weevil attacks on wheat is an in-
vestigation which is being conducted in collaboration with
the Imperial Entomologist.

Instruction will be given to students on the lines
indicated in the Pusa syllabus.

REPORT OF THE IMPERIAL ENTOMOLOGIST
FOR THE YEARS 1907-09.

(H. Maxwell-Lefroy, M.A., F.E.S., F.Z.S.)

Training. — Students from the agricultural depart-
ments of the Punjab, Baroda, Bombay and Eastern Bengal
and Assam were fully trained during 1907-09. As this
is the first year, the full course of training was given
under proper conditions. A considerable proportion of
time was given to it, and the lecturing from October 1908 to
April 1909 done by the Imperial Entomologist. The organi-
sation and carrying out of this course has been the most
important work of the last two years, and it is to be regret-
ted that so few students took advantage of it. A short
training, as part of the course in general agriculture, was
given to two students from the Punjab and to a fieldman
of the Fibre Expert, Eastern Bengal and Assam.
Students from the United Provinces, Madras and Bengal
arrived in June 1909.

2. Establishment. — The assistant for sericulture, Mr.
L. M. Dass, was recently appointed; there have been no
important changes. The First Assistant, Mr. C. S. Misra,
has had direct charge of students, of the field w^^rk on
the Pusa farm and the work with lac. Apart from
the courses of lecturing given personally by the Imperial
Entomologist, Mr. Misra has had charge of the practical
and field work of students, which he has done in an
admirable manner. He also visited Sind in reference to
the boll-worm on cotton. The Second Assistant, Mr. C. C.
Ghosh, has had charge of the insectary and has had very
heavy additional work in connection with ^n-silk, of
which he will now be relieved. His work has been of
great value. The Third Assistant, Mr. G. R. Dutt, has been
in charge of economic records and collections, and has done

48 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

original work on aculeate hymenoptera. The assistant
in charge of the collections, Mr. D. Nowrojee, has done
excellent work with the arrangement and upkeep of the
general insect collections which are now permanently
stored in a proper manner. The Bengal assistant worked
in the laboratory, as there is no proper accommodation for
him as yet at Sabour, and with the Second Assistant, Mr.
C. C. Ghosh, prepared the revision in Bengali of Indian
Insect Pests, in addition to his ordinary work. The staff
of the Second Imperial Entomologist worked under the
guidance of the Imperial Entomologist until the arrival of.
this officer, and the artist's staff of the Institute also worked
under him till March 1908.

3. Buildings: — The section moved into the permanent
laboratory during May 1908. The section is now estab-
lished in permanent quarters in the laboratory; the
insectary, silkworm house and a godown are also being
occupied.

4. Provincial Work. — The number of assistants em-
ployed in entomological work in the provincial agricul-
tural departments is now 13, for teaching, demonstrating
and field work. This number is inadequate to bring the
practical work of entomology effectively before the agri-
cultural classes, but a beginning is being made with prac-
tical teaching of entomology at the provincial agricul-
tural colleges and also with demonstrations at shows. In
March last, a meeting of the assistants was held at Pusa to
discuss progress, to demonstrate improvements, to show the
work in silk and lac, to teach how to put up show-cases for
exhibitions and to arrange how best effective assistance
could be given from Pusa, especially with regard to shows
and demonstrations. The work of provincial assistants
is under general direction from Pusa, in the sense that
their monthly reports and programmes are sent here for
criticism; assistance is given in preparing their pro-
grammes in all technical matters such as identifications,
supply of apparatus, books, etc., and in the teaching given

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1907-09. 49

at the college. There is no uniform system for all pro-
vinces, and the relations are closer in some cases than others,
but all assistants can obtain the effective assistance
of this section, where it can be given. Progress has been
made in the general study of injurious insects in the
provinces, notably in Madras, where a careful study has
been made of the surul pest of groundnut, of paddy stem-
borers and of the general pests of the province. In Bom-
bay, an enquiry was made into the occurrence of the potato
moth. In the Central Provinces, Bengal, Eastern Bengal
and Assam and the Punjab, the general investigation of
injurious insects has been continued, and in the last named
province the progress of cotton boll-worm and its parasites
has been closely watched. A general strengthening of the
staff is required in most provinces.

5. Correspondence. — As in previous years, there has
been a large volume of enquiries on all matters connected
with insects; the enquiries directly connected with insects
injurious to crops, have been in part diverted to provincial
departments, but a large mass of miscellaneous enquiries
has been received and dealt with. Excluding correspond-
ence with provincial agricultural departments, these are
received from commercial firms, planters and planters'
associations, zemindars, fruit-growers, superintendents of
experimental farms and botanical gardens; specimens
sent for report by the members of the Bombay Natural
History Society, are, in some cases, forwarded and dealt
with here, and there is a certain number of enquiries from
persons interested in entomology for the identification of
specimens. The increasing interest in silk, lac and bee-
keeping also produced a large number of enquiries. Over
one thousand of such enquiries were dealt with by the
Imperial Entomologist personally during the last two years,
and this work is, by no means, the least useful part of this
section's activities.

6. Research. — Progress is steadily made with enquiry
into the life-histories and habits of injurious insects. The

50 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

more important have been the cotton boll-worm, the potato
moth, two cockchafer beetles, the mango leaf hopper, the
mohwa beetle, the singhara beetle, the bristle beetle, the
surface grass-hoppers, the big cricket, the rice and cane
hispas, the sweet potato weevil, the til hawk moth, the
Behar hairy caterpillar, the tur pod bug, the cane leaf
hopper, the armyworm of rice, the rice stem-borer, the
melon weevil, the rice and cane mealy bugs, the rice leaf
hopper and the pests of castor, rice and indigo. The in-
fluence of climatic changes upon insect life and the problem
of utilizing beneficial insects, have also been investigated.
The search for an insecticide less poisonous than arsenic
was continued and brought to a conclusion, the field trials
showing that the new insecticide is extremely effective.
An enquiry into the best method of checking thrips on tea
in Darjeeling was taken up by arrangement with the
Scientific Officer of the Indian Tea Association and spray-
ing trials made; the method tried was found satisfactory
and is in use at present. In connection with potato moth,
the trial of methods of seed potato storage was made, and
this work is being carried on in collaboration with the
Central Provinces Agricultural Department. Trials are
being made in the Central Provinces and also m Bengal.
The relation of the wheat weevil to the percentage humidity
of wheat is being investigated in collaboration with the
Imperial Agricultural Chemist, for the Department of
Commerce and Industry. Cantharides or blister beetles
are a pest in India, and an endeavour is being made to
ascertain if they are of commercial value, so that those who
suffer from them, mav derive profit from collecting them.
The enquiry into the food of birds was continued by Mr.
Mason, as also investigation of methods of fumigating
plants, grain, etc. The question of taking steps to check
the promiscuous introduction of noxious insects from other
countries, was under consideration, and recommendations
were made for dealing with plant imports. Mr. Mason
visited the centres at which the army stores are baled and
stored to investigate the occurrence in clothing, etc., of the

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1907-09. 5]^

destructive insect Anthrenus vorax; this enquiry was
completed and recommendations made for better baling.
The question of apiculture was taken up to determine how
far bees will thrive in the plains, and whether apiculture
can be carried on sufficiently well here to enable it to be a
subject for demonstration and teaching; this work is in
progress.

7. Sericulture. — The cultivation of eri-silk was con-
tinued, and the process of spinning, dyeing and weaving
taken up. This is carried on as a demonstration to
students of the value of this silk as a home industry in
India, and to enable any one who wishes to start it, to be
taught the work practically. A practical spinning
machine of a simple kind was devised by Mr. Ghosh which
is now in use; it is being improved, and its value is being
thoroughly tested. During the meeting of the assistants
in March last, the work was taught to them, so that they
could, if opportunity arose, give advice. The Superin-
tendent of Sericulture of the Baroda Government also came,
as this silk has been introduced in Gujarat. The publica-
tion of an article in the A gricultural Journal of India, the
exhibition at the Muzafferpur show and the work of the
Baroda Agricultural Department, have drawn attention to
the possibilities of this silk ; it is being taken up in Tirhoot,
Gujarat and elsewhere, and enc|uiries about it have been
received from every province; eggs have been supplied
free, or at a small price, to all who have asked for them, and
the work has been shown to many enquirers. It is prob-
able that this silk will be taken up in many parts of India,
and that an industry will spring up, similar to that exist-
ing in Assam, which will give light remunerative work to
women and children. Arrangements were made to supply
cocoons for spinning as a famine relief work for furdah
women in one district, and the work is being organised in
some Tirhoot indigo concerns. It may be noted that the
staff for this work consists of one assistant newly appoint-
ed, a fieldman and the coolies actually doing the work in

E 2

52 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

the silkworm house; to properly develop this industry
would require a staff available for temporary service in
tracts where conditions are favourable; the only men
available for demonstrating in outside places are trained
coolies, and there is room here for an increase of staff; so
far as possible, requests for assistance are met from the
available staff. As the purely experimental work on eri-
silk is almost completed, the cultivation of mulberry silk
has been taken up; the main object is to determine how far
it is possible to grow mulberry silk profitably, to supply
the raw material which is imported at present and to
supplement the supply of raw silk produced at present in
Lower Bengal, to see whether improvements can be effected
and to provide instruction in rearing and reeling if the
prospects are favourable.

The question of tussar silk is also being investigated,
besause in this, as in other silks, advice is asked on points
which can be determined only by entomological, as apart
from purely sericultural, enquiry.

8. Lac. — The cultivation of lac insect on her [Zizy-
fJius jujuha) has been continued, and progress made in ex-
tending the cultivation in Tirhoot. Seed has been supplied,
and men trained for twelve indigo concerns in Tirhoot,
and advice given about the cultivation of lac to many
enquirer. Lac inoculation was done for the Public Works
Department of Bengal in connection with canals, and
assistance given to the Bikanir State in regard to the
possibilities of lac culture there. The cultivation of lac
as an adjunct to ordinary cultivation has been explained in
an article for the Agricultural Journal of India, volume
IV, part 3, and it is solely from that aspect that it is being
done. The work of assisting the cultivation of lac will
probably expand. Training in lac cultivation is given at
Pusa at the present time, and advice given to enquirers.

9. Insect Survey. — The general collection of insects of
India, apart from the purely economic one, has been
transferred to its permanent quarters and is completely

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1907-09. 3

arranged and catalogued. Mr. C. W. Mason has arranged
the Lepidoptera, the Assistant to the Second Imperial
Entomologist the Coleoptera. A large part has been sent
to England for the use of authors of prospective volumes of
the fauna of India; the Orthoptera, Neuroptera, Braconi-
dae and Ichneumonidas, Cetoniidse Chrysomelidse, Curculi-
onidse, Microlepidoptera and Rhynchota Homoptera are the
larger collections being worked at in this way. A large
part has been returned, and the whole collection is yearly
becoming more complete and useful. The greatest help was
given by the late Colonel Bingham, and by his death we have
lost an able collaborator who gave invaluable assistance to
all who are interested in Indian entomology. We have
now a good reference collection as well as a separate
collection for students, of the insects of Pusa, both of which
are necessities in daily work. In conjunction with the
Indian Museum, the results of the past work are being
worked up and utilised in determining the zones of insect
life in India. Specimens were exchanged with the Indian
Museum; a collection of Coleoptera was identified for the
Bombay Natural History Society and completed from our
duplicates. Similar collections were identified and made up
for provincial agricultural colleges, and their collections
are sent here for identification and arrangement. A good
collection is the basis of accurate work and teaching, so that
this work is of importance and can be done from Pusa only.
The formation of the collection will be continued, but less
time will be devoted to it.

10. Demonstration. — A series of excellent coloured
plates with short printed explanations, has been issued,
which are used for teaching in colleges, are exhibited at
demonstration farms and are made up into show-cases for
exhibitions and shows. This series will be continued and
is being expanded also to cover silk, lac, bees and beneficial
insects. As the work of the provincial departments
expands, this work will also expand; and, since only simple
methods of checking pests can be used, the teaching of the
people and the demonstration of simple facts and remedies

54 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

will become an important part of the work. In all prov-
inces, teaching at colleges, enquiry into local pests and
demonstrations both of facts about insect life and remedies
for pests, are now going on.

In February last an exhibit of injurious insects, lac and
eri-silk was sent to the Muzafferpur agri-horticultural
show. Increasing attention is being paid to this in provin-
cial departments and the best methods of preparing such
exhibits are being tested here; a complete exhibit in show-
cases has been prepared as a model, and it is proposed to
send exhibits to shows or to assist in this work to gain
experience as to the class of exhibits that most appeal to
the public. Show-cases of injurious insects, silk, lac, etc.,
with specimens, plates and explanations in the necessary
languages, have been prepared for some provinces and will
be prepared by the entomological assistants in others; and,
as an aid to these, series of lantern slides in colour are
being prepared in order that lantern lectures may be given
at such shows. This work will be an additional tax on the
time both of this section and of the provincial assistants,
but it falls chiefly at one season and is an extremely
important work.

11. Publications. — The marked influence of Indian
Insect Pests is noticeable, and its publication in 1906 has
been abundantly justified. A simplified revision in Bengali
has been prepared and proposals submitted for its publica-
tion. Other vernacular revisions will follow as provin-
cial work expands sufficiently to make them possible.

A text book on " Indian Insect Life " has been issued
in July last. The issue of this volume of over 800 pages
with over 500 half-tone illustrations and 85 coloured plates
has entailed very heavy work which has fallen entirely
upon the Imperial Entomologist. The publication of the
volume completes the preparations for proper teaching and
marks the close of the period of preparation of the past
six years. The series of memoirs on injurious insects were
continued, and popular articles on those of great importance

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1907-09. 55

written for the Agricultural Journal of India. The influ-
ence of the latter is shown by the immediate increase in
correspondence from the public in India after the publica-
tion of an article on a particular subject.

12. Conclusion. — As this is the only entomological
centre in India, the section is so fully occupied in the imme-
diately practical work of answering enquiries, assisting
provincial departments, facilitating the teaching of
agricultural entomology and assisting in the establishment
of insect industries, that there is no time to apply research
to subjects not of immediate necessity and this must be so
until the staffs of the provincial departments expand.
Research, as ordinarily understood, is done here only so far
as will enable a practical answer to be given in each
definite practical case. The progress that has been made
in all branches of the subject and its great practical impor-
tance justify an expansion of the staff both at Pusa and in
the provinces. To practically apply the results gained
and to continue the progress which has been made possible
from the research and enquiry of the past, require a
constant expansion especially in provincial departments
setting Pusa free to continue the work of enquiry.

13. Programme for 19G9-10. — The work of the past in
studying and advising on crop pests will be continued.
Assistance will be given, when desired, in directing the
work of provincial assistants, in coping v^ith outbreaks of
crop pests and in organising exhibitions for agricultural
and other shows. The issue of coloured plates will be
continued. Enquiries in progress on potato moth, fumi-
gation of plant imports and grain and on wheat weevil will
be continued. Advanced teaching in entomology will be
continued. The question of publishing vernacular transla-
tions of the revised text of Indian Insect Pests will be
considered. The possibilities of apiculture in the plains
will be tested at Pusa. A short practical course of instruc-
tion in ^n-silk and in lac culture will be given if required.
Mulberry silk culture will be continued with a view to

56 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE.

offering instruction in rearing and simple methods of

reeling. If possible, the question of producing better races

will be taken up experimentally, but this may not be

possible if the practical courses of teaching occupy much
time.

REPORT OF THE SECOND IMPERIAL ENTO-
MOLOGIST FOR THE YEARS 1907-09.

(F. M. HowLETT, B.A., F.E.S.)

1. Chm'ge and Establishment. — Mr. Hewlett arrived
at Pusa in December 1907 and has been in charge of the
section since. The staff consists of Mr. D. Nowrojee, First
Assistant, with Messrs. P. G. Patel and H. N. Sharma,
special Fly Assistants. Of these, Mr. Nowrojee carries on
his previous work on Coleoptera, and Mr. Muhabat Singh
has been detailed in his stead for work on the flies affecting
crops and fruit. Mr. P. G. Patel has made a number of
original observations on ticks, sand flies and muscidse, and
has had charge of the general collection ; Mr. H. N. Sharma
has been occupied with the life-histories of mosquitos and
investigation of their natural enemies. All have done good
work in their particular branches.

2. Training. — Since diptera constitute a special group
of insects requiring special methods and careful mani-
pulation, a considerable amount of attention has been
given to the instruction of the staff in these methods. Mr.
P. G. Patel was sent to Beigachia, at the request of the
Civil Veterinary Department, Bengal, to give a course of
instruction relating to biting flies injurious to cattle.
Messrs. P. N. Das and Syed Mohomed Raza Husain, of the
civil veterinary departments of Bengal and the United
Provinces, respectively, came to Pusa for a course of train-
ing in methods of observing and collecting pests and para-
sites of cattle and other stock. As a part of the course
given to agricultural students in entomology, lectures
were given on diptera and on blood-sucking insects, special
attention being paid to fruit flies and cattle parasites.
A short series of lectures on more purely economic lines
was given to the provincial entomological assistants

58 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

on the occasion of their last visit to Pusa. Mr. Chima-
swami Pillai, sent by the Madras Government for instruc-
tion in methods of illustrating, finished his course and
returned to Madras.

3. Work on Publications. — That portion of the book,
" Indian Insect Life," which relates to diptera and the
sections on mallophaga, anoplura and cimicidse, was
completed, and the necessary illustrations prepared by the
Second Imperial Entomologist or under his supervision, as
were also a large number of the illustrations for the body
of the work and other illustrations and maps required for
memoirs and for the A qricultural Journal of India.

The business of seeing the A gricultural Journal of India
through the press, and all work connected with the repro-
duction, etc., of the illustrations in zinco, half-tone,
lithography and the three colour process, was also under-
taken.

In February last the Second Imperial Entomologist
acted as Secretary to the Board of Agriculture at the
I*^agpur meeting and prepared for publication the pro-
ceedings of the meeting.

The supervision and direction of the artists' staff of
the Institute have been undertaken, and besides the work
done for the various sections at Pusa, assistance has been
given to the civil veterinary departments and to the
Bombay Natural History Society in preparation of special
illustrations of blood-sucking flies and of living snakes.

4. Entomological Work. — Work was done on the rice,
tur pod and pea-stem flies. The first named was found to
be doing serious damage to wheat (planted after rice) in
Sibi, Baluchistan, and Mr. Muhabat Singh was sent to
investigate and report on the outbreak. Work was done
in fruit flies, and an attempt to check the annual attack
of these pests on the peaches grown at Pusa, was this year
so far successful that the period of severity was postponed
until the Imperial Economic Botanist was enabled to
complete the experiments in progress. It is unlikely that

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1907-09. 5^

any method short of netting, will have any radical effect
on the flies under the conditions at Pusa. Methods for
destroying the mango fly (the most destructive species
in Behar) have been tested with success. Mr. Froggatt,
Entomologist to the Government of New South Wales,
visited Pusa in June 1908 for the purpose of obtaining
information on the subject of fruit flies, as the Australian
fruit flies are related to those found in India and consti-
tute a very serious obstacle to the successful cultivation
of fruit there. Since his return he has been supplied with
fruit flies specimens for the purpose of assisting his in-
vestigation on the Australian species. Arrangements
have been made with Professor Silvestri to supply para-
sites of some of the south Indian species in the hope that
they may be utilised against the olive fruit fly, a species
which inflicts great damage in Italy.

Among blood-sucking flies attention has been directed
chiefly to the life-histories of sand flies, tabanid^ and
muscidse, and the Pusa species are now fairly well-known.
A number of specimens have been received from various
parts of India, from the officers of the civil veterinary
departments and from medical men. A report on 800
specimens received from Bengal was communicated to
Mr. D. Quinlan, Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Depart-
ment, Bengal, and data as to the distribution of the various
species are thus being obtained.

A number of specimens have been identified for medi-
cal men and for private individuals, and various enquiries
regarding blood-suckers, parasites, infective and predace-
ous insects, have been received and answered. A report
on the value of certain insecticides advertised as being
efficacious against various parasites, has been supplied to
the Inspector- General of Agriculture in India. Arrange-
ments are in progress for supplying Indian blood-suckers
to the Sleeping Sickness Commission in Uganda for the
purpose of testing the possibility of sleeping sickness being
transmitted by any Indian species as well as by the tsetse

fly-

gQ REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

The life-histories of nearly all the mosquitos which
occur in Piisa have now been ascertained, and a special
study has been made to discover any efficient natural
checks on their increase. Two species of fish have been
found to be capable of destroying large numbers of
anopheles larvae, while a small water insect seems not
unlikely to prove a useful check on culex; experiments on
a large scale have not yet been tried.

Observations on the life-history and habits of ticks
have been made, and experiments on the best means of
destroying them.

Some attempts have been made to discover the effect
of various physical conditions on mosquitos and other
blood-sucking insects, but, though some minor results of
interest have been obtained, this very important line of
research demands more time than the Second Imperial
Entomologist has been able to give.

A considerable number of specimens have been lent
to the Indian Museum in order to assist in the revision
of the nomenclature of various groups of Indian diptera,
and a large representative collection of tabanidse has
been lent to the British Museum to assist in like manner
the revision of the family now in progress.

In January last a number of specimens, drawings and
photographs of various blood-sucking species, were con-
tributed to an exhibition of disease-carrying insects
organised by Dr. Annandale at the Indian Museum.

In February last an exhibition of all kinds of blood-suck-
ing and parasitic insects was arranged for the pathologi-
cal section of the Bombay Medical Congress; a few slides
and specimens were lent for incorporation with other
exhibits; a simplified key to the different kinds of blood-
sucking insects, was written for the use of visitors to the
exhibition; a paper on the habit of sand flies was read
before the pathological section; and a public lecture on
blood-sucking insects delivered. The Second Imperial
Entomologist derived much pleasure and benefit from the

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1907-09. Ql

opportunity of meeting and conversing with medical men
from all parts of India.

5. Correspondence. — A considerable amount of corre-
spondence has been involved in the investigation on biting
flies. Sets of apparatus and copies of the bulletin on
biting flies have been issued to the Directors of Agricul-
ture, Punjab and Bengal, the Assistant to the Chief
Commissioner, Baluchistan, the Assistant Political Agent,
Khelat, the Honourable the Agent to the Governor- General,
Quetta, His Britannic Majesty's Consul, Seistan, the
Honorary Secretary, Baluchistan Natural History Society,
the superintendents, civil veterinary departments, Ben-
gal and Eastern Bengal and Assam, the officer investi-
gating camel diseases, the officers of the Indian Medical
Service and Royal Army Medical Corps, and private in-
dividuals in all parts of India, and it is anticipated that
the material thus obtained will greatly assist the enquiry.

Correspondence on matters connected with the working
out and identification of the collections, has been carried
on with experts in Europe and America and on various
scientific subjects with the bacteriological laboratory
at Parel, the Indian Museum, the Bombay Natural History
Society, etc., and with various private individuals.

6. Conclusion. — The necessity of devoting a consider-
able amount of time to the illustrating and publication
work of the Institute naturally restricts, to some degree,
the work connected with pure entomology. During the
past year the illustrating w^ork had at times been parti-
cularly heavy. A further restriction is due to the fact
that no laboratory accommodation was originally provided
for this section, with the result that all work has to be
carried on in a single room which perforce serves the pur-
poses of office, laboratory, store-room, collecting room and
insectary. The very important work on life-histories of
insects in particular has suffered for lack of a suitable
place for carrying on breeding operations, and there
is no accommodation whatever for students.

62 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE.

The number of enquiries received is considerable and
is expanding, but without further accommodation it will
be impossible to cope with the expansion.

7. Prograjnme for 1909-10. — Work on blood-sucking
insects and parasites injurious to cattle and poultry will
continue, and arrangements have been made for an investi-
gation, in collaboration with Mr. Leese, Veterinary Officer
investigating camel diseases, Lahore, on insects capable
of transmitting surra.

Trials will be made of the relative value as checks
of the various natural enemies of mosquitos discovered
at Pusa, and to ascertain whether the introduction of
Indian fish is likely lo prove of practical value in eradi-
cating anopheles in places where other measures are
impracticable or difficult.

A short course of lectures on pests of live-stock and
poultry for agricultural students, is being drawn up in
collaboration with the Imperial Agriculturist, and all
necessary assistance will be given in carrying out the
ordinary course for students at Pusa.

Attention will chiefly be directed to the dipterous
pests of crops and fruit and to the study of the tachinid
parasites of insects found at Pusa. The collection of dip-
tera will be as far as possible worked out from the system-
atic point of view.

The publication work and the control and supervision
of the artist's staff will continue as hitherto, unless other
arrangements are made for the allotment of the duties in
connection with this branch.

REPORT OF THE IMPERIAL MYCOLOGIST
FOR THE YEARS 1907-09.

(E. J. Butler, M.B., F.L.S., and W. McRae,, M.A, B.Sc.)

1. Charge and Establishment. — The Imperial Mycolo-
gist held charge of his section till the 31st March 1909,
when he proceeded on combined leave, and Mr. W. McRae,
who had joined his appointment as Supernumerary Mycolo-
gist in March 1908, after a period of six months on
deputation in the laboratory of Professor von Tubeuf at
Munich, was appointed to officiate in his absence. The
first assistant, Mr. S. K. Basu, resigned his appointment
with effect from 16th December 1908. The post is not yet
filled up. The appointment on probation of Mr. T. S.
Lakshman Rao as assistant to the Supernumerary Mycolo-
gist, terminated on 31st March 1909, when Mr. A. Hafiz
Khan, second fieldman, was promoted to the post. L. S.
Subramanium, clerk 'on probation, was appointed third
fieldman.

2. Laboratory. — The section moved into the new
laboratories of the Phipps' Institute in June 1908. In the
temporary quarters previously occupied, the work was
much interfered with by dirt and insects, and the move
has given much needed relief from these. When some
minor improvements are carried out; the section will be
Vv^ell-housed in its new quarters.

3. Training. — A mycological assistant for the United
Provinces was under training until September 1907.
Another for Bombay joined in June 1908, and the Assist-
ant Professor of Botany, Poona Agricultural College,
received a short course in April and May 1908. A myco-
logical assistant for Madras joined in November 1908,
and the Mycological Collector for Eastern Bengal and
Assam joined in September 1908. A student from the
Central Provinces received a course in cryptogamic

64 EEPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

botany from July to September of last year, and again in
plant anatomy from November to February. Two stu-
dents from the Punjab undergoing a general course in
agriculture, joined on the 1st June, 1909. The Assistant
Mycologist, Bengal, who returned to Pusa in March, 1908,
has remained in this laboratory pending the provision
of accommodation for him at Bhagalpore. The prospects
of assistants in the agricultural departments appear to
have been hitherto insufficient to attract good men.

4. Organisation. — Much time has still to be given to
organising the work particularly to meet the require-
ments of provincial departments. Collections have to be
accumulated and worked out vfith what voluntary assist-
ance can be got outside India. Duplicate collections will
be, as far as possible, supplied to provincial departments
which already have mycological assistants. Annotated
specimens of Mildews and of Ascomycetes have been sent
to Mr. Salmon of Wye College and to Messrs. H. and P.
Sydow of Berlin, respectively, to be worked out for exten-
sion of the general survey of Indian parasitic fungi.
Collections of diseased plants received from the Central
Provinces, Bengal, Bombay, Burma and Madras, have been
worked out and returned, and these will be gradually
extended, as further material becomes available.

In the provinces, the question of the best means of
expanding mycological work was considered by the Board
of Agriculture which sat at Pusa in February, 1908. A
small special staff of Indian assistants to be formed in
each provincial department was recommended, their
duties being defined as assisting the research work of tH<^
Pusa staff and conducting the training at the colleges.
The ordinary staff of agricultural assistants should under-
take such practical field work in preventing diseases
as is necessary. In each province there will probably be
appointed one assistant professor of mycology at the
college and one assistant for work outside the central
station. This will form a beginning which can be extend-
ed ultimately.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOB 1907-09. ^5

Arrangements have been made for unifying the pro-
posed mycological course in the provincial colleges, and
a memorandum on a course of lectures and practical work
together with the most important diseases, has been com-
piled as a basis for this unification of mycological teach-
ing.

5. Research Work. — A small number of diseases have
been selected for detailed study which, in some cases, has
continued over several years. The life-history and general
biology of the parasites have been studied, and informa-
tion obtained of their effects on the attacked plants.
The following are the chief diseases specially investi-
gated : —

6. Sugarcane Diseases. — Red rot is the chief of these.
The work of the period under report has been directed to
elucidating the methods of infection. It has given some
new results, and it is hoped to publish a further contribu-
tion to the study of this disease during the year. In the
Samalkota farm red rot is now quite rare in the crop, and
this may be considered due to the methods of set selection
advocated by this section. Work is in progress on the life-
history of two other sugarcane parasites, but so far has not
reached the publication stage. A few inoculations to as-
certain the mode of infection of smut proved successful
and these experiments are being continued this season.

7. Palm Diseases.— The campaign against the palm
disease of the G'odaveri delta is still being prosecuted, and
the entertainment of the special staff employed has been
recom.mended for a third year. The Imperial Mycologist
inspected the work in September and December 1907 and
in January 1909. There has been no general recrudescence
of the disease in the early months of this year, such as
occurred last year, and the Imperial Mycologist was struck
by the very small number of newly diseased trees seen in
his tour in January last. Under the new system Inaugu-
rated in October 1908, it is hoped that cutting work will
go on continuously and simultaneously over the whole of

QQ REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

the affected area. Successful inoculations with the para-
site have been secured, and a further study of its life-his-
tory made.

A serious disease of cocoanut palms was reported from
Travancore early in 1907, and the Imperial Mycologist
visited the State in September and October of that year
to investigate its cause. A report on the disease has
since been published.

8. Diseases of Citrus Fruits. — The chief of these in-
vestigated were " white rust " which has appeared at
Poona, and a disease which is ravaging the valuable
orange orchards of Sylhet and Lower Burma. The former
is identical with a disease which has recently appeared
in Southern Europe. Suggestions for experimental treat-
ment have been made. The other disease does not appear
to have been previously recorded. The Imperial Mycolo-
gist visited Burma in January 1908 to investigate it, and
experiments are in progress to ascertain its cause. Tt
appears certain that it can be avoided by grafting on
stalks of other citrus plants.

9. Wilt Diseases. — These diseases have engaged more
attention during the period under report than any
others. Out of the considerable number, all similar in
their course, which affect economic plants in India, those
of cotton, indigo, pigeon-pea and gram were selected for
study. In all, the fungus to which the cotton wilt of the
United States is attributed was present, and the assumption
was that this fungus which is said to be a virulent para-
site in America, was the responsible agent in each case.
Detailed experimental work has, however, thrown the
gravest doubt on the parasitism of this species, and an-
other organism was isolated fiom pigeon-pea which has
been shown to be the cause of the disease in this crop.
This organism has been called Fusarium udum, Butler.
A memoir on the work is now in the press. The cause
of the gram wilt disease has also been definitely deter-
mined, and successful infections obtained. The investi-
gation has been lengthy and troublesome, but the diseases

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1907-09. 57

referred to are amongst the most destructive in Indi?
and will well repay study. The experiments at Poona
farm to raise a resistant strain of pigeon-pea, have been
in progress four years and are promising well.

10. jhdherry Disease of Kashmir. — In a visit to
Kashmir during the months of July, August and Septem-
ber, 1908, the Imperial Mycologist enquired into the
diseases of mulberry and also those of apple, pear, peach,
quince, cherry, apricot and grapevine. The results of
part of this work have been published, and recommenda-
tions made for dealing with mulberry diseases. The
study of the other diseases is in progress. A large col-
lection of fungi was also made for the herbarium and these
are being gradually worked out in the laboratory.

11. Ginger Disease. — This disease causing consider-
able damage in Eastern Bengal was investigated, and the
probable cause of the disease determined. Experiments
are still being carried out with the disease.

12. Other Diseases of Plants. — A new anthracnose of
val (Dolichos lablab), some species of the rare genus,
Choanephora, and the two maize smuts of India, have been
studied, and a successful attempt has been made, to work
out the life-history of the very obscure paddy smut. As
usual a large number of other diseases of crops were
examined, and this work has formed a large portion of
the routine work of the staff.

13. Silkworm Disease. — At the instance of the Imperial
Entomologist an attempt was made to ascertain the cause
of the heavy mortality amongst eri-silkwovms during the
hot weather of 1908 at Pusa. The mortality appears to
be due to a specific disease allied to, but not identical with,
that known as " flacherie " in ordinary silkworm,

14. Programme for 1909-10. — It is proposed to continue
the work with sugarcane diseases and to publish a further
contribution to our knowledge of red rot. If sanctioned
by the Government of Madras, the palm disease campaign
in the Godaveri delta will be continued. An account of

F 2

Q^ REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE.

the parasite and a review of the work undertaken to pre-
vent its spread will be published shortly.

It is hoped to complete during the year an illustrated
account of the chief diseases of citrus fruit trees in India
with suggestions for treatment.

It is proposed to continue the work on the wilt disease
of leguminous crops, specially cow-pea, to determine the
exact cause of the disease in each case.

The collection and identification of parasitic fungi
will be continued. It is hoped to secure the publication
of a complete list of the species of Ascomycetes in the Pusa
herbarium.

It is hoped to complete the text of the book on Indian
plant diseases during the year.

Students will be received for training, the regular
course of instruction commencing on June 1st.

REPORT OF THE IMPERIAL COTTON SPECIAL-
IST FOR THE YEARS 1907-09.

(G. A. Gammie, F.L.S.)

1. Charge. — Mr. Gammie joined the Imperial Depart-
ment of Agriculture as Imperial Cotton Specialist on
the 14th December, 1907, and has continued in charge of
his office since. Until 10th October, 1908, when he was
relieved by Mr. W. Burns, he held charge of the office of
Economic Botanist, Bombay, in addition to his own duties,
and from 6th August to 30th September, 1908, he held
charge of the office of the Principal, College of Agricul-
ture, Poona, owing to the illness of the Principal and the
Professor of Agriculture.

2. Tours. — During the cold weather of 1907-08, the
Imperial Cotton Specialist examined the cottons on all
the farms of the Bombay Presidency and gave advice. In
March 1908, he visited some farms in the Madras Presi-
dency and discussed the experiments in progress with
the Deputy Director of the northern division. During
April and May an extensive enquiry was made regarding
the varieties of cotton and the conditions under which the
cotton crop is grown in Gujarat and Kathiawar. In
Surat and Broach districts the quality of the cotton
is best in the south and gradually gets worse as one pro-
ceeds northwards. Navasari has the finest and longest
staple, then comes Surat and then Broach. This may be
due to the heavier rainfall and greater atmospheric
humidity at Navasari (owing to its proximity to the sea),
for there is little apparent difference in the soil. Culti-
vators of the neighbouring districts have used Navasari
seed, but, although the produce was ginned and despatched
to Bombay separately, it failed to realise the same price as
that obtained for cotton grown at Navasari. This may,
however, have been due in part to the marks on the bales

70 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

showing that the cotton came from Broach and Surat.
The two cotton varieties Broach deshi and ghoghari grown
in the latter two districts are quite suitable to the tract,
but it is absolutely necessary for the cultivators to main-
tain the purity of the seed. The growing practice of
separating seed from the fibre in ginning factories,
instead of as formerly by hand gins, has tended to injure
the quality by mixing the seed. The average farmer gets
his seed haphazard from the general supply at the ginning
factory, good, bad, early, late, medium, tall, bushy and
ordinary varieties all mixed. There can be no improve-
ment, unless the seed is at least equal to the average of
the previous crop. The improvement by selection of seed
continued from year to year, is most important. If care-
ful selection of seed is practised, and if the cultivator
takes the trouble to handgin his seed at home, there is
hope that the lint will be improved in quality and that
the outturn per acre will also increase. In selecting the
seed, cotton should be picked from the best sound bolls of
large, healthy plants of branching habit of growth, each
plant having a large number of bolls. Of the two varieties
now growing in these districts the Broach deshi variety
is the standard, and at present its price in the Bombay
market rules that of all other cottons of India.

Kathiawar accounts for more than one-third of the
total area under cotton in the Bombay Presidency (exclud-
ing Sind). Formerly wagad and lalio, two varieties of
nearly the same quality as Broach (though picked less
carefully, and, on that account, fetching a lower price), were
the only ones found in Kathiawar, but on account of the
succession of years of irregular rainfall, beginning with
the famine year of 1900, they have been largely replaced
by two inferior coarse varieties mathio and navesari (not
Navasari) from Central India which give good yields,
mature early and can be grown without much risk in
years of scanty rainfall.

Durimi the month of October, 1908, the Cotton
Specialist visited the Punjab, Sind, Rajputana, Centrai

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1907-09. -jfX

India and Gujarat. Throughout the four first named,
the prevailing cottons are of neglectum type mixed with
a plant resembling hani. If these two cross freely very
close observation would be needed to establish the fact;
that they remain, on the whole, true to type is easily demon-
strated. The produce of these plants is probably the most
inferior cotton in India which, however, fetches a price
in advance of its intrinsic merits on account of its white
colour and suitability for adulteration with wool.
Throughout the area is found intermixed a superior style
of cotton which has been already distinguished by the
Cotton Specialist as malvensis. Officers of the provincial
departments who are serving in coarse cotton tracts are
already testing the feasibility of establishing this as a pure
race, and Mr. Clouston of the Central Provinces is sanguine
of ultimate success.

In the Punjab alone there is an annual variety of
arboreum which the Cotton Specialist has already named
sanguineum. It occurs chiefly as a mixture in the
fields, and from a trade point of view there is no particular
reason why it should be isolated, as its cotton is in no way
different from that of the more common varieties. At the
Lyallpur farm the Economic Botanist was engaged in
studying a set of Punjab cottons, so that he could draw out
a scheme for future work in selection. The experiments
with upland Georgian and Egyptian cottons were of
prime importance. The former is not of the New Orleans
type, naturalised in the southern parts of Bombay and
Madras, and which is intolerant of cold, but the true Up-
land which requires a distinct autumn for its develop-
ment. Sales of this cotton have proved that a good price
can be readily obtained for it, and since the officers of the
Punjab Department have found in this a product far in
advance of anything they can hope to attain from the
selection of their indigenous varieties, it was gratifying
to see that they were attending specially to the establish
ment of first class varieties of upland Georgian. They
ought in this connection to carefully study the methods

72 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

employed in the United States. Of the chance of success
for Egyptian cotton in the Punjab there Is more doubt.
The ]3ombay merchants consider that the Egyptian cotton
grown in Sind is distinctly inferior to that directly im-
ported from Egypt, and that from the Punjab would prob-
ably be no better.

In Sind the Cotton Specialist discussed the subject
of cotton cultivation with Mr. Henderson, Deputy Director
of Agriculture. The latter is of opinion that the very
sanguine estimates formed on the results of trial sowings
of Egyptian cotton, must be considerably modified in the
light of recent results. He states that no further exten-
sion of the area suitable for growing Egyptian cotton can
be counted on outside the Jamrao canal district until
a further system of perennial canals is constructed, and
that on the Jamrao canal a maximum of not more than
10,000 — 20,000 acres could be sown under favourable cir-
cumstances. Further, owing to scarcity of labour,
occasional scarcity of water and the often alkali condition
of the soil, the Jamrao cultivators prefer a surer, if less
profitable, return in the cultivation of millets and short
stapled indigenous cotton to giving the requisite care to the
cultivation of Egyptian cotton. Despite the unsatisfac-
tory results hitherto obtained, Mr. Henderson believes
that good results can be got with Egyptian cotton when
Egyptian methods of cultivation are closely followed. He
lays special stress on very careful cultivation and rotation
of the cotton crop with her seem {Tri folium aleocandrium).

The American cottons, Texas Big Boll and Boyd's
Prolific and also the acclimatised Dharwar- American, have
been tested during the last year in Sind and have given
promising results. They have a shorter growing period
than Egyptian cotton, enabling them to be sown on inunda-
tion canals.

At the sewage farm in Karachi Spence cotton,
Egyptian cotton and Sea Island cotton were tried with
disappointing results. This was to be expected, as cotton
is in no way a suitable crop for a sewage farm.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1907-09. 73

The Central Indian cottons consist onlj of bani, jari
and varadi, with the usual preponderance of inferior types,
and the remarks made on the Central Provinces cottons
below will also apply to these.

In November, 1908, the Cotton Specialist visited
Bassein in the Konkan to study the results of Bourbon
cotton cultivation there, and then proceeded to Pusa to
discuss various subjects with the Inspector- General of
Agriculture in India and other ofi&cers of the Imperial
Department. Afterwards a visit was paid to Bhagalpur,
and cotton matters were discussed there with ]Mr. Waod-
house, Bengal Economic Botanist. Cotton is not, of course,
an important crop in this Presidency, but the attention of
the officers of the department might be drawn to the fact
that Gossyi)ium intermedium (according to the classifi-
cation of the Cotton Specialist) is perhaps common as a
garden crop in some parts. At least three separate plots
were seen between ^luzafierpur and Pusa, adjoining the
railway. Sir George Watt, in his recent great work, states
that the famous Dacca muslins were manufactured from one
of the coarsest cottons in India, and he reproduces Rox-
burgh's coloured figure to support his point. From internal
evidence it may be gathered that Sir George Watt was
ignorant of the existence of Gossypium intermedium,
because the picture he gives shows clearly a distinct form
of this race. Some varieties in favoured localities may
produce fine staple which is far more likeh^ to be used in
the manufacture of a superfine cloth than one which closely
approaches the coarse Bengal or Assam type. There is no
record of Gossypium intermedium being found anywhere
in Eastern Bengal, but local ofiicers may not have suspected
its existence as a garden crop grown in villages near houses
and not in the fields. The real source of the Dacca muslin
cotton is a matter sufficiently important for close investi-
gation.

The cultivation of hurhi cotton in Chota Nagpur is
probably capable of extension. Hand gins have been
supplied by the Deputy Director of Agriculture, Bengal,

74 «EPOKT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

for the use of villagers. The cultivation of the cotton
crop generally in Chota Nagpur is on the decline, owning
to the restriction of the daha system of cultivation. This
system consists in burning thick layers of jungle on the
land selected for the cotton crop. The land is thus fertil-
ised with the ashes, and weeds are killed. If there
is not enough jungle on the selected site, jungle including
often valuable trees, is cut down at some distance and
carried there. The system is a wasteful one, and its
restriction cannot, therefore, be deprecated. Tree cottons
are grown in the district to a limited extent. The plants
give a fair return for three or four years after which their
yields diminish.

During the same month a visit was paid to the Central
Provinces and Berar Exhibition, and full advantage taken
of such a favourable opportunity of studying samples of
cottons from all parts of the province. Side by side
with the experiments which are being conducted for the
improvement of the local jari and varadi by the selecting
out of a superior race known as malvensis, work of great
importance has been done in the introduction of hurhi
cotton. The staple has been favourably reported on, but
something further is required in the way of strength, and
it is hoped the provincial department will attain this
quality by selection. In the course of a conversation with
an enterprising gentleman who cultivates about 1,000 acres
of land near Yeotmal, it was learnt that hurhi cotton is
thoroughly at home in low lying ground where jari was
killed by excessive rain in the last season. There is thus
a chance for the introduction of hurhi into areas of
heavier rainfall, and Mr. Clouston has arranged to work
out this point. It should not be grown, however, on the
higher and drier lands which are exactly suitable foi-
jari. Mr. Hemingway, Director of Agriculture, stated
that a good deal of cotton wilt had been reported from the
Satpuras, but he himself thinks that it is not really wilt,
but damage caused by the heavy rainfall. He also stated
that hani requires a heavier rainfall than jari, that the

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1907-09. 75

cultivation of the former has declined owing to a long
succession of abnormally dry seasons, and that with more
favourable climatic conditions, hani will probably again
come into favour. He also says that the ryots are quite
alive to the necessity of selecting good seed and hand gin
what is required for their own use.

In the adjoining tracts of the Nizam's territory, a parti-
cularly fine cotton known as karkeli is grown from its
centre of trade. A quantity of the best karkeli seed
cotton was obtained, and after ginning, was submitted to
Messrs. Tata for opinion. They valued it as equal to fine
Broach and further stated that the chief characteristic of
the karkeli variety of cotton is its tension which is greater
than that of any other variety of Indian cotton, and that
it is greatly valued by the mills on that account. The
Cotton Specialist has supplied seed to all parts where the
coarser cottons are grown, and when samples of the produce
are received, he will, if the results are promising, be able
to arrange for its introduction on a larger scale. This
cotton consists of jari of a very superior type with an
admixture of bani and uflancl Georgian. It is even in
staple and general characteristics. However the fact
that inferior cotton is brought down from Central India
for mixing purposes, is to be deplored.

At Barsi also a good type of cotton, mostly hani, used
to be brought in from the Nizam's territory, but now, owing
to the substitution of inferior varieties, its reputation has
sadly diminished. It may be mentioned here that there
is little direct proof of deterioration of the cotton plant
anywhere in India, and that falling off in quality is greatly
due to substitution of inferior varieties, or to mixture of
good and bad varieties at the ginning factories. During
January, 1909, the Cotton Specialist toured in Gujarat to
study the factors of environment which influence the
characteristics of the distinct varieties of cotton which
exist there. Such a study may make it possible to formu-
late general laws for the production of different varieties
of cotton.

76 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEAROJl

Many of the Kathiawar States this year have gladly
undertaken to carry out experiments with superior cotton,
and there is hope that the former good varieties will as^ain
find a footing there.

The experiments with Bourbon cotton at Nadiad farm
are very promising. Years ago partial success was ob-
tained in its cultivation in the Kaira district, and the
ultimate failure was perhaps due to the ignorance of the
requirements of a perennial cotton which needs careful
pruning among other details. Some of the samples of
cotton were valued very highly. Mr. Spence might have
obtained success further north at Deesa if he had tackled
the problem in the right way. Some samples of Bourbon
cotton from the Coimbatore district have been favourably
reported on by a Bombay merchant.

Bourbon is probably the only foreign tree cotton worth
experimenting with in India, and an attempt is at present
being made to obtain sufficient information to enable
definite schemes to be formulated for its cultivation on a
larger scale. Its chief virtue at present seems to be that
it is not suitable for ordinary cotton soil tracts where
it would immediately suffer by admixture, but it would
thrive on red and sandy soils where cotton is not a usual
crop. In the Madras Presidency it is almost the sole
memorial of the long defunct cotton department, and it
has there suffered from long and unmerited neglect.

In February, 1909, the Cotton Specialist attended the
Board of Agriculture meeting at Nagpur, and there dis-
cussed cotton matters with the officers interested. In
March he toured through the southern Mahratta country,
Madras Presidency and Bangalore where he advised the
recently appointed Economic Botanist as to the experi-
ments he should undertake.

In the previous year three Bombay cottons were report-
ed as having given satisfactory results at Bellary. Broach,
however, shows a steady decline. The peculiar yellow
coloured cotton of the Madras Presidency is objected to

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1907-09. 77

in the Bombay market where a white colour is one of the
chief desiderata. A constant introduction of fresh seed
would only partially remove the difficulty, as even in the
case of cotton at Dharwar from imported seed, it was
pointed out to Mr. Gammie that it was darker in colour.
In the southern part of the Madras Presidency it has been
proved that the karangani is superior to ufpam, and steps
are being taken to distribute quantities of the former.
The introduction of the seed drill is considered the most
important part of the work done.

From Burma intimation was received that the depart-
ment had resolved to begin experiments; so, as a prelimin-
ary, sets of seeds of standard varieties were supplied in
order that their behaviour might assist in arriving at some
idea on what lines the trials should ultimately run.

3. Collection of Varieties. — A large collection of
annual and perennial cottons, both indigenous and Ameri-
can, has been kept under observation at Kirkee and
Ganeshkhind. The only tree cottons which gave any
promise of success, were Bourbon and Spence cotton which
is ordinarily indistinguishable from Bourbon.

4. Distribution of Seed. — Considerable quantities of
cotton seed have been supplied, in all, to 47 persons in
various parts of India.

5. Identification and Valuation. — A good many
samples have been sent in for identification and valuation.
All samples received for valuation were submitted to
Bombay merchants, and the verdicts transmitted to the
.senders. An assistant recently appointed with a previous
knowledge of cotton valuation, has studied the subject
in Bombay and ought to prove of great help in the future
in this line.

It is hoped to keep in close touch with cotton merchants.
The Cotton Specialist has met and talked with a good
many, and he feels that the trader and not the farmer is
the chief obstacle in the way of improvement.

78 HKPOKT or rur ac.huu i.rru.\i, UESF,.\i;rii ixsriri ri\

(>. Programme for 1909-10. — It is pi\^posc\l \o loiir in
l\a>iorn iuMi^'al aiul l^hitiagout; 11 ill rr;u'is in iho
aiuunin to a^N iso on ihc possibilities of inijM-o\ onivMU oi
cultivation and introJnoiion of sniiablo snpoi'ior \arioiios.
A visit nia\ 'V^ paid (o Rnrnia l;Uor on. A solionio will bo
fornuilatod for oxioiulod i rials of Innirbon ooiion. at loast
in tho Madras and Boiubav Prosidonoios. A tonr will
again bo mado in Oiijarat to oontiinio tbo in\ost i^aiior.
into tbo conditions wluoh atToot tbo prodnoiion o\ c'oiton.
Tliis onqniry is also oarriod on \vlioro\or tonrin^- is dono.
Tlio inirodiioiion of sn[iorior ootton into Kailiiawar anO
of korki-li cotton into jari disiriois, will dopond on tbo
ivsnlts av'hiovod. I'inally tbo Tono^n Spooiali^t is ai tbo
disposal ot any one wbo nun- i\niniro bis ad^ ioo or

disposal ot anv one
assistance

CALCtriTA

SUPERINTENDENT GOVERNMENT PRINTING, !ST)]\

8) HASTINGS STREET

REPORT

OF THE

Agricultural Research Institute
and College, Pusa.

(Including Report of the Imperial Cotton Specialist)

1909=10

CALCUTTA
SUPEBiWtENDENT government printing, INDIA

1910

Price As. 4 or 5«f.

REPORT

OF THE

Agricultural Research Institute
and College, Pusa.

(Including Report of the Imperial Cotton Specialist)

1909-10

CALCUTTA
SUPERINTENDENT GOVERNTHENT PRINTING, INDIA

1910

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

I. Introductory

1. Agriculture

2. Botany

3. Chemistry .

4. Entomology

5. Mycology .

6. Bacteriology

7. Cotton

8. Publications

9. Students

TI. Report of tlie Director, Agricultural Eesearcli Insti
tute, Pusa ....

1. Charge of Office

2. Staff

3. Scientific Work ,

4. Buildings, Grounds, etc

5. Students

6. Publications
7., Library . . .

8. General Health of the Station

9. Accounts ....

III. Report of the Imperial Agriculturist

1. Charge and Establishment

2. Training ....

3. Character of the Season

4. Cropping ....

5. Permanent Manurial and Rotation Experiments

6. Permanent Pasture Experiments

7. Fodder .....

8. Breeding —

(a) Cattle and Sheep

(b) Poultry ....

9. Programme of Work for 1910-11

Page

1
I

2
3
4
4
4
6
6

12
13
13
14
14
15

15
16

IV. Eeport of the Imperial Economic Botanist —

Part I. — Teaching, Training and Staff
Part II. — Investigations

1. Wheat

2. Fruit .

3. Tobacco

4. Fibres

5. General

6. Programme of Work for 1910-11

7. Publications

y. Eeport of the Imperial Agricultural Chemist

1. Charge of Section

2. Meteorology

3. Drainage Data .

4. Water Requirements of Crops

5. Soil Gases ....

6. Usar Land

7. General Analytical Work .

8. Education

9. Establishment

10. Programme of Work for 1910-11

11. Publications

VI. Eeport of the Imperial Entomologist

1. Charge and Establishment

2. Training

3. Provincial Work
4., Correspondence

5. Eesearch

6. Sericulture

7. Lac ....

8. Demonstration .

9. Insect Survey

10. Miscellaneous

11. Programme of Work for 1910-11

12. Publications

VII. Eeport of the Imperial Mycologist

1. Charge and Establishment

2. Training ....

3. Accommodation

4. Aid to Provincial Departments

Page

18
IS
18
20
20
20
20
21
22

40
40
41
41
41

6.
i .
8.
9.

Research Work .
(«) Blister Bliglit of Tea
(6) Other Tea Diseases

(d) Sugarcane Diseases

(e) Wilt Diseases
(/) Ginger Eot
(g) Fruit Diseases .
(h) Eorest Tree Diseases
(i) Other Plant Diseases

Systematic Work

Miscellaneous

Programme of Work for 1910-11

Publications . . . .

YIIT. Report of the Imperial Agricultural Bacteriologist

1. Examination of Bacteria in the Soils of Pusa

2. Work on Nitrogen Fixation in Soils .

3. Disease of Eri-Silk Worm

4. Trials with Trope-Ratine ....

5. Charge of Section and Establishment

6. Programme of Work for 1910-11

IX. Report of the Imperial Cotton Specialist .

1. Charge and Tours .....

2. Notes on Cultivation of Cotton in Provinces

(a) Eastern Bengal and Assam
(6) Bengal

(d) Berar

(e) Bombay

3. Valuing of Samples .

4. Programme of Work for 1910-11

Page

42
42
43
43
43
44
44
44
45
45

46
46
46

48
49
50
51
51
52

54
54.
55
55
58
60
63
69
69
69

Report of the loTitiiltiiral Researcli
Institute and College, Pusa.

{Including Refort of the Imperial Cotton Specialist.)

1909-10.

INTRODUCTORY.

TN presenting the report of the past year of the Agriciil-
tural Research Institute and College at Piisa, and
that of the Imperial Cotton Specialist, I shall confine /vp^
myself to a brief mention of the more important work noT\y
undertaken in each section. ^^Kum^

Agriculture. — The Permanent Manurial and Rotation
experiments and the Permanent Pasture experiments have
been continued according to the scheme described in the
Proceedings of the Board of Agriculture, 1908. Sufficient
time has not elapsed for making deductions from their
results. Perhaps amongst the most useful work carried
out is that of the preservation of fodder. In a country
like India where cattle-food supplies are subject to the
vicissitudes of an uncertain climate, this subject is of the
highest interest. The production of ensilage on the
American principle has been found the most satisfactory
method of preservation. Maize was found to give the most
nutritious food when thus prepared, but in point of yield
per acre sorghum has given more weight and is therefore
more economical. An objection to the American system of
making ensilage in this country is the expense of con-
structing the silo. Experiments, however, are in progress

2 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

with a view of devising a cheap indigenous pattern which,
if successful, will not only enable the better class of culti-
vator to adopt siloing, but will be of use perhaps to Gov-
ernment Departments in the preservation of fodder against
famine years. As regards future work, that coming under
the head of " Extension of Botanical Work " will doubtless
prove the most important. The growth of selected varieties
of wheats in extension of the work now being done by the
Imperial Economic Botanist will be carried out on a
practical scale with a view to still further extension in the
future.

Botany. — No part of a scheme for the improvement of
agriculture gives greater promise of success than that
which deals with improvements emanating from the treat-
ment of the plant. This is especially the case in India
where not only are the plants of most crops degenerated
specimens, but where the poverty of the cultivator makes
improvement entailing the use of capital well-nigh impossi-
ble. By the introduction of a better plant, it is easily
possible to increase yield and improve quality without
adding to the cost of cultivation. The work which Mr.
A. Howard, the Imperial Economic Botanist, is carrying
out on wheat requires special recognition. The wheats which
were sent home last year for testing have been found to
rank in the same class as American and Canadian Spring
wheats which command the highest price in the English
market. It is almost needless to point out that these facts
should have a most profound effect upon the export wheat
trade of India. I desire here to record the appreciation
felt for the invaluable assistance given by Mrs. Howard,
who equally with her husband has accounted for the work
of this Section.

Chemistry. — The principal work undertaken by this
department during the past year has been the study of
Soil Gases in relation to other constituents in the soil, the
examination into the nature of JJsar land and the investi-
gations into the Water Requirements of Crofs. The work
of the first two is not in a sufficiently advanced stage to

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1909-10. Z

need reference at this moment, but attention may be invited
to Dr. Leather's work on the Water Requirements of Crops.
In India where water is the prime factor underlying the
successful growth of crops, its conservation and its eco-
nomic use are of first rate importance. These remarks
apply equally whether the water is derived from the
monsoon rainfall or the irrigation canal. How much water
is transpired by various crops, and during what period of
growth does the crop require the principal portion of this
water, are questions of as great importance to the agricul-
turist as to the irrigation engineer. In Chapter XI of the
Report of the Indian Irrigation Commission, 1901-1903, the
Commissioners remarked, " In the course of our investiga-
tions, we have been struck with the small amount of atten-
tion which appears to have been given by the Departments
of Agriculture and Public Works to matters connected
with the application of water to cultivated crops. At
present, most of the information which can be had on these
points has to be taken from papers published by the Agri-
cultural Bureau in America

. . . . . . We consider it extremely desirable that

expert enquiry should be directed to these important
matters, which are so intimately connected with the
development of irrigation."

This enquiry Dr. Leather has undertaken and in
Mem.oir No. 8, Chemical Series, he has published the results
of his work on the first section of the investigation, namely,
that which deals with the total amount of water transpired
by the crop and the period of growth during which the
greater part is assimilated. The ratio between the amount
of water transpired and the ultimate weight of dry crop is
worked out for most of the principal Indian crops.

Entom,ology. — One of the principal features of the work
of this section is the attention which is being paid to
industries that depend upon the products of insects. Thus
Eri, Mulberry and Tussar silk and the cultivation of Lac
are taking up much of the time of Mr. Maxwell-Lefroy, the
Imperial Entomologist, and his staff. The Eri silk industry

Bl2

i REPORT OF THE AGRICUETTTRAL RESEARCH

has spread considerably in Tirhoot, Bhagalpur and Patna,
where owing to their proximity, these places are under the
direct influence of this Institute. It is also to be found in
Malabar, Dharwar, the West Coast, Gujarat, Kathiawar,
Sind, Patiala, Rohilkhund, Betul, Chanda and Murshi-
dabad. Progress is at present somewhat retarded by the
want of middlemen for collecting the cocoons from the
rearers and conveying them to the mills, but it is expected
that enterprise will eventually overcome this difficulty.

Mycology. — The investigation into the Blister Blight
of Tea carried OF.t by Mr. W. McRae while he officiated as
Imperial Mycologist, has been the most important new work
undertaken during the year. The disease which has been
known for years in North-East Assam appeared for the
first time in Darjeeling in 1908. In 1909, it extended, and
this led to the Darjeeling Planters' Association asking the
assistance of this Institute. It has spread still further
this year into the Dooars and the Terai and its progress will
be watched with anxietv bv all interested in tea.

The Palm Disease in the Godavery Delta has not ceased
to engage the attention of this Department, and recom-
mendations have been made for continuing the work of
repression, especially in the Kistna District wdiere, in spite
of the repeated warnings of the Imperial Mycologist, it
was being neglected. A full account of the disease and
measures taken to check it is in the press and will appear
shortly.

Bacterioloay. — It is onlv necessarv to mention that with
the appointment of Mr. C. M. Hutchinson as Imperial
Agricultural Bacteriologist, this section has been opened
during the year. The importance of the study of the
biological aspect of soils in this country cannot be over-
estimated, and much useful information is anticipated from
investigations in this quarter.

Cotton. — The importance of the cotton plant not only
to India but to the British Empire has led the Government

Institute and college, pusa, for 1909-10. 5

to appoint a whole-time officer for this particular crop.
Mention may here be made of the more important recom-
mendations of the Imperial Cotton Specialist which will
be found embodied in his report in greater detail. In
Eastern Bengal and Assam, the prevalent type is that known
as Gossyjjium neglectum var. Assamica of Watt and is
commonly called the Garo Hill Cotton. It is not used m
commerce as cotton but as a substitute or adulterant in wool
manufacture and any attempt to improve it from the point
of view of the cotton merchant would result in a serious
diminution of price. The Imperial Cotton Specialist
recommends that in any experiments carried out by the
Department, this type of cotton should be adhered to, lest
the experience of generations which has taught the use of
a kind of cotton capable of growing under excessive rain-
fall and the primitive agriculture of the Hill tracts, be
lost and the present variety substituted by an unsuitable
one. He, therefore, advises that trials should be confined
to improving in this one type, the length of staple and the
percentage of cotton to seed but that no attempt should be
made to alter the special characteristics of the product.

In Bengal the cottons appear altogether to be of an
inferior type. Trials should be confined in this Province
to the possibilities of G. intermedium and G. hirsutum, the
latter preferably in its two forms of Buri and Cambodia.

In the Central Provinces, it is pleasant to find that
Mr. Clouston, Deputy Director of Agriculture, has selected
a plant of the Buri variety which is promising well and
that most valuable work is being done in these provinces
by the introduction of Buri. The recommendations of the
Imperial Cotton Specialist in regard to these provinces
may be summarised as under : —

(1) The introduction of Buri to accompany Bani but

not to oast Jari.

(2) The improvement of Bani in its percentage of

cotton.

(3) The isolation of the different types of Jan.

6 REPORT OF THE AGR I CU LTURAL RESEARCH

The report of the Imperial Cotton Specialist so far as
other Provinces are concerned does not call for any com-
ment.

Publications. — In addition to the Agricultural Journal
of India, the Memoirs of the Department of Agriculture
in India, Bulletins and Leaflets, two publications of
importance have issued from the Institute during the past
year, namely, Indian Insect Life by Mr. Maxwell-Lefroy
assisted by Mr. F. M. Hewlett and Wheat in India by Mr.
and Mrs. Howard. Indian Insect Life contaiiijing 786
pages of printed matter and 619 illustrations has been well
received both in India and abroad and is without doubt the
most advanced and comprehensive manual of Indian insects
yet published. Wheat in India containing 288 pages and
18 illustrations, deals in a complete manner with the pro-
duction, varieties and improvement of Indian wheat. In
order to be useful to all interested in the various aspects of
wheat production, the scope of the book has been made as
wide as possible.

Students. — Out of the students admitted in the previous
year, nine continued their course and of these seven left
during the year after the completion of their training and
one was recalled to his province before the expiry of his
term. Four new students were admitted during the year,
viz., one each in Chemistry, Mycology, Entomology and
Agriculture. In the short practical courses in Agricul-
ture, Fruit-growing, Silk-culture, Lac cultivation. Cattle
Breeding ?vnd Management and the like, 39 students were
admitted, some of whom took up more than one subject.

BERNARD COVENTRY,

Offg. Inspector General

of Agriculture in India-
Simla;

The 1st October 1910.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1909-10.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR, AGRICULTURAL
RESEARCH INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA,
FOR THE YEAR 1909-1910.

(E. J. BUTLER, M.B., F.L.S.)

1. Charge of Office. — Mr. B. Coventry held charge of
the office of Director up to the 9th May 1910, with the
exception of one month in September- October 1909, when
he was on privilege leave and Mr. H. Maxwell-Lefroy,
M.A., F.E.S., F.Z.S., Imperial Entomologist, acted for him
during his absence in addition to his own duties. In
consequence of his appointment as Officiating Inspector
General of Agriculture in India, Mr. Coventry relin-
quished charge of the office of Director on the 9th May
1910, and I was appointed to officiate for him in addition
to my own duties.

2. Staff.— Dv. J. Walter Leather, Ph.D., F.I.C., F.C.S.,
Imperial Agricultural Chemist, returned from leave on
the 27th October 1909 and took over charge of the chemical
section from Mr. H. E. Annett. The latter has been
deputed to act as Agricultural Chemist, United Provinces,
from the 3rd November 1909. The charge of the mycolo-
gical section was taken over by me from Mr. W. McRae,
M.A., B.Sc, on the 27th December 1909, when I returned
from leave, and immediately after Mr. McRae proceeded
to Madras to join his new appointment as Mycologist to
the Government of Madras. His successor, Mr. F. J. F.
Shaw, B. Sc, A.R.C.S., joined his appointment as Super-
numerary Mycologist on the 28th January 1910. Mr.
C. W. Mason, Supernumerary Entomologist, left the
Department on the 19th December 1909, and Mr. T. Bain-
brigge-Fletcher, R.N., F.E.S., joined this Institute as
Supernumerary Entomologist on the 8th April 1910. The
Second Imperial Entomologist, Mr. F. M. Howlett, B.A.,
F.E.S., has been on leave since the 9th September 1909 and

8 KEPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

is expected to return in January next. Mr. C. M.
Hutchinson, B.A., joined the Department on the 24th
December 1909, as Imperial Agricultural Bacterio-
logist. The charge of the Farm was relinquished by
Mr. E. Shearer, Imperial Agriculturist, on the l7th July
1909, in consequence of his promotion to the post of Assist-
ant Inspector General of Agriculture in India and the
Director was placed in charge of the duties of the Imperial
Agriculturist in addition to his own duties. Mr. G. C.
Sherrard, 13. A., Supernumerary Agriculturist, was appoint-
ed to be Assistant Agriculturist with effect from 17th July
1909. He was on privilege leave from 2nd to 20th Nov-
ember 1909, and from 6th June 1910 to 6th July 1910.
Mr. A. McKerral, M.A., B.Sc, who has been appointed
Assistant Inspector General of Agriculture in India, vice
Mr. 1^. Shearer, resigned, has been lent to the Pusa staff' to
undertake the w^ork of Imperial Agriculturist under the
Director as a provisional measure. He joined his duties
at this Institute on the 19th June 1910- The botanical
section was in charge af Mr. A. How^ard, M.A., A.R.C.S.,
F.L.S., up to 30th April 1910, when he proceeded on
leave to England. Mr. G. l\ Hector, M.A., B.Sc,
Supernumerary Botanist, was transferred to Eastern
Bengal and Assam on the Idth July 1909, and the
services of Mr. E. Holmes-Smith, B.Sc, Economic Botanist
designate of Burma, were transferred to this Department
with effect from the 15th July 1909, for appointment as
Supernumerary Botanist. The latter has been on deputa-
tion in tlie Bombay Presidency since the 6th March 1910,
to acquire experience of work in a province.

Tlie European Scientific Staff" of the Institute consisted
of tlic following : —

(1) The Imperial Agricultural Chemist wdth one Super-
numerjiry, (2) the Imperial Mycologist with one Super-
numerary, (;}) tlie Imperial Ent(miol()gist with one Super-
numerary, (4) the Imperial Eccmomic Botanist with one
Supernumerary, (5) the Second Imperial Entomologist, (6)

iNHTlTiri'l-; AM) (:()\AA:(.l., |M SA, lOl',. I'lU'i I'). d

llw I iiif)(ri;il /\f.a'i(;ult ijf;il linclcrioIof.Mst , (7) lit'-. AHHinl,;u)l-
Jrjs|i<:<;t.'>r (acah:ih.\ ol' Aj.7')<;iill nf; in Ii)'li;i. (Wjnp'^r.'i.rily iri
f:li;ir^r(; of tlic atrrif;!!!! iiral sccti'Wii v,)tli tlx- AHHinl;ini
AfTJfMjIt.ijriHt,

J)urinr^ tljf; y(;ar iin'l' f i' ]>()rl, tj."; j>ay and po-j't i'lfi <>('
S(;vcral of tli'. .-,'fii',r- Iii'Ikui aHHintantH <>\ ili' m Mtntc;
won; nii\>r<>\'<\ ;mi'1 iIm lir.l, assislanlH in <raoh h';oIi'')) ;i.h
well as oUjcr assisbtrjis f;n^fi,j.^' d m I'.i'liii);; .in'] n .'.ii'li
work liav(; f>f/;n ;nlrn)tW(l to rrazctU^d r.mk.

'i. Scifmlijij; Worl:. 'I lif. sf;if;nt,ifif; work of Um; J/itj
liiU; dijririf( t,ho .y'''''f '■-' ifiH)f;;j.t,f:fl In \\i<: f p'j' . 'J' the
various S(;ctJons.

4. liuUdinffs, (jlrounds, hLc. \\\ f;of) .o^ju* n'o of flio
transfer oj' flio }if;ad 'jinirt/r-, of \\\^. I n .p'-.oi.or- ^\':\\'.v.y\ oi
y\grif:uJfnfo in ln'ii;i, i.o \'\\rM, f/,o tjlof:k.. of nov, fjii;),rM;rH
have \)i'AA\ d' j>.u tj/j( fjt.ally f;on .truotrd lor- ihf; us<i oi' Iij'h
staff and uj ;i/Jd]tjon ,oj/)0 oJd [juj Id jn;.' , h.i/,': 1j' < n jJij.o'd
at }jJ.-. dj.-,po.-al. 'J Ijo ;_'; found, :,u/7-oundi jj;.^ tkr; (>JI<-,;^^<;
building have l;oorj fully laid out and anan^y;//i';nf., njado
lor irrif^atirjf/ tho lawns.

5. Studhuta. — Out oi' tljf; -tudorjf-, ;j/i/nlt,tr;fj jij tjjo pre-
vious year, 0 continuod li>';jr oou//; ;j,nd oJ tjjo ,o 7 loft
during tho yoar after tijo oor/jjJoUon oi lljojr lr;jjrjjng and
one was rocallod to Iji . \>r<)-:\u</: [/:ioro 'ho <:/.\)\v; oi lij ,
U;rnj. four now studorjfs wore adnjjft.od duu/jg \lio yoar,
i:;i;2., one jrj Cljornislry ''arj A»»Jslanl ol the Agrjouh.ural
Chemist, Lnitod l'rovirjr;o.-,y ior a throo r/jonths' ctjiWiif^, ono
in Myc^;logy ''a j>rivate studorit irorn liorrjbay;, ono In i>nt/;
rnology, from the Central i'rovjnoe. lJop.;.rtment oJ Agri-
culture, arjd one for a general (y^urs^; in Agrieulture from
the Punjab iJepartment of Agrieulture. '1 }je j>rivate htu
dent in Myeology ha:-,, however, abando/jod ffjo oour/, arjd
left the Institute. '1 f>^;re were at the erjd oi t.ho yo;j.r jour
students under training, -ci^., orjo jrj C}je//ji:-,try, f.vo jn
l.n'.omoloffv and one ior a general eours^^.

liic short (jjiir'Miii in practical agrieijlture and j/j otljer
allifi^I pr^/;tical »ubject.s inaugurated Ja.v /ear at J'usa

01 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

were continued. The number of students admitted to the
various sections for these courses was as follows : — Six in
fruit-growing, eighteen in silk-culture, ten in lac culti-
vation, nine in cattle breeding and management, three in
poultry management and three in tillage implements and
agricultural machinery. The students for these courses
came from different parts of India and some of them took
up more tlian one subject.

6. Publications. — This work has been continued.
During the year under report two new books, one " Indian
Insect Life " by Mr. H. Maxwell-Lefroy, Imperial Entomo-
logist, assisted by Mr. F. M. Howlett, Second Imperial
Entomologist, and the other " Wheat in India " by Mr. A.
Howard, Imperial Economic Botanist, and Mrs. Howard,
were puljlished in addition to the Agricultural Journal of
India, tlie Memoirs of the Department of Agriculture in
India, J^ulletins and Leaflets.

7. Library. — The revised catalogue of the library is
still in the press. Over a thousand volumes have been
ciddcd to the library during the year.

8. General Health of the Station. — The general health
of the station during the year under report was good, ex-
cepting in the monsoon period. Relief was afforded in the
hospital to 6,231 new cases, of which 6,015 were treated in
the outdoor department and 216 admitted as indoor pati-
ents. These figures show an increase of 2,918 and 112
respectively over last year's totals. The increase in attend-
ance was due to the greater prevalence of malarial and
allied fevers during the months of July, August and Sep-
trm})or, 1909. 99 cases amongst European officers and
their families were attended to.

Tlic daily average number of patients treated was 696
indoor and 4897 out-door as against 468 and 25-05 respect-
ively during the previous 12 months.

Five deaths occurred in hospital — two cases from pneu-
monia in aged and del)ilitated subjects, one from malarial
cachexia and two from Kala-Azar.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1909-10. 11

Eighty-eight surgical operations were performed, of
which 4 were major and the remainder minor.

The prevailing diseases were malarial fevers, bowel
complaints and rheumatic and skin affections. Malarial
fever cases were diagnosed microscopically before treat-
ment.

There were no cases of infectious diseases, except a case
of chicken-pox (imported). Eight primary and three
revaccinations were performed in the early part of the
year.

9. Accounts. — The total expenditure incurred during
the year was Rs. 3,12,427 as against Rs. 3,23,900 of the
preceding year. The principal items of expenditure are
pay of gazetted officers and establishment Rs. 1,78,680, tra-
velling allowance of officers and establishment Rs. 14,699,
publications Rs. 30,000 and farm expenditure, scientific
apparatus, books, contingencies, etc., Rs. 89,048.

The gross receipts during the year by sale of farm pro-
duce, milk and other miscellaneous articles amounted to
Rs. 5,573 as against Rs. 9,680 of the preceding year. The
decrease is due to the abnormal rainfall (amounting to 72
inches) which damaged the crops.

12 EXPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

REPORT OF THE IMPERIAL AGRICULTURIST
FOR THE YEAR 1909-10.

(A. McKerral, M.A., B.Sc.)

1. Charge and Estahlishment. — Mr. Ernest Shearer,
Imperial Agrieiiltiirist, relinquished charge of the farm
on lOth July 1909 on his promotion to the post of Assist-
ant Inspector General of Agriculture in India, and his
duties were taken up by Mr. Bernard Coventry, the
Director, Agricultural Research Institute, in addition to
his own work. Mr. G. Sherrard, who had previously
acted as Supernumerary Agriculturist, v/as appointed
Assistant Agriculturist- Amongst the subordinate staff,
Mr. G. N. Desai, First Farm Overseer, was transferred in
March J 910, to the Agricultural Department of the Bom-
bay Presidency, and Mr. Ikramuddin, the Second Farm
Overseer, was promoted to First Farm Overseer in his
place. Mr. Ziauddin liyder, fieldman, was in charge of
the Poultry until promoted in April 1910 to the post of
Second Farm Overseer, Mr. Nizamuddin Hyder being ap-
pointed in his place. Mr. Judah Hyam, the Veterinary
Overseer, remained in charge of the breeding herds as
before. During the year, the Government of India were
pleased to raise him to Gazetted rank along with certain
other Indian Assistants of the Institute.

2. Training. — The two students Bhai Sunder Singh
and JJhai Kliarak Singh, sent by the Punjab Agricultural
Department for a general course of agriculture, completed
tlu^ir training and returned to their province to take up
respectively the posts of Assistant Director of Agricul-
ture and Assistant Professor of Agriculture- A third
student, Chowdliuri Fateh-ud-din, sent by the same depart-
ment, was admitted to a general course in agriculture from
18th August 1909.

Sliort courses in cattle breeding and management,
poultry management, tillage implements, and agricul-
tural machinery were given to some 15 students.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1909-10. 13

3. Character of the Season. — The rainfall for the sea-
son amounted to 72 inches, which is some 30 inches above
normal. It was very badly distributed and was preci-
pitated at times in such large quantities that the crops
became injured. The result of the monsoon harvest was
consequently a disappointment and the yields in no way
approximated to expectation. The rain, too, was unusually
heavy in the month of October, which not only retarded the
preparation of the land for the rabi season, but caused
unprecedented sickness amongst the labourers.

4- Crofping. — The trials with many varieties of sugar-
cane were continued as in previous years. In spite,
however, of the care and control with which the cultiva-
tion and selection of this crop was carried out, the results
were disappointing. It has been realised that the locality
is unsuited to the growth of thick canes such as were being
cultivated and with the exception of a small area reserved
for the Mycologist and Entomologist the cultivation of
this crop has been abandoned. Jute and flax have been
grown for experiments for the Fibre Expert to the Gov-
ernment of Eastern Bengal and Assam with varying
degrees of success. With regard to jute, the experiments
were mostly for the purpose of determining the botanical
characters in a collection of specimens. While this crop
grows well in these districts, it is generally recognised
that it does not do so well as in Eastern Bengal and
its cultivation amongst the cultivators of Behar is
not extending. With regard to flax, prospects appear
promising provided the crop is grown in the best possible
way, that is to say in strong. land with an abundance of
moisture. The work in this crop is being extended, and
the experiments now in progress should solve most of the
doubts and difficulties which prevent its being more gene-
rally adopted. In addition to the usual cultivation of rice
carried out on the farm, the use of bone meal and saltpetre
was tried in a series of J acre plots. Two alternate plots
were unmanured and the other two manured with 30 seers

14 REPORT OF THE AGRICTJLTTJRAL RESEARCH

of saltpetre and 3 maimds of bone meal per acre. The
results were as under : —

Mds Seers.

(1) Manured . . . . • 30 17 per acre.

(2) Not manured . . . . 26 22 ,,

(3) Manured 29 5 ,,

(4) Not manured . . . . 26 4 ,,

The result is slightly in favour of the manured plots,
but the difference is not sufficient to warrant the expendi-
ture. The remainder of the crops on the farm were grown
mainly for the purpose of fodder for the increasing num-
bers of cattle. These crops consist chiefly of maize, sor-
gum, arhar (Cajanus indicus), and oats. A large number
of varieties of crops in small plots were grown for the use
of the Entomologist and Mycologist. The brick-field area,
brought under cultivation for the first time, was sown with
a mixed crop of rice, sorghum, and moong {Phaseolus
mungo), and gave quite satisfactory results.

5. Permanent Manurial and Rotation Exferiments. —
These have been continued according to the scheme
described in the Proceedings of the Board of Agriculture,
1908. Sufficient time has not elapsed for making deduc-
tions from these experiments.

6. Permanent Pasture Eocferiments. — The series of
permanent pasture experiments laid down in the monsoon
of 1907, according to the scheme described in the Proceed-
ings of the Board of Agriculture held at Pusa in February
1D08, has been maintained. The experiments aim at deter-
mining the effect of different manurial dressings (1) on the
total yield of the herbage and (2) on its quality and
botanical composition. So far as yield is concerned, it
is much too early as yet to make any deductions, especially
as the first two seasons during which the experiments took
place were not normal with respect to rainfall. With
re.sjard to the quality of the herbage also, sufficient time
has not elapsed for radical changes to have taken place.
In fact, as the total number of species of grasses and
legumes which were originally present was small, it is

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1909-10. ;I5

scarcely to be expected that such complete alteration of the
flora as has characterised similar experiments in Europe
may be looked for in the case of Pusa. The condition
of the plots at present may be summarised as follows : —
In the cold weather, they consist mostly of A fang
{Andropogon annulatus) with a certain amount of dubh
{Cynodon dactylon) and in the rains, of Digitaria and
Rottboelia. At the end of the rains, the whole area is
overgrown by rari {Sacctiarum sfontaneum) and dabhi (Im-
perata arundinacea) which disappear entireiy during the
cold weather. The only legumes worthy of notice are
Medicago lupilina, Linn., and Indigofera linifolia, Retz.,
both of which are " bottom " plants, useless for hay pur-
poses. Weeds are practically a negligible quantity- On
the whole, the composition of all the plots is as yet practi-
cally the same.

7. Fodder. — The supply of fodder for the cattle is one
of the chief objects of the farm, and consequently by far
the larger portion of the arable area is devoted to this
purpose. Maize, sorghum, arhar {Cajanus indicus), and
oats are the crops found most suitable. Ensilage is much
resorted to, and if the process is properly carried out in
silos of the American type, it is invariably a success.
Maize probably gives the most nutritious food when thus
prepared, but in point of yield per acre sorghum is more
satisfactory and therefore more economical. The amount
of silage made last year on the farm was 13,329 maunds.

8. Breeding, (a) Cattle and Sheep. — The Montgomery
herd of cows continues to do well and its numbers have
been increased. There are 62 cows, 3 bulls, and 108 young
stock. The local herd of cattle which was maintained for
thei Bengal Government have been removed to Bettiah
where they are being looked after by the Bengal Agricul-
tural Department. This has given us more room for the
extension of the Montgomery herd. The flock of 80
Bikanir sheep which were purchased two years ago have not
done well. The change from an excessively arid to a humid
tract caused a breakdown in their constitution and the

16 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

ma.iority have died. The remainder will be got rid of,
and in their place is being substituted a flock of Gorakh-
pur ewes which are good specimens of the local breed.
These are at present doing well. It is intended to cross
them with Dumbha rams with a view to improvement for
mutton purposes.

(b) Poultry Breeding. — This work is now being con-
ducted on a fairly large scale. The stock consists of 18
pens of fowls nearly all of pure breeds, one pen of Mammoth
Bronze Turkeys, and one flock each of Embden Geese and
Aylesbury ducks. The object is to supply at reasonable
prices fresh blood of imported strains to Provincial Agri-
cultural Farms and private individuals who are unable to
afford the expense and risk of direct importation. This
is effected either by egg distribution or by sale of birds.
The price of eggs is Rs. 6 a dozen and birds are Rs. 30
for an adult trio and Rs- 16 for half grown birds. The
es^gs are sent by post or by rail in boxes specially made
for the purpose, but it has to be acknowledged that this
mode of distribution has not, by any means, been success-
ful. The percentage of successful incubation from eggs
transmitted by post or rail was extremely low, indeed so
low that this method had to be discontinued. The failure
is due doubtless to the fact that distances are so great in
India, and the Postal and Railway authorities so unaccus-
tomed to handling delicate articles like eggs, that the jolt-
iner and rough treatment in transit must have destroyed
their fertility. The distribution of birds may Be taken to
have been altogether a success even in the case of long
distances. The varieties of fowls which at present have
done best are the Partridge Wyandotte, White Wvandotte,
White Orpington, and Barred Plymouth Rocks. The
Mammoth Bronze Turkeys have also done very well.

9. Programme of worh for 1910-11: — 1. Permanent
Encperiments. — The permanent mannrial and rotation ex-
periments and the pasture experiments will be continued.

2. Extension of Botanical work. — The growth of select-
ed varieties of wheat will be taken up in extension of the

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1909-10. 17

work now being done by the Imperial Economic Botanist,
This work will be carried on in consultation with, and
under the botanical surveillance of, the Imperial Economic
Botanist.

3. Cattle Breeding. — The local herd has been trans-
ferred to the Bengal Agricultural Department and the
Montgomery herd will now be considerably increased. Im-
provement of this breed by selection based principally on
milk tests will be the chief object in view.

4. Shee'p. — The crossing of Gorakhpur ewes with
Dumbha rams will be undertaken.

5. Poultry. — Poultry breeding and distribution will
be continued.

6. Training. — Courses in cattle breeding and the
management of poultry will be given as heretofore.

18 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

REPORT or THE IMPERIAL ECONOMIC BOTA-
NIST, FOR THE YEAR 1909-10.

(A. Howard, M.A.; A.R.C.S.; F-CS.; F.L.S.)

Part I.

Teaching, Training and Staff. — Two Supernumerary
Botanists were in training during the year under review.
Mr. G. P. Hector, M.A., B.Sc., the Economic Botanist-
designate of Eastern Bengal and Assam, proceeded to that
province on July 14th, 1909. Mr. E. Holmes-Smith, B.Sc-,
Supernumerary Botanist, worked at Pusa till February last
when he proceeded to Bombay.

Five students attended the course on fruit growing
and in addition, there were four students who attended
special courses. One further short-course student was sent
for a few weeks by the Economic Botanist to the Govern-
ment of Bengal.

Mr. Ijaz Husain, Manager of the Lyallpur Farm, gave
up his post in the Punjab Agricultural Department so as
to become trained in this section as third assistant. My
second assistant, Mr. Abdur Rahman Khan, has continued
his training in Economic Botany in the section. I have
pleasure in reporting the continued progress made by this
assistant who, I believe, possesses real aptitude for and
a thorough interest in Economic Botany. He is the joint
author of an important memoir on some aspects of plant
breedinsj in India recently submitted for publication.

While all other members of the staff have improved in
their work, the services of my clerk, Ram Nechhawar Lai
and of my second fieldman, Sarup Singh, deserve mention.

Part II.

Investigations-
Wheat. — I am able to report very considerable progress
in the wheat investigations of this section along several
lines,

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1909-10. 19:

The expectations foreshadowed in Pusa Bulletin No.
14 on the possibility of growing stronger wheats with
better milling qualities than those now exported from
India have been abundantly realised during the past year.
A further set of Pusa selected wheats was sent to Mr.
Humphries for milling tests. Several of these wheats
were found to possess great strength and high milling
qualities and to be of the same class as American and
Canadian Spring wheats which command the highest prices
on the English market. The results of this work are
published in Pusa Bulletin No. 17.

The results obtained during the year on the influence
of the environment on the quality of wheat have been sub-
mitted for publication as a memoir. This work, which is
being conducted in collaboration with Mr. H. M. Leake,
Economic Botanist to the Government of the United Pro-
vinces, has been greatly extended during the past year.
While it has been proved that environment influences
quality, the most practical outcome of this work is the dis-
covery of the fact that the quality of any wheat depends
largely on the proper and efficient preparation of the land
and that canal irrigation does not necessarily injuriously
affect the milling qualities of wheat. It is expected that
great consequences will result from these investigations and
that they will be the means of opening a new chapter in
the production of wheat in India and in the agricultural
practices of the Indo-Gangetic plain.

The Monograph on Indian Wheat has been published
during the year. While going through the press, it was
necessary to add a considerable amount of new matter so
as to bring it up to date. The book represents the results
of the preliminary work on wheat which has been done at
Pusa during the last four years and will, I trust, be of use
to students and some members of the Agricultural Depart-
ment.

The investigations on the natural crossing of wheat in
India have been written up and incorporated in a memoir.

c %

20 REPORT OF IHE AGRTCrLTFRAL RESEARCH

it has been proved that under canal irrigation in the
Punjab, crossing is exceedingly common, a fact which will
render seed distribution and wheat breeding work at Lyall-
pur somewhat difficult.

Many of the new Pusa selections and also some of the
new hybrid wheats were grown on quarter acre plots at
Pusa this year. As no rain fell during the growing period
and as no irrigation water was applied, the crop derived
its moisture from the water stored up in the soil from the
previous monsoon. The yields varied from 25 maunds in
the case of early varieties to 35 maunds per acre in the
case of the later sorts and some of the new hybrids. About
2-5 tons of straw to the acre were produced. These yields
are unprecedented for India and were possible on account
of the system of cultivation and dry-farming employed in
the Botanical area at Pusa.

Fruit. — The results so far obtained in fruit-groAving at
Pusa have been published in Pusa Bulletin No. 16. A
visit was paid to Quetta during the year and^ proposals
have been put forward for developing the fruit investiga-
tions of the section.

Tobacco. — The results of the tobacco investigations have
been published in two memoirs on the subject which form
a basis for further work. Natural crossing is common in
the crop but easily prevented by raising seed under bag
which gives rise to uniform crops. Some preliminary
curing experiments have been conducted in conjunction
with the Peninsular Tobacco Company with both American
and Indian varieties. The Pusa varieties have given the
best results so far.

Fibres. — A good deal of work has been done on Hibis-
cus cannabinus, but I have Been unable to find time to
write up the results. A memoir on san {Crotalaria juncea)
has been published in which the beneficial effect of this crop
as a green manure for tobacco has been described.

General. — A large amount of work on the occurrence
of natural cross-fertilization in India has been written up

t^^STITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1909-10. 2t

as a memoir and submited for publication. The signifi-
cance of this work both from the point of view of plant
breeding and from that of seed distribution has been
emphasised.

Programme of work for 1910-11. — 1. Training. — The
training of advanced students in this section will be con-
tinued on the lines laid down in the prospectus of the Insti-
tute. The course on fruit-growing will be given as usual
in the cold weather.

2. Plant breeding and flant improvement. — During
1910, the following crops will be studied : — wheat, tobacco,
barley, oilseeds and fibre plants.

{a) Wheat. — The botanical" survey of the wheats of
Baluchistan will be completed. The production of im-
proved varieties by selection and hybridization will be con-
tinued. The co-operative experiments on the effect of en-
vironment on the milling and baking qualities of Indian
wheats, which are being conducted in collaboration with
Mr. H. M. Leake, Economic Botanist to the United Provin-
ces, and of which the earlier results are now in course of
publication, are being continued on an extended basis.
The above experiments include the effect of weathering on
the quality of the wheat crop and the Imperial Bacteriolo-
gist has agreed to undertake the study of the bacteriologi-
cal aspect of this subject.

(b) Tobacco. — The production of new varieties by selec-
tion and hybridization will be continued as well as the test-
ing and curing of the varieties already isolated. The
investis^ations on the influence of environment on the
stability of the type and on the quality will continued.

ic) Oil-seeds. — The study of the oil-seeds of India will
be continued on similar lines to those adopted in the investi-
gations on wheat.

id) Fibres. — The isolation and testing of pure races of
the fibre plants of India will be continued.

ie) Fruit. — The fruit experiments will be continued on
the lines laid down in the First Fruit Report.

22 REPORT Oi*' THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

(/) Minor Investigations. — The study of the varieties
of cassava will be completed and the investigation on the
inheritance of sex in Ganja continued.

Publications. — The following books and papers have
been published and written during the year : —

Ileport on Economic Botany for the Board of Scientific Advice,
1909 (in the press).

The Milling and Baking Qualities of Indian Wheats, No. 2.
Some new Pusa Selections tested in 1909 (with G. L. C.
Howard). Bulletin No. 17 of tlie Agricultural Research
Institute, Pusa.

Second Report on the Pusa Fruit Experiments, Bulletin No. 16,
Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa.

The Fertilising Influence of Sunlight (with G. L. C. Howard).
Nature, February 17th, 1910.

Studies in Indian Tobaccos. No. 1. The types of Nicotiana
rustica L. Yellow-flowered tobacco (with G. L. C.
Howard). Memoirs of the Imperial Department of Agri-
culture {Botanical Series), Vol. Ill, No. 1.

Studies in Indian Tobaccos. No. 2. The types of Nicotiana
tabacum L. (with G. L. C. Howard). Memoirs of the
Im,perial Department of Agriculture {Botanical Series),
Vol. Ill, No. 2.

Studies in Indian Fibre Plants. No. 1. On two varieties
of Sann, Crotalaria juncea, L. (with G. L. C. Howard).
Memoirs of the Imperial Department of Agriculture
[Botanical Series), Vol. Ill, No. 3.

The Influence of the Environment on tne Milling and Baking
Qualities of Wheat in India. No. 1. The results of
1907-08 and 1908-09 (with H. M. Leake and G. L. C.
Howard). Memoirs of the Imperial Department of Agri-
culture {Botanical Series), Vol. Ill, No. 4.

The Economic Significance of Natural Cross-fertilization in
India (with G. L. C Howard and Abdur Eahman Khan).
Memoirs of the Imperial De parturient of Agricultune
(Botanical Series), Vol. Ill, No. 6 (in the press).

Wheat in India, its varieties, j)roduction and improvement
(with G. L. C. Howard). Published by Thacker, Spink
and Company, Calcutta.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1909-10. 23^

REPORT OF THE IMPERIAL AGRICULTURAL
CHEMIST, FOR THE YEAR 1909-10.

(J. Walter Leather, Ph.D.; F.I.C; F.C.S.)

Charge of Section. — Mr. H. E. Annett, B.Sc,
M.S.E.A.C, Supernumerary Agricultural Chemist, was in
charge of this section until October 27th when I returned
from leave.

Meteorology. — In addition to the usual temperature,
humidity, etc., records, an evaporimeter has been construct-
ed and the data will prove of service to both the Meteoro-
logical and Irrigation Departments. The first instrument
employed, a self-recording one, proved to be defective,
chiefly because the atmospheric dust of the hot weather
accumulated in the working parts. A much simpler and
quite reliable instrument was kindly supplied to me by
the Chief Engineer, Punjab Irrigation Branch, and reliable
data can now be obtained, though the record is not self-
maintained.

Drainage data. — The records of drainage under con-
ditions of both bare-fallow and cropped soil at Cawnpore
and Pusa are now bearing fruit and the first few years'
results will be put together for publication at the close of
the present monsoon. In addition to the quantities of
water which percolate, evaporate or run off the land res-
pectively, information regarding the period of most active
nitrification, as also the effect of crops on nitrification is
being gleaned. This subject is not entirely novel, M.
Deherain having published information in respect of it
some 15 years ago, but it has not generally been acknow-
ledged as important. The crops, wheat and maize, which
were grown on two of the Pusa gauges, depressed in some
way or other the formation of nitrates last year very
materially.

Water requirements of cro'ps. — The first section of this
investigation was published during the year as Memoir

24 REPORT" OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

No. 8, Chemical Series, and dealt with both the total amount
transpired as also the period during which the greater
part was assimilated. The effects of temperature and
humidity, proportion of water in the soil, manure, the
nature of the crop, etc., were dealt with. One of the most
important of these is manure, which whilst increasing the
weight of the crop and consequently the amount of water
required, effects an economy of the latter since the increased
requirement of water is proportionately less than
the increase in crop. Good tillage probably has a similar
property. The second section of the investigation has to
do (^) with the effect of different soils and (ii) with the
results of field tests; this will be published shortly.

Soil Gases. — ^The first section of work in connection
with the subject of soil gases dealing with the relations of
carbonic acid to calcium carbonate and water, has been
published as Memoir No. 7, Chemical Series, and it is
expected that a second section dealing with the similar
relations to magnesium carbonate will be published in the
course of the cold weather.

Usar land. — At the request of the Deputy Director of
Agriculture, Central Circle, United Provinces, an investi-
gation into the nature of some land which has been going
out of cultivation in the Mainpuri District, has been com-
menced and has indeed absorbed so much time that no less
than three or four of the assistants are at present utilised
for it.

The soil is Usar, of the " black alkali " type, but the
amount of alkali present was thought at first to be too
small to account for the sterility. The sub-soil water
level has risen seriously of late years and no doubt was
felt that this was one of the primary causes of the trouble.
But in addition to this, preliminary tests showed that the
soil is so highly impervious to water that this feature alone
might account for sterility. All, or at least nearly all,
the water assimilated by plants must move through a certain
amount of soil before it comes in contact with the root;
such distances may only be a few inches or centimetres,

INSTITUTI^ AND COLLEGE, K'^A, FOR 1909-10. io

but this feature of the process must nevertheless b
recognised; and if the amount of water moving to the root
in a given time is too small for the nourishment of the
plant, there may be abundance of water in the soil, and
yet unable to reach the roots sufficiently quickly;
the plant's energy would thus become reduced, and the crop
might die oft; altogether.

There were thus three distinct questions involved,
namely, (^) the high sub-soil water level, {ii) the aniali in
the soil, and [iii) the impervious nature of the soil. The
investigations which are being conducted at Pusa hcive to
do with Nos. {ii) and {Hi) of these questions.

In order to study the subject in the field as far as
possible, Mr. S. C. Kar, M.A., the second assistant, was
deputed to work under the instructions of Mr. B. C. Burt,
Deputy Director of Agriculture, United Provinces, at
Bhadan, where a temporary laboratory was fitted up.
Here the amounts of alkali and water were determined in
the soil at specific points, in every 6 inches depth down
to 7 feet or 8 feet from the surface, until the middle of
May, when this part of the work was transferred to Pusa.
In addition to an estimate of the amount of salts in these
soils, it was especially desired to ascertain the amount of
their upward movement during dry weather or their down-
ward movement during the rains. But since no two tests
can be taken in exactly the same place and since further
it is known that the amounts of such salts vary consider-
ably within comparatively short distances in the lateral
direction, it became necessary to determine this latter, as
an adjunct to the former feature. Such an investigation
involves more work than might appear necessary at first
sight and the whole series of tests are not yet complete,
but it has become abundantly evident that {i) the amount
of variation laterally is, as was anticipated, comparatively
large, and (n) that in these soils the amount of upward
movement of salts to the surface during the dry weather is
only nominal. This latter feature is quite in accord with
expectation; the amount of salts brought to the surface

26 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

will depend largely on the amount of water moving upward ;
if the soil is highly impervious to w^ater, such movements
will be very limited; and consequently the amount of salts
brought to the surface must likewise be limited. There
was hardly any upward movement of water, and according-
ly there could be no material concentration of salts at the
surface.

The soil being so highly impervious to water, it became
of first importance to try to measure this characteristic.
By an improvement of a method originally suggested by
Mr. Milton Whitney of the United States Department of
Agriculture, a mechanical test has been devised, by the
aid of which very interesting information has been obtained
regarding the rate at which water can move through
the Mainpuri as also through other soils. Thus for
example, the Usar land in the Mainpuri District which w^e
have been examining, is highly impervious as far down at
least as the samples were drawn; the Juhi Usar reserve
near Cawnpore is similar to a depth of 5 feet after which
it is quite pervious to water ; other sterile spots of land have
proved to be quite pervious to water, and their sterility
must be due to other causes.

In addition to these lines of investigation an exhaus-
tive series of pot-cultures has been commenced at Pusa in
order to ascertain whether the defective physical state of
the Bhadan (Mainpuri) Usar soil can be remedied or
reduced; and if this change were effected, whether the
amount of alkali is itself sufficient to cause sterility; also
what plants will grow most readily under such adverse
conditions.

Finally, in addition to work on the Bhadan soil, the
Usar land which has been wholly or partly reclaimed near
Aligarh, by the Department and by Mr. Keventer respec-
tively, is being examined in order to ascertain what changes
have taken place during the period of years that the work
has been in progress.

General Analytical Work. — The number of samples
sent for analysis has remained, as in the preceding year.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1909-10. 27

much smaller than it formerly was. Most of the Provin-
cial Departments are now able to execute all such work for
themselves, and assistance m this respect has only been
asked for from three provinces. The major part of the
remaining samples has been submitted by the officers in
charge of the Military Farms, who require opinions on
soils and on grasses and other feeding stuffs.

Educatio7i. — One student from the Punjab took a short
elementary course of Chemistry. One of the assistants
of the Agricultural Chemist, United Provinces, is taking
a three months' course. In addition, two new assistants
on the ordinary establishment have been entertained, and
these, as in all such cases, have been largely in the position
of students.

Estahlishment. — The changes involved have been due
(i) to a junior assistant not being confirmed and another
appointed in his place, and (w) to the temporary appoint-
ment of a graduate of the Bombay University to act during
the absence of other members of the regular establishment.
The latter case is of interest, because although this assist-
ant is an M.A. graduate with very good credentials, he
was willing to come for a purely temporary acting appoint-
ment on Rs. 50 and thereby try to learn something. The
other assistant who was appointed during the year, worked
purely as a volunteer for about a year in Mr. Hooper's
laboratory at the Indian Museum, and has proved an
excellent assistant. It is this class of man that deserves
most encouragement and likewise generally makes the best
pLiblic servant; young men who are willing in the first
instance to show that they are capable of doing useful
work rather than to sit down and do nothing until a highly
paid appointment turns up.

Programme of Work for 1910-11. — 1. The work on the
availability of plant food in soils will be continued, the
immediate aim Toeing the more correct ascertainment of the
composition of the aqueous solution in the soil. Included
in this section of investigation are naturally the amounts
of nitrate in soils and soil temperatures.

28 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

2. The investigation on soil moisture and water require-
ments of plants is being continued on lines which have
been sufficiently indicated in the memoirs.

3. A joint investigation with Mr. Burt, Deputy
Director of Agriculture, United Provinces, is being con-
ducted into the causes of infertility in a tract of land in
the Mainpuri District.

4. The effect of soil and manure on the composition of
crops is a branch of study which is engaging the attention

of a number of investigators and is one on which I have
already obtained some information. It will be developed,
if possible, at Pusa during the coming year.

5. Two points in relation to the Indian saltpetre manu-
facture, in respect of which it seems possible that an im-
provement can be suggested, will be investigated.

6. Education. — This requires no special comment; it
will be conducted according to the lines laid down.

Publications. — The following papers have been pub-
lished : —

Memoir No. 8, "The Water Requirements of Crops in India"

by Dr. J. Walter Leather.
Memoir No. 9, " The Nature of the Colour of Black Cotton
Soil " by Mr. H. E. Annett.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1909-10. 29

REPORT OF THE IMPERIAL ENTOMOLOGIST,

FOR THE YEAR 1909-10.

(H. Maxwell-Lefroy, M.A, F.E.S., F.Z.S.)

Charge and Establishment. — The Imperial Entomolo-
gist held charge of the section during the year. The
Supernumerary Entomologist, Mr. C. W. Mason, left the
Department on December 19th and Mr. T. Bainbrigge-
Fletcher, R.N., F.E.S., joined the Department as Super-
numerary Entomologist on the 8th April. The first
assistant, Mr. C. S. Misra, who has absent on privilege
leave from the 4th May to the end of June, had charge of
the students, of the field-work on the Pusa Farm and
Botanical area and of the work with lac culture. Apart
from the courses of lecturing given by the Imperial Entomo-
logist personally, Mr. Misra has carried out the field and
practical instruction of students, which he has done
admirably, and also one of the two short courses of instruc-
tion given in lac culture. The second assistant, Mr.
C. C. Ghosh, has had charge of the insectory and carried
out all inquiries conducted there. His work has been of the
very greatest utility; he has also been able to prepare a
Bens^ali revision of Indian Insect Pests which has been
published. The third assistant, Mr. G. R. Dutt, who was
absent on privilege leave from 1st November 1909 to 31st
January 1910, has been in charge of economic records,
correspondence and collections and has done original work
on Aculeate Hymenoptera. In spite of his heavy routine
work he has found time for both original enquiry and for
the compiling for publication of a list of the vernacular
names of insects, which is being published. Mr. D. Nowrojee
has been in charge of the general collections and has
done excellent work in their upkeep and arrangement. The
post of Sericulture Assistant, which was filled up by Mr.
L. M. Dass, is now held by Mr. R. R. Ghose. The Bengal
Entomological Assistant worked in the laboratory for some

30 REPORT OF THE AGRICtLTTlRAL RESEARCH

months, pending the provision of accommodation at
Sabour; the artist staff of the Institute also worked under
the direction of the Imperial Entomologist from September
to January. The Baroda Entomological Assistant spent
a fortnight in Pusa discussing his year's work and the
programme for next year.

Training. — The full course of Entomology was given
to students from Madras, Central Provinces, Bengal and
the United Provinces. It is to be regretted that no
students have been sent for the course commencing on June
1st, 1910. A short training, as part of the course in
general agriculture was given to a student from the Punjab.
The short courses in Eri Silk cultivation have been taken
up by 15 students from different parts of India and by
boys sent by the United Provinces Agricultural Depart-
ment. Irregular training in rearing has been given to a
number of rearers from Indigo factories, zemindars, etc.,
who were taking up the industry. The courses in lac have
been taken up by 10 students from Lucknow, Hyderabad,
Bettiah, Dacca, Cuttack, Jullundur, Rajkot, Jodhpur and
Gaya and three malis were trained for employment in lac-
work in Behar.

Provincial work. — The number of assistants employed
in Entomological work in the Provincial Agricultural
Departments is now 16 : 5 for teaching, 11 for field work.
This number is wholly insufficient to bring the practical
work of Entomology before the agricultural classes, but in
the absence of Entomologists in the Provincial Depart-
ments to direct their work, the number is not being
increased. It is something that applied Entomology forms
part of the course of training at five i^gricultural Colleges,
but it is too much to expect eleven field-assistants to make
any progress with showing how crop pests can be checked.
As in previous years, the assistance offered in directing
and checking the work of these assistants has been utilised
by some provinces and the more technical work has been
referred to Pusa, leaving the assistants free to do field work
entirely. In Madras, the study of the destructive insects

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1909-10. 31

has been continued on the lines laid down in 1906, and very
substantial progress has been made; the pests have been
carefully studied in almost every district and the prelimi-
nary work of collecting information on the spot materially
advanced. Good work has been done against the Hairy
Caterpillar pest in South Aroot and against the Deccan
Grass-hopper which appeared in the Northern Division.
In Bombay, very successful work has been done against the
Rice Grass-hopper; the Potato-moth and Deccan Grass-
hopper are being worked at where they occur and the work
should bear fruit this year. Proposals have been made for
putting the Entomological work on a better footing and
placing it under the general direction of the Imperial
Entomologist as in other provinces. In the Central Pro-
vinces, the success of the methods tried against Potato-
moth has led to their adoption on a larger scale and a care-
ful trial has been made of the trap-crop method of
checking boll-worm of cotton on the farms. The cultiva-
tion of Eri silk has been experimentally taken up at Multai
and Chanda. An investigation into termites in Hoshan-
gabad has been started with the Deputy Director of
Agriculture, Northern Circle, and the general pests of the
province are being investigated. In Bengal, and Eastern
Bengal ana Assam, the general investigation of injurious
insects has been continued; in the latter, the work against
Potato-moth is likely to give good results. In the United
Provinces, the work against the Cane Grass-hopper has been
the principal item and the general investigation of injuri-
ous insects has been continued. The cultivation of Eri
silk has been experimentally taken up at Cawnpore. In
the Punjab, sericulture and bee-keeping have been experi-
mented with and the general crop pests of the province
investigated. In Baroda, good work has been done in
inducing cultivators to take an interest in and adopt
measures against the Hairy Caterpillar, the boll-worm and
the til stem-borer, in addition to the usual cases of insect
pests reported from various crops.

32 REPORT OF THE AGRICULITJRAL RESEARCH

In general, the provincial work is preliminary and

directed to ascertaining what are the pests of the province

and how far they are destructive. Only in Madras is the

work so far advanced that an accurate statement of the

crop-pests can be prepared and a reasonable estimate

formed of the possibilities of developing the work. In

almost all provinces, progress has been made in coping

with crop-pests as they occur in serious outbreaks, but in

almost all the work requires systematising on a permanent

basis that will conduce to steady progress and eventual

thoroughness. Much advance cannot be achieved while the

present staff in the provinces is limited to eleven assistants

and the direction of the work is in the hands of various

officers in the Provincial Departments who have other work

to do and who do not want additional staff to look after.

Correspondence. — As in previous years, there has been
a large volume of enquiries on all matters connected with
insects; the enquiries connected with insects attacking
crops have been mainly diverted to the Provincial Depart-
ments, but a large mass of miscellaneous enquiries has been
received and dealt with. A part of these are from official
sources, exclusive of the correspondence with Provincial
Agricultural Departments, but a large part also is from
the general public; they deal with garden and fruit pests,
household pests, insects in grain and timber, insects on
domestic animals, insecticides, spraying machines and the
identification of insects. The parcels of injurious insects
sent in numbered 117. A total of 1,255 enquiries came
from official and public sources and at least as many as^ain
from planters and others in close touch with the section
were answered demi-officially without record. The
enquiries with regard to si'k numbered over 1,000 and
there were many concerning bee-keeping and lac. So far
as possible, these are answered by reference to publications,
or bv the despatch of a leaflet or reprint but thev are of such
wide ransre that a very large number must be answered
fully and this occupies much time. I hold this work to be
of very direct value and I believe every ennuiry has been
fully and promptly met to the best of our ability.

INSTITUTE AND CDXLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1909-10. 33

Research. — Progress has been made with enquiry into
the life histories and habits of injurious insects. The
more important have been the Palm-weevil, and Rhino-
ceros beetle, the Army worm, the Rice Swarming Cater-
pillar, the Deccan Grass-hopper, the Wheat Stem-borer,
the Pink Boll-worm, the Indigo Leaf-webber, the Dusky
Cotton Bug, Wheat weevil, Rice grain moth. A more
careful enquiry into the white ant problem has been com-
menced partly at Pusa, partly at Hoshangabad in conjunc-
tion with the Deputy Director of Agriculture, Northern
Circle, Central Provinces. In collaboration with the
Imperial Agricultural Chemist, the enquiry was continued
into the relation between weevil and the percentage mois-
ture of wheat. The enquiry into the food of birds by Mr.
C. W. Mason was brought to a conclusion and the results
will be published. The new insecticide was thoroughly
tested and is now on sale. An increasing number of patent
insecticides have been referred here for trial and report;
these have been tested and, with the check afforded by the
analysis of the Imperial Agricultural Chemist, reported
on as to their value for Indian conditions. Only one has
proved to be of any value for this country and, with this
exception, the insecticides introduced by this Department
are those at present in use; arrangements are made for
their sale and we maintain a register of the places where
both insecticides and all patterns of spraying machines can
be purchased, so that enquirers can be at once referred to
the proper places. Until private enterprise finds this
business w^orth taking up, the trial of insecticides and
sprayers must be done here and arrangements made for
their sale. The question of apiculture is still being
considered and further attempts are being made to deter-
mine how far bees will thrive and be profitable in the
plains.

Sericulture. — The cultivation of Eri silk was continued
and all processes to the production of the finished cloth
carried on. Three weavers, an average of twelve spinners
and cleaners, and about fifteen rearers are constantly

34 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

employed and we endeavour to produce every variety of
cloth that is likely to be made of this material. The
course of training was given to 19 persons, mainly those
who wish themselves to take it up as an industry or the
employees of those who are commencing the industry. The
Pusa Continuous Spinning Machine was perfected and
arrangements made for its sale. Assistance was given to
the inventor, Mr. R. W. Coryton, of a very ingenious
machine for cleaning the cocoons prior to spinning and this
machine is now being sold. Every process from rearing
the worms to weaving the cloth is being conducted in the
silk house, so that visitors can see and quickly understand
the whole process. The demand for seed has been very
large (in one month 2^ million eggs were sent out) and
arrangements were made for an exchange of seed between
rearers in different parts of India, this section being the
medium for effecting the exchange. Seed was supplied
from Pusa to as many persons as possible, but the demand
was far in excess of what ooufd be supplied. Many
hundreds of persons have given a trial to the industry and
while many have, for the present, stopped owing to the
absence of any means of disposing of small quantities of
cocoons, many are continuing successfully. No attempt
was made by this section to popularise or to draw attention
to this industry except in Tirhoot, with the sole exception
of the publication of an article in the Agricultural Journal
of India; yet hundreds of enquiries have come in, from
every part of India except Assam, and it is evident that,
if there was the organisation to help, advise and buy small
lots of cocoons, the industry could be taken up on a very
large scale, affording light remunerative work to women
and children which they take to readily. In Tirhoot, an
attempt was made to induce the Behar Indigo Concerns to
serve as buying centres for the hundreds of small lots of
cocoons that were being offered but this has failed. Many
Tirhoot rearers are still carrying on the industry in order
to make and sell cloth but at the commencement all small
rearers} want to sell cocoons. The industry is establishing

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PFSA, FOR 1909-10. 35

itself, as centres for buying cocoons develop naturally and
as the rearers take to making cloth. It is evident that the
larger land-owners must take it up first and that the small
cultivators cannot do so without some organisation to
dispose of their products. It is also necessary at first to
be in touch with Pusa or some other centre that can advise
and help. The industry is most extensive at present in
Tirhoot, Bhagalpur and Patna, the three divisions nearest
to Pusa but is being tried also in Malabar, Dharwar, West
Coast, Gujarat, Kathiawar, Sind, Patiala, Rohilkhand,
Betul, Chanda and Murshidabad. The Salvation Army
has also taken it up at Bangalore and elsewhere. Enquir-
ies were made from silk spinning firms in England.. France,
Switzerland and Japan as to the value of Eri silk cocoons
for industrial use there; one Indian silk spinning mill is
spinning Eri silk yarn of fine counts, which is being used
for weaving in India; but until there is some organisation
for collecting and selling large quantities of cocoons, the
industrial uses of this material cannot be developed. In
this question, we have had the assistance of Mr. Drieberg
of the Ceylon Agricultural Society, who is interested in
the same problem. Trials are being made at Pusa with
hybrids between Attacus ricini, the Eri, and Attacus
cynithia>, the wild form ; these are not encouraging but may
yield a more robust race. The disease of Eri worms which
is occasionally a serious and inexplicable factor, is being
investigated in collaboration with the Imperial Agricul-
tural Bacteriologist and trials are being made of the various
varieties of castor for feeding the worms.

Mulberry silk cultivation was continued mainly to
determine how far it can be profitably taken up either to
provide raw silk, or to supply cocoons. All available varie-
ties have been collected at Pusa for hybridising. The
rearing of the best Italian and French varieties has been
very successful; the rearing of the ordinary Bengal
varieties has shown that they are not worth cultivating in
Behar, and the cultivation of a hybrid between the Euro-
pean univoltine worms and the Bengal multivoltine is

D %

36 REPORT OF 1 HE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

giving good results. The problem of increasing the supply
of good cocoons for reeling is of very great importance and
there is good reason to believe that very much better cocoons
could be produced on a large scale if the industry were
developed on the right lines. The experiments of the
Bengal Silk Committee and those carried out at Pusa show
that success is probable, but that it will take time and
organisation to develop the supply and keep rearers on the
right lines; failure in inevitable if the present Bengal
varieties are cultivated as the silk is almost unsaleable and
not worth growing and reeling in new localities. The
present experimental work is very satisfactory and the very
depressed condition of the silk industry fully justifies the
employment of a proper staff to complete and develop these
lines of improvement.

Lac. — ^The cultivation of the lac-insect on Ber {Zizyplms
Jujvha), Siris (Serissa glomeruta), etc., has been carried on
as before and two short courses of train in £^ were given to
ten students from Beno-al, Hyderabad (Deccan), the
Puniab, the United Provinces, Kathiawar and Jodhpur,
as well as to malis from factories in Tirhoot. Lac for seed
was supplied to the Bombay and Baroda Departments of
Agriculture, to a Court of Ward's Estate in Orissa and
arran2!:ements have been completed for forwardino; the
same to Formosa through the Japanese Consul at Bombay.
The most important work of the past year was an enquiry
into the races of the lac insect in collaboration with the
Forest Department which sent in samples from all parts of
India and Burma. The samples are being collected,
arran<Ted and forwarded to Mr. E. E. Green, the Govern-
ment Entomologist, Ceylon, for examination. The number
of enquiries regarding lac cultivation in India increased
considerably and every assistance was given to those
wishing to start it on waste lands in agricultural areas.

Demonstration. — The series of coloured plates of pests
has been added to and copies circulated to all Provincial
Departments, to the Bombay Natural History Society, the
Quetta Museum, the Madras Museum, the Bishop Cotton

iNStlTUl^E AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1909-10. ^7

School, Simla, the Indian Gardening Association, Calcutta,
the Central Agricultural Committee of Madras, the
Ceylon Agricultural Society, Colombo, Department of
Agriculture, Baroda State, Mycologist and Entomologist,
Mysore State and the Director, Educational Section,
United Provinces Exhibition, Allahabad. These plates are
being utilised in demonstration in all provinces and in
vernacular and other publications in Bengal, Eastern
Bengal and Assam, Bombay, the "U nited Provinces and the
Central Provinces. They are also used in preparing show
cases of crop pests for exhibitions, shows, farms, etc.
Sample show cases have been prepared and sent out; all
Entomological Assistants have been trained in preparing
them and it is now only necessary to complete the series of
plates to cover all crop-pests, beneficial insects and such
useful insects as silk, lac and bees. Trials are being made
of coloured lantern slides of these plates to enable lectures
to be given at agricultural shows, etc. Assistance was
given in preparing show-cases and exhibits for the agri-
cultural section of the Lahore Exhibition and a working
exhibit of Eri and mulberry silk was sent to the Muzaffer-
pur Exhibition.

Insect Survey. — Less time has been given to the work
with the general collection, only new accessions being
placed and arranged. The students' working collection
has been very much added to. Collections have been sent
away for the us3 of authors of coming volumes of the
Fauna of India. These include the Collemhola, Ortho-
ftera, Malloyhaga, Braconidos and IchneumGnidoe, Neurof-
tera, Odonata, Dynastidce, Rutelidce and Cetoniidce,
Cantharidce, Curculionidoe, Microlepidoftera, Thysanof-
tera, RJiynchota, Heteroftera and Homoftera. Further
collections were identified and arranged for the Bombay
Natural History Society, and specimens were identified for
private collectors, for the Madras Museum and the Quetta
Museum. Similar collections were made up and identified
for Provincial Agricultural Colleges and a large mass of
identified material is available for distribution.

38 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Miscellaneous. — The Imperial Entomologist is Presi-
dent of the Entomological Section of the Bombay Natural
History Society and lectured to the Society in September.
All entomological enquiries sent to the Society are referred
to him and insect specimens sent in for identification are
referred to Pusa. The Imperial Entomologist also acted as
Chairman of the Indian Sub-Committee of the Inter-
national Congress of Entomology to be held at Brussels in
1910. An exhibit illustrating the work of the section was
sent to the delegate for India, Mr. F. M. Howlett, Second
Imperial Entomologist. Assistance has been given to the
Government of Japan in regard to Eri silk and lac and the
latter insect is being introduced into Formosa. The im-
provements made in the treatment of Eri silk have been
communicated to the Ceylon Agricultural Society. Paras-
itised cotton boll-worms were sent to Ceylon and Egypt to
introduce the parasite; live Eri cocoons were senc to Ceylon,
China and Formosa, and live tussur cocoons to Egypt; Eri
cocoons were also sent to England and France, the former
in order to be crossed with A. cynthia, to improve the
race. In exchange, cynthia cocoons were received at Pusa
for the same purpose.

Programme of work for 1910-11.- — The work of the past
in studying and advising on crop-pests will be continued.
Assistance will be given, when desired, in directing the
work of provincial assistants, in coping with outbreaks of
crop pests and in organising exhibitions for agricultural
shows. Assistance is being given in the entomological
exhibits at the Allahabad Exhibition. The issue of
coloured plates is being continued and coloured lantern
slides for lectures will be issued for trial. Further work
on apiculture will be done and the short courses of instruc-
tion in Eri silk, mulberry silk and lac continued. The
progress of the Eri silk industry will be assisted specially
with a view to finding foreign markets and to the using of
the material for products required in India. The question

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1909-10. 39

of growing better races of mulberry silk for supply to the
Bengal filatures willr be further tested and the general
question of improving the silk industry investigated.

Puhlications. — The edition of Indian Insect Pests is
exhausted and the progress for the last four years makes
a new edition necessary. A revision up to June 1909, has
been translated into Bengali by the second assistant, Mr.
C. C. Ghosh, and published in Calcutta. Applications for
permission to publish other translations have been referred
to the respective Provincial Departments as a revision of
the text is required and the staff at Pusa cannot translate
into all vernaculars. " Indian Insect Life " has been issued
and is nov^ available for all students and workers in
Entomology. A list of other publications is attached.
This is smaller than it might be, but the time has not been
available for preparing more and the issue of these has
entailed much work that should not fall on the staff of this
section.

PUBLICATIONS.

Indian Insect Life. (Text-Book.) September, 1909.

Fasaler Poka. (Text-Book.) Sei^tember, ]910.

Lac as an Agricultural Product. (Agri, Journ. Ind.) July,
1909.

A New Insecticide. (Agri. Journ. Ind.) April, 1910.

Weevil in Wlieat. (Indian Trade Journal.) November 18,
1909.

Fauna of Tirhoot I. Rlivnchota. (Ind. Mus. Records.; De-
cember, 1909,

Storage of Potatoes. (Agri. Journ. Ind.) January, 1910.

Tkrips in Tea in Darjeeling. (Agri. Journ. Ind.) July, 1909.

Instructions for rearing Eri Silk. (Leaflet in English, Hindi,
Bengali.) January, 1910.

Eri Seed Exchange. (Leaflet.) January, ]910.

Life-Histories of Coleoptera. (Memoir.) January, 1910.

Vernacular Names of Insects. (Bulletin in press.)

Tukra Disease of Mulberry. (Agri, Journ. Ind. aud Bengal
Agricultural Journal.) April, 1910.

Tliree Journal Reviews.

40 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

REPORT OF THE IMPERIAL MYCOLOGIST FOR

THE YEAR 1909-10.

(E. J. Butler, M.B., F.L.S.)

Charge and Establishment. — Mr. W. McRae, M.A.,
B.Sc, Supernumerary Mycologist, held charge of the
Section until December 27th, 1909, when I returned from
leave. Mr. McRae joined his new appointment as Mycolo-
gist to the Government of Madras immediately after; his
loss was much felt, but he has taken charge of mycological
work in a province which is second to none in India in the
number and magnitude of its fungus diseases of plants.
His successor, Mr. F. J. F. Shaw, B.Sc, A.R.C.S., joined
his appointment on January 28th, 1910. The vacant post
of first assistant was filled by Mr. J. F. Dastur, B.Sc, on
May 14th, 1910. Mr. J. H. Mitter, second assistant, was
appointed Assistant Professor of Mycology in the Punjab
Agricultural College, Lyallpur, from June 1st, 1910. The
remaining members of the laboratory staff have each
received promotion as a consequence. All have done good
work. Messrs. J. H. Mitter and S. N. Mitra have given
material assistance in the training of students and in
general laboratory work; the latter, Mr. A. Hafiz Khan
and Munshi Inayat Khan in field work and on tour; while
Mr. Hafiz Khan, by his keenness and capacity for indepen-
dent research is proving a valuaWe assistant. In Munshi
Inayat Khan we have one of the most useful types of native
botanical assistants ; without any English education, he has
yet an almost phenomenal knowledge of indigenous plants
gathered during long service under Mr. Duthie in the
Saharanpur Herbarium and as a collector in all parts of
Nortliern India. He is in charge of the herbarium and
collections, which are well kept up. The Bengal Mycolo-
gical Assistant worked in the laboratory pending the pro-
vision of accommodation for him at Bhagalpur, until April
14th, 1910.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, POU 1909-10. 41

2. Training. — Nine students in all received instruction
during the year. Of these two were second year students
undergoing the full course. Their training ended on
March 31st, 1910. Three were members of the Punjab
Agricultural Department and received elementary instruc-
tion as part of a general agricultural course. As the Pro-
vincial Colleges are now in a position to teach elementary
mycology, it is not expected that any more students of this
class will be received. The student under training as
Mycological Collector for Eastern Bengal finished his
course on March 2nd, 1910. A Forest Ranger was deputed
from the Punjab for an elementary training in the diseases
of fruit and forest trees, and a private student from Oudh
received a short course in fruit and vegetable diseases.
Only one student (private) joined for the full two years'
course at the beginning of the new term, June 1st, 1910,
and he has since abandoned it. The three senior students
took up about half my time in January, February, March
and June, chiefly in the preparation of the lectures.

3. Accommodation. — The capacity of the general
laboratory for students and assistants has been taxed at
times, especially when several have been simultaneously
engaged in original work. For a time eleven were working
in the one room, which is too many for the space available.
A portion of the clerk's room has been fitted to relieve pres-
sure in the laboratory. The chief requirement at present
is a small outside room with enclosure attached for inocu-
lation and pot-culture experiments. The herbarium has
been largely added to (364 named sheets), and has ample
space for subsequent expansion in a room on the 1st floor.
Improvements were made in the sterilising and culture
rooms.

4. Aid to Provincial Departments. -^Collections of
named fungi, chiefly parasitic, have been furnished to the
Madras, Punjab, Bengal and Eastern Bengal and Assam
Departments. Duplicate collections made in Bombay and
Burma have been identified as far as possible and the deter-
minations forwarded to these Departments. This work

42 REPORT OF iflE AGRlCOLTtJRAL RESEARCH

will be continued so as to provide a nucleus for a mycologi-
cal herbarium in every provincial college. The detailed
syllabus for an elementary course of lectures and practical
work in Indian Mycology, drawn up last year, is being
utilised as a basis for the mycological instruction in several
colleges. The recommendation of the Board of Agriculture
of 1908, that each province should have at least an Assist-
ant Professor of Mycology and one other assistant is being
worked up to fairly well. Besides Madras, which has now
its own Mycologist, Mr. McRae, with one scientific assist-
ant, Bengal, Bombay and the Punj ab have each an Assistant
Professor of Mycology attached to its colilege, the two
former having a Mycological Assistant as well. The
Central Provinces College has a Mycological Assistant, and
Eastern Bengal a Mycological Collector. All these, except
the Bombay Assistant Professor, have been trained at
Pusa.

5. Research Work. Blister Bhgkt of Tea. — This was
the most important new work taken up during the year.
The disease, which has been known for years in North-
East Assam appeared for the first time in Darjeeling in
1908. In 1909 it extended, and the Darjeeling Planters'
Association asked for the assistance of Pusa. Mr. McHae
spent a considerable time in a local investigation of the
blight. The life-history of the fungus {Exohasidium
vexans Massee), before imperfectly known, was fully
worked out and an extensive series of experiments on
remedial measures undertaken. As a result of these,
definite recommendations were made for the cold weather
of 1909-10 and general measures for the control of the blight
advocated. The results of the work were communicated
in two reports to the Darjeeling Planters' Association, by
which body they were printed for circulation to the
planters concerned. In the present season, the blight is
continuing to spread and already threatens the Dooars
and Terai. Its progress will be watched with great
anxiety by all interested in tea. It is feared that the
climatic conditions prevalent in these districts will induce

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1909-10. 43

greater virulence than anything known in Assam, but this
will not be known with certainty until the close of the
present or perhaps another season. A popular account of
the disease is given in tlie Agricultural Journal of India
for April, 1910, and a fuller report is in the press as a
bulletin.

Other Tea Diseases. — Mr. Shaw is engaged in the study
of the obscure canker of tea, which has long been known
but the cause of which is still not ascertained. A disease
of tea seed was investigated, but the cause was not defi-
nitely discovered.

Pahn Disease. — The campaign having as its object to
prevent the spread of the bud-rot of palms on the East
Coast and to stamp it out within the affected area was
prosecuted with energy by the executive officer in charge,
Mr. W. K. Green, Special Deputy Collector, Godavari
District. I accompanied Mr. McRae, to whom the scienti-
fic control has now passed, and Mr. Green on a short tour
of inspection early in the present year. Recommendations
for continuing the work have been made, especially for its
energetic prosecution in Kistna District, where it has been
neglected in spite of repeated warnings. Mr. Green was
put in charge of work in Kistna as well as in Godavari
from January last and this led to better work. A full
account of the disease and measures taken to check it is in
the press as a memoir. Mr. McRae enquired into a disease
of palms at Bapatla in December but found it was not
f ung;al. The coconut root disease in Travancore mentioned
in last report is engaging the attention of the newly started
Agricultural Department of that State, and measures have
been taken on the lines suggested to prevent its spread.
The cultivators of neighbouring districts have been warned
through vernacular pamphlets of the danger of introducing
certain coconut produce from Travancore.

Sugarcane Diseases. — The work in connection with
these has not yet reached the stage of publicatiion. Field
experiments on the methods of infection of red rot having
developed unexpected difficulties, it will probably be neces-

44 Rt:PORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

sary to continue in pot culture. Nothing has occurred to
shake the opinion advocated by this section that it is pri-
marily a disease conveyed in the sets and it is encouraging
to report that scarcely a trace of it could be found at Samal-
kota Farm in the last crop. Similarly at Pusa there is
ordinarily little, except near where the inoculation experi-
ments are in progress. These results are believed to be
due almost entirely to the methods of set selection recom-
mended in 1906. There is, hov^ever, a good deal still to be
elucidated. The life history of three undescribad sugar-
cane parasites has been in great part worked out. One
causes a root disease in certain varieties of cane at Samal-
kota; its study has been carried out chiefly by Mr. Hafiz
Khan, who has also investigated a leaf disease at Pusa.
The third is prevalent in Behar. Work on sugarcane smut
was continued.

Wilt-Diseases. — The results of the work of several years
on the wilt disease of pigeon pea were issued as a memoir
early in 1910. No opportunity arose for the study of other
field crop wilts still awaiting investigation. In November,
Mr. McKae visited the Wynaad at the request of the United
I^lanters' Association of Southern India to investigate the
pepper-vine wilt. He was accompanied by Mr. R. Anstead,
Planting Expert to the Association, in conjunction with
whom a scheme of experiments m the treatment of the
disease was drawn up. As the cause, and indeed the whole
history of this disease are still obscure, little advice of real
value to pepper planters can be given as yet.

Ginger rot. — The investigation of this disease, caused
by Pythium gracile, was continued by Mr. McRae, who
visited Kangpur, Eastern Bengal, twice during the season.
It is the principal trouble connected with ginger growing
in this district and in Gujarat. It is hoped to publish an
illustrated account shortly, with suggestions for treatment.
Experiments so far appear to indicate that it is possible to
check it by careful seed selection and rotation.

Fruit Diseases. — The survey of diseases of temperate
fruit trees in India, was continued, chiefly from material

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PrSA, FOR 1909-10. 45

collected in Kashmir in 1908. Wither tip of citrus trees
occurred at Pusa and experimental treatment was carried
out. Other citrus diseases are under study at Pusa. A
papaya disease which has killed a number of trees at Pusa
was studied by one of the students and Mr. Mitra, but the
work is not yet ready for publication.

Forest Tree Diseases.— As usual a number of these
were investigated for the Forest Department and other
persons. The chief of interest was Fomes lucidus, a pro-
bable parasite of several valuable trees including Shisham
{Dalbergia sissoo) and Areca palm. An illustrated note on
this was written for the " Indian Forester." The well-
known parasite of the Himalayan blue pine, Trametes Pint,
was discovered for the first time attackii^g deodar near
Simla. Mr. Hafiz has been occupied in an attempt to
determine the manner of spread of this fungus from speci-
mens forwarded by the Imperial Forest Botanist.

Other Plant Diseases. — Two diseases caused by species
of Phytofhthora were investigated by the senior students
under supervision. The life history of Phytofhthora
Colocasice was worked out. The other, which attacks
seedling castor, appears to be undescribed previously. The
work will be published after some further necessary study.
Several cases of disease of important crops caused by the
root-rot fungus, Rhizoctonia, were studied. Jute, potato,
linseed, tomato, brinjal, castor and some pulses are amongst
the plants attacked by this fungus, the existence of which
in India has only recently been ascertained. An illustrated
account of the leaf spot of turmeric, due to a new species
of Taphrina, has been prepared for publication. Speci-
mens of rice bunt, caused by Tilletia horrida, were received
from Germany, on rice said to be of Indian origin. As
this disease has only been reported from Japan and the
Southern States an enquiry is being made as to its possible
occurrence in India, especially Burma. The disease of

AG- REPORT OF THE AGRICTILTtlRAL RESEARCH

Para rubber trees due to Corticium javanicum was reported
from estates in South India. Other rubber tree diseases
were received from Burma. The examination of and
reporting on these and many other diseases of crops and
economic trees formed a large part of the routine work of
the section.

Systematic work. — This was prosecuted as time allowed
but the progress made was small owing to pressure of other
work. As the demands from the Provincial Colleges for
correct determination of their parasitic and other fungi
are increasing, it is hoped to give more time to the subject
than has been possible recently.

Miscellaneous. — Eight show-cases illustrating charac-
teristic fungus diseases of plants were prepared for the
Lahore Exhibition and six for the Bengal Department to
exhibit at shows. Suggestions were made for regulations
for the control of the importation into India of plants or
parts of plants likely to introduce dangerous fungus
diseases. Mr. Shaw assisted the Imperial Bacteriologist
in the laboratory work in connection with Eri silk-worm
disease.

Programme of work for 1910-11. — It is proposed to
resume the work on soil fungi if time allows.

The work on the wilt diseases of crops, especially of
indigo and cowpea and, if opportunity occurs, of cotton,
gram and sesamum, will be continued.

The investigation of sugarcane diseases is being con-
tinued and the new results will be published.

It is hoped to obtain more information regarding the
occurrence of Rhizoctonia on the crops mentioned above
and to investigate its life history and treatment.

The study of the diseases of papaya, castor, oolocasia
and rice mentioned above, of tea canker and of heart-rot
of blue pine will "be continued.

The study of some anthracnoses of pulse crops will be
pontinued.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1909-10. 47

It is hoped to work through another portion of the
collections and to publish the determinations.

The training of students in Mycology will be continued.
No student is taking the full course this session.

PUBLICATIONS.

Tomes hicidus (Leys) Tr., a suspected parasite. E. J.

Butler. Indian Torester, September 1909.
Tlie Wilt disease of Pigeon Pea and the Parasitism of

Neocosmospora vasinfecta Smith. E. J. Butler.

Memoirs of the Department of Agriculture in India, Vol.

II, No. 9, January 1910.
The Outbreak of Blister-blight on Tea in the Darjeeling

District in 1908-09. W. McEae. Agricultural Journal

of India, Vol. V, Part 2, April 1910.

48 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

REPORT OF THE IMPERIAL AGRICULTURAL
BACTERIOLOGIST FOR THE YEAR 1909-10.

(C. M. Hutchinson, B.A.)

The principal work of the Section for six months
diirinG^ which I have been in charge has been directed
towards a general examination of the bacteria in the soils
of Piisa. The scheme of work has resolved itself into : —

(1) Observation of occurrence and activity of bac-
teria at varying depths in the soil —

{a) with regard to varying species;
(&) with regard to their relations to soil
chemistry.

(a) Determination of the species occurring in soils
naturally involves a large .amount of culture work extend-
ing over a long period of time, and has only been under-
taken in consideration of the absence of information on
this point so far as Indian soils are concerned. It is
hoped that further experience gained in this wav will
ennble a distinction to be drawn between those species whose
widespread occurrence and activity makes them of impo^-t-
ance from an agricultural standpoint, and others whose
restricted development renders it unnecessary to study
their characters from this point of view.

In addition to cultures made from samples obtained
by boring, observations have been carried on periodically
as to the bacterial content of soils in the Botanical Section
especially those under experimentiT treatment by "weather-
ing " ; it is hoped that some light may be thrown upon the
causes underlvirs: the differences resulting from this
method of dealing with soils.

The ordinary cultural methods of differentiation have
been somewhat restricted by the impossibility of using
gelatine owing to the high temperatures at Pusa in tjie

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1909-10. 49

months of March, April, May and June. It is hoped that
it may be found possible in the future to establish a hill
station laboratory, where this difficulty may be eliminated
during the hot season.

(b) The distribution and activity of the nitrifying
organisms has been studied closely in samples taken from
various depths and localities. The value of the inform-
ation acquired has been considerably discounted by the
contamination of some of the cultures owing to the absence
of a suitable room for carrying out inoculations and with-
drawing samples. During the dry hot months the air is
charged with dust particles carrying innumerable bacteria
and the periodical withdrawal of samples from the culture
flasks is attended with great risk of infection of the latter,
when conducted in the open laboratory. A suitable room,
capable of being isolated from the general laboratory and
kept free from dust and currents of air, was selected early
in February, and arrangements are being made to have it
converted for this purpose.

Active nitrification has been observed in borings from
the plots attached to the pot culture house down to a
depth of 24 inches, the greatest amount taking place in the
second six inches. The samples were taken in February,
when the dryness of the surface soil would naturally
depress the general level of bacterial activity.

It is of interest to observe that salts of magnesia have
been found to inhibit nitrification entirely in Pusa soils
when the latter are seeded into liquid media. This effect
is being further investigated with a view to determining
its underlying causes. Samples have been obtained from
borings to a depth of nine feet and it has been of interest
to discover the relatively enormous numbers of bacteria
present in the Pusa soils and their occurrence in the
samples taken from the lowest depth, it having been found
necessary to use dilutions of one in one hundred thousand
in order to obtain a workable number of colonies in
plating.

50 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Some work has been done on nitrogen fixation in certain
soil samples, but only of a tentative nature, fuller consi-
deration of the subject being postponed until such time
as my assistants have acquired more knowledge of bacte-
riological methods. It is proposed to make exhaustive
enquiries into the distribution and characters of nitrogen
fixing organisms in Indian soils, as it seems probable that
this source of nitrogen is of prime importance and may
even afford possibilities of control in actual practice, either
by actually supplying such organisms to soils in which
they are deficient, or, as the more hopeful means, by adopt-
ing methods of agricultural practice which would allow of
the fullest development of those already naturally present.

Disease of Eri Silk Worms. — At the request of the Im-
perial Entomologist, a lengthy enquiry into the causes
producing a very high mortality amongst Eri Worms has
been undertaken, and is still in progress. The disease, the
symptoms of which resemble those appearing in Flacherie
of the Mulberry Worm, is associated with the presence of
a bacterium, pure cultures of which have been made from
the gut of diseased worms; attempts to establish the patho-
genicity of this bacterium for Eri Worms, bv Teeding with
leaf sprinkled with water shaken up with the cultures
have so far failed to give decisive results. From enquiries
made in Assam in the course of a tour undertaken with
the object of enquiring into this matter, it appears that
the disease, although known to native sericulturists, is
considered due to defective feeding and management and
not to be of the nature of an epidemic. Further experi-
ments will be carried out with a view to determining the
effect of varying food materials and feeding methods.
Numerous sections of the intestine of normal and diseased
worms were made by Mr. Shaw of the Mycological Section,
.showing the defective digestion characteristic of the disease
and the development of the bacteria in the gut. These
illustrate clearly ihe differences in the digestive processes
incident to the disease, but it is not certain whether the
increased number of bacteria is a cause or an effect of the

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1909-10. 61

abnormal condition, although it appears probable that they
contribute largely to the final result.

In connection with this enquiry, cultures were made
from eggs of the Eri moth, which in many cases were found
infected with a bacterium, differing however in cultural
and morphological characters from that found in the gut
of the diseased worms. Eggs of the same brood hatched
out successfully forming healthy worms, but the next gene-
ration became diseased and died off. Further enquiries
will be made as to the transmission of disease by
inheritance.

The efficacy of Trope-Ratine, a patent vermin killer
specially prepared for use in India, w^as tested at the
instance of the Director. Rats fed on this material
appeared to benefit from its nourishing qualities but were
otherwise unaffected. One mouse, however, succumbed and
was subsequently eaten by the rats without ill effects to the
latter. It appears probp.ble that the material had been kept
too long since its preparation to retain its original viru-
lence, a period of nearly five months having elapsed since
its despatch from England.

I took over charge of the Section on 27th December
1909. As no previous establishment had been formed
a Third Assistant was appointed, Mr. C. S. Rama x\iyer,
previously acting as an assistant in the Chemical Section
here. Subsequently in May, Mr. N. V. Joshi, who then
held the post of an assistant under the Agricultural
Chemist to the Government of Bombay, at Poona, was
appointed as first assistant. The post of a second
assistant is still vacant. Owing to the impossibility of
obtaining qualified bacteriologists at the small rate of pay
provided for this Section, I have been obliged to appoint
men without any bacteriological qualifications; this
necessarily results in most of my time being spent in train-
ing my assistants in the necessary technique, and this will
of course retard the progress of the various investigations

which, I hope, to carry out. Owing to the very special

E 2

52 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

nature of bacteriological research, a lengthy course of
training and wide experience of the methods in use is
necessary before any student can hope to do research work
of any value on this subject, and I wish to record my
emphatic opinion that in view of the admitted fact that
adequate knowledge of the bearing of the biological factor
on soil fertility is of prime importance in agricultural
practice, it is highly expedient that the work of this Section
should be facilitated by the addition of a trained Super-
numerary to my staff.

Programme of work for 1910-11. — In addition to the
work indicated in the following programme already sub-
mitted to the Board in February, certain special subjects
for investigation will be taken up as occasion arises and
opportunity permits. Of these, the further work necessary
on the disease of Eri Silk Worms, and any special work on
bacterial diseases of plants, will be leading features.

The Biological aspects of tillage in Indian soils. — This
will involve investigations extending over a prolonged
period, the basis of which would include a general investi-
cration of the bacterial content of Indian soils.

Concurrently with this general investigation special
observations will be made with the intention of determining
the biological factors underlying certain problems of agri-
cultural interest such as those connected with the custom
of embanking wheat lands. They will also include en-
quiries into : —

(1) The biological aspects of the availability of

plant food in soils.

(2) The biological factors concerned in the decom-

position of organic matter in Indian culti-
vated soils.

(3) Biological aspects of : —

(a) Green manuring in India.
(h) " Weathering " of soils,
(c) Effect of ploughing land when too wet,
before sowing.

Institute and college, pusa, for 1909-10. 63

No. (1) will be carried out in collaboration with the
Imperial Agricultural Chemist, No. (2) in collaboration
with the Imperial Mycologist, and No. (3) in collaboration
w4th the Imperial Economic Botanist.

64 REPORT OF THE AGRICUXTURAL RESEARCH

REPORT OF THE IMPERIAL COTTON SPECIALIST

FOR THE YEAR 1909-10.

(G. A. Gammie, F.L.S.)

I held charge of the appointment throughout the year.
From the 6th to the 9th July 1909, I visited Bombay to
discuss work in cotton with some of the principal mer-
chants there. From the 26th to the 28th July I visited
Jalgaon to advise regarding the cotton section of the Exhi-
bition to be held in tlie following January; from the 13th
October to the 11th November I visited the Garo Hills,
Dacca and Chittagong in Eastern Bengal at the invitation
of the Agricultural Department; from the 12th to the 27th
November I visited various parts of Bengal in company
vvith the Economic Botanist with whom I discussed the
future line of work to be conducted in his province. From
the 28th November to the 7th December I was in the Central
Provinces arranging matters with the Deputy Director
of the Southern Division, from the 14th to the 16th Decem-
ber I met the Deputy Director of the Northern Division
at Harda and settled with him the details of future trials
in his division, from the 18th January to the 23rd January
I visited the Farms of the Southern Maratha Country with
Mr. Clouston, Deputy Director of Agriculture, Southern
Division, Central Provinces, and Mr. Main, Deputy Direc-
tor of Agriculture, Bombay. From the 26th January to the
5th February I attended the Jalgaon Exhibition where I
took charge of the Cotton Section and discussed matters of
interest with merchants and cultivators of Khandesh and
Berar. From the 17th to the 21st March I visited places
on the hill tracts of Belgaum and Dharwar to ascertain
the progress of experiments with huri cotton. From
the 1st to the 5th May I visited Cawnpur at the invitation
of the Economic Botanist to advise regarding his experi-
ments. From the 21st June till the end of the month I

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PFSA, FOR 1909-10. 55

toured with the Deputy Director of Agriculture, Bombay,
and discussed minutely with him the results of the trials
achieved so far by him.

The following are the notes and reports drawn up by
me and they embody the information and impressions
gathered on the more important aspects of the cultivation
of cotton in the provinces : —

Eastern Bengal and Assam. — In company with Mr.
Hector, I have completed an enquiry on the cultivation of
cotton in the Garo Hills and Chittagong Hill tracts.

In a note on the subject of cotton by Mr. Hart based
on his visit to the Chittagong Ginning Mill, he states that
" one of the important problems to tackle is to find out (1)
whether that of the Garo Hills is a better jat than those
grown in the Chittagong Hill tracts or (2) whether the
difference is due simply to soil and climate."

Probably all the hill cottons belong to Gossyfium neg-
lectum, var. Assarnica of Watt in his " Wild and Cultiva-
ted Cotton Plants of the World." The most perfect form
found in the Garo Hills is a very large boiled plant but a
smaller boiled variety is also found. This Garo Hill cotton
is pronounced to be the finest grown in the Hill tracts of
the Provinces and its staple often reaches from | to 1 inch
in length. It must be remembered, however, that it is not
used in commerce as cotton but as a substitute or adulterant
in wool manufacture and that any attempt to improve it
from the point of view of the cotton merchant would result
in a serious diminution of price as it would then at once
come into competition with the inferior grades of cotton
which are so largely produced in some parts of India more
accessible to the markets.

In the Chittagong Hill tracts and probably in all the
other tracts also, a small boiled form is common. The
cotton is shorter in staple than that of the Garo Hills and
the percentage of cotton to seed is lower. We were
informed by the American Missionaries at Tura who take
special interest in cotton cultivation that they had been

S6 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

unable to rear tree cottons. Taking into consideration the
licavy rainfall ol" the Hill tracts, it is obvious that any
experiment towards the introduction of ordinary commer-
cial cottons, which seldom tolerate a rainfall oT more than
40 inches, is doomed to failure. They have, however, pro-
mised to undertake trials with buri and Cambodia which
are known to withstand heavy rainfall but even in the
remote event of their success, it is diflicult to imagine that
they w^ould thrive under the peculiar system of J hum*'
cultivation which, from all accounts, gives the indigenous
plant exactly the conditions it requires. Mr. Hutchinson,
the Superintendent of the Chittagong Hill Tracts
informed me that he made a trial with hiiri cotton. The
plants made a good growth and looked so well during the
vegetative period that the cultivators were favourably
impressed with its possibilities, but finally it refused to
form bolls and thus was absolutely unproductive.

There is, of course, no doubt that the Garo Hill cotton
is the best and the proprietor of the Ginning Tactory at
Chittagong classified the cottons according to value as
follows : —

(1) Garo Hill or Chilmciri; (2) Jala from Lamding,
(3) Bong from Chittagong, (4) Cachari and Comilla. The
difference in price to the cultivators between the best and
the worst varieties may be only Re.l per maund, while
at the same time, it is understood that this may mean at
least Rs. 4 or Rs. 5 to the merchant.

So far as I can gather, and I presume this to be correct,
tliere are scarcely any appreciable differences of climate
in these tracts and the rainfall is very heavy. The
superiority of the Garo Hill cotton may be due to the great
proportion of lime in the soil as calcareous rocks abound.
I would suggest that samples of soils be procured from
J hums* in the Garo Hills and Chittagong Hill Tracts for
the determination of this point by the Agricultural Chemist.
At the same time, it would be interesting if he could dis-

* Temporary fields made in a forest by cutting down jungle and burning it over
the land.

INSTITUTE AND C0LLEC;K, PUSA, FOR 1000-10. ft?

cover the reason why Jhums require such a long period
of rest. The mixture of crops in a J hum seems to be
regulated in such a way that each comes to maturity success-
ively. Cotton is the last to do so and when ripening, it
covers the ground at about the correct density for the pro-
duction of a full crop. I learn from Mr. Hutchinson that
he has tried the cultivation of Garo Hill cotton on the
initiative of Messrs. Ralli Brothers and, in his opinion,
the resulting cotton was in no way different from that
of the prevailing variety of his district. Mr. K. C. Dewan,
Sub-Deputy Collector, says the average acre outturn in
Cbittagong is 400 to 480 lbs. of seed cotton, while the
average of 9 cropping experiments in the Garo Hills gives
500 lbs- of seed cotton and 254 lbs. of clean cotton. This
is a percentage of cotton to seed of nearly 51. Taking
the Chittagong cotton to have an average of 40 (and it is
certainly not more) the acre outturn of clean cotton would
only average 176 lbs., leaving an excess in favour of Garo
Hill cotton of 78 lbs. per acre. From the bazar rates that
I have been able to obtain, it appears that all tjie seed
cotton is paid for at about the same rates while it is obvious
that from its superior quality and higher ginning percent-
age, the buyer should give a higher price for Garo Hill
cotton. At present, I understand that the cotton trade
is in the hands of native merchants who make advances
to the cutivators on the security of the crop and that the
method of disposing of the produce finally to Europe is
doubtful.

In conclusion, I would recommend (1) that no altera-
tion should be made in the type of cotton grown as the
experience of generations has taught it to be the only
sort capable of growing under the excessive rainfall and
the primitive agriculture of the Hill Tracts; (2) that any
selection to be done should be undertaken with the view
of increasing the length of the staple, and the percentage
of cotton to seed, but not, however, with the idea of modi-
fying the special characteristics of the product; (3) that
the Gar(j Hill cotton should be experimentally introduced

58 REPORT OF THE AGRICTLTtRAL RESEARCH

into all the tracts so that it can pass under the judgment
of local cultivators and the Chittagong cottons should also
be tried on a small scale on the Garo Hills to find out
whether t]ie change of locality will affect it as regards size
of bolls and quantity and quality of produce. All experi-
ments should be placed under the supervision or control
of some officer in the Agricultural Department, as work
of this nature, when conducted by men with no training
in agriculture, is either neglected or fails through lack
of the necessary knowledge.

I have discussed cotton matters freely with Mr. Hector,
the Economic Botanist, and he is in possession of my views.

Bengal. — There are three species of Gossypiuni culti-
vated in Bengal, viz., (1) the late variety, G. intermedium,
Todaro (probably), said to be grown most largely as a
mixture with rahar and other crops in North Behar; (2)
G. neglectum Todaro, vars. Bengalensis and Kokatia, com-
prised in the " early variety " of the agricultural returns
and (3) an early maturing form of G. hirsutum, called
Buri. In addition to these, two American tree cottons —
Bourbon and Brazilian or chain-seeded are grown spora-
dically for their cotton which is used for spinning the
sacred thread. Throughout Behar, cotton seems never to
be grown as a pure field crop, but only as a mixture with
rahar {Cajanus indicus). Probably little of the produce
finds its way to the mills as the bulk is used for stuffing
quilts and cushions and for other domestic purposes.

As regards projected experiments with a view of popu-
larising cotton cultivation in Bengal only two species
appear to hold out any promise of ultimate success. These
are the intermedium and hirsutum.

According to Mr. N. 0. Chaudhary who has devoted
considerable attention to the subject of cotton cultivation
in Bengal, the advantages of G. intermedium accrue from
its heavy production and fineness of staple and its draw-
backs are comprised in its long period of growth and low
percentage of cotton to seed. The crop often occupies the
ground until June or July, thereby delaying the cultivators

IXSTITUTE AXD COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1909-10. 69

in the preparation of land for the hhadoi crop. The
percentage of cotton to seed is said to be only about 20 and
the outturn of clean cotton per acre from 50 to 150 lbs.
The market rate of the cotton varies from Rs. 12 to Es. 14
per Imperial maund. Mr. Chaudhar}^ says, however, that
owing to the shortage of the crop due to excessive rains, the
price is this season at least Rs. 5 higher than usual and that
Bhuri cotton has lately been bought by the Calcutta mills
@ Rs. 30 per maund.

G. intermedium is said to be represented by two forms,
one Deshila with small bolls and low percentage, the other
Bhogila, with larger bolls and higher percentage.

By means of the usual methods of selection, it may be
possible to improve these varieties (which are eminently
suitable for the soil and climate of Bengal) in the points
of which they are at present not quite satisfactory. I
shall be obliged if Mr. Woodhouse, the Economic Botanist
would undertake a trial on the Bhagalpur College Farm
and perhaps Mr. Smith, the Deputy Director of Agricul-
ture, might duplicate the experiment in one or more of his
farms. The doubt as to whether these cottons will grow or
not need not actually exist, the only questions involved
are the possibility of increasing the outturn and percent-
age. At the same time, if samples are supplied to the
Calcutta mills, it would be possible to decide whether or
not these cottons are really worth growing. Areas of at
least half an acre of each should be grown so that the out-
turns and percentages could be calculated on a fairly large
scale and ample material would also be furnished for pur-
poses of selection.

G. hirsutum, Buri, appears to have adapted itself
admirablv to the natural conditions of the his'her lands
of Bengal. In Central Provinces, the experience so far
gained shows that it withstands a considerably higher
rainfall than the local varieties, its outturn and percentage
are high and the cotton is valued at the same rate as fine
Broach which is accepted as the best of the cottons pro-
duced in India. In Bengal, it possesses the valuable charac-

60 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

teristic of being a short season variety and being of a low
habit of growth it would not compete with a crop such as
rahar. Its behaviour at the Chaibassa Agricultural
Station proves that it thrives even under very unfavour-
able conditions. I would recommend that careful trials
be made with this cotton in the way I have suggested above
for G. intermedium and in the same localities. It was
growing well on the Bhagalpur Farm and I can see no
particular objection to its being grown on the Bengal plain.
There is another cotton of almost the same characteristics
known as Cambodia or Cochin China cotton. This is giving
good results both in the Madras and Bombay Presidencies
and I have reason to believe that it is still more resistant
to heavy rainfall than Burl. If early application be
made, a supply of seed could probably be obtained from the
Deputy Director of Agriculture, Bombay Presidency,
Poona.

As regards the two varieties of G. neglectum, I con-
sider that they are scarcely worth dealing with, as they are
no better than the common low grade cottons which pre-
dominate tbiroughout the areas producing the so-called
commercial Bengal cottons.

Of the tree cottons, Bourbon may be induced to yield as
an annual crop, but it would be advisable not to exploit
such an unsatisfactory class of plant.

If the officers of the Bengal Agricultural Department
consent to carry out the trials I have suggested, they will
not have to undertake a complicated task. They need
merely study the possibilities of G. intermedium and
G. hirsutum, the latter preferably in its two forms of
Buri and Cambodia.

Central Provinces. — At the Telinkheri Farm, which I
visited in the company of Mr. Clouston, the Deputy Direc-
tor of Agriculture, the field of selected Buri looked ex-
tremely well and promised to be highly productive.
Mr. Clouston had, with rare judgment, selected a type of
plant with short, lower branches and I consider it very
fortunate that at such an early period of the cultivation of

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1909-10. 61

this plant he should have had the forethoiiglit to pick out
what is clearly the best type of plant. I was also pleased
to see at Akola that this type had been selected for
growth on the seed farms. In Chutia Nagpur, the ori-
ginal Indian home of this variety of cotton, Mr. Wood-
house, the Economic Botanist in Bengal, and myself after
examination of the mixed type in the field arrived at the
conclusion that this was the type to work on and it was
particularly interesting to see at Nagpur and Akola the
facility with which this type perpetuates its character of
growth. I consider that valuable work is being done in the
improvement of cotton in these provinces by the rapid
introduction of Buri. Tliere is of course the danger of its
failure in a season of drought, but in India success can
only be attained by incurring a certain amount of risk.

I think that Mr. Evans, the Second Deputy Director of
Agriculture, should carefully test the possibilities of this
cotton within his charge. From favourable indications
afforded by other indigenous varieties already there, I
think, his trials will yield him good results. There is,
however, at present great variation in the period at which
plants ripen their bolls, some plants have completed the
process before others have even started, but as all the cotton
ripens well within the cold season, this circumstance is
perhaps not one of practical importance.

Within the jari area, the variety Malvensis shows most
promise. Bani grown at Akola being out of its natural
element was actually priced lower than Malvensis at
Jalgaon. This point is of considerable importance in its
way as it goes to prove that Bani is the finest cotton in the
Central Provinces and Berar only when grown in localities
which have been found to be absolutely suitable to it, and
care should be taken not to introduce it into tracts where
the variety Malvensis of Jari is indicated as the safer
plant to grow. Owing to its requirement for a heavier

62. REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

rainfall than that prevailing in Jari tracts, Buri in
time may supplant Bani or at least it may check the spread
of Jari; so far as we can see at present, the latter will
have no competitor. The only problem in its connection is
to ascertain how the outturn of the fine varieties, such as
Malvensis compares with that of the coarser.

I do not think that any type differing from those we
already know will be discovered in this Province. Assum-
ing this to be so, work in cotton should proceed on only a
few lines and these may be summarised as follows : —

(1) The introduction of Buri to accompany Bani

but by no means to oust Jari.

(2) Tlie improvement of Bani in its percentage and

outturn.

(3) The isolation of the different types of Jari

(which has already been done) and the com-
parative value of each from the grower's
point of view.

I would like to mention here that in my opinion a
cotton plot should be at least an acre in extent as the de-
tails of outturn are of such -^dtal importance. I find that
on small plots too much attention is paid to individual
plants and niggling selections are made in trifling differ-
ences such as minute variations in the length and quality
of lint, etc.

The farmer and trader want to know the outturn and
ginning percentage of the crop. The latter will not
materially enhance his terms for trifling differences in qual-
ity and the former will insist on growing the variety which
puts most money in his pocket. The cultivator los3S
money, however, through Lis predilection for sending dirty
cotton to market. The mercnant is often keener on mak-
ing a good bargain than on paying the farmer higher rates
for superior quality.

In addition to what he cp^n secure from Mr. Cloiiston's
long list of selections, I am arranging to supply Mr. Evans

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PFSA, FOR 1909-10. 63

with seeds picked from the best commercial samples ob-
tained from his own division, and I expect he will shortly
be in a position to carry through his demonstrations rapidly
and socn reach the cultivators. From what I can gather,
some of the cottons of his division are already considered
good so that his task is simplified to a certain extent.

In conclusion, I wish to record my appreciation of the
work being done in cotton by Mr. Clouston and by the pro-
jected experiments formulated by Mr. Evans. If they are
supported as they deserve, I venture to predict that the
Central Provinces will be the first in India to demonstrate
that it is possible to obtain a decided improvement in
Indian cotton, provided the requisite degree of intelli-
gence and energy are brought to bear on the question and
I again repeat that it is futile to work out our problems
on flower bed areas.

Berar. — The Province of Berar known in days of yore
by the name Vaidarhha, has been famous for the cultiva-
tion of cotton. It grew some of the best varieties yielding
a fine strong fibre. It was the home of the once celebrated
Jari and Bani varieties that afforded a superior sort of
material not only to the mill industry in India but also to
that in England. At the time of the Civil War between
America and England in 1863, when no cotton was received
from America, this province supplied the deficiency to a
considerable extent.

Area. — Cotton occupies the foremost rank among other
agricultural crops, and in comparison to the total cropped
area, it is grown much more extensively in this province
than in Bombay Presidency. It occupies the second place
in India so far as cotton cultivation is concerned, Bombay
Presidency being first. Nearly two-thirds of the cultur-
a-ble area is put under cotton, the average area ranging
between 28 to 31 lakhs of acres per annum. The average
outturn per acre is about 100 pounds clean cotton.

REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

The following six talukas grow the bulk of cotton :-

Akola

Amraoti

Basim

Buldana

Ellicbpur

Yeotmal

Area under cotton in —
the Central Provinces
Berar

740,000 acres.

700,000

360,000

420,000

350,000

480,000

3,050,000

. 1,250,000 acres
. 3,000,000 ,,

4,250,000

The valley of the Payanghat has an area under cotton
to the extent of about 40 per cent, and this valley, it is
said, grows the best cotton.

The area under cotton has of late considerably
increased in the districts of Basim and Yeotmal as it is
found to be more paying than other crops.

The earliest varieties grown in the Province were Jari
(Chanda Jari) and Bani. The former was a cold weather
variety with fine silky staple about 1^ inches long; the
latter was sown at the beginning of the rains and had a
fine silky staple about an inch long. The best Bani was
grown in the Wardha District and it was this variety
mixed with a considerable proportion of Chanda Jari
which was known to the trade as " Hinganghat ". In
Berar Baiii (possibly with a mixture of Jari) was known
as "■ A mraotis " or " Oomaras."

Now coarse Jari has come into existence which is sown
at the beginning of the rains- This is hardier, coarse
and prolific in outturn having a staple of about ^ to f
inch long.

The two varieties (cold weather Jari and Bani) yielded
a long staple but the outturn of Bani was less and was more
delicate. Both these varieties had a reputation in the
Bombay market until within the last 45 years; but they
have l)een ousted by a variety known as I^ati Bilayati,

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1909-10. 65

Vilayati, Houri or new Jari. The evil seems to have been
recognised as early as 1867. Dr. Humes then remarked
that : —

" The subject of cotton iu Berar is one that requires immediate
supervision. It has %een left in the hands of ignorant Koonbees,
who have no thought for the morrow, but grow whatever pays best
at the time. The Ehandesh variety is being grown largely to rhe
ousting of the other varieties, to the most certain ruin of the Berar
cotton trade. At present they get from Vilayati Khandesh *iii
early crop, also a large one, getting three or four pickings instead
of two or three as they get from indigenous cotton. They get R3
or R4 a bale less in price than for the indigenous cotton^ but the
greater bulk compensates, and much more, for this small loss. But
this apparent prosperitv will be short-lived, for it is only by
mixing this Valayati Khandesh cotton with the indigenous cottons
that merchants can get it accepted."

The new Jari in recent years has become very popular
as its character is sturdy and can stand both excessive rain
and partial drought.

Mr. Gaskin, former Director of Agriculture, Central
Provinces, says Jari is popular for its hardiness and
certainty of its heavy yield (1,000 lbs. of seed cotton)
giving 330 lbs. lint per acre; the ease with which it is
picked up and the fact that it ripens early and so can hd
placed in the market in October, November.

Bulk for bulk its yield is much larger than that of old
Jari and Bani though the staple is much shorter and less
glossy. The old varieties come in the market in January
and February whereas the present variety ripens much
earlier and enables the cultivator to line his coat with
silver in the months of November, December. These cir-
cumstances have mostly thrust out the old indigenous
varieties of cotton. The change, it is said, came about in
this way.

With a view to improve the cultivation in the province,
Government introduced the seed known as Vilayati or
Houri, also called Jari in some provinces, different from
the old Berar Jari. The seed was distributed gratis. The
trial was so successful and it became so popular that tho

66 REPORT OF THE AGRlCTJLTtJRAL RESEARCH

old varieties were completely driven out. In connection
with the introduction of this variety, Mr. Gaskin observes
that by the irony of fate the very cotton which Govern-
ment endeavoured to eradicate became known as one which
they had introduced.

Mr. B. P. Standen, C.I.E., former Director of Agricul-
ture, Central Provinces, states " These are hardy plants
which can be cultivated with success in any part of the
province when the soil overlies the trap and drains early
and the temperature of the cold season is not so low as to
kill the plant in December ". According to him, Jari (the
local Houri) has thrust out the old indigenous varieties,
Bani and old Jari, because the former, even in the most
unfavourable years, pays better than the latter. The
same officer is of opinion that the cultivation of Bani on
the Ghats south of Berar is due to a spirit of conservatism
on the part of the cultivators rather than to any prudential
consideration. Not only does Bani yield a smaller pro-
portion of lint (25 per cent.) than Jari, but it gives also
under the most favourable circumstances a small average
crop and is more liable to damage from the vicissitudes
of the seasons. For these reasons, the old famous varieties
of Berar have dwindled and disappeared.

The Jari which is cultivated at present is a mixture of
the following four varieties mixed to a small extent with
Upland Georgian : —

(1) G. N. Rosea. (3) G. N. Vera.

(2) Do. Cutchica. (4) Do. Vera Malvensis,

and also Bani plants.

Broadly speaking the fibre produced by these varieties
increases in value as we go down the list. Rosea produc-
ing the shortest staple and priced lowest in the market.

To ascertain the relative value of the outturn of these
different types, they were separated out and the seeds
obtained were experimented along with Berar Jari and
Bani on the Akola Farm in the year 1907-1908 by Mr.
Clouston, the Deputy Director of Agriculture, Centxal
Provinces.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1909-10. 6?

The results are summarised below : — -

Name of Variety.

Outturn of
seed cotton
per acre.

Percentage

lint.

Value

Outturn.

lbs.

R a. p.

Malvensis .......

.240

27 0 0

Veruni .......

182

17 8 10

Roseum .......

258

24 14 0

Roseum Cutcluca .....

194

18 11 3

Perar Jari ......

255

: 24 9 6

Bani .......

151

16 15 9

From the above statement, it will be seen that Malven-
sis having good staple has fetched more but the yield and
percentage of lint are less than Roseum and Berar Jari.

The following was the valuation of these types last
year : —

Roseum R54i per candy of 560 lbs.
Cutchica ^54* do, do.

Vera S54< do. do.

Malvensis S63 do. do.

Bani R64^ do. do.

From the valuation, it is quite clear that Malvensis is a
very promising variety and compares very favourably with
the Bani.

During the current year at the Jalgaon Exhibition all
these varieties were exhibited by the Agricultural Depart-
ment of the Central Provinces. They were subjected to
examination and the opinion given by the cotton merchants
is as below : —

Buri. — Staple long, fine, good cotton. Value per

candy of 784 lbs. R340.
Roseum. — Staple coarse, short, free from foreign

matter. R268 per candy.
Verum. — Softer than Roseum R272 per candy.

68 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Berar Jari. — Much cleaner than Khandesh. Will
fetch a rupee or two more than ordinar}^
Khandesh. Value R270 per candy.

Malvensis. — Not strong, but longer and silkier:
much cleaner than Varadi. Value R295 per
candy.

Bard. — Percentage 26, less silky but longer and
stronger than Malvensis. R285 per candy.

Note: — Hough cottons are always cleaner than soft cottons.
The basis for valuation was Broach at R320 per candy.

Selection of seed. — ^Seed selection is known by the name
of Alkabalka. At one time, it was practised extensively.
The mode adopted was to select the best opened bolls at
the second picking and stack the cotton. This was separ-
ately ginned and the seed so obtained was reserved for sow-
ing for the next season.

Now-a-days on account of the introduction of ginning
factories any seed is used for sowing and no effort is made
towards selection. At the commencement of the gin
factories, the machine ginned seeds were looked upon as
unsuitable for cultivation, but this prejudice has unfortu-
nately fast died out and the seed for sowing is purchased
from Banias who give such seeds as they have at their
own price. It is absolutely necessary to revive the old
and useful practice of selecting seed and getting )it hand-
ginned.

Picking. — This is done usually after Diivali, by women
and children. Payment is made in kind. l-20th part of
the cotton picked is the labour charges for the first pick-
ing; for the subsequent pickings, a higher proportion has
to be given. These rates depend upon the cheapness of
labour. If the labour is scarce, the rates are higher and
vice versa.

This practice is still in vogue in some places, but it has
Ijeen replaced in recent years by cash payment as the casli
payment is found to be cheaper. The usual rate of cash
payment is annas three per maund of cotton picked- A

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1909-10. 69

labourer is able to pick from a good field two to three
maunds of cotton a day, thus earning from 10 to 12 annas
a day. A good crop will give 3 pickings.

Outturn. — The average outturn of Houri h about 400 lbs.
of seed cotton per acre and its average market price is
R50 per Khandi of 560 lbs. An acre of land under cotton
would thus give about R35 to a cultivator from which the
cost of cultivation which is usually R14 may be deducted;
the net profit would therefore be about R20.

Bombay. — During the year 1909-10 within a radius of
10 miles from Surat, the seed of a cross grown on the
Surat Farm was distributed to the cultivators by the Agri-
cultural Department. The produce of this cross, amount-
ing to about 100 bhars 100,000 lbs. (960 lbs. make one bhar
Sit Surat) has been purchased through the agency of the
Bombay Agricultural Department by a gin-owner of
Surat who gave R7 more per bhar for this cotton than the
Surat local cotton. The quantity so purchased will gin
out about 30,000 lbs. of seed; in addition to this quantity,
the Surat Farm also will produce about 5,000 lbs. seed of
this cross, the total quantity of seed would, therefore, come
to about 35,000 lbs. It is the intention of the Deputy
Director of Agriculture, Bombay Presidency, to distribute
this quantity to the cultivators of one village only so that
this year one village will grow only the cross cotton which
will throw sufficient light with regard to the improvement
of cotton.

Cordial acknowledgment is due to Messrs. Tata, Sons
and Company, Bombay, for their kindness and promptitude
in giving valuations and opinions on cotton samples when-
ever they were submitted to them.

Programme of work for 1910-11. — The work for the next
year will consist of a further enquiry into the cottons of
Central Provinces, Central India, Gujarat, Kathiawar and
Southern Maratha Country.

CALCUTTA

SUPERINTENDENT GOVERNMENT PRINTING, INDIA

8, HASTINGS STREET

REPORT

OF THE

Agricultural Research Institute
and College, Pusa

(Including Report of the Imperial Cotton Specialist)

1910-11

CALCUTTA
SUPERINTENDENT GOVERNMENT PRINTING, INDIA

1912

Price 6 annas or 7d,

REPORT

OF THE

Agricultural Research Institute
and College, Pusa

{Including Report of the Imperial Cotton Specialist)

igio-ii

CALCUTTA
SUPERINTENDENT GOVEENMENT PRINTING, INDIA

1912

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

I. Report of the Director, Agricultural Eesearch Institute
and College, Pusa —

1. Charge ....

2. Staff and work of the Institute

3. Agriculture

4. Chemistry

5. Botany ....

6. Mycology

7. Entomology

8. Second Entomological Section

9. Bacteriology

10. Training ....

11. Upkeep of the Estate

12. Library ....

13. Publications

14. General Health of the Station

15. Accounts

16. Visitors ....

II. Report of the Imperial Agriculturist-

1. Charge ....

2. Tours ....

3. Training ....

4. Character of the Season .

5. Cropping ....

6. Permanent Manurial and Rotation Experiments

7. Permanent Pasture .

8. Thrashing ....

9. Clearing and Levelling

10. Work Cattle ....

11. Breeding Herd

12. Sheep

13. Poultry .....

14. Programme of Work for 1911-12

Page.

20
20
21
21
22
22
23
23
23
2a
23
24
24
24

III. Report of the Imperial Agricultural Chemist —

1. Charge of Section and Establishment

2. Meteorology ....

3. Drainage Data ....

4. The Amount of Nitrate in Soils
The Water Requirements of Crops
TTsar Land

Sugar

9.
10.
11.

Date Palm
Saltpetre .
Education

Programme of Work for 1911

Publications

IV. Report of the Imperial Economic Botanist —

Part I, — Teaching, Training and Staff

Part II. — Special Work in England

Part III. — The Hop Industry in Kashmir

Part lY. — The Development of the Fruit Industry
of Baluchistan

Part V. — Investigations

(1) Wheat

(2) Tobacco

(3) Fibres

(4) Programme of Work for 1911-12

(5) Publications ....

V. Report of the Imperial Mycologist —

1. Charge and Establishment

2. Training

3. Aid to Provincial Departments

4. Plant Disease Investigations

5. Systematic Work ....

6. Miscellaneous .....

7. Programme of Work for 1911-12

8. Publications .....

VI. Report of the Imperial Entomologist —

1. Charge and Establishment

2. Visitors . . . . .

3. Training ......

Page.

26
27
27
28
28
29
31
31
32
33
33

34
34

42
45
47
47
48

50
50
50
50
55
56
56
67

58
59
59

Ill

YI. Report of the Imperial Entomologist — contd.

4. Provincial Work

5. Correspondence

6. Researcli . . . ,

7. Insecticides and Sprayers

8. Sericulture

9. Lac Culture

10. Apiculture

11. Demonstration

12. Insect Survey

13. Miscellaneous

14. Programme of Work for 1911-12

15. Publications ....

YII. Report of tlie Second Imperial Entomologist —

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Charge ........

Nature of Work ......

Investigations in Hand .....

Publications and Training ....

Eirst International Congress of Entomology at
Brussels ........

6. Work on House-flies ......

7. Work on Ticks and Rat-fleas ....

8. Programme of Work for 1911-12

VIII. Report of the Imperial Agricultural Bacteriologist —

1. Preliminary Work in Testing Methods ,

2. Bacteriological Analysis of Pusa Soils

3. Effect of Hot Weather ploughing upon the Bac-
teriological Content of the Soil ....

4. Special Problems dealt with —

(1) A Bacterial Disease of Tobacco .

(2) A Disease of the Eri Silk-worm .
(.3i) The Efficacy of Ratin and Trope Ratin .

(4) A Disease of Tussar Silk-worms

(5) A scheme for Bacteriological Work in con-

nection with the proposed Dairy at
Pusa .......

5. Programme of Work for 1911-12

6. Publications .......

Page.

60
61
62
62
6-2
65
6.5
65
66
67
67
67

69
69
70
71

71
71
71
72

77
77
77

78
79
79

Page.

IX.

epo

rt of the Imperial Cotton Specialist —

Charge 80

Tours ....

Central Provinces Cottons

Bombay Cottons

Madras Cottons

Bengal Cottons

Punjab Cottons

101

Valuations ....

101

Programme of Work for 1911-12 .

101

10.

Publications

102

Report of tlie A^iiciiltural Research
Institute and College, Pusa,

(Including Rej^ort of the I niperial Cotton Specialist ^

1910-11.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR, AGRICULTURAL

RESEARCH INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA.

FOR THE YEAR 1910-11.

(E. J. Butler, M.B., F.L.S.)

1. Charge. — I held charge of the office of Director,
Agricultural Research Institute, and Principal of the Agri-
cultural College, Pusa, throughout the year, in addition to
my duties of Imperial Mycologist.

2. Stajj and work of the Institute. — The Institute is
organised in seven scientific sections. Agricultural, Chemi-
cal, Botanical, Mycological, Entomological, Second Ento-
mological, and Bacteriological, the detailed reports of
which are given in the body of this report. For much of
the period under review, the superior staff was below
strength. Towards its close, three supernumerary officers
were absent on deputation or filling leave vacancies in the
provinces ; the Imperial Entomologist was on long leave ; the
Assistant Agriculturist's post was vacant; while I occupied
the dual posts of Director and Imperial Mycologist- Thus,
there were only eight European officers of the Pusa staff
actually at work for the Imperial Department, and of these
two (the Imperial Economic Botanist and his Personal
Assistant) were engaged in Baluchistan, developing the

2 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

fruit industry of that province, in addition to their own
duties.

The following summary gives very briefly the organisa-
tion of the staff, and the main lines of work of each section
during the year.

3. Agriculture. — Mr. A. McKerral, Assistant Inspector
General of Agriculture, was lent to take charge of the farm
up to the 17th November, 1910, w^hen Mr. G. Sherrard,
Assistant Agriculturist, took over all except the work in
connection with cattle and poultry breeding, which re-
m^ained under Mr. McKerral until February, 1911. Mr.
Sherrard held charge up to the 16th June, 1911, when he
was appointed Professor of Agriculture, Bengal Agricul-
tural College, Sabour, and Mr. A. C. Dobbs, Assistant In-
spector General of Agriculture, was lent to take charge,
pending permanent arrangements. Mr. H. Southern
joined the staff as Supernumerary Agriculturist on the 29th
ISTovember, 1910, but left again on the 13th February, 1911,
to officiate for Mr. Sampson, Deputy Director of Agricul-
ture, Southern Circle, Madras, who was about to proceed
on leave.

Notwithstanding these frequent changes, and in spite
of the fact that since February the farm has been managed
by only a single officer, steady progress continues to be re-
corded. The rahi sowings w^ere completed at an earlier
date than any previous year, and the harvest was excep-
tionally good. A yield of 33 maunds of oats per acre was
obtained from one field, and a record was established in
thrashing, 241 maunds of oats being thrashed in one day
with the steam thrasher. The rains set in early in June,
1911, and most of the kharif crops were sown before the
end of the month and give excellent promise. Against this,
the kharif of 1910 was marked by extensive floods in Behar,
and a large part of the crops on the lower lands was lost
owing to a breach in the protective embankment.

The experimental work (lU the farm suffered from the
floods in the mon«oon of 1910, one block of the permanent
manurial and rotation experiments having been completely

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1910-11 3

destroyed. The duplicate block on higher land, however,
escaped. It is too early to expect results from these experi-
ments. The permanent pasture experiments were aban-
doned during the year, after full consideration of the
results to date. It is evident that the improvement of
pasture land will have to be attempted on different lines,
and a modified plan of experiment is under consideration.
A comprehensive series of manurial experiments with flax
was started by the Fibre Expert to the Government of
Eastern Bengal and Assam, in collaboration with the In-
spector General of Agriculture, but an outbreak of dodder
necessitated the destruction by burning of the whole crop.
Flax dodder is not indigenous to India, and there is no
doubt that every effort should be made to keep it out in
future, and to destroy what was introduced in the past.
Experiments with jute and paddy were continued, the
former according to plans drawn up by the Fibre Expert.
As the area under arable cultivation is now more than suffi-
cient to provide fodder and grain for the breeding herd and
work cattle, it is hoped to extend experimental work in the
near future. A considerable part of the farm is devoted
to crops grown for the other sections for observation and
experiment.

The farm stock have done well. The Montgomery herd
has been increased by natural growth and purchase. Pro-
posals for a dairy were submitted during the year, but
sanction has been withheld for the present. There is an
undoubted demand for instruction in dairying, and with
the large herd of excellent milch cattle now being formed
at Pusa, a dairy v/ill ultimately prove an essential part of
the equipment of the Institute. The management of the
poultry has been in the hands o»f the Inspector General of
Agriculture for the greater paU of the year.

I wish to record my appreciation of Mr. Sherrard's work
not only on the farm, but in assisting me in the general
management of the Estate.

4. Chemistry. — Dr. Leather held charge throughout the
year. Mr. Annett, on the termination of his acting ap-

B -l

4 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

pointment as Agricultura] Chemist, United Provinces, and
on expiry of his privilege leave, resumed charge of his
duties as Supernumerary Agricultural Chemist at Pusa on
the 11th November, 1910. He has been since appointed to
act as Principal of the Agricultural College, Cawnpore,
and left Pusa to join this appointment on the 24th June,
1911.

The important investigation on the water requirements
of crops in India, to which allusion has been made in
previous reports, has advanced a stage, and a second
memoir on the subject has been published by Br. Leather.
The principal conclusions arrived at are, that the nature
of the soil has no effect on the transpiration ratio, but pro-
foundly influences the rate at which water can move through
the soil, and hence the total weight of crop produced.
Also, that practically the whole of the water used by a crop
is obtained within the root range, some 6 to 7 feet in
alluvial soil, the large stores of water below this depth
being substantially of no service to the plant.

Drain gauges to test the quantity and composition of
the subsoil drainage water from arable land were erected
some years ago at Cawnpore and Pusa, and the results of
several years' records are now in the press. They yield
information of the greatest interest on some of the factors
which must always fundamentally influence Indian agri-
culture, when compared with that of temperate climates.
Thus it has been found that the loss of water from bare
fallow soil is almost constant year by year in any one place,
and is at Pusa nearly double that at Rothamsted in Eng-
land. At Cawnpore, on the other hand, it is little more
than at Rothamsted, and this difference between Pusa and
Cawnpore requires to be explained but probably depends
on the nature of the soil. The protective influence against
evaporation due to the presence of a crop has been approxi-
mately determined for different periods of the year. The
amount of nitrate present in the drainage water from
fallow land is very much greater than at Rothamsted,
twice or three times as much, and nitrification occurs with

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1910-11.

great vigour after the first heavy rain of the monsoon, but
is not active during the dry months.

Dr. Leather has continued his investigation of usar land,
with special reference to its physical state. He has also,
in consultation with the Director of Agriculture, and the
Irrigation Department, United Provinces, carried out the
first stage of a comprehensive experiment directed to deter-
mine once for all whether, as is frequentl}' stated, irriga-
tion leads in certain lands to an increase of alkali.

Mr. Annett is engaged on a general investigation of the
Date Palm sugar industry, a very important Indian indus-
try, about which little accurate information is available.

An improved method of refining crude saltpetre was
devised by Dr. Leather, and has been described in a Bulletin
recently published. More nitrate is obtained than by the
ordinary methods in use, the product is of higher quality,
less fuel is required, and the process is independent of the
weather. Its financial possibilities, however, remain to be
demonstrated, and arrangements have been made to test the
method on a commercial scale this year.

5. Botany. — Mr. Howard resumed charge of this sec-
tion, on the expiry of privilege leave and deputation in
Lngland, on the 29th July, 1910. He was deputed to advise
the Kashmir Durbar on hop cultivation from the 1st
August to the 27th September, 1910. During his absence
Maulvi Abdur Rahman Khan, Second x^ssistant, held charge
of the current duties of the section. Mrs. Howard, who has
ably assisted her husband during the past five years, was
appointed Personal Assistant for three years from the 1st
October, 1910. Mr. E. Holmes Smith, Supernumerary
Economic Botanist, was on deputation in the Bombay Presi-
dency throughout the year. He leaves the Department on
the expiry of his agreement in October, 1911. Mr. Howard
has been placed in charge of a scheme to develop the fruit
industry of Baluchistan, in addition to his own duties, for
a period of three years from the 1st May, 1911. He will
work in Baluchistan for five months, from May to Septem-
ber, each year.

6 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

During his absence in England, Mr. Howard carried out
some experiments in the production of rust resistant wheats
suitable for India, and studied the trade requirements for
improved Indian wheat and tobacco. He also enquired into
modern methods of hop cultivation and drjdng and fruit
packing, with a view to utilising the information on his
return to India.

The possibilities of hop growing in Kashmir are ap-
parent, when it is learnt that with a production per acre of
one-fifth of that of Kent, an annual average profit of over
£7 per acre has been realised on the Government hop
garden, for the last sixteen years. In Mr. Howard's report
to the Durbar, the directions are indicated in which im-
provements are possible, if it is decided to continue the
industry on the present lines, and also the steps which are
necessary if hop growing in Kashmir is to be placed on
modern lines and if Kashmir is to enter the markets of the
world as a competitor Avith California.

Perhaps the most important work on which Pusa is
engaged at present is the improvement of Indian wheat.
The lines on which this is being carried out have been sufh-
ciently indicated in previous reports of the Botanical Sec-
tion. The best Pusa wheats produced in 1910 were shown
at Mark Lane, and on the Liverpool Corn Exchange, while
Mr. Howard was in England, and were acknowledged to be
without any superiors on the market at the time. During
the past year, the high grain-quality of some of the best of
these types has been combined with the high yield of low-
quality Indian wheats, as a result of hybridization. The
demand, both in India and abroad, for some of the improved
wheats produced at Pusa has been far in excess of tiie
supply. It is estimated that over 1,000 acres of the new
wheats will be sown in Behar this year. At Raipur and
Cawnpore, some of these wheats have proved equally suc-
cessful, and extended trials have been arranged for at a
number of other stations in the wheat-grOwing tracts of
India. Mr. Howard is careful to point out that the full
benefit of improved varieties can only be realised if cultiva-

iNStltUTE AND COLLEGE, I'USA, FOR 1910-lL 1

tion is good and moisture is adequate. Disappointment is
bound to result, if the influence of these two all-important
factors in crop production in India is disregarded.

The improvement of tobacco is being carried on on
similar lines to that of wheat. Both in yield and quality
of leaf very encouraging results have been obtained.

The botanical study of certain fibres was continued, the
isolation of the varietiss of san {Crotalaria juncea) and
patwa {Hibiscus cannabinus), and their improvement by
selection and crossing, being the principal work in progress
in this direction.

Further work on pollination in important crops of India
was carried out, and a Memoir published giving the data
for a number of crops.

Towards the end of the year, the lines of work on the
improvement of the fruit industry of Baluchistan were
developed, and the site of a new Experimental Station for
the purpose selected near Quetta.

6. Mycology. — I held charge of this section during the
year, in addition to the office of Director. Mr. Shaw con-
tinued to hold the post of Supernumerary Mycologist.

Much time was given to systematic work, as it was
found that progress in Indian economic mycology was
greatly hampered by the difficulty in determining the iden-
tity of the fungi of the country. All the specimens of one
of tile larger groups, the Ascomycetes, were worked through
and annotated lists were published after the close of the
year under review.

The charge of the campaign against palm disease in
Godavari and Kistna Districts was taken over by the
Madras Mycologist in 1910. It is being continued on the
same general lines as before. A full account of the disease,
and of the campaign against it carried on since 1907, was
written by me and published as a Memoir in September,
1910. The conclusions arrived at are that the operations
have been entirely successful in limiting the disease in
Godavari to the area previously infected : the work in
Kistna was started later, but the progress is encouraging

8 ilEPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

in this district also. The effect of the work in reducing
the severity of the disease within the infected tract was
not easy to estimate when the report was written, but with
the further records since available it appears that a distinct
decrease in the mortality is noticeable at the present time.
If the disease can be effectively confined to the existing
limits, the outlay incurred will be amply justified, and
there is every reason to hope that the continuation of the
work will lead to its being gradually stamped out
altogether.

The need for a mycologist to work specially on the
diseases of the tea plant has become increasingly apparent,
and the Indian Tea Association have decided to add an
appointment of this nature to their Scientific Department.
Meanwhile, Pusa gives such assistance as is possible. Mr.
McRae's Bulletin on blister-blight in Darjeeling, published
at the beginning of the year, indicates the lines on which
the control of this dangerous blight should be attempted.
Many planters are experimenting on these lines, but the
disease is firmly established and still spreading; unless a
cheap and effective method of lessening its ravages can be
worked out, there is every reason to fear that the result
will be a permanent and considerable reduction of the
Darjeeling tea crop. The copper-blight of tea was
described by Mr. Shaw, the parasite which causes it not
having been previously known to occur in India. A disease
of tea seed was investigated by me, and shown to be pro-
bably associated with an insect which punctures the seed,
and so admits rotting fungi to the tissues of the interior.
It is believed that this insect can be fairly easily destroyed.

Other diseases investigated by the section, of which
accounts were published during the year, were soft rot of
ginger (by Mr. McRae), turmeric leaf spot (by myself), and
heart rot of the blue pine (by Mr. Hafiz). Forest diseases,
of which the last named is an instance, cause great losses in
India; Pusa gives such assistance as it can to the Forest
Department, but there is room for a mycologist to work
specially at these diseases.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1910-11. 9

Mr. Shaw is engaged in investigating the root rot of a
number of cultivated plants, caused by a species of Rhizoc-
tonia. The parasite appears to be the same in all cases and
its complete study, in- view of the large range of its victims,
is most desirable.

The usual routine work of advising cultivators and the
general public interested in agriculture on the diseases of
plants and allied matters, which in this section, as in the
Entomological, forms a very essential part of the work,
was continued. Assistance was also given to Provincial
Agricultural Departments in advising on the work of their
Mycological assistants, and in providing material for refer-
ence collections in their colleges.

7. Entomology. — Mr. Lefroy held charge of this section
up to the 31st January, 1911, when he proceeded on leave,
and Mr. T. Bainbrigge Fletcher, Supernumerary Entomo-
logist, took over charge.

As in previous years, several provinces have freely
availed of the assistance offered by Pusa in co-ordinating
and checking the work of their Entomological assistants.
Of these latter there are now seventeen, some engaged in
teaching at the six Provin-cial Agricultural Colleges, the
others in field work. The advisory function of the Ento-
mological Section at Pusa is of great importance in the
present position of Economic Entomology in India. The
section helps by determining crop pests reported by Pro-
vincial assistants, and advises regarding the methods of
control likely to be effective in checking them. In several
provinces these methods have been demonstrated on a large
scale, as in the work against potato moth and surface
caterpillars in Bengal, cane grasshopper and potato moth
in the United Provinces and several pests in Madras. In
Baroda State also, the Entomological Assistant keeps in
close touch with Pusa, and has shown much practical
energy. In the same connection, mention should be made
of the arrangements made directly by the section for
demonstrating the life histories and characters of in-
j urious and beneficial insects. A considerable exhibit was

to REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCfi

arranged for the Allahabad Exhibition; show cases,
coloured plates with brief descriptive leaflets, and coloured
lantern slides, were issued for demonstration and distribu-
tion to those interested.

Sericulture continues to form an important branch of
the work. Eri silk production has been developed as a
cottage industry in many parts of India, and received a
great stimulus through the display arranged at the Allaha-
bad Exhibition, and smaller exhibits shown at local shows
in Bengal. The industry has been taken up by the Agri-
cultural Departments of Bengal and the United Provinces.
Difficulty is still experienced in disposing of small parcels
of cocoons and thread, the mills being unwilling to buy
except in large quantities. Experiments in mulberry silk
production have been extended. Crosses were effected be-
tween European univoltine and indigenous multivoltine
races, with a view to obtaining a robust multivoltine race,
yielding silk of better quality than is produced by native
forms. Broods of European mulberry silk-worms were
successfully reared at Pusa, the resultinc^ thread being well
reported on by the trade. Experimental work forms only
a part of the activities of the sericultural branch; a great
volume of correspondence has arisen in connection with it,
and arrangements for the supply of disease-free eggs,
castor seed, samples of cloth and machines for spinning,
doubling and twisting have required much organising.
Twenty students from various parts of India attended the
special courses of practical instruction in silk culture
during the year.

Lac culture was continued, and a practical training-
given to students in this subject. A large amount of
material was collected, with a view to working out the
races of lac insects in collaboration with Mr. Green of
Ceylon, a specialist in the group.

Bees of two specially selected Italian .^trains were im-
ported, and an attempt is being made to acclimatise them
at Pusa. Apiculture is still, however, in the experimental
stage.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, I'USA, FOR 15Jl()-ll. 11

The study of the life histories of injurious insects has
progressed, a number of important pests having been reared
in the insectarv and their habits studied. Mr. Ghosh has
prepared a memoir on palm beetles, and IMr. Dutt on some
Aculeate Hymenoptera. Other memoirs on life histories
are in preparation.

The insect survey of India has been continued as time
permits. Large collections have been sent for study Ijy
specialists, and to the authors of volumes of the " Fauna of
India " series. Mr. Nowrojee has prepared a memoir on
some aquatic insects.

The investigation of the damage caused by termites
(white-ants), started by Mr. Lefroy in collaboration with
Mr. Evans, Deputy Director of Agriculture, Northern
Circle, Central Provinces, was continued by Mr. Fletcher.
The latter officer was also invited to tour with the Raihvay
Sleeper Commission, to advise on the best methods of
reducing the enormous losses caused on Indian railways by
these insects, and is carrying out experiments on the pre-
servation of wood from their attacks.

8. Second Entomological Section. — This section is en-
gaged in the study of Dipterous insects, and in particular
those w^hich suck blood and w-hich mav transmit disease.
Mr. Howlett. who is in charge of it, only rejoined after
absence on sick leave for a year and five months, towards
the end of March, 1911. The work of the section was
therefore practically in abeyance until the last quarter of
the year.

Since his return, Mr. Howlett has had to devote much
time to disposing of collections of material accumulated in
his absence. The identification of these has progressed
with assistance from the Indian and British Museums.

As special w^ork, Mr. Howdett has been engaged in a
study of parasites of Tabanida? (" horse-flies '") ; the tem-
perature reactions of mosquitoes, temperature apparen.Liy
being one of the main factors controlling mosquito bite;
the relative efficiency of the iish know^n as " Millions " and
other enemies of mosquito-larvae; and peach flies. In the

i2 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTTTRAL RESEAJRCti

latter investigation a method of destroying the male fly,
which is simple, cheap and effective, has been discovered,
and though it seems improbable that anything short of
netting the trees will completely prevent the female reach-
ing them, the destruction of the males should very much
reduce the damage done.

While on leave, Mr. Howlett attended as Indian dele-
gate the First International Congress of Entomology at
Brussels, and read two papers by Mr. Lefroy and himself.
He also carried out, in collaboration with two other gentle-
men, a successful series of experiments on the range and
rate of flight of house-flies under natural conditions, points
of importance in view of their behaviour as carriers of
disease. The results were published by the Local Govern-
ment Board in England.

Since his return, Mr. Howlett has again given invalu-
able assistance in supervising much of the work of the
artist staff, and in advising the other sections in the pre-
paration of illustrations for publication.

In certain respects the work of this section differs
widely from that of the other sections at Pusa. It was
founded to study Diptera, not only those (comparatively
few in number) which are serious crop pests, but also those
which convey disease to man and animals. Mr. Howlett's
work is, therefore, closely related to the work of the Medi-
cal and Veterinary Departments, and it is probable, taking
into account the great developments towards a realization
of the importance of biting flies as disease carriers, that the
activities of the Second Entomological Section will expand
in this direction rather than on more purely agricultural
lines.

9. Harterioloijy. — Mr. liutcJiinson held charge of this
section throughout the year.

Much of his work has been of preliminary nature, con-
fined largely to trial and selection of the bacteriological
methods best adapted for dealing with the special condi-
tions of soil and climate in India. The main lines have
been aimed at determining under what conditions various

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1910-11. 13

soils will best serve as culture media for those bacteria,
naturally present in them, on which the processes of con-
version of the oro'anic nitrosren of humus into assimilable
nitrates depend.

A special study has been made of the effect of hot
weather ploughing on the bacteriological content of the
soil, and the possibility of a bacteriological explanation of
the undoubted increase in fertility resulting therefrom. Tt
was found that the net result is an extremely rapid forma-
tion of ammonia, part o^f which becomes available to plants
and part of which is lost. Depletion of the soil nitrogen
is a necessary consequence and the maintenance of fertility
must depend on the restoration of this by green manuring
or otherwise.

A bacterial disease of tobacco occurring in Rangpur
was investigated by Mr. Hutchinson. It was found to be
caused by a strain of Bacillus solanacearum, an organism
known to cause disease in several cultivated crops, such as
potato, brinjal and tomato. The Rangpur strain differs
from those described in America and Japan in some of its
pathogenic features.

A disease of the Eri silk- worm, which causes havoc in
the broods at certain times of the year, was also studied.
It was found to be associated with the presence of bacteria
in the intestine.

Certain preparations known as Ratin and Trope Ratin,
prepared in Copenhagen, have been widely recommended
as rat exterminators, and have been suggested for use in
India, both with a view to checking plague and to protect
crops against the ravages of field rats. Mr. Hutchinson
carried out tests of these preparations. Ratin was found
to have lost its virulence, but it is suggested that this might
be recovered by preparation in India. Trope Ratin was
found effective within a limited time after its preparation,
but its cost precludes any possibility of its use on a large
scale by cultivators. Neither can be recommended for
employment at present.

14 REPORT OF TIfl<: AGRICFLTl RAL RESEARCH

Agricultural Bacteriology in the wider sense, including
the bacteriology of industries dependent on agriculture, has
made great strides in recent years, and developments in
the practical application of this branch of agricultural
science in the tropics now appear probable, which were
scarcely anticipated when this section was founded at Pusa.
Proposals are being made for strengthening the section,
which is understaffed.

10. Training. — Two different classes of instruction are
provided at Pusa. Students are admitted for a post-
graduate training in the scientific sections, being ordinarily
required to take up a single subject only. Exceptionally,
to meet definite requirements of Provincial Departments,
which are not in a position to train their own men for such
positions as Assistant Director, Farm Manager and the
like, post-graduate students have been admitted to a gene-
ral course, including a period of study in each of the chief
sections as well as practical work on the farm. Ordinarily,
however, it has been held by the Board of Agriculture that
students requiring a practical agricultural training are
best provided for by the six Provincial Colleges, and now
that these are all in working order, it is not anticipated
til at there will be much further demand for the post-
graduate general course. The second class of instruction
given at Pusa consists of short courses of an essentially
practical nature in special subjects such as silk and lac
culture, cattle and poultry breeding and management, and
fruit growing. To these it is hoped to add dairying, for
which there is a decided demand which we are not yet in a
position to meet, while the course in tillage implements and
agricultural machinery was discontinued during the year,
as \i was not fulfilling any useful purpose. Instruction is
imparted in English or in the vernacular, and no educa-
tional qualifications whatever are required.

Of the post-graduate students, one continued his course
in general agriculture, and one in entomology left after
having finished his course during the year. Six students
wore nrlmitted, two in general agriculture, two in chemistry

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1910-11. 15

and two in entomology. The two students in general agri-
culture were recalled to their province after completing
one year's training, as their services were required by the
Provincial Department.

The short courses continue to be popular, students from
all parts of India having been admitted. Four took up
fruit growing ; eight, cattle breeding and management ; nine,
poultry breeding and management; three, tillage imple-
ments and agricultural machinery; twenty, sericulture; and
fifteen, lac culture. A csrtain amount of instruction in
bee-keeping was given to some students interested in the
subject, but as apiculture at Pusa is still in the experi-
mental stage, regular courses have not yet been established.
As far as possible, only those have been admitted to the
short courses who propose to take up the subjects taught
as a subsidiary means of livelihood to agriculture. In
some cases, it was found that non-agriculturists sought
admission in order to obtain certificates which would get
them employment under Government, especially in Native
States. Usually such students were n-ot admitted, or if
admitted, certificates were not given to them.

11. Ufkeef of the Estate. — As a result of the floods, to
which the low-lying portions of the farm are subject, and
which resulted in a loss of over 100 acres of crops in July,
1910, the Public Works Department was requested to
revise the arrangements for draining this part of the
Estate, and in particular to repair and strengtlien the pro-
tective embankments were defective. The flood referred
to was probably the highest on record, and gave us a very
anxious time, but the bulk of the protective works stood
very well, and amply justified the outlay which was incurred
on them. The repairs have been deferred pending allot-
ment of funds; fortunately there has been no flood up to
date this year.

Two additional blocks of quarters have been constructed
departmentally for the use of the staff of the Inspector
General of Agriculture, in continuation of those built last
year. A new workshop and weigh-bridge for coal were

16 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

constructed in connection with the power-house, and plans
have been prepared for a coal bunker. The ice plant has
been fitted up and is now under trial. It is capable of
turning out half a ton of ice in the day. An ice store is
being built departmentally. The laboratories consume a
good deal of ice which has formerly been obtained from
Calcutta, and it is hoped that the new plant will not only
prove a convenience but will effect an economy. Much
trouble was experienced with the gas supply, owing to the
retorts burning out. This culminated in a complete stop-
page of gas for some weeks in the hot weather. The
Oriental Gas Company of Calcutta kindly spared the
services of their Chief Distributing Engineer, Mr. E. P.
Reilly, to overhaul the installation. The laying of the
retorts was found to be defective, and other minor altera-
tions were carried out under Mr. Reilly's supervision, with
the result that no further trouble has been experienced.
We are under an obligation to the Company for their
courtesy in sending up one of their best engineers to help us.
Provisional estimates for providing a Middle English
School for the use of the staff of the Institute and the
residents in the neighbourhood were sanctioned, the cost to
be borne jointly by the Governments of India and Bengal.
The estimates did not provide for residential quarters for
the teachers; plans for the school and quarters were pre-
pared with assistance from Mr. Preston, Inspector of
Schools, Patna Division, and submitted with revised esti-
mates for consideration by the Bengal Government. Some
minor improvements were carried out in the students'
hostel.

12. Library. — The revised catalogue of the library,
corrected up to the end of 1908, was issued. The correc-
tion of the proofs and seeing it through the press entailed
a great deal of work. The card catalogue was revised, and
a register of new additions is now maintained in such a
form that further editions of the printed catalogue can be
brought out without much trouble. The loan arrange-
ments are working admirably, and I am glad to note that

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PFSA, FOR 1910-11. 17

advantage is being more freely taken of the facilities for
borrowing books given to officers of the Provincial Depart-
ments. The library is still wanting in many of the more
expensive sets of periodicals; the sectional grants for pur-
chase of books usually do not exceed 500 rupees ; this is not
more than sufficient for current literature, and there is no
general grant from which expensive periodicals can be
paid for. The new additions amounted to about 1,500
volumes. The library is rapidly becoming overcrowded
and proposals for its extension are under consideration.
The Director is in general charge of library arrangements
and I wish to express my satisfaction with the work of
Babu Anukul Chandra Chatterjee, the Librarian.

13. Publications. — The Journal, Memoirs and Bulletins
were continued. As the Department expands, more work

is submitted for publication, the Provincial Departments
supplying an increasing volume of contributions. The
grant for publications was reduced during the year, and
transferred to the budget of the Inspector General of Agri-
culture. Much of the publication work is now don^ by the
Inspector General, who is Editor-in-Chief, the Pusa staff
supervising the illustration work and also acting as an
advisory committee. The free distribution list was con-
siderably curtailed during the yeax, consequent on the
reduction of the grant.

14. General Health of the Station. — The general health
of the station during the year under report was good.
Relief was afforded to 7,657 new cases, of which 7,477 were
treated in the outdoor department, and 180 admitted as
indoor patients. This is an increase of 1,426 cases over
last year's total. The increase in attendance was due to
the great prevalence of malarial fevers, and cholera, in Ihe
surrounding villages. One hundred and forty six cases
amongst European officials and families were attended to,
an increase of 47 over last year's total. The daily average
number of patients treated was 7-87 indoor and 49-05 out-
door, as against 6-96 and 48-97 respectively during the

previous 12 months.

18 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Four deaths occurred in Hospital, — two from malarial
cachexia, one from Bright's disease and one from neglected
hernia.

Two cases of cholera occurred amongst the families of
the Indian staff in August, 1910, with one death. Imme-
diate and successful measures were taken to prevent the
disease spreading on the Estate.

One hundred and one surgical operations were per-
formed : of which eight were major and the remainder
minor.

The prevailing diseases were malarial fevers, kala azar,
bowel complaints, rheumatic complaints and skin diseases.
Blood diseases were diagnosed microscopically.

Quinine was issued prophylactically on the Estate to-
wards the close of the monsoon.

Fourteen primary and ten re-vaccinations wore per-
formed in the early part of the year.

All drains in the building area of the Estate were made
pucca during the year. A small cemetery was constructed
departmentally. The number of residents within the
Estate was over 700 on the date of the recent census.

15. Accounts. — The total expenditure incurred during
the current year was Rs. 2,99,587, as against Rs. 3,12,427
of the preceding year. The principal items of expendi-
ture are pay of gazetted officers and establishment
Rs. 1,87,383, travelling allowance of officers and establish-
ment Rs. 22,315 and farm expenditure, scientific appara-
tus, books, fuel, stores for electric and gas installation,
contingencies, etc., Rs. 89,889. The grant for the " Agri-
cultural Periodicals and Journal " has been transferred
from this office budget to that of the Inspector General of
Agriculture in India from 1st April, 1910.

The gross receipts during the year by sale of farm
produce, milk and other miscellaneous articles, and Mr.
Lefroy's book " Indian Insect Life," amounted to
Rs. 13,462, as against Rs. 5,573 in the preceding year. Of
this amount the sale proceeds of " Indian Insect Life "
accounted for Rs. 5,490.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1910-11. 19

16. Visitors. — During the year under report the Hon'ble
Mr. E. D. Madagan, C.S.I., I.C.S., Secretary to the Govern-
ment of India, Revenue and Agriculture Department, the
Hon'ble Mr. F. C. Gates, C.S.I., I.C.S., Financial Commis-
sioner to the Government of Burma, Mr. R. Inouye,
Assistant Professor, Agricultural College of Tokio Im-
perial University, Mons. H. Brenier of the Commerce and
Industry Department of French Indo-China, and Dr.
Vermoesen, Mycologist Elect to the Belgian Congo, visited
the Institute. Dr. Vermoesen worked in the Mycological
laboratory for over two months at the end of the year.

20 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

REPORT OF THE IMPERIAL AGRICULTURIST
FOR THE YEAR 1910-11.

(A. C. DoBBs, B.A.)

Charge of the Pusa Farm during the greater part of
the period under report was held by Mr. G. Sherrard,
Assistant Agriculturist. The services of the Assistant
Inspector General of Agriculture were also placed at the
disposal of the Director for farm purposes, and in fact
Mr. A. McKerral wrote the Annual Report for 1909-10.

In June 1911 Mr. Sherrard left Pusa to take up the ap-
pointment of Professor of Agriculture at the Bengal Agri-
cultural College, Sabour.

Mr. H. Southern was at Pusa as Supernumerary Agri-
culturist from November 1910 to February 1911, when he
left to go to Madras, where he is officiating as a Deputy
Director of that Province.

Mr. Ikramuddin held the appointment of First Over-
seer and Mr. Ziauddin Hyder that of Second Overseer
throughout the year.

Mr. Judah Hyam continued in charge of the breeding
herd and Mr. Nizamuddin Hyder of the poultry. Mr. L. S.
Joseph was appointed Veterinary Assistant in May 1911,
and has taken charge of the current duties of the Overseer
during Mr. Judah Hyam's absence on privilege leave.

Mahomed Yakub Mukadam of the Lyallpur Farm was
appointed as Surveyor in May 1911.

The farm staff is to be congratulated on the thorough
and timely preparation of the land for both the rabi and
monsoon crops which is noted below, and the veterinary
staff on the condition, and continued freedom from disease,
of the breeding cattle.

Tours. — Mr. Sherrard visited the provincial farms at
Dacca and Sabour in Decemiber.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1910-11. 21

Many members of the staff attended the Allahabad Ex-
hibition in connection with the Pusa exhibits.

Training. — Mr. Fatehiiddin, B.A., Assistant Director
of Agriculture for the Punjab, continued his course in
general agriculture during the whole period under report.

Babu B. L. Mukerji, B.Ag., and Babu B. B. Das,
B.Ag., stipendiaries of Eastern Bengal and Assam, attend-
ed the course of general agriculture from July 1910 till
March 1911, when they left to take up their duties at Dacca.

Mr. A. B. 11 ay- Webb worked on the farm as a visitor
from 2nd to 27th March 1911.

The numbers ol students attending the short courses
have been : —

Cattle-breeding ........ 8

Poultry Management ...... 9

Tillage Implements and Agricultural Machinery . 3*

Character of the Season. — The monsoon o>f 1910 was
early. The rainfall was somewhat small (about 33"), but
very well distributed and, in spite of the loss of the crops
on large areas of low-lying ground owing to the river rising
to a level higher than any previously recorded and owing to
the breach of a bund that had previously protected the
farm, the crops provided an amount of silage very much
greater than the requirements of the cattle for one year.
Over 4 inches of rain fell in October, thus ensuring an
ample supply of moisture for the greater part of the rahi
season, and as the sowings were completed at an earlier date
than in any previous year since the establishment of the
farm, these crops obtained an exceptionally favourable
start, which enabled them to give a very good yield in spite
of the fact that no further appreciable quantity of rain fell
before harvest.

Rain also fell early in June 1911, and, owing again to
the land having been thoroughly prepared beforehand, prac-
tically all the crops were sown before the end of the month
and give excellent promise.

* This course has since been abolished as it has been found to seme no
useful purpose.

22 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Cropping. — The greater part of the farm was, as usual,
devoted to growing fodder and grain for the working bul-
locks and the breeding herd. Maize, sorghum, oats, peas,
khesari {Lathyrus), gram (Cicer) and arhaj' (Cajanus) were
the principal crops grown for these purposes.

The maize provided a large quantity of excellent silage ;
that from the sorghum was not so good, much of it being
decayed, and the right stage at which to cut this crop for
siloing under the conditions obtaining here has yet to be
ascertained. The oats provided a large amount of excellent
feed both of grain and straw. The area of pulses grown
was not, however, sufficient to make purchases of this class
of food unnecessary.

Much of the arhar was spoilt by the floods.

A considerable area was, as usual, sown with Sann hemp
for green manure.

Guinea grass, growing on nearly 3 acres within the in-
fluence of the bamboo avenues, gave over 300 maunds per
acre of green fodder, with only two irrigations in the dry
season; lucerne, with constant irrigation, gave over 200
maunds per acre.

Other crops grown on a small scale were flax (which had
to be destroyed because of the appearance of dodder) and
paddy. Experiments with paddy were inconclusive, the
difference between the yields of the plots not exceeding the
margin attributable to error.

The projected growth of varieties of wheat in extension
of the work done by the Imperial Economic Botanist was
abandoned. A large number of crops were grown, on small
plots, under observation and for experiments carried on by
the scientific officers.

Soybeans, obtained from Nagpur, yielded nearly 7
maunds per acre, which is not sufficient to pay for the culti-
vation and for the occupation of the land for two seasons.

Permanent Manurial and Rotation Eocferirnents. —
These were continued in accordance with the original
scheme and the result recorded for future reference.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1910-1 i. iS

Permanent Pasture. — The manurial experiments were
abandoned this year. There seems to be no doubt whatever
that the direction which the experiments on pasture here
should take is that of ascertaining the extent to which sys-
tematic grazing and extensive surface cultivation, com-
bined possibly with the sowing of quick-growing catch
crops, will enable land that cannot be economically used
except as pasture to be maintained in a reasonably pro-
ductive and profitable condition. The upland pasture is
now ploughed up every three years and replanted with
dooh, but the dooh does not look well on close examination
even in the first year after planting, and disappears rapidly
during the second year. A small part of the ploughed
land has been sown with Sann-hemp this year for plough-
ing in before planting the dooh.

Thrashing. — A record was established in thrashing the
oats this year, 241 maunds being thrashed in one day. The
heavy yield of grain, amounting on one field to 33 maunds
per acre, no doubt contributed to this result.

Clearing and Levelling. — A large kiln was cleared from
the former brick-field and a road across this area laid out
and part constructed.

Work-cattle. — The number of cattle in use has been in-
creased by the breaking-in of young cattle, purchased, and
supplied from the Montgomery herd. The Montgomery
cattle are rather slow, but can pull heavy loads. Foot-and-
mouth disease broke out among the working bullocks to-
wards the end of the monsoon of 1910, but was checked and
suppressed by prompt measures.

Breeding Herd. — The Montgomery herd has been main-
tained in excellent condition, and the numbers of cows and
heifers increased during the year. Fifty-four cattle were
sold and four transferred to the working cattle during the
year.

Only three animals died — less than 2 per cent., which
is a very small percentage considering that the greater
number of the cattle are cows and young calves.

24 REI»0RT OP THE AGillCULTURAL RESEARCH

Sheep. — The Gorakhpur sheep have done well, and the
cross between them and the Dumbha ram appears to be
successful.

P oultnj -breeding . — One or two of the varieties of ])oliI-
try originally imported have proved failures, and others
have been substituted for them. Indigenous varieties have
been obtained and appear in some cases to be worth keeping.
But the work cannot yet be said to be beyond the experi-
mental stage. The distribution of eggs by post and rail has
been discontinued, but a considerable number of fowls have
been distributed to the provincial farms and sold to private
persons.

Programme of work for 1911-12. — 1. Cropping. — An
endeavour will be made to bring the different areas of the
farm under systematic rotations suited to each and to the
requirements of the cattle. It is proposed to increase the
proportion of leguminous crops, and, in view of the excess
of fodder provided by the present cropping, to reintroduce
revenue-producing crops such as wheat, oil-seeds and pos-
sibly tobacco, on a small scale.

2. Pasture. — It is proposed to try simple experiments
on the effect of surface cultivation and the sowing of
leguminous catch crops on pastures.

3. Laying out. — The clearing of the former brick-field
will be continued when time can be spared. The system-
atic grading of the fields all over the estate towards the
roads or drains, so as to prevent the accumulation of water
in patches in the centre of the fields, will be kept parti-
cularly in view.

Steps will be taken to prevent erosion and " washing "
during heavy rain in a few places where it now takes place.

4. Breeding-herd.— The improvement of the milking
capacity of the Montgomery herd will continue to be the
principal object in view.

5. Sheep. — The production of cross-bred sheep with a
view to ascertaining the suitability of the Gorakhpur Dum-
bha cross for nuitton production will be continued.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FUR 1910-11. 2S

6. Poultry. — Further trial will be given to some of the
breeds already imported, the requirements of the provincial
farms will be kept in view, and indigenous breeds will be
further studied. The u umber of different breeds will
probably be considerably reduced.

26 RErOBT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

REPORT OF THE IMPERIAL AGRICULTURAL
CHEMIST FOR THE YEAR 1910-11.

(J. Walter Leather, Ph.D., F.I.C.)

Charge of Section and Estahlishrnent. — The section was
in charge of myself during the entire year.

Mr. H. E. Annett, Supernumerary Agricultural Chem-
ist, acted as Agricultural Chemist, United Provinces, until
10th November 1910. He again went to Cawnpore on 24th
June 1911 to act as Principal, Agricultural College.

The changes involved during the year have been as fol-
lows : — Babu Subodh Chandra Kar, M.A., the second assist-
ant, died on 19th July 1910. Subodh Babu joined the
establishment at Dehra Dun in 1902 as a volunteer assist-
ant and gradually rose to the position of second assistant.
He had shown unusual ability and would no doubt have
risen to still higher office. His death was a very severe
loss. Babu Jatindra Nath Mukerjee, B.A., B.Sc, the
third assistant, has been appointed second assistant. Mr.
Bhailal Motibhai Amin, B.A., who was promoted third
assistant, has, during the year, been appointed on deputa-
tion as assistant in the laboratory of the Behar Indigo
Planters' Association. Mr. K. S. Vishwanatham, B.A.,
was selected by the Imperial Bacteriologist as his second
assistant. Babu Adhar Krishna Bose was selected by the
Scientific Officer, Indian Tea Association, as his assistant.
The latter changes, although occasioning loss to the estah-
lishment, must be considered in the light of a compliment to
the section and fulfil one of its important functions. Other
changes have been as follows : — Mr. G. K. Lele, L.Ag.,
Nagpur, was appointed a junior assistant in August 1910;
Mr. D. K. Ambekar, M.A., had to resign his appointment
in April on account of family reasons; Mr. R. C. Sohoni
left at the end of his probationary period.

Institute and college, pusa, for i9io-ii. 27

Meteorology. — In addition to the ordinary meteorolo-
gical records, the record of evaporation, which was men-
tioned in the last annual report, is being maintained. A
record of soil temperatures has also been commenced dur-
ing the year and will yield information as to diurnal and
seasonal variations of temperature. Self-recording hygro-
meter and barometer will also be set up. Most of the in-
formation provided by these records will become im-
mediately useful in connection with one or other investiga-
tions at the Institute.

Drainage Data. — These are being continued, and the
first several years' records together with those of the Cawn-
pore gauges have been written up for publication. Among
the deductions which have been possible are the follow-
ing : — {a) The amount of water draining away annually
varies with the rainfall, it being large in wet years ; but the
amount which evaporates from bare fallow soil is almost
constant for any one place. At Cawnpore about 18'' of
water thus evaporates per annum, at Pusa about 28"; the
corresponding figure at Rothamsted is about 15". The ex-
planation for the larger amount evaporating at Pusa than
at Cawnpore probably lies chiefly in the nature of the soil,
but this is a matter which remains to be demonstrated.
ih) Drainage from cropped land is naturally affected by the
extra factor — the crop — and the drainage data have yielded
some very interesting information in regard to it. On the
one hand a crop transpires large amounts of water; on the
other its presence acts as a " shield " to the moisture of the
surface soil preventing it, in a measure, from evaporating.
Thus the crop introduces into the question two factors,
which are mutually opposed to one another, and the amount
of drainage occurring from cropped land will be greater (^r
less according to the magnitude of their respective in-
fluences. The effect of good crops growing on the Pusa
and Cawnpore gauges has been to reduce direct evaporation
to two-thirds or one-half of what the soil would have suffer-
ed had no crop been present. How much this " protective "
effect is, when converted into inches of water, naturally de-

28 KEPOUT OF THE AGlliCULTtJRAL RESEARCH

pends on the season of the year. During the dry season
the general loss from this cause is much less than during
the monsoon ; hence the " protection " provided by a " rabi "
crop will be generally much less than that of a " rains "
crop; the former may be 2" or 3", the latter 7" or 8" of
water, {c) The amount of water which runs off the land
during heavy rain is known to vary within wide limits, and
although the gauges have yielded some information on the
subject, it relates to only one soil maintained perfectly
level. No very explicit deductions are therefore possible,
but the general conclusion has been drawn that perhaps
popular ideas have exaggerated its amount.

The Amount of ISIitrate in Soils. — This subject is one
which has long been considered of great importance, and
the drainage water from the gauges, as also some field re-
cords, have added much to our knowledge of the subject in
so far as India is concerned. The total amount annuallv
formed in fallow land is very much greater — twice or three
times — than at Rothamsted. Then another feature has
appeared, namely, that nitrification is not active through-
out the dry weather, that is in fallow land — not irrigated;
absence of moisture in the surface soil during a part of
this period might be a controlling factor, but it is not a
complete explanation, because the sub-soil is always moist,
and here nitrification is similarly restricted to the monsoon.
Nor does the variation of temperature offer any better ex-
planation. With the advent of the monsoon, however,
nitrates form with astonishing rapidity, the occurrence
being most marked immediately after the first heavy ram.
This investigation promises to prove of great interest.

The Water Requirernents of Crops. — Allusion has been
made in previous reports to this subject, and a second
memoir, No. 10, Chemical Series, has been published. In
continuation of what was published in Memoir No. 8, it
has been found that the nature of the soil has no effect on
the Transpiration Ratio; at the same time this factor has
a great influence on the rate of water movement, and hence
indirectly on the weight of crop produced. Field experi-

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1910-11. 29

ments over several years have shown that practically the
whole of the water assimilated by a crop is obtained within
the root range, some 6 to 7 ft. in alluvial soil, and that al-
though the stores of water present below this depth are
very great, they are substantially of no service to the plant.
The field experiments were at the same time utilised to
check the values of the Transpiration Ratios which had
been found by pot-culture methods. The two methods
yielded very similar values for this factor.

The investigation into the availability of flant food in
soils is being continued, but many difficulties have been met
with, and its progress is slow.

TJsar Land. — Reference was made to this subject in the
last report, and the work has been extended. The first in-
vestigation had to do with a certain stretch of land in the
Mainpuri District, and a very exhaustive series of tests
showed that this class of usar land not only contains sodium
carbonate, but is also highly impervious to water. The
amount of movement of water, whether in the downward
direction during wet weather, or towards the surface dur-
ing the dry period, is thus necessarily only small; conse-
quently also there cannot be any large amount of movement
of salts.

Experiments made at Pusa on this soil have shown that
by the application of common salt its physical state can be
altered and the salts washed out. Rice was grown on
some of it last year and is now growing again, but the
method is, I fear, not financially feasible. In other ex-
periments also made by pot-culture at Pusa, the physical
defect (imperviousness) was separated from the chemical
defect (alkali salts) and then plants sown. It was then
found that of the two the alkali was the more pernicious.

During the past cold weather the investigation has been
continued in another direction in collaboration with the
Irrigation Department. One of the features of this alkali
land is frequently the occurrence of " alkali spots " in the
middle of fields otherwise quite fertile. It has been fre-
quently argued that these result from the presence of

30 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

canals and excessive irrigation. The fact that the intro-
duction of a canal is accompanied by a rise of the sub-soil
water level has lent support to the argument. The two
features are, however, distinct, and it certainly does not
necessarily follow that they are related. We have some
soil, taken from fertile land in the immediate neighbour-
hood of alkali spots under observation; it is maintained
fallow with an artificial sub-soil water-supply at 2 ft.
from the surface, and the experiment should show whether
it will thereby become " alkali."

But the work of the past cold weather dealt with an-
other aspect of this question. It is not only in canal-irri-
gated areas that " alkali spots " Ciccur in cultivated fields ;
they are to be found in well-irrigated tracts also. It was
decided, in consultation with the Director of Agriculture
and the Superintending Engineer, to take samples from a
series of such " alkali spots " situated {a) within a canal-
irrigated tract, and {h) within a neighbouring well-irri-
gated tract, and to compare them by means of such methods
as we at present possess. A suitable tract of country was
found in the Muttra and Etah Districts. In the Sadabad
(Muttra) and western part of Jalesar (Etah) parganas is a
tract of country under well-irrigation, and alkali spots
occur in many of the fields; thirty such alkali spots were
sampled to a depth of 9 ft., excepting in cases where the
kankar was too hard to drill throusrh. In the eastern half
of pargana Jalesar the irrigation is principally from the
Etawah branch, Ganges canal, and in this tract twenty-
nine alkali spots were similarly sampled to a depth of 9 ft.
In each case a separate sample of every succeeding 6" was
taken, and the whole of the specimens are now under ex-
amination. The first tract named is particularly suitable
because although it has always depended on well-irrigation,
the new Hathras branch of the Ganges canal is under con-
struction, and the tract will hence shortly come under the
influence of canal irrigation. All the fifty-nine alkali
spots have been registered, mapped to show the approxi-
mate area, and the exact position of the boring, from which

INSTITUTE AND C0LLEC4E, PFSA, FOR 1910-11. 31

the sample was taken in February, registered by means of
distance and direction from a stone bench-mark especially
put down on the field border. We shall thus not only have
the results of the comparative tests of the present year, but
it will be possible to form a very exact opinion at a future
time, say ten or fifteen years hence, as to whether the intro-
duction of canal irrigation has caused either an increase of
the area of these '"' alkali spots '' or any increase in the per-
centage of " alkali " in the soil. The tests of the soil of ex-
perimental plots near Aligarh which were referred to in
last year's report showed that the only really effective
means which had been tried was gypsum, and in that case
the cost had been prohibitive. The land which Mr. Keven-
ter has reclaimed was especially interesting. By the ap-
plication of very large amounts of manure and liberal irri-
gation, crops have been grown for a number of years on
some very bad alkali land. But the samples taken to a
depth of 9 ft. showed that the result of the treatment had
been to reclaim only the top foot of soil, and that below this
layer, the soil is as bad as it was originally. The crops
subsist in fact on the liberal manure supply of the top soil
and can even then only succeed by the aid of frequent irri-
gation.

Date Palm. — Immediately after his return from Cawn-
pore, Mr. H. E. Annett took up, at my suggestion, the gen-
eral investigation of the Date Palm Sugar industry.
Hitherto nothing had been done in relation to the chemis-
try involved in this industry, and it is obviously desirable
that this omission should be rectified. Mr. Annett toured
twice in the Jessore District, which is one of the principal
centres, and carried out a series of analyses of the juice on
the spot and later on of raw sugar at Pusa, besides collect-
ing much valuable information in regard to the methods
which are employed. The work will be continued on Mr.
Annett's return from Cawnpore.

Saltfetre. — During the year an attempt has been made
to work out the practical details of an improved method
of refining crude saltpetre which had occurred to me some

32 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTTTRAL RESEARCH

years ago as possibly feasible. The chief defects of the
present methods are (i) the considerable time required in
order to obtain the refined product, (ii) the amount of fuel
used is greater than it should be, (iii) a serious loss of
nitrate occurs, (iv) much of the refined saltpetre is of low
quality, (v) the colour of the refined saltpetre is often
brown instead of white, (vi) refining is often interrupted
during the rains period.

After working on a laboratory scale, an apparatus was
constructed which would deal with a maund of crude salt-
petre per charge, and this was worked daily at the Allaha-
iDad Exhibition. It was in charge of Babu Jatindra Nath
Mukerjee, who has carried out the whole of the experi-
mental work connected with the process. The process is
successful in largely eliminating the defects enumerated;
nearly nine-tenths of the potassium nitrate in the crude
saltpetre is obtained during the day as a white refined
saltpetre of over 90 per cent, purity; no water has to be
evaporated, and the process is independent of the weather.
The other fraction of the potassium nitrate, which is not ob-
tained by this process, remains in the muds and can be ex-
tracted by present methods.

The process created a great deal of interest among the
refiners who visited the Exhibition, but there is naturally
a considerable difference between entertaining an interest
and actually replacing the present methods by a somewhat
costly machine, and no definite opinion can be formed as to
whether the new process will be adopted until it has been
tried on a reasonably large scale, so as to form an accurate
idea of the actual cost of working it. A proposal is at pre-
sent under consideration to erect the plant at a refinery in
Behar. A Bulletin has also been written on the subject.

Education. — There are two students from the United
Provinces and Bengal, respectively, at present undergoing
training, and another is to come from Travancore State.
There are also two probationary assistants who have re-
cently joined this section, who are in the position of stu-
dents.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1910-11. 33

Programme of work jor 1911-12. — 1. The work on the
availability of plant food in soils will be continued.

2. In relation to moisture requirements of crops, the
current work has to do with the moisture conditions neces-
sary to a green manure crop.

3. The investigation on Usar will be continued on the
lines indicated in the body of this report.

4. The chemistry and manufacture of Date Palm Sugar
will be investigated by the Supernumerary Agricultural
Chemist.

5. Improvements in the refining of saltpetre will con-
tinue to be studied.

6. Education. — This requires no special comment and
will be conducted according; to the lines laid down.

Publications. — The following papers have been pub-
lished : —

Memoir No. 10, '' Tbe Water Eequirements of Crops in Indio —
II," by Dr. T. Walter Leather, Tune 1911.

Bulletin No. 24, ''The Indian Saltpetre Industry," by
Dr. J. A¥alter Leather and Babu Jatindra Nath Mukerji,
August 1911.

" Sugar-cane in India," published in the Agricultural Journal
of India, Vol. YI, Part III, by Dr. J. Walter Leather.

'' Chapter on Industrial and Agricultural Chemistry " for the
Report of Board of Scientific Advice, by Mr. D, Hooper
and Dr. J. Walter Leather, Kr09-10.

" The Loss of Water from Soils during Dry Weather." Re-
port of the Seventh International Congress of Applied
Chemistry, by Dr. J. Walter Leather, 1911.

" The Transpiration of Water by Plants in the Tropics."
Report of the Seventh International Congress of Applied
Chemistry, by Dr. J. Walter Leather, 1911.

" The Effect of Manure on the Composition of the Grain of
Field Crops." Report of the Seventh International Con-
gress of Applied Chemistry, by Dr. J. Walter Tieather,
1911.

34 REPOET OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

REPORT OF THE IMPERIAL ECONOMIC
BOTANIST FOR THE YEAR 1910-11.

(A. Howard, M.A, A.R.C.S., F.L.S.)

Part I.

Teaching, Training and Staff.

Charge. — I held charge of the section during the year
under review except for the first 28 days of July when I
was on privilege leave and on special duty in England.

Up to the end of July Maulvi Abdur Rahman Khan,
Second Assistant, was in charge of the section. During my
deputation to the Kashmir State in August and September
1910, he was also in charge of the current work at Pusa.
In consequence of the satisfactory manner in which this
assistant carried out his duties during five months in my
absence in 1910, his services were rewarded by the grant of
a special charge allowance for the whole period in question.
Studerkts. — Four short course students attended the sec-
tion during the year. Three of these worked well, es-
pecially the two sent from the Lushai Hills by Major Cole,
Staff. — In addition to the work done by my second
assistant, Maulvi Abdur Rahman Khan, during my absence
from Pusa in 1910, which has already been referred to, I
have pleasure in recording the promising work of this
assistant in Economic Botany. The third assistant, Mun-
shi Ijaz Husain, who was in charge of current duties at
Pusa on two occasions for short periods, has also improved
in his work and made himself useful in connection with the
tobacco-curing experiments. The work of the rest of the
staff was satisfactory.

Part II.

Special Work in England.
To enable me to complete the work referred to in this
section my privilege leave was extended by 17 days to d.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1910-11. 35

period of three months. During this time the work done
was the following : —

Wheat. — One of the directions in which the improve-
ment of Indian wheat has been attempted at Pusa has been
the increase in rnst-resisting power of the kinds at present
in cultivation in the plains. This is a subject which has
on several previous occasions occupied the attention of the
Government of India, but little or no results of practical
value have been obtained in the past. It was found at
Pusa and at Lyallpur that although the types at present
in cultivation differ considerably in rust-resisting power,
and that in consequence a considerable improvement in this
character is possible by simple isolation methods, neverthe-
less India does not possess any wheats with the same power
of withstanding rust as is shown by many of the wheats of
Northern Europe, and especially by American Club. The
quality of resistance of the best Indian wheats is of quite
a lower order than that possessed by the wheats grown
under the more adverse climatic conditions of the North
Temperate Zone. This is seen not only when the two
classes are grown side by side in India, but also when they
are cultivated together in England. One of the directions,
therefore, in which improvement might be attempted was,
in the light of the work already done at Cambridge on the
inheritance of rust resistance in wheat, the production of
new kinds by hybridization between Indian wheats and
some rust-resistant forms from Northern Europe or
America. Attempts to carry this out in practice at Pusa
failed on account of the impossibility of getting the rust-
resisting parents to flower in time for crossing to be done
and for the resulting grain to ripen before the hot weather
set in. This difficulty was overcome by sending the Indian
parents to Cambridge for spring sowing in 1910 and by
carrying out the actual hybridization work in England.
Thanks to the facilities given by Professor Biffen at Cam-
bridge, crosses were made by us between various Indian
types and American Club and other rust-resistant wheats
at Cambridge, and the first generation of the hybrids was

36 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

grown at Pusa during the past wheat season. A duplicate
set of these seeds was also successfully grown for us at the
Cawnpore Experiment Station by Mr. H. Martin Leake,
Economic Botanist to the Government of the United
Provinces. Now that the difficulty of growing the first
generation in India has been overcome, it is expected that
among the progeny of these crosses wheats will be isolated
of much greater rust-resistance than any of the types now
grown in India. The work will be pushed on as rapidly as
])nssible, and it is hoped before very long to have the results
on a field scale.

Advantage was taken of my visit to England to consult
with Mr. A. E. Humphries, Past President of the Incor-
porated National Association of British and Irish Millers,
on many matters connected with the milling and baking
qualities of Indian wheat and to go over in detail the
samples sent to England for testing in 1910. I obtained a
large amount of valuable technical information on the
quality of wheat and also took full opportunity of discuss-
ing in detail the lines of future work on the improvement
of Indian wheat. I consider Pusa has been exceedingly
fortunate in securing for the milling and baking tests not
only the invaluable assistance of an authority of the stand-
ing of Mr. Humphries in the wheat trade, but also his
active interest in the work of improving the crop in India.
T consider it will be far better in every way to continue to
have the final tests of Indian wheats done in England than
to attempt to carry out the work at Pusa under laboratory
conditions. Results obtained under such circumstances in
India will never carry the same weight as the opinion of
the best available expert in the milling and baking trade.

In order to compare the appearance of the new Pusa
wheats with those now on the market from various parts of
the world, I visited Mark Lane with Mr. Humphries and
the Liverpool Corn Exchange with Mr. Broomhall, the pro-
prietor of the Corn-Trade News and Milling. It was
acknowledged that there were no wheats on the market
superior in combined appearance, quality and condition to

LNSTlTLTE AND CULLEiJE, TUSA, Full iUiO-li. 37

the best Pusa wheats. As far as quality only is concerned,
Indian wheats are somewhat inferior to Manitobas, but in
their greater dryness and in the greater thinness of the
skin our best Pusa wheats at least make up for their slight
lack of quality. As wheats are sold entirely on the appear-
ance of the samples taken from the ships, it is of the great-
est importance to the Indian wheat trade to keep the
various grades of Indian wheats separate and not to mix
red and white, hard and soft wheats in the same sample.
This lowers the price that would otherwise be obtained,
while adulteration with earth and other seeds does still
greater harm. I saw several good samples of Indian hard
white wheat at Mark Lane entirely spoiled by admixture
with soft white and red wheat and with dirt and other seeds.
A great work remains to be done in teaching the Indian
cultivator the great importance of quality, uniformity and
appearance in the wheat grown for sale in Europe. In
Liverpool, the Pusa wheats were greatly admired and were
shown to a meeting of Liverpool millers by Mr. Broomhall,
who, in returning the samples to me in London, wrote : " I
have just sent you back the samples you left with me. I
have shown them to several of our millers who have greatly
admired them. The wheat appears equal in value to the
best Manitoba." (Letter dated July 8th, 1910.)

While at Liverpool the opportunity was taken of visit-
ing the large new Grain Elevator recently erected by the
Liverpool Grain Storage and Transit Company, which em-
bodies all the latest American and Canadian improvements
in construction.

Tobacco. — In connection with the work in progress at
Pusa on the improvement of Indian tobacco, arrangements
were made with one of the Directors of the Imperial
Tobacco Company in London to visit two of the best fac-
tories in London to see the types of leaf made use of in
England. These visits were of the greatest use, and some
of the information obtained was applied in the tobacco-
curing experiments at Pusa during the past year.

38 _ REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Hofs.—ln anticipation of my deputation to Kashmir
to advise the Durbar on the improvement of the hop indus-
try in that State, three visits were paid to Kent to see the
latest forms of hop-drying oasts and the developments
which have taken place in hop growing during the last
five years. The information obtained was made use of in
my subsequent visit to Kashmir.

Fruit 'packing. — In connection with the proposals for
developing the fruit industry of Baluchistan then under
the consideration of the Secretary of State, some time was
devoted to studying the methods of packing and trans-
porting fresh fruit both in use in England and also em-
ployed by the various countries which export fruit to Lon-
don. Very valuable information was obtained which will
be of considerable use in working out the best methods of
sending fresh fruit from Baluchistan to India. By a for-
tunate circumstance I got in touch with one of the Direc-
tors of the largest company in Great Britain engaged in
the manufacture of fruit packages on the American sys-
tem, and in consequence have had no difficulty in importing
into Baluchistan a large selection of model packages and
packing materials for use in the experiments of the present
year.

A study of the methods of packing used for transport-
ing fruit from France, the Channel Islands and South
Africa to London shows how backward India is in this res-
pect and what great improvements are necessary in this
country.

Part III.

The Hop Industry in Kashmir.

In accordance with the orders of the Government of
India the months of August and September 1910 were spent
on deputation in Kashmir for the purpose of advising the
Durbar as to the best means of extending and improving
the hop industry. A detailed report on this subject was
submitted, which was afterwards printed by the State.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1910-11. 39

At present hop growing in Kashmir is in a very primi-
tive condition, the average yield of sun-dried hops being less
than 2^ cwt. to the acre, or one-fifth the average yield of
Kent. In spite of this, however, the net profits are very
great, and for the last sixteen years have averaged about
130 per cent, or over £7 an acre.

The natural advantages possessed by Kashmir as a pos-
sible competitor in the world's hop production are consider-
able. Labour is cheap, plentiful, easily trained and easily
managed. The soil of considerable areas of the valley is
suitable for hops, while irrigation water is abundant, should
it be found necessary to supplement the rainfall. Insect
and fungoid pests are almost entirely absent, while the cost
of transport to India is likely to be much cheaper as soon
as the rope railway to Jammu is completed. These advant-
ages, however, are not likely to be utilised to the full unless
the Durbar decides to take the necessary steps to place the
industry on modern lines.

In the details of cultivation, irrigation, training, pick-
ing and drying there is great room for improvement, and it
was a great surprise to me to find that even a crop of 2^
cwt. of saleable hops could be produced under present condi-
tions. The cultivation of the crop is exceedingly defective,
and a large amount of moisture is lost by the dense growth
of grass and weeds and the absence of a surface mulch.
This necessitates surface irrigation and the consequent
hardening of the land and loss of tilth. Beyond the provi-
sion of single poles there are no attempts at training, so
that there is insufiicient space for the free development of
bine and hops. The drying is done on sheets in the sun,
and during this process the hops are a good deal broken,
and a large amount of lupulin is lost.

In my report an attempt was made not only to present
the scientific principles which underlie modern hop produc-
tion, but also to indicate the improvements which are pos-
sible if it is decided to continue the industry on the present
lines. In addition the steps were indicated that would be
necessary if hop growing in Kashmir is to be placed on

40 REPORT Ul THJi AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

modern lines and if Kashmir is to enter the markets of the
world as a competitor with California.

In addition to the work on hops two other matters were
dealt with in Kashmir at the request of the Revenue Minis-
ter. The first was an investigation into the wine industry,
which is carried on by the State near Srinagar, and the
second related to a general scheme for the improvement of
the agricultural and horticultural industries of the State.
In the case of wine industry, I recommended that this
should be given up and the past expenditure in this direc-
tion regarded as a bad debt. As regards the development
of the agricultural industries of the State, I drew up a
detailed scheme in which many directions of improvement
were indicated, and in which I recommended the amalga-
mation of the present agricultural and allied efforts of the
State into one strong department under a competent Euro-
pean officer with the necessary experience. Time did not
permit me to make all the necessary enquiries into a fourth
subject on which my advice was asked for by the Revenue
Minister and by the Minister for Education. This related
to the introduction of Agricultural Education into the
State, on which no useful suggestions could be made without
first of all going into the present educational system as a
whole.

Part IV.

The UeDeloynhetit of the Fruit Industry oj Baluchistan.

The proposals put forward by this section in 1909 for
the development of the fruit industry of Baluchistan were,
during the year under review, finally sanctioned by the
Secretary of State, and work was commenced at Quetta in
May of the present year. This extension of the work of
the section has necessarily involved not only some re-
organisation of the work at Pusa, but also an extension of
the staff. The Pusa work both in training and investi-
gation is now in great measure limited to rabi crops, there-
by allowing the months May to September to be devoted to

Institute and college, ruiSA, t'oR i9io-ii. 4i

fruit work in Baluchistan. The staff has been strength-
ened by the addition of a new appointment, that of Per-
sonal Assistant, which was given to a candidate who had
worked in this section for nearly five years previously as a
volunteer.

During the months May and June of the present year
the lines of future work on the fruit industry of the Pro-
vince have been worked out in detail, and a scheme has been
put forward \vhich has been accepted by the Local Govern-
ment.

This falls into three parts. In the first place, a modern
fruit experiment station will be started for the purpose
both of demonstrating improved methods of producing and
transporting fruit and also of affording facilities for
further experiments likely to be of practical value to the
country. One of the features of the new experiment
station will be a nursery in which the best varieties will be
propagated in large number for distribution to the zemin-
dars. In the second place, a neglected fruit garden will
be taken in hand, and methods of renovation will be com-
menced this year. Thirdly, steps are being taken to work
out the most suitable methods of grading, packing and
transporting fruit so as to make the most use of the present
facilities for railway transport to India.

The country round Quetta has been explored, and a
suitable site for the new experiment station has been
selected, and steps have been taken by the local Govern-
ment to acquire the land. The Honourable Colonel Ram-
say, CLE., Agent to the Governor General in Baluchistan,
who has strongly supported the scheme from the beginning,
has placed a large fruit garden at my disposal for the re-
novation experiment. It is hoped that a beginning will be
made with the packing experiments during the present
year, and the necessary buildings for the fruit experimeat
station will be erected by September next.

In the preliminary work involved in the scheme I have
been greatly assisted by the Political Officers stationed at
Quetta. Mr. H. R. C. Dubbs, LC.S., CLE., Ofhciatiag

4_' REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Revenue and Judicial Commissioner in Baluchistan, has
furthered the scheme in every way possible, while I am
greatly indebted to Colonel McConaghey, Political Agent,
Quetta-Pishin, and to Captain Keyes, Assistant Political
Agent, Quetta, for the ready manner in which they have
placed their wide knowledge of the country and of the
people at my disposal.

Part V.

Investigations.

Wheat. — During the past year the Pusa wheat experi-
ments have been extended in several directions, and results
of great value have been obtained.

Seed Distribution.— A beginning was made during the
year at several centres in the growth of Pusa wheats for
seed distribution purposes. In Behar two planters volun-
teered to take up the work in 1910, and in both cases the
yields obtained were far in excess of those obtained by the
people with the local wheats. The seed thus obtained has
been widely distributed to other planters, with the result
that over 1,000 acres of the new wheats will be sown next
October in Behar at a large number of centres. Over 100
maunds of surplus seed grown in the botanical area at Pusa
was distributed last April in Behar alone, the demand
greatly exceeding the supply. In the Central Provinces
some of the early Pusa varieties were grown by Mr. Clous-
ton, Deputy Director of Agriculture, at the Raipur Farm
on a fairly large scale. Both in yield and quality these
wheats proved superior to the large collection of other In-
dian wheats grown there. A further supply of other
rapidly maturing wheats was accordingly sent to Raipur
last April, and the best of these will be grown on a large
scale by Mr. Clouston for distribution, mainly in the Chat-
tisgarh Division. Incidentally the wheat experiments at
Raipur during the past season indicate that organic matter
in the right condition is the limiting factor in wheat pro-
duction in this tract. This matter is being taken up by

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1910-11. 4.3

Mr. Cloiiston, and when the best method <^f enriching the
soil by green manuring has been worked out I feel confident
that wheat growing in this and similar tracts will at once
be placed on a higher plane. In consequence of the satis-
factory results obtained at Raipur, arrangements have been
made with Mr. Evans at Hoshangabad for the trial of one
of the earliest of Pusa wheats at that station. In the
United Provinces the methods of cultivation of wheats
which have proved successful at Pusa were tried on a large
scale in the botanical area at Cawnpore by Mr. H. Martin
Leake, Economic Botanist to the Government of the United
Provinces. Both in yield and appearance of the grain the
results obtained were very much better than those realised
in the district. The Cawnpore results are particularly
valuable, as they indicate the possibility of growing large
yields of wheat of high quality under canal irrigation. At
the Aligarh experiment station Dr. Parr, Deputy Director
of Agriculture, United Provinces, obtained very high yields
with one of the Pusa selections and has arranged for ex-
tended trials of this wheat in his circle during the next
year. Arrangements for the trials of Pusa wheats next
year have been made at Mirpurkhas in Sind and in the
Punjab at Lyallpur and Gurdaspur.

A considerable demand for the new wheats has arisen
from Australia in consequence of the satisfactory behavi-
our of the Indian samples grown there in 1909. In the
same year a small sample of Pusa 6 was tried in Hungary
with the result that 16 maunds of this variety were asked
for by and supplied to the Minister of Agriculture of
Austria-Hungary m April last.

One result of the wheat investigations, which is of consi-
derable importance to India and to the future policy of the
Agricultural Department, deserves special notice. This
is the value of the variety of a crop when it stands alone.
It is sometimes thought that in the case of crops improved
varieties can be produced of such excellence that when dis-
tributed to cultivators greatly improved yields will result,
no matter what the methods of cultivation adopted by the

44 REPOR'r OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH ,

people may be. A little consideration will show that these
expectations are bound to result in disappointment as they
entirely disregard the fact that two of the limiting factors
in crop production in India are the methods of cultivation
and moisture conservation adopted. Inadequate prepar-
ation for any crop and insufficient moisture cut across the
real yielding power of varieties and tend to bring them to
the same level. Optimum yields of the varieties and there-
fore true comparisons in yielding power are only possible
if the limiting factors of bad cultivation and poor mois-
ture conservation are removed. The full benefit of im-
proved varieties, and especially those of high quality, can
only be realised if cultivation is good and moisture is ade-
quate. It is suggested that in all seed distribution schemes
in India due attention should be paid to the prime import-
ance of cultivation and moisture conservation as well as to
the value of improved varieties. That it is possible to ob-
tain greatly increased yields using only the means now
possessed by the cultivators has been abundantly proved by
the results obtained in the botanical area at Pusa during
the last three years.

Trade Aspects. — Advantage was taken during the year
of several opportunities of bringing the results of the wheat
experiments to the notice both of the trade and of those
interested in the cultivation of the crop. Everywhere the
greatest surprise was expressed that wheats like those
shown could be grown in India. In Karachi and Calcutta
I ascertained from the leading wheat merchants that nj
difficulties are likely to be experienced by the growers in
disposing (with considerable advantage to themselves) of
uniform parcels of wheat of high quality. It is essential,
however, that the quantities should be large and that the
grades should be maintained from year to year. In Bom-
bay a paper was read on the Pusa wheat experiments in the
rooms of the Bombay Natural History Society, at which
most of the wheat merchants attended, and at which an
exhibit of the new wheats was shoAvn. At the Allahabad
Agricultural Conference I opened the discussion on wheat,

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1910-11. 46

and as a result an extended trial of improved wheats and
of improved methods of cultivation was arranged on
some of the Court of Wards Estates. At the meeting of
the Behar Planters' Association in February 1911 an ac-
count was given of the improved methods of wheat grow-
ing at Pusa which will be tried at a good many centres in
Behar next year. Unfortunately, however, the demand
for seed which arose after the meeting was far greater than
the supply.

Milling and Baking Tests. — The most interesting point
with regard to the milling and baking tests of Indian
wheats during the past year is concerned with the quality
of the new wheats raised at Pusa by hybridizing high yield-
ing Indian wheats of poor quality (Muzaffernagar white
and Punjab Type 9) with types of high grain quality but
of lower yield. The results obtained show that the pro-
blem of combining high yield and high quality has been
solved, the new wheats behaving in the mill and bakehouse
like the high quality parent. A bulletin summing up the
present position of this aspect of the subject and giving the
results of 1910 in detail has been published. In response
to numerous requests a full account of the actual methods
adopted at Pusa in growing the crop has also been included.
Translations in Urdu and Hindi of this paper have been
prepared during the year by members of the staff.

Influence of the Environment on Quality. — The experi-
ments on this subject which are being conducted in colla-
boration with Mr. H. Martin Leake, Economic Botanist to
the Government of the United Provinces, were greatly ex-
tended during the year, and a large number of samples have
been forwarded to England for complete milling and bak-
ing tests. It is expected that the results will confirm the
opinion previously expressed that high quality and high
yield both depend on proper cultivation and on proper soil
management previous to sowing time.

Tobacco. — A considerable amount of progress has been
obtained during the year in the tobacco experiments.

46 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Manuring. — It has been found at Pusa that the success
of this crop in Behar depends on the rapidity of growth
during October and November, and that this rapid growth
is only possible provided a large supply of organic manure
in the right condition is added to the soil. It is usual to
use indigo seeth, oilcake and cattle manure for this pur-
pose, but the application of these substances in sufficient
quantity is a costly process. In 1909 it was found that
green manuring with san, if carried out in good time so as
to allow of a thorough incorporation with the soil, was not
only as effective as the organic manures usually employed
but also far cheaper. During the present year the results
were repeated, and trials of the same varieties with seeth,
san, cattle manure and oilcake were made. Both in yield
and quality of cured leaf the results with san were entirely
satisfactory, and accordingly the Pusa results have been
brought to the notice of planters interested in tobacco grow-
ing in Behar, and extensive trials with san are now being
made in the district. As in wheat growing it has been found
at Pusa that attention to the details of cultivation and mois-
ture conservation are of the greatest importance in tobacco
cultivation. About 34 maunds of cured leaf (omitting the
lower portions of the stalk usually included in Behar) were
obtained to the acre at Pusa last year — a yield greatly in
excess of the crops in the neighbourhood.

Curin?.— Results of considerable promise have been
obtained in the curing experiments which are being
conducted in collaboration with the Peninsular Tobacco
Company at Monghyr. The varieties used were both Ameri-
can, and also the most promising of the Pusa selections,
and the method adopted was a modification of that usually
employed by the people. Under the conditions of the ex-
periment the Indian tobacco gave better results than the
American, and one of the Pusa selections gave leaf of con-
siderable promise. The experiments are being continued
on a large scale.

Breeding. — Both in Nicotiana tahcum and in Nico-
tiana rmstica considera])le progress has been made by the

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1910-11. 47

Personal Assistant in the investigation of the inheritance
of characters in this crop which, as was expected, has
turned out to be a somewhat complex subject. The object
of this work is to discover the mode of inheritance of the
various leaf characters in particular so that new and
improved varieties can be made by hybridization. Practi-
cally nothing is known on this subject, and the scientific
breeding of tobacco is still in its infancy.

Fibres. — San {Crotalaria juncea, L.). — Several new
varieties of this crop have been isolated during the year,
and interesting results have been obtained with this crop
as a green manure. These are being repeated during the
next cold weather at Pusa.

Patwa (^'Hibiscus Cannabinus, L.). — A paper on this crop
in India is now about to appear in which the work done
during the past four years at Pusa is summed up. Natural
cross- fertilization takes place in this crop to a considerable
extent, but it has been found possible to eliminate to a great
extent the effects of this by removing the hybrids during
the seedling and vegetative stages. Possibly these methods
can be extended to other Indian crops in which crossing
takes place and can be made use of on seed farms.

Pollination. — The importance of a close study of the
methods of pollination in the crops of India and the bear-
ing of these matters on the growth of seed for distribution
to the cultivators in India were dealt with in a memoir
published during the year. This matter was referred to
in the previous annual report. The paper in question has
attracted a good deal of attention, and the subject has been
developed still further during the year. Natural cross-
fertilization has been found to occur in til {Sesamum indi-
cum), rahar (Cajcmus indicus), niger {Guizotia Abyssinica)
and in Jute {Cor chorus capsularis). Some progress was
made during the year in working out the pollination details
in the various oil-seed crops grown in India.

Programme of work for 1911-12. — 1. Training. — The
training of advanced students in this section will be con-
tinued,

48 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTT'RAL RESEARCH

2. Plant Breeding and Plant Improvement. — During
1911-12 the following crops will be studied: — wheat,
tobacco, oil-seeds and fibre plants.

(a) Wheat. — The botanical survey of the wheats of
Baluchistan and the agricultural survey of the
wheats of Bengal will be completed. The pro-
duction of improved and rust-resistant varie-
ties by selection and hybridization will be con-
tinued. The co-operative experiments on the
influence of the environment on the milling and
baking qualities of Indian wheats which are
being conducted in collaboration with Mr. H.
Martin Leake, Economic Botanist to the Gov-
ernment of the United Provinces, will be con-
tinued on an extended basis.

(h) Tohacco. — The production of new varieties by
selection and hybridization will be continued
as well as the testing and curing of the varieties
already isolated. The investigations on the in-
fluence of the environment on the stability of
the type and quality will be continued.

{(•) Oil-seeds. — The study of the oil-seeds of India will
be continued on similar lines to those adopted
in the investigations on wheat.

{d) Fibres. — The isolation and testing of pure races
of the fibre plants of India will be continued.

{e) Fruit. — The fruit experiments at Pusa will be con-
tinued on the lines laid down in the First Fruit
Report. During the months May to Septem-
ber, the work connected with the development
of the fruit industry of Baluchistan will be
commenced.

Publications. — The large amount of work that had to
be got through during the past year has delayed the publi-
cation of results, but it is hoped this will be disposed of
during the next year.

INSTITTTTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1910-11. 49

A fifth volume of Die Zilchtimg der landwirtschaft-
Iklien Kidtur-P flanzen dealing with the l)reediiig of tro-
pieal plants is now being published by Messrs. Paul Parey
of Berlin under the editorship of Professor Dr. C. Fruwirth
of Vienna. I accepted the invitation to contribute the
articles on the following crops : — •

Jute {Cor chorus ca^psularis and Corcliorus olitorius),
til (Sesanmm indicuni), patwa {Hihiscus cannahinus),
rozelle {Hihiscus Sahdariffa) and san {Crotalaria jnncea),
and papers on these have been forwarded to Vienna.

In addition the following papers have been published
during the year : —

1. Suggestions for the Development of the Hop Industry of

Kashmir. (Printed by the Kashmir State for official use.)

2. The Milling and Baking Qualities of Indian Wheats, No. 3.

Some new Pusa Hybrids tested in 1910. Pusa Bulletin
22 (with G. L. C. Howard).

3. The Economic Significance of Natural Cross-fertilization in

India. Memoirs of the Department of Agriculture of
India (Botanical Series), Yol. Ill, No. 6 (with
G. L. C. Howard and Abdur Hahman Khan).

4. Studies in Indian Fibre Plants, No. 2. On some new varie-

ties of Hibiscus cannahinus, L., and Hihiscus Sahdariffa,
L. Memoirs of the Department of Agriculture in India
(Botanical Series,), Vol. lY, No. 2 (with G. L. C. Howard).

5. Beport on Economic Botany for the year ending June 30th,

1910. Printed in the Eeport of the Board of Scientific
Advice, 1911.

50 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

REPORT OF THE IMPERIAL MYCOLOGIST
FOR THE YEAR 1910- 1 L

(E. J. Butler, MJ3., F.L.S.)

1. Chargp and Estahli^hment. — I remained in charge
of the section throughout the year. Mr. F. J. F. Shaw
held the post of Supernumerary Mycologist, Mr. J. F.
Dastur was confirmed in his appointment as first assistant.
Bahu P. C. Kar was appointed to the vacant post of second
clerk. All the staff have worked well.

2. Training. — Mr. F. Fateh-ud-din, Assistant Director
of Agriculture, Punjah, attended for a mycological course
once a week up to April 3rd. A forest ranger from the
same province received a course of training in fruit dis-
eases up to August 13th. A private student from Bombay
abandoned the course early in the year. Amongst visitors
Dr. Vermoesen, Mycologist elect to the Belgian Congo,
worked in the Laboratory for over two months at the end
of the year.

3. Aid to Provincial BefartmentS!. — Collections of
named fungi, chiefly parasitic, have been supplied to the
Madras and Mysore mycologists. A considerable number
of specimens have been named for nearly all the provinces,
the largest number being for Bombay and Eastern Bengal
and Assam. Advice regarding the work of Provincial
assistants has been given on several occasions.

4. Plant disease investigations, (a) Palm diseases. — A
memoir giving a full account of the bud-rot of palmyra,
coco and areca palms in Madras was published in Septem-
ber. An organised campaign, having as its object to pre-
vent the spread of the disease and to stamp it out within
the affected area in Godavari and Kistna Districts, has
been in progress since 1907. The parasite (PythHum palmi-
vorum) attacks the crown of the palm only, killing the tree
by destroying the growing point. Spores capable of

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1910-11. 51

spreading infection from tree to tree are liberated at an
advanced stage of the disease. No other method of check-
ing this infection was found practicable than burning the
diseased tops before spores had time to form. This was
carried out by gangs of toddy drawers recruited by a staff
of subordinate officers of the Revenue Department under
the control of a special Deputy Collector. Up to the end of
the financial year 1910 about half a million palms had been
cut out in Godavari at a cost of some Rs. 50,000. The
operations were extended to Kistna in January, 1910. The
conclusions o-iven in tlie memoir are as follows : — " The
operations have been entirely successful in limiting the dis-
ease in Godavari District to the area previously infected.
Now that they have been extended into Kistna, it is fully
trusted that they will be equally successful in checking the
alarming spread to the south which has been going on for
some time in that direction. This alone should fuHv
justify the cost of the operations and their continuation.
It is unfortunately impossible to estimate the number of
trees saved from attack within the infected area. Still the
number of trees saved in those parts where the work has
been longest in progress must be many thousands, and apart
from preventing any extension in the Godavari District, it
is not unlikely that the value of the palms actually saved
within the district already exceeds the cost of the oper-
ations." Since 1910 the control of the work has passed
into the hands of the recently appointed Madras Mycolo-
gist, Mr. W. McRae.

(b) Tea diseases. — A bulletin by Mr. W. McRae, on the
outbreak of blister blight of tea in Darjeeling District, was
published in July. This contained a more complete ac-
count of the disease than the publications on the same sub-
ject mentioned in last year's report. It is unfortunately
probable that the blight has come to stay in Darjeeling as
it does not seem to have appreciably diminished since its
first appearance. Many planters are experimenting on the
lines suggested by Mr. McRae for its control, but it is evi-
dent that effective measures will be most difficult to carry

E 2

52 REPORT OF THE AGRTCULTIJRAL RESEARCH

out. A tea parasite, Laestadia Iheae, found in- Java some
12 years ago but not previously recorded in India, was re-
ported from the Dooars in July. It causes a leaf disease,
known as copper-blight, which spreads with great rapidity,
but appears to be closely dependent on weather conditions.
A note describing its characters was written by Mr. F. J. F.
Shaw for the January number of the Agricultural Journal
of India. A disease of tea seed known for many years in
Assam was investigated by the Imperial Mycologist in col-
laboration with the officers of the Scientific Department of
the Indian Tea Association. It lias been shown to be pro-
bably associated with the tea seed bug, PoecUocoris latus,
which punctures the seed and sucks the juice. Through
the opening thus made fungi are able to enter, and the sub-
sequent injury to the seed is due to the growth of one or
other of several species of rot-producing fungi at the ex-
pense of the seed tissues. The Tea Association is issuing
a pamphlet pointing out that this insect is probably much
more injurious in seed gardens than was previously sus-
pected and recommending measures for its destruction.
Several other tea diseases were investigated during the
3^ear, in particular the stem canker, the cause of which is
still obscure.

(c) Soft rot of ginger. — Mr. W. McRae published an
account of this disease in the Agricultural Journal of In-
dia, April, 1911. It is prevalent in Eastern Bengal, Guja-
rat, and probably elsewhere. In Rangpur the loss in
damp soils is 10 to 15 per cent, of the crop; in bad years
almost the whole may be lost. The cause appears to be the
attack of a fungus (Pythium gracile) on the rhizomes and
base of the plant. As a result of experiments carried out
at Rangpur in 1908-09, Mr. McRae was in a position to re-
commend effective measures for checking the disease.

(d) Turmeric leaf-spot. — This is a disease found all
over Northern India, but not usually very destructive. It
was found by the Imperial Mycologist to be caused by an
undescribed species of Taphrina, and an account of it was
published in the Annales Mycologici in February, 1911.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1910-11. 53

It is probably responsible for a reduction of the yield
which may be much greater than the cultivators themselves
suspect, but no treatment can be recommended as yet.

(e) Wilt diseases. — Experiments carried out at Pusa
and independently by the Mycological Assistant of the
Bombay Department at Poona, have demonstrated that the
fungus which causes rahar (pigeon pea) wilt produces viru-
lent spores on the stem of diseased plants. Hence it is ad-
visable to pull out attacked plants early. Mr. Shaw has
found that the cause of the death of cotton seedlings at
Cawnpore is Rhizoctonia and not a Fusarium wilt. It is
probable, however, that the cotton disease in the Central
Provinces, Berars and other parts of India is a true wilt,
and it is hoped to investigate this shortly. A gram dis-
ease resembling wilt, sent from the neighbourhood of
Peshawar, was found to be caused by Ascochyta Pisi and
not Fusarium. A supposed outbreak of indigo wilt which
caused a good deal of alarm in September, was shown to
be due to leaf-sucking insects.

(/) Sugarcane diseases. — The field experiments with
red rot and Cephalosporiu7n disease were abandoned as
the plots became infected throughout, and were also at-
tacked by white-ants. Successful inoculations were ob-
tained with a fungus which causes a root disease in Madras
and has not previously been described. The Bombay De-
partment is following the recommendations of this section
in introducing healthy sets into some districts where red-
rot is severe.

{g) Forest tree diseases. — These continue to occupy a
certain amount of time as there is no Mycologist attached
to the Forest Department. The chief work of the year
was the study by A. Hafiz Khan of the passage from root
to root below ground of Trametes Pini, the fungus which
causes heart rot of the blue pine. He published an account
of his investigation in the Indian Forester, October, 1910.
A serious disease of the Nahor [Mesua ferrea) has appear-
ed in Sibsagar and Tista Divisions. It is undoubtedly
caused by a fungus at the base of the tree, but we have

01 HEi^OET OF THE AGRlCULTUlUL llESEAUCH

failed to isolate the species. A leaf disease of Piaiihyen-
sis rubber reported from Assam was identified as Cercos-
2^0Tu Cearae, which has not previously been recorded on
this tree. Diseases of sal, Casuarina, babul pods and deo-
dar were also examined for the Forest Department.

(A) Root-rot caused bi/ Rhizoctonia. — In September of
last year a number of crops on the Farm were attacked by
a species of Rhizoctonia. The crops damaged were prin-
cipally groundnut, cowpea and jute, at the same time speci-
mens of cotton seedlings from Cawnpore showed similar
symptoms of disease. The fungus was isolated from each
host and cross inoculations performed with a view to ascer-
taining whether special races of the fungus are restricted
to particular hosts and the extent to which crops are liable
to infection in the field. Owing to the subsequent dis-
covery of Rhizoctonia on the mulberry and papaw, the
scope of the work has since become extended; at present,
except in the case of the Rhizoctonia on jute, the evidence
is against the existence of special physiological races on
particular hosts. A fruiting stage of the fungus was dis-
covered on the groundnut and coincides with one which has
been previously described as occurring on potatoes in
America.

(i) Other flant diseases.— A disease of wheat which
does not appear to resemble any hitherto described, was
reported from Dharwar and Hoshangabad. It is hoped to
investigate it more fully next season. The anthracnose
of chillies caused by C oUetotridiun nigruw was widespread
last year, and we had several enquiries about it. Other
anthracnoses examined were those of beans, sida, mango
and plantain. An attack of a species of Phytophthora on
rhea was reported from Dacca. The study of the Fhyfoph-
thora on castor was continued. The downy mildew of
Cucurbitaceae, Plasmofara cubensis, was found at IHisa
during the year. This disease, which lias been spreading
gradually throughout the temperate portions of the world
during the past fifteen years from centres in the United
States and Japan, was not previously known in India.

INSTITUTE AXD COLLEGE, i'LSA, EUR lUlU-ll. o5

The conidial stage of the Sclerospora on jowar was found
in Bombay and supports the conclusion previously arrived
at that the disease is identical with that of bajra due to
SclerosjJora graminicola. The number of parcels of speci-
mens sent in for examination was 97, and, as usual, a large
part of the routine work of the section was the identifica-
tion of these; recommendations for the check of diseases
caused by them were given when possible.

5. Systematic work. — Much time was given to this
branch of the work during the year. It has been pointed
out in previous reports that the accumulation of a good
classified collection of Indian fungi is as necessary a part
of the equipment of the section as the microscopes or other
tools of the laboratory. In India, unlike more advanced
countries, we have nowhere to turn to to get this work done
for us. It is true that we have received generous help
from specialists in other countries, but to secure this we
have to undertake our share of the work. Within the past
few years a large body of the PJtijcuinycetes, rusts and
smuts of India have been determined. The Aacomycetes
were taken up last year, and some hundreds of specimens
worked through and sent to Berlin, where the determin-
ations will be published in collaboration with Messrs. H.
and P. Sydow. Two large groups, the Basidiomycetes and
Deuteroniycetes, remain to be worked out, but it will not be
possible to undertake their study for some years. Con-
siderable additions to our knowledge of Indian Phycouiy-
cetes and rusts were also made during the year. Over GOO
sheets were added to the herbarium.

6. Miscellaneous. — Mr. Shaw^ assisted the Imperial
Bacteriologist in investigations of cri silkworm diseases
and tobacco wilt. Eight show-cases of typical fungus dis-
eases of plants were exhibited at the Allahabad Exhibition.
A teaching collection of fungi with notes was prepared
for the Elphinstone College, Bombay. A report was writ-
ten on the invasion of lantana, a noxious w^eed of Mysore
and Coorg, and measures for its check recommended. The

^ RUPORT OF THE AGRlCrLTURAL RESEARCH

proposals made in collaboriition with the Imperial Entomo-
logist, for the legislative control of plant imports likely to
introduce injurious insects and fungi into India, were
printed and circulated for the consideration of Local Gov-
erimients and public bodies interested, and have met with,
on the whole, a favotirable reception. To carrr these pro-
posals into effect will be one of the most important duties
of the section in the near future. A note on the organ is<i-
tion of the service for the control of insect pests and fungus
diseases was drawn up. also in collaboration with the Im-
perial Entomologist, for the International Institute if
Agriculture. Rome. An outbreak of flax dodder at Pusa
was dealt with, the crop being burnt. Recommendations
were made to the Scientific Department of the Indian Tea
Association of the best means to adopt for disinfecting tea
seed intended for export, as this was insisted on in the
coimtrv for which the seed was intended.

7. Programme of work for 1911-1£. — {!) Research and
Experimental irork. — The work on the wilt diseases of
crops will be continued on the lines indicated in the memoir
on Pigeon-pea wilt published last year.

The investigation of the funsrus diseases of susrarcane
will be continued. The chief points of the present enquiry
are the spread of red-rot through the soil, the relative im-
mimitv of thin canes to this disease, and the stiidv of two
tmdescribed cane diseases.

The studv of some irtiit diseases commenced last vear
wiU be continued, particularly with reference to their con-
trol by spraying.

The Supernumerary Mycologist is engaged on an in-
vestigation of the root-rot of a number of crops caused by
the funijus RhUoctonia solnri. This will be continued.

[2) Training. — This will be continued on the lines indi-
cated in the prospectus. Short cotirses will also be given
to students taking the fruit ^rowin^ and treneral a>urses
and to private students, as during the past year.

f3) Advice regarding the fungtis diseases of plants will
continue to be given to other departments, particularly the

INSTITI'TE AND COLLEGE, PUBA, tOH J!JJ0-1J. 'j7

Pi'uviiiciai Uepariiiieiits of Agriculture and the F(jre.-5t iJe-
partijjeiit, and to the general public. The distribution ol
nanic^ spcM;imens and other material Uj provincial colleges
and other institutions will also F>e wjntinued.

(4) The collection and identification oi Indian parasi-
tic fungi will be continued.

■

The liud-rol of ralius in India. E. J. Butler. MenioiiK of

the Department of Agriculture in India, Botanical Series,

Vol. Ill, Xo. 5, September, 1910.
A new genus of the Uredinaceae. E. J. Butler. Annales

Mycologici, Vol. VIII, So. 4, 1910.
The Leaf Spot of Turmeric (TapLrina maculans n. sp,).

E. I. But]<j. Annales Mycologici, Vol. IX, No. 1,

1911.
Keporl on the Outbreak ol Biieter Biight on lea in the Uar-

jeeling District in 1908-09. W. McRae. Btilletin Xo. 18,

Agricultural Kesearch Institute, Pusa, July, 1910.
Soft-rot of Ginger in the Kangpur District, Eastern Bengal.

W. McKae. Agricultural Journal of India, \'ol. \T,

No. 2, April, 1911.
Coppej Blijirht of Tea. F. J. F. Shaw. Atri icuJt iir;i1 loimial

of India, Vol. VI, No. 1, January, 1911.
lioot Infection of Trametes Pini. A. Hahz Khan. Indian

Forester, Oct<jber, 1910.

58 llErUKI {)h THfc: AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

REPORT OF THE IMPERIAL ENTOMOLOGIST
FOR THE YEAR 1910-11.

(T. Bainbrigge Fletcher, R.N., F.E.S., F.Z.S.)

Charge and Establishment. — Mr. Maxwell Lefroy, tbe
Imperial Entomologist, held charge of the section until
30th January, when he proceeded on privilege leave and
furlough out of India, the work of the section being then
continued by me until the close of the period under review.
There have been no changes in the permanent establishment
during the year. Mr. C. S. Misra, the First Assistant, who
was on privilege leave from the commencement of the year
to 9th July 1910, had charge of the field-work on the Pusa
Farm and Botanical Area and of the lac work, and has
given two courses of instruction to students who attended
for the short course in lac culture. Besides this, and apart
from the personal instruction given By the Imperial Ento-
mologist, Mr. Misra has had charge of the Laboratory and
field training of the students in General Entomology; in
this, as in his other work, he has done admirably. Mr.
C. C. Ghosh, the Second Assistant, has been in charge of
the insectary and has carried out extremely useful work
in rearing and observation of insect pests. The Third
Assistant, Mr. G. R. Dutt, has been in charge of the econo-
mic collections and records and has carried out the issue
of coloured plates and lantern slides; in addition to his
own heavy routine work, he has found time to study the
Aculeate Ilymenoptera and has prepared a Memoir on the
life-history and habits of some of these insects. Mr. D.
Nowrojee has been in charge of the general collections of
insects and has done very good work in their upkeep and
arrangement; this is work which naturally expands auto-
matically every year, but Mr. Nowrojee has been able to do
original work as well, and has written a Memoir on aqua-
tic insects which is in the press at the date of this report.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, FlSA, KOU 1910-1 1. 59

He was away on privilege leave from lOtli December 1910
to 0th January 1911. Mr. R. R. Ghose, who held the post
of Sericulture Assistant, resigned on 25th October 1910,
since when the position has been filled by Mr. M. N. De,
who has worked hard and satisfactorily.

Visitors. — The Assistant Professor of Biology in the
Punjab Government College, Lahore, and the Lecturer in
Entomology at the Cawnpore Agricultural College, both
worked in the Laboratory during their vacation periods,
the former from December to January and the latter from
March to June. The Entomological Assistant to the
Baroda State spent a fortnight in Pusa discussing his work
and his programme for the ensuing year and in collecting
information likely to be of use. The Entomological Assis-
tant, Burma, also spent about three months at Pusa, learn-
ing the practical side of Sericulture and obtaining inform-
ation about crop-pests.

Training. — One student from the United Provinces re-
mained from last year and continued his course in General
Entomology until October. During the year, the newly-
appointed Lecturer in Entomology at the Lyallpur Agri-
cultural College and the Entomological Assistant in the
North- West Frontier Province were received for the full
course of training in Advanced Entomology, and will com-
plete their course in December next. It is to be regretted
that no students have been sent for the course commencing
on 1st June 1911. The short courses in Sericulture were
attended by many applicants from all parts of India, and
of these thirteen have completed their course during th(^
year; seven other students were received in June 1911, ol"
whom six remain under instruction. The semi-annual
short courses in Lac-culture have been taken up by fifteen
students, of whom six were Forest Rangers specially de-
puted for this purpose. A certain amount of instruction
in Bee-keeping has also been given to interested applicants,
but as Apiculture in the Plains of India is still in an ex-
perimental stage, no regular course of instruction can be
given before its success is assured.

60 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Provincial Work. — The number of assistants employed
in Entomological work in the Provincial Agricultural De-
partments is now seventeen, of whom six are engaged in
teaching in the Agricultural Colleges and eleven in field-
work, and of the above numbers two (one in each class) are
still under training at Pusa. In view of the enormous
areas to be dealt with and the general ignorance of the
cultivating classes regarding insect pests and their control,
this number appears very inadequate to place the practical
side of Economic Entomology in its proper position as a
normal part of agricultural practice, but the number of
assistants is not being increased in the absence of Provin-
cial Entomologists to direct their work. The fact that
Economic Entomology forms part of the regular course in
Agriculture at six of the Provincial Colleges must count
for something in the spread of a knowledge of crop-pests
amongst the agricultural classes. As in previous years, the
assistance offered from Pusa in co-ordinating and checking
the work of these assistants has been utilised by some pro-
vinces, who have referred the more technical work to Pusa,
leaving the field-assistants free to undertake practical work
and demonstrations.

In Madras, steady progress has been made in investigat-
ing the insect-pests of crops and in devising and demon-
strating means of control applicable against each, and very
good work has been done; this is the more important be-
cause the insect-pests of Madras are to a large extent differ-
ent from those which occur in the plains of Northern India.
In the Central Provinces, the experiments against Termites
(white-ants) have been continued at Hoshangabad in col-
laboration with the Deputy Director of Agriculture, North-
ern Circle, and work against Potato Moth has also been
continued. In the United Provinces, good work has been
done in demonstration of methods against Cane Grass-
hopper and Potato Moth. In Bengal, very good work lias
been done in experiments and deuionstration of methods of
storing potatoes to keep them from Potato Moth, which is
steadily spreading throughout the province. In Eastern

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PFSA, FOR 1910-11. 61

Bengal and Assam, the principal pests dealt with have
been the Rice Grasshopper, Semiaqnatic Rice Caterpillar
and the Behar Hairy Caterpillar. In Baroda State, the
Entomological Assistant has done good work in promoting
an interest amongst cultivators in such pests as the Hairy
Caterpillar, the BoUworm and the Til stem-borer and in in-
ducing the adoption of measures against these and other
pests.

Generally speaking, the Entomological work in the Pro-
vinces is at present preliminary and is necessarily confined
to little more than inspection of the experimental farms,
noting the local pests and the destruction caused by them
and demonstrating methods to cultivators in the event of
any special outbreak. Much more than this cannot be done
whilst the Provincial Entomological staff is so limited.

Correspondence. — This is a subject which increases
automatically every year as the work of this Department
becomes more widely known. In addition to local in-
quiries as to insects attacking crops received and answered
by the Provincial Agricultural Departments, a very large
volume of correspondence is received and dealt with at
Pusa; this includes a large amount of correspondence re-
ceived from official sources, but a very large proportion is
in reply to questions and requests for information and ad-
vice by the general public, and these include queries on al-
most every conceivable phase of Entomological work — in-
sects damaging crops, gardens, orchards, timber, ornamental
trees and shrubs, books and papers, stored cereals and
produce of all kinds, insects on domestic animals, silk, lac,
bee-keeping, insecticides and sprayers, and the identifica-
tion of insects — and even on subjects not strictly concerned
with insects, such as the destruction of rats. The parcels
of injurious insects sent in numbered 166. A total of
2,384 inquiries came in from official and public sources, and
the whole of these were dealt with as fully as possible.
This is work which occupies a very large and constantly in-
creasing proportion of time, but we consider that this work
has a very direct value and that it is our duty to satisfy

e2 REI'ORT OF THE AGRICFLTURAL RESEARCH

every inquirer to the best of our ability. The large in-
crease of clerical work during the year has thrown a great
deal of additional work on the Clerk (S. C. Mukerji) and
Typist (T. V. V. Subramani), both of whom have worked
very satisfactorily and their work deserves special mention.

R('search. — Progress has been made with inquiry into
the life-histories and habits of injurious insects. Amongst
the more important of these have been the Rhinoceros
Beetle, the Surface and Painted Grasshoppers, Potato Bug,
Lucerne Hypera, Small Cabbage Caterpillar, Termites,
Rice Weevil, Green Bug, Potato Mealy Bug, Fish Insect
and Ped Pumpkin Beetle. Experiments have been made
on the preservation of wood from attack by Termites
(white-ants). Assistance has been afforded to the Im-
perial Agricultural Bacteriologist in furtherance of his
work on the diseases of Eri Silkworms.

Insecticides and Sprayers. — A number of patent insecti-
cides received for trial have been tested and reported on as
to their suitability for Indian conditions; as a rule, they
are not superior in efficacy to simple mixtures procurable
locally, whilst their prices are prohibitive. Information
on insecticides for Indian use has been collected in Bulletin
No. 23. An increasing number of spraying machines is
sold in India every year, and this Department keeps a re-
gister of the places where insecticides and spraying
machines are obtainable, so that inciuirers can be at once
referred to the vendor supplying the kind suited to their
needs.

Sericidture. — Experiments have been made on the cross-
ing of Italian and French Univoltine Mulberry Silkworms
with all the available indigenous multivoltine races, the
object being to secure a robust and vigorous multivoltine
race yielding a better silk than is produced by the
native forms at present cultivated. Up to the pre-
sent the mongrel races produced by crossing the European
univoltine with Nistari and Burmese stock give the best
promise as regards yield and quality of silk. Some of the

IXSTITI'Tl-: AND COLLEGE, PFSA, FOR U)l(l-ll. r.:l

crosses between iniiltivoltine indigenous races have also
produced individuals more vigorous, more productive and
less liable to disease than either parent stock. It will,
however, require some time to establish a race which can
be recommended.

Mulberry Silkworms from European seed were success-
fully reared at Pusa on bush mulberry in November 1910
and March 1911, the resulting thread having been valued
by the trade in Calcutta at prices which compare extremely
favouralily with that obtainable from any multivoltine race.
If it is possible to rear one (or, in many localities, two)
broods of European worms on bush mulberr)- in Bengal and
Eastern Bengal — and the Pusa experiments indicate no
reason why this should not be done — the fact may have an
important bearing on the silk trade.

The cultivation of Eri Silkworms has been continued at
Pusa and is at present carried on in almost every district
in India. The interest displayed in the cultivation of the
Eri worm received a great stimulus through the display
of Eri products at the Allahabad Exhibition, where a large
building was entirely devoted to sericultural methods
and manufactures collected and exhibited by this section.
Here every process, from the egg to the finished cloth, was
shown actually at work under practical conditions, and all
kinds of silk cocoons, threads, cloths, etc., were also ex-
hibited, a gold medal being awarded for these exhibits at
the close of the Exhibition. An assistant from Pusa was
in charge of the exhibits, and his time was fully occupied
in explaining the processes and attending to innumerable
inquiries from interested visitors, and particularly in
bringing to their notice the advantages of Eri Silk and its
cultivation in the provinces in localities where the climatic
conditions and other factors are favourable to the adoption
and extension of the industry. Batches of visitors — espe-
cially of the cultivating classes — were taken round and
carefully shown the details of the work. A discussion was
also held at the Agricultural Conference nt Allahabad re-
garding the steps to be taken to extend the industry in the

(;4, RF.POR'I' OF THE AGRICULTTTRAL RESEARCH

United Provinces. Illustrated pamphlets, in English,
Urdu and Hindi, describing the methods of rearing Eri
and Mulberry worms, had been prepared at Pusa before-
hand, and the real interest evoked by the exhibits could be
gauged fairly accurately by the demand for these pamph-
lets and the large volume of further inquiries which has
since come in to Pusa. Besides Allahabad, Mulberry and
Eri worms, cocoons, thread, cloth, etc., and spinning and
twisting machines in working order were shown at the local
x\gricultural Exhibitions at Muzafferpur, Bankipur,
Malda, Banjetia, Singeswar and Calcutta.

Disease-free Eri and Mulberry silkworms' eggs, cocoons,
thread, samples of Eri cloth, castor seed, mulberry cuttings
and seed have been distributed to inquirers in all parts of
India as far as possible. Trained rearers have also been
sent to many places to teach Eri-culture to cultivators and
others desirous of trying this product. Arrangements for
sale of spinning machines have been continued, and at the
request of the Imperial Entomologist, who pointed out
what was required, a combined doubling and twisting
machine, for doubling and twisting mulberry silk in one
operation, was designed and produced by Mr. E. F. Watson
and is now on sale. In extension of the work done here
Eri silk-work was taken up by the Bengal Agricultural
Department at Sabour from 1st April 1911, and it is hoped
that the exhibition of this industry, within reach of the
silk trade at Bhagalpur, will lead to the extension of the
popularity and production of Eri Silk. Eri Silk has also
been taken up by the Agricultural Department in the
United Provinces, where Mr. Akhtar Mohammad Khan,
Deputy Collector, has been deputed to conduct experiments
at Shahjahanpur, and at Coimbatore by the Madras Agri-
cultural Department. Successful attempts have been made
to twist and dye Tussar Silk, but rearing of this has not
been done at Pusa. In March 1911, at the request of the
Director of Agriculture, I made a short tour in Eastern
Bengal to investigate into the decline of the Mulberry silk
trade nnd advise remedial measures; the result, whicli has

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1910-11. 65

been reported already, cannot be summarized here. Eri
thread of fine count has been produced on a commercial
scale by the Chhoi Silk Mill Co. at Bombay, and the use of
this fine thread should have an important influence on the
development of the industry. There is still some difficulty
in the disposal of small parcels of cocoons and thread by
rearers on a small scale, the mills being unv^illing to buy
except in large quantities ; a good deal of help in this direc-
tion has, however, been afforded by Calcutta firms who have
been taking small parcels for shipment of the silk to Europe
for experimental purposes.

Lac-culture. — Experimental work in lac-culture was
continued, and brood-lac was supplied to applicants in
Bengal, Central India, Madras and Bombay. Fifteen
students were given a thorough practical training in lac-
culture and numerous inquiries on this subject were also
dealt with by correspondence. A continuation was made
of the collection of material in collaboration with the For-
est Department, with a view to the working out of the races
of Lac Insects by Mr. E. Ernest Green, Ceylon Govern-
ment Entomologist, 67 parcels containing 325 lots of speci-
mens from a large number of food-plants having been re-
ceived during the year. The material, as it accumulates,
is sorted out with a view to facilitate the working out of
the various races when the collection is completed.

Apiculture. — Two strains of specially selected Italian
honey-bees were imported from England in November 1910,
with a view to ascertaining their suitability to the condi-
tions prevalent in the plains of India. The experiment
has so far proved a success, but it is too early as yet to pro-
nounce definitely on this.

Demonstration,. — The most important item under this
heading^ is probably the Allahabad Exhibition. Apart
from the exhibits in the Silk House, 15 show-cases of in-
sects injurious to crops and 24 cases showing the food of as
many common Indian birds were prepared and exhibited
in the Agricultural Court, 19 show-cases of Indian insects

Ofi REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

were prepared for the Forestry Court, where this exhibit
was awarded a gold medal, and, in the absence of the Se-
cond Imperial Entomologist, an exhibit of four show-cases
was prepared for the Medical Court by the Supernumerary
Entomologist to show the relations between insects and such
diseases as Malaria, Enteric Fever, Plague, Myiasis,
Cholera, Sandfly Fever, Yellow Fever, etc. I attended the
Agricultural Conference held in January at the Allahabad
Exhibition, and read a paper discussing practical remedies
against two of the most destructive insects of the United
Provinces.

Steady progress has been made in the preparation and
issue of coloured plates illustrative of insect-pests of crops,
and these have been distributed to all Provincial Agricul-
tural Departments, to Museums, Agricultural Societies anH
numerous Educational Establishments. These plates are
available for demonstration and for use in illustration of
popular articles in vernacular and other Provincial jour-
nals. Show-cases were prepared and sent to the Dasehra
Exhibition in Mysore. Coloured lantern slides of sub-
iects selected from the coloured plates of crop-pests have
been prepared and a large series of these is now available,
besides series on Silk and Lac.

Insect Survey. — Comparatively very little time has been
devoted to the general collections, but steady progress has
been made, a large number of accessions having been added
and arranged. Considerable additions have been made to
the Students' Working Collections. Collections have been
made up and sent out for identification by specialists and
to authors of volumes in preparation for the Fauna of India
Series: these include Collemholn, OrtlioptJ'ra, Teftinidw,
Termitidm, Neuroptera, Odonnta, Braronidce, and Irhnen-
wonidm IIympnoj)tera Anileata Dunastidm, Pufelido'. and
Cetoniadw, Curculwnida>, Cleridm. Microlepidojkfera,
Thysanoj)tera and Rhynchota. Collections have been
identified for Provincial Assistants, the Indian Museum,
the "Bombav Natural Historv Societv's Museum, the Quetta
Museum and for many private collectors,

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1910-11. 67

Miscellaneous. — Exhibits illustrating the work of the
section were sent to the International Congress of Entomo-
logy held at Brussels in August 1910. Entomological in-
quiries and notes sent in to the Bombay Natural History
Society have been dealt with and the Imperial Entomolo-
gist lectured to the Society on the eve of his departure from
India. Requests from officials and private persons out-
side of India for information, specimens, etc., have been
complied with as far as possible. Live Eri cocoons have
been sent to England, France and Morocco.

Proqramme of work for 1911-12. — The work of the past
in advising: on insects will be continued, and concurrently
the study of the insect-pests of crops will be carried out in
the Insectary at Pusa and by the Provincial Assistants.
Assistance will be given, when desired, in co-ordinating
and directing the Entomological work in the Provinces,
and special help will be given in the event of any serious
outbreak. The issue of coloured plates and lantern slides
will be continued. The experimental work with bees will
be continued and extended if possible. Instruction in Eri
and Mulberry silk-culture and in the cultivation of Lac
will be given to students attending short courses in these
subjects. Eurther collections will be made of lac insects
in all stasres for the purpose of ascertaining the relation-
ships of the various races. New insecticides and appara-
tus submitted for trial will be tested with a view to their
utility under Indian conditions. Rearing of Eri Silk-
worms will be continued and all possible help given to
those commencing this industry. Further experimental
work will be done on the mongrel i sat ion of the races of the
Mulberry Silk-worm, and it is anticipated that tlie provi-
sion of cold-storage at Pnsa will much facilitate this.
Special attention will be devoted to acquiring a knowledge
of Indian Termites (wliite-ants), the damage they do, and
the best methods of preserving crops and constructional
material from their ravages.

Puhlications. — A list of the more important of these is

attached, but less and less time is available for work of this

J.' 2

68 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

nature as the energies of the staff become more fully occu-
pied in other directions; and this is the more regrettable
because a large amount of information relative to the life-
histories of many economically important insects has been
gathered during the last few years. Amongst the publica-
tions now in hand or proposed to be written, and for which
a large amount of material is now ready, are practical
manuals on lac culture and bee-keepinsf, Memoirs on life
histories of Ortliopiera. Hymeno'ptera, Coleoptera, Lepi-
doftera and Rhynchota, a Memoir on Termites, a revision
of Indian Insect Pests, a revision of Insects injurious to
Indian Agriculture, and separate manuals on insects in-
jurious to Fruit-trees, Garden-crops and Grains, etc.

Eri Silk as a Cottage Industry. (Pamplilet in Eng-lish, Urdu

and Hindi.) December, 1910.
Mulberry Silk in the United Provinces. (Pamphlet in

English, Urdu and Hindi.) December, 1910.
Commercial Possibilities of Eri Silk. C. C. Ghosh (Indian

Industrial Conference). December, 1910.
List of Injurious Indian Insects. April, 1911.
List of Insects in Pusa Collection. December, 1910.
Life-histories of Aquatic Insects. D. Nowrojee. (Memoir in

the press.)
Eood of Birds in India. C. W. Mason. (Memoir In the press.)
Palm Beetles. C. C. Ghosh. (Memoir in the press.)
Life-history of Croce filipennis. C. C. Ghosh. (Bombay Jour-
nal.) October, 1910.
Hairy Caterpillars in South Arcot. Y. Ramachandra Rao.

(Agri. Journal, July, 1910.)
Entomological Demonstration in Baroda. C. U. Patel. (Agri.

Journal, October, 1910.)
Two Insect Pests of United Provinces. T. Bainbrigge Fletcher,

(Agri. Journal, April, 1911.)
Four Reviews in Agricultural Journal and one in Bombay

Natural History Society's Journal.
Insecticides. H. Maxwell-Lefroy. (Bulletin No. 23.) August,

1911.

Eri Silk. H. Maxwell-Lefroy and C. C. Ghosh. (Memoir in

the press.)
The Moth-Borer (Chilo simpU.v) by T. Bainbrigge Fletcher,

(Pamphlet in English.)

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1910-11. 69

REPORT OF THE SECOND IMPERIAL ENTOMOLO-
GIST FOR THE YEAR 1910-lL

(F. M. HOWLETT, B.A.)

In 1909, after a year and nine months' service, I was ab-
sent on sick leave for a year and five months, returning to
Pusa on March 22nd last. I have, therefore, nov^ just com-
pleted two years of active service, and the present is a con-
venient opportunity for putting forward one or two con-
clusions regarding the work of my section.

I was appointed to study Diptera, and in particular
those insects which suck blood and which may transmit dis-
ease.

Roughly speaking the study of any group of insects
usually takes one or two distinct but complementary
lines : —

(1) Taxonomies. — The study of the structure of dead
specimens as a means of obtaining an accurate nomencla-
ture and scheme of classification, thereby facilitating the
correlation of results obtained by work in other branches.

(2) Bionomics. — The study of the life-history, from egg
to adult, and the liabits of living insects, their relations
with other organisms and the factors which determine
their various activities as a means of obtaining knowledge
which will enable us to control these activities.

Of these, (1) can be undertaken in any country to which
specimens can be sent, and at any place affording sufficient
facilities in the way of necessary literature. In this coun-
try the Indian Museum is the only institution at present
possessing a library with any pretensions to adequacy in
respect of Dipterous taxonomies; (2) can be undertaken
only on the spot. The elucidation of the life-history and
reactions of insects is the only way whereby we can attain
to more than an empirical knowledge of how to control them.
To follow this line in the case of a group such as Diptera,
about which so little is yet known, demands moreover a

70 REPOm OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

somewhat broader scientific outlook than is necessary to the
pure systematist.

It would of course be possible to pursue taxonomic
studies and occupy ourselves with the description and
naming of new species of Diptera, useful work which might
well be extended over several years, but this would, in my
view, constitute under the circumstances a misdirection of
energy, since such work can be better and more easily done
elsewhere.

On these and other grounds I have regarded (2) as the
direction in which our work should proceed, and I have
now a foundation in a knowledge of the main features in
the life-history and habits of all groups of blood-sucking
insects in India, as also of the few Diptera which are of
any considerable direct agricultural importance. I make
use advisedly of the phrase " main features," since the pre-
sent arrangements regarding laboratory accommodation do
not admit of insects being kept alive except under condi-
tions so unsuitable as often to make it difficult or impos-
sible to obtain reliable results from observation of indivi-
duals in captivity. Our disabilities in this direction are
serious, but I am glad to say that steps are now being taken
towards the provision of more suitable accommodation.

I returned from England in March, arriving at Bombay
on the 10th and at Pusa on the 22nd. No touring has been
undertaken since that date. I found that since my depar-
ture an amount of material has accumulated which has oc-
cupied a good deal of my attention and which will take
time to arrange and work out. A portion of our Nemocera
has been named by Mr. Brunetti at the Indian Museum,
and the identifications of a number of the Tabanidae sent
to the British Museum in 1908 have now been published,
which will facilitate work in this group.

I do not here attempt to submit a detailed report of the
past four months. In addition to work on the collection and
on blood-insects in general, attention has been directed in
particular to (1) parasites of Tabanidse, mainly observations

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1910-11. 71

on an egg-parasite of our common hot weather Tabanus
{T. alhimedius) ; (2) temperature reactions of Mosquitos;
I believe I have found that temperature constitutes at least
one of the main factors controlling mosquito-bite; more ob-
servations are required, and the work is still in progress;
(3) the relative efficiency of " millions " and other enemies
of mosquito-larvae, in progress ; (4) Peach-flies ; with regard
to these last it seems improbable that their attacks can be
completely prevented by anything short of netting the trees,
but we have now a cheap and simple method (depending on
the " chemico-sexual " reactions of the male flies) whereby
the damage they do may be very much reduced.

A number of publications are in hand. Four students
have been received, though it was impossible to allot them
any window-space in which to work.

While absent on sick leave, I attended the First Inter-
national Congress of Entomology at Brussels, and though
unable to enjoy the lavish hospitality which was displayed
by the Congress Officials towards all visiting delegates, I
was present at all the meetings and read two papers, by
Mr. Lefroy and myself. These will be published in the
Proceedings of the Congress. From the scientific point of
view, the Congress was most successful, the great majority
of the papers read being of a high standard of excellence,
and I cannot overestimate the value of this opportunity of
getting into touch with recent work, and of meeting and
exchanging views with Entomologists of other countries.

In connection with a plague of house-flies near Norwich
I carried out (in collaboration with Dr. Copeman, F.R.S.,
Medical Inspector to the Local Government Board, and Mr.
Merriman) what I believe to be the first successful series of
experiments on the range and rate of flight of these insects
under natural conditions, a point of considerable import-
ance with regard to disease-transmission. The results are
published in " New Series No. 53 of the Local Government
Board Reports on Public Health and Medical Subjects."

Prior to sailing for India I spent five weeks in Cam-
bridge, working in Professor Nuttall's laboratory on the

72 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

respiratory mechanism of Ticks and the influence of tem-
perature on rat-fleas; I may remark that the temperature
which was fatal to adult fleas was found to be unexpectedly
low. I also prepared several illustrations for Professor
Nuttall, made an experimental study of the effects of vari-
ous degrees of magnification and reduction in reproducing
drawings and wrote two articles [on (1) Mosquitos and
Temperature, (2) Methods of preserving Insects] which
were published in " Parasitology."

Programme of work for 1911-12. — Work on blood-suck-
ing insects, ticks, and other similar parasites directly or
indirectly injurious to man will be continued, and atten-
tion will also be given to Dipterous pests of crops and fruit.
Instruction will be given to agricultural students in these
subjects.

A large amount of time will have to be given to work-
ing through and arranging the material which has accumu-
lated during my absence, sent in by Medical and Veterin-
ary Ofiicers.

Special investigations proposed are : —

(1) Life-history and habits of Simulium (hill cattle-

fly), the dung-infesting Cattle-flies, Sand-flies,
and such house-flies as are likely to be found
acting as carriers of intestinal diseases.

(2) Bionomics of Mosquitos, with special reference to

the influence of temperature.

(3) Influence of external conditions on the life-history

of Fleas.

(4) Eeaction of Diptera to chemical stimuli.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1910-11. 78

REPORT OF THE IMPERIAL BACTERIOLOGIST

FOR THE YEAR 1910-11.

(C. M. Hutchinson, B.A.)

The work of the Bacteriological Section during the past
year, the first during which it has been in operation, has
necessarily been largely confined to trial and selection of
the methods best adapted for dealing with the special condi-
tions of soil and climate obtaining in India. The biologi-
cal analysis of a soil not only involves a determination of
the number and kinds of bacteria contained in it and their
relation to the production of plant food, but must also in-
clude investigations having for their aim the discovery of
how such bacterial functions as make for fertility may be
encouraged and used to the best advantage in the ordinary
operations of agricultural practice. Hence the main lines
of work of this section have been aimed at determining
under what conditions various soils will best serve as cul-
ture media for those bacteria, naturally present in them,
upon which the processes of conversion of the organic nitro-
gen of humus into assimilable nitrates depend.

Much preliminary work has been done in testing methods
already in use, and modifying them in accordance with the
requirements of local conditions.

Special attention has been paid tu methods of plating
soils in such a way as to obtain information as to the num-
ber, kinds, and functions of the bacteria in them; this has
involved a study of media suitable for the purpose, and of
methods of inoculation, and this study is still in progress,
as it appears probable that each soil requires variation in
the composition of the medium in which it is to be plated,
in accordance with its chemical and physical character,
and with special regard to its previous agricultural history.
In soil platos made for the purpose of counting the num-
bers of bacteria present per unit volume or unit weight,

74 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

special attention must be paid to the variations in soil
climate previous to the time of sampling, as otherwise
erroneous conclusions may be drav^n as to the number of
bacteria normally present. For instance, a rainfall of one-
tenth of an inch in December has been found to raise the
number of bacteria to 100 millions per gram in the course of
36 hours, whereas the same soil contained only 5 millions
per gram two weeks later. Similarly the rate of decom-
position and nitrification of organic matter in Indian soils
appears to be very different from that which has been ob-
served in Europe, and is no doubt to be correlated with the
special conditions of soil and climate of this country.
These cases have been referred to as illustrations of the
necessity for proceeding with great caution in working out
special problems by the application of generally accepted
methods.

A complete series of experiments has been carried out
to determine the best means of sterilizing soils, as the
majority of experiments on soil bacteriology depend upon
work with sterile soil as a medium. Great difficulty has
been experienced in obtaining completely sterile soil; inter-
mittent steaming in many cases has failed to ensure steri-
lity, possibly owing to the rapid formation and germin-
ation of spores by some of the numerous spore formers pre-
sent, and the use of the autoclave for pots of soil, of which
only one can be inserted at a time, makes an experiment
involving the use of some 50 pots almost impracticable,
owing to the differences in time involved. A sterilizing
plant for dealing with a large number of pots simultane-
ously is very much needed.

Samples of Pusa soils have been analysed bacteriologi-
caily, pure cultures of the bacteria found have been made,
and their physiological functions examined. Special at-
tention has been paid to their relative ammonifying power,
and the knowledge thus obtained is now being utilized in
dealing with special problems.

A special study has been made of the effect of hot
weather ploughing upon the bacterial content of the soil and

tNStlTUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1910-11. 75

its possible relation to the undoubted increase in fertility
resulting therefrom. It has been found that this operation
increases the rate of ammonification of the soil humus, pro-
bably by the selective action of combined desiccation and
abnormal temperature; similar results can be obtained by
heating the soil to 60° C, the soil plates shewing a survival
of the more active ammonifiers such as B. Mycoides and B.
Subtilis, v^hilst the highly aerated condition of the soil
inhibits the activity of surviving anaerobic spore formers.
The net result is an extremely rapid formation of ammonia,
part of which is retained by the soil and nitrified or taken
up directly by plants, and part is lost by diffusion; in this
way rapid depletion of the soil nitrogen must take place,
and subsequent fertility will depend upon the judicious
use of green manures; the economic value of the method
depends upon the power which it places in the hands of
the agriculturist of rapidly converting green manure or
other organic nitrogen into plant food, although this may
be counterbalanced to some extent by loss of nitrogen as
ammonia.

Study of Pusa soil taken from depths down to nine feet
shows large numbers of bacteria even at this low level;
nitrification has been found actively proceeding in the third
foot from the surface, the greatest amount of this taking
place in the second six inches. Owing to the open texture
of this soil it is improbable that denitrification occurs to any
appreciable extent, but the rapid rate of ammonification
and the vigorous growth of soil bacteria no doubt interfere
with the production of nitrates.

A method of quantitative estimation of the changes in
soil due to bacterial action, by periodical analysis of the
soil gases, has given much information as to the conditions
favourable for nitrification in soils; it is hoped that this
method will be invaluable in the future for dealing with
such problems as arise out of soil irrigation and drainage,
and the use of green manures.

In connection with the experiments upon soil steriliza-
tion as a laboratory method, investigations have been car-

76 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

ried out to determine the effect of various methods of par-
tial or complete sterilization upon fertility; these investi-
gations are still in progress and have yielded some results
of great interest, such as the fact that the addition of
Toluene to a soil already sterilized by heat increases its
suitability as a medium for the growth of ammonifying
bacteria and consequently its fertility; this renders it un-
necessary to assume that such action is due to the suppres-
sion of phagocytes, although there is of course no reason why
such removal should not contribute to the general effect in
soils partially sterilized by addition of Toluene.

So far but little work has been done upon any but local
soils, as these have afforded ample opportunity for research,
but samples of Usar soil have been examined in connection
with the use of gypsum, cattle manure, and straw as
means of modifying their infertile condition. Dr. Leather
kindly supplied samples of these soils, and also some
black cotton, Shillong, Bangalore, and Akola soils, which
have been used for purposes of comparison with Pusa
soils.

A circular letter was addressed to Directors of Agricul-
ture and Principals of Agricultural Colleges in the Pro-
vinces with a view to eliciting their opinions as to the scope
for bacteriological work on soils, and the existence of special
problems of local interest suitable for investigation by this
section. The replies were of great interest as shewing the
very general realization of the value of such work, and
many useful suggestions as to lines of enquiry were re-
ceived. The opinion was expressed in several quarters that
the training of assistants as soil bacteriologists who would
be capable of dealing with local problems in the Provinces,
should be an important item in the work of this section at
■Pusa. This is a point of view with which I am in complete
agreement and I wish to express my opinion that the work
done during the past year has shown the necessity for train-
ing in the use of the special laboratory methods which are
necessary in India, and that such assistants as may be
selected for work on soil bacteriology in the provinces

INSTITUTE AND COI-LEGE, PUSA, FOR 1910-11. 77

should undergo a preliminary training at Pusa. It is im-
portant that these men should have a previous training in
analytical chemistry of a high order, as my experience has
been that it is possible to teach bacteriology to a chemist,
but that the converse alternative is a v^aste of time. This
was my own experience at Pusa with a medically-trained
bacteriologist who acted for a time as my assistant, and
whose qualifications as a biologist did not fit him for work
as a soil bacteriologist, this being due to the very different
nature of the work involved in medical and soil bacterio-
logy. On the other hand my present three assistants who
are all chemists, have shown great aptitude for bacteriolo-
gical work, and their previous training as analysts has been
invaluable in dealing with soil problems, which depend
largely for their solution upon quantitative estimation of
chemical changes in soil constituents.

Certain special problems have been dealt with during
the year; these include investigations of the cause of : —

1. A bacterial disease of Tobacco occurring in Rang-

pur, due to the presence of a strain of Bacillus
Solanacearum, differing from those described in
America and Japan in its pathogenicity both
for Tobacco and other Solanaceous plants, such
as Tomato and Brinjal (Solanum Melongena).

2. A disease of the Eri silkworm associated with the

presence of bacteria in the intestine; Memoirs
on these two subjects are in hand. Invaluable
assistance in the preparation of sections for mi-
croscopic examination in connectios with these
diseases was afforded by Mr. Shaw of the Myco-
logical Section, who was kindly permitted by the
Imperial Mycologist to devote a considerable
amount of time to this work.

3. The efficacy of Ratin and Trope Ratin as rat exter-

minators in India. Experiments were made
with fresh samples received from England, and
a report on the results was furnished to the
Inspector General of Agriculture in India.

78 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Ratin is a bacterial culture prepared in Copen-
hagen, which is intended to produce an infec-
tious disease in rats which have fed on baits
treated with it, and which then spread the con-
tagion amongst others. Although the cultures
when received at Pusa were alive, as was proved
by transfers, no pathogenic effects followed
when given with food to captive rats. In cor-
responding with the Director of the Ratin La-
boratory at Copenhagen I suggested that the
virulence of the cultures might be regained by
cultural methods in India.

Trofe Ratin is not a bacterial cailture but
a vegetable poison, the principal feature of
which is its toxicity for rats and mice and
harmlessness for other animals. Experiments
proved that its efficacy in India depends upon
its use within a limited period of time after its
preparation, as rapid deterioration takes place
with loss of toxicity. Its cost precludes any
possibility of use on a large scale by cultivators,
but might allow of employment in special cases,
such as in granaries or warehouses.

4. A disease of Tnsmr silkworms at Chaibassa was

investigated and a report submitted to the
Director of Agriculture in Bengal. The general
conclusion arrived at was that death was due
to bacterial invasion of the alimentary canal,
but that as the extent to which this developed
was dependent on unsuitable diet consequent
principally on climatic causes, it would be im-
practicable to apply preventive or remedial
measures.

5. A scheme for bacterioloo'ical work in connection

with the proposed dairy at Pusa was elaborat-
ed, including the idea of a course of training
for students in Bacteriology as applied to
dairy work.

INSllTUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1910-11. 79

Program^me of work for 1911-12. — 1. The systematic
investigation of the distribution, physiological character,
and functions of soil bacteria in India will be continued.

2. A special line of enquiry will be taken up as to the
relations existing between the practice of green manuring
in India and the activities of soil bacteria.

3. Special problems, such as plant diseases of bacterial
origin, will be dealt with as occasion may arise and oppor-
tunity permit.

4. The training of the assistants in the section will be
continued.

Pvhlication. — An article on the influence of Bacteria
upon sdil fertility was published in the Agricultural Jour-
nal of India, Vol. VI, Part II, April 1911.

80 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

REPORT OF THE IMPERIAL COTTON SPECIALIST

FOR THE YEAR 1910-11.

(G. A. Gammie, F.L.S.)

I held charge of the appointment from the 1st July to
the 5th August 1910, when I proceeded on privilege leave.
During my absence, Mr. S. V. Shevade, B.Sc, held current
charge of my office. I resumed my duties on my return on
the 6th November and continued in charge until the end of
the year under report.

In July, Londa, Dharwar Experimental Station, Gokak
Experimental Station and Vadgaon (all in the Bombay
Presidency) were visited. In the months of August and
September, Mr. Shevade visited Vadgaon, Dharwar, Gadag,
Kilgiri and Kumbarganvi. After my return from leave,
I visited Vadgaon and made a tour in the Central Pro-
vinces in the company of the respective Deputy Directors.
Khandwa, Raipur, Nagpur and Akola were visited. In
November, I also visited Dhulia and Ahmednagar. In
December, I again went to Vadgaon in connection with a
scheme to introduce cotton into this tract, and in January
I visited Khanapur, Londa, Belgaum and Desur with the
same object. In the same month I saw the cotton-experi-
ments at Sholapur. In February, I completed my observa-
tions on cotton growing in the Deccan, at Takari and Islam-
pur and joined the Deputy Director on tour in Gujarat,
visiting Navsari, Surat and Nadiad. In March', I met the
Deputy Director of Agriculture, Bengal, to advise him re-
garding the prospects of cotton cultivation at Chinsurah.
T again visited the Experimental Stations in the Southern
Mahratta Country. For the remainder of the period I was
engaged in laying down a series of trials in my experi-
mental station at Kirkee.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PT^SA, FOR 1910-11. 81

Central Provinces Cottons.

I visited the Experimental Station at Khandwa, where
I met Mr. Evans, the Deputy Director of the Northern
Division. This station is 13 acres in extent and is divided
into \ acre plots, seven of which are devoted to cotton and
five to Jo war and Bajri varieties. The experiments on
cotton will be continued this year, taking in, however, only
four varieties, rfudvensis, roseum, Saugor Jari, Bhuri and,
perhaps, Cambodia. The following are the notes I drew
out on the ground during my inspection : —

Karkeli. — This being Hinganghat {Bani) is not suited
to this tract, and the fact is sufficiently proved by the ap-
pearance of the plot this season.

Malvensis is strong and vigorous and the outturn pro-
mises to be satisfactory. The staple, almost as harsh as, is
longer than that of roseum. Which of the two will
ultimately prove to be the most profitable is a point only to
be determined by a test of outturn per acre. Local opin-
ion strongly inclines to the belief that roseum is the more
remunerative crop. This year roseum, being on a high-
lying plot with shallow soil, cannot safely be compared for
outturn with malvensis, which is on a lower level with deep-
er and richer soil.

Saugor Jari had borne its ripe bolls intact for about a
month, and the White Flowered Varhadi or roseum. also
retained its ripe cotton uncommonly well. Practically
none had yet fallen to the ground. The retention of the
ripe cotton in the open bolls is a characteristic general to
our indigenous Indian cottons.

Of Bhuri and Cambodia it can be safely said that the
former is almost certain to succeed in the better classes of
soil in this district. The group of cultivators, who accom-
panied us in the fields, concurred in my view after inspect-
ing the crop as it stood on the ground.

Cambodia does not promise so well in the northern as in
the southern cotton districts. However, to make the mat-

82 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTrRAL RESEARCH

ter certain, it would be quite worth while to give it another
year's chance.

Saugor Jari is a dwarf variety, coming so quickly to
maturity that the first picking is ready this year in the
middle of October. The seed was originally brought from
the Rehli Taluka of the Saugor District. It is an ex-
tremely prolific cropper and appears to be suitable more
especially for the poorer classes of soils, which are apt to
lose moisture rapidly when the late monsoon fails as it
often does in this district.

The seed obtained locally in Burhanpur has produced a
crop so mixed (the mixture consisting of Jari with a smaller
proportion of Bani and Upland Georgian) that the fact
strengthens our conviction that, if pure varieties are estab-
lished by the Department, which will then distribute them
for general cultivation, methods must decidedly be devised,
by home or village ginning or otherwise, to ensure that these
varieties are maintained in their purity. As regards
the establishment of this particular Experimental Station I
foresee with satisfaction, that, being by its very nature a
demonstration on an actual cultivator's land with the im-
plements and labour supplied from his stock, the results
will be readily visible to him and his neighbours.

In Berar and the Central Provinces, where cotton is
usually grown associated with Tur {Cajanus indicus) more
attention could be profitably paid to the cleanliness of the
fields, which are infested with coarse grasses, Celosia
arcjentea and other weeds.

I visited the Experimental Stations at Raipur, Nagpur
and Akola in the company of Mr. Clouston, the Deputy
Director, and Mr. Graham, the Economic Botanist.

At Raipur, which is beyond the cotton tracts, two plots
were devoted to Bhuri and Cambodia cottons. The former
gave a good crop last year and promised well for this. The
Rajnandgaon Mill bought the produce at a fair price and
the Manager is anxious to see the increased cultivation of
this variety. It suffers from boll-worm, however, and the

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1910-11. 83

general conditions of the district do not seem to be al-
together favourable.

Cambodia looks unthrifty and chances are decidedly in
its disfavour, but I advised Mr. Clouston to give it another
trial as the rains have been abnormally heavy. Attempts
to introduce the cultivation of Deshi cotton and Jowar have
resulted in failure.

At Rajnandgaon we visited two fields of Bhuri in the
company of Mr. Fredericson, the Manager of the local mill.
These had done very well and the local cultivators were
impressed with the result. Mr. Fredericson, however, says
that Bhuri will not altogether serve as a substitute for
American Upland, which is superior in quality. It will
compete on favourable terms with the longer stapled indi-
genous varieties such as Broach, and this, after all, is a
desideratum in the Central Provinces.

At Nagpur, Mr. Clouston still retains his plots sown
from seeds locally obtained from many parts of the province
and these have enabled him to gauge the nature and extent
of the mixtures as they normally exist in the fields. Vari-
ous high-class Uplands from American seed do not hold
out promise of success. The utility of protecting cotton
fields against insect attacks with girdles of Bhendi still
seems to be a moot point, but, from my own experience, I
cannot help considering that there is much to be said in its
favour. Insects certainly prefer it to cotton, and if care
be exercised in its destruction when its purpose is effected,
much latent and active insect life must be destroyed at the
same time.

The varieties of cotton actually under serious trial con-
sist of Bhuri, malvensis, vera, cutchica and rosea.

In order of their value in length of staple they would
stand thus : — (excluding Bhuri), malvensis, vera, rosea and
cutchica. The last two are white-flowered forms of the
two preceding them. Malvensis and vera (yellow-flowered
forms) are decidedly superior in the matter of staple, but
they are surpassed in percentage and total yield by rosea
and cutchica (white-flowered forms). The valuations given

G %

84 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTFRAL RESEARCH

by the trade are practically equal for all, so, from a culti-
vator's point of view, the two last can safely be taken as the
best to grow. Mr. Clouston estimates that he has gained
from 2 to 3 per cent, in quantity by selection, and I seized
the opportunity to point out to him that this is really a
long step in advance, especially when it becomes establish-
ed over the enormous cotton tracts of the Central Provinces
and Berar.

The popular belief is that, by scientific methods, an in-
crease in length of staple and proportion of cotton to seed
can be easily attained, but the public generally and mem-
bers of the Agricultural Department also should hold
steadily in their view the fact that to evolve an addition of
even one or two per cent, in length of staple and percentage
of cotton to seed in a few years is in itself a notable feat,
and that it is chimerical perhaps to hope to reach anything
better. Anyhow, it would at least serve as an excellent
foundation for a fresh start in advance.

Forms of all varieties with narrow-lobed leaves are
more easily fixed than those with broad lobes. Undue im-
portance should not, however, be attached to the degree of
division in the leaves. At the Telinkheri farm there are
plots of Bhuri, Cambodia and the indigenous varieties.
All have suffered, although slightly so, from water-logging
during the recent heavy rains. Cotton is a crop with a de-
cided predilection for a well-drained soil.

The Department of these provinces is quite alive to the
danger of the possibility of the reputation of their selected
seed being ruined by the addition of local bazar seed by un-
scrupulous dealers for the sake of a temporary profit. It
is difficult to conceive how such a contingency can be met
in the case of indigenous varieties in which the seeds do not
differ materially.

Cambodia, in all cases, seems to be inferior in strensjth
and quality of produce to Hhu?i m the Central Provinces
and Berar, and it is also about three weeks longer in arriv-
ing at maturity, an objection of vital importance in these
short season tracts.

LNSTITUTE and college, PUSA, for 1910-11. 85

At Akola, where a large area of the Experimental Sta-
tion is devoted to the raising of selected seed, the cottons
comprise Bhwi, nialvensis, vera, rosea, cutchica and Bani.
Bam has fallen into disrepute and one seed farm at Risod,
especially devoted to producing its seed, has great diffi-
culty in disposing of it. Bhuri seed is in rapidly increas-
ing demand as are also malvensis and rosea, but the last-
named, from its productiveness and hardiness, appeals
most strongly to the cultivator. The manurial experiments
appear so far to prove that farmyard manure has a dis-
tinct effect, but, that on account of their cost and trifling
action there is little or practically no advantage gained
from the use of artificial fertilizers. Farmyard manure
and urine earth mixed give a better result than either ap-
plied alone.

All the varieties of cotton are pure now, and the chief
difficulty ahead lies in the maintenance of this purity in
the cultivator's fields. An accidental admixture of varie-
ties on this station arose from the fact that whole seed
was fed to the cattle and this often germinated in the
manure when spread on the fields. Crushing the seed, of
course, has removed this defect.

Experiments with English and indigenous ploughs and
with the Bhakar go to prove that ploughing tends to assist
water-logging in a wet season when the Bhakar is most
effectual, but the latter method fails in a season of drought.
As the cultivator can only guess what the season is going
to be this conclusion is not obviously helpful. It appears
to be advantageous to follow the local practice of sowing
cotton in anticipation of the setting-in of the rains, and
the converse applies to Jowar, which suffers badly if dry
weather supervenes after germination.

In 1910, there were 3,000 acres of Bhuri under cultiva-
tion in Berar. Unfortunately the epidemic of plague
greatly retarded its preparation for the market. The area
actually under seed farm of all varieties is 600 acres.
Three varieties of seed are supplied on purchase from this
farm, namely, malvensis, rosea and Bhuri- At Risod in the

m REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Hinganghat tract Bani is grown for distribution, but there
is no call for the seed as the people are introducing the
coarser, hardier and more productive Jari (vera) and Var-
hadi (rosea). An efficient hand gin of moderate cost and
simple construction which would clean an appreciable
amount of cotton per working day is an urgent necessity in
the cotton tracts.

I wish here to emphasize my opinion that a real advance
in the improvement of some of the staple cottons of the
Central Provinces and Berar has already been effected.
The cultivators show a practical appreciation of the fact
by cheerfully paying enhanced rates for the selected seed
supplied by the experimental stations. The chief diffi-
culty in the future will be to maintain the varieties suffi-
ciently pure. For some years to come the difficulty must
either be met by large extensions of seed farms or by spe-
cial arrangements with reliable cultivators either of vil-
lages collectively or as individual persons. At the same
time steps should be taken to ensure that the cultivators
receive fair rates for their improved produce.

It seems, however, too hopeful to look forward to the
time when the people will realize the advantages of clean
cultivation and cleanly methods of harvesting and mar-
keting.

The British Cotton Growing Association sent the fol-
lowing gratifying account of the season's cottons grown at
Akola : —

Value of Middling American 8- Old.

No. 1. Bhuri. — " Fully good middling " in grade.

Staple about 1 inch. Strong. Value 7-90c?. to

8-006^.
No. 2. Bani. — " Fully good middling " in grade. Staple

about IJ inch. Fine, but little soft. Value

8-40fZ.
No. 3. Malvensis. — " Fully good middling " in grade,

little stained. Staple 1 to 1^ inch, irregular

and rather soft. Value 8-206?.

iNStlTUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR IDlO-ll. St

No. 4. Roseum. — " Fully good middling " in grade.
Staple rough and extremely short. Value 7d.,
quite nominal.

It is mentioned that " with the exception of the fourth
sample, Roseum, all the samples sent are useful cottons
which could be readily sold in this market at considerably
higher prices than are obtained from East Indian cotton,
and we hope that there may be some possibility of these
cottons being produced in quantity in your district."

Bomhay Cottons.

Trial with Bh/rrl cotton at Kiimharganvi {12 miles from
Dharivar). — In March 1909, while discussing cotton matters
with the Deputy Director of Agriculture at Dharwar, I
suggested the possibility of a successful introduction of
Bhuri into the tract lying in the heavy rainfall zone
where land was largely left uncultivated. Accordingly a
plot of about 3 acres was taken up at Kumbarganvi. The
soil is shaly, and is known in local Kanarese as Masari,
Bhurkati or Revti in Marathi and Gorat in Gujerati.

The average annual rainfall is 50 to 60 inches, falling
heavily from June to the end of September and more lightly
till the beginning of November.

Two ploughings and three harrowings were given but
no manure. The seed (obtained in 1908 from Bengal) was
sown by drill at the rate of 20 lbs. per acre on the 18th
August 1909. Germination was excellent and the plants
were thinned out to a foot apart in the rows, which were
at 2 feet intervals. The plants were soon attacked by stem
borers and caterpillars. The latter were removed by hand,
a difficult operation as the creatures concealed themselves
during the day. This attack lasted for four weeks. It
was estimated that 50 per cent, of the crop was attacked
but the sequel proved that the plants received no material
injury. The first picking was started on the 15th January ;
this gave 14 lbs. 7 oz. of seed cotton; the second was on the
25th February and gave 72 lbs. of seed cotton, the third and

88 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

the fourth on the 18th March and 1st April respectively
and gave 130 lbs. (per acre 216 lbs. 7 oz.). The percentage
of lint 1st picking— 33-25; 2nd— 34-12; and the 3rd— 34-37.

The valuations showed that the resulting clean cotton
was of very poor quality, the report being that it was no
better than Bengals. The first, second and third pickings
were valued at Rs. 280, Rs. 275 and Rs. 260 per candy of
784 lbs. Broach cotton in the same day's market being
Rs. 330, Surat Rs. 345, and Navasari Rs. 360. Under nor-
mal circumstances Bhuri in Bengal stands at least as high
as Broach. The unfavourable result was, however, instruc-
tive in that it suggested experiments with this cotton iji
various soils to determine the actual influence of soil on the
final product.

Kulthi is probably the best rotation for cotton in this
soil as it is already the custom to grow it here, and the
heavy rainfall forbids the idea of growing Jowar.
Kumpta was tried on a small plot, but, as was naturally to
be expected, it was a failure.

The Cambodia cotton plants suffered so badly from the
attacks of caterpillars that only a very few plants survived.
They remained stunted in growth and the situation was
manifestly unsuitable to them.

These two varieties were also sown on black soil at
Aravadgi, about 2 miles distant from Kumbarganvi. The
crops on the whole were superior to those at Kumbarganvi,
but they suffered from the same insect attacks and in addi-
tion became so badly infested with Aphides that they had
to be treated with spraying of kerosine oil emulsion.

Cambodia and Bhuri produced at Vadgaon from the
same seed in 1910 were reported on by Messrs. Tata Bro-
thers as being equal to Superfine Wardha Good at Rs. 340
and Fine Hinganghat Good at Rs. 340 respectively. This
further exemplifies the effect of the soil on the quality of
cotton, and trials, suggested by these valuations, are being
undertaken during the present year at additional centres in
order that we may ascertain the precise effects on the cotton

INSTITUTE AND COLLECT E, IHSA, FOR 1910-11. 89

plant and its ultimate product induced by diverse climates
and soils.

Another report from Khanapur gives a valuation of
Bhuri at Rs. 370 and Cambodia at Rs. 340.

The 1910 crop of Bhuri at Kumbarganvi was valued at
Rs. 380, Fine Surats of the same day being Rs. 380.

In the light of the second year's valuation it is difficult
to understand why the first year's crop at Kumbarganvi
should have been so inferior.

The Professor of Agriculture, Poona, kindly allowed
me the use of a plot of land at Lonavla (where the average
rainfall is 186-56 inches) to test the behaviour of Bhuri,
Cambodia and Kil under a very heavy rainfall. The last-
named, in its own home in the Garo Hills, luxuriates in
almost quite as heavy a rainfall. Seeds of the three varie-
ties were sown on the 19th June, Cambodia germinated well,
but Kil and Bhuri only indifferently. The heavy rains
and cold winds prevented further growth in the two latter
and they died. Cambodia held out till about the end of
July and finally succumbed in the heavy rain of August.
It was a foregone conclusion perhaps that no cotton will
withstand such heavy and continuous rainfall, but still it
is satisfactory to obtain tangible proof of the fact.

Bourbon Cotton Cultivation on the Western Coast. —
In former years it was demonstrated to their own satis-
faction by a few enthusiasts (who probably owed their suc-
cess to watchful care), that Bourbon cotton could be pro-
fitably grown in the Konkan, and sporadic plants are cer-
tainly persistent and quite common in villages. To arouse
fresh interest in the subject I persuaded some Mamlatdars
to induce land-owning friends to make experiments and I
supplied the necessary seed. The final reports, however,
proved disappointing as, owing to heavy rains, not one trial
resulted in success. Now that a Divisional Inspector has
been appointed for the Konkan I hope that, under his
supervision, further trials with Comilla cotton, a plant
from a heavy rainfall area, nuiy show some measure of
success.

REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Cotton Cvof Experiments conducted on the Dry Farm
Experimental Station of Ahmednagar. — Here we have ad-
verse conditions under another aspect, namely, of drought
and not excessive rainfall. The season on the whole was
reported to be good, but the rainfall was above the average
and towards the end of the season was also untimely. The
germination of the seeds was therefore affected by the pack-
ing of the soil which occurs during heavy falls of rain. The
subsequent resowing of the numerous gaps and more than
usually rapid growth of weeds threw an excessive addition
to the normal cost of cultivation. The first picking when
approaching maturity was destroyed by the heavy down-
pour in the Swati rains. The plants, however, recover-
ed, but the occurrence of a sudden frost finally destroyed
the crop. Karkeli on the whole proved most resistant,
yielding at the rate of 144 lbs. of seed cotton per acre, while
5 types of Khandesh cotton gave 94, 100, 104, 112, 114 lbs.
respectively. Although due attention was paid to all the
details of treatment and cultivation, no workable precau-
tions could possibly be employed to insure the crops against
the vicissitudes of such an abnormal season.

The following are valuations by Messrs. Tata Sons on
samples from Ahmednagar : —

Xo.

Namo of cotton.

Remark.

Valuation.

Rs.

Karkeli

Equal to F. Barsi Gd., which class is
very rare or non-existent. Soft in
feel and of good staple.

330

N. V. M. type .

Same as above, but slightly better in
staple.

335

N. V. K. type .

Same as No. 1, but slightly inferior in
staple.

325

N. V. type

Same as N. V. K. ...

325

X. K. C. type .

Rather rough and very short in staple ;
more like Khandesh.

305

Khandesli .

This is a superior quality of Khandesh
cotton, supertine in colour. The dis-
trict rai-ely, if ever, produces such

315

cotton.

JSaaf'a.^Khandesh Gd. Rs. 310 per candy of 784 lbs.

Institute and college, pusa, Eor 1910-11. dl

Cotton Crop Exferiments on the Dhulia Experimental
Station. — I visited this station on the 29th November.

The first plot of cotton inspected v^as labelled N. R-, a
selection of 'Neglectum roseum out of the types ordinarily
^rowh in the fields. The plants were robust, the stand
even and the production excellent. The staple is that 01
Varhadi. Last year the produce of this was above 900 lbs.
of seed cotton per acre with a percentage of 37-5. The
seed cotton is bought by the merchants at the rate of
Rs. 21-8-0 per maund (144 lbs.) against the rate of
Rs. 20-8-0 per local cotton.

The second plot was of N. R. C. (Necjlectum roseum
cutchicum). This is also a selection from the local cotton.
The crop produced last year was 850 lbs., percentage 35.
The staple is a little longer and finer than that of N. R. and
the cotton was valued at Rs. 10 more per candy (784 lbs.).

The third plot was that of malvensis, N. V. M. ; dif-
fers from vera proper or Jari in the superiority of
its staple. It has been grown on a large scale only this
year.

Comilla Cotton. — Fresh seed was imported this year
from Hill Tipperah as the acclimatized plant had de-
teriorated. The lobes of the leaves are broad as well as
narrow and the flowers are usually white, but some are
yellow. The crop is very poor and very late.

Bhuri. — ;This plot looks good and productive. One
cultivator at Amalner is said to have 20 acres of good
Bhuri under cultivation. There is a rising demand for its
seed and the prospects of success in Khandesh as in Berar
are decidedly hopeful at present.

Cambodia looks more sturdy than Bhuri but it is a later
crop. The prospects of both are of course uncertain until
they have been subjected to the experience of a dry season.
The cultivator at Amalner, already mentioned, has obtained
from the merchants Rs. 10 per maund (144 lbs.) of seed
cotton over the price of local cotton.

Of the crosses, that of Comilla with Bani is most pro-
mising as regards both quantity and quality. The selected

REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

plants yield a staple over J inch and ginning percentage of
about 33.

Karkeli is not very promising, but still it yields a profit
quite equal to that of the local crop.

Bani from Akola looks well, but it will never be a
favourite crop in a tract where the cultivators prize the
qualities of hardiness and high percentage of cotton.

Ahglectum var. katliiawareiisis. — The growth is very
vigorous and prolific. Last year it yielded 741 lbs. of seed
cotton per acre, with a percentage of 27- 10.

The following are some of the results obtained on the
station : —

Name

Seed cotton ])cr acre.

Percentage.

Neglectum var. nialvensis

•

6S6

26-10

„ „ vera

•

7:^9

3U-U0

„ „ cutchica

•

780

35-50

„ „ rosea

•

S7U

37-50

Inter se crossing in Bhuri and Cambodia has produced
enormously strong plants.

As in the Central Provinces and Berar so also in Khan-
desh the same difficulty in the distribution and mainten-
ance of the pure varieties has to be surmounted. So far
there is only one demonstration plot, ly'iz., at Amalner,
where the different types are grown. There is also a de-
monstration held at the Experimental Station every Octo-
ber and this had the desired effect of introducing the im-
proved varieties to the attention of the cultivators who
send in orders for seeds. In the local practice, seeds are
sown through two tubes placed behind and dragged after
the hhakar. This requires the attention of three people
while the Gujerat drill (which is being introduced) only
requires two. The Gujerat bullock hoe is also said to be
more effective, as it brings the earth better round the
plants.

IXSTITCTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR lUKJ-ll. 93

The Manager of Messrs. Volkart's Spinning and Press-
ing Factory informed me that he was buying extensively
pure supplies of the very coarse Varadi {roseum) cotton
which he considers does really possess a staple. He says
that this cotton is mostly used in Germany, Austria and
Hungary and that Bengal's are used in Italy. Fraudulent
practices are obviously carried on by cultivators. Wet
and damaged cotton is packed into the centre of finer stuff
and much leaf and dirt is present. The dry, brown leaf
is not so objectionable because it can be blown away, but it
is difficult to free the cotton from the black leaf caused by
damp.

Khandesh cotton seed bears a good reputation in the
European market, its refraction being only 6 per cent,
while that from Berar is 6^ to 7.

The cultivators, as a rule, do not take away the seed
during the ginning season, but just before sowing time,
when they have made up their minds as to what they are
to grow, they take whatever they can get in the shape of
seed from the mounds in the compounds of the ginning
factories. A few of the more careful cultivators, how-
ever, especially those who farm on a large scale, bring their
seed cotton to the ginning factory, see it ginned in their
presence, and often sell it during the process to the highest
bidder. They take away there and then w^hat they require
for the next season's sowing.

Cotton Eocf^riments at Sholapur. — I visited these In
January in company with Mr. Patil, the Divisional In-
spector of Agriculture. The first plots seen were at
Mohanmala on land owned by the late Rao Bahadur Warad.
These experiments were started last year with the object
of ascertaining the mixture existing in the cotton fields of
the Sholapur District and also the value of the component
parts of such mixtures.

fSi"^

REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

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INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1910-11.

I understand from Mr. Patil that the experiments are
to be transferred to Karmala, about 12 miles from Jeur
Station. The viUagers there have lost their crops through
the use of unsuitable seed obtained locally from ginning
mills. The cotton usually grown by them is a mixture of
neglect um with a little Jowari Hatti and Upland. The
people prefer the narrow-lobed neglectum and say that
they are willing to buy up any quantity of seed. The rain-
fall is said to be precarious and the methods of cultivation
poor so that the locality seems altogether unsuitable for
high class cottons. I have recommended that pure varie-
ties of neglectum be obtained either from Dhulia or from
Akola. We have since sent 1,300 lbs. of Varhadi seed to
Mr. Patil, also 150 lbs. of Saugor-Jari seed, an early ripen-
ing dwarf, prolific variety, which ripens its crop at least
three weeks in advance of Jari and Varhadi : I also
visited Pasare's Estate on which the Department is work-
ing with manurial experiments.

The following are valuations by Messrs. Tata Sons on
samples sent from each of the treated plots : — *

No.

Description of sample.

Report.

Price per
candy .

Remarks.

Rs.

Plot manured with F. Y.
manure.

Stron? in fihre and of jjood
staple and has' the appearance
of the usual cotton of the
Sbolapur District.

335

Western style.

Plot manured with pot-
s'lilphate and superphos-
phate.

Weaker in staple than Xo. 1

325

nitto.

I'ldt manured with ammonia
sulphate and superphos-
phate.

Staple and strength of fihres
Letwcen Nos. 1 and 2.

330

Ditto.

Manured with superphos-
phate.

Equal to No. 1 . . .

335

Ditto.

Manured with ammonia sul-
phate only.

Equal to No. 3 . . .

330

Ditto.

Check plot ; no manure

Equal to No. 1

335

Ditto.

Manured with pot-sul-
phate only.

This is the best of the whole
group in colour, length of
stai)le and strength of fibre.

340

Ditto.

No manure ; check plot

Equal to No. 1 . . .

335

Ditto.

Manured with ammonia sul-
phate, superphosphate
and pot-sulphate.

Equal to No. 2

325

Ditto,

No lahel . . ,

Equal to No. 1 . . .

335

Ditto.

Basis- — f'ood Western Gd.. lis. 1335.
Eine Broach Gd„ Rs. 360,

REPOR'J" OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Again, in company with Mr. Patil, I visited the experi-
ments with Broach cotton (seeds imported from Navasari
last year) near Islampur in the Krishna Valley. This is a
highly cultivated and fertile tract and agricultural oper-
ations have been very carefully attended to.

In the first field local Jowari Hatti and the imported
Broach are growing side by side. The former was ripen-
ing, while the latter bore only flowers and unripe bolls.

In another field of imported Broach, sown in June, the
bolls were ripening. From the conditions of these two
trials one sown in the end of July and the other in June, it
is plainly obvious that no delay should occur in the sowing
of Broach cotton in this district. I also suggested the
trial of Bhuri and Cambodia in this tract.

The following are valuations of local Jowari Hatti and
Broach cotton grown in adjacent plots on these trials : —

No.

Report.

Price per
candy.

Remarks.

If the seed is Bengal, it has certainly improved in Islampur
soil and looks more like Miraj cotton.

Rs.

335

Western style.

Same remark as above ; it is better in colour than No. 1

340

Ditto.

Shows deterioration in colour only .....

390

Surat style.

Better than No. 3 in colour, but slightly shorter in staple ,

385

Ditto.

N.B. — Xos. 1 and 2 are Jowari Hatti; Nos. 3 and 4 are frojn seed imported from
Navasari.

Basis of valuation per candy : —
Fine Surat Od., Rs. 380.

., Broach Gd., Rs. 360.
Good Western Qd.. Rs. 335.
(Candy of 7S4 lbs.)

Some experiments are being conducted at Nadiad in the
Kaira District to solve the very difficult problem of finding
a better cotton than the local Rosi.

Three varieties are at present under trial; Bourbon,
Bhuri and Cambodia : —

Bonrhon. — This was tlie second year of its growth.
During the first year it yielded 400 lbs. of seed
cotton per acre, second year, 1,000 lbs. of seed

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1910-11. 97

cotton per acre. The second year's growth was
extremely satisfactory, so much so that the
branches had intermixed and it was impossible
to go into the field. It remained to be seen
whether after pruning (third year) the outturn
is maintained.

Bhuri. — This was sown in May under irrigation only
until the rains broke; outturn 1,100 lbs. of seed
cotton per acre.

Camhodia. — Sown in May under irrigation like
Bhuri ; outturn 800 lbs. of seed cotton per acre.

It seems that both Bhuri and Cambodia should be estab-
lished before the rains to reap a good harvest. It was
gathered that cultivators from the neighbourhood occasion-
ally visited the farm and were satisfied with the growth,
outturn, etc., and as a consequence of this the Superinten-
dent has received many requisitions for the supply of seed
of all the three varieties mentioned above.

Samples were valued by Messrs. Tata, Sons & Co. as
follows : —

Es.

Fine Surat ..... 380 'J , -

Navasari 400 P^^S'^lr

Fine Broach 360 ) ^^^' ^^''

Valuation of Nadiad Samples —
Bourbon — Equal to F. Navasari Gd., good in colour and staple, Rs. 400,
Camhodia — Equal to F. Broach Gd , hut hetter in staple, Rs. 365.
BAwi.— Equal to F. Broach Gd., Rs. .360.

From these valuations it will be seen that there is a
strong possibility of at least three high class cottons being
introduced profitably into Northern Gujerat.

Full reports of the cotton operations on the Bombay Ex-
perimental Stations will be found in the Progress Reports.
Mr. Keatinge, the Director of Agriculture, in a recent note
has clearly shown the present condition and prospects of
cotton cultivation in the Bombav Presidency. This is en-
titled " Note on Improved and Exotic Cottons in the Bom-
bay Presidency." It should be carefully studied by all who
are interested in the improvement of Indian cottons.

REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Madras Cottons.

Good work is being done in the Southern Districts of the
Presidency judging from the samples of selected cottons
which were sent to me for valuation.

These were adjudged by the Directors of the Bombay
Cotton Association, Limited, who remarked that all the
samples showed nice clean cotton and the differences in
price is all practically due to staple. That the Karunganni
samples are more suitable for weaving mills than the
Uppam samples, but both styles should suit buyers for ex-
port and local consumption.

The following is their detailed report : —

Samples of cotton from Madras submitted by the Im-
perial Cotton Specialist : —

Basis — Fine M. G. Broach .

,, Fine M. G. Navasari .

Fine G. F. Tinnevelly

Rs.

350
375

B45

2U
3U
4U
5U
6U
7U

Description.

Approxii

market value
in Rs.
candy
784 lbs. ..==„
5| per cent,
discount.

Uppam Variety.
Ordinary field crop

Pedigree Uppam

Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto

:imate

, per
-of
, less

835
340
340
335
335
345
340

RElIAEKa.

Rather liarsh inistaple ; very
clean.

Staple rather better than
No. 1.

Ditto.

Ditto.
Ditto.
Ditto.
Ditto.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1910-11.

Approximate

market value

in Rs. per

Description.

candy of

PvEMAEKS.

784 lbs. less

5| per cent.

discount.

Karungannl Variety.

1 K

Karunganiii ordinary field crop

345

Silky staple.

Pedigree Karunganui .

345

Ditto.

Ditto ....

345

Ditto.

4 K

Selected Karunganni .

345

Ditto.

Ditto ....

343

Ditto.

Pedigree Karunganni .

350

Ditto.

Ditto ....

345

Irregular in staple.

8 K

Ditto ....

345

Staple rather irregular.

Ditto ....

350

Staple good and silky.

10 K

Ditto ....

340

Ditto.

Ditto

345

Ditto.

12 K

Ditto ....

370

Long silky staple, excellent,
spinning cotton.

13 K

Ditto ....

370

Ditto.

14 K

Ditto ....

375

Ditto.

15 K

Ditto ....

380

Ditto.

It will be seen from the above that the selections have
been valued almost in their correct order by Mr. Sampson.

Bengal Cottons.

I visited the Experimental Station at Chinsurah and
furnished the following report, which was based on an in-
spection and discussion with Mr. Smith, Deputy Director
of Agriculture.

The first plots seen were of Cambodia and Bhuri cot-
tons, one-fifth of an acre each. These were on well-drained
raised land and their condition was very satisfactory in-
deed. As explained to me, I gathered that this class of land
is very rare in the province, its height above the general
level being due to an accumulation of silt and weeds thrown
up while excavating tanks. It is the most suitable of soils
for plantains, etc., and we can scarcely expect a cotton crop
to compete with these in value. The second series of plots
visited were of the same cottons on paddy land, lying at the
general level. The plants were unthrifty and showed dis-
tinct signs of damage by water-logging earlier in the sea-

lOd

REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

son. Practically no crop had been produced and the im-
mature bolls were shrivelling. The plots of indigenous
varieties were only just coming into flower. This means
that bolls could only be ripened during the hot weather,
and as their produce at the best would only be equal to the
most inferior Berar or Khandesh cotton, they are scarcely
worth troubling with in a tract which grows more highly
remunerative crops, such as rice and jute. Deshila and
Bhogila are still later and the length of time they occupy
the ground is a serious objection to their cultivation. It
is to be regretted that the primitive people of Chutia Nag-
pur cannot be induced to extend the cultivation of Bhuri
cotton in their country, but, so far as they are concerned,
there is probably no material incentive for them to so exert
themselves.

All the Indian varieties of cotton have now been tried
in the deltaic area of Bengal, and the inevitable conclusion
to be drawn from the experience thus earned is that the
conditions of soil and climate are not in any way suitable
for cotton cultivation, and I cannot recommend that ex-
periments with a view to introduce their culture should be
persevered with.

The following samples from Chinsurah, Bengal, were
kindly reported on for me by Messrs. Tata, Sons & Co. of
Bombay : —

No.

Name.

Report.

Price per
candy.

Remakks.

Cambodia

. • .

The cotton has preserved ils
silkiness and staple, but lias
deteriorated iu class. It is
¥. G. in class.

Rs.

300

Bengal style.

Bhuri

• • •

Better than No. 1

310

Ditto.

Deshila ,

• • •

Very much deteriorated, and is
like G. Bengal.

275

Ditto.

Bhogila .

■ •

Deteriorated and can bo likened
to P. G. Bengal,

285

Ditto.

Basis per caudy of 784 lbs. —
F. Bengal, Rs. 315.

Institute and college, pusa, for 1910-1 1. lol

It will thus be seen that no very remunerative cotton
has as yet been established in Bengal.

Punjab Cottons.

Excellent results are being attained by Mr. Milne, the
Economic Botanist, as will be seen from the account pub-
lished in his progress report and by the British Cotton
Growing Association, Manchester. It was considered that
161 A. F. was the best, while Pride of Georgia coming
second is nearly equal by 199 F., 220 F., and King's Cotton
is slightly lower than the last three. The reports on the
indigenous cottons are not so favourable. It is to be hoped
that the extension in the cultivation of the higher class
cottons in the Punjab will be persevered with.

Valuations. — All samples received were submitted to
Messrs. Tata, Sons & Co., Bombay, for valuation. Cor-
dial acknow^ledgment is due to these gentlemen for their
kindness and promptitude in giving opinions on cottons
whenever submitted to them.

Some samples were also submitted to the Bombay Cham-
ber of Commerce, to whom thanks are also due.

Programme of work for 1911-12. — 1. To visit and ad-
vise on points regarding cotton and its cultivation when-
ever requested to do so by Provincial Departments of Agri-
culture.

2. By special invitation of the Department of Agricul-
ture, Punjab, to report on the work done in the way of
cotton improvement in that province. The question of the
distribution of seeds of improved varieties will be further
discussed with the proper authorities in the Central Pro-
vinces and Bombay Presidency.

3. The study of the behaviour of Bourbon, Bhuri,
and such other cottons in non-cotton producing tracts
as detailed in my last year's programme will be continued.

4. The conditions of cotton cultivation in Kathiawar
and adjacent parts would be investigated.

5. An enquiry will be commenced on the manurial re-
quirements of cotton.

102 EEPORT OF THE AGPJ. EESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR 1910-11.

PUBLICATIONS.

Article on Caravonica Cotton. Agricultural Journal of India,
Vol. V, Part III.

The present position and jDrospects of Cotton Cultivation in
India. For the International Congress of Tropical Agri-
culture, Brussels, May, 1910.

CALCUTTA

SUPERINTENDENT GOVERNMENT PRINTING, INDIA

8, HASIINQS SIBEEI

Ia/\

REPORT

OF THE

Agricultural Research Institute
and College, Pusa

{Including the Report of the Imperial Cotton Specialist)

1911-12

CALCUTTA
SUPERINTENDENT GOVERNMENT PRINTING, INDIA

1913

Price 6 annas or 7d.

REPORT

OF THE

Agricultural Research Institute
and College, Pusa

[Including the Report of the Iinperial Cotton Specialist)

IQII-I2

CALCUTTA
SUPERINTENDENT GOVERNMENT PRINTING, INDIA

1913

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

I. Eeport of the Director, Agricultural Research Institute
and College, Pusa —

1. Charge

2. Staff and work of the Institute
•3. Agriculture

4. Chemistry

5. Botany

6. Mycology

7. Entomology

8. Pathological Entomology

9. Bacteriology

10. Training

11. Buildings and Works

12. Library ....

13. Publications

14. General Healtb of the Station

15. Accounts

16. Visitors ....

II. Report of the Imperial Agriculturist-

1. Charge and Establishment

2. Training

3. Character of the Season

4. Cropping

5. Cattle-breeding Herd

6. Sheep

7. Pastures

8. Clearing and Levelling

9. Fodder

10. Implements and Machinery

11. Experiments

12. Poultry

13. Programme of work for 1912-1

III. Report of the Imperial Agricultural C

1. Charge and Establishment

2. Meteorology

hemist —

Page.

1
1
3

4
6
8
9

12
13^

13
14
15
15

18
18
18
18
18
19
1»
19
19
19
20
20

2 3

3. Drainage Data

4. The Water Eeqiiirements of Crops

5. Soils — Usar ...

6. Saltpetre ....

7. Sugar ....

8. Date Palm Sugar Industry

9. De-Cobbing Maize Plants

10. Experimental Error in Sampling Sugarcane

11. Sugar Beet Roots ....

12. Milk

13. Education .....

14. Programme of work for 1912-13

15. Publications ....

lY. Report of the Imperial Economic Botanist —
Part I. — Teaching, Training and Staff
Part II. — Wheat Investigations
Part III. — Other investigations

(1) Tobacco

(2) Gram

(3) Eibres

(4) Pollination
Part lY. — The Tirhut Agricultural Exhibition
Part Y. — The Development of the Fruit

Industry of Baluchistan
Part YI. — Programme of work for 1912-13 and
Publications

Y. Report of the Imperial Mycologist —

1. Charge and Establishment

2. Training ....

3. Aid to Provincial Departments

4. Plant Disease Investigations .

5. Systematic Work

6. Miscellaneous ....

7. Programme of work for 1912-13

8. Publications ....
YI. Report of the Imperial Entomologist —

1. Charge and Establishment

2. Yisitors

Page.

23
24
24
25
25
26
27
27
28
28
29
29
30

31
31
4o
43
45
46
46
46

54
54
54
55
62
63
63
64

Ill

3. Training
• 4. Provincial AVork

5. Correspondence

6. Researcli

7. Insecticides

8. Sericulture

9. Lac Culture

10. Apiculture

11. Demonstration

12. Insect Survey ....

13. Programme of work for 1912-13

14. Publications ......

VII. Report of the Imperial Pathological Entomologist—

1. Report .......

2. Programme of work for 1912-13 .

VIII. Report of the Imperial Agricultural Bacteriologist

1. Charge and Establishment

2. Tours .......

3. Soil Bacteriology .....

4. Plant Pathology

5. Programme of work for 1912-13

6. Publications .....

IX. Report of the Imperial Cotton Specialist —

1. General .......

2. Cultivation o'f Cotton in Provinces : —

(o) The Central Provinces and Berar .
(6) The Punjab

(d) Madras ......

(e) Mysore State .....

(/) The North-West Frontier Province

(g) Experiments with Bhuri Cotton on the
Khetri estate in Rajputana

(h) Bombay

Valuations ....

Prog-ramme of work for 1912-13

Page.
0(5

(56

74
76

78
78
78
81
82
83

99
103
107
107

108
109
112

113

Report of the Agricultural Research
Institute and College, Pusa,

{Including the Report of the Imperial Cotton Specialist)

I9II-I2.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR.

(B. Coventry, CLE.)

1. Charge. — Dr. E. J. Butler held charge of the office of.
Director, Agricultural Research Institute, and Principal of
the Agricultural College, Pusa, in addition to his own
duties of Imperial Mycologist till the end of March 1912.
At the end of the financial year 1011-12, the two posts of
Inspector General of Agriculture in India and of Director,
Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, were amalgamated
into one of Agricultural Adviser to the Government of
India and Director of the Agricultural Research Institute,
Pusa. Since that date, I have held charge of the
combined offices. Mr. A. C. Dobbs, who was formerly
Assistant Inspector General of Agriculture in India, held
the post of Assistant to the Agricultural Adviser to the
Government of India till 28th April 1912, when he
proceeded on six months' combined leave.

2. Staff and ivork of the Institute. — The work of the
Institute as carried on in the seven scientific sections into

which it has Ix^n organ isixi ha.< Kvn dotaiUxl in the reports
ot t)io sovoral solutions whicli aro onilxxiiod in this it^port.

Tho Choniioal Sivtion was in the ohargo ot Pr J. Waltor
Leather, Mr. II. K. Annett. the Snpernnnierarv Agrienl-
tural Chemist, was. till NovenilxM- tith. liUl. on deputation
to tlie United Prvwincvs Department ot Agrienltnre. to act
as Prineipal of the Cawn|,x->re .Vgrionltnral College. He
left Pusa airain on 9th Mav 19P2 to act as Aizrienltiiral
Chemist to the Government of the Punjab.

Mr. A. Howard was in ehare:e of the Hotanical Se^nion.
Frv^m July to Septeml>er 1911 and during Mav and June
1912. he was at Qnettii in cxmne^^tion with the development
of the Fruit Industrv in Baluchistan. The services of Mr.
E, Holmes-Smith, the Su|vrnumerarv Botanist, weiv
terminated on 7th OctolxM- 1911.

The Mycx'^logical Section was in charge of Pr F. J.
Butler, thrv^ughout the year except from 17th June to 6tii
July 1912. when he was on privilege leave : during this
{^vriixi Mr. F. J. F. Shaw, the Supernumerary "Nlycv^^logist.
officiated for him.

Mr. H. Maxwell-Lefroy. the Imi^x'rial Fntomologist.
was on long leave thn^ughout the year. "Nfr T Bainbrigge
Fletcher. Supernumerary Entomologist, held charge of the
section until April 19th. 1912. when he pi\xveded to Coim-
Ivitore to take up the new ap^x»intment as Entomologist to
the Government of Madras. Mr. A. J. Gn^ve ioined his
appointment as Sujvrnumerary Entomologist on Octolvr
27th. 1911. and since Mr. Fletcher's transfer to Madras, has
carried on the work of the Entomolosjical Section.

The designation of the Second Imperial Entomologist
has been altered to that of Imperial Pathological Entomolo-
gist, and Mr. Howlett held charge of the section throughout
the year.

The Bacteriological Section was in charge of ^tr C M
Hutchinson

The Agricultural Section continued under the charge of
Mr. A C. Dv^bhs. until April 27th. 1912. when he prv>-
ceeded on leave Mr S. Milligan. Deputy Dinx-tor of

INSTITr TK AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1011-12. 3

.\griciiJtnre, Punjab, has hjeen transferred to this Institute
to take up the post of the Imperial Agrieulturist. l^r-
joined the appointment on May 8th, 1012 Mr. H.
Southern, Supernumerary Agriculturist, who had teen
officiating Deputy Director of Agriculture, Madras, was
transferred to the Punjab in April last to take up the ap-
pointment vacated by Mr. Milligan. Mr. G. D. Mehta was
appointed Supernumerary Agriculturist on 4th June 1911.
Until 30th May 1912 he was working at Poona under the
Government of Bombay and from that date he has been
posted to the Central Provinces for training. Messrs.
W. S. McGowan and Thomas Gilbert were appointed
Supernumerary Agriculturists on 23rd February' 1912.
The former is posted to Bihar and Orissa to act as Professor
of Agriculture at the Agricultural College, Sabour, and the
latter is working under the Government of Bombay.

3. Agriculture. — The rainfall during the year amounted
to 56-30 inches. The monsoon arrived earlv and gave a
plentiful rainfall. Floods, however, damaged the kharif
crops, while late rain retarded the sowing of the rahi crop.
The permanent manurial and rotation experiments started
in 1908 with the object of studying the maintenance of the
fertility of the soil have been continued. It is too soon yet
to expect definite results from these experiments. The im-
provement of the sugar-cane crop on the ridge and furrow
system combined with intertillage has been taken up and
promises to be an important advance upon the methods in
vogue in Xorth India. It is proposed to apply the same
svstem in a modified form to Fome of the kharif crops such
as maize, which have already shown great improvement
from liberal spacing and intertillage as well as from the
free drainage induced by ridging. Among the use of che-
mical manures the application of crude sulphate of soda to
paddy gave an increase of 17 maunds of grain })er acre.
This is a preliminary result requiring confirmation. The
application of green manuring with son hemp combined
with the moderate application of superphosphate at the
time of sowing the san continues to give good results and is

B 2

4 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

the chief means by which the fertility on the farm is main-
tained against heavy and continuous cropping.

A new and important feature in the experimental work
on the farm is a series of plots in which the biological factor
connected with the use of green manuring as well as other
bacteriological problems will be studied by the Imperial
Agricultural Bacteriologist in conjunction with the Im-
perial Agriculturist. Too much stress cannot be laid on
this work, which is now generally recognised as affording
a most promising field for research into the principles
underlying the fertility of soils.

4. Chemistry. — The work on the availability of plant
food in soils and that of the moisture requirements of crops
to which reference has been made in previous reports is
being continued. The examination of water after passing
through certain depths of soil continues to be carried out.
It has been observed that not only is there less nitrate in
the drainage water from the cropped soil than from fallow-
land, but the deficiency could not be accounted for merely
by assimilation by the crop. Dr. Leather, therefore,
deduces that either less nitrate was formed in the presence
of the crop or some other agent than the crop was assimilat-
ing the nitrate. The investigations in Usar soil which
have been going on for some years have so far not led to any
very useful nor definite results.

In the last Annual Report mention w^as made of the
investigation into the date-palm sugar-industry which
was carried on by Mr. Annett, the Supernumerary Agri-
cultural Chemist. This has been continued during the past
year and has led to an accumulation of very valuable in-
formation on the subject, which is now in the press and
will soon appear as one of the Memoirs of this Department.
Besides recording the history of this industry Mr. Annett
gives a good description of the cultivation and tapping of
the palm and the manufacture of the raw and refined sugar.
He found that the juice contains 8 to 10 per cent, of sucrose,
associated with practically no glucose. This fact indicates
that it is an exceedingly good materials for the production

INSTITUTE AND COLLECIE, PUS A, FOR 1911-12. 6

of white sugar direct from the juice. Owing, however, to
imperfect methods of collection, 1 to 2 per cent, glucose
is formed during the night and this amount is again greatly
increased by the subsequent primitive treatment, thereby
occasioning very great loss in white sugar. In an account
of this work Mr. iVnnett draws attention to the great
improvements which have been introduced into the corre-
sponding American Industry of Maple Sugar, though in this
case the juice which forms the raw material contains only
3 per cent, of sucrose. If improved methods could })e
applied to the Indian Palm Sugar Industry, there is no
doubt not only that it would add to the profits of the sugar
maker, but that the white sugar produced would assist to
some extent in checking the encroachment of foreign white
sugar into this country. The importance of this problem
can be gauged by the fact that the production of sugar from
the palm tree in India amounts to some 480,000 tons.

Some important work has been carried on in the Che-
mical Section during the year in the endeavour to establish
a reliable method of milk tests for Indian cattle. When
testing cows' milk in India two sources of error have to be
guarded against; (1) if the periods between milking are not
equal, the composition of the milk wdll be influenced, and
(2) the calf will take an indefinite amount of milk if this is
not controlled. In order to eliminate these sources of
error the cows are milked exactly at intervals of 12 hours,
and the calf is allowed to take the whole of the milk from
only tw^o teats on one side of the udder, the other side being
milked by hand and the calf being made to change the side
every 24 hours. In this way the difficulties described were
overcome. While great regularity was as a rule obtained
in the composition of the milk, yet it was possible to observe
characteristic differences. The chief of these was that the
percentage of butter fat in the morning was greater than
that in the evening milk by -5 to 1-5 per cent, and there was
no exception to this rule. No systematic difference was
found, in the composition of the milk, between the different
sides of the udder.

6 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

5. Botany. — The wheat work continues to absorb a very
large portion of the time of this section. The extended
trials of the past year go to confirm previous results, and
give prominence to the important fact that high yielding
power and good grain qualities can be combined in the same
plant. Stress is again laid upon the need of good cultiva-
tion and the repeated favourable results obtained there-
from entirely warrant this. As so much of the wheat ex-
ported from India is grown under irrigation it was im-
portant to ascertain by experiment whether wheats of good
quality and high yielding power could be obtained in the
canal districts. This has been done. Extended trials of
the Pusa w^heats have been made at Cawnpore and yields
of over 2,200 lbs. per acre and in one case of 2,500 lbs. were
obtained with a single watering. That is to say it was
obtained with one-third of the water usually used by the
cultivators in the neighbourhood. As regards quality they
were found to possess baking qualities equal, if not superior,
to the wheats grown at Pusa without irrigation. Mr.
Howard, in this year's report, gives detailed accounts of the
results of the extensive trials which were made of his
wheats, in the wheat tracts of India, to which reference is
invited. Owing to the success of these experiments, a great
demand has arisen in various parts of India for the new
wheats. Arrangements have, therefore, been made, to grow
during the coming season, a large stock of seed, which it is
expected will meet all demands.

Experiments on the influence of the environment on
the quality are being continued and extended, with the ob-
ject of finding out how far high quality in grain is possible
in different wheat tracts. If wheat of good quality such
as has been grown at Pusa and Cawnpore could be grown in
any of the wheat tracts of India, the fact would be of
very great importance, as the Indian wheats of commerce
are mostly of poor quality. So fai' wheats grown on such
varied soils as the alluvium and tlu^ black cotton soil did
not lose their milling and baking qualities. Mr. Howard
likewise maintains that in any particular wheat the condi-

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 1

tions which produce the highest yield are those which pro-
duce the best quality.

Not by any means the least important aspect of the work
on wheat is that of breeding. Rust resistance, high yield,
and strong straw in order to carry a heavy weight of grain
are points to which attention is being particularly devoted.

Amongst other important investigations are those con-
nected with the tobacco plant. The object of these experi-
ments is to endeavour to establish a suitable plant for the
manufacture of cigarettes, which are fast supplanting the
hooka. Three types Nos. 28, 29 and 32 were grown and
were cured by a slight modification of the country method.
The whole of the crop was sent to the Peninsular Tobacco
Company at Monghyr and made into cigarettes. Type 28
was very well reported on and was valued at from Rs. 12
to Rs. 14 per maund which is a considerable advance on
local prices, x^rrangements are now being made to repeat
these results if possible amongst the cultivators.

Gram is another important crop to which Mr. Howard
has been giving his attention, and he has shown by prelimin-
ary trials that there exists a very large margin on which to
work out improvements both in yield and quality. Thus
as the result of samples sent to Messrs. Ralli Brothers one
variety was valued at Rs. 4-8-0 per cwt. and another at
Rs. 5-8-0 per cwt. as compared with the price of Rs. 4-2-0
of the ordinary export varieties. The yields too were
extraordinarily high being over 30 maunds per acre.

The work on the botanical characteristics of fibre plants
and the study of the methods of pollination in the various
Indian crops are being continued.

The development of the Fruit Industry of Baluchistan
is a piece of work which is now assuming important pro-
portions, and a fruit experiment station has been established
about two miles from Quetta. It will take some little time
before the model fruit garden comes into bearing, but in
the mean time an old fruit garden has been taken over and
improvements are being applied to it. The (juestions of
packing and transport are being thoroughly gone into and

8 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

the results of the past season's experiments give promise
that the cheap, quick and safe transit of first quality fruit
to any part of India will soon be an accomplished fact.

6. Mycology. — An investigation is in progress into the
disease of paddy known as ufra which is causing great
damage in the Noakhali and other districts of Eastern
Bengal. At first it was not known whether it was caused by
a fungus, an insect, or some other cause. A conjoint ento-
mological and mycological investigation resulted in the
exclusion of insects as the direct cause and suspicions have
been thrown upon an eel- worm so small that it is barely
visible by the naked eye. It is estimated that in the
Begumganj Thana alone, in the Noakhali district, some
200,000 maunds of grain was destroyed in 1910, and last
year about half the crop was destroyed. The disease also
occurs in Comilla, Chandpur, and the neighbourhood of
Dacca. Dr. Butler, the Imperial Mycologist, is devoting
special attention to this disease.

Mr. F. J. F. Shaw, the Supernumerary Mycologist, has
devoted a great deal of attention to the rot induced by the
soil-dwelling parasite known as Rhizoctonia. Its exist-
ence is very widespread, and it attacks crops such as pota-
toes, jute, groundnut, cow-pea and cotton, though so far
cereal crops fortunately appear to be immune to this
disease. Good tillage and a suitable rotation of crops are
thought to be the best ways of preventing its ravages.

Further work has been done on wheat rust, which is a
serious disease in this country in certain years. Thus there
was last year a severe attack in the Central Provinces, the
first for a number of years. The damage was caused by the
variety known as " Orange " rust (Puccinia triticina) and
much of the loss in 1912 must be attributed to it. In breed-
ing rust resistant wheats therefore, for the Central Pro-
vinces, Dr. Butler is of opinion that this variety of rust
should be taken into account, as well as the '' black " rust
{Puccinia grarriinis) which does much damage in normal
years. The variety known as " yellow " rust (Puccinia
glumarum), does not appear to be of importance. Diseases
due to Phytoplithora, Sugarcane diseases, among others one

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PCSA, FOR 1911-12. 9

resembling Sereli and occurring on the Jorhat Farm in
Assam, the Betelnut Pahn disease, the Indigo disease and
other diseases, connected with tea, cotton and coffee, as well
as diseases of forest trees, have engaged the attention of
this section during the year.

A very large amount of systematic work has also been
done, and some hundreds of specimens, of plant parasites
for the most part, have been added to the named herbarium
collection. Two ^^arts of the list of Indian fungi were pre-
pared in collaboration with Messrs. H. and P. Sydow of
Berlin, and published — containing some 300 species of
Indian fungi, of which more than a hundred were new to *
science.

7. Entomology. — In Madras a campaign has been car-
ried out against the Deccan Grass-hopper. The method
known as " bagging "" was adopted, more or less successfully,
and the ploughing of infested lands was carried out.
Besides this a leaflet was issued in English, and in the verna-
cular, giving a description of the methods to be adopted
against this pest. Experiments against White Ants were
continued in the Central Provinces. The application of
kerosene oil was found most effective in dealing with the
mound-building variety of termites. The collection and
despatch to tlie Punjab of parasites of ihe cotton boll-worm
formed an important aspect of the work of the section, as
dependence is placed upon this parasite in order to keep in
check the ravages of the insect. This method of controlling
this pest is being adopted in Egypt, and parasites have
recently been sent to that country for this purpose. A
leaflet has been issued in the vernacular explaining how this
remedy should be used. In the United Provinces measures
have been adopted against the Rice Grass-hopper which
has become a serious pest of sugar-cane in that province.
The method of storing seed potatoes in sand as a protection
against the l^otato moth was successfully demonstrated to
cultivators in Bengal. At Mokameh a campaign was or-
ganised against Agrotis ypsilon, a caterpillar which has
been destroying the crops in that region. The picking off

10 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

of the first brood of caterpillars and the setting up of the
And res- Mai re traps reduced the damage to such an extent
that, out of a total area of 20,000, only 2,000 bighas were
affected.

Sericulture has continued to claim a large amount of
the attention of the section. Experiments are in hand for
crossing the Indian multivoltine variety of mulberry
silk-worm with the univoltine races from Europe, with the
object of producing a superior silk-producing multivoltine
hybrid. If this work is successful it will go a very long
way towards placing the Indian silk industry, now in a
' precarious position, on a more stable footing. Eri-silk
culture, Lac-culture and Api-culture continue to occupy the
attention of the section.

8. Pathological Entomology. — This section, which was
formerly styled the Second Entomological Section, now con-
fines its attention to entomological work connected with the
diseases of men and animals, and its name has in conse-
quence been changed. Its relation with medical work has
now become much closer, and, through the good services of
the Medical Research Fund, the addition of three posts has
been made to the subordinate staff'. These extra men will
be occupied exclusively with Medical Entomology, while
there will be two men available for Veterinary and general
work.

Special attention has been paid to the genus St ego my ia
and allied forms of the mosquito owing to the possibility of
importation of Yellow Fever into India from the Panama
Canal, and a course of instruction has been given to medical
officers belonging to the " Stegomyia Survey." Investi-
gations are in progress on the influence of temperature,
range of flight, food, breeding places, etc., and on the
natural enemies of mosquito-larvae.

The other subjects that are receiving attention are tlie
breeding places and liabits of Phleboto/nus, the life history
of the Crab-louse, the parasites of Tahanus alhimedius,
Monophlehus stehhingi, and the life history of Celyphida^.
The East Indian Railway school at Jharipani was success-

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 11

fully rid of a plague of bugs by the application of hydro-
cyanic acid.

9. Bacteriology. — The principal work of this section
during the past year has been the study of the factors
which determine the biological activity of Indian soils, and
the devising of methods by which this activity may be ascer-
tained and measured. The usual plan of estimating bacteria
by '' plating " has been abandoned in favour of the measure-
ment of their resulting physiological activities. Thus, for
example, it has been ascertained that the biological activity
of a soil is in direct proportion to the rate of formation of
carbon dioxide, and that conditions unfavourable to the
former will also adversely influence the latter. It is possi-
ble in this way to determine the optimum conditions of
moisture content, the effect of the addition of various
manures, organic and mineral, and the influence which
tillage will have upon any particular soil. The biolysis of
green manures, root residues, and organic manures, in so
far as they form the supply of available nitrogen, has been
undertaken.

It has been found that important differences exist in
the biological changes that take place in Indian and Euro-
pean soils. These differences appear to be due mainly to
the relatively higher temj^eratures and consequent greater
bacterial activity of Indian soils. At temperatures between
15° C. and 18° C. the formation of ammonia is in pro-
portion to the nitrification which follows it, but when
temperatures rise from 25° C. to 30° C. ammonification
may proceed with such rapidity that nitrification is inter-
fered with, and even inhibited altogether, by an excess of
ammonia. If, therefore, large quantities of organic matter
are applied to a soil, much nitrogen may be lost in the form
of ammonia — which shows the necessity that exists for
selecting the most suitable time of year for applying organic
manures. It has also been ascertained that where intense
bacterial action is taking place in a soil, nitrates present
will be reduced, without the occurrence of anserobic condi-
tions, lending support to the belief that the nitrate is

12 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

utilised as a source of nitrogen by the bacteria themselves.
These considerations tend to show what great care should
be exercised in a tropical country like India in the treat-
ment of the soil, if its supplies of plant food are not to be
dissipated or wasted, and it also confirms the opinion which
is now ripening into positive fact, that the study of the
biologic factor in soils is of supreme importance, and that
very important results are to be expected from it.

A special enquiry, also, is proceeding into the conditions
determining the formation of bacterio-toxins in soils, and
into their effect on crops.

10. Trainmg— The training of students on the lines
laid dowm in the Prospectus was continued, and short
courses were also given in Cattle and Poultry manage-
ment. Sericulture and Lac cultivation. Of the two post-
graduate students in Agricultural Chemistry, admitted in
the previous year, one continued his course, but the training
of the second was terminated, as he was considered not
likely to prove himself an efficient assistant. The two stu-
dents in Entomology, mentioned in the previous year's
report, left during the year ; one after completing his course,
and the other before its completion, as he was recalled to his
province. The Assistant Director of Agriculture, Punjab,
who was deputed to this Institute for a two years' course
in general agriculture, completed his training on 21st
August 1911, and returned to his province.

During the year under report four new students were
admitted for training in Agricultural Chemistry. Of
these, two are Government stipendiaries (one from Bengal
and one from the Travancore State) and two are private
students. A private student deputed by the Department
of Agriculture, Travancore, was admitted, for training in
general entomology. The Agricultural Department of
Bihar and Orissa have deputed an Entomological and
Mycological Collector for training in Mycology and Ento-
mology. One advanced student from the Agricultural
Department of the Central Provinces was given training,

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PFSA, FOT^ 1911-12. 13

in the Botanical Section, from October 1st, 1911, to the end
of April 1912.

During the year under report, 33 students attended the
short courses — two in ' Cattle management,' one in
' Poultry management,' seventeen in ' Sericulture ' and
thirteen in ' Lac cultivation.'

■

11. Buildings and Works. — During the yeai' under
report two small supplementary Laboratories were con-
structed, dejDartmentally, for the use of the Imperial Agri-
cultural Bacteriologist and the Imperial Pathological
Entomologist, respectively. Residential quarters were also
constructed for the use of the Superintendent of the Office
of the Agricultural Adviser.

12. Library. — ^The Library is rapidly becoming over-
crowded. Proposals for its extension have been submitted.
During the year under report about 1,400 volumes have been
added.

13. Publications. — The issue of the Journal, Memoirs
and Bulletins was continued. The Department published
during the year 14 Memoirs and 4 Bulletins, against 7
Memoirs and an equal number of Bulletins in the previous
year. As noted in the last year's report, the Provincial
Departments are supplying an increasing volume of contri-
butions for these publications.

In consequence of the abolition of the Journal of
Tropical Veterinary Science from 1st April 1912, it
has been decided that articles of a popular character on
veterinary subjects should be inserted in the Agricultural
Journal of India. Contributions unsuited for the Journal,
by reason of their being too technical, will be published in
the form of Veterinary Memoirs which are now among
the Scientific Memoirs issued by the Agi'icultural Depart-
ment. They will be issued from time to time as matter
becomes available. The editing committee has been
strengthened by the appointment of the Imperial Bacterio-
logist, Muktesar, as a co-editor. The grant for the agri-
cultural periodicals and Journal, which was curtailed

14 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

during the previous year to Rs. 23,000 remained unaltered
during the year under report, but the Government of
India have added Rs. 2,000 for Veterinary Memoirs, so that
the total grant for publications now amounts to Rs. 25,000.
As the work of the Department expands the matter for
publication likewise increases, and the present grant will not
be sufficient. It will be necessary to increase the funds for
this work.

14. General Health of the Station. — The general health
of the station during the year under report was good.
Relief was afforded to 9,081 new cases, of which 8,913 were
treated in the out-patients department, and 168 admitted
as indoor patients an increase of 1,424 cases over last
year's total. The increase in attendance was due to the
great prevalence of malarial fevers and cholera in the
surrounding villages.

Two hundred and ninety-nine cases amongst European
officers and families were attended to, an increase of a
hundred and fifty-three over last year's total.

The daily average number of patients treated was 7-59
indoor and 53-6 outdoor against 7-87 and 49-05 respectively
during the previous twelve months.

Five deaths occurred in hospital —

Two from cholera.

One from malarial cachexia.

One from dysentery.

One from phthisis and pneumonia.

Nine cases of cholera occurred among the families of
the Indian staff during the months of May and June 1912
with two deaths. Immediate and successful measures
were taken to prevent the disease spreading in Pusa, in-
cluding the thorough cleansing and disinfection of all the
wells in the Estate.

One hundred and twenty-one surgical operations were
performed, of which twenty-five were major and ninety-six
minor operations.

Quinine was issued prophylactically on the Estate, to-
wards the close of the monsoon.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. IS

Twenty- four primary vaccinations and eight revaccina-
tions were performed in the early part of the year.

15. Accounts. — The total expenditiiie during the finan-
cial year 1911-12 was Rs. 3,04,045, as under : —

Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa —

Office of the Director .... 69,015

Chemical Section . . . .

Mycological Section
Entomological Section
Pathological Entomological Section
Botanical Section . . . .

Bacteriological Section
Agricultural Section

41,012
19,622
37,345
24,188
41,542
22,108
49,213

Total . 3,04,045

16. Visitors. — Visitors to Pusa between 1st July 1911 to
30th June 1912, numbered among others : —

The Hon'ble Mr. Syed Ali Imam, C.S.I., Bar.-at-Law,
Member in charge of the Legislative Department, Gov-
ernment of India.

Mr. Abdul Aziz, Bar.-at-Law, Peshawar.

Mr. C. V. Piper of the United States Department of
Agriculture, America.

The Hon'ble Sir E. W. Carlyle, K.C.S.I., C.I.E., I.C.S.,
Member in charge of the Department of Revenue and
Agriculture, Government of India.

The Hon'ble Mr. W. H. Clark, C.S.I., C.M.G., Member in
charge of the Department of Commerce and Industry,
Government of India.

Mr. R. Nagamine, Director of the Government Stock Farm
in Formosa.

Mr. T. Kawakami, Director of the Government Museum,
Formosa.

Lieutenant-Colonel C. iS^orie, Dehra Dun.

Mr. D. Quinlan, M.R.C.V.S., Superintendent, Civil Vete-
rinary Department, Bengal.

The Hon'ble Surgeon-General Sir C. P. Lukis, M.D.,
F.R.C.S., K.C.S.I., Director General. Indian Medico]
Service.

1.6 REPORT OF THE AGRTCULTDRAL RESEARCH

The Hon'ble Mr. R. C. C. Carr, T.C.S., Officer on Special

Duty in tlie Board of Revenue, Madras.
Mr. A. E. Andrews, Entomologist to the Indian Tea

Association.
Dr. A. D. Imms, Forest Zoologist.
Dr. H. Morstatt, Entomologist at Amani, German East

Africa.
Munshi Akhtar Mohammad Khan, Deputy Collector in the

United Provinces.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 17

REPORT OF THE IMPERIAL AGRICULTURIST.

(S. MiLLIGAN, M.A., B.Sc.)

1. Charge and Establishment. — The Pusa Farm and
Experimental Station continned under the charge of
Mr. Dobbs, Assistant Inspector General of Agriculture in
India, till April 28tb, 1912, when he proceeded on leave. I
joined my appointment as Imperial Agriculturist on May
8th.

Mr. H. Southern, B.A., Supernumerary Agriculturist,
who had been officiating Deputy Director of Agriculture,
Madras, was transferred to the Punjab in April last, to
take up a similar appointment there.

Mr. Ganpatlal Dayashanker Mehta, L.Ag., B.A.,
N.D.A., N.D.D., late of the Bombay Agricultural Depart-
ment, was appointed Supernumerary Agriculturist on 4th
June, 1911, and has been on deputation under the Bombay
Government at Poona.

Mr. Judah Hyam, Veterinary Overseer, continued in
charge of the breeding herds. He obtained three months'
leave from July to October during which period Mr. L. S.
Joseph officiated for him.

Messrs. Md. Ikramuddin and Md. Ziauddin Hyder
held the appointments of Farm Overseers throughout the
year. Mr. Ikramuddin arranged the camps of the Board
of Agriculture and of the Tirhut Agricultural Show at
Pusa, and his services in this connection were acknow-
ledged by both bodies.

Mr. Nizamuddin Hyder of the staff of the Inspector
General of Agriculture had charge of the poultry-breeding
experiments until 26th October 1911, when he reverted to
his original post on the staff of the Fibre Expert to the
Government of Eastern Bengal and Assam. Mr. Ali Mur-
taza, Fieldman, was appointed in his place.

18 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

2. Training. — Mr. M. Fatehnddin, B.A., Assistant
Director of Agriculture, Punjab, completed his two years'
course of training in general agriculture on 21st August,
1911. and returned to the Punjab.

Three students attended the short courses on Cattle-
breeding and Poultry management.

3. Character of the Season. — The rainfall during the
year amounted to 56-30". The monsoon arrived early and
gave copious rainfall throughout its duration. Three severe
floods damaged the kharif crops considerably and a late
flood retarded the sowings of the rabi crop. The oat crop
sustained some damage through late winter rains.

4. Croyfing. — The following is a list of crops grown : —
barley, oats, wheat, castor, bhindi, sugar-cane, jute, rice,
maize, arhar (Cajanus indicus). Other crops grown on
small plots for the Entomological Section included a num-
ber of millets and pulses,

5. Cattle-breeding Herd. — The numbers of the breeding
herd are as follows : —

Cows 74, Bulls 5, Young stock 1 1 8
against „ 69, „ 8. „ „ 105 in 1911

Eleven cows, one bull and 19 young cattle have been
sold during the year.

An outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in August 1911
caused the death of nine of the young stock. There was,
however, no mortality in the milking herd from this cause.
Three cases (all fatal) of black quarter occurred in June of
this year. The Veterinary Overseer is to be congratulated
on the prompt and successful measures undertaken to pre-
vent an epidemic of this disease. The local Veterinary
Department rendered valuable assistance in preventive in-
oculation.

6. Sheep. — The Gorakhpur sheep continue to do well.
Dumbha rams are still used for crossing. The progeny
will be used as a basis for the further improvement of wool
production.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PFSA, FOR 1911-12. 19

7. Pastures. — As indicated in last year's report a 4-acre
plot was laid down to permanent pasture after a green
manure.

8. Clearing and Levelling. — Roads have been constructed
in the low-lying brick-field area and a portion of the waste
land reclaimed.

9. Fodder. — The economic value of guinea g^ass as a
fodder has been established and returns up to 350 maunds
per acre obtained.

10. Imflements and Machinery. — The wheat and oat
crops were mostly cut by machines. The futility of a short
cutting bar was demonstrated by the average daily work of
two machines, viz. : —

A. 4-i ft. cut . , , 5| acres per day.

-D. O ,, . , . O „ ,,

The general cultivation has been much improved by
the use of light ploughs of the Rajah and Punjab types
which suit local conditions.

Spring toothed harrows have been found useful in pre-
paring land for crops and maintaining summer fallows.

11. Experiments. — The following experiments are in
progress and will be continued —

(1) The permanent manurial and rotation experi-
ments started in 1908.

{2) The improvement of the sugar-cane crop by
trenching, earthing up and intertillsige.

[3) Experiments with regard to the sprouting of

sugar-cane sets. A promising start was made
last year bv steeping the sets in water at
100° F.

(4) The application of crude sulphate of soda to

paddy. An increase of 17 maunds of grain
per acre on a 5-acre experiment was obtained
last year. This preliminary result requires
confirmation as information regarding the
uniformity of the plots treated was not com-
plete.

c 2

20 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

12. Poultry. — The following 5 out of 31 breeds imported
and put under trial have been selected as suitable for the
country and for crossing purposes : —

(1) Buff Orpington.

(2) White Wyandotte.

(3) Chittagong.

(4) Lakha Game.

(5) Mammoth Bronze Turkeys.

Owing to the rejection of unsuitable breeds, the gene-
ral condition of the birds has shown a great improvement
on previous years.

13. Programme of work for 1912-13.

In addition to the permanent experiments recorded
above the following will be undertaken : —

General. — The organization of the estate work has been
recently altered and the fieldmen now hold charge of inde-
pendent sections. It is hoped that a more intimate

acquaintance with the varying soil conditions will be made
possible.

The large low-lying brick-field area will be further sub-
divided by roads. A good deal of levelling remains to be
done liefore much detailed field experimenting can be
undertaken, but this work will be pushed on as rapidly as
possible.

Cro'pping. — A great improvement has been made in the
general cultivation by the adoption of regular rotations. A
special study of the maintenance of the fertility of the soil
under the rotation and system of manuring adopted will be
made. This system includes a dressing of superphosphate
applied directly to a green manure. Quantitative esti-
mates of the artificial manures necessary and the period of
application will be made.

Field experiments have been started in collaboration
with the Imperial Agricultural Bacteriologist to gain in-

INSTITTTTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 21

formation regarding the decomposition of green manures
under varying conditions of —

(a) Water content of the soil,

(b) Air content of the soil,

(d) Depth of burying,

and as to the effect of such manures on the condition of the
soil.

Cultivation. — Special investigations as to the value of
intertillage by bullock implements in maize and sugar-cane
will be undertaken. Correct spacings for maize both as a
fodder and grain crop will be studied.

An improvement in the methods of working the heavier
low-lying land appears to be necessary and improved imple-
ments will be given a trial.

Breeding Herd. — The present Montgomery herd is
doing satisfactorily, although the milk yield is not as high
as might be desired. Owing to the demand for milk from
the subordinate staff and the want of budget provision for
extensive purchases a rigid selection of the best milking
cows has not been possible. This tends to keep down the
average yields. Line breeding will be necessary as pedi-
gree cattle of this breed are not obtainable in the country.

Sheep. — The young Gorakhpur Dumbha cross ewes will
be used as a foundation for further improvements in wool
production. It seems necessary to investigate what type of
fleece is the most suitable for sheep in the plains of Northern
India, whether a loose coat with a good length of staple or
a close fine coat. It is also necessary to regularize and limit
the lambing period, to cast the ewes at regular ages, and to
employ a more rigid selection as regards wool.

Pastures. — A study of the agricultural characters of
pasture grasses and legumes will be undertaken with a view
to the sowing of mixtures instead of pure cultures of duhk.
The effect of rolling, harrowing and topping pastures will

22 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEAROfi

be noted. The rough river-side grazing areas will be sys-
tematically cut and grazed with the object of their ulti-
mate improvement. The question of the cheapening of the
present methods of laying out of land to pasture will be
taken up.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 23

REPORT OF THE IMPERIAL AGRICULTURAL

CHEMIST.

(J. Walter Leather, Ph.D., F.I.C, F.C.S.)

1. Charge and Establishment. — This section was in the
charge of myself during the whole year.

Mr. H. E. Annett, Supernumerary Agricultural
Chemist, returned to duty at Pusa on 6th November 1911
from Cawnpore, where he had been acting as Principal of
the Agricultural College. He left Pusa again on May 9th,
1912, to act as Agricultural Chemist, Punjab.

Mr. Bhailal Motibhai Amin has continued on dejDuta-
tion at the Sirseah Indigo Research Station. Babus
Narain Lai Tewari and Narendra Nath Mitra, M.Sc. (All.),
are the two new assistants, who have been appointed to fill
vacancies which had occurred.

2. Meteorology — In addition to the usual meteorological
observations which are submitted to the Meteorological
Department monthly, records are maintained of {i) pressure
by means of a barograph, (ii) soil temperatures at depths
of 1 in. down to 2 ft. from the land surface by means of
maximum and minimum thermometers, and {Hi) evapora-
tion from a plain water surface.

3. Drainage Data. — The amount of water which drains
annually from fallow land and from land bearing crops
is determined at Pusa and at Cawnpore by means of
gauges, descriptions of which have been published.* The
water is analysed regularly in regard to certain constitu-
ents, such as nitrogen compounds and mineral matters.
The records of the first few years have been published as a
Memoirt of this Department. The chief deductions ad-
missible from these records were detailed in my last annual
report.

* Annual Eeport of Cawnpore Farm, 1905-06, pajje 23. and Memoir of the
Di.'partment of Agriculture in India, Chemical Series, Vol. I, No. 5.

t Memoir of the Depai-tment of Agriculture in India, Chemical Serie.s, Vol.
II, No. 2.

24 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Among the observations made was that not only was
there less nitrate in the drainage water from the cropped
soil than from the fallow land, but that the deficiency
could not be accounted for merely by assimilation by the
crop. Either less nitrate was formed in the presence of
the crop or some other agent than the crop was assimilat-
ing the nitrate. The crops had been wheat and maize at
Pusa. In order to test if a like result is obtainable when
other crops are grown, the maize has been replaced by sunn
hemp; and wheat is grown in rotation on one gauge only.
In this manner it is hoped to ascertain whether there is a
deficiency of nitrate in the drainage water from this system
of cropping as there was from the wheat-maize.

Reference was also made in my last report to estima-
tions of nitrate in fallow land throughout the season.
These were continued last monsoon and cold weather and
will be repeated during the coming cold weather.

4. The Water Requirements of Crops. — Work was con-
tinued on this subject during last cold weather, more espe-
cially with reference to the transpiration ratio of crops
grown in the Cawnpore soil. This soil had not been em-
ployed previously in the pot-culture experiments at Pusa
and also the field experiments at Cawnpore had been inter-
fered with by bad seasons. The pot-cultures yielded
ratios very similar to what had been obtained in other
soils. The field plots yielded results which differed from
those at Pusa chiefly in the fact that the soil moisture was
drawn upon by the plant from a greater depth than was
the case at Pusa.

5. Soils. IJsar. — The nature of the work on usar soil in
the United Provinces has been indicated in previous
reports, and especially in my last year's report. The ex-
amination of the soils taken from alkali spots in the Muttra
and Etah Districts left no doubt that these alkali spots are
identical in character whether they occur under well or
under canal irrigation. The experiments which have been
in progress at Pusa on some soil which was taken originally

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 25

from good land closely contiguous to alkali land, and which
were designed to demonstrate whether such soil would
become usar if maintained in a water-logged state, have
not so far yielded a definite answer. Both soils were ex-
amined after being under experiment for two years, and
one was apparently still quite good; in respect of the other
there was a doubt as to whether it had changed somewhat.

The whole series of tests were reported upon to the
Director of Land Records and Agriculture and to the Chief
Engineer, Irrigation Branch, United Provinces.

A series of samples of soil from Quetta were submitted
to me for examination by the Irrigation Officer in Baluchis-
tan, the question being whether irrigation was causing
the lands to become saline. It was known from analyses
made by me in 1909 how very saline the water of the Sheboo
canal frequently is, and there is a natural suspicion that
irrigation with it must lead to an accumulation of salts in
the soil. The examination of the soils showed that in three
cases out of four the irrigated land was less readily perme-
able to water than the unirrigated, and in two cases the
irrigated land contained rather more salts. The difficulty
in making a reliable deduction in questions such as this lies
in the fact that the changes which may be going on are
only slow and hence frequently difficult to detect.

6. Saltpetre. — Further experiments were made during
the year on an improved method for refining crude saltpetre.
The filter, which had worked very well at the Allahabad
Exhibition, proved, when made of a considerably larger
size, to be defective, and experiments are now being con-
ducted with another class of filter which it is hoped will be
more efficient. The refined saltpetre was sold in Calcutta
without any difficulty at full market rates.

7- Sugar. — Work on sugar during the past year has in-
cluded {i) an examination of the date sugar industry, {ii)
testing the effect of removal of cobs from maize which
results in an accumulation of sugar in the stem, (m) esti-
mating the error which is involved in sampling sugar-cane,

26 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

and (iv) an examination of sugar beet roots which were
grown near Peshawar.

8. The Date Palm Sugar Industry. — As mentioned in
my last annual report, an investigation of the date palm
sugar industry was commenced at my suggestion by Mr.
Annett during the cold weather of 1910-11. This was con-
tinued during the cold weather of 1911-12 and has resulted
in an accumulation of some very valuable information on
the subject. In addition to a review of its past history,
Mr. Annett has been able, by spending some months in the
Jessore District, to obtain an intimate knowledge of the
present conditions of the industry, its agriculture, mode of
cultivation, tapping, and manufacture of the raw and re-
fined sugars. Also he conducted a long series of tests in
camp in Jessore on the quantity and composition of the
juice, the amount of decomposition and the means by which
this might be prevented. Mr. Annett found that the fresh
juice contains 8 to 10 per cent, of sucrose associated with
practically no glucose, but that owing to imperfect methods
of collection, 1 to 2 per cent, of glucose is formed during
the night. There are also subsequently further losses of
sugar during the boiling process, which is at present carried
out in small earthen pots, and again during the native refin-
ing processes losses of sugar occur. In an account of this
work, which is to be published, Mr. Annett refers to the
great improvements which have been introduced into the
corresponding American industry — the maple sugar manu-
facture— in which case it is to be noted that a iuice con-
taining only some 3 per cent, of sugar forms the " raw
material." If one can afford to employ good appliances
and perfected methods in that industry, it should certainly
be possible to apply them to India's date sugar.

The reference to this investigation would be incomplete
without an acknowledgment to Mr. E. G. McLeod of
Kotechandpur, who rendered Mr, Annett very considerable
assistance and provided him with detailed information of
the profits and losses of his (Mr. McLeod's) factory.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 27

9. De-cobbing Maize Plants. — Several Agricultural
Journals* have contained notes on the effect of removing- the
cobs from maize plants prior to fertilisation by the pollen,
this process being said to result in an accumulation of sugar
in the stem. Experiments were made by Mr. A. C. Dobbs,
Assistant Inspector General of Agriculture, during last
monsoon period in order to test the effect of the process
and to ascertain whether it would prove itself a useful one.
Analyses of the plants showed that an increase of sugar
(sucrose) did occur; in one case the cane sugar rose from
2 per cent, to 9 per cent., the percentage referring to the
weight of stem, but the process was not considered on the
whole to be an economical one.

10. Ex'perimenial Error in Sampling Sugar-cane. — It
will be readily appreciated that when a sample of cane is
taken from a field which is supposed to represent the whole,
an error is involved, and the examination of the sample will
not show the average composition of the whole but will
depart from the true value to a greater or less degree. It
is also obvious that not only is a knowledge of the magni-
tude of this error of importance, but also that it is very
desirable to know how to take a sample of sugar-cane in
order to free the result of such errors as far as possible.

Some tests were made in 1910 and again this year with
the sugar-cane crop which were designed to elucidate the
subject, but it will be necessary to carry out a third series
of tests during the coming season in order to arrive at
definite conclusions. In illustration it may be mentioned
that if a sample of 3 or 6 canes is taken from a field the
" probable error " is about 1 per cent, to 2 per cent, in the
sucrose determination. By taking more and more canes in
the " sample " the error becomes naturally smaller, but even
if one -fourth of the crop of a n)-acre plot be crushed, an
appreciable error still remains, and one- fourth of such a
crop is a large quantity of cane. It is the size of the
smallest necessary sample to be taken in order to secure an

* Agricultural Journal of the Union of South Africa, Vol. I, No. 4, p. 540.
Agricultural News, Vol. X, No. 234, p. 115.

28 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

error less than a certain magnitude that we desire to
estimate.

11. Sugar Beet Roots. — Some samples of sugar beets
which had been grown near Peshawar by the Superintendent
of Farms were examined and the result is of interest because
one lot included beets of a high grade. The percentage of
sucrose varied in this lot between 17 per cent, and 20 per
cent, of sucrose in the juice, demonstrating that very good
sugar beet could be grown in Northern India if desired.

12. Milk. — In co-operation with Mr. A. C. Dobbs a series
of tests were made during the year on the quantity and
composition of the milk of the Montgomery herd at Pusa
which have led to some interesting results- The work will
not be completed until next year, but the following will
indicate its nature.

When testing cows' milk in India two sources of error
must be guarded against : {i) if the periods between milking
are not equal the composition of the milk will be influenced,
and {ii) the calf takes an indefinite quantity of the milk
unless this is specially controlled. In order to eliminate
these sources of error the cows were milked at 12 hour
intervals, and the calf allowed to take the whole of the
milk from only one side of the udder, the other half being
milked by hand. The cows were milked by hand for 24
hours on (say) the right hand side of the udder whilst the
calf took the milk from the left hand side, and then during
the succeeding 24 hours the left side would be hand-milked,
whilst the calf took milk from the right side. Moreover
the diurnal change from the right hand side to the left
hand side was made in the morning for one month, and in
the evening during the next month. During one period of
two months the milk of the fore and hind quarters of the
udder of three cows was separately examined.

By these means great regularity was obtained in the
composition of the milk and several characteristic differ-
ences were observed. The most prominent was the differ-
ence between the percentage of fat in the morning and even-
ing milk; the former always contained from -5 to 15 per

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 29

cent, more than the latter; the difference was greater with
seme than with other cows, but no cow was an exception to
the rule. No systematic difference was found in the com-
position of the milk of the one side of the udder and the
other side, but a systematic difference was observed with
two cows in the composition of the milk of the fore quarter
udder and hind quarter respectively. This latter point
was tested with only three cows, so that whether this is a
common or an exceptional characteristic of the cows is not
yet known. The percentage of fat in the milk of this herd
has been about 4 to 5 per cent, in the morning and 3 to 4
per cent, in the evening, which is less than has been found
for Sind and Gir cows at Poona.

Regarding the yield of miilk this was found to be from
5 to 6 lbs. per day obtained by hand, to which must be added
the like quantit}^ taken by the calf, making 10 to 12 lbs. or
say 5 to 6 seers daily which is also less than what the Sind
and Gir cows yield.

13. Education. — There are at present five students in
this section; three of these being Government stipendiary
students, one each from Bengal, Bihar and Orissa and
Travancore; and two private students. One of the students
mentioned in my last report was considered not likely to
prove himself an efficient assistant and he was consequently
not permitted to complete his full course of study. One
student of the Entomological Section took a special course
of photography.

14. Programme of work for 1912-13.

1. The work on the availability of plant food in soils
will be continued.

2. In the current work on the moisture requirements of
crops, the effect of different proportions of moisture in
various soils for various crops is being ascertained.

3. The investigation of the chemistry and manufacture
of date palm sugar will be continued.

4. Experiments on possible improvements in the manu-
facture of saltpetre will be continued.

80 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

5. The experimental error in sampling sugar-cane is
being ascertained.

6. The effect of certain factors, such as climatic changes,
time of milking, etc., on the composition of cow's milk, is
being investigated.

7. Education. — This requires no special comment and
will be conducted according to the lines laid down.

16. Publications.
The following papers have been published : —

1. ''Records of Drainage in India." — Memoir of the Depart-

ment of Agriculture in India, Chemical Series, Vol. II,
No. 2, January 1912.

2. "Flow of Water and Air through Soils." — Journal of Agri-

cultural Science, Vol. IV, Part 3.

3. The effect of (i) alkali and (ii) iw.per me ability in soils on

plant growth. — (VIII International Congress of Applied
Chemistry.)

4. Method for the determination of the rate of percolation of

water through soils. — (VIII International Congress of
Applied Chemistry.)

5. Report on Industrial and Agricultural Chemistry for the

Board of Scientific Advice (by Messrs. Leather, Hooper
and Puran Singh).

6. Date Palm Sugar. — Memoir of the Department 6i Agri-

culture in India {in the press).

INSTITUTE AND COLI.EGE, PTJSA, FOR 1911-12. 31

REPORT OF THE IMPERIAL ECONOMIC

BOTANIST.

(A. Howard, M.A., A.R.C.S., F.L.S.)

Part I.

Teaching, Training and Staff.

Charge. — I held charge of the section at Pusa during
the period under review, namely, the year ending June 30th,
1912.

Students. — One advanced student from the Agricul-
tural Department of the Central Provinces worked in the
section from October 1st, 1911 to the end of April 1912.
This student made considerable progress in spite of his
want of familiarit}^ with growing crops.

Staff. — The appointment of a Personal Assistant has
very materially facilitated the working of the section and,
at the same time, has greatly increased the volume of results
obtained. During the months July to September 1911 and
during May and June of 1912, when I was at Quetta, the
Second Assistant, Moulvi Abdur Rahman Khan, was in
charge of current work at Pusa and I have pleasure in re-
porting that he carried out his duties in a very satisfactory
manner. The monsoon season of 1911 was a difficult one
due to the excessive rainfall, but in spite of this the tobacco
crop was good and the rest of the land in the botanical area
compared favourably with anything I saw in the neighbour-
hood on my return to Pusa at the end of September. The
work of the rest of the staff was satisfactory.

Part II.

Wheat Investigations.

The w^heat investigations at Pusa have been extended
duriner the past year and results of considerable value have
been obtained.

32 REPORT OF THE AGRICTULTURAL RESEARCH

Trials of Pusa Wheats in India.

During the rabi season of 1911-12 extensive trials of
wheats were made in most of the important wheat tracts of
India. As these trials have, in many cases, passed the
experimental stage and the wheats are being grown on a
large scale for seed distribution, the present seems a fitting
opportunity of summing up the results so far obtained and
of giving a connected idea of this portion of the wheat
investigations.

One of the first results of the wheat investigations at
Pusa was the demonstration of the fact that varieties with
milling and baking qualities similar to those of the best
wheats on the English market could be grown to perfection
in Bihar under barani conditions. By the application of
modern methods of selection and hybridization these high
grain qualities were successfully combined with high
yielding power, rust-resistance and strong straw so that
wheats were produced which gave upwards of 2,500 lbs. of
grain to the acre without irrigation or manure. In one
case, a yield of 2,832 lbs. to the acre was obtained at Pusa.
These new^ wheats were then thoroughly tested in England,
both in the mill and bakehouse, and were found to behave
like Manitoba spring wheats, which are in greatest demand
for bread-making in England and which command the high-
est prices on the Home markets. In this portion of the
work I was fortunate enough to secure the co-operation of
Mr. A. E. Humphries, a past President of the Incorporated
Society of British and Irish Millers.

The next stage in these investigations was to extend
the trials to other wheat-growing areas in India. These
were carried out during the rabi seasons of 1910-11 and
1911-12 and the results are summed up below.

United Provinces. — As most of the wheat exported frorp
India is grown under irrigation, it was important to ascer-
tain by actual trials whether high grain quality and higli
yield could also be obtained under canal irrigation. For-
tunately in this portion of the investigations the active
co-operation of Mr. H. Martin Leake (Economic Botanist

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12.

to the Government of the United Provinces) was secured
and extended trials of the Pusa wheats have been carried
out during the past three years at Cawnpore. The results
obtained were most satisfactory. In the first place, it was
found that yields over 2,200 lbs. per acre and in one case
as high as 2,500 lbs. could be obtained with one watering,
that is, with one-third the water usually employed by the
cultivators in the neighbourhood. In the second place, the
appearance and milling and baking qualities of the
wheats were at least equal to those grown at Pusa under
barani conditions. This was the verdict of Mr. Humphries,
who, in 1911, tested the same kinds grown at Cawnpore
under canal irrigation and at Pusa as a dry crop. During
the last rabi season, one of the Pusa wheats was grown at
Cawnpore without any irrigation water at all and a yield
of 1,650 lbs. to the acre was obtained, a remarkable result
in a canal-irrigated tract.

The Cawnpore trials, which had extended over three
seasons and which were uniformly successful, were repeated
on a small scale on the Aligarh Farm in 1910-11 and again
in 1911-12 on a large scale by Dr. Parr, Deputy Director of
Agriculture. The yields obtained during the last season
are given in the table below.

Trial of Pusa wheat at Aligarh, 1911-12.

Name.

Yield in lbs. per acre.

Pusa 22

2,098

Pusa 8

2,139

Pusa 12

2,510

During the last rahi season the Pusa wheats have been
grown on a considerable scale by the tenants of the Court

REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

of Wards Estates in the District of Kheri. The following
are some of the results obtained by these cultivators : —

Results of the Pusa tvheats grown hy ryots under the Court of

Wards Estate, Kheri.

Name of
wheat.

Pusa 12
Pusa 12
Pusa 10]

Name of estate or
circle.

Kaimalua

Rajapore

Mankapore

Bhulanpore

Amirtaganj

Rasulpanah

Tendhua

Previous treatment
of laud.

Un manured

Ditto .

Ditto

Manured

Ditto

Yield })cr acre
in lbs.

2/222
1,619
2,057
],935
1,285
1,503
1,234.

It will be seen that in the United Provinces the trials
have extended over three years at Cawnpore and two years
at Aligarh and the wheats have also been grown by culti-
vators. In all cases they have been successfuL

Punjab. — At the Gurdaspur Experiment Station in the
Punjab during the past wheat season, the following results
were obtained under strict harani conditions on unmanured
land by Mr. Milligan, the Deputy Director of Agriculture.
These results are the immediate outcome of the application
of improved methods of wheat growing to the harani tracts
of the Punjab.

No.

Grain in lbs. per acre.

Bhusa in lbs. per acre.

Pusa 12 .

2,122

3,989

On the canal-irrigated tracts of this Province the
methods of growing the crop to perfection, which have

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12.

proved so successful at Cawnpore and Aligarh, have not
yet been worked out. One point, however, has been demon-
strated. In 1911, it was found that high quality Pusa
wheats grown by tenants of the Lyallpur Farm retained
their milling and baking qualities. There is every hope
that provided proper care is taken in cultivation and in the
use of irrigation water, results similar to those of Cawn-
pore can be obtained in the Canal Colonies of this Province.
Central Provinces. — As the soil conditions of the wheat-
growing tracts of Peninsular India are quite different
from those of the alluvium of the Indo-Gangetic plain it
appeared probable that the Pusa wheats, most likely to be
suitable for the black soils of the Central Provinces, would
be found among the raj^idly maturing varieties. Accord-
ingly, these have been tested at Tharsa and Raipur by Mr.
Clouston and one kind was tried on a small scale at
Hoshangabad this year by Mr. Evans. The results are
given below.

Trial of Pusa wheats, 1911-12, in the Central Provinces.

Name.

Yield per acre.

Remarks.

Pusa 13.
Pusa 107 .
Pusa 108 .
Pusa 4

885
769
750
645

Damaged by bail.

The vield of the local kinds in the Central Provinces
rarely exceeds 600 lbs. per acre and both at Tharsa and
Raipur the Pusa wheats gave a larger outturn than any of
the other varieties tried, while in rust resistance and grain
quality they proved distinctly superior.

As regards the quality of the Pusa wheats grown m the
Central Provinces, one, Pusa 4, was in 1911 tested in Eng-
land by Mr. Humphries who reported : " The Raipur
unirrigated lot is truly superb in appearance, indeed I do

36 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

not think I am exaggerating if I say it is the finest looking
lot of Indian wheat I have ever seen." As regards the
bread made from this wheat Mr. Humphries said : " In hue
and general appearance of crust and crumb the Raipur lots
are of the A'^ery highest class, but on the one point of
strength they are really good without being extraordinary,
judged by the standard of typical London flour." These
opinions were confirmed by Messrs. Ralli Brothers, who
valued Pusa 4 higher than any of the large collection of
Indian wheats grown at Raipur in 1911. It is probable
that this wheat will be of the greatest use in the Central
Provinces on light soils and in years when the soil moisture
is short as it ripens in the second half of February and
fully a month before the local wheats. Next year it is
being tried by Mr. Evans in the Jubbulpore District where
a rapidly maturing late sown wheat is required on the
embanked wheat lands.

Bihar. — The first trial of Pusa wheats in Bihar was
made at Mia Chapra Estate in 1909-10 when 1,975 lbs. to
the acre of Pusa 20 were obtained after maize the same
year. All the seed was sown the following year on this
estate and the resulting crop was disposed of at Rs. 5 per
maund as seed wheat.

In 1910-11, several other estates grew Pusa wheats on
a small scale and in all cases the yield was greatly in excess
of that given by country seed. The success of these trials
on a small scale led to a great demand for seed after the
harvest of 1911.

During the past season, the trials were considerably
extended and about 1,500 acres of land were sown with the
new wheats. Some of the results are to be found in the
following table and on the average the yields obtained are
at least twice that given by the local wheats. The growers
are very pleased with the results and are keeping the bulk
of their harvest to sow an extended area next year. It is
anticipated that between 10,000 and 15,000 acres '^\\\ be
sown with Pusa wheats next year.

Name of
wheat.

Pusa 20

Pusa6

Pusa 8

Pusa 12

Pusa 8 and
12 mixed.

Pusa 101

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 37

Trial of Pusa u-heats in Bihar in 1911-12.

Name of Factory. i Type of soil.

Bowarrali Concern .

Ditto

Mia Chapra Concern,
1909-10.

Mia Chapra Concern,
1911-12.

Eelsund Concern

Bowarrah Concern .

Motihari Concern .

Belsund Concern .

Hathovvri Concern .

Munjhoul Concern .

1st class
wheat land.

2nd class
wheat land.

1st class
wheat land.

Do.

Medium

Fairly heavy

Light loam .

Medium

1st class

wheat land.

Light

Mooktapore Concern Medium

Rewari Concern, Land seethed
1910-11.

Bogwanpore Concern

Light

Motihari Concern . Light loam

Bogwanpore Concern Light

Jugolia Concern

Matlnr green
manured.

Yield

per
acre in

lbs.

1,975

1,483

1,975

2,468

1,619
1,240
1,839
1,730
2,017

1,218

1,481

1,199
1,234
1,693

1,234
1,351

Remarks.

The Manager

states that the
soil was too
light for wheat.

Patna M'heat

sown in tlic
same field gave
only 1,028 lbs.

Late sowing affect-
ed the yield.

Badly attacked
by whitc-ants.

Yield afl'ccted by
laying due to
storms.

Badly attacked
by white-ants.

Wheat liid and
consequently yield
affected by over-
manuring.

REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Trials of Pus a wheats

in Bihar in

1911-12

— contd.

Yield

Name of
wheat.

Name of Factory.

Type of soil.

per
acre
in lbs.

Remarks.

usa 104

Belsund Concern

Poor ,

1,451

The Manager esti-
mates the yield
would have equal-
led Pusa 105 if
land had been
good.

usa 105

Belsund Concern

1,708

Lisa lOG .

Hathowri Concern .

1st class
wheat land.

1,880

Damaged by rain
and rats or yield
would have been
still greater.

Birowlie Concern

2nd class
wheat land.

1,707

Motihari Concei'n

Light loam .

1,460

DhoH Concern

Mia Chapra Concern

Light land
somewhat
poor.

Medium

1,174
1,645

Local wheat in
adjoining field
gave less than
half this yield.

Bogwani^ore Concern

Light .

1,2.34

Crop badly at-
tacked by white-
ants.

Mooktapore Concern

Medium

1,480

Damaged by water-
logging ; local
wheat gave two-
thii'ds this yield
in the same field.

Belsund Concern

Light

1,139

Sown on soil too
light for this
wheat.

All the land was unnianurod unU'Ss olhcrwisu stated.

Owing to the abnormally heav}^ and late " hathia " rains
in 1911-12 most of the wheat in Bihar had to be sown on
light or second class wheat lands as the first class wheat
lands did not dry in time to plough. Much of the wheat
was also sown on a wet seed bed. The yield of wheat this
year at Pusa, owing to the late October rains, averaged

mSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 39

1,600 to 2,000 lbs. an acre instead of the usual 2,000 to
2,500 lbs.

Cultivation Experiments. — Another aspect of the wheat
investigations at Pusa should be mentioned. This relates
to the importance of hot- weather cultivation, clean culture
and moisture conservation in crop production in the Indo-
Gangetic plain. By applying the methods of cultivation,
which have been found successful for wheat, to other crops,
both kharif and rahi, greatly increased crops are easily
possible. The Pusa results have already attracted great
attention in India to improved methods of cultivation and
moisture conservation and have thus been of direct use in
showing one of the directions in which the land, now under
crops in the plains, can be made to produce much heavier
outturns. The effect of these methods is cumulative and the
highest yields are not obtained till the second or the third
year. The methods of cultivation referred to have been
published in detail in Pusa Bulletin No. 22 and Urdu and
Hindi versions have also been issued. Of these latter a
second edition has been called for by Mr. Burt, Deputy
Director of Agriculture, for distribution in the Central
Circle of the United Provinces.

Seed Distribution.

As a result of the successful trials of the new wheats in
various parts of India a great demand for seed has arisen
during the past year which could only in part be met.
Arrangements, however, have been made to grow a large
stock of seed during the coming season which it is hoped
will be sufficient for all purposes.

The seed distribution arrangements in Bihar arose out
of the demonstration in wheat growing given in con-
nection with the Tirhut Agricultural Exhibition held at
Pusa in January last. After this show the Bihar Planters'
Association suggested the immediate formation of seed
farms on estates under my supervision so as to supply a
large amount of seed wheat yearly. This has been done
and about 1,000 acres of the new wheats will be sown on

4b REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

three estates next year for seed purposes. This arrange-
ment ensures the expansion of the work at practically no
cost to Government while the estates where the crop is
grown to perfection will also serve as demonstration areas
and local seed farms for the cultivators in the neighbour-
hood. The various wheats grown will be maintained at
Pusa in pure culture and whenever necessary the seed farms
will be re-stocked with fresh seed.

In the United Provinces the distribution of seed is
being carried out under the direction of Mr. Leake who
has arranged to grow about one hundred acres at Cawn-
pore and Aligarh.

In the Central Provinces the work of seed distribution
is in the hands of Mr. Clouston, the Deputy Director of
Agriculture, who is growing Pusa wheats on a large scale
at liaipur and Tharsa. Mr. Evans proposes to try one of
the early maturing wheats (No. 4) in the Jubbulpore
District.

At Pusa, during the past year, the amount of the seed
distributed from the botanical area was 250 maunds. In
future the chief work at this centre will be confined to
keeping the various kinds pure and to growing sufficient
seed for demonstration purposes and for re-stocking peri-
odically the various seed farms. In addition, a consider-
able area of wheat land will be taken up by the numerous
cultures in connection with the selection and hybridization
work in progress and with variety trials.

The Influence of the Environment on Quality.

An important stage has been reached in the experiments
on the influence of environment on the milling and baking
qualities of wheat. These investigations are being con-
ducted in collaboration with Mr. Leake and the results
obtained up to the rahi season of 1910-11 have been in-
corporated in a paper which is now being printed. The
object of these experiments is to discover to what extent
high quality in grain is possible in the various wheat-grow-
ing tracts of India and for this purpose various pure lines

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 4l

have been grown at a large number of stations and the pro-
duce tested. If wheat of good quality can be grown in any
tract this fact is of great importance in the work of improve-
ment as practically all the Indian wheats of commerce are
poor in quality.

The principal result obtained during the year is the
demonstration of the fact that wheats of good quality can
be grown under canal irrigation in the alluvium and also
on the black cotton soils of Peninsular India. Quality in
wheat in India is not confined to the barani crop. Indeed
at Cawnpore during the past year the samples produced
under canal irrigation were better than the same wheats
grown at Pusa. At Raij^ur, on the black cotton soil, the
samples of Pusa 4 were certainly finer than that produced
the same year at Pusa. Even when grown after rice and
at Lyallpur by poor cultivators the wheats did not lose their
milling and baking qualities.

The results with Muzaffarnagar, a soft weak wheat,
obtained at the various stations are also of interest. In
no case did this wheat show strength although its milling
and baking qualities were improved by the cultivation it
received at Cawnpore and Pusa.

These experiments also throw considerable light on the
relation between yield and quality in wheat. It was found
that, in any particular wheat, the conditions which produce
the highest yield are those which also produce the best
quality. Further, in the same wheat, high yield and high
quality can be combined. A cultivator therefore, who
v/ishes to obtain the greatest financial return for his labour,
should grow to perfection a wheat which combines hign
yield and good grain qualities. When this is accomjDlished,
Indian wheats will be second to none in the markets of the
world.

In this portion of the work a large number of miliii.g
and baking tests were necessary. These were carried out
by Mr. Humphries in England and it is fortunate that his
invaluable assistance was secured. Dr. Leather kindly

42 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

undertook the large number of nitrogen determinations
involved in these investigations.

Cultivation Eocperiments at Pusa.

In connection with the growth of wheat at Pusa several
matters connected with the cultivation of the crop have been
observed which have since been made the subject of
experiment.

The first concerns the continuous growth of wheat with-
out manure. This experiment is being conducted on a plot
of typical wheat land, which is heavy in texture and which
retains water well. The past season was the fifth year of
the experiment and the yield was twenty-six maunds to the
acre, an increase on that of previous years. This is the
limit of the yielding power, up to the present at Pusa, of the
variety grown on this plot and the results show that, after
five years' cropping with wheat without manure, the natural
fertility of the land is not yet affected. Indeed, the last
crop was much too rank and was laid to a considerable
extent by wind after coming into ear.

The next cultivation experiment is concerned with the
effect of hot weather cultivation as compared with late
ploughing after the beginning of the monsoon. This ex-
periment is now in the second year and last season the
difference in yield between the two plots was twelve and a
half bushels to the acre in favour of early ploughing. In
the first year, the difference was only six bushels, due to the
fact that both plots started in a high state of cultivation.
This result appears to indicate that the effect of hot weather
cultivation is cumulative and that the maximum yields are
not realised the first year.

Drainage is an important factor in wheat growing in
the alluvium and influences both the yield and the quality.
On waterlogged areas, the consistency of the sample is gene-
rally very mixed and the yield is low. An experiment on
this subject at IHisa showed that waterlogging the land
during the month of September previous to sowing reduced
the crop fifty per cent., that is, to sixteen bushels to the acre.
This was shown to be due to a want of available nitrogen,

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 43

caused no doubt by a change in the soil flora due to the
waterlogging and want of air. A rice land conditioxi
seemed to have been set up in which the w^heat crop did not
thrive. The subject of the importance of drainage w^as
brought to the notice of the Bihar Planters in February
last in a paper read before the Association at Mozafferpore.

Breeding.

During the year a considerable amount of attention has
been devoted to wheat breeding, particularly with regard
to the production of new rust-resistant wheats with high
yielding power and strong straw. In connection with these
investigations, which have been designed to secure results
of immediate practical value, some interesting facts dealing
with the inheritance of characters in wheat have been
elucidated. A paper on this part of the subject is in course
of publication. These results, which at first sight appear
to be only of theoretical interest, are in reality of practical
value as they show that the gametic constitution of wheats
must be known with certainty before they can be used as
parents for the production of new types. Further it is
desirable that all varieties of crops in India (whose be-
haviour in breeding is known) should be most carefully pre-
served at the experiment stations so that they may be
immediately available for other workers.

The new experiment station at Quetta was of use in
connection with the breeding work at Pusa. The variety
trials in 1912 indicated that two crosses on the pure line
A 88 were desirable. This could only be seen at harvest
time when it was too late to make the crosses. Seed was,
however, sent to Quetta in March and the crosses were madf-
in the following June thus saving a whole year in the work

Part III.

Other Investigations.
Tobacco.
The progress reported in the previous annual report with
regard to this crop has been continued during the past year.

44 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Cultivation. — The successful growth of this crop after
a green crop of san ploughed in was referred to in last
year's report. This method of manuring was repeated on
a large scale in 1911-12 and in spite of the bad season a
very good crop was produced. The excessive rain at sow-
ing time in August, followed by long continued wet weather
till the middle of October, greatly interfered with the pre-
paration for this crop. In consequence, the growth was
slow and the period of ripening delayed. Even under these
adverse conditions, the crop grown on san was superior to
any tobacco fields in the neighbourhood.

Curing. — The curing experiments of the previous year
were repeated on a large scale, the crop being grown after
san ploughed in without any other manure. Three types,
Nos. 28, 29 and 32, were grown and cured by a modification
of the country method, care being taken to use the minimum
amount of moisture in the process so as to preserve the
yellow colour as much as possible. Type 28 gives a yellow
colour combined with good texture and fine leaves and was
reported on very favourably in 1910-11. Types 29 and 32
are heavier, coarser kinds with darker colour and large
leaves. These were grown for comparison with Type 28.
The whole of the crop was sent to the Peninsular Tobacco
Company at Monghyr and made into cigarettes. Type 28
again received a very favourable report and the leaves were
valued at Rs. 12 to Rs. 14 per maund which is a consider-
able advance on the local prices. A large quantity of self-
fertilized seed of this type was grown for the Company
and arrangements have been made on three estates to grow
this kind next year. The results obtained with this
tobacco show that a suitable leaf for cigarettes can be grown
and cured in Bihar by the people and thus the first object of
these curing experiments has been achieved. It now re-
mains to get the Pusa results repeated on the indigo estates
and to see whether the planters in Bihar are prepared to
take the trouble necessary to grow and cure this tobacco.
If they do it will then be possible to consider whether or

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PFSA, FOR 1911-12. 45

not fire curing in some simple form in earth-built barns can
be undertaken in Bihar with any prospect of success.

Breeding. — Considerable progress was made during the
year by the Personal Assistant in the investigations on the
inheritance of characters in Nicotiana tabacum and in N.
rustica. The object of this work is to discover the mode of
inheritance of the various leaf characters in particular so
that new and improved varieties can be produced by hybri-
dization. The results so far obtained are now being sub-
mitted for publication.

It is interesting to note that the earlier selection work
done on the tobacco crop at Pusa and published in Nos. I
and II of the third volume of the Botanical Memoirs has
been repeated by the Bureau of Plant Industry of the
United States Department of Agriculture and confirmed
in all respects. The American results are published in a
recent issue of the Botanical Gazette (Vol. LIII, No. 2,
1912).

Gram.

Some time ago a sample of gram was grown in the
botanical area from which a number of pure lines were
isolated in connection with the investigations on natural
cross-fertilization published in No. IV, Vol. ITT of the
Botanical Memoirs. Some of the more promising of these
pure lines were grown in large plots in 1911-12 and the
yields were carefully determined. Seven lines were grown
and one plot contained local seed for comparison. The yields
obtained were very high and the largest crop was nearly
thirty- four maunds to the acre while two other lines gave
over thirty maunds. Samples of the seed were submitted
to Messrs Ralli Brothers, Bombay, for valuation and report.
Four of the lines were valued over Rs. 4-8 per cwt. f . o. r.
Bombay compared with Es. 4-2, the price of the ordinary
exportable varieties. The line which gave thirty-two and-
a-half maunds of seed was valued at Rs. 5-8 per cwt. f . o. r.
Bombay — an increase of Re. 1-6 per cwt. above the ordi-
nary seed. These lines will be grown on a larger scale next

46 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

season and are also being tried in other parts of India.
The results indicate that selection methods can be applied
to gram with good prospects of success. As the flowers
are self-fertilized in Bihar, it is likely that any improve-
ment can readily be maintained.

Fibres.

The work with fibre plants has been continued, the
crops studied being patwa (Hibiscus cannabinus), rozelle
(Hibiscus Sabdoriffa), and san (Crotalaria juncea).

It was found that one of the types of H. cannabinus
grown from the seed of unprotected flowers could be freed
from all hybrids in the seedling and early vegetative stages
and thus could be kept pure by simple rogueing. It is
possible that similar methods might be adopted in the case
of cotton grown for seed distribution purposes. In the
case of san progress was made in isolating the various
varieties of this crop and a beginning was made in the
study of the methods of pollination in this species.

In rozelle a considerable amount of work was done on
the inheritance of characters in this crop and in the study
of the second generation of the hybrids. The varieties of
Indian rozelle are well adapted for the study by students
of simple Mendelian phenomena and it w^as partly on this
account that this work was undertaken.

Pollination.

Progress was made during the year in the study of the
methods of pollination in the various crops of India and
particular attention was devoted to some of the oil-seed
crops. As soon as sufficient material has been collected
these results will be incorporated in a paper.

Part IV.

The Tirhut Agricultural Exhibition.

The Tirhut AOTicultural Exhibition was held in the
botanical area at Pusa on January 18th, 19th and 20th,

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 47

1912, and I acted as local Secretary for the show. In
addition to the usual exhibits of agricultural produce, live
stock and the products of the local industries, the special
feature of this Exhibition was the demonstration to
planters, zemindars and cultivators. The nature of these
demonstrations will be evident from the following extract
from the report on the show : —

" An important departure was made this year in the
Exhibition, largely through the efforts of Mr. F. F. Lyall,
I.C.S., Collector of Mozafferpore. In 1910, it was suggest-
ed by the Imperial Economic Botanist that the Tirhut
Exhibition should be held at Pusa once every four years and
that the various improvements in Indian agriculture, shown
to be possible by the work of the Pusa Institute, should be
demonstrated to the planters, zemindars and cultivators
of the Division in the form of growing crops of increased
yield and value. This suggestion was not accepted
for the 1911 show, but it was revived again by Mr. Lyall
and adopted by Mr. H. C. Streatfeild, I.C.S., Commissioner
of the Division. As a consequence, the Exhibition of 1912
was held at Pusa and the grounds of the Botanical Section
were lent for the Exhibition. In the cultivated portion of
this area, numerous plots were laid out to illustrate as many
as possible of the improved methods of agriculture discover-
ed at Pusa. The crops selected for this purpose were
tobacco and wheat and, in addition, there was a further
demonstration on two neighbouring plots of land belonging
to ryots.

" The main demonstration to planters, which occupied
about three hours, took place on the morning of the 19th
January when the attendance was upwards of 50. This
consisted of a series of short lectures by the Imperial Eco-
nomic Botanist followed by discussions at the various plots.
It was repeated in the afternoon for the benefit of those
who arrived too late for the morning work. Leaflets deal-
ing with the main subjects dealt with, were previously pre-
pared and printed and sets of these were distributed. For
the benefit of cultivators these demonstrations were given

48 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

in the vernacular, both on the 19th and 20th, by Monlvi
Abdiir Rahman Khan, Second Assistant to the Imperial
Economic Botanist, and were largely attended. In addi-
tion to these formal demonstrations, the various members
of the staff of the Botanical Section explained the work in
progress to the cultivators and, in this way, a good deal of
useful work was accomplished.

" The scope of the demonstrations can be gathered from
the titles of the leaflets prepared for the show which were
as follows : — •

1. Green manuring with san for tobacco.

2. The improvement of wheat cultivation in Bihar.

3. The effect of grass on fruit trees.

4. The value of pure seed in India.

5. The importance of hot-weather cultivation in

Bihar.

In addition, several improved implements, suitable for
Bihar, were shown at work and various leaflets dealing with
these machines were distributed. After seeing the sprins"-
tine harrows at work fifty of these were ordered by the
planters.

" These demonstrations were a great success and were
followed closely both by the planters and by the cultivators.

There is no doubt that this method of bringing home the
results of the work of the Agricultural Department is in-
finitely more effective than publications or the exhibition
of collections of seeds and other produce. An acre plot
of improved wheat or tobacco for example appeals much
more strongly to the agricultural mind than results in
print or in the shape of collections of seed."

Part V.

The Development of the Fruit Industry of

Baluchistan.

Progress has been made during the year in the work
outlined in the last report in connection with the develop-
ment of the fruit industry of Baluchistan.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 49

A suitable site for the fruit experiment station was
selected on the Sariab road about two miles from Quetta
and the land was acquired in September 1911 by the Local
Government. This was roughly laid out in terraces and
plots last year, and, during the present summer, progress
has been made in the final levelling of the plots and in
making the necessary irrigation arrangements. Two shares
in the Sirkhi karez have been purchased and two artesian
bores have been laid down while a third is now in progress.
These bores are 80, 150 and 250 feet in depth and tap three
different water-bearing gravels. The total surface flow is
expected to be well over 1,000 gallons per hour and the
water will be finally collected in a pucca tank capable of
holding four days' discharge. An experiment has also been
made of pumping from one of these bores by means of an
oil engine when the flow increased from 600 gallons to 4,250
gallons per hour. A well has been sunk which gave water
at 22 feet and on this a Persian wheel is being erected.
The water supply of the fruit experiment station is now
assured and proposals have been submitted for laying down
permanent masonry water channels for the main distribu
tion and for carrying the zemindar's water through the
area instead of in the present earth channels.

Five quarters for workmen, a cattle shed, two godowns,
an implement shed and overseer's quarters were erected in
1911 as well as a building for laboratory and office work.
The area has been surrounded by a wall and the road to the
laboratory has been made pucca.

A portion of the land was laid out for a nursery and a
number of stocks have been raised for budding during the
present year. Some of the land was sown in shaftal for
fodder and green manure.

The old fruit garden in Quetta was handed over on
October 1st, 1911, and a beginning was made in getting this
into order and in removing old trees. A portion of the
area was got ready for shaftal and good crops were pro-
duced. Another portion was prepared for an experiment

50 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

in the growing of tomatoes on improved lines. During the
present year, further progress was made on the work of re-
novation and it is hoped to get at least half of the land
ready for a clover crop this autumn. Next year it is pro-
posed to plant this area up in fruit trees.

A considerable amount of work was done in 1911 in
working out the best methods of transporting fruit to
India. It was found that the cheapest and best packages
were those made up with chip and boards imported from
Glasgow. Returnable boxes made of venesta wood were
found to be impracticable under Indian conditions on
account of the frequent overcharges and mistakes made by
the Railway Companies in sending the empties back to
Quetta. Any one sending returnable fruit boxes on Indian
Railways on a large scale would have to keep at least one
clerk to check the charges and to file claims. Another
difficulty in connection with sending fruit by rail was the
numerous thefts on the trains. If a merchant sending
fruit from Quetta were to complain every time these thefts
occurred, another extra clerk would be required for the
correspondence that would be involved.

As a result of last year's experiments non-returnable
boxes for the five-seer rate were designed and steps were
taken to import a supply of material for these sufficient to
meet the demands for 1912 and 1913. In addition, a supply
of other boxes for experiments with tomatoes and other
fruits was imported.

In carrying out the work at Quetta I have been greatly
assisted by Mr. H. R. C. Dobbs, C.I.E., Officiating Revenue
Commissioner in Baluchistan, who did a great deal to
further the work after my departure in September 1911.
Colonel McConaghey, C.I.E., the Political Agent at Quetta,
has also rendered vahiable assistance, while the work con-
nected with the artesian bores and the pumping experi-
ments was only possible through the readv help given by
Colonel Williams. R.E., Secretary to Government in the
Public Works Department, and by Colonel Picton.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 51

A.C.R.E., Quetta. Colonel Duke, I. M.S., Residency
Surgeon and Chief Medical Officer in Baluchistan, was
kind enough to receive and plant out a number of young
trees. He has also heljied me by giving me the benefit of
his local knowledge of fruit growing and of the practices
in vogue in Persia.

My third assistant, Munshi Ijaz Husain, worked well
at Quetta in the autumn of 1911 when left in charge of the
work.

Part VI.

Programme and publications.

Programme of work for 1912-13.

1. Training. — The training of advanced students in this
section will be continued.

2. Plant Breeding and Plant Improvement. — During
1912 the following crops will be studied : — wheat, tobacco,
oil-seeds and fibre plants.

(a) Wheat. — The production of improved and rust-
resistant types by selection and hybridization
will be continued. The co-operative experi-
ments on the influence of the environment on the
milling and baking qualities of Indian wheats,
which are beim? conducted in collaboration with
Mr. H. Martin Leake, Economic Botanist to the
Government of the United Provinces, will be
continued. The botanical survey of the wheats
of Baluchistan and the agricultural survey of
the wheats of Bengal will be completed.

(h) Tobacco. — The production of new varieties by
selection and hybridization will be continued, as
well as the testing and curing of the varieties
already isolated. The detailed study of the
inheritance of characters in tobacco is being
continued by the Personal Assistant.

E 2

52 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

be continued on similar lines to those adopted
in the investigations on wheat.

(d) Fibres. — The isolation and testing of pure races of

the fibre plants of India will be continued.
The study of the inheritance of characters in
these crops is being continued.
{e) Fruit. — The fruit experiments at Pusa will be con-
tinued on the lines laid down in the first Fruit
Report. During the months May to Septem-
ber the work connected with the development
of the fruit industry of Baluchistan will be
continued.

Publications.

The pressure of current duties has again delayed the
publication of results and only a few papers could be
written during the year. The work of the section, parti-
cularly on wheat and tobacco, has increased beyond all ex-
pectations during the past two years and it is difficult to
find sufficient free time for writing papers and for corre-
spondence.

The following papers were published or written during
the year : —

1. Green manuring with sa?i. AgricuUvral Journal of India,

Vol. VII, Part I, 1912.

2. A suggested improvement in sugar-cane cultivation in

the Indo-Gangetic plain. Agricultural Journal of India,
Vol. VII, Part I, 1912.

3. The improvement of Indian wheat. Journal of the Bombay

Natural History Society, October 1911.

4. A Hindi and Urdu version of Pusa Bulletin 22 on the pro-

duction of wheat in India.

5. The Botanical aspect of the improvement of sugar-cane in.

India. International Sugar Journal, 1912.

6. The production and maintenance of pure seed of improved

varieties of crops in India (with G. L. C. Howard). Agri-
cultural Journal of India, Vol. VII, Part II, 1912.

7. Report on Economic Botany for 1910-11 for the Board of

Scientific Advice (with R. S. Hole).

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 5^

8. Some aspects of tlie Agricultural Development of Bihar —

an address delivered to the Bihar Planters' Association at
Mozaffarpore on January 31st, 1912.

9. The influence of environment on the milling and baking

qualities of wheat in India, No. 2 (with H. Martin Leake
and G. L. C. Howard). In the press.

54 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

REPORT OF THE IMPERIAL MYCOLOGIST.

(E. J. Butler, M.B., F.L.S.)

1. Charge and Establishment. — I remained in charge
of the section until June 16th, when I proceeded on 20 days'
privilege leave, Mr. F. J. F. Shaw officiating. In addition
to my own duties, I also held charge of the post of Director
of the Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, until March
31st. Mr. Shaw held the post of Supernumerary Mycologist
throughout the vear. Mr. J. H. Mitter, Second Assistant,
reverted from the Punjab Department of Agriculture on
the abolition of the post of Assistant Professor of Mycology
at Lyallpur, which he had held since May 1910, on
November 24th. He has again joined the Punjab Depart-
ment to officiate as Assistant Professor of Botany for three
Tionths from June 15th. All the staff have worked well.

2. Training. — Babu K. C. Banerji, B.A., L.Ag.
(Nagpur), was sent for training in Mycology and Ento-
mology by the Bihar and Orissa Department. He attended
the section from February 22nd. Lala Bishambar Das,
M.Sc, Assistant Professor of Biology, Government College,
Lahore, worked in the Laboratory for about six weeks
during his college vacation in July and August.

3. Aid to Provincial Departments. — A considerable
number of parasitic fungi were named for the college
collections in the various Provincial Departments, especially
for Bombay, Bengal and the Punjab. The manuscript of
the mycological portion of a Handbook of the diseases and
pests of cultivated plants in Bengal was read through and
annotated. Several blocks of original figures suitable for
illustrating this book were lent to the Economic Botanist,
Bihar and Orissa. Some manuscripts containing results of
scientific work by the Assistant Professor of Mycology and
the Mycological Assistant, Poona, were read and advice
given as to the best means of publishing them.

Institute and college, pusa, for 1911-12. 55

4. Plant disease investigations, (a) Paddy diseases. —
Considerable time has been given to the investigation of a
disease of inundated paddy, locally known as ufra, in the
deltaic districts of Eastern Bengal. The disease is said
by the cultivators to have existed for at least a generation,
but it appears to have greatly increased in virulence in
recent years, and has been under the observation of the
Eastern Bengal Department of Agriculture since 1908. It
was attributed by different observers to insects, fungi and
unsatisfactory soil conditions. A conjoint Entomological
and Mycological investigation was undertaken last
December, when Mr. Fletcher, Officiating Imperial Ento-
mologist, and myself visited Noakhali District. The
result was to exclude insects as the direct cause and to
throw suspicion on a worm of the Nematode class, always
found living on diseased plants. This worm, a Tylenclius,
member of a genus whose species are already known to cause
several serious diseases of cereals (of which " ear-cockle "
ill wheat is perhaps the most familiar), is exceedingly
minute, practically invisible to the naked eye; it is found in
clusters, often containing many individuals, on the surface
of diseased parts. The anterior end is provided with a
sharp spine and a sucking apparatus, by which the juice of
the living cells of the plant is made use of as nourishment.
At least two, probably more, complete life cycles occur in
a year and, as the female lays a large number of eggs, in-
crease is rapid. On diseased plants the worms are found, in
the early stages, occupying small brown patches on the leaves
and culm. As the crop approaches maturity larger numbers
ol worms occur on the peduncle of the ear and just above
the next lower node. At these points the stem is deep
brown in colour and shrunken to little more than the thick-
ness of a thread. Still later, worms are found within the
empty glumes of the lower flowers and the ears generally
bear no grain. A frequent condition is the failure of the
ear to emerge from its enclosing sheath and to this the name
thor (or swollen) ufra is applied, from the swollen appear-
ance of the head of the plant. In fucca ufra the ears

56 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

emerge, but are light and bear no grain. In Begumganj
Thana of Noakhali District about half the crop was lost
last year; several fields were visited wdiich had not been
considered worth harvesting. In 1910 it is estimated that
the loss in this Thana was 200,000 maunds of grain. Out-
side Noakhali, the disease is said to occur in Comilla,
Chandpur and the neighbourhood of Dacca and is probably
more widely distributed than this. The same worm was
found in specimens collected in these localities and the
symptoms were similar. Elsewhere, from several of the
rice-growing tracts of India, reports and specimens of
diseases exhibiting points of resemblance to ufra have been
received, but examination has not, so far, revealed the occur-
rence of true ufra outside Eastern Bengal. Further work
is required to ascertain if the worm must be held directly
responsible for the disease and, if so, how it can be checked.
Experiments in this direction are in progress in collabora-
tion with the Bengal Department.

An unsuccessful attempt was made to trace by field in-
oculations the life history of the '' false '' smut of rice caused
by U stilaginoidea virens. This is being repeated this year.

{h) Root rot of "plants due to Rhizoctonia. — The soil-
dwelling parasite Rhizoctonia has been known in Europe as
a fungus pest since the early part of the eighteenth century.
It attacks chiefly subterranean tubers such as potato, saffron,
carrot and beet; in America it is also found on cotton. The
researches of the past two years, carried out by Mr. Shaw
and an account of which is now in the press, have shown
that, in India, it is a parasite of wide range and, in some
cases, extreme virulence. The species known as Rhizoc-
tonia Solani Kiihn, first described in 1858 on potato, appears
to be most common. It occurs on potatoes at Bankipore,
and on the Pusa Farm attacks jute, groundnut and cowpea.
At Cawnpore it attacks seedling cotton and it has been
reported on sesame from Surat. In some cases, e.g., jute
and cotton, the attack takes place in the seedling stage, when
it is particularly virulent, in the case of jute the death rate
in pot-culture being 70 — 80 per cent. The attack on cotton

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 67

was of interest as it proved to be identical with that known
in Egypt as " sore shin " and in America as " damping off,"
both of w^hich diseases were attri})iited by their investigators
to an unnamed sterile fungus.

Special attention was paid to the possibility of the exist-
ence of biologic forms within the morphological species
R. Solani. It was found that the race on jute was markedly
different in its infective power from the fungus on cowpea,
groundnut and cotton. The former would only infect its
own host whereas the fungus upon either of the other three
hosts could infect any one of the remainder.

A second species of Rhizoctcmia, possessing much larger
sclerotia, was found on groundnut and cowpea. It soon
became clear that great confusion existed in the published
literature between these two forms, which have been attri-
buted to a single species under the name Rhizoctonia
violacea Tul. The second form also occurs sometimes on
potato, where it has been identified by American writers
as R. Solani and stated to have a Basidiomycete, Corticium
v>agum, as its perfect stage. The investigations of the last
year have confirmed the latter point but have shown that
the fungus associated with Corticium vagum is a distinct
and separate species. It is suggested that the name
R. violacea may be retained for this form.

The fact that Rhizoctonia may live in the soil of an
infected field for years renders the disease a peculiarly
difhcult one to combat. In Egypt a dressing of naphthalene
has been found very beneficial in the case of cotton, while
in England a weak solution of carbolic acid applied to the
soil has given good results. The latter method is, however,
too expensive for general use. It is fortunate that, so far,
cereal crops appear to be immune to this disease and a
careful rotation of crops is probably the best method of
lessening its ravages.

(c) Wheat rust. — Last year was marked by a severe
attack of wheat rust, the first for a number of years, in the
Central Provinces. The disease was also prevalent in some

5S REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

other wheat-growing areas, notably in Rajputana. Mimshi
Inayat Khan, senior Fieldman, was deputed to collect speci-
mens and notes in the Central Provinces at the end of
March. Examination at Pusa showed that, while all three
varieties of rust were present, most of the damage was
caused by " orange " rust (Puccinia triticina) and " black "
rust {Puccinia graminis) ; " yellow " rust {Puccinia gluma-
rum) was much less in evidence. Previous experience in-
dicates that, in normal years, orange rust is absent or scarce
in the Central Provinces, though common in Bengal and
parts of the United Provinces. It appears, therefore, that
in bad years this rust extends its area and much of the
losses in 1912 must be attributed to it. In breeding rust-
resistant wheats for the Central Provinces, yellow rust need
not at present be taken into account. Black rust is always
present and does much damage even in normal years ; wheats
resistant to this rust would be of undoubted value. As
regards orange rust, the growth of wheats which withstand
this variety would be a form of insurance against the
occurrence of a rusty year. It is not, unfortunately, as yet
definitely known whether wheats resistant to all three rusts
can be produced. Meanwhile, as it is not possible in
ordinary years to study the susceptibility of Central
Provinces wheats in regard to orange rust, wheats which
resist this rust in localities where it is prevalent might with
advantage be introduced into the province.

{d) Phytofhthora investigations. — Two species of thi.
most destructive genus of fungus parasites have been undei
special study in the section. The fiTh\ is Phytofhthora
Colocasim Rac, which attacks the common indigenous
vegetable kachu {Colocasia antiquorum) throughout South-
Eastern Asia. Its study was commenced by Mr. G. S. Kul-
karni, Mycological Assistant of the Bombay Department,
when a student at Pusa in 1909. It has since been continued
by myself and its successful growth in artificial culture
last year has allowed of the complete working out of its
life history. It is hoped to publish the result of this work
shortly. Mr. Dastur, First Assistant, has taken up the study

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 5fii

of a Phytophthora which attacks castor, as part of a larger
investigation of the diseases of this crop. This species has
also been got into artificial culture. The simultaneous pro-
duction of the saprophytic habit by artificial culture in two
species of this genus, until recently supposed to be exclu-
sively parasitic, has permitted of important additions to
our knowledge of the biology of the genus. Phytofhthora
infestans, the cause of the well-known potato blight, was
found attacking potatoes and tomatoes at Jorhat in Assam ;
on a previous occasion, in 1902, it attacked potatoes in
Burdwan and Hooghly Districts in Bengal. Ordinarily
confined to temperate climates and always prevalent in the
Hill Tracts of India, it is, perhaps, to be feared that a race
is being developed which can withstand the heat of the
plains.

{e) Sugar-cane diseases. — A memoir giving the results
of the work of the past few years has been commenced. The
difficulties encountered in carrying on field experiments,
owing to inability to control external conditions which
caused the partial loss of the crop on several occasions, have
led to much loss of time. A good deal of information has,
however, been obtained as regards methods of infection
other than by planting diseased cuttings, both in red-rot and
C eyhalosporium disease, and it is considered advisable not
to delay publication. This year's work includes these two
diseases and also smut. Early in 1912 specimens of a cane
disease which has appeared on the Jorhat Farm were
received from Mr. Meggitt, Agricultural Chemist, Eastern
Bengal and x\ssam, who laid stress on its resemblance to
sereh, the disease which has caused more damage in Java
than probably any other of the numerous diseases of this
crop. The resemblance is indeed striking and a recent
visit to Jorhat has not enabled me to identify the disease
with any of those known in India. The symptoms of sereh
are elusive, its cause is unknown, its treatment very trouble-
some; and the accurate identification of the Jorhat disease,
so that measures for its suppression may be taken if neces-
sary, is obviously a matter of the first importance.

60 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

(/) Palm diseases. — The " plague " of betelnut palms in
Bengal and Assam has continued to spread to the north and
east since first reported to Sir George Watt in 1896. Since
1905, when I visited Sylhet to attempt to discover its cause,
it has extended to Cachar and Goalpara. Specimens from
these districts, and from Khulna at the other extremity of
the affected area, were examined during the year. The
cause appears to be the fungus Polyforus {Pomes) lucidus;
this species occurs commonly on dying palms and reasons
were given in 1905 for supposing it to be parasitic. More
recently it has been found on diseased areca and cocoanut
palms in Mysore and Ceylon, and though its parasitism has
not been conclusively proved, it is considered to cause disease
in both localities. The losses in North-Eastern India have
been enormous, but the area affected is so large as to render
impracticable any attempt to check it on the lines of the
successful work against bud-rot in Madras. The applica-
tion of lime has been recommended and is reported to have
had a beneficial effect.

{g) Tea diseases. — Mr. Shaw visited Cachar in December
to investigate tea canker. The cause of this disease still,
however, remains obscure. An Eocobasidium, closely allied
to that which causes " blister-blight " of tea, was discovered
by Mr. I. H. Burkill in the Khasia Hills on Camellia drupi-
fera, a wild relative of tea. I had some hope that this would
serve to explain the spread of blister-blight from North-
Eastern Assam to DarjeeJing, but on submission to a special-
ist it was found to be a distinct species. Blister-blight
was severe in parts of Assam this season and suggestions
for further experiments to aid in its control were given to
enquirers. The Scientific Department of the Indian Tea
Association published an account of the suggested connec-
tion between the tea-seed bug (Poecilocoris latus) and the
fungus infection of tea seed, based on work carried out by
me in the previous year. The section has been freely con-
sulted by that Department during the year.

(h) Indigo disease. — A recrudescence occurred towards
the end of last season of the so-called '' wilt " of Java indigo

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12 61

in Bihar, particularly where " moorhun " plant was kept
for seed bearing. As there is much confusion between the
condition due to the insect pest Psylla and that known as
" wilt," a conjoined mycological and entomological investi-
gation was undertaken. I visited the Research Station of
the Bihar Planters' Association in November and examined
the crop which had been kept for seed and which was at
this date almost entirely destroyed. No sufficient explana-
tion of the death of the plants could be found and it appears
unlikely that it is due to a definite fungus parasite. As,
on the other hand, it appears to be quite clear that Psylla
does not kill the plant in this fashion, it is evident that
further investigation is necessary. The preliminary stages
of this were commenced last year.

{i) Forest tree diseases. — A large number of specimens
of diseases of forest trees were received from the Forest
Department. These included various pines, deodar,
shisham, teak, ^'nahor," Casuarina, "sal," "mahua," Cassia
fistula, mulberry, etc. In several cases the diseases were due
to parasites already known and suggestions for treatment
could be given. In others, notably the nahor disease in
the Sibsagar and Teesta Divisions, the cause is a fungus
which it has not yet been possible to identify and no
recommendations can be made.

{j) Other flant diseases. — I visited Lyallpur in October
to investigate the cause of the death of cotton plants in
certain areas of the Government Farm. No parasite was
found but evidence was obtained to show that the damage
was due to root injury, resulting from the presence of an
impermeable stratum some distance below the surface of
the soil. A large number of specimens of cotton plants from
fourteen villages in the wilt-infected area in Berar were
sent for examination by Mr. Clouston. The percentage
of wilt varied from over fifty to three. Buri cotton, so far,
remains immune and Mr. Clouston is now working out how
far this advantage compensates for its lower yield as com-
pared with the varieties commonly grown. Mr. Shaw has
investigated the disease of Sisal caused by Colletotrichum

62 REPORT OF THE AC4RICULTURAL RESEARCH

Agaves and has prepared a note for publication. He also
visited the Sisal plantation of Messrs. Allen Brothers near
Cawnpore to report on its health. An outbreak of lucerne
mildew was reported from the Remount Depot, Sargodha,
and of cauliflower mildew from Lahore. Experiments were
continued with a view to finding some practical method of
checking anthracnose of plantains. The stem rot of papaya
was also under study, as its cause has not yet been deter-
mined. Mr. Shaw made a local invest i station of the orange
disease in the Khasia Hills, whence the " Sylhet " oranges of
the Calcutta market are exported. The cause of this very
obscure disease is still unknown. Oat smut was prevalent
in Bihar and recommendations for its treatment have been
made. A disease of coffee berries from Coorg was found
to be caused by Collet otrichum Coffeanum Noack, a parasite
which I had previously observed attacking the leaves of this
plant, but w]iich was not known to attack the berries.
Mr. Shaw has commenced the study of Striga, a parasitic
flowering plant which does much damage to sugar-cane,
jowar and other Graminese in India. Amongst the diseases
not previously known in India, cotton anthracnose, lucerne
mildew and rust of velvet beans were the chief. Two
diseases of wild vines were investigated, one of which is
known to attack also the cultivated species. An account
of them was published since neither occurs in Europe and,
if introduced, they might prove serious pests in grape-
growing countries. The usual routine work of dealing with
enquiries and specimens sent in for report was continued.
Altogether 98 parcels of specimens were examined.

5. Systejnatic uwrk. — A considerable advance was made
in this branch of the work of the section, the additions to
the named herbarium collection numbering some hundreds.
These were for the most part plant parasites, about 200
additions to the parasitic flora of India having been made.
Two parts of the list of Indian fungi, which is being pre-
pared in collaboration with Messrs. H. and P. Sydow of
Berlin, were published. These contained the record, and in
many cases also a detailed description, of over 300 species of

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 63

Indian fungi, of which more than a hundred were new to
science. An account of an interesting aquatic fungus was
also published. The total number of mounted sheets added
to the herbarium was 779.

6. Miscellaneous. — I attended the meetings of a com-
mittee appointed to consider the question of preventing the
importation of noxious insects and plant diseases into India,
held at Pusa in November. It is greatly to be desired that
action in this direction should be taken without delay. The
measures recommended last year for checking the spread
of lantana, a noxious weed in Mysore and Coorg, are under
consideration and further information has been supplied
to the authorities concerned. The section fitted up a stall
at the Tirhut Agricultural and Industrial Exhibition held
at Pusa in January, w^hich was well attended. Assistance
was given to the Government College, Lahore, in providing
material and notes for teaching elementary mycology. An
outbreak of dodder in clover was reported from Peshawar
and recommendations for its suppression were made. I
wrote the chapter on Mycology for the Annual Report of the
Board of Scientific Advice for the year 1910-11.

7- Programme of work for 1912-13.

(7) Research and experimental tvork. — The investiga-
tion of the disease of paddy known as ufra in Bengal will
be continued. Other diseases of paddy will be taken up as
opportunity occurs.

Work on susrar-cane diseases will be continued. The
disease which has appeared on the Jorhat Farm will be
specially studied with a view to determining whether it is
sereh.

It is proposed to examine the wilt diseases of cotton and
sesame, in the Central Provinces, with a view to ascertain-
ing their causes.

It is hoped to conclude the investigation of two species
of Phytophthora and the diseases of castor and Colocasia
caused by them.

64 REPORT OF THE AGRl CITLTTTRAL RESEARCH

The study of the so-called " wilt " of indigo will be con-
tinued.

The Supernumerary Mycologist is engaged in an investi-
gation of some Phanerogamous plant parasites, especially
S trig a.

{2) Training. — This will be continued on the lines indi-
cated in the Prospectus. Short courses will also be given
if any students of the Institute wish to attend.

{3) Advice regarding the fungus diseases of plants will
continue to be given to other departments, particularly the
Provincial Departments of Agriculture and the Forest
Department, and to the general public. The distribution
of named specimens and other material to provincial
colleges and other institutions will be continued.

(4) The collection and identification of Indian parasitic
fungi will be continued.

8. Publications.

Fungi Indise Orientalis, Part III, H. «& P. Sydow and E. J.

Bntler. Annales Mycologici, Vol. IX, No. 4, 1911;

ih., Part lY, Vol. X, ^No. 3, 1912.
On Allomyces, a new aquatic fungus, E. J. Butler. Annals

of Botany, Vol. XXV, October 1911.
The rusts of wild vines in India, E. J, Butler. Annales

Mycologici, Vol. X, No. 2, 1912.
A disease of Cotton, F. J. F. Shaw. 'Mutid-ul-Mazarain,

September 1911 [vernacular).
Copper Blight of Tea, F. T. F. Shaw. Quarterly Journal of

the Scientific Department, Indian Tea Association, Vol. I,

Part 3, 1911 (reprint).

INSTITUTE AND C0LLEC4E, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 65

REPORT OF THE IMPERIAL ENTOMOLOGIST.

(A. J. Grove, M.Sc.)

1. Charge and Establishment. — The Imperial Entomolo-
gist, Mr. H. Maxwell-Lef roy, was away on long leave during
the whole of the period under review. Mr. T. Bainbrigge
Fletcher held charge of the section until April 19th, when
he proceeded to Coimbatore to take up his new appointment
as Entomologist to the Government of Madras. I joined my
appointment as Supernumerary Entomologist on October
27th, 1911, and, since Mr. Fletcher's trains fer, have carried
on the work of the section. The First Assistant, Mr. C. S.
Misra, has been in charge of all the field-work on the Pusa
Farm and the botanical area, and of the arranging and
carrying out of the lac work including the giving of two
short courses in Lac cultivation. He has also assisted in the
instruction of students in General Entomology and field-
work. In addition to this heavy routine work, he has con-
tinued his investigations on the Aleyrodidce and other
Hemiptera. The Second Assistant, Mr. C. C. Ghosh, was
on privilege leave from May 6th to June 30th, 1912. He
has been in charge of the Insectary and has continued to
carry out extremely useful work on many insect pests. Mr.
G. R. Dutt, Third Assistant, has had the Economic Collec-
tions, records, correspondence and the distribution of
coloured plates and lantern slides in his charge. In August

1911, he was sent to the Punjab and remained there for
nearly three months organising and directing the campaign
against the Cotton Bollworm. In this and his other work
he has done admirably. Mr. Nowrojee, who was away on
privilege leave from December 15th, 1911, to January 14th,

1912, has been in charge of the general collections and has
done good work in arranging and keeping them in order.
Mr. M. N. De had charge of the Silk House and has shown
much interest in the work.

66 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

2. Visitors. — Mr. A. E. Andrews, Entomologist to the
Indian Tea Association, worked in the Laboratory during
the latter part of December and the beginning of January
and again in February. Dr. A. D. Imms, Forest Zoologist,
visited the section for a short time in January. Dr. H.
Morstatt, Entomologist at Amani, German East Africa,
worked for a time in the Laboratory. Mr. Johann Lang of
the Basel Mission, Calicut, came to Pusa to acquaint himself
with the details of Eri Silk culture and spent a short time
working in the Silk House. Mr. Akhtar Mohammad Khan,
Deputy Collector in the United Provinces, on special duty
for silk work, visited Pusa during March to consult with
the Officiating Imperial Entomologist.

3. Training. — The Assistant Professor of Entomology
at the Lyallpur Agricultural College continued his course of
training, but was recalled to his Province before this was
completed. The Entomological Assistant in the North-
West Frontier Province, after completing his course,
remained working in the Laboratory until October 14th,
1911, and again from December 1st, 1911, till February
22nd, 1912, preparing show-cases of insect pests found in
his Province. An Entomological and Mycological Collector
to the Department of Agriculture, Bengal, was trained in
Economic Entomology from August 10th, 1911, to February
22nd, 1912. A private student deputed by the Department
of Agriculture, Travancore, for a course in General Ento-
mology, was admitted on June 1st, 1912. Seventeen
students attended the short courses in Sericulture; seven
completed their course and five are sfill being trained. The
two courses in Lac cultivation were attended by thirteen
students.

4. Provincial Work. — The importance of work in the
Provinces is now fully realised as indicated by the appoint-
ment of an Entomologist to the Government of Madras.
There are, however, only eighteen assistants working in the
Provinces and two are still under training. Under these
conditions the progress of the work of demonstrating to the

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 67

agricultural classes the principles of Economic Entomology
must necessarily be slow. Pusa has continued to assist the
Provinces, whenever requested, by checking and advising
upon the work of the assistants and in many cases the techni-
cal work has been referred to Pusa, leaving the assistants
free to carry out practical work in the field.

In Madras a vigorous campaign was carried on against
the Deccan Grasshopper, Colemania sphenarioides, Bol.
Bagging and ploughing of infested lands were carried out
and a leaflet detailing the methods to be adopted against the
hopper was issued. Light -trap experiments for the moths
of the Hairy Caterpillars were also continued. Eri Silk
culture was started and its suitability as a cottage industry
for Southern India tested.

In the Central Provinces, the experiments against white-
ants were continued in collaboration with the Deputy
Director of Agriculture, Northern Circle, Hoshangabad.
From past experiments with the mound-building form of
termites, oiling the nest with low grade kerosine oil (as
ordinarily procurable in the bazaars) was found most effec-
tive. Tests were also made with the " Universal Ant Ex-
terminator." Arrangements were also made with the
Director of Agriculture, Central Provinces, for the despatch
of parasites of the Cotton Bollworms to Lyallpur, and for
some time the Entomological Assistant was engaged in col-
lecting and sending out the parasitized bollworms to Pusa
and Lyallpur. Early in August information was received
from the Director of Agriculture, Punjab, of a possible
outbreak of the bollworms. Arrangements were therefore
made for sending out the parasites from Surat and Nagpur
to an assistant from Pusa to organise the work at Lyallpur.
An acre under cotton and two acres under hhindi were also
sown at Pusa to establish the bollworm parasites. By the
end of October the parasite {Rhogas lefroyi) was well
established in the Punjab and a leaflet was issued in the
vernacular of the Province, explaining how the bollworm
should be dealt with.

68 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

In the United Provinces, active measures have been
adopted against the Rice Grasshopper, Rieroglyfhus
furcifer, a serious pest to sugar-cane.

In Bengal successful demonstrations were made against
the Potato Moth {Phthorimcea operciilella Zel.) and the
advantages of storing seed-potatoes under sand v^ere de-
monstrated to the Kaoris as well as to others engaged in the
potato trade. A leaflet, explaining the methods to be
adopted against the moth, was distributed at Tirhut and
Bankipore Exhibitions. The campaign against A gratis
ypsilon was continued. The picking off of the first brood
of caterpillars and the setting up of Andres-Maire traps
reduced the loss during the past year to a minimum, so much
so that out of a total area of 20,000 bighas, only 2,000 were
affected. Eri work was begun and the Department com-
pleted a Crop-pests Handbook.

In Eastern Bengal and Assam, the Ufra disease of
paddy, probably caused by an eel-worm, was investigated.

In Baroda, the campaign against the Katra (Hairy
Caterpillar) was continued. Practical demonstrations were
made and rewards were offered to cultivators for keeping
the field embankments clean as a preventive against the
pest.

In the North-West Frontier Province, on the resumption
of duties by the Entomological Assistant, a survey of the
crop-pests of the Province was started and effective
measures were taken against the Peach and Tobacco
Aphides.

5. Corresfondence. — The work of replying to the
numerous requests for information and advice on the many
branches of entomological work continues to demand much
time and attention, but in view of the importance of this
part of the work of the section, no efforts have been spared
to give applicants as full information as possible. Seventy-
eight parcels of insects were received for identification and
suggestion of methods of treatment and this was done as far
as we were able in each case.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 69

6. Research. — The investigation of the habits and biology
of insect-pests has been continued and among those studied
may be mentioned the " Bherwa," the Fish Insect, White
Weevil, Mango Leaf Hopper, Surface Grasshopper, Para-
sites of Cotton Bollworms, Cane Borer, Cane Fly, Wheat
Stem Borer, Termites, Grain and Flour Beetles. The ex-
periments on the preservation of wood and other materials
from the attacks of Termites (white-ants) are still in pro-
gress and the efficacy of various preparations and the
relative immunity of different kinds of woods are being
tested. At the request of the Bihar Planters' Association,
an investigation into the '' Psylla " disease of indigo was
commenced and is being continued.

7. Insecticides. — A number of preparations sent in for
trial were tested and reported on. The first edition of
Bulletin No. 23 on insecticides speedily ran out of print and
a second edition revised and with some additions has been
published. As many inquiries have been received as to
where various insecticides and spraying machines were
obtainable lists of the firms supplying these have been pre-
pared and circulated.

8. Sericulture. — The experiments with crossing multi-
and univoltine races of Mulberry Silkworms to procure a
superior silk-producing multivoltine race have been conti-
nued but though many crosses were made, it has up to the
present been impossible to produce a stable multivoltine
race, although as mentioned last year some imj^rovement has
been obtained in the quality of the silk.

Univoltine European races were successfully reared on
pruned tree mulberry, wild mulberry and bush mulberry and
arrangements have been made to distribute eggs of these
univoltine races for rearing in October. The difficulty with
these eggs is that the temperature of the plains is too high
to preserve them successfully during the dormant period
and arrangements have been made to send the eggs to places
in the hills where the temperature is not so extreme.

The Eri Silkworms were reared successfully throughout
the year except in May and June, when, owing to the

70 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

extreme heat and dry conditions, the worms did not thrive
and disease broke out in the cocoon stage, necessitating the
rejection of the majority of the eggs obtained.

Numerous requests have been received for disease- free
Eri and Mulberry Silkworm eggs, samples of cocoons, thread
and cloth, pamphlets, castor seed and mulberry cuttings and
seeds, and these have been complied with whenever possible.

Exhibits were sent to the Bankipore Exhibition and to
the Exposition held in connection with the Anniversary of
the Calcutta Scientific and Industrial Association. A
demonstration of Eri and Mulberry Silk rearing, reeling,
spinning, weaving, etc., was given at the Tirhut Agricul-
tural Exhibition held this year at Pusa.

One drawback to the progress of the Eri Silk industry
is still the difficulty which small rearers have of getting rid
of the cocoons when they have obtained them, as the mills
will only take large quantities for spinning.

9, Lac-culture. — The work of collecting and sorting the
specimens of lac insects, received from the various Forest
Range Officers, was continued. Experiments in lac culture
were again carried out and two short courses on Lac culti-
vation were given, thirteen students receiving instruction.
Numerous enquiries were received and answered regarding
the cultivation, and brood-lac was supplied to a number of
applicants. Inoculated Ber and Kusumh plants were also
sent to Japan. An exhibit, showing the details of lac-
culture, was sent to the Tirhut Exhibition held at Pusa
and copies of a leaflet on the subject written in the verna-
cular were distributed.

10. Apiculture. — Two more colonies of American Italian
bees were obtained from England in November 1911 and
have proved very successful from the honey-gathering point
of view, but so far, all attempts to obtain fertilized queens
for multiplying the colonies have failed, apparently largely
owing to the activities of certain bee-eating birds. The
experiments will be continued, as it is important to deter-
mine whether it is possible to multiply the colonies in this
country. Experiments have also been made with the

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PI SA, FOR 1911-12. 71

common Indian bee, Apis indica, and attempts have been
made to accustom it to the modern bar-frame hive. These
in a measure have proved successful, but progress is slow
largely owing to suitable appliances not being available and
more experiments are necessary before a definite opinion can
be expressed. Several enquiries have been received with
regard to apiculture and these have been answered as far
as possible.

11. Demonstration. — The work of adding to the number
of coloured plates of insect pests was continued and the new
ones issued to the Provinces. A number of complete sets
of coloured lantern slides were also issued. As mentioned
previously, exhibits were sent to several Exhibitions.

12. Insect Survey. — Additions have been made to the
general collections. Unnamed specimens of Tettigidce,
Passalidce, Cantharidce, Rutelinm and Fsyllidce have been
sent to specialists for identification and many of the collec-
tions sent out last year have been received back with the
required information. Specimens have been identified for
Provincial Assistants, the Indian Museum and many
private collectors.

13. Programme of work for 1912-13.

As in previous years the work of investigating and
advising upon insect pests will be continued. Assistance
will be given, when desired, in co-ordinating the work of
the Provincial Assistants and special help will be given in
case of any serious outbreak. The preparation and issue
of coloured plates and lantern slides will be proceeded with
as before. The short courses in Lac cultivation and Eri
and Mulberry silk-culture will be continued. Further
experiments will be made with European and Indian
bees. It is hoped that the collections of lac insects will be
completed during the period. Eri silkworms will be
reared and requests for help and advice will be complied
with as far as practicable. The experimental work with
Mulberry silkworms will be continued. New insecticides
and apparatus sent in for trial will be tested and reported

72 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

upon. The field experiments with wheat and sugar-cane
will be continued and further experiments have been com-
menced and will be carried on with a view to test the relative
immunity of different varieties of cotton to the bollworm
and also to extend the observations on the bollworm parasite.

] 14. PUBLICATONS.

The following is a list of jDublications which have ap-
peared during the period under review. As material
accumulates, other Memoirs on the life-histories of insects
will be prepared. Several Memoirs are now in prepara-
tion and include life-histories of Orthoptera, Herniptera,
Lepidoptera and Coleoptera. The revision of Insects
injurious to Indian A griculture is being proceeded with.

LIST OF PUBLICATIONS.

The Food of Birds in India. C. W. Mason, edited by H.

Maxwell-Lefroy. January, 1912.
Eri Silk. H. Maxwell-Lefroy and C. C. Gliosli. May, 1912.
Life-histories of Indian Insects II. Some Aquatic Rliynchota

and Coleoptera. D. Nowrojee. April, 1912.
Life-histories of Indian Insects III. The Rhinoceros Beetle

[Oryctes rliinoceros) and the Red or Palm Weevil

(RJiynchophorus ferrugineus). C. C. Ghosh. December,

1911.
Second Edition of Bulletin No. 23 on Insecticides, by H.

Maxwell-Lefroy, revised with many additions, by T.

Bainbrig-ge Fletcher. May, 1912.
Grasserie in Silk-worms. M. N. De. Agri. Journal, July,

1911.
Weevil and Dry Wheat. T. Bainbrigge Fletcher. (Agri.

Journal, October, 1911.)
A. Simple Honey-exiractor. T. Bainbrigge Fletcher. (Agri.

Journal, October, 1911.)
The Wax Moth. T. Bainbrigge Fletcher. (Agri. Journal,

October, 1911.)
The Cabbage White Butterfly. T. Bainbrigge Fletcher.

(Agri. Journal, January, 1912.)
Article on Litchi Mite. C. S. Misra. (Agri. Journal, July,

1912.)

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. H

Leaflet on the Bolhvoriii in Cotton (Gnruv^iikJii). October,

1911.
Cotton Bollworms in the United Provinces (Vernacular). C. S.

Misra. January, 1912.
The following are in the Press : —
Memoir on Tetriginse. Dr. J. L. Hancock.
Memoir on Life-histories of Hymenoptera. G. R. Dutt.
Memoir on the Big Brown Cricket. C. C. Ghosh.
Bulletin No. 28 on the Cultivation of Lac in the Plains of

India. C. S. Misra.
Bulletin No. 29 on Eri Silk.

74 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

REPORT OF THE IMPERIAL PATHOLOGICAL

ENTOMOLOGIST.

(F. M. HowLETT, B.A., F.E.S.)

The programme for the past year has been considerably
modified in consequence of the much closer relation with
medical work which now exists. I am indebted to the
Administrators of the Medical Research Fund for the addi-
tion of three posts to my staff, of which two have already
been filled. These extra men will be engaged exclusively
with " medical " entomology, and there will thus be at
least two men available for Veterinary, Agricultural, and
general work. The provision of these posts has rendered
the question of accommodation more acute than ever, and
a portion of the extra space required has been j^rovided
by the erection of a small supplementary laboratory now
completed.

I have already put forward certain suggestions for the
establishment of a medico-entomological laboratory for
Northern India where entomologists and medical officers
could work at any group of blood-sucking insects under the
best conditions for obtaining material and observing the
living insects in their natural habitat without undue risk
to health. Such a laboratory should be in a district where
blood-sucking insects attain their maximum abundance and
variety : examples of such tracts are the lower slopes of the
Himalayas and the Western Ghats and certain parts of
Assam. It should be in some place having a climate suffi-
ciently cool to allow of operations such as section-cutting
to be carried on without inconvenience at any season, but
should be on a railway or good road affording easy access
to tracts where insects abound. The establishment of such
a laboratory at some place fulfilling these conditions {e.g.,
Shillong, the Kurseong neighbourhood, the Naini Tal road
from Kathgodam, Igatpuri) would not necessarily entail
any large expenditure if a site were available, and would

fNSTlTUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 75

enable observations to be carried on with a facility un-
obtainable at any existing laboratory known to me, with
the possible exception of Coonoor and Madras.

The work of the section has been largely concerned with
mosquitos, and the life-histories of eighteen species of
Pusa mosquitos have now been worked out. Special
attention has been paid to the genus Stegomyia and allied
forms, and a five weeks' course of instruction has been given
to medical officers deputed to the " Stegomyia-survey "' in
connexion Avith the possible future importation of yellow
fever. Seven officers attended the course. The most inter-
esting point discovered regarding Stegomyia life-histories
is that during cold and dry weather the two commoner
species at Pusa {S. scutellaris and S. thomsoni) survive
normally as dry eggs and not as active, hibernating, or
sestivating adults. This has an important bearing on the
practical question of checking the increase of Stegomyia.

Investigations have been begun on general mosquito
bionomics, the main heads being the influence of tempera-
ture on mosquitos ; methods of colouring or otherwise mark-
ing mosquitos in order to study their movements, and the
range and rate of flight under natural conditions; sexual
reactions of mosquitos; new larvicides; the food, feeding,
and digestion of mosquito-larvse ; fish and other enemies of
mosquito-larvas. The difficult question of the breeding-
places and habits of Phlehotomus has been taken up. A
possible association with Termites may prove of importance.

Si7nulium-ii\iQ?>tQdi streams at Simla were examined
with a view to finding methods of decreasing the numbers
of the fly, but local conditions are such that no cheap method
seems apj^licable. The life-history of the Crab-louse (P.
inguinalis) was worked out (apparently for the first time),
and its curious habits studied.

Other subjects which received attention are the para-
sites of Tabanus albimedius and of Monofhlebus stebbingi
var. octocaudata, the nature of the attraction of citronella
oil for fruit flies of the genus Dasyneura, the life-history
of Celyphidw and improvements in mosquito-traps. The

76 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

East Indian Railway school at Jharipani was subjected to
hydrocyanic acid fumigation on account of a plague of
bugs, and the result appears to have been satisfactory.

As Secretary of the Entomological Sub-Committee
appointed by the Malaria Conference in Bombay, I assisted
in drawing up a scheme for organising work in pathologi-
cal entomology.

A hand-book dealing with methods of drawing and re-
producing illustrations for scientific papers has been passed
for publication.

Programme of work for 1912-13.

The programme for the ensuing year will be subject to
modification in accordance with any special requirements on
the medical and veterinary side : Directors of Agriculture
are being circularized in order that we may ascertain
whether with respect to the latter there are any particular
directions in which investigation is required. The special
lines of work suggested by the Medical Department are
mosquito bionomics and the breeding-habits of sandflies ;
both of these will be continued, and will in all probability
form the major part of "medical" investigations; the
former subject alone is one to which several years of work
might be devoted. It is suggested that an appeal should be
circulated throughout the country to enlist helpers and
stimulate interest in medical entomology, and that specimens
and information received should be dealt with either at Pusa
or Kasauli ; details of the arrangements are still under con-
Bideration, but at least some part of the work in this con-
nexion would be done at Pusa.

Identification of specimens and any other work that
may be required in connexion with the '' Stegomyia- survey''
will be undertaken, and more detailed observations of
these mosquitos will be carried on. Experiments on
methods of checking their increase have been begun at
Pusa, and will continue until the onset of the cold weather.

An attempt will be made to elucidate the nature of the
influence of citronella oil on fruit-flies : some unexpected

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 77

results were obtained in the course of the past summer, and
a clearer understanding of the matter is desirable in view
of the wide distribution of these flies and the serious
damage they inflict in various countries.

REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

REPORT OF THE IMPERIAL AGRICULTURAL

BACTERIOLOGIST.

(C. M. Hutchinson, B.A.)

I held charge of the section throughout the year.

1. Charge and Establishment .—The First Assistant Mr.
N. V. Joshi was on privilege leave from October 9th to
23rd December 1911 and the Second Assistant Mr. K. S.
Viswanatham was on privilege leave from April 9th to
29th June 1912.

All the Assistants in the section showed great interest
in the work, and not only worked daily several hours over-
time but made themselves sufficientlv familiar with French
and German to be able to read and make translations into
English from papers published in these languages.

2. Tours. — To Rangpur to observe the conditions of
incidence of bacterial disease of tobacco.

To Jorhat to see the manurial experiments carried out
by Mr. Meggitt and the new Experiment Station of the
Indian Tea Association.

To Dacca to consult Mr. Finlow on the subject of bac-
terial action in jute retting and " heart damage."

To Lyalljjur to consult Mr. Barnes on the subject of
" Reh " soils and to deliver a course of lectures on soil
bacteriology.

3. Soil Bacteriology. — The work of the Bacteriological
Section at Pusa during the year has been mainly directed
towards ascertaining what factors determine biologic acti-
vity in Indian soils, and to the measurement of the changes
resulting therefrom under various conditions. The main
problem so far dealt with has been the supply of available
nitrogen as provided by the biolysis of such substances as
green manures, root residues, and organic manures. No
work has been done upon nitrogen assimilation by Legume
bacteria or such organisms as Azotobacter. Clostridium, or
Rhizobium.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 79

The method of determining the biologic activity of a
soil by plate counts has been abandoned in favour of
methods depending upon measurement of the physiological
activity of the soil organisms. By the use of such methods
biological analyses of soils may be carried out which w^ill
provide indications as to their relative capabilities for
dealing successfully with organic manures. Far more
valuable information, however, is also obtained bv such
analyses. By the use of fairly large portions of soil it is
perfectly feasible to set up and maintain conditions of
moisture and aeration comparable with those in the field,
and to determine in the laboratory for any particular soil
under w^iat conditions of water supply, tillage, and addi-
tion of lime or manures, either natural or artificial, the
greatest amount of ammonification and nitrification will
result.

It has been ascertained by numerous experiments that
the rate of formation of carbon dioxide in a soil is directly
proportional to the biologic activity of that soil, and that
conditions unfavourable to the latter will also adversely
influence the former. A simple method of measuring the
rate of formation of carbon dioxide in soils under various
conditions has been devised and by this means it is possible
to determine Avhat moisture content of any paHicular soil
is the optimum for bacterial activity; this has been found
to vary from as high as 37 per cent, in one case to
as low as 16 per cent, in another. By the same method the
effect of the addition of various manures, organic or mineral,
may be observed, and it has been found possible in this
way to prescribe the addition of certain substances, such
as lime or superphosphate, to a soil in order to promote the
decomposition of green manures, oil-cake, or cattle manure
buried in it. Similarly by determining the o])timum mois-
ture content, recommendations can be made as to variations
in field practice which would tend to dry out the soil in
one case or to conserve moisture in another; a very large
number of observations have been made as to the conditions
under which ammonification and nitrification take place in

80 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Indian soils. It has been found that important differences
exist between the biological changes taking place in the
latter and those which have been observed in the soils of
Europe; these differences appear to be due to the high
average temperatures of Indian soils and their consequently
high relative rate of bacterial action. In soil at tempera-
tures between 15° C. and 18° C. the process of ammonifica-
tion, which is the natural and necessary predecessor of
nitrification, takes place at such a rate as to allow the latter
to proceed pari passu; in many Indian soils, however, it has
been found that at the higher temperatures 25° C. to 30° C.
which obtain in them for many months in the year, ammoni-
fication may proceed w4th such rapidity as to produce a
concentration of ammonia in the soil water sufficiently high
to interfere with nitrification or even to inhibit it alto-
gether. Where large quantities of nitrogenous organic
matter are turned into the soil and put under intensive
cultivation much nitrogen may be lost in the form of
ammonia, and experiments have shown that the biolysis of
organic nitrogenous material requires very careful investi-
gation from this point of view.

It is evident that these facts must be taken into account
in selecting the time of year for applying organic manures,
along with other considerations depending on local meteo-
rological conditions and the optimum moisture content of
the soil.

Further experiments have demonstrated another source
of loss of nitrate nitrogen. It has been shewn that where
intense bacterial action is taking place in soil any nitrates
present will be reduced without the occurrence of anaerobic
conditions; it appears probable that the nitrate is utilized
as a source of nitrogen by the bacteria. It was found, for
instance, that in Pusa soil the optimum moisture content
for nitrification is 16 per cent, whereas general bacterial
action is intense up to 25 per cent, and at the latter figure
rapid reversion of nitrate to the protein form takes place.
This would help to explain observations made in field prac-
tice both at Pusa and in the Punjab, that excess of soil

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 81

moisture produces nitrogen starvation of the wheat crop;
the importance of biological analysis of irrigated soils by
such methods will readily be realized.

A special enquiry has been carried on and is still pro-
ceeding, to determine the conditions under which bacterio-
toxins are formed in soils and their effect in inhibiting
bacterial action. The work of Greig Smith of N. S. Wales
on this subject has demonstrated its importance, and ex-
periments at Pusa have fully confirmed his views. Mr.
Meggitt, Agricultural Chemist, Eastern Bengal and Assam,
with whom I hope to collaborate on this subject, has carried
out a series of investigations on similar lines, but the en-
quiry is not sufficiently complete for detailed report.

A complete series of experiments on green manuring
was designed and commenced, in collaboration with the
Imperial iigriculturist. This included observations in the
field and in the laboratory as to the effect of varying treat-
ment of the green crop (Crotalaria juncea) upon the condi-
tion of the soil and upon the succeeding crop. Field varia-
tions included burying after varying periods of growth,
at different depths, and in conjunction with various arti-
ficial manures. Laboratory experiments were carried out
to determine the rate and kind of change of the buried
organic material under various conditions, with special
reference to the formation of nitrate, and in order to obtain
data which might help to elucidate the problems connected
with the occasional failure of green manuring to improve
soil conditions.

This enquiry will continue over two more seasons.

4. Plant Pathology. — A bacterial disease of tobacco at
Rangpur was investigated and found to be due to an infec-
tion of B. Solanacearum. The strain isolated was found
to be also pathogenic to Solamim Melongena, Tomato,
Datura and Potato. The incidence of the disease at Rang-
pur and Burirhat was not apparently associated with any
insect attack or specially unfavourable soil conditions, and
was not heavy enough to cause apprehension as to future
spread. The parasitism of the causative organism as

82 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

isolated from diseased plants in the field was found to be
insufficiently strong to attack healthy plants, although by
passage through several individuals or by artificial culture
on Potato it could be raised to a high degree of virulence.
For this reason the practice of leaving the plants in the
ground for a second cutting should be avoided in infected
areas.

A bacterial disease of wheat in the Punjab, locally
known as " Tannan " or " Tandu," was investigated; this
was found to be due to the attack of a bacillus closely resem-
bling Ps. Hyacinthi which invests the opening ear with a
sticky growth causing deformation and stunting and pre-
venting ripening of the grain. The attack is confined to
small badly drained areas and can probably be avoided by
proper cultivation; its distribution is limited and it is pro-
bably of no economic importance.

5. Programme of work for 1912-13.

Work on influence of soil conditions upon nitrification
will be continued.

A new line of enquiry will be commenced this year with
the object of determining the conditions under which nitro-
gen fixation by so-called non-symbiotic organisms may
balance losses of nitrogen due to various causes under agri-
cultural conditions.

The green manuring experiments will be continued in
collaboration with the Imperial Agriculturist.

Should time permit an attempt will be made to obtain
more precise data as to the effect of variations in tempera-
ture, moisture, and aeration upon nitrification in soils with
special reference to field conditions and agricultural prac-
tice. The apparent inhibitory action of various crops will
be taken into account, and the effect of different systems of
cultivation upon aeration and moisture content of soil.

Work on formation of soil toxins and their influence
upon bacterial action will be continued. It is hoped that
this may be done in collaboration with Mr. Meggitt.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 83

Experimental work on the " Uf ra " disease of Paddy
with reference to soil conditions will be continued.

Indigo wilt. — This will be investigated with a view to
the possibility of its bacterial origin.

Training of students will be continued.

6. List of Publications.

Hutchinson, C. M. — Studies in Bacieriological Analysis of
Indian Soils — No. 1, 1910-11 (Mem. Dept. of Agriculture
in India, Bacteriological Series, Vol, I, No. 1),

0 2

84 REPORT OF THE AGRTCT'LTTTRAL RESEARCH

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE IMPERIAL COTTON

SPECIALIST.

(G. A. Gammie, F.L.S.)

I held charge of the appointment throughout the year.
The first two months were devoted to the establishment of
the series of experiments on which I had decided to work
out the manurial requirements of the cotton plant in India
and the differences which may perhaps accrue from the
presence of various manurial ingredients' in the soil. This
enquiry will only give data for estimating results in the
course of a few years.

In September and the early part of October I visited the
Mysore State to suggest some preliminary lines of experi-
ments. The greater part of October was devoted to a tour
in the Punjab and the United Provinces.

In November I visited Berar and then attended the Con-
ference of the Agricultural Board at Pusa where I had
opportunities of discussing cotton work with members of
all the Agricultural Departments in India.

In January I visited Assam to advise a planting firm
regarding the cultivation of cotton in that Province.

During the intervals throughout the year I was engaged
in supervising my own experiments and in advising, with
some degree of detail, more than twelve correspondents in
India and other parts of the East, on special points con-
nected with the cultivation of cotton.

To further my botanical researches I obtained seeds of
the indigenous cottons in the Kashmir State and the varie-
ties of wild cottons existing in Sind.

A number of cotton samples were exhibited and ex-
plained at the Mysore Industrial Exhibition. For these
the committee awarded a diploma and the notes accom-
panying the exhibits were considered sufficiently useful to
be quoted in full in the Exhibition catalogue. A set of
cottons were sent for exhibition in the North- West Frontier

TNSTTrrTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 8B

Province, by Mr. Robertson Brown, who considered that
the quality of the samples would help the cultivators to
realise how cotton should be turned out for the market.

To simplify this Report for purposes of reference 1 give
the information I have gathered from each Province
separately.

The Central Provinces and Berar. — Mr. Low, the
Director of Agriculture, at the general meeting of Agri-
cultural Associations at Akola, in November, ably summa-
rised the present condition of cotton cultivation in his Pro-
vince and, as this paper was presumably only for the infor-
mation of members and visitors and will probably never
attain general circulation, I take the liberty of transcribing
such portions as pertain to my subject. Having beer-
honoured by being allowed to follow closely the w^ork done
in the Province, since its initiation, I can vouch for the

requires no apology for its introduction.

accuracy of the details, and the importance of the subject

The centre of cotton work is at the Akola Experimental
Station, which w^as opened six years ago. Great care was
taken to select uniform areas for the different series of
experiments. This was done by growing juar over the
whole area to start with and by selecting areas of uniform
fertility as ascertained by experimental weighings. Where
the land was found to be uneven in fertility, as proved by
variations in the outturns, it was discarded as being un-
suited for experimental purposes.

From the experiments, which have now been going on
for five years, several very practical lessons have already
been learnt. These are being carried into practice in the
non-experimental areas and are also being recommended for
adoption by other cotton growers. It has been proved that
the turn wrest plough is an excellent implement foi- eradi-
cating weeds and for deep and thorough cultivation gener-
ally; that the Hoshangabad iron tined hakhar is a very
useful implement for uprooting cotton stalks in the field
before preparing the land for the next year's crop ; that the
Akola hoe is a better implement than the Berar donra for

86 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

interculture as it produces a deeper tilth in the black cotton
soil. Turn wrest ploughs will, in future, be made in India
by Messrs. Burn & Co., Calcutta, and agents have arranged
to stock them at the various cotton centres.

Much attention is being paid to experiments with the
different manures on this farm and the excellent crops that
clothe the fields are largely the result of high manuring.

Most cultivators in this Division grudge to pay even 12
annas for a cart-load of cattle dung ; its manurial value for
cotton is at least twice that. The cultivator who neglects
to manure his land is a loser because by withholding one
small item of expenditure, namely, manure, he lessens very
considerably the effectiveness of the other items, viz., cost
of cultivation, seed and supervision. Increased outturns
have been obtained on the farm from the use of cattle dung,
poudrette and saltpetre as manures for cotton and juar.
The most economical of these is poudrette which is obtain-
able in fairly large quantities from all the large towns in
Berar. A source of manure which is neglected all over
India at present is cattle urine when conserved by the dry
earth system. It has been proved at Akola that, for cotton
and juar, the manurial value of a farm animal's urine is
equal to that of its dung and by conserving the liquid
manure, the value of the manure available on a farm can be
doubled.

Nitrogenous fertilizers, such as nitrate of soda and
saltpetre, when used as a top-dressing after the application
of cattle dung, have also given very good results. It will
pay to use them as a manure for cotton to supplement the
inadequate supply of cattle dung so long as the price of
that staple remains high.

The quantity of lint yielded by each variety varies from
36| seers per acre for hani to 80^ seers for rosea. As the
value of a cotton depends very largely on the quantity of
lint which it gives, rosea stands easily first and hani is dis-
tinctly the poorest yielder. The advantage to be gained by
growing rosea in preference to Berar jari is that it gives

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 87

more kafas and a higher percentage of lint. A profit of
about Rs. Ill per acre is made on this farm by growing
rosea instead of Berar jari. Malvensis also does well in
certain localities and the lint is much superior to that of
rosea, but it is a less profitable variety to grow owing to the
lower percentage of lint which it yields.

Vera closely resembles rnalvensis and cutchica somewhat
resembles rosea.

Bani or Ilingangliat kappas is, from the point of view
of quality, one of the best cottons grown in India, but it
gives less than half as much lint as rosea and buyers are
not willing to pay more than from 20 to 30 per cent, more
for its lint than for that of rosea. Consequently it is hope-
less to expect that it can be grown as profitably as rosea.
The only chance of improving it with effect seems to be to
raise the ginning percentage. The strain, evolved by selec-
tion on the farm gives 3 per cent, more lint than ordinary
hani.

Bhuri is the best exotic cotton yet tried in the Province.
It is entirely resistant to wilt which is now doing consider-
able damage to Berar jari in certain parts of the Division.
Bhuri is recommended for such areas and for the rich khari
lands of the villages. It suffers more from drought than
Berar jari but less from excessive rain. Before this farm
war, opened the terms rosea, malvensis, cutchica, etc., were
quite unknown, but now these are household words in Berar
and many cultivators are growing these varieties pure for
seed distribution.

Rosea is being grown on 31 seed farms in this Division;
malvensis and cutchica on 4, hhuri on 33, and it is reckoned
that there are 5,000 acres under this new variety in Berar
alone this season. It is gratifying to note that all this
has been accomplished by the Department of Agriculture,
mainly through the agency of the Akola Farm, within the
short space of five years, and that these different varieties
had never been grown pure previous to that time. Several
cultural points have also been decided, such as that topping

88 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

cotton reduces the yield, that the best spacing distance for
Berar jari is 15 inches apart for the rows and 7 inches
apart for the plants in the rows, that cotton sown before
the monsoon breaks gets a good start and gives a larger
yield than that sown after the rains have set in, if the
blanks are dibbled in.

Mr. Clouston adds that cotton grown continuously in
the same field for a period of years has become a fairly
common practice in Berar. This disregard of the principle
of rotation in cropping is decried by scientists, who attri-
bute to it the spread of insect pests and fungoid diseases.
The results, up to date, however, have not justified that
assumption. The experiment has now gone on for four
years ; no trace of disease and no serious damage by insects
have yet been noticed. Economically the practice has
proved a sound one owing to the high price of cotton and it
is, therefore, being followed in the non-experimental area
of the farm.

Finally, the increasing demand for pure rosea seed has
been very marked. The Department admit that, in this
part of India, hhuri cannot be grown at as large a profit as
rosea, except in wilt-infested, wet or khari areas. Cambo-
dia cotton gives a poor return. It is more than a month
later than the indigenous varieties and suffers from the
early cessation of the rains in Berar.

In my last year's report I explained the good work that
is being done at the Khandwa Agricultural Station by Mr.
G. Evans, the Deputy Director of Agriculture, Northern
Division, Central Provinces. This year he has furnished
samples of five sorts of cottons grown at the same station
and of two samples which he has picked out during his
researches throughout his District. One is from Chhapara,
a high plateau in the Seoni District of the Satpura, and
the other from Patau in a part of the Jubbulpore District
which is liable to early frost. He considers from the
geographical situation of both tracts that an early ripening
variety is absolutely essential. From the valuations it

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12.

is evident that these tracts already possess a fairly valu-
able cxDtton.

Messrs. Tata, Sons & Co. have kindly furnished me
with the following valuations and lemarks on all the above-
mentioned seven samples : —

Valuation furnished hy Messrs. Tata, Sons Sf Co., Bombay, on the
seven samples of cotton from Khandica, on 20th February 1912.

Serial
No.

o
6

Name of sample.

Bhuri

Remarks.

Malvensis

Cotton from Chhapara

Saugor jari .

Local .
Koseum

Patun

Compared with local cotton of Kliandwa
this cotton is far and away superior. It
is soft and silky in feel and has a fine long
fibre. It is more like the Bassim cotton
of the tableland. Taking Akola as our
basis for valuation at Rs. 275 we value
tliis cotton 15 rupees higher, say Rs. 290.

Same style of cotton as No. 1, but the length
of the fibre is slightly shorter though the
staple shows more strength. Same value
as above, viz., Rs. 290 per candy.

Bengal style of cotton, but of superior
quahty for which we value it 10 rupees
higher than Fine Bengal, viz., Rs. 280 per
candy (Bengal Fine Rs. 270).

Same style as No. 6, but a shade better and
more even in staple. Value Rs. 275.

Same as No. 4. Value Rs. 275.

This cotton is equal to local Khandwa
cotton and shows no improvement. Value
same as for local Khandwa cotton, i.e.,
Rs. 270 per candy.

Punjab style of cotton. Comjjaiod with
No. 3 it is inferior in colour but a sliadc
better in staple. It is more like fine
Mooltan cotton. Value Rs. 265.

Punjab.— I visited the Punjab in October and complet-
ed a joint inspection of the cottons of that Province, with
Mr. Milne, the Economic Botanist.

There are two varieties of the dark flowered and broad
iobed G. sanguineum, one with dark, the other with green

&(3 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

stems. Great variations in staple are found in these
plants. Selection experiments have proceeded probably as
far as they can be taken and the staple obtained attains the
length of -8 inch. It has been proved that the shortest
staple is associated with the hardiest and darkest coloured
plants. Excepting the characteristic of coloration which
is a negligible factor in other parts of India, the above
fact is a further confirmation of our experience that hardi-
ness and poor staple are companion characters.

The variety which I have already published under the
name of G. oh tusi folium var. hirsutior seemed to be un-
suited for cultivation owing to its prolonged season of
growth, but it may yet prove useful in cross-breeding.

The remaining indigenous forms of Punjab cottons are
yellow and white flowered forms of neglectum and indicum,
all, however, with a strong tendency to show true neglec-
tum characters.

Khaki hirsutum is unsatisfactory from its producing
cotton of varying tints and many bolls bear quite white
cotton. A good, even, white colour is a desideratum in a
cotton produced for sale in the Indian market and buyers
are prejudiced against coloured cottons.

Of the indigenous types the broad lobed sanguineums
are by far the most promising and it would be well to draw
the attention of the cultivators to these as they are of a
particularly desirable type. The outturns of all the plots
appear to be excellent.

The Upland cottons were described to me by an Ameri-
can expert as being the best he had seen outside the United
States.

Two varieties come into bearing as early as the indigen-
ous cottons, but it is still to be seen whether they are quite
early enough to save one watering or not and this is a
matter of imjDortant consideration to the zemindar. The
successful introduction of these cottons into more general

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 9l

cultivation will, of course, depend on the willingness of the
selected zemindars to devote more careful attention to
cultural methods than they at present exercise in the case
of their deshi cottons. The valuations received on these
cottons show, by a comparison of outturns, that the most
highly priced varieties are by no means the most profitable
to grow.

Mr. Conville, a local cotton merchant, mentioned that
during this year he had observed a great improvement in
the cultivation of cotton in the Colony and he attributed
this advance to the good example held out by the Lyallpur
Farm. He considers that the bad practices of cotton sell-
ers and buyers, ginneries, etc., have helped to lower the
prestige of Indian cottons.

Mr. Miliades says that in his long experience of Lyall-
pur, the yield of cotton has fallen from 10 to 12 maunds to
4 or 5 maunds per acre. He thinks that this decrease is
wholly caused by the diminishing fertility of the soil which
was practically virgin land only a few years ago. Mr.
Milne explained to me that the natural indigenous vegeta-
tion of the tract before the days of irrigation consisted
mainly of leguminous plants and that the cotton yielded
its maximum while the plants could draw on the nitrogen
stored in the soil. His idea of introducing Berseem or
Egyptian clover as a fodder and a renovator of the soil is
a sound one and I shall follow with interest the results of
his experiments. The deterioration of some well-known
staples in the Punjab is said to be due to careless cultiva-
tion and treatment. Multan cotton (a pure sanr/mneum)
is a hardy cotton capable of producing full crops on the
western side of the Province. Mr. Miliades considers that
even now, in many respects, he prefers this cotton to the
Narma or acclimatized Upland cotton.

Mr. Roberts is growing on a field scale what has been
handed over to him by the Economic Botanist and he
already has urgent demands for select seed from the culti-
vators. This is, in itself, sound proof that the cultivators
realize the value of what is being done for them. The

92 REPORT OF THE AGRlClTLTURAL RESEARCH

maintenance of pure types in their hands, however, is the
most difficult problem confronting the Department and it
is impossible to foresee at present how it can be solved. A
due appreciation of the difficulties of this task leads us to
the conclusion that, although a number of varieties can be
safely tried on a small scale, for distribution purposes it
would repay the Department to work with one deshi and
one American only. Afterwards when it is known that
special tracts require their own special varieties, then the
safest course to pursue would be to establish seed farms on
these areas. This has been already successfully accom-
plished in the Central Provinces.

Messrs. Tata & Sons of Bombay have courteously given
me a report on Punjab cottons drawn up by one of their
agents who was buying Upland cottons. The following is
the gist of it : " The deshi and American cotton grown in
the Lyallpur District have been deteriorated by boll weevil
and frost and in some parts large tracts of cotton fields
have been totally destroyed. The total crop in this district
would be about 10,000 to 11,000 bales, whereas last year it
was about 35,000 bales. The general complaints about the
kcifas this year are large percentage of unripe kafas,
yellow stains from boll weevil and short staple. These
tend to give decreased outturn and dull colour. The culti-
vation of American cotton is not yet universally taken up
in the whole district. It is chiefly grown on the horse-
breeding farms, called Risala, the Agricultural Farm and
by a few private farmers. The crop of Risala No. 15 is
the best in the district this season. The seed was obtained
from the Agricultural Farm, which obtained it from Dhar-
war some years ago. On the whole the quality of this
cotton is good except that no care seems to have been taken
in picking. The fibres are strong and pliable and the
regularity in their length would enable good yarn up to
24' to 40' to be made in warp and weft. I am sorry I am
not able to make the same remarks on other American
cottons grown in the district.

INSTITT'TE AND COLLEGE, PFSA, FOR 1911-12.

" I have seen several samples of American cotton grown
by farmers and have not seen any equal to that of No. 16
Risala. Generally there is an apathy to cultivate Ameri-
can cotton as it gives less percentage of lint and requires
more care than deshi kafas. The Agricultural Farm is
striving hard to select such American seed as would suit
the climate and give a large percentage of lint and long
stapled cotton. During the short time of its existence it
has distributed various sorts of American seeds among the
farmers and hence the trouble, as many of the American
varieties are not suitable to the climate. The farmer also
gives the American the same treatment as his deshi sorts.
As the fibre of the American cotton is very thin and fine,
special care is essential in picking and handling. The
method of storing the kajyas is also very defective, and this
defect is not only found among the uneducated farmers as
I was surprised to see the kafas of the Agricultural Farm
stored in large, iron cisterns about 15 to 20 feet high. The
stuff was not loosely packed but it was pressed hard, a
procedure which is sure to spoil the staple and colour and
increase the waste in the blow-room. If a proper method
is pursued throughout there is a splendid future for Ameri -
can cotton in this district. The soil is rich and, from the
farmer's point of view, the soil that gives good wheat can
also yield a good cotton crop. It may be that the improve-
ment cannot be achieved in a few years, but the picking
can be improved now, if more care be taken. To make the
American cotton grown in India commerciallv successful
it is very essential indeed that particular care should be
taken in picking. I send you two samples of cotton, both
from the same farm (No. 15 Risala) and from the same
seed. The only difference between them is that the former
was carefully picked and such a sample can be commer-
cially classed as F. G. M. ; the latter, though equal in staple
and regularity, can be classed between L. M. and Med."

In a further communication Messrs. Tata, Sons & Co.
have given me the results of the working of Lyallpur cotton,
compared with American, hani and bhuri types. The

94 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

count spun was 24' and in all cases the number of turns
per inch was the same.

Loss per cent. rj,^^^.^^ ^^

on cotton in 24» warp,

blow-room. *

American F. G. M. Boweds . . 7-75 67-44 lbs.

Panderkora Bani . . . . 'S\ 60"33 „

Lyallpur 10-08 52-20 ,,

Bhuri 10-37 46-10 „

The prices at the time of purchase of these respective
varieties were very nearly the same in all cases, being about
Rs. 130 per boja of 345 lbs. laid down at Nagpur.

On this basis, but including the blow-room loss, the
purchase prices per lb. work out as follows : —

American . . . . . 6*5 annas per lb.

Panderkora Bani . . . 6'53 ,, „ „

Lyallpur .... 6"63 „ ,, „

Bhuri ..... 6*65 „ „ „

To conclude with the Punjab, it is necessary to add that
Messrs. Tata, Sons & Co. and the Directors of the Bombay
Cotton Trade Association have thus remarked on a set of
samples submitted to them for opinion by the Economic
Botanist : '^ Only two samples out of the 27, Nos. 161 and
179, can be compared with American. They are splendid
cottons, especially in the length and strength of their fibres,
and every help and encouragement should be given for
their cultivation on an extensive scale. If the cultivation
of these cottons turn out a commercial success it will finally
solve the problem of obtaining long staple cotton from the
British territory. We are afraid, however, that the dream
is difficult of realization. The exotic has to contend with
the soil and climate as well as with the apathy, indiffer-
ence, ignorance and prejudice of the Indian cultivator."

The valuations of these samples in order of merit, by
the Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Messrs. Tata, Sons
& Co., Bombay, are appended. As the outturn and per-
centage figures are unknown to me it is impossible to say in
the absence of these data which if any of them are the most

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12.

profitable to grow, and I hope that the Department in the
Punjab will be able to furnish the figures necessary for
comparison.

Valuation by the BoTuhay Chamber of ComTnerce.

Basis.

Middling American at Rs. 310 per candy of 784' lbs. less 5^ per cent.
Fine M. G. Naosari „ 320
Good Tinnevelly
Fine M. G. Broach

All for ready delivery in Bombay.

Valuation by the Bombay Chamber of Commerce, dated the 13th
May 1912, on the 27 samples of cotton from Lyallpur, Punjab.

}}

u^u ,,

)}

310 „

)}

))

})

2 DO ,,

})

Serial No.
(according
to merit).

Variety.

Approximate

market value

per candy of

784 lbs. on

May 13th, 1912,

less 5J per cent.

Remaeks.

Rs.

161

425—450
(Nominal).

Superfine long silky staple. Im-
possible to give accurate valuation
and sample should be sent to Liver-
pool.

280F

380
(Nominal).

Strict fine, long staple and good
colour.

271

365
(Nominal).

Superfine, good long staple, good
colour.

274

350

(Nominal).

Strict fine, long silky staple, good
colour.

246

325

Superfine, long silky staple, good
colour.

272

320

Strict fine, nice staple and colour.

273

320

Fine, rather better staple than 272.

72F

320

Superfine in class, long silky staple,
good colour.

111

320

Strict fine, good staple and colour.

168

315

Strict fine, good strong staple.

112

312

Strict fine, good strong staple and
colour.

£6

REPORT OF THE AGRICTTLTFRAL RESEARCH

Valuation hy the Bovibay Chamher of Commerce, dated the 13th
May 1912, on the 27 samijles of cotton from Lyall'pur, Punjab.
— contd.

Serial No.
(according
to merit).

Variety.

Approximate

market value

per candy of

784 lbs. "on

May 13th, 1912,

less 5J per cent.

Remarks.

126

Rs.
310

Superfine class, strong staple, good
colour.

199

310

Superfine, strong staple but not very
long, good colour.

305

Strict fine in class, nice staple but
not very silky, good colour.

110

300

Strict fine, good staple, and good
colour.

267

300

Superfine, staple a little better than
266. Cotton is more bulky.

275

300

Strict fine, moderate staple, good
colour but leafy.

70F

295

Strict fine in class, irregular and
rather rough staple, good colour.

276

295

Fine, moderate staple, leafy.

220

290

About fine, staple strong but rather
rougli and irregular.

266

290

Strict fine, only moderate staple,
nice colour.

233

280

Strict fine, fair staple but rather
rough.

270

280

Fine fair staple.

226

275

Superfine, rough and short in staple,
more like Raj pu tana cotton.

232

270

Fine, rather rough and short in
staple, colour not so good as 226.

28D

265

Strict fine, poor staple and very
wasty.

179

• •

No sample sent.

INSTITrTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12.

Valuation hy Messrs. Tata, So?is ^ Co., Bomhay, dated 10th May
1912, on the 27 samples of cotton from Lyallpur, Punjab.

Serial No.
(according
to merit).

179

161

271

274
72F

111

246

272

112

270

273

Remarks.

Quite equal to Fully Good Middling American cotton.
To-day's (10th July) price will be 8d. per Ib.c. i. f.
Bombay or say Rs. 425 per candy.

This cotton is far and away the best of its kind grown
in Indian soil and acclimatized to the Indian climates.
Though not exactly after the American style, it is no
way inferior to Good Middling. The length of the
fibre is fully 1-J- inch. Good Middhng American of
1^ inch staple cannot be laid down in Bombay under
l^d. per lb. or say Rs. 365 per candy. If you add
oh per cent, discount allowed in Bombay tlie cost
comes to Rs. 385 per candy. We value this cotton,
therefore, at Rs. 385 per candy.

This cotton is exactly like Naosari in its feel and length
of fibre. Value Rs. 340 per candy.

Equal to the very best Surat. Value Rs. 325 per candy.

This has the characteristic and style of the best Surat
and being slightly better than 7F in the length of
fibre, we value it Rs. 5 more, viz., Rs. 325 per candy.

This cotton is of the Surat style. It has a long even
fibre like Surat, and the colour and appearance are
strikingly like it. It is lacking, however, in tlie soft
silky feel of Surat cotton. We value it in price equal
to the best Surat cotton namely, Rs. 320 per candy.

This is again tlie best Surat style of cotton equal to 7F.
Value Rs. 320 per candy.

Best Surat style of cotton. Value Rs. 320 per candy.

Sm-at style of cotton. Value Rs. 320 per candy.

Surat style of cotton. Value Rs. 320 per candy.

It is same as 111, but a shade short in the length of
fibre ; therefore, we value it Rs. 5 less, say Rs. 315 per
candy.

Surat styls of cotton, but slightly shorter in fibre.
Value Rs. 310 per candy.

Surat style of cotton, but slightly inferior in staple.
Value Rs. 310 per candy.

REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Valuation by Messrs. Tata, Sons Sf Co., Bombay, dated 10th May
1912, on the 27 samples of cotton from, Lyallyur, Punjab.
— contd.

Serial No.
(according
to merit).

14
15
16

276
275
267
126

266

199
220

70F

110

226

Remarks.

233

232

28D

280P

Broach style of cotton, but a little longer in fibre even
than 275. Value Rs. 305 per candy.

Broach style of cotton, but being slightly longer in fibre
than Broach, we value it at Rs. 300 per candy.

Same as 266 but slightly better in staple. Value Rs. 300
per candy.

It is midway between the best Broach and Surat. It
approximates more to Broacli and we value it Rg. 10
more than fine Broach, viz., Rs. 295 per candy.

Equal to the best Broach cotton. Value Rs. 295 per
candy.

Best Broach style of cotton. Value Rs. 290 per candy.

This cotton has the style of superior cottons of the
Central Provinces, say Warora and Hinganghat.
Value Rs. 290 per candy.

This cotton has the appearance of the best Broach and
the fibre is a shade longer than that of Broach. We
value it, therefore, at Rs. 290 per candy, say Rs. 5
more than the price of Broach.

This cotton resembles the superior grade cottons such
as Warora and Hinganghat grown in the Central
Provinces. It is slightly dull in colour ; therefore,
we value it Rs. 5 lower than Warora, viz., Rs. 285 per
candy.

This is of the style of inferior cottons of the Central Pro-
vinces, such as Wardha and Nagpur. Value Rs. 285
per candy.

Wardha or Nagpur style of cotton of the Central Pro-
vinces. Value Rs. 285 per candy.

Best Berars style of cotton such as Yeotmal.
Rs. 280 per candy.

Value

In colour and style like superior Berars, but the fibre
is very short and weak ; therefore, we value it at
Rs. 275 per candy.

No sample sent.

Ihd.

c. i. f.

Rs.

365

net per candy,

340

per candy.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PFSA, FOR 1911-12. 99

Prices fixed upon the following basis: —

Bombay candy weighs American Good Middlinc; .
784 lbs. The price

of cotton in Bombay ,, „ „

includes a rebate of Fine Naosari .
5J per cent. For ex-
ample if you purchase „ Surafc .... 320 „ „
cotton, say, at Rs. 300

per candy, the seller „ Broach .... 285 „ „

allows you a rebate
of 5| per cent, so that

the actual price of „ Warora-Hinganghat (Cen- 290 ,, „

cotton is Rs. 283^ per tral Provinces),

candy. Therefore, the

prices quoted are „ Wardha (Central Provinces) 285 „ „

subject to a rebate
of 5| per cent. „ Yeotmal (Berars) , 280 „ „

Good Tinnevelly . . . 320 „ „

United Provinces. — I visited these in October and tour-
ed in the company of Dr. A. E. Parr, the Deputy Director
of the Northern Division.

I made the following notes on my inspection of the
cottons on the Agricultural Experimental Station at
Aligarh : —

(1) Bhuri (G. hirsutum, variety, originally from

Chota-Nagpur). This has grown well, but the
yield is low and last year it produced practi-
cally no crop. I pointed out to Dr. Parr that
the species normally consists of a mixture
of a productive and non-productive form, the
latter predominating in his plots. If selection
is continued by using the former type, he will
soon possess a strain of high class cotton suit-
able for his Division in all respects.

(2) Mr. Leake's selection (white flowered cotton or G.

roseum) yields well and is a moderately early
cotton.

(3) Mr. Leake's selection (broad lobed white flowered

cotton, var. cutchica) has produced at the rate
of 12 maunds of seed cotton per acre and on the
score of outturn alone is distinctly promising.

H 2

100 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

(4) Kil or Garo Hill cotton is more productive than

the two last named, but our experience is that
it deteriorates rapidly to the standard of local
types.

(5) Yellow flowered 'Neglecium. This yields a cotton

of better staple.

All the field experiments are on the white flowered or
Varhadi type of cotton. As in other parts of India, owing
to its hardiness, high produce and also high percentage of
cotton to seed, it is rapidly becoming the favourite variety
of the cultivators. Already Dr. Parr has 300 acres under
this in seed farms and next year he hopes to increase their
area to 3,000 acres. In price of crop it surpasses yellow
flowered cotton by Rs. 12 to Rs. 15 per acre. There is
little difference in the yield of broad cast and drilled
plants. The best spacing distance has been found to be 18
inches between rows and 9 inches in the rows. A yield of
10 maunds of seed cotton per acre has been obtained.
White flowered cotton grown with ground-nut yields about
half the ordinary unmixed crop. The general practice is
to grow cotton with Cajanus indicus. Dr. Parr says that
in the Aligarh District about half the cotton crop is irri-
gated. Southwards the proportion of irrigated cotton
decreases.

Mr. Graham, the Manager of West's Patent Press at
Aligarh, thinks that, so far as cotton improvement is con-
cerned, it would be sufficient to increase the outturn. He
also thinks that a better staple should be arrived at. Few
traders I have met seem to appreciate the fact that an
increased staple in Bengals is invariably accompanied by
a falling off in yield and percentage of cotton to seed.

After a discussion with Dr. Parr regarding his future
line of work we agreed that the following would be most
practicable : — •

(1) To purify out the white flowered cottons and extend
their cultivation as pure types. They have
already been tested and proved to be more pro-

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 101

ductive and remunerative than the yellow
flowered types.

(2) For the present w^e must conclude that American

cotton has had a fair trial and has failed. In
some cases it yielded badly and in others it
could not meet with a suitable market.

(3) Dr. Parr will continue his experiments with the

form of Bhuri that I have pointed out to him as
being most suitable for the purpose.

(4) The experiments with yellow flowered neglectums

should be persevered with. The staple is supe-
rior and it may prove remunerative to produce
the cotton as a pure type. I showed Dr. Parr
in the field how to readily distinguish the most
productive plants of both white and yellow
flowered cottons.

In company with Dr. Parr I visited Kashipur where a
particular class of cotton was said to be grown. We found
that the cotton was of exceptionally good quality, approach-
ing in appearance and staple, the Bani or Hinganghat. I
have advised Dr. Parr to make all his selections in the tract
and not risk damaging the reputation of the local produce
by bringing in anything from outside. I have since seen it
mentioned in the newspapers that the Department is
establishing a seed farm here.

The Tahsildar of Kashipur, Mr. Thakar Raghunath-
singh, gave the following information. The rainfall of this
tract averages between 40 and 50 inches. Last year it was
64 and this year 36. Last year the acreage under cotton
was about 5,000 and this year 4,500. Wild animals from
the reserved forests damage all crops excepting cotton.
The average yield of seed cotton is 9 maunds per acre and
under the most -favourable conditions it reaches 12 maunds.

The price of Kashipur cotton is Rs. 2 per maund higher
than that of ordinary Bengals.

The ginning factory proprietor at Kashipur is ex-
tremely anxious that no rough sort should be introduced to
spoil the quality of the local fine variety.

102 REPORT OP THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

I learnt that there are large areas of land suitable for
cotton in Kashipur, especially near the reserved forest
where the ravages of wild animals render the cultivation
of grain crops so uncertain that these parts are relapsing
into jungle. The quality of this cotton seems to be so
excellent that (as I have already emphasized) all selection
should be worked out on the spot and nothing in the way
of deshi cottons should be introduced, whether they seem
superior or not There is a grand field here ready for
growing selected local cottons and I am certain that Dr.
Parr will not be slow in developing the possibilities of this
tract. That two ginning factories have already been erect-
ed on the spot is proof positive of their owner's anticipa-
tion that the cultivation of cotton in this favoured tract
will ultimately extend largely and rapidly. Personally,
I was gratified to discover this tract as I was by then de-
spairing of finding anything in the United Provinces better
than ordinary Bengals.

The cotton grown round Chandausi is famed for its
whiteness and staple. It is grown as a dry crop and sold at
a higher price than ordinary Bengals.

There is only one variety or type of this known and it is
decidedly inferior to Kashipur cotton.

Messrs. Ralli Brothers' agent here informed me that in
a good year Chandausi cotton can be classed as Oomras,
but that it is very inferior this year. He also considers
that on the whole the United Provinces' cottons are inferior
to those of Berar. The poorest qualities come from the
westward (Beawar for example) and there is a gradual
improvement to the eastward.

The United Provinces' cottons consist of the usual mix-
ture of the types yielding Bengals, and at Aligarh Farm it
can be seen that these types are easily separated.

It is to be regretted that the cultivation of American
cottons has failed, but the Department should remember
that there is an expressed demand for improved indigenous
cottons from traders and manufacturers in the Province
itself, which it should attempt to satisfy.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 103

The following are the valuations kindly furnished by
Messrs. Tata, Sons & Co., Bombay, on the 5 samples grown
at the Agricultural Station, Aligarh, last year : —

Valuation of the samples from Aligarh Agricultural
Station {valued on 18th January 1912).

Out of 5 samples, Nos. 1 to 5, sample No. 2 is the best of
the lot in point of length of fibre and feel. We value it to-
day at Rs. 265 per Bombay candy, or say Rs. 15 more than
the price of Fine Bengal (F. Bengal Rs. 245).

No. 3 is slightly inferior to the above in length of staple,
value Rs. 260.

Nos. 1, 4 and 5 are all alike and may be valued at
Rs. 255.

The above cotton is harsh in feel like wool and resembles
Assam cotton. It can be used in mixing with wool as
Assam is on the continent, hence it has a special value of
its own. This kind of cotton is generally 15 to 20 rupees
higher in price than fine Bengal in normal times. We
value Assam cotton to-day at Rs. 265 per Bombay candy.

Madras. — I have had no opportunity of visiting this
Province during the year, but a letter from Mr. Couchman,.
Director of Agriculture, to the Board of Revenue, last year,
fully explains the situation. From this it appears that in
Tinnevelly, the Karunganni variety of cotton and in Nand-
yal the white seeded Tellapathi cotton have been proved by
field experiments, supported by expert opinion from the
mills, to be superior to the mixed field crops of cottons
ordinarily grown in the Tinnevelly and Kurnool Districts.
To extend the cultivation of these varieties seed farms were
opened in Tinnevelly in 1908 to grow Karunganni on a large
scale. In Kurnool a beginning was made last year with 35
acres of seed farm for growing pure Tellajmthi seed.

The rapid increase of the area under Karunganni
showed that the people were keeping the seed themselves.
With a view, therefore, to extend the variety to new tracts,
43 seed depots were opened, many of them in new tracts,

104 REPOB.T OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

as the tracts in which some of the depots were opened in
previous years had now become pure Karunganni tracts.

Very gratifying evidence is now forthcoming to show
the value of this crop to the cotton trade of the district.
In two cases, new ginning factories have been opened by
export firms, in localities where pure Karunganni has been
introduced on account of the fine quality of cotton now
obtainable there.

The large distribution of seed by the Department has
made the Tuticorin Circle practically a pure Karunganni
tract. Messrs. Volkart Brothers write : — " We have during
the last few years noticed that a relatively very good cotton
is received from places near Koilpatti, including the rail-
way stations of Nalaturputtur, Kumarapuram and Kadam-
bar. We have no hesitation in concluding that your ex-
periment has been highly satisfactory in its results. The
cotton from these places fetches a better price and is better
liked by spinners both in Europe and the East than the
bulk of Tinnevellies which are marketed further north at
Virudupatti, etc."

Messrs. Ralli Brothers also state that there has been a
marked improvement in the quality of Tinnevelly cotton
during the last few years, especially in the Tuticorin
Circle.

This independent evidence from the large buyers is most
encouraging as it shows that an appreciable improvement
can be effected in a short time to the whole crop of the
tract by the methods worked out by the Department.

In the Northern Circle there was a keen demand for the
farm seed which gives better crops than the seed available
from the usual sources.

There is also a large demand for Cambodia seed, but
this season there is a disquieting report to the effect that
it has deteriorated in staple so that manufacturers cannot
spin the usual counts from it. An enquiry into this matter
has already been instituted.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12.

lOo

'Valuation of the 17 sample.s of cotton from Koilpatti {Madras)
furnished by the Bombay Chamber of Commerce, on the 18th
April 1912.

Serial Xo.

(according

to merit).

2
3

Dcsciiiitioii.

Uppam Variety.

Uppam — Ordinaiy field prop
Pedigree Uppam .
Do.

Uppam — Ordinary farm crop

Pedigree Uppam

Kantnganni Variety.
Pedigree Karunganni
Do. do.

Do.

do.

Karunganni — Ordinary field crop

Do. do.

Pedigree Karunganni

Karunganni— Ordinary farm crop
Do. Ordinary field crop
Do. do.

Pedigree Karunganni

Do. '3i E^ do.
.Selected Karunganni

Approxi-
mate mar-
ket value
per candy

of 784 1b«.,
less hi

per cent",
discount.

Local
value.

Rs.

283

280
280

280

275

335
335

330

330
325
325

320
315
310

300

295
280

Approxi-
mate mar-
ket value
per candy

of 784 lbs.,
less 51

per eent.
discount.

Export
value.

Rs.

283-1

I
280 j.

280 1

280

K KM AUK''.

275

Export

value

nomiual

These samples are
all disappointing

in so mucli as the
staple is harsli and
rather hkc Jiaiputa-
na eottou (Bengals).

Staple very
and short.

harsh

iSamo remark as for
Nos. 1, 2 and 3.

Nice style with long
sUky staple.

Long silky staple and
very goocj spinning
cotton.

Nice staple, good
style.

Very good staple.

Long staf)le and good
style.

Good staple.

Very bright cleall
cotton, but staple!
not nearly as good
as the others ; rather
short. \

Nice style, good silky
staple. '

Nice style,
staple. '

Short (Staple.

good

The export valuations are rather nominal owing to the
large supplies of Americans this year at reasonable rates

106

REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

compared with Indian cotton. The demand from Europe
is for lower priced cotton with fair staple.

Basis. — Fine M. G. Broach
Fine M, G. Naosari
Fine G. F. Tinnevelly .
Fine M. G. Bengal (ilajputana)
Fine M. G. Akola

Rs.

290
330
310
265
275

Valuation of 8 samples of cotton from Bellary [Madras), furnished
by the Bombay Chamber of Commerce, on the 31st May 1912.

Serial No.
(according
to merit).

Historical Description.

Approxi-
mate mar-
ket value
per candy
of 784 lbs.,
less 5J per
cent, discount
on 29th May
1912.

Remarks.

5
6

7
8

Kappas and Lint of No. 3. Grown at Bel-
lary Farm tliis year. This is a selection
made in 1906-07 from a sample of Broach
seed obtained from Surat.

Kappas and Lint of No. 41. These are
single plant-selections from the local
cotton made in 1908-09. Grown at
Bellary Farm.

Kappas and Lint of No. 21. Grown at
Hagari Farm. Tliis is an inter-cross of
the local cotton.

Kappas and Lint of No. 5. Grown at Bel-
lary Farm this year. This is a selection
made in 1906-07 from Kumpta-seed.

KappasandLintofNo.il. An inter-cross
of the local cotton. Grown at Hagari.
The selection was made in 1906-07.

Kappas and Lint of No. 10. An inter-cross
of the local cotton. Grown at Hagari.
The selection was made in 1906-07.

Kappas and Lint of No. 44. Single plant,
selection made in 1908-09 from the local
cotton. Grownat Bellary Farm.

Kappas and Lint of No. 9. Grown on Bel-
lary Farm. This is an inter-cross of the
local cotton. The selection was made in
1906-07.

Rs.

295

288

285
280

278
275
275
265

Strict fine in class too yellow
in colour for Broach de-
scription, staple about equal
to Broach and quite
as silky. Colour of the kap-
pas is white but the cotton
has a yellow tinge.

Better in staple than No. 21.

Class as good as No. 11 ; staple
a good deal better.

Has not got the usual Kump-
ta characteristics, class
strict fine, fair to good
staple.

Class rather lower than No. 10,
but staple better.

Brighter and whiter than No. 9,
staple also better but irregu-
lar.

Class strict fine, but staple
not so good as Nos. 11, 21
and 41.

Disappointing in staple and
decidedly inferior in style
to the ordinary Westerns
and has not the same bulk,
but class much better.

Basis. — Tinnevelly .

Fine M. G. Broach
Good M. G. Kumptas
Westerns

Rs.

295

280

285
270

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 107

Mysore. — In the Mysore State preliminary steps have
been taken to establish the cultivation of higher class cotton
in non-cotton growing areas and we expect that valauble
assistance will be renderd in this direction by the co-
operation of the European planters.

North-West Frontier Province. — In consultation with
Mr. Robertson Brown it has been arranged that he is to
grow large plots of his cottons and that I shall visit his
farm when the crops are ripe, to arrange, on the spot, the
line of future work he should take in hand.

He gave the following information in a letter to the
Inspector General of Agriculture (now the Agricultural
Adviser to the Government of India) : " I have just visited a
tract in the Peshawar District which is famous in the
North- West Frontier Province as producing heavy crops of
high class cotton. I was accompanied by the Revenue
Assistant, who fixes revenue, etc., so my information is
correct. I found that the banias in purchasing the crops
pay for 6 maunds and take their chances of profit on the
outturn beyond that weight. Good average cotton fields
in the tract yield 16 maunds per acre and 20 maunds is
occasionally produced. I have not seen such heavy outturns
of cotton recorded as being produced elsewhere in India,
and I am writing to you to find if equally good crops are
yielded in any other part. The soil is deep red alluvium
and the tract irrigated very sparingly and irregularly from
the rich, muddy, Bara River."

Lalio cotton, in the Bawla Taluka, in the Ahmedabad
District, under two or three waterings in light soils, is said
to yield as high as 1,600 lbs. kapas per acre, but the high
returns quoted by Mr. Robertson Brown, so far as I know,
must be unequalled elsewhere in India.

The following report on a sample of Mr. Robertson
Brown's cotton has been received from Messrs. Tata, Sons
& Co. : —

'^ In all its characteristics it is Oomra style of cotton.
Comparing it with Fine Akola ginned at
Rs. 275 we value the sample at Rs. 270 as it

1G8 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTItRAL RESEARCH

is slightly shorter in fibre. We quote Sind
Punjab cotton to-day at Rs. 270. Though the
sample is from the North- West Frontier Pro-
vince it cannot be compared with Sind Punjab
as the latter is whiter in colour but short in
staple and coarse to the feel. The sample ex-
amined is of a dull white colour like Akola, the
staple is longer than that of Sind Punjab and
has better feel."

Experiments with Bhuri cotton on the Khetri Estate
in Rajfutana. — The seed was given by me for experiment to
the Munsarim of this estate who has been courteous enough
to furnish a report of his results. I may mention that
such thought fulness is rare amongst my numerous corre-
spondents. Two and half seers of seed were sown in an
acre of land, the plants were spaced 1^ foot apart and the
land was watered four times before the rains and twice
after the rains. The area consisted of garden land of the
first class and the cotton finally collected weighed 2|
maunds.

Messrs. Tata, Sons & Co. kindly furnished the follow-
ing valuation on a sample of the cotton submitted to
them : —

" Bhuri. — This cotton has vastly improved and is better
than the best cotton grown in India, viz., Nao-
sari. The fibre is very long and is stronger
than that of Naosari cotton. On the basis of
Naosari at Rs. 335 we value it at Rs. 350 or
fully Rs. 15 more per candy."

Arrangements are being made for a more extended trial
with hhuri in the same locality during the present season.
Rajputana appears to offer strong inducements for the pro-
duction of higher class cottons, but it is difficult to get into
touch with its people. I have reason to believe, however,
that there is a spontaneous introduction of hhuri cotton
into the States from Berar.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. U.9

Bombay. — The following are some of the definite con-
clusions which have been arrived at in this Presidency : —

At Surat it has been decided to make a reduction in the
number of varieties so as to simplify the work, and to dis-
continue the cultivation of tree cottons as not one has given
a useful result.

At the Ganeshkhind Botanical Garden it has been
proved that Bourbon only lasts for 6 years which is far
short of the 20 years of life claimed for it.

At Dhulia it has been found that the white-flowered
Varhadi excels in yield and ginning percentage. It has
produced 1,500 lbs. of seed cotton per acre, of a value of
over Rs. 200. Comparing price and outturn it easily out-
strips in value all other Khandesh or Berar cottons.
Karkeli, although of very high quality, does not yield suffi-
ciently well to be remunerative.

At Dharwar, Cambodia cotton has not continued to be
immune from red leaf blight. Mr. Main has arrived at
the following conclusions regarding it : —

(1) Cambodia cotton can be grown most profitably in

the early part of July in spite of the liability of
early sown cottons to red leaf blight.

(2) The early sown crop begins to flower about the

middle of November, but these flowers drop off
and bolls do not set till December-January.

Bhuri again did badly. It suffered from the red leaf
blight believed to be the disease known as the Mosaic in the
United States of America. It appears to be less suitable
than Cambodia for the conditions obtaining at Dharwar.

At the Gadag Farm, Cambodia Cotton has been proved
to be the most suitable substitute for Dharwar American
cotton in the eastern part of the Dharwar District, as it
surpasses it in yield and ginning percentage.

The trials with numerous American cottons show that
they all require considerable acclimatization. Mr. Main
also finds that the green fuzz of the seeds of certain Dhar-
war American plants is not a fixed character as a number
of white fuzz seeded plants are produced from green fuzzed

110

REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

seed. On the other hand, white fuzzed seed appears to be
a fixed character and such seed breeds true. These facts
lead him to suppose that the colour of the fuzz may be a
character which conforms to Mendelian laws. Experi-
ments are still being persevered with towards the introduc-
tion of cotton into areas of land, lying waste partly owing
to the damage liable to be caused by wild pigs. It is ob-
served that cotton is not touched by these animals.

It is gratifying that the demand for Naosari and
Cambodia cotton seeds is steadily increasing in the Karna-
tic. During the year under report both these cottons main-
tained higher ginning percentages and at the auction sale
realized as in previous years more encouraging prices than
the local Kumpta and Dharwar American as shown in the
statement below :—

Variety.

Ginning
percentage.

Value per naga of 1,344 lbs.

Broach (from Naosari seed)

•

Between Es. 170 and Rs.
according to grades.

203

Kumpta

•

Rs. 140.

Cambodia .

•

Between Rs. 188 and Rs.
according to grades.

206

Dharwar American

•

Between Rs. 140 and Hs.

115.

At Mirpurkhas in Sind, the highest yield of Sindhi
cotton was 1,304 lbs. per acre, the second best was at the
rate of 960 lbs. per acre. This is compared with 1.683 lbs.
seed cotton obtained in the previous year and with 1.2R0
lbs. in 1907. The best results have always been obtained
from April sowings of cotton.

Some valuations by Messrs. Tata, Sons & Co. of cottons
grown on the Agricultural College Farm, Poona, are inter-
esting as they demonstrate two points : first, the influence of
an unsuitable environment on cottons which require a better

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. Ill

soil and climate, and second, the ease with which the differ-
ent types of " Bengals " can be separated.

No. 1. Broach. — From seed imported from Naosari in
1911. " This cotton grown from Naosari seed
on Kirkee Farm is not exactly like Naosari
cotton. It is decidedly superior to Broach and
is equal to Surat cotton. Value Rs. 310 (Nao-
sari at Rs. 330 per candy)."

No. 2. Varhadi. — Seed obtained from Akola in 1911.
" This cotton is equal to short stapled Oomra.
Value Rs. 255."

No. 3. Bhuri. — Seed obtained from Akola in 1911.
" This cotton is superior to No. 1, and we class it
as best Naosari. Value Rs. 330."

No. 4. Cambodia. — Seed obtained from Gadag in 1911.
" This cotton is equal to best Surat. Value
Rs. 320."

In Nos. 5, 6, 7 and 8, the seed was obtained from Akola
five years ago and was sown just as it was. The types were
separated out on the farm from this mixture and grown
separately in succeeding years.

No. 5. — (Yellow flowered, broad lobed neglectum, from
Dhulia mixture.) — " Dhulia seed gives improved
cotton in Kirkee soil. It has produced cotton
equal to Ghat Akola, good staple. Value
Rs. 285."

No. 6. — (Yellow flowered, narrow lobed, from the same
mixture.) — " Slightly inferior to No. 5. Value
Rs. 280."

No. 7. — (White flowered, broad lobed, from the same
mixture.) — " This cotton equals the lowest grade
Khandesh and is very poor in staple. Value
Rs. 245."

No. 8. — (White flowered, narrow lobed, from the same
mixture.)—" This cotton equals ordinary
Khandesh, and is very poor in staple. Value
Rs. 255."

112

REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Basis of valuation on 10th July 1912 : —

Rs.

Naosari

. 330 per candy

Surat

. 310 „

Broach

. 290

Akola

. 275 „

Khandesh .

. 265

Judging from the valuations received from Messrs.
Tata, Sons & Co., the Kumpta cotton from the Sangli State
in the Southern Mahratta Country fetches a higher price
than that of the same country to the southward. There
are presumably highly favourable conditions of soil and
climate in this State and the Department of Agriculture,
Bombay, may see its way to investigate the possibilities of
this tract as a seed distributing centre of Kumpta cotton.

The suspicions of Messrs. Tata, Sons, that the labelling
of the bags was transposed, is not confirmed.

The Agricultural Superintendent of the State had
grown Broach from seed imported from Naosari and the
Kumpta was from an inter se cross.

The following are Messrs. Tata's valuations and
remarks (on 11th March 1912) : —

" Sam fie No. 1. — Broach cotton grown at Sangli from
the seeds imported from Naosari. The cotton
shows much improvement, both in colour and
staple. Though a slight tinge of red can be
detected, the colour is more than fine. On the
basis of Rs. 330 for Naosari cotton, we value
this at Rs. 340 per candy.
" Sample No. 2. — Local (Kumpta) cotton crossed inter
se. This is really a beautiful cotton, soft and
silky in feel with a strong and even fibre, equal
to, if not better than, Naosari cotton in length.
It is more like indigenous Naosari cotton than
like Kumpta. In fact we were in dovibt whe-
ther a mistake had not been made in bagging
the samples. It is really better than No. 1 in
all respects and we value it at Rs. 20 over No. 1,
viz., Rs. 360 per candy.

INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1911-12. 11^

" The Sangli soil appears to be eminently suited to the
growth of Kumpta cotton, crossed inter se, and
it is worth experimenting with on a large scale."

The Native States of Palitana and Rajkot in Kathia-
war have been supplied with cotton seeds of varieties at
their request and the results will be watched with interest.

Valuations. — All samples received w^ere submitted to
Messrs. Tata, Sons & Co., Bombay, for valuation; and cor-
dial acknowledgment is due to them for their kindness and
promptitude in giving opinions on cottons whenever sub-
mitted to them.

A few samples were also submitted to the Bombay
Chamber of Commerce to whom thanks are also due.

Programme of work for 1912-13.

It is proposed to tour in the North-West Frontier Pro-
vince in the autumn to advise on the possibilities of improvo-
ment of cultivation and introduction of suitable superior
varieties. Tours will also be made in the Bombay Presi-
dency and the Central Provinces and to other parts also, if
my services are called for to continue the investigation into
the conditions which affect the production of cotton. This
enquiry is also carried on wherever touring is done.

In addition I shall continue my special researches in the
botany and cultivation of cotton.

CALCUTTA : PRINTED BY SFPDT. GOVT. PRINTING, INDIA, 8, HASTINOS STREET.

.<l Garden

3 5

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